I know I haven't been posting much recently. Though I am managing to share just a few funny pics that I thought you might enjoy.I'm still here. I hope you are too.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
How twins are conceived...
I know I haven't been posting much recently. Though I am managing to share just a few funny pics that I thought you might enjoy.I'm still here. I hope you are too.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Friday, 27 February 2009
My first album...
You too can create your first album. Let me know if you do - I'd love to see what you come up with. If you would like to join the fun this is all you have to do...
1. Go to "wikipedia" Hit “random”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.
2. Go to "Random quotations"
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.
3. Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
4. Use photoshop or similar to put it all together.
5. TAG the friends you want to join in (or do what I did and leave it up to whoever wants to join in).
Monday, 23 February 2009
Sunday, 22 February 2009
National day of mourning...
Today we will pause to reflect on the tragedy and loss of Black Saturday, February 7th 2009, the worst bushfires in Australian history.Today at 11am EST, Australians will pay their respects. Thousands are expected to join each other in Melbourne, and many more across Australia, to mourn the lives of those lost in the tragedy.
This photo was taken in Marysville in 2007. This small town, with a population of around 500, has been almost totally destroyed by the fires, with enormous loss of life and property.
The flower is a warratah and is native to Australia.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
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.
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.
Monday, 16 February 2009
A long road to recovery...
So an update, because I have been quiet of late... and people have been contacting me to see if I am OK.
So, firstly. Yes. I am.
Thank you for your thoughts and emails. I am truly grateful for all your good wishes.
In regard to the Victorian bush fires, I live in Richmond, Melbourne and whilst I have been feeling the effects of the heat and the smell of bush smoke drifting into the city, I am safe. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for many of my fellow Victorians... so so many have lost everything. There have been nearly 2000 homes lost and lives forever altered. The death toll is absolutely heartbreaking, and as numbers continue to increase, it is of a scale too terrible to comprehend.
I have good friends who have been under threat of ember attack for the last week now, though I am happy to report the level of urgency has declined in the last couple of days and they are now able to leave the house. Roads have re-opened locally so they are able to get to their nearest town. It has been a terrifying time and we have all been feeling helpless. All that we have been able to do is check on them every day and hope that the winds blow in the right direction and do not put them in harms way.
I visited them just 2 weeks before the fires and they warmly welcomed me into their home and I got the local's view of the nearby hills and towns. They live just at the base of the Blue Range which is still burning. At this stage, the only hope of extinguishing the flames is rain. Yes rain. In an area parched due to drought, rain is their only hope, unless the fires burn themselves out of fuel. So it is by no means over. Our hope is this easing of the hot weather has given them more time to re forge containment lines and that there is no more loss.
Family and friends have lost friends in the tragedy, and many more know people who have lost their homes. Victoria and Australia is in mourning... the photos of scarred land, razed homes and destroyed townships has meant we have not escaped. Everyone is feeling the loss to some extent. Ours is merely the surface of the grief.
For those who have survived, they will never escape the memories or the terrors of that day. They have lost family and friends, property, pets, and their livelihoods. I do not pretend to understand what they are going through right now, their grief, their anger, their distress and overwhelming sorrow...I have no doubt, they will continue to hold Black Saturday in their memories for their remaining days and their lives will never be the same. All we can hope for now is that the community continues to support and give generously whatever and whenever they can.
So far there has been nearly $100 Million donated to the Appeal. It sounds like a lot, but this is going to be a long recovery and every cent is needed to start to rebuild the lives of those effected.
If you would like, you can donate online to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
So, firstly. Yes. I am.
Thank you for your thoughts and emails. I am truly grateful for all your good wishes.
In regard to the Victorian bush fires, I live in Richmond, Melbourne and whilst I have been feeling the effects of the heat and the smell of bush smoke drifting into the city, I am safe. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for many of my fellow Victorians... so so many have lost everything. There have been nearly 2000 homes lost and lives forever altered. The death toll is absolutely heartbreaking, and as numbers continue to increase, it is of a scale too terrible to comprehend.
I have good friends who have been under threat of ember attack for the last week now, though I am happy to report the level of urgency has declined in the last couple of days and they are now able to leave the house. Roads have re-opened locally so they are able to get to their nearest town. It has been a terrifying time and we have all been feeling helpless. All that we have been able to do is check on them every day and hope that the winds blow in the right direction and do not put them in harms way.
I visited them just 2 weeks before the fires and they warmly welcomed me into their home and I got the local's view of the nearby hills and towns. They live just at the base of the Blue Range which is still burning. At this stage, the only hope of extinguishing the flames is rain. Yes rain. In an area parched due to drought, rain is their only hope, unless the fires burn themselves out of fuel. So it is by no means over. Our hope is this easing of the hot weather has given them more time to re forge containment lines and that there is no more loss.
Family and friends have lost friends in the tragedy, and many more know people who have lost their homes. Victoria and Australia is in mourning... the photos of scarred land, razed homes and destroyed townships has meant we have not escaped. Everyone is feeling the loss to some extent. Ours is merely the surface of the grief.
For those who have survived, they will never escape the memories or the terrors of that day. They have lost family and friends, property, pets, and their livelihoods. I do not pretend to understand what they are going through right now, their grief, their anger, their distress and overwhelming sorrow...I have no doubt, they will continue to hold Black Saturday in their memories for their remaining days and their lives will never be the same. All we can hope for now is that the community continues to support and give generously whatever and whenever they can.
So far there has been nearly $100 Million donated to the Appeal. It sounds like a lot, but this is going to be a long recovery and every cent is needed to start to rebuild the lives of those effected.
If you would like, you can donate online to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Loving the heat...
Yes - It's hot. Yesterday it reached 45 degrees as I drove home from work and overnight the mercury didn't drop below 28 in Melbourne. Yikes!
I love the summer, but these hot hot days? Well, it IS a little too hot, even for my liking.
But I refuse to complain. I can't help but complain when it's cold (I REALLY hate being cold), but being hot? Well, it's better than being cold!
It seems everyone is complaining. Power cuts, transportation woes (200 train cancellations yesterday) and impatient drivers. Worst of all (and worthy of worry) the threat of bushfires sit heavily in the air.
And whilst everyone is moaning about lack of sleep and melting ice-cream, my frangipani is LOVING it. It is enjoying a spurt of growth and is full of green leaves. At the moment it is spending all of it's energy on leaves and stretching it's branches. If only it would flower!
Friday, 23 January 2009
Being Australian...
The weather has at last turned to summer. The front and back doors are both open, and a fan circulates the air inside my flat. My flat is warm after a few consecutive days of heat and I am enjoying the balmy evening. It is Friday night and the week-end stretches ahead. Three full days... Monday is a public holiday. Australia Day. And so it seems a perfect opportunity to share a list I was emailed some time ago, about being 'straylian'. (That's 'Australian' for anyone who needs an interpretation!)
You know you're Australian if.....
1. You know the meaning of the word 'girt'.
2. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
3. You think it's normal to have a Prime Minister called Kevin.
4. You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse.
5. You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden.
6. You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school.
7. When you hear that an American 'roots for his team' you wonder how often and with whom.
8. You understand that the phrase 'a group of women wearing black thongs' refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds.
9. You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bin'.
10. You pronounce Penrith as 'Pen-riff'.
11. You believe the 'L' in the word 'Australia' is optional.
12. You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'
13. You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.
14. You call your best friend 'a total bastard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a bastard'.
15. You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
16. You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.
17. You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.
18. You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'.
19. You believe that cooked-down axlegrease makes a good breakfast spread.
20. You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.
21. You know, whatever the tourist books say, that no one says 'cobber'.
22. You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.
23. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionary known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
24. You still don't get why the 'Labor' in 'Australian Labor Party' is not spelt with a 'u'.
25. You wear ugh boots outside the house.
26. You believe, as an article of faith, that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance.
27. You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.
28. Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language.
29. You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, while 'scuse me' is always polite.
30. You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.
31. You understand that 'you' has a plural and that it's 'youse'.
32. You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle.
33. Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.
34. You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'.
35. You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbors'.
36. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs - just in case you're trying to sneak in fruit.
37. You believe the phrase 'smart casual' refers to a pair of black tracky-daks, suitably laundered.
38. You understand that all train timetables are works of fiction.
39. When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.
40. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second.
41. You find yourself ignorant of nearly all the facts deemed essential in the government's new test for migrants.
42. You will immediately forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand
You know you're Australian if.....
1. You know the meaning of the word 'girt'.
2. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.
