Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Christchurch in March 2011

It has been a very, very strange time here in Christchurch over the last week and a half. First, my thoughts and deep sympathy to those who have lost loved ones - family and friends - and to those who have lost homes, possessions, and sense of security. We were recovering from the September earthquake; nothing could have prepared us for this.

My thoughts, too, for those for whom Christchurch has at some time been a home - I know you feel the pull of gravity back here, and this has been huge loss for you, also.

We have no sense of what is coming next for our city. What will it look like, what will it feel like, in a month, six months, a year? For me, it marks a definite change of focus, from my locally based business to the books which take me to the wider world. These will have to be my livelihood, my means of financial contribution now. That is as it should be, but the path ahead is not yet clear. One step, and then the next, and then the next, without knowing what the following will be; and that's how it is for all of us, here, in this city, at this moment.

My thoughts are with you all,

Jennifer Manson
www.jennifermanson.co.nz