Ruth Allison has been an English teacher all her working life. She lives and works in Nelson. She is a keen reader, musician and art aficionado. She has been writing art, drama and music reviews since 2007 and to date has written 63 reviews. Her partner Lindsay wrote a poem for her

          Fillet blue cod.
          Cry at sad movies.
          Let stories flow from you like a fresh water spring.
          Walk with a purposeful gait.
          Hang pairs of socks by their toes with matching coloured pegs.
          Choose elegance above economy.
          Strive for the best seat in the house.
That I love about you.
And how you say yes and yes and yes to the gifts of the world.