3. You think it's normal to have a Prime Minister called Kevin.
4. You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse.
5. You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden.
6. You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school.
7. When you hear that an American 'roots for his team' you wonder how often and with whom.
8. You understand that the phrase 'a group of women wearing black thongs' refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds.
9. You pronounce Melbourne as 'Mel-bin'.
10. You pronounce Penrith as 'Pen-riff'.
11. You believe the 'L' in the word 'Australia' is optional.
12. You can translate: 'Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas.'
13. You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.
14. You call your best friend 'a total bastard' but someone you really, truly despise is just 'a bit of a bastard'.
15. You think 'Woolloomooloo' is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.
16. You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.
17. You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.
18. You understand that 'Wagga Wagga' can be abbreviated to 'Wagga' but 'Woy Woy' can't be called 'Woy'.
19. You believe that cooked-down axlegrease makes a good breakfast spread.
20. You believe all famous Kiwis are actually Australian, until they stuff up, at which point they again become Kiwis.
21. You know, whatever the tourist books say, that no one says 'cobber'.
22. You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.
23. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionary known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.
24. You still don't get why the 'Labor' in 'Australian Labor Party' is not spelt with a 'u'.
25. You wear ugh boots outside the house.
26. You believe, as an article of faith, that every important discovery in the world was made by an Australian but then sold off to the Yanks for a pittance.
27. You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.
28. Whatever your linguistic skills, you find yourself able to order takeaway fluently in every Asian language.
29. You understand that 'excuse me' can sound rude, while 'scuse me' is always polite.
30. You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.
31. You understand that 'you' has a plural and that it's 'youse'.
32. You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle.
33. Your biggest family argument over the summer concerned the rules for beach cricket.
34. You shake your head in horror when companies try to market what they call 'Anzac cookies'.
35. You still think of Kylie as 'that girl off Neighbors'.
36. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs - just in case you're trying to sneak in fruit.
37. You believe the phrase 'smart casual' refers to a pair of black tracky-daks, suitably laundered.
38. You understand that all train timetables are works of fiction.
39. When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.
40. You get choked up with emotion by the first verse of the national anthem and then have trouble remembering the second.
41. You find yourself ignorant of nearly all the facts deemed essential in the government's new test for migrants.
42. You will immediately forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Sunday, 4 January 2009
What makes 100 percent?
This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this:
What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
And,
B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%
AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.
A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%
So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that while Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.
.....
Do you believe someone somewhere in the world had the time to work this out. Incredible!
What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:
If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then:
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
and
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But,
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
And,
B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%
AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.
A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%
So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that while Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Bullshit and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.
.....
Do you believe someone somewhere in the world had the time to work this out. Incredible!
Saturday, 3 January 2009
Musical challenge...
Its a musical challenge... find as many different groups/individuals in this image as you can (click on the image for a larger view). I can't remember the total amount, but there are certainly more than 50. Guns and Roses, Mathcbox 20, Queen and the Rolling Stones are all there. How many can you see? Some are easy, many more are a little more problematic.
Once you start, you'll be hooked. Friends will be intrigued. It's good fun. Let me know how you go... How many did you find?
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
I think I might be onto something... I may never have to shop again.
And this would be a good thing. Because... (gasp of horror) I HATE TO SHOP. Seriously.
When I was small, my Mum (in an effort to avoid any confrontation) let me choose what I wanted to wear every day. She would look out the window and tell me what the weather would require and then I would dress accordingly. Pretty clever on her part, and we never did clash.
HOWEVER... I do hold her entirely responsible for the fact I have absolutely NO FASHION SENSE AT ALL! And as a result, I'm not much of a shopper. I have never been one to follow the latest fashions and would far prefer to have clothes that can be worn for however long I like them and not be met with looks of despair if worn one season too many.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total disaster and I do like to look good... I just don't list clothes and fashion as a high priority.
I have been saying for ages that I would love a personal shopper. Someone who knew me well enough to know what would look good on me, but also know what I wouldn't like. Someone to push me a little, but not make me look like a 40 year old trying to look like a teenager! And let's face it, I was a teenager in the 80's, so no wonder I don't want to go back there!
So, I'm at work yesterday and we're talking about the sales. And no, I haven't been. Mostly because I haven't much felt like facing the world right now. Nor battling with the crowds. And whilst I know I could do with a few bits, well... it's hardly high on the list.
I joked that I would be happy to hand over $100 to each of them (two workmates) and let them go shopping on my behalf. Well! They got all excited, they squealed with delight, smiles filled their faces, their eyes glazed a little and before I knew it, the deal was done.
Right now, I'm happy - I don't have to shop. They're happy - they get to shop and spend someone else's money. And hopefully, when they return with all their bargains, I will be even happier... They may even get a regular gig.
Seriously, I think I might be onto something.
I may never have to shop again.
Wish me luck!
When I was small, my Mum (in an effort to avoid any confrontation) let me choose what I wanted to wear every day. She would look out the window and tell me what the weather would require and then I would dress accordingly. Pretty clever on her part, and we never did clash.
HOWEVER... I do hold her entirely responsible for the fact I have absolutely NO FASHION SENSE AT ALL! And as a result, I'm not much of a shopper. I have never been one to follow the latest fashions and would far prefer to have clothes that can be worn for however long I like them and not be met with looks of despair if worn one season too many.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not a total disaster and I do like to look good... I just don't list clothes and fashion as a high priority.
I have been saying for ages that I would love a personal shopper. Someone who knew me well enough to know what would look good on me, but also know what I wouldn't like. Someone to push me a little, but not make me look like a 40 year old trying to look like a teenager! And let's face it, I was a teenager in the 80's, so no wonder I don't want to go back there!
So, I'm at work yesterday and we're talking about the sales. And no, I haven't been. Mostly because I haven't much felt like facing the world right now. Nor battling with the crowds. And whilst I know I could do with a few bits, well... it's hardly high on the list.
I joked that I would be happy to hand over $100 to each of them (two workmates) and let them go shopping on my behalf. Well! They got all excited, they squealed with delight, smiles filled their faces, their eyes glazed a little and before I knew it, the deal was done.
Right now, I'm happy - I don't have to shop. They're happy - they get to shop and spend someone else's money. And hopefully, when they return with all their bargains, I will be even happier... They may even get a regular gig.
Seriously, I think I might be onto something.
I may never have to shop again.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Monday, 29 December 2008
Monday, 1 December 2008
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Love thy neighbour...
I live in an inner city suburb of Melbourne where old weatherboard houses are pushed in between blocks of flats and clinker brick commission houses of the 1930's. There are pensioners who grow veggies in their front gardens, living next door to city workers in townhouses. Couples with kids or dogs (or both) and couples without.
Many people greet each other with a nod or a friendly hello in the street, whilst others keep to themselves. Without doubt there are a few oddballs. Despite (or maybe because of) the range of characters, the area maintains a local feel.
There is a local milk bar on the next block which originally sold papers, stale bread and limp groceries, but is now a meeting place for a coffee and a chat. The old timers sit amongst the new comers and watch the world go by with little changing across the years apart from the inevitable turn of the seasons.
It's pretty quiet mostly, despite it's inner suburb location, though true to high density living, not much goes unnoticed.
Whilst out and about, I will sometimes say hello or briefly smile in greeting and mostly people are friendly... and yet there are some characters I tend to avoid. It's not conscious exactly, I just don't go out of my way to greet them. One such person lives across the road and is a pretty rough looking guy. He's big, generally goes unshaven, has wide shoulders and dresses in an oversized T-shirt and shorts, no matter what the season. I know he is there and I am quite sure he has seen me too, but he keeps to himself and I am quite happy with the situation as it stands.
So this morning, as Mal was unlocking his car (an original 1978 mini), he was taken a little by surprise when this guy called out from the other side of the road, trying to get his attention.
It seems a few nights ago, he caught a few young guys trying to flip over Mal's car (three of them on a section each) and he told them in no uncertain terms to piss off! Thankfully (and not surprisingly) he didn't get any arguments and they left post haste. "I'm a pitt bull, I am" he told Mal with a smile. A smiling pit bull.
They chatted briefly and Mal thanked him before he continued on his way, giving each each other a nod as he drove away.
Many people greet each other with a nod or a friendly hello in the street, whilst others keep to themselves. Without doubt there are a few oddballs. Despite (or maybe because of) the range of characters, the area maintains a local feel.
There is a local milk bar on the next block which originally sold papers, stale bread and limp groceries, but is now a meeting place for a coffee and a chat. The old timers sit amongst the new comers and watch the world go by with little changing across the years apart from the inevitable turn of the seasons.
