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Go back to museums without a mask, do cheap-Monday movie nights, hug my friends like it’s new year’s eve every night, and see the Pyrenees from the sky —right before landing in Barcelona, to enjoy my mum’s cooking with a two-euro bottle of red wine.
What’s on your wishlist for 2021?
Six weeks ago, my partner and I left Melbourne and travelled up north to visit extended family, so I’m currently writing to you from Nambucca Heads hoping to be back in Fitzroy by the end of this month.
Our time in regional NSW have been really good for us: Plenty of time in nature and lots of self-care practice, which has moved up on my priority list considerably in the last six months.
These are a few things I’m currently doing to take a better care of myself.
I’m following a free “Mindful Morning Challenge” practice. If you haven’t dowloaded yet, this free app is full of amazing resources to nourish yourself.
If you live in Melbourne and looked for mental health support at the end of 2020, you would know that the average waiting periods to see a practitioner were between 3 and 5 months. On top of that, the majority of therapists charge more than the Medicare Mental Health benefit, having to pay out of pocket anywhere between $60 to $100 for each session.
After several weeks of research, I found Someone Health which provides Medicare bulk billing psychologists Australia wide by video and telephone, and have professionals available on the spot.
I listened to this episode with Leo Babauta on Zen habits, antifragility, contentment and unschooling, and I found it very helpful and insightful.
Radical Compassion by Tara Branch
Following Tim Ferris podcast, I discovered the work of Tara Branch on this three-part lecture on “Radical Compassion”. You can find a comprehensive list of resources and talks on Youtube and on her site.
This is a slow jazz piano music show live streaming 24/7 which is perfect for my calligraphy practice.
I love this podcast about scientific research and debates around climate change.
As some of you know, three and a half years ago I became Australian and that was one of the happiest moments of my 14-year journey in this country.
Four months ago, I found out that I lost my Spanish citizenship as I didn’t notify of my Australian citizenship to the Spanish Government within the first three years.
I live 10-minute walk from the Spanish Consulate in Melbourne, and have been there voting more than once, but this legal step was never communicated to me. The news shook me emotionally in ways I cannot explain.
I have now submitted everything needed to recover my home identity, and I’m waiting for the documentation to arrive. Due to this unfortunate problem, and the worries of an immigrant heart with family across continents, I have been reflecting a lot on the idea of home.
“Home is where your heart is. Where do you belong? Where is home for you? Where is your community? Perhaps our deepest home is our own heart and mother earth herself” by Anahata Giri.
This letter is dedicated to everyone with multiple homes and families located thousands of kilometres away.
Hoping your heart is nourished, and wishing you much health and love for 2021.
Maria xx
Live Online Copperplate Calligraphy Course
This is a 4-sessions live online course in Copperplate calligraphy for beginners and intermediate students.
Saturdays 6, 13, 20 and 27 February 2021
From 10am to 12pm AEDT / GMT+11
Copperplate minuscules and capitals
Watch this video explaining the content I will cover during this 4-day online course.
I’m offering a discounted spot for 1 BIPOC student. Please, share the love if you know of someone who may benefit from it.
Cost: $180 AUD which includes 4 classes.
Cost for 1 BIPOC student: $25 AUD
Live Online Neuland Calligraphy Course
This is a 3-session live online course in Neuland calligraphy for beginners students.
Sundays 16, 23 and 30 May 2021
From 10am to 11.30am, AEDT / GMT+11
Watch this video showing some of the content I will cover during this 3-day online course.
I’m offering a discounted spot for 1 BIPOC student. Please, share the love if you know of someone who may benefit from it.
Cost: $135 AUD which includes 3 classes.
Cost for 1 BIPOC student: $20 AUD
In-Person Copperplate Calligraphy Workshops
Following the latest Victorian Government announcement, I have decided to resume my calligraphy workshops at Rotson Studios. These are the changes I have implemented:
— My workshops will only host a maximum of 8 students;
— Mandatory hand-sanitiser spray on arrival;
— BYO keep cup or water bottle;
— BYO lunch or take away from the local cafes in Fitzroy;
Sunday 14 February 2021
Saturday 27 March 2021
Saturday 17 April 2021
Saturday 15 May 2021
Schedule: From 10am to 2.30pm
Location: Rotson Studios
Cost: $120 AUD which includes 1 workshop.
In-Person Brush Calligraphy Weekend
This special weekend workshop will cover the foundations of Copperplate brush pen calligraphy and Script Brush lettering.
On day one you will learn with a small pointed brush pen, and on day two you will loosen up with a bigger brush pen to produce all types of fanciness.
Saturdays 22 and 29 May 2021
Schedule: From 10am to 2.30pm
Class size: Maximum of 8 students
Location: Rotson Studios
Toolkit for you to take home: Pentel Touch, Pentel Aquash brush pen and walnut crystals. Guidelines for Copperplate calligraphy and script lettering included.
Watch this video showing some of the content I will cover during this 3-day online course.
Cost: $260 AUD which includes 2 workshops.
White Bird Print x HEW
Really happy to find my White Bird print part of HEW’s best sellers.
Since HEW’s infancy, Emma Hewitt has been expanding her Melbourne-based clothing brand which now offers men and womenswear as well as accessories.
Argo School Melbourne | Brand Identity
The tangram is a dissection puzzle consisting of seven flat polygons, called tans, which are put together to form shapes.
This creative puzzle for children of all ages has been used for various purposes including amusement, art, and education.
It is reputed to have been invented in China sometime around the late 18th century CE and then carried over to America and Europe by trading ships shortly after.
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Argo’s vision is to provide future-oriented whole person education in an authentic bilingual and multicultural environment. Their mission is to build global vision and competence for young Australians and empower them with essential skills to navigate and thrive in the changing world.
Full site coming up soon!
Rotson Studios | 2 desks for grabs
I have been working at Rotson Studios for the last 5 years and I cannot recommend it enough. The highlight? It’s people. Freelance like-minded creatives cross collaborating and supporting each other.
At Rotson, we currently have two desks for grabs. Get in touch if you would like to join us.