So many years and so many memories. So many more tales to tell – perhaps a book in the making? This has been a labor of love which has turned into a reminder of the gift that I have been given by knowing all the students that have collectively lived in New Cottage.
I remember telling the story of how you know a real artist.
Some people you view their art and are amazed by the quality there.
Some times they touch your heart and take you to a deeper place
Then their are people who can reach deep down into your soul. At that point
you do not see the artist you only see the art. It can be film, a piece of writing,
a painting, a photograph, a dance, a piece of music that is played, a play or a song that is sung. That is what art is all about it takes you deeper, it takes you “out of your box.” It can soothe your soul or make you think more deeply. I have been amazed, I have cried and I have laughed – art is like that.
I have experienced that many times in my years at Walnut Hill and am so grateful to all those students who have shared their art and made me think.
What now? We have been blessed with four lovely grandchildren born to our sons Stuart and Andrew and their wives Cirkeline and Melissa. Kenneth in his passing gave us the Blessing of his wife Sheila. We have time to travel. We have time to get down on the floor and play with toddlers or act out Star Wars. I will write more and may eventually get that camera that I have always promised myself. Our new apartment is in a complex only a six minute walk from the school – baby steps! Mr Reid has joined a Beatles cover band. He is also my Webmaster. He has been so patient with me as I have written “Four Decades in New Cottage” and I give him my heartfelt thanks. I am pleased to say that after all this we are still happily married. I thank all my peers from whom I have learnt so much. Thanks to those who supported us in the tough times when our son Kenneth was sick. I hope that whomever reads any part of this may be taken back to the fun time you had in New Cottage or worked with us at WHS. Please let me know any news and thank you for keeping me young with your commitment and enthusiasm in your Art.
Love always,
Mrs R aka Heather, mum, grammy.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