It's pretty quiet mostly, despite it's inner suburb location, though true to high density living, not much goes unnoticed.
Whilst out and about, I will sometimes say hello or briefly smile in greeting and mostly people are friendly... and yet there are some characters I tend to avoid. It's not conscious exactly, I just don't go out of my way to greet them. One such person lives across the road and is a pretty rough looking guy. He's big, generally goes unshaven, has wide shoulders and dresses in an oversized T-shirt and shorts, no matter what the season. I know he is there and I am quite sure he has seen me too, but he keeps to himself and I am quite happy with the situation as it stands.
So this morning, as Mal was unlocking his car (an original 1978 mini), he was taken a little by surprise when this guy called out from the other side of the road, trying to get his attention.
It seems a few nights ago, he caught a few young guys trying to flip over Mal's car (three of them on a section each) and he told them in no uncertain terms to piss off! Thankfully (and not surprisingly) he didn't get any arguments and they left post haste. "I'm a pitt bull, I am" he told Mal with a smile. A smiling pit bull.
They chatted briefly and Mal thanked him before he continued on his way, giving each each other a nod as he drove away.
Just one of those days...
It's a grey start to the day. I'm rugged up - still in my winter work-wear and it's nearly the first day of summer. I've made it to work, on mucky roads in impatient traffic. I'd rather be walking on the beach, preferably in the sun, but even here would be ok...
Where would you like to be right now?
This web cam picks up the view of Bass Strait and Point Lonsdale back beach. Point Lonsdale is the town where I grew up. You can click on the link here and see 4 different views from the Lonsdale Lighthouse. Of course, it's a lot nicer on a sunny day.
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Sunday, 9 November 2008
This is my favourite quote...
Whatever you can do,or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius,
power and magic in it.
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
I actually used this quote for an earlier "This is" post, but I couldn't resist using it again. It really is great motivation for taking a leap into the unknown - being bold and seeing what might happen.
So what are you waiting for?
You heard the man! Begin it!
Go for it!
The theme for this weeks "This is..." came from Ashley at Strawberry Kisses. The "This is..." meme was started by the very creative Angela of Three Buttons fame.
I have other quotes I love too... just click on "quote of the day" link below to read a few more of my favourites.
Friday, 7 November 2008
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
I was shot and I survived...
A few months ago, Mal needed a model for his photography course and so I (rather reluctantly) volunteered. I agreed to model for him on the proviso he was to delete any really bad pics and that he retouched out any spots or major wrinkles. I thought that was more than reasonable!It actually went quite well in the end, thanks to some good lighting - Oh and Mals photography too! Once I relaxed, we even had a bit of a laugh.
He said he didn't have to do TOO much retouching, and at 41, I am happy to believe him!
You can go and visit his new web page here at PortraitPro...
It's still in it's early stages, but he already has some great shots. Go to his gallery and take a look!
Monday, 3 November 2008
Quote of the day...
Kind words can be short and easy to speak
but their echoes are truly endless.
Mother Theresa
but their echoes are truly endless.
Mother Theresa
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Happy Birthday Dad
Today is my Dad's birthday.71 today.
We celebrated together... seven of us in all. It was a special lunch of roast lamb, birthday cake and chocolate brownies shared with good company.
Happy Birthday Dad.
x
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
My favourite things...
This was one of my earliest posts and I had a lot of fun with it. I thought I might revisit it here today and get this little tune dancing around your head for the day. And sometimes it's just good to rembember there are good things in the world... and sometimes the simplest of things bring joy to your life.
So time to sing-a-long everyone! You know you want to!
So time to sing-a-long everyone! You know you want to!
My Favourite things...
Snowflakes in winter and bluebells in springtime,
Family board games, you time and me time,
Hot open fires and glasses that 'ching'
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Sweet jaffa ice-cream and drinks in tall glasses,
Show-offs and posers that fall on their asses,
Old eighties music, that friends and I sing,
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Steaming hot chocolate stuffed full of marshmallows,
Long stemmed red roses from my favourite fellow,
Christmas time presents, that Santa will bring,
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Confrontation!
Indignation!
Leave me feeling mad
So I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad
•
Long walks in summer on clean sandy beaches,
Fresh river swimming (just minus the leeches)
Slow Sunday breakfast with vegemite toast,
these are things that I treasure the most.
