Embroidered pears and trips to the pine alps in the rain.

Ideas are tumbling everywhere - you could do this.........next time we will do it this way.
Evaluate and planning are already underway and our Christmas Tree Festival is still going(!)
Have been scribbling little notes.
Iit is a bit like Christmas in general however in that it comes up fast and furious before you have time to find your balance - EVERY YEAR!!
I have been planning sponsorship letters and posters for ages and still need more back up on the whole question of expossure.
Stand by for the low down on all the trees.
Apart from my own production - which involved a rainy trek to the christmas tree farm our on the pine alps to claim my prized tree - $130. Well I had my heart set on it. Blue bells.
My next fav is the beautifully embroidered pears - just deliciously georgeous.
If I knew how to post pix I would.
Cheers.

Crazy busy festival planning

Crazy busy now in the lead up to the Christmas Tree Festival.
Decorate three trees.
Enter online details.
Call radio station Saturday morning 891.
Postcard deliveries.
Children's Trail to invent............Lots of colour.
Christmas Tree Service details.
Hold on.

All these things to do.

Slowly waking up, have had to get up and moving and get the car in for a service.
All these things to do.
Think - Christmas Trees
Celebrations - birthday yum cha - not as good as the Melbourne experience.
AGM's - missed the Uniting Church, attended the garden village - tales of a roaming dog and drainage issues - lovely food.
Remember the wormwood hedge.
Lots of domestics to do - catch up.
Arts meeting tomorrow and Hub council meeting Wednesday.
Work has so many comings and goings.
Art - on my list Desert Country, Red Poles.
Pick up pictures - flowered cross and bell tree.
Oh for a day to read in bed...............................

Need a latte................

Not doing a lot of blogging lately.
Just on my way to do lots of errands. Dry cleaning, banners to go up, shopping for dinner, workwear, post, curtain quotes - get a few more.
Spirit and place - spsirituality and art book to read and loads of others.
Currently reading Lights Out in Wonderland - has a McLaren Vale connection. Marius wines and the spirit of a place, a feeling even captured in the wine? Real or rumour?!
Have to go, running very low on latte.

Back to Riga?

Where have I been?
October 19th was the last post.
Not having time to just be.
A Willunga wander today - a street walk about the 9th annual Christmas Tree Festival.
Good to hear many have their trees planned and in progress.
Been to a few freebies lately.
The State Theatre Company launch, the Tim Flannery 'Here and Now' book launch and last Thursday the Blake Prize launch.
The Blake Prize had the best food and then we, as in Jerry and I, went on the standby list for 'Talk Your Arts Off', a panel debate on spirituality, youth and the arts.
Full house, alot would attend for John Saffran. But the Blake Prize director was really well spoken. I am going to have to get the transcript pod cast - will google after this as he had some great comments & observations on 'Art is Life' my neck of the woods - will keep you posted.
Long journey yesterday to Inglefarm for the Aged care market, always looking for new ideas.
Reading about 4 books at once...........eyes bigger than face again.
Thinking about travel for 2011 which always raises the spirit - back to Riga?

The garden as therapy

Now, sitting in the State Library, having returned The Persimmon Tree.
Glorious spring day.
Reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Mesmerizing writing.
Dreaming of working in publishing, anything to do with books and writing.
Contemplating writing an article on the therapeutic benefits of gardening to your mental health.
It is a bit more exciting than writing a straight case study, which has not been inspiring me.
My brother is back in Australia in Port Fairy - such a picturesque spot. Unfortunately he has not been well, wondering how he is going.
Son Julian is working! However he has to travel all the way to Mawson Lakes. But thank goodness all his hard work in hunting for work has paid off - with Form 700, working on a big building for uni SA.
I have booked two weeks hols in January.
Talking gardens with my hairdresser yesterday.
The garden can be a healing activity.
It is just that I lke to make the decisions and let some one else do the actual work(!)
Saw Made in Degenham yesterday at the Capri cinema. Highly charged account of the fledging equal pay campaign for women - enjoyed that trip back to 1968.

The idea of a garden

Howdy, at Seaford Library awaiting talk by Sophie Thomson - From the Ground Up author.
Lots of people, undercatered.
Anyway here I am.
Yes the garden needs a boost, aparently rain due tomorrow and 14 celcius.
Wonderful start to the season of spring for the garden.
I like the idea of a garden, it is the practice I struggle with.
Been bookclubbing and working - very early start which I loathe.

Karl Barth!

Sorry, disregard the last post - it is in fact Karth Barth.
Theologian and thinker - found quite a few blogs to browse when I have more time...............

Homesickness

Endless definition?
Lots to investigate after Sunday worship.
Edward Barth - homesickness.
Restlessness - where do I belong.
House full of people.
On the home strech with the Persimmon tree - Japan has just surrendered, just after Takahashi was murdered in the Nest of Swallows.
Wearing a T Shirt for the first time in 6 months - I love New York!
Is it time to go back.......................................

The World of Blogging

Just been reading loads of blogs under the guise of researching pix for my worship planning.
I have got a long way to go!
See-:
Stephen Fry
Wonderful Awlful Things
The God of Dishes
Brenda@Coffee TeaBooks
As I See It Now
artklekosphotoblog.blogspot.com
artkleko.wordpress.com
So many pictures and experiences reaching out.

What would make your life more wonderful?

What would make your life more wonderful - ? - this is a question I am meant to be journalling, but just lately there have been quite a few body blows.
Big centrelink bill, work place uncertainty following the budget and a diagnosis that we all wish would go away - but it follows this hereditary pathway and it doesn't wait for anyone.
Preparing a worship service and I seem to be dwelling on the topic of exiles. What does it mean to feel a long way from home - see Jeremiah 29 - who says make the best of it as you'll be a long time on the outer. Where does Jerusalem fit in to this - the spiritual home to so many of the worlds religions - how did we end up with that scenario!
By the by there is very little art in Robe, which was dissapointing.

Robe sojourn - the anticipation

Doing a SATAC Application for Jerry - not easy. Should I do one for me?
Frustrations re: time constraints in my life.
Worship planning.
Overdue library things and not letting me log on............
Waiting for funds.
State theatre tix unable to be changed etc.
Any good news?
Robe sojourn for the long weekend - cheers!

I do the work, you provide the meaning

Listening to other people's conversations.
Witness to a staff departure which was quite sad.
What is going on?
Gearing up for a long weekend in Robe - the beach, cafes and hopefully some good long walks.
The feminine shape is becoming more and more evident!
A day of catch ups today.
Plus a nice dinner to meet up with friends.
Some scheduling clashes re: worship planning - will have to organize that today.
Reading the Persimmon Tree - a little pedestrian in writing style.
Saw some great modern art in the Flinders University City Gallery, in the State Library complex.
Empower - Ment - is that the title? The cross images were a stand out.
I do the work, you provide the meaning.

Listen to this..............

Lianna Rose - Smokin Gun album 'Soak up the world' is all good.
Even has a song called Jenny! - I adore all the lyrics.
Listen!

Trials and expensive lessons in life

The town is full of little trenches surrounded by bright orange bunting - the bringing of fibre optic broadband. Soon every street will have these little collections of trenches - so far they have not come up my street.
So, long weekend - ?Robe.
Planning worship service for Oct 10th - city of souls.
Tatachilla letter to my son - achievements of 17 years.
Reading The Persimmon Tree, or should be.
Sponsorship enquiries - is it worth it?
Coffee and flourless chocolate cake in Le Terre - flawless.
Photo opportunity today with Bell Tree photo via the Messenger.
Each year I try something different.
Journalling for 'Be Heard and Understood'. What would make your life more wownderful?
Did I also mention I have had half a tooth break off - emergency vissit to the dentist, a huge centrelink bill and a job that is to be privatized, trials and expensive lessons in life.
Good things to come include a reunion dinner, said long weekend and glorious green grass on the hills. Plus been given the green light as red wine is deemed highly beneficial for me!!

