In between study, pursuit of work, reading for leisure and knitting up a storm (sometimes for charity), I haven't had the headspace to write. I think I've been very busy thinking which doesn't leave much space to observe. I've also been feeling a bit angry and frustrated at some of the things I I had a fabulous, relaxed break over the long weekend and started noticing things again.
Today I saw a poster in the window of a discount chemist advertising the new fragrance from Mercedes Benz. I imagine it smells like, well, a car! Why would I want to smell like a car? I can't imagine that there will ever be a fragrance called "Clapped out Corolla".
I found this sentence on the internet as part of a description of the fragrance: This contrasted composition confers authenticity and is at the heart of the fragrances story olfactory signature and original yet universal character. They might make good cars, but they don't write very good.
It's been a cold start to winter in Melbourne. Last Thursday was particularly cold - biting wind, horizontal rain, no sign of reprieve. Running errands in the city, I saw the ultimate sign of wishful thinking: outdoor tables topped with a pineapple. No one was sitting there and I can't imagine they would order anything other than a hot chocolate. Those poor pineapples!
After lunch and a wander with a friend on Sunday we found ourselves arriving back to the city right when the big football crowds were making their way to Etihad Stadium. At each stop more and more people squeezed in and even thought I was seated, I had a couple of bottoms resting on my shoulder. We arrived at the Bourke Street mall stop and lots of people tried to make a move to disembark, but people were already trying to get on. No one could do anything, so I called out to let everyone know that we were trying to get off. I got one of those looks you get when you speak in a lift with people you don't know. Nothing happened. I made the request more transparent, suggesting that the best way to get out of the way and let people off, was to get off themselves, let us off and then get back on. Still nothing. I managed to ooze my way to the steps where there were three people standing the steps. I asked them to move so we could get off and they said there was no need. Actually their exact words were, "Come on! Are you right?" I had to press myself against them as I went down the stairs.
My conclusion was that they couldn't possibly be Melbournians. Could they? Melbournians are excellent at being in a crowd and very civil and practical in a squeeze. At least we used to be.
News from my mother tells me that my requirements when travelling have been severely lacking. Usually I'm happy if the lighting in the bathroom does not make me look as though I'm aged 153; even better if I can convince myself that I look 25 and the towels are generously sized. My mother informed me today of accommodation she has booked for my father, advising that it has a heated indoor swimming pool and a small herd of fallow deer. I'm listing that as a permanent demand whenever I travel now. It's almost enough to let my mother be my booking agent, but I think she has her hands full being my editor.
How are you travelling?
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Thursday, 31 July 2014
Out in the rain, out on the tracks
Sorry about my absence. Funny how the days sneak up and bleed into the nights and suddenly lots of them have slipped by.
Metro Trains have changed the time table. I haven't quite worked out what it all means, but their great smart phone app, called "Notify" lets me know each morning when my train is due to run. For example, the 7:20am now departs at 7:18 because of the changed timetable. Great service. Unfortunately, there's been a few occasions where the next communication is to advise that the train has been delayed. Ironically, it's later than it would have been if the timetable hadn't changed.
Still on the subject of public transport, Melbournians lose their usually excellent capacity to play well with others when it involves rain, peak hour and public transport. As I watched the sky turn from a sunny blue to a terrifying black, I made my plans to exit the building. I finished a phone call from a friend and was just about to take his advice and leave (the temperature had dropped to about 8 degrees with wind and rain thrown in for extra excitement) when my boss stopped me to check in on a few things. By the time I left, it was even colder and much wetter. Huddling at the tram stop, with only a tiny foldable umbrella - rendered impotent by the wind - I found a new definition of misery. This new definition was replaced a moment later as I huddled, damply, on the tram. I tried to wrangle my umbrella so I didn't wet anyone anymore than they already were. Meanwhile, I felt a wet patch growing on my back. The woman behind me was pressing her soaking, dripping umbrella into my back. We adjusted. The tram stopped a the next stop. No one alighted. A few determined people squeezed into non-existent space, pleading for us to move in. We were so squashed that the only way I could create more space was to inhale, so I did.
The next ordeal was negotiating the stupidly skinny tram platform that was packed with too many people, plus their backpacks in the rain with umbrellas and rain hoods making it impossible to see each other. We stood on our refuge, wedged between the tram line and two lanes of traffic. Opposite, a man squatted down with his camera and leaped to action when we started to cross.
My outfit served me well today, drawing comments from many quarters:
"That's a very eclectic outfit". I chose to respond with "thank you".
"Your dress is hitched up at the back, let me just...oh...how does it work?" I explained the complex rigging involved and thanked her for being concerned. She revealed her plan to protect my modesty.
"What a fantastic outfit!" was the best comment of the day, as I interacted with people who are more from "my" world.
Hail, rain and wind are on the cards for tomorrow. I must prepare for the travel odyssey ahead. I shall think of it as character building.
We certainly saw Lorraine today: http://youtu.be/Lw6zjxH9aAk
Monday, 14 July 2014
Sunday slideshow...on Monday
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| Collins and Russell Streets in Melbourne city. © 2014 divacultura |
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| Could not resist the way the afternoon sun was lighting up this facade. © 2014 divacultura |
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| Love the way the leaves on the trees catch the afternoon light and look like flecks of gold. © 2014 divacultura |
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| Knitting some happy socks is a perfect way to keep the winter blues at bay. © 2014 divacultura |
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| These are made in a yarn called "Allegria". Apt © 2014 divacultura |
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Clear out your unwanted winter clothes for a good cause.
