I had my first workshop today – it was a stunning day! I woke up this morning after last night’s rain knowing that the land had had its cleansing and now it was time for the sun to shine again…
And people came to share their stories about water…

One woman paddled over on her canoe and I thought wow, that’s cool! And then I met another woman from Taranaki – so nice to make that connection – actually, every day since I’ve been here I’ve met someone who is from Taranaki, how does that happen?
I realised many things today. I came all the way to Australia (which isn’t really that far!) to offer my creativity and passion for a kaupapa that is dear to my heart and I felt really appreciated, more than what I feel in my own country. People are hungry for connection, wanting to share a part of who they are, wanting to share their stories and to embrace their life journeys…
So I received healing today – a healing within from the many stories that were shared, the beautiful rock paintings that were created during the workshop as symbols of these stories and through the sharing of the breathe of life…
So my rock I painted today is now a permanent fixture in the Boreen Point landscape on the waters edge of Lake Cootharaba. And the painting may not last forever as the water rushes in to wash away the natural ochre, but the stories shared will remain with the land and the water for many years to come…
Arohanui,
Jo x
PS – I forget about the time difference so am posting this just after midnight in Australia and it is after 2am back home!