City of souls.

'Even though we are not religious, we are unhappy with an element of fundementalism in modern athiests, if you are not an atheist you are a fool.' Tsiolkas says the self-rightiousness of the 'nwe atheists' such as Richard Dawkins, offends him - with their constricted world view he finds them as much fundamentalists as the religious versions they despise.
Faith and the city exhibition - Melbourne here I come!
Notions of transendance...................
Spiritual and sacred do not exist only in bricks and mortar.......
Negotiating difference is more creative and productive than instilling conformity....
Opposed to authoritarian tenets of fundamentalism.
Understanding of Jerusalem as any place in which a communion with God is evident. In this sense Jerusalem is not a city of stone and walls, of temples, mosques and churches, but a city of souls.
Finding the sacred in the every day - a city of souls.
Free thinking?
Zoe Ali and Christos Tsiolkas - In our city there is trancendance, there is ectasy and generosity. In a world of xenophobia, fear and violence we beleive it is imperitive that we find moments of contemplation, prayer and meditation by which we can be reminded of the best of what we can be.
I want more than moments - am I being selfish?

Spelt actually tastes good.

Reading Peter Carey - Parrot & Olivier, the Lucky Country, Vanity Fair, The Monthly - good article on aged parents leaving the family home under duress - been there.
Now comtemplating getting the Christmas Tree Festival poster happening.
Plus a roast chicken dinner.
The new bread I got yesterday - lifestyle brand $7.95, pricey- spelt actually tastes good! The soy cheese was great too.
Trying to eat to my blood type.
No Royal show or city to bay this year, maybe next time.
Hormone levels still all over the place, those hot flushes. But in balance things are better.
More phone calls to make about sponsorship for festival.
Also decided I need to work on my budget - help!

HRT & The wheat & dairy free diet - really.

Researching wheat free foods and low meat and dairy.
I am told it can be done??!
Meanwhile to Show or not to Show?
If I manage the trip it will be the blog will be called The Royal Show Comes Alive.
Attending Jerry's solo perforamnce tonight.
Hoping some of my energy is coming back soon, now on HRT.

Lianna Rose discovered.

Lianna Rose - heard her song - Smoking Gun while driving in my car - back from the naturopath. Apparently she has written for Kasey Chambers.
Really jumps out at you, that rhythm.
I am on a quest to find out why I feel fatigued - have looked at my blood cells swimming around. Views of my eyes, tongue and fingernails.
Waiting on blood test results.
A change of scenery is probably the best medicine - how 'do'able is that?
Have managed to finish reading 'We are all made of glue' a pearler - read all day Saturday in bed, when it was really wet and miserable.
Last night finished The Slap - Australian life under the microscope - do I know any of these people?
About to undertake reading The Lucky Country - which I never did as a student - lots of books passed me by it seems.

Why so tired?

Very tired.
Behind my eyes.
Eye lid twitching, no energy.
Usual hits not working ie caffiene, donuts etc!
Fatigued.
I think I have reached saturation levels in terms of my mental energy.
Plus the hot flushes don't help.

Post to go - thanks.

4 minutes until closing.
Appointments, work and new horizons.
Waterloo, Tasmania??
More homework to do.
Postgraduate studies?
The Huon river - views.
Sound alright to me.

Thoughts coming back to me today.

Left glassess at home.
Useless without them.......
Will venutre back soon.
Cleaning and more cleaning today - sorting really.
Moving things around.
Tired beyond tired yesterday.
My thoughts coming back to me today.
Jenny cut down your hours.

200th post

Wish I could remember particular references by the media/authors & their views on art & life - but often I foot note it in my mind - and that's not a reliable organ these days!
Oh well, I know Nick Kent makes some observations in his memoir 'Apathy for the Devil' A 1970's Memoir, but where I don't know, perhaps instead of sifting randomly through I should just read the whole lot.....................
Time?
Have got some head space today, finally.
Coffee time soon.
Yesterday was a perfect morning, bright sunshine. Went for a walk during sunday school, just too nice to stay inside. Looking for butterflies.
By early afternoon I was feeling quite fragile - got a coffee while out doing some domestic erands and felt a whole lot better.
Fresh fish and chips for dinner tonight.
The art quote for today in the title comes from a Holocaust survivor.
Adolek Kohn was liberated by Russian troops in WWll.
He returned as a survivor with his daughter and five grandchildren and broke into a dance in front of the ARBEIT MACHT FREI sign to the tune of Gloria Gaynor's 'I will survive'.
Kohn states 'Someone said I nearly danced on my own grave. But this danciong at Auschwitz is a celebration of life.'
The message - Art must go on even after Auschwitz.

Coffee cards and books.

Icon's of England. Recently wrote a review for the library catalogue, which I have found out about. See Essy. I see a picture of the Mindips and a little dairy farm tucked away in a narrow muddy track. Crapnell farm B & B. Cetainly not on the main tourist route. Circa January 2010.
This Party's Got to Stop - Rupert Thomson. A memoir. Reminiscent of other writers who try to make sense of the demise of a parent, and why they never talked real talk. ie I'm dying, I love you, this is what I am all about. Is it a generational thing, particularly British, or led by illness?
By the way the spelling error of the week goes to moi - again - Orson Welles - okay?!
Time to move on - other duties for the day, then night duty.
Coffee for the day @ Three Monkey's.
Coffee cards so far in use are:
McDonalds, Cibo, Market 190, Blessed Cheese, The Green Room, Chrystina's on High Street and a seldom used Tango Turlte and Bean Bar card.

Images on images

Me and Orson Wells.
Christian McKay is outstanding as Orson - must research more on this actor.
Zac Efron doesn not overcome his status as a teen idol.
I have started photographing all my photo montages- and then ran out of battery.
But at least I started.
Have just got the children's flowered cross back from framing - excellent.
Images on images preserved on film.
Also listening to the Whitlam's best of - so wistful.

Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.

Life imitates art far more than art imitates life - Oscar Wilde.
Art is a lie - Lady Gaga - interview in Rolling Stone - August 2010.
Going to a gallery to see art is like visiting your friends - Dennis Hopper - Retrospective article in Rolling Stone.

Willunga Christmas Tree Festival Poster Competition

Ring those Bells.
The poster for the 2010 festival is being formulated as we speak by the general public.
Submissions are currently sought.
Willunga Uniting Church has a Bell Tree in the Bell Paddock and yes, that's right our festival this year will kick of with Bells.
Bells ringing.
Getting visuals for the Bell Tree thus far has proved elusive.
Looking forward to seeing what submissions come our way.

Knowledge and the 'in and the out' of nursing.

RNAO Registered Nurses'Association of Ontario.
Speaker Doris Grinspun - social elements of health in our communities.
Just had a quick lunch and the Federal minister for health will be arriving soon.
Feeling brighter than yesterday.
Homeward bound and looking forward to that later today.
Reward for being a delegate was a USB, water bottle and Ambassador's card.
Early overtime shift tomorrow. Hope to sift through the mulitple piles of info I have in my work life.
The main thing is that life is promising - but I'm not making any promises!
Job planning or otherwise.
Please pray for the people of Pakistan where they have been ravaged by floods.
It is also Jeans for Genes day.

