I wish I was...

It's Monday morning.
Another working week begins.

I wish I was camping...

Image from a new found website - I love trailers

Dreaming of escape to a simpler life...

There are days, as the summer fades into autumn and I sit at my desk after a long week-end, that I dream of escape.

I don't want much really... a peaceful view of the water, sunshine on my shoulders, sand between my toes, a pile of books, a few pens, brushes and an empty notebook... and a caravan in which to make up a mug of hot chocolate in the cooler evenings and curl up each night.

This little beauty is an Airstream Bambi, and you can buy one here. At $51,000 it's a bit out of my price range (and I think that might even be US dollars), so I'll just have to keep dreaming.

Getting accustomed to being on my own again...

I am house sitting. A good friend has gone traveling for 10 weeks and was happy to oblige when I offered to house sit in her absence. What a beautiful gift she has given me. Her home is a retreat in the city and I love it.

We met during my arts course last year and she has become a wonderful friend. Her home is much like her... beautiful, artistic, peaceful, welcoming and warmly embracing. It has large windows which welcome lots of light. The top level has a great vista overlooking the rooftops and allows for uninterrupted views of the hot air balloons that can be seen most mornings floating across the city. Downstairs there is a paved courtyard that is bordered by elevated garden beds and is shaded by a big leafy tree.

Tonight is a warm Melbourne evening and the breeze is whispering in the leaves outside. I ate in the courtyard which was lovely and which I will try to do so as much as I can while I am here. My own flat only has a communal garden and so this is an absolute treat.

It is night four on my own and I am feeling far more relaxed now. The first couple of nights I felt slightly unsettled at being on my own again and getting accustomed to being in a new space.

In early January, I was craving total escape. Considered throwing in my job, renting my flat and escaping up the coast to a small seaside town where I could hide from the world. Knowing I wasn't in any state to make any major decisions, I decided to postpone anything too serious for the next 6 months. And so, this next 10 weeks has become my salvation. It will allow me time to think. Time to breathe. Time.

Being alone again is a strange sensation. Mal and I broke up in September last year, and whilst we are no longer together, we are still good friends and he is still living in my flat. He has been especially amazing over the last six months or more... listened to my greatest fears and comforted me in moments of despair and tears (of which there have been many). He has been there to pick up the pieces and saved my sanity on a number of occasions. And for that I will be forever grateful.

BUT (and he knows this is the way of my world) I do like my own space. I like my own company and I have lots to keep me occupied. My house sitting stint comes at just the right time. And so, for the next ten weeks, I am on my own. And loving it.

You've got to uphold the dream...

So, I'm back at work this morning - my arts course finished last week (sob sob). It feels like a bit of a daze really. A few nights out... the exhibition... lots of talking... out and about...

Now, here I am, where I was just 5 days ago and the seat feels unfamilliar. As if I shouldn't be here! Maybe I am imagining it.

Then, I go to flip my desk calendar to today and Friday's quote catches my eye. Funny (and oh so true) given last Friday was the last day.

"You've got to create a dream.
You've got to uphold the dream.
If you can't, then bugger it. Go back
to the factory, or go back to the desk."
ERIC BURDON*

I kid you not. I have no idea who this Eric Burdon is, but I like him. He is a wise man. And the timing of the quote could not have been more perfect.

We spent much of the week-end discussing how to avoid a return to the full time 'office job'. How to live the dream and afford to live at the same time. I'm working on it people, cos, as my buddy Mr.Burdon says... "you've got to uphold the dream".

Happy Monday everyone.

*Turns out Eric Burdon is singer in The Animals. Thanks Sherrin!
This weeks "This is..." and Exhibition update to come in the next few days. Stay tuned!