I received an email this week about the need for warm clothes for visitors coming to Melbourne for the International AIDS Conference at the end of July. Many of the delegates are from warm, low income countries.
Details of how to donate clothes are at the end. Thanks for your help.
Spread the word!
Details of how to donate clothes are at the end. Thanks for your help.
Spread the word!
Last year's World AIDS Day sign over the Yarra River.
© 2013 divaculturaThe International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) is the largest ever health or development meetingto be held in Australia.AIDS 2014 will be held here in Melbourne from 20 – 25 July, 2014 and we need your help!Approximately 14, 000 participants are expected to attend the Conference and various associated events. Many of our delegates are coming from warmer climates and some from low income countries. As we know, the temperatures don’t get to high here in the month of July and the MPG ispartnering with Red Cross to provide low cost warm clothing.This is where you come in – we are asking you to dig deep and donate some winter woollies for delegates to purchase during AIDS 2014. Donated clothing will be sold (at very low costs) within the Global Village at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) where the conference willbe held. Proceeds raised from your donation will be donated to Red Cross to assist their humanitarian work, supporting vulnerable people within our community.We are looking for donations of women's and men's winter clothing & accessories such as:• Tops, T.shirts, Shirts, Long Sleeve Blouses• Knitwear, Cardigans, Jumpers, Pullovers• Jeans, Pants, Skirts, Tights• Coats, Jackets• Shoes, Scarves, Beanies, GlovesAIDS 2014 is only 3 weeks away! Your urgency in donating goods is greatly appreciated.Red Cross Shops can collect the merchandise or alternatively, it can be dropped at our head office location, 23-47 Villiers Street, North Melbourne, VIC.To make a donation please call Bianca Wendt, Red Cross Shops Merchandise Manager, directly on (03) 8327 7867 or 0408 300 470.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Sunday slide show
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| Walkway, Melbourne © 2014 divacultura |
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| Time passes. © 2014 divacultura |
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| Tidal spire © 2014 divacultura |
Seconds later, a different angle and some different effects and the scene is different. I love the bright green saturation of the little patch of grass in the lower left hand corner. In the foreground is part of the scultpure by Inge King, "Forward Surge".
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| Surge © 2014 divacultura |
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| Eyes on the tracks © 2014 divacultura |
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| Self portrait © 2014 divacultura |
Without all the digital tools available today, this probably would have taken hours in a dark room. That's a satisfying process too, but much more expensive. I love just playing with various tools knowing that I can't destroy the original - it will always be there for me to play with until I reach a result that I'm happy with.
What are you photographing at the moment? Do you use Instagram? (I'm divacultura over there too. Come and say hello!)
Friday, 6 June 2014
Friday thoughts
It's a long weekend. I love the feeling of signing off for three days in a row. Apparently we're celebrating the English Queen of Australia's birthday. I don't know what that means, but I'm very happy to have an extra day where I can wake up when I'm ready, instead of when the alarm goes off - which seems to be very early these days!
*****
Winter is setting in. It's not really cold yet, but I put some towels out on the line to dry today. They went out in the dark at 6:15 this morning. I took them off in the dark at 5:30 this evening and they weren't dry. They nearly were, but they weren't. This is my measure of the seasons.
*****
I'm watching the television show "Nashville" at the moment. It's a soap opera set in the Nashville music scene and has everything from the country music queen whose latest album hasn't really sold, the upcoming blond starlet who needs autotune to make her sound okay, the sexy, enigmatic cowboy/lead guitarist with a dark past and the two young hot things who accidentally start songwriting together. Add to this mix some local politics and financial corruption and you've got everything. I'm loving it.
The character of Scarlett is a gorgeous blonde girl who has been writing poems, but never considered herself a songwriter. Gunnar sets one of the poems to music and they smoulder as they sing together. They get a publishing deal and she speaks about songwriting at a dinner to welcome them to the fold.
She says that she has noticed that the more specific the image, the more universal the truth. YES! What a great summary of all kinds of writing.
I'm looking back at my songs and thinking about this idea.
*****
I'm thinking of going to the movies this weekend. On the list to see:
The Broken Circle Breakdown
Fading Gigolo
The Zero Theorem
Under the Skin
No blockbusters! What have you seen lately?
*****
Winter is setting in. It's not really cold yet, but I put some towels out on the line to dry today. They went out in the dark at 6:15 this morning. I took them off in the dark at 5:30 this evening and they weren't dry. They nearly were, but they weren't. This is my measure of the seasons.
*****
I'm watching the television show "Nashville" at the moment. It's a soap opera set in the Nashville music scene and has everything from the country music queen whose latest album hasn't really sold, the upcoming blond starlet who needs autotune to make her sound okay, the sexy, enigmatic cowboy/lead guitarist with a dark past and the two young hot things who accidentally start songwriting together. Add to this mix some local politics and financial corruption and you've got everything. I'm loving it.
The character of Scarlett is a gorