Well I have had a bex and a lie down with the glass of wine as recommended by Barb Matthews, so am feeling more in control. Today I managed to complete some marking and pack all the technology I am taking and some clothes! Peggy gave me an echo pen lesson and using that is going to be such a treat. A pen that records a conversation and you can then create links in that conversation by make notes in a special book. When you are finished, upload the recording, it brings up the handwritten notes that they become links in the conversation you can click on to navigate what was said. You can jump around the recording to find what was said using the link you created by writing notes...Must have been a frustrated qualitative researcher that designed it. No more listening to a 2 hour conversation over and over again to find that 'gem' from a participant. Its not like I blather or anything. Check them out by googling Livescribe. How did I ever complete a qualitative PhD without one.
Sent more emails to potential participants in Texas and Boston, they are all being so wonderful, I am just busting to get there and meet some of these fantastic people face to face. I have to say Carol and April from VSA Texas, Lyn and Sarah in Louisiana and now Heather in Boston have just made this process of accessing people so easy. Julia Farr Association confirmed today that they will promote the opportunity to participate among local artists and people attending an art exhibition they are planning. Robbi and his team have always been so supportive of research.
I am starting to think that leisure and community development theorists like Stebbins and Tserio and Kenny, have it right. Social capital and support comes from shared interest and an investment in the development of social assets. People interested in arts and disability clearly share in that investment and my experience has been since I started this project, that they give so freely of their time, their energy and their intellectual and creative property . This thread of social capital for me is stretching across the globe, only hope I can pay justice to peoples trust and confidence by doing this research well and ensuring the results are published.
When I return home I will being interviewing local artists, although Elle the wonderful and patient student on placement with me, is itching to have a go at interviewing so hopefully there will be some Adelaide artists for her soon.
A farewell dinner with family... and the dog will get her last walk for a while (they say they will but lets see how fat she is when I get home at the end of July). More tomorrow
Cheers to you all
Caroline
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