I went to my youngest daughter’s first exhibition yesterday, at least the first legal exhibition besides putting work in an illegal squat exhibition some years ago. It was good to meet some of my daughter’s friends, what a great crew. They are intelligent, constructive and the whole evening left me feeling happy. It was a hard run parenting with some big challenges but in the long run things have fallen into place. I headed home and felt a great sense of achievement and was grateful to be involved and still be in one piece mentally.

I really want to help people where I can, a few years ago I met a young artist who I hung out with and I tried to coax him out of drugs and alcohol. It didn’t end well and we argued for hours on end. After that I decided not to hang out with younger artists. I think now though if someone is willing to let go of drugs and stimulants I might try and make some time for people. I have the energy for people again and I think it is important to put energy into other people, especially young people who are struggling or have struggled.

I get upset when I see people so dejected, especially young people, I feel like society traps people in alcohol dependence. There are liquor stores everywhere now cashing in on misery. Drugs are everywhere too, in my area there are a lot of drug dealers and users. I am not trying to put people with these problems down but I have seen a lot of people ruin themselves. Only a handful get out in one piece. I am heading overseas next month to get out of the country, it will be my second overseas trip.

There is a lot to do this month and I hope I can get a few things finished before I head off. This weekend is fairly chill although there is a bit on, I can’t see myself painting much or doing much art this month but I will see. I have to get up the mountains a bit more this month but also have to organise myself. My injury is healing and I can do my Qigong again no issue but I need a little more acupuncture and hopefully I am ready for my trip.