•
Broad smiling faces of children in wonder,
Summertime rainfall with lightening and thunder
Kookaburras laughing, a canary that sings
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Long converstaions with giggling girlfriends
Christmas and Easter, birthdays and week-ends,
Good wit and humour - the laughter it brings,
These are a few of my favourite things!
•
Crowded spaces
Tear stained faces
Leave me feeling sad
So I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad
•
You may even want to give it a try yourself and make up your own version. If you do, come back and let me know - I'd love to sing along to your version.
Snowflakes in winter and bluebells in springtime,
Family board games, you time and me time,
Hot open fires and glasses that 'ching'
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Sweet jaffa ice-cream and drinks in tall glasses,
Show-offs and posers that fall on their asses,
Old eighties music, that friends and I sing,
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Steaming hot chocolate stuffed full of marshmallows,
Long stemmed red roses from my favourite fellow,
Christmas time presents, that Santa will bring,
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Confrontation!
Indignation!
Leave me feeling mad
So I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad
•
Long walks in summer on clean sandy beaches,
Fresh river swimming (just minus the leeches)
Slow Sunday breakfast with vegemite toast,
these are things that I treasure the most.
•
Broad smiling faces of children in wonder,
Summertime rainfall with lightening and thunder
Kookaburras laughing, a canary that sings
These are a few of my favourite things...
•
Long converstaions with giggling girlfriends
Christmas and Easter, birthdays and week-ends,
Good wit and humour - the laughter it brings,
These are a few of my favourite things!
•
Crowded spaces
Tear stained faces
Leave me feeling sad
So I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad
•
You may even want to give it a try yourself and make up your own version. If you do, come back and let me know - I'd love to sing along to your version.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Word Verification Interpretation...
Is it just me, or does anyone else have issues with word verification?
I have a ridiculous amount of trouble with word verification when posting comments on blogs. It is not unusual for me to have to try a few of times before I finally get it right. I have even lost comments when I screwed up too many times! (By the way, if my comment on your blog lacks wit, the first one was better!)
Maybe it is my eyesight. Maybe it is my typing (a high possibility). Maybe it is because some of the letters just seem to blend into one another. Whatever it is, I really don't know. I just know there are days when I struggle to get it right.
BUT. Something has changed.
Has anyone else noticed that lately they have become easier?
Some almost read like real words.
And mostly I have managed to get them first time. Ha!
Oh and some are just a little bit funny.
I just had to add this one... a giggle for all the 9 year old boys who drop by my blog!
And finally. Do you believe I have just created an entire post on this subject?
Good grief.
I have a ridiculous amount of trouble with word verification when posting comments on blogs. It is not unusual for me to have to try a few of times before I finally get it right. I have even lost comments when I screwed up too many times! (By the way, if my comment on your blog lacks wit, the first one was better!)
Maybe it is my eyesight. Maybe it is my typing (a high possibility). Maybe it is because some of the letters just seem to blend into one another. Whatever it is, I really don't know. I just know there are days when I struggle to get it right.
BUT. Something has changed.
Has anyone else noticed that lately they have become easier?
Some almost read like real words.
And mostly I have managed to get them first time. Ha!Oh and some are just a little bit funny.
I just had to add this one... a giggle for all the 9 year old boys who drop by my blog!And finally. Do you believe I have just created an entire post on this subject?
Good grief.
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Most days I feel like I'm still in my 20's...
Yes, today is my birthday. Most days I feel like I'm still in my 20's, so finding that I am now 20 years past my 21st birthday somehow comes as a bit of a shock. Seriously. 20 years ago I was 21. Gheeesh!I'm 41.
Don't worry, I can't believe it either.
Sunday, 19 October 2008
A welcome laugh...
I was sent this pic sometime ago, and being that I like to share a giggle, I have been intending to share it with you for sometime. Of course with everything that has been going on... well... It's a bit later than planned. But a smile is better late than never.So...
To everyone who has emailed, called, sent me messages of love and support and left me a comments on my blog over the last few weeks, and to every one who has been touched by recent events in my life (and maybe wanted to comment but didn't know what to say)... Thank-you all.
Your thoughts mean so much to me.
I have been told, laughter is the best medicine, so, have a laugh and stay healthy and happy.
And maybe leave the bells and pepper spray at home!
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