The last couple of weeks have been one of those times where I've been constantly busy, yet when someone asks what I've been up to, I find myself wondering how to answer. It feels like I don't have a huge amount to show for it, but then I look back and realise it's been full of all those jobs that quietly keep everything moving.

Work for the Otago Art Society exhibition (detail)

There were dragons waiting very patiently for eyes so they could finally see. One rather impatient dragon insisted she couldn't possibly wait any longer for her wings before heading off on adventures. Once everyone was suitably equipped (it's always wise to stay on the good side of dragons), I turned my attention to preparing work for the Otago Art Society Spring Exhibition and deciding what would make the trip north to Darfield Art Week. The dragons, unsurprisingly, decided it was their turn for an adventure.

The dragons decided they were going to Darfield

There has also been rather a lot of admin. Not the glamorous side of being an artist, but I've realised how much easier life has become thanks to the Inspiring Design course I did a couple of months ago. It also encouraged me to organise better.

One of the biggest changes has been photographing work as I make it, then editing and resizing the images straight away before filing everything neatly into folders. It sounds incredibly boring, (and it is!) but honestly, it's been a complete game changer. I'm no longer fossicking through hundreds of photos wondering where that one image disappeared to. It has even spilled over into organising documents better. Setting up systems takes time, but I'm discovering it's one of those investments that quietly pays you back every day.

Another exciting milestone was finally getting my prints sorted. I was absolutely stoked with the quality, and I can't wait to start sharing them on my website over the coming weeks.

The last week of the school holidays was a whirlwind, with grandkids staying and a routine of exploring things, playing at parks and continually eating. I feel so fortunate to have these amazing young people so full of energy in my life. So much energy!!!

I took time to admire some cool patterns with the climbing spider web at the park.

All this busyness got me thinking about The Game of Life when I found myself playing it with my three-year-old grandson.

I remember asking Santa for that game when I was about eight or ten years old. I wanted it more than anything. Looking back, it's a funny choice for a child—a board game about careers, marriage, paying taxes and all the milestones of adulthood—but I absolutely loved it. Little did I know that around fifty years later I'd be sitting playing the very same game with my grandson.

The Game of Life - three-year old version

The best part is the three-year-old rules.

His version of The Game of Life is much simpler. You drive around in your little car with your family. You go to the shop for an ice cream. You visit each other's houses for parties and eat cake. Every so often someone accidentally drives into the river and shouts, "Help me!" The other player comes to the rescue, everyone is saved, and then you all head back home for more cake.

To be honest, I think he's onto something.

Sometimes I get caught up in lists, deadlines, exhibitions, websites and all the things that come with running a creative business. Then a three-year-old reminds me that perhaps life doesn't have to be quite so complicated. Maybe it's really about adventures, helping each other out when we end up in the river, and making sure there's always time for cake.

The Game of Life

Talisman