Devastatingly, I’ve been unable to sit up long enough for the drive to Montville to visit for a couple days and attend my exhibition as planned. It’s heartbreaking to miss out, and cruel to be in such pain, even without going.
So kindly, Anne Wilson, CEO of Emerge Australia sent me this beautiful plush toy ‘Betty the Battery’ hug pillow as a thank you for the podcast, fundraising and art I’ve done for them, and it’s arrived at the perfect moment! I can peaceFULLY wholeheartedly rest and imagine myself at the exhibition, while hugging Betty.
Thankfully Mum and friends have sent me photos of the exhibit, so I can feel like I’m there, soaking in the stories and colour that has taken me 7 years to produce.
My friend Eva sent this pic of my UltiFave portrait, of the neuroscientist Richie J Davidson, whose research on empathy and compassion, pain, monks, meditators, wellbeing and flourishing has saved my life. Hearing back from him has been an absolute highlight – and I emailed him this photo last night and he already responded with a ‘deep bow of gratitude and love!’ AMAZING!!!
I love seeing photos of my friends and peeps with their favourite portraits. Please go if you can, and leave a note in the visitors book. It means so much to me to have people see the art and appreciate the love that went into creating it. I am with you, and I feel you and everyone in it, with me always in collective effervescence!
And thank you, Emerge, for being here when I need it. Thank you for all you do! Good luck with the ME/CFS and Long Covid action forum on the 30th October at parliament house. A portrait of Anne Wilson with Minister Mark Butler announcing funding for the new ME/CFS clinical guidelines is featured in my exhibition.
🙏✨🌈🌻
‘Rainbow Bubbles of Collective Effervescence’ ByShi Art Display
At Montville Reflection Gallery
152 Main St, Montville, Qld
Open 10am -3pm daily
Until 29th Nov 2025