Rotate around in life.

Nurses Professional Day.
Some topics are perenial - discharge times - heard it for the last 30 years!
Discharge early, better management of beds, flow etc etc.
A female system of order trying to be overlayed on to a monolith of a beast, the medical profession and hospital departments - uh ohhh!
Talking up nurse practitioners, more primary health care and limitations on midwives.
Some mention of burn out with senior nurses in the ED Department, but I think that is overall in nursing.
But is it a bad thing to want to rotate around in life, otherwise one's perpective gets pretty narrow. Over to you..........................

North Adelaide Investigations

North Adelaide investigations.
Staying in Nth Adelaide and wanting to explore.
Last year I had car issues and didn't really see any of it.
Thinking of doing a location swap for a year to shake things up a bit.
North Adelaide, Norwood, Parkside, Hobart, England, New York!
Have visited Jasmine's group art exhibition - very fine work in quality and type.
Work has been intense. Contemplating the subject of chaotic lifestyles.
Why do some people go from moment to moment in chaos ie no home, money, poor health and dangerous choices. It's not all about the quality or level of income wwith or without a mental illness.
It is like an inbuilt destruct button, with plenty of people on the sidelines.

The rise and rise of materialism.

Listening to today's message at church.
Stories of the rich fool and the Rainbow fish.
Highlighted to me the need to get rid of the enormous build up of 'stuff' in my house (life).
I have talked about this many times.
But it seems that it is a never ending quest to be rid of materialism.
Answers?
Hire someone else to do it?!

Birdsville by Evan McHugh

Birdsville is Evan McHugh's isolation-change experience.
A year in the Back of Beyond.
I loved the details about the setting up of his new life. The walks to the bakery and elevenses. It is fun to explore another lifestyle - without actually having to uproot yourself and go through this huge change.
Easy to read and immerse yourself in another world on the edge of the Simpson desert.
The other benefit from reading this was a different continent view of our country.
The land is not a void but full of upside down landscapes - water underground, rivers that form to go inland as opposed to running out to sea.
My mind has opened up - and yes I do want to go there.

Isolation change experience.

Inticate art work on display.
Just been to The Pharoh art/music venue, off Little King William Street, Kent Town.
An electic display from very varied artists.
Jasmine has specialized into intricate pen and ink work - all black and white.
Bought two of the small frames.
Will return next week.
The State Library now, hoping to find some good coffee after that. ?cibo?
Grey Adelaide in view, house needs a good once over.
Reading 'Birdsville' Life in the Back of Beyond. Ripping through this account of a year of a couples isolation-change experience.
Where is my sea-tree-isolation change going to be?
Have found out I have 80 days long service leave in the can - bonza!
Life begins................

Without spell check we are all dead in the water

Email sent to strewth today re: his comments about the missing apostrophe in the Leaders Debate banner for the one and only debate on Sunday night.
Too many places do not have the spell check function ie this blog!
Check out the post cards I got printed for the poster competition for the Christmas Tree Festival.
The shame and embarrasment are real for the obvious errors.
Aside from a frantic cleaning binge today I have put two pix in for framing.
One for Jerry's formal - a goof off photo.
The other yet another experiment. Am getting the collage of the flowered cross framed while recycling a big white frame. The aboriginal art work is in its third try out - it needs to find its place.
Beautiful July day. Fine and clear. Request permission to go to the flix and a walk.
Did I mention, while I go back to the spell check disasters, that I sent in a short story for a competition. Omitting to delete a repeated paragraph - oh dear.
Having frequent day and night dreams of developing my own book shop.
This being the emerging era of E- books, with the i-pad.
Me, I have no i-phone, i-pad and other gizmo's. Not in my budget - yet.
Yesterday a full on headache, was way laid for a big slab of the day, but still managed to do my tax.
Too many problems while trying to be so called co-ordinator. They is a huge divergence with what is a good plan and what actually happens. Did I say sabotage?

Night follows night

Night follows night & night etc.
Finally feel alive again following night, night, night, night etc.
To follow up for 10/11 financial year-:
Curtains, outdoor paving/carport/retaining walls, lighting.
Reading Confederacy of Dunces - the tales of Ignacius Reilly & Levy Pants.
Contemplating spelling errors and writing stories.
Have done more letters to various people.
One to Peter Goers re: the benefits of a winter climate, also to New Idea, SA Weekend & the Australian Magazine. Peter tells me, what a wonderful letter.
It seems we are in the grip of a federal election campaign.
So far no great winning policy announcements. The great issue of our times, our use of energy, is being swept firmly under the carpet.
On a lighter note have just booked tix to West Side Story opening night. Misssed the show in New York, with only so much time and money available. But now it comes to me!

Story lines & spelling mistakes.

Pizza Bianca to go please.
Story lines and spelling mistakes.
Postcard with not one but two spelling mistakes, ahhhhh.
Trials and obligations.
These are the days of frustration.
Long service anyone??
We shall see.

A different sort of coming of age

Fifty & Fabulous - Jaki Scarcello.
On the wall of a major department store there is a billboard with a picture of a Barbie doll. The words printed beside the picture:
'I am turning 50....don't tell anyone.'
This is what we are up against.
The rest of the book is about affirming oneself as a valuable member of the human race post 50.
I guess it is a different sort of coming of age.
Just been to a presentation on making a will & power of attorney.
Info I wish I had had 10 years ago.
Getting things in order in case of.......the worst case happens.
Will now get going on a crisp winter walk.

What's in my 'in' tray

Current searches-:
Marilynne Robinson - Absence of mind. Recent review, looks interesting - science and faith can co-exist - to be continued.............
The Lucky Country - need the newest version - with up to date preface. Exploring this in book club.
Nick Kent - Memoir - rock jouno from the 70's era NME - Saw article/review in The Monthly - question why can't I do some of these reviews?
Don't shoot the Dog - A text book in novel form - positive and negative reinforcements - will need to buy as it is due back to the library - a week ago.
Upcoming poetry event in Onkaparinga.
Upcoming poster competition run by me! - Design the Christmas Tree Festival poster - theme of 'Ring those Bells' ie The Bell Tree.
Resumes for two sons - to be sent off to as many people as I can find.
Article on the pharmacetutical companies influence on the medical profession to be sent on to Healthy Skepticism.
Mr Rosenbaum's List - currently reading.
Multiple writings to do including letters regarding Peter Goer's and his lament about cold winters. Have sent in a few letters to the Australian re: Phillip Adam's cancelling of his membership to the Labor Party after 50 years & An article in last week's magazine on aging by Dorothy Moore, I think it was.
To attend - talk on wills - I need one - but it has always been a low priority for me.
Further writings - case study on community mental health rehabilitation from a recovery perspective.

Midday prayer

Father God,
Guide my way,
my words,
the hard hearts,
and struggling minds,
provide strength to safely arrive,
where I am needed,
my family know they are loved
it's is a state of being.
Help me to share the love around.
Amen

On the hunt for damper recipes

Quick blog before bill paying and local shopping.
While doing an afternoon tea group yesterday I discovered a really yummy recipe-:
Cheesy rosemary damper - was in a recent magazine.
Will have to email them my thanks.
Think I will try it this weekend.
Going to look for more damper recipes, date and walnut?
We are all a stones throw away from mental chaos.
Several examples of that at the moment.
The fragility of the human spirit combined with the fire.
There is a little boy named Jakob who is running around the library currently.
His frustrated mother just asked him if he could shut up and he said No!
The fire of a two year old.

Blowing Bubbles

Reading on a train - Mr Rosenbaum's List, how to be English in the post war era.
In the Art Gallery cafe - reading The Australian - A Plus, the problems with Kevin according to the press. He is either too left wing, too potty mouthed, not common man enough, working too hard, not working enough etc etc.
In the State Library - International papers.
To see 'Mother and Child' @ 3.30pm - Palace Nova.
Been to Borders and spent birthday voucher - 'The Boat' & 'Confederation of Dunces'.
Finished reading Mr Toppit by Charles Elton. - highly recommended, apparently 14 years in the making.
There is a person on the next computer making duck noises?!
The Victory Hotel 50th, mine, went really well.
Yes, there were bubbles, champagne, lemonade and blowing bubbles. Hibiscus flowers and hugs.
Wine cellar speech and rockwiz memories of concerts & albums.
I woke up the next day to hear my first concert band is doing a concert.
The Seekers return! However, to qualify my excitement, they are teaming with Andre Riu.
Well I guess you can't have everything.

Project 50

Collectors was cancelled while I was in Hobart.
I was browsing in a second hand bookshop called Deja Vu when I heard the ABC News.
At the time I didn't know who they were referring to. But the host has been wiped pending court action re: alleged illegal internet access.
But in Hobart terms this is full page one news.
No Collectors.
It does have a dedicated following. I can't seem to be around for the time slot.
Collecting it seems is about the hunt. Looking for that next piece to add to the collection. Or as my dad was wont to do, starting new collections by the day - key rings, fridge magnets, cigarette lighters, mugs, cherry items, tea pots, brass animals and the list went on.
I seem to have collected a vast amount of stuff in fifty years. Much of it is stored in boxes and shelves, but what to do with it? Curating 50 years - project 50.
Watch this space!

Winter warm up in Hobart

Hobart is not a big city, but a damn friendly one.
It has-:
Beautiful Botanical gardens - a vege plot, herb garden, japanese garden et al. It even has a carousel! But being winter it was behind barriers and roped off. I love a carousel.
A vibrant Salamanca market - heeps of stalls and helpful people, got luggae labels, a bag, book - 'Mr Toppit' which is a pure delight. Also bought the Matthew Evans cookbook for Faye - and had it signed by him! The gourmet farmer himself, Good luck sourcing the best.
The best book shop - The Hobart Bookshop - if only I could work there..............
Scallop pies!! Heaven in a pie. Try the Petty Sessions cafe in Frankin - we had one fresh out of the oven.
Truly unspoilt forests, the huon river, pines and wonderful walking trails. The intersection of the Huon and Picton rivers is something to behold.
Bruny Island, with the Southern Ocean, albatros, seals, cormerants and rolling swells. In addition to hot pumpkin soup and fresh salad rolls following our expedition.
Mures resturant is over priced, so is Flippers fish and chips on the dock.
The apartment was a bit corporate and sterile. They also don't do as service cos it is a Sunday. Then tried to pull that for the public hol as well - no siree, this is not what I paid for.
Anyway there was a slight delay on the way home from Hobart, resulting in a night in Melb.
Now for the insurance.......Not so impressed with Virgin, it's happened before.
Also I hit 50 today and am trying to keep happy about it? Yeah, life rolls on.
Going to email The Mercury as they are trying to float ideas of how to get people to visit Hobart in the winter. As a long term convert to winter travel, I would not bang on about festivals. It is all there already - just let me visualize that scallop pie in my mind.

Letters to the Australian blocked.

Wrote a to the Australian - a letter which would have been in this weekend - I'm sure of it.
But.........there has been some legal action related to the story - so its cover and any letters relating to this article are forbidden until, when?
It was on the sad case of the man who killed his son, while psychotic in Cooper Pedy.
How this is connected with the Victorian Supreme Court. I do not know.
Four days until Hobart.
To do -:
said invites & phone calls.
maths revision, tutoring for Jerry - violin work for Jerry
Building research for apprenticships for Julian.
Scholarship Trust enquiry re: Jasmine.
work - multiple problems to sort out each day
garden makeover - please......!
move freezer and clean, clean, clean.
Plan food for boys.

It's only money, right?!

What about those invites Jenny?
50 is a big deal and it seems a costly enterprise.
But.....I do so want to go to Hobart.
Plus have a family dinner.
Plus do a limo - party on wheels thing.
I cannot get exited by hosting a party anywhere else. Too much pressure.
It is only money, right!

No Emotional Skin

Description of someone with borderline personality disorder. New name apparently pending for the DSM 5.
Understanding how they relate to people and why they do the things they do.
I guess we start building up layers and layers from the moment we are born.
It seems we need a tough skin and working in mental health, you need to have this as your back up plan. Actually being a nurse entails a thick skin, life demands it.
But what if you don't learn how to deal?
You turn it around to dealing in on yourself. A cruel parody of life.
Still learning and moving on.
Life investigations continue.

Doing better things for my liver.

Thought a workshop started at 9am - which in fact is 1130am - so have time for the proverbial coffee etc.
Dr Sandra Cabot - author of the liver cleansing diet and vitamins will be holding court and I would like to know if I can be doing better things for my liver(!)
After receiving lots of comments for my letter to the Australian Magazine recently - ie Rose, Gospel, Blue Vein and Time. Not going to get to 110! Cos I prefer my rose and blue vein cheese.
Which reminds me, I haven't indulged in a good blue vein for a while.
Anyway life cannot be all about 'health' can it? Some additives are a pre requesite for living.
Changed shifts to get this workshop happening, by all accounts it will be a glorious lunch and I am a lady who loves to lunch................. Without the income usually allocated.
Finishing reading 'Three Cups of Tea'. A curious tale of an American male nurse Greg, who devotes his life to the tiny villages that occupiy the highest ridges of Pakistan. Following his climbing attempt of K2 ie Everest. He is quite an unlikely hero. Certainly not a great administrator or even communicator. But he relates to the people he met in Pakistan.

A new fridge in my life.

The world offered at your fingertips - old TV Shows -Starsky and Hutch? That big red charger with the big white stripe, all the old gas guzzlers, the big clunky landline phones.
What was I doing staying up late again - a bit of Letterman and his anti Twitter rants - very funny - I happen to agree with him.
Blogging I like.
We have had the rain and it looks a lot like winter. Time for a warm fire and a roast dinner.
Have got a new combustion heater installed and a new fridge!!
For the first time in my life I have bought a fridge. (previously had hand me downs) It is meant to be the most envirnmentally friendly model - an electrolux, bottom mount. I am still to get the freezer organized. Fits the space perfectly, was made for our house. A fwe issues with them delivering the wrong sided door hinge, resulting in a return visit, sigh.............................
The 1MILLION WOMEN Campaign launch has inspired me to keep on the look out with my choices and tell others about this. Energy being a precious commodity, also reading 'Screw Light Bulbs' which tells you about options for a healthier carbon emmisions life.
On my way for the proverbial coffee stop.

Art or Money?

Very early breakfast tomorrow.
Attending the 1 million women breakfast in the morning.
Need to get up at 5.30am! Help.
I think it will be worth it once I'm there.
Can also see a film at the Nova - one of the minuses of living this far south is the trek to see decent cinema.
Noarlunga throws on an 'art' film for one week very sporadically.
My art essay is still pending.....................
The question is always Art or Money, too hard to choose.

Looking down the barrel @ 50 - Tasmania on my mind.

Check emails, do banking, read some junk, blog.
Have brekkie and a really good coffee @ The Green Room.
Read The Age weekend.
Considering facebook - but would I get caught up with lots of stuff I can't keep up with?
Have booked a Tasmania sojourn for my 50th and am now leaning towards having just a really nice family dinner.
Boys are going to Queensland - and then I will have a holiday!
I have another to do list of about 20 items.
Saw 'Date Night' last night at the volunteers movie nite.
Great fun - even if the last line or two were probably not appropiate for my son Jerry.
Sometimes it is just nice to see a movie that is just for laughs - Tina Fey portrays real life women, with all the struggles, battles and everyday dilemms - how do I work this machine, get through the daily grind, school things, work, bills, getting birthday presents - but nothing made in China!
Reviving myself this morning.
Time to go home and get ready for work.
Hoping for less angst today - please...............

What do we do with all these memories? The Price.

Go and see The Price - State Theatre Company - Arthur Miller.
Terrific building resentment amongst the crumbling ruins of a father's life. Two sons fight over what could have been. Old dresses in the wardrobe, radio sets, boats oars and fencing equipment. The fencing a great metaphor for the two brothers who dance around each other with a vengence.
What price a life? What do we do with all these memories?
To hard to give away or sell.............
A feeling of betrayal if any of it is left to be sold to someone with out any emotional attachment.
I guess we all have differing levels of attachment.
Getting ready for holiday road night, quarry market, mother's day, sunday school, GP appointment, movie nite, court appearance, Tassie trip, 50th(NO!) and more.
S'okay!

Letters to the editor - how to write more in my life.

Feel a bit muddled.
Trying to get the house in order, for the cleaner(!)
Plus organizing holidays, birthdays, court attendances, appointments for hair and dental, letters to the editor (got letter of the week, in the Saturday Advertizer magazine, on backing down).
Now on the way around to the church to pick up chrysanthemums that need a good drink.
Then off to see The Price @ The Dunstone Playhouse for a 6.30pm start.
See you in a while.

What is Art? Leo Tolstoy Essay

Had the privlidge of seeing The Last Station today.
Another glimpse into the life of someone I had previously had no knowledge about.
Leo Tolstoy was a rebel pacifist and free thinker of his time.
I have 2 minutes left on this computer so can't write as much as I want to.
But it should also be noted I could watch James McAvoy ALL day!!
Bravo to Michael Hoffman director and screen writer.
So beautifully filmed too.

Happiness in minutes or your money back...........

Don't worry, be melancholy - says Phillip Adams - an interesting speaker at the next 'Happiness and its Causes' conference. I would love to go, but it is quite pricey.
I was at another conference - somewhere - and a speaker pointed out that 'the human mind is continually trying to talk its way out of happiness. I now recall it was the Spirituality & Health conference -due again in 2011, hopefully.
John Barrymore (the actor) also said 'Happiness sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open.' ie Don't look too hard and it might find you.
For me this is the key - it is a moment that you cannot manufacture - lest you be made to pay again and again ie addictions to...almost everything.
Had a nice pennisula platter at Chrystina's on High Street - don't have to travel far on this humid autumn day - sounds like it is staying that way for a while.
Frustrating week at work, I had the dregs of a head cold and it was a real effort.
Contemplating going part time to do more things I love - as opposed to have to - with people I love - as opposed to made to.
Finished 'Solar' - Tales of a shambolic, obese, self absorbed, plagurist, nobel prize winning scientist and his many exploits on both sides of the law - a fine read, not having read any others of this author I would recommend it - a wonderful take on life on page 225 - about how he thinks he should have life all worked out by now - but nothing is.
Should read the Lacuna next but there are quite a few waiting for it in the library system.
Will check Doubleday price.
To follow up various school projects, phone accounts and license issues with children.

Australian Easter Bloom - the Hakea.

Australian Easter blooms.
Newspress - Australia doesn't celebrate spring @ Easter - der.
But we in Willunga now have a flower as a symbol for the new life blooming - the HAKEA.
A crimson and gold frilled native gum flower.
Plenty of lovely images on google.
Have to have a look around my neighbourhood, as many have told me of various locations where this is in full flower.
I need to learn how to put a few images on here.

Collaging my way around the world.

What you can and cannot put on a blog - seems there is plenty of press about the cyber world.
I write what I feel.
Frustrations - :
Pay office merry-go-rounds.
Working in the mental health field - Why don't you write a case study on community mental health rehabilitation - my clinical supervisor suggested, after I ventured the idea of writing something. Hmmmm, am looking into this, first I need to get an idea of how to structure it.
Have a few cases in mind. It has been an interesting 18 months.
Projects - :
Present a display on my overseas sojourn - this Thursday?! Jani is getting my souveniers back, as we speak. I am going to go with what I know, which is hard copy collages and displays. If it works out I will follow on with a session for others ie neighbours, friends and the like.
Letters to write - :
The Weekend Australian magazine - Another letter in praise of comfortable shoes.
Sunday Mail - To Christopher Pyne - who thinks there are votes in keeping Glenside as a museum piece and sacred site - I've got news for you, it's the 21st Century and people need services outside of the few square metres of Glenside - I think the very name Glenside is also holding things back in this state in mental health. Give me more room and I will go on for hours on this one.
Upcoming events - :
Girl's Brekkie - next Saturday, I have decided to bring the bubbly.
Friendship Club - my talk..............
Community Outreach Network in Taparoo - my talk on the Christmas Tree Festival.
Now it's time to collage

Easter Rememberances 2010

Easter rememberances.
Two years ago a dog named Holly arrived. She is now firmly part of the family and I am convinced she understands English very well and/or is an expert in body language.
Two years ago we said goodbye to my dad. Holly had arrived, my sister came to say her last goodbyes and there was the difficult job of liaising with health workers about letting someone die.
No more drugs, that don't work. No more trying. Getting born is no easy thing, but leaving this world is also really hard. For all those who stand on the sidelines, hoping it is not happening, or at least not now. A bit more time, another week or two?
Easter is also the celebration of the resurection, having gone through the rememberance of Good Friday, which is a day of mourning. I can't get my head past the brutality and pain.
On sunday I was worship leader, which fills me with nervous energy - despite getting a head cold that was brewing in the lead up to easter.
Flowering of the cross is a tradition that does not need words. As a kids art project we also collaged a cross with flowers. There was music and walkabouts, communion and old faces.
I went on the hunt for a song - Picture of Jesus by Ben Harper. Failing to get it downloaded I found it at JB Hi Fi - Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama - A real standout.
Okay so it didn't all go perfectly, a hymn glitch and a dropped bible(!)
But the celebration was real.
Christ the Lord is Risen today.
Easter is about making everything open - God made real, life travels on.
Evolution is about evolving and change, the real frontier is what happens to the real you as you float away from this body, these emotions and connections.
Not understanding is a given in this business.

New York Streetscapes are Calling

When I get time I will cut and paste my letter to The Monthly about the hatchet job article it published on Germaine Greer.
Have had other letters published in the last 6 months - so may put them on too.
It finally feels like the humidity has gone from the air outside.
All is well apart from our dog killing a stray pigeon this morning, so I best be on my way home.
Spent 4 and a half hours at the hairdresser(!) This is what comes of not going for 4 months.
Still reading Motherless Brooklyn - plenty of New York streetscapes to fall into.

Getting lost in the stories and histories we have made - fact & fiction.

Distractions.
Late nite TV - Letterman, Seinfield, Curb Your Enthusiasm. (Also can't resist another season of Survivor - Heroes and Villians).
Magazine articles on Tasmania - day dreaming again.
Historical anthology of The Birth Of Latvia.
Surfing around the internet for images and resources for Easter, (and pumpkin spice scones).
Stopping for coffee in Willunga.
What is life all about if not little distractions and detours?
Getting lost in the stories and histories we have made - fact & fiction.

The Pain of Life

Life issues.
Despair, pain, grief, guilt, sadness - it was the worst scenario. The whole atmosphere is changed.
Still processing something that has affected so many people.
Could we just rewind this week and reply a different outcome.
There is a sense of failure which questions why I work in the mental health field.
Can't relate anymore stuff, but am intensely thinking and offering prayers.
Other life issues include being paid at the wrong rate for the past 18 months??
Still waiting for Rumunerator to get their act together.
Still waiting to hear about a bogus mastercard amount reimbursement.
Enjoyed my show and tell with Ilze on Latvia, getting some more info - will send off some other pix and maps. Also saw Mrs Calldicot's Cabbage War at a screening at the nursing home - seen before but what a hoot.
Missed an early deadline for the April issue, obviously not meant to do that one - will make up for it with a bumber May article and lots of pix.

Emersion in Mahler 8 - 13th of MARCH 2010

The Mahler 8 symphony is a glorious creation.
Voices used as an instrument as much as the intricate glimpses of the other sounds.
Soaring horns overlaid on to hints and subtle naunces of strings and woodwind. Trickles of harps ebbing to soaring voiceds folded throughout.
Triumphant and complex.
I feel like I am just beginning to absorb the beauty of classical music - as discussed with a friend today - maybe as a teenager and thereabouts I was just not able to have the life expereince to emerse myself in this music.
I would love to see this performed in a cathedral with its emotional power given over as a pledge of love to our God of love - the most powerful thing in us and beyond us.

Mahler 8, The Saphires and the Quarry Market

Computer says error??
Hope this translates to the blog.
Ears are still blocked - trying a steroid spray - might help with the chronic cough too. Wax is gone after oiling up the ears and two syringing episodes. Now have eustacian tube dysfunction.
Hope I can hear these productions in all their glory.
What is it like being half deaf?
Handicapped by a fog in communication - just enough to disturb me.

Miracle of the week

Miracle of the week - after at least 10 washes in the washing machine my lost multi trip train ticket appeared, tucked in the rim inside - ! - how it survived a week in those conditions I will never know.
Also found a violin CD that was AWOL for some time.
Health issue(s) of the week - I can't hear you, I mean my ears are so packed to the rafters with wax they were buzzing. One syringing down, one to go, plus Waxoil. Still have a nagging pain from that fall in the bath.
Book club happened and I met some new people and people got passionate about historical events relating to Henry VIII and his cohorts. I am still ploughing through the book, so I felt a little disadvantaged - and have decided I can come back to this book after reading one I really want to read - 'Brothers and Sisters'.
Lent out 'Just Kids' memoir of Patti Smith and found out that 90% of the people there had never heard of Patti Smith - Shame.
Also lent out 'The Bell Jar' which I advocated as our next book, and it is(!) Read it.
Thinking about how to pressent my holiday memories - haved got a DVD of pix, (if I can get it to work) and a photo book pending.
Need to add music and verse and do a big edit.
Thinking of calling the evening 'Holiday Road'.
Have a friend who is doing a work exchange to England - basically going to work over there for a while and travel while over there presumably.
Me, I would just like to travel the road - forget the working part!!
Also thinking about Easter and the road to the cross.
Interesting debate on Q & A the other night about faith & respect.
Flowering of the cross - visual symbol of what was won - the beauty and passion of life eternal - world without end - life means life.

one and a half oscars

TIRED.
Watched one and a half Oscars.
great programing with a public hol and a day off.
now i need to see some of the movies - !

Adelaide Writers' Week - Twenty 10 -: Reading as therapy, narcotic, inspiration and voyeur.

Having the good fortune to be able to attend a large slab of the said Writers' Week - having secured some annual leave.
Have been leading a charmed life, traveling overseas, exploring new places and now journeys to Adelaide each day to hear new authors and ideas.
Decisions first - East or West?
Who owns the past? A bit dry and crowded, so I wander. Before I get restless to see more I hear this statement - 'We live life forwards, but understand it backwards' too true.
The next tent is discussing breaking stories. A writer whose name escapes me reveals he started off writing book reviews and progressed on to features and journalism and now books.
Foray to the book tent - complete joy!
Make a selection while considering whether to stand in the long line for coffee (no soy).
My picks of the large range are-:
The Tall Man by Chole Hooper & Brothers and Sisters - edited by Charlotte Wood - who I would later stubble upon, not literally(!)
Peter Goldsworthy launches his new short story collection with a few often heard ancedotes, the wine runs out before I get there, but was the only wine on offer throughout the week - Wine industry get on board, I say..............................
Listen to a UK author on historical fiction, cortesans, nuns and venus. As I am currently struggling with a Tudor exploration novel (Wolf Hall) I pass on these books.
Listen to a session where four writers discuss their favourite books and influences. Gratified to hear one of them affectionately recall Enid Blyton.
Decide to stay on and listen to an unknown author to me - Charlotte Wood. Turns out to be the editor of my selected book, which I hear more about and the genesis of. Duly get it signed by Charlotte - Thankyou. The introduction mentions the paradox of being a sibling and illuminates this. Charlotte describes Patrick White declaring he had nothing in common at all with his sister apart from blood. Charlotte does points out, 'Blood and childhood are what haunt us.'
Can't wait to read this.
This is only on day.
Day two for me, Adelaide heats up, AC/DC pound out their beat over the city and there are panels on scientists and peculiar obsessions.
A launch of a short story collection - Gathers and Hunters.
A meet the uathor with Marina Lewycka who reads delightfully from 'We are all made of glue.'
Throughout all these sessions I sit next to people and have a natter, meet neighbours and generally enjoy the atmosphere.
I dabble a bit in the talks on journalism and peotry before making the error of getting the 3.26 train home, which is invaded by school children halfway home.
Wednesday decide to have a break halfway through and do domestics. In addition to putting my multi trip bus ticket through the wash - NO!
Thursday's panel is full of vigor on the topic of fire and water. The Australian sensibility of climate is really strong. Looking forward to a book on the CFS Via a women's perspective - 'Point of Ignition'.
Wet Ink launch their competition and then I encounter the hit author of the week - Adam Nicholson - who I confess to never hearing of previously. He has a big following being the current owner and steward of Sissinghurst house and garden in Kent. He is self depreciatingly English and utterly charming and outlines his revamp of Sissinghurst beginning in 2004.
The Europe Europe panel goes nowhere fast.
The day redeemd by Markus Zusak who appears quite humble, youthful and aussie. Insight into how he came to write and write so well about World War two.
Sojourn to the Adelaide Gallery to see the bienale - weird and weirder............................
Today I had the total privilidge of been read to again.
Poetry by Roo Borson, a Canadian, describing Art and mysticism as very close and with a plea to 'lets just live'.
The Strange Passions panel is a standout keeping the audience enthralled with Sophie Thomson as introducer, adjudicator etc.
Majestic Whales, plague rats on the Scottish New Hebrides and magic organics of Lolo.
I stayed on to hear the launch of Kill Your Darlings and Clementine read her tale of the search for true love online.
So can I go back to the book tent now??!
Tempted to get Kill Your Darlings and one more splurge.
Reading as thrapy, narcotic, inspiration and voyeur.

In love with Strawberry Haagen Dazs

Memory from Overseas - getting a craving for strawberry Haagen Dazs - help!

Brought Home

Home with my family.
I returned and stepped into my kitchen and it was just as if I had gone up the street for some milk and bread - like I was already in the moment of home.
I have been collecting statements on Art - to be blogged at some time soon - various responses from artists, sports people and writers.
The final flight home was a marathon - like doing an extended session on night duty - forced to stay up and be there - without much brain power.
The hotel to JFK and departure gate 2pm to 6.30pm - drove half way round New York in the super shuttle bus.
New York to LA - 5 Hours in the air.
LA Airport 3 hours.
The big one - LA to Sydney - 14 hours - about half way into this I felt a rising panic that I was too tired and stuck in this space - kept dosing and then watched some comedy on tv, works when you are not able to concentrate on anything. Pam Ann and a George W. show by Will Ferrell.
Sydney airport - 3 and a half hours, which included standing in a queque for an hour to transfer from Intgernational to Domestic terminal.
Sydney to Adelaide - 2 hours - I think.
Adelaide to Willunga - one hour.
One good nights sleep and I feel fine.
Getting off the tread mill is a good prescription, but it's awlfully good to see people you love again, I mean really love.
Being anonomous for weeks on end is a strange feeling, like no one really gets you.
Hyper windy day - so have post poned proposed Writer's Week sojourn until tomorrow.

Amercian Breakfast @ The Holiday Inn Capitol DC

American breakfast.
A coffee pot on the table - or tea which is presented as a little carafe of hot water and the bag,
unlimited orange juice or a substitute juice I found out today,
cereal which is in a plastic container,
milk which is in a plastic container,
yogurt which is highly coloured - tastes okay,
fresh fruit - I am big on fresh pineapple on this trip,
hot stuff includes very well cooked bacon and little thin sausages - which taste mega salty,
scrambled egg combos,
potatoes cut and fried into little pieces,
waffle iron for you to make your own waffles - not attempted as degree of difficulty too hard(!)
pancakes, syrup and stewed fruit.
You can order off the menu as well.
And now it is off to the cash machine, followed by a taxi to the Union station and the 3 and half hour trip back to New York, New York and the Washington Square Hotel.
Farewell Holiday Inn - room 504 - great beds - two double beds and plenty of room.
There is the occasional frieght train tooting its horn and rumbling by, but does not disturb things greatly.

Oh say can you see.........The Star Spangled Banner in DC

Am so glad we came to Washington.
Good to compare the two American cities.
After a slow start - do they pump some sedatives in through the vents in hotels, just find it hard to get going - kept reading 'Just Kids'.
Discovered the Washington Metro and found the back entrance to the White House.
Wanted to use the toilets in the Visitors Centre but it was barred by a police officer and some one who looked like a plain clothes officer - ?What was going on in there?
Anyway found the Smithsoinian Museum of American History - very interesting to wander around with the American people and hear their stories.
There was the star spangled banner in all its glory - well kept in a darkened display room - quite huge - reminicent of the Eureka Flag in Ballarat.
Saw all the famous landmarks - the Lincoln memorial, Capitol Hill, the National Gallery, the ice skaters at the Pavillon and sculpture park - saw most of these at dusk as we came out of the Smithsoinian - very evocative.
The Underground Metro is designed like a scinece fiction film set(!) Looks good and not too hard to understand - good signage and maps around, which helps a lot.
Back at the Holiday Inn hoping to see some ice dancing on the Olympics - thus far have missed all the ice skating.
Down to my last $50 bucks - so am being careful my neccessity.

Stranded in Paris

Postscript from Paris.
Just realised I skipped Paris on this blog.
Yes we were there, but dazed and confused.
We never recovered from that horrific early start for the eurostar. Big taxi fare while he waited for me to check out - daylight robbery.
Got to the train station in Paris and really felt disorientated and stranded.
Eventually got a taxi to the hotel, then got a local bus to the eiffel tower.
Accosted by souveneir sales guys and hordes of people in lines to go up the tower.
Went and had some overpriced pizza @ Carmine's and fell into bed.
Negotiated our way to the Musee de Orsay the next day.
More hordes of people in this amazing gallery space, a converted railway building, very grand, fantastic gold clock above the auditorium space.
Jaz quite tired and emotional and not feeling the best.
Back to the train station via the metro - lots more directions to follow.
Would have liked more time to wander the boulevards, which are immense.
We stayed in a little garret(!) on the fifth floor - Aramis Hotel - tiny room, smelt of ciggarettes.
Didn't really discover much about french food.
Had McDonald's for brekkie - sorry - but it was nearby - included crossiants.
Had a resturant meal in the Musee - but that was over rated too as the food was not particularly hot, and expensive. Give me the Tate gallery food any day.

New York is a Fantastic City.

Long time on the road, but I gotta say New York is a fantastic city.
Loved it all.
The street talk, Greenich Village, drug stores, Dunkin donuts, neon blitz in Times Square, all the avenues, famous buildings, yellow taxi's weaving about the road, Letterman on TV, LAUNDRY SERVICE AROUND THE CORNER - WHO EVEN DELIVER, will leave the capitals on cos this is a great service - a little asian man took away the dirty washing and sent it back clean and folded for $8, wish this happened all the time(!)
Have had lots of bagels with philly and seen a show on 42nd street - Jasmine suggested Mary Poppins - brilliant staging - as was the London productions - the songs bring back a lot of memories - not so sure about the new additions, were they really adding any value?
Would like to see West Side Story - but a show is a big night, plus expensive.
Walked back to Greenich village via 8th and 7th avenues and probably a bit of 6th too. Everything is open, but there is a feeling that the economy is doing it tough, well most of the buildings and businesses seem quite tired, in a way.
But I love that there is so many bookshops around, this was missing from London.
Just bought 'Just Kids' by Patti Smith - a memoir, in which she mentions a lot of the places I just walked around. One of the benefits of stying in the village is walking through large bits of New York. People are friendly which makes life easier.
Still getting used to the coinage.
Will have to factor in some more US time for the future.

Refuge in 21st Century London

Time keeps slipping, slipping into the future.
Need to keep up to datge with schedules - wake up call at 3.40am.
Eurostar - Paris bound.
Tate Modern today - amongst the hoards.
Da Da Da................ Dada and 1921 era of absract beginnings - stained glass, architecture, magazine, posters, sketches, art, music - all encompassing.
Dinner in Cafe Rouge looking out towards St Paul's, the double deckers and taxi's and wet pavements.
Oh London, a sprawling epic mass of history and culture - every corner has a name attached, a story from the past.
Very fortunate to be an observer, walker, consumer aussie tourist.
Of note it is hard to escape the huge landmark of St Paul's cathedral - outside our door, a place that is not devoted to commerce, business or hype - it is a refuge in the mass of 21st century communication & defining 'money makes it happen' ideology.
I have noted that all the churches use many powerful symbols - the mother and child, the cross, jesus as the shepherd - time goes on and these things remain.
God be with you.

Lowlights out in the field..............

Sarcastic London men on the streets.
That's it!
Don't need to dwell on anything else, except perhaps beware of slippery bath/showers.

Highlights of the patron saint of travelling shambolically.

Any Tate shop and cafe.- particularly Pomegrante and apple juice.
Plunger coffee anywhere, particularly at Stephen and Lisa's, very good taste.
Deep baths anywhere, particulary at Hatton Court, Painswick.
The misty bicycle filled streets of Cambridge.
The bookshops in Cambridge - Heffners.
The little laneways around St Ives & and sitting on a bench by the seaside with a cornish pasty.
Little villages around Painswick - Minchinhampton.
Eastender cliffhangers - doof doofs?! - but who killed Archie?
Hampstead coffee and flower shops.
Eclairs in Riga with an Expresso, with old time radio songs - Summer Wine, Boney M.
London Underground ads - Poetry, social work promotions & what's new in films.

Is Everyone in London a Tourist? Central London is packed with folks with the proverbial map and camera.

I am a hopeless tourist - befuddled and confused, all part of the service.
Which platform?
Which street?
What newspaper?
What currency?
What's the deal?
Friday, jetlagged - which is really code for all tired out of waiting.
Sit here, queue here, report here, explain yourself at both ends.
I am all tired of being herded into pens and seats. Riga Hotel - car - late - snow everywhere - falling - driving to the airport without a seat belt in some of the worst conditions - anxiety about delays due to weather - check in - departure gate - changed gates - waiting 2 plus hours - flying out of snow laden Riga - in flight boredom - papers all in Latvian - Gatwick - find the train - get on - wait - on route to London - getting off the train, broke fingernails wrestling with luggage of train gap to platform - Victoria Station - people everywhere - taxi - instructions - what to do in London - £13 later at The Grange near St Paul's - Doorman helps with bags! Finally there - get twin bed made to twin beds - have a bath - heaven to sit and slumber on in a hot tub.........
Satruday I was all ready to hit the town, when I came a cropper in the shower, fell heavily.
Waited two and half hours today to confirm what I had thought, bruised ribs. It is painful, but also embarrasing.
Plenty of investigating of the London locales, via a Big Bus and river cruise.
Breakfast in Cafe Rouge, then Starbucks, which are everywhere - Tower of London, packed, but I am sure it gets even more hectic.
Highlights blog to follow, then low lights.

Postcard from Riga

Letters are like birds.........
Sending a postcard blog from Riga.
Just booked a mystery accommodation deal for London tomorrow night - should have booked more than one night - stupid - but I didn't know where it was.
Think I should do the next couple if I can.
Okay, Riga is enticing to wander around - the little streets.
Only have to go across the road to get a good coffee and eclair.
Food next door is also excellent - recommended by Lonely Planet - but I found this out afterwards.
Must do my booking now - or the internet session will run out.
Must do in Riga - if you get here - go to the sky bar at Hotel Latvia - and order a B52 - Go ahead, I know you want to!

English brekkie overload

Heading for Northampton today on various motorways.
Seem to be eating less and less breakfast as time goes on - at first it is a novelty, then the big English brekkie seems to be just too much.Today had the yogurt drink, but coffee not up to much.
Will take a few pix of Liverpool before I go.

Cool Liverpool

Seagulls and chimney tops.
Docks and steamed up windows.
BBC and HMV.
Boxy cabs, light greeny double deckers and Lime Street Station.
The liver bird atop of the dome.
The BEATLES LIVE.
Melodic voices and hidden art shops.
Huge shopping malls.
Amidst a hidden post office..........
The Tate Afro rules
with the best cafe out there
Cheers from the foyer of the Novotel
Liverpool is cool in more ways than one.

Hotel search results in fluke find - what were the chances?

Just about to have drinks at the Novotel in Liverpool.
Spent a good hour driving around Liverpool in the snow and then rain looking for the hotel.
In the end decided to just park somewhere and get a taxi.
Did this and went to the first taxi rank, only to be told the hotel was within sight!!
What were the chances after all those roads - we saw most of Liverpool.
So we are here now - praise the Lord.
Tate - ing it tomorrow.

A30 from St Ives onto the M5 after E and on up past Bristol to Painswick in the Cotswolds again.

Very tired from driving from St Ives to Painswick.
Hattan Court again - cos I know it's good.
Not sure if I have been spelling anything right.
St Ives was perfection in so many ways.
Have to get some sleep - I am here in one piece.
Still have no idea what the speed limit is on any of the roads?!

Posting from Parnswick

Posting from Parnswick in the Cotswolds.
Decided to get in the rental car and just drive out of London.
Had the intention of going to Bath, which we are doing via the long road.
First to Oford where it is impossible to navigate or park anywhere - stress +++
Eventually found a cafe in Oford castle - guess what the eccc key does not work on this computer.
I am in the foyer/lounge at Hatton Court, ecellent breakfast overlooking the bare trees and the vally towards Glouster.
Glouster was wonderfully easy to find our way around. Has a more suburban feel - which is probably why I felt at home - the mall and all the familiar shops, with different names.
Georgeous bath here - could stay a week.
But will move on to bath today.
Funny how we found our way to the heart of the cotswolds without really knowing how - Parnswick is the eact middle of the cotswolds and I feel this is the real beginning of the holiday.
Hongkong was massive, London was massive - here are nice little villages.
As usual we seem tyo have lots of luggage - that is travelling out of a suitcase.

Art Becomes Life - Time to go a Rovin'

Just bought a new suitcase - $200.
Needs to take me along way.
So I'd better get packing!!
Seem to put this off.
3 and a half hours til I leave for the airport.
Travel tips on Paris, New York, London, Dublin, roads, hotels, sleep, packing.............
Time is near to finally let loose.
Jaz has had emotional traumas - young love, doesn't sound fair to me.
Eventually it will all fade to grey as we board the plane.
It is time to go a rovin'

100 Plus degrees F to 0 degrees F in one easy lesson: aka Adelaide - Hong Kong - London - Riga - New York/Washington - Adelaide

Have got about 10 lonely planet books on the go!
Plans, places, bookings, money.
All I can see is that I need at least a year to do it all.
Mind numblingly hot and humid outside 105 F - All the weather forcasts throughout the world seem to be in farienheight, which I left behind a long time ago.
Yes, it is madness to travel in the winter.
To go from over 100F to 0 F, but I am doing it!
I think I need to invest in some long johns.
Plan to do my own travel book with write ups - or else.

9 days to take off..............Coldest Winter in 30 Years.

The quick blog.
Nearly home.
Baking hot outside.
Home is the refuge.
Going to read up about the English countryside.
Give me a home among the snowmen,
with lots of iced trees
a warm coat or two
and a cosy hat.
Coldest winter in 30 years!!

The Proverbial Latte

My mind is blown away by all the choices in youth hostels in the UK.
Think this will be a good option, but there is also the B&B option.
Price will be the decider.
Maybe a bit of both?
Very busy at work - plus survived on salad and veg the last two days, trying to be 'good'.
Then just been out for the proverbial latte and choc brownie - very much needed pick me up.
Thanx Blessed Cheese - lifesavers(!)
DVD's to watch 'The Reader' & 'Into the Wild' & 'The Kite Runner'.
To view 'Up in the air' - has Oscar buzz -at the cinema - when it is released.

A Journey A Day - Rave On in 2010.

Just wrote a letter to the Australian.
If I can copy paste it at some stage I will. Related to - new year, new memories.
Just browsing through some books in 3 Monkeys, plus the requisite soy latte.
Reading a bit on David Helfgott.
A reference to the proverbial journey statement, but with a twist.
A chapter sub title heading in 'Love you to bits and pieces' reads-:
Life is a journey, a journey a day.
Every moment is precious.
It speaks to me that it is a journey a day.
Sometimes it feels like you're going to go under (particularly on night duty), struggling, sweating, screaming, shouting, suffering - it was a hard week................. Absorbing too much pain, dissray and disorganization.
Sometimes soaring, smiling, singing, elated and complete.
Dream on, you can afford to lose a day or two - Billy Joel - A bottle of red, a bottle of white.
Great album - The stranger.
If only our turntable was working.
Rave on, in 2010

Child 44

Child 44 - A gripping tale set in the harsh, cold, brutal place of Russia in 1953.

Quite often  I felt like stopping reading the details of the tortures and interrogations - the senselessness of the growing death toll.

Highly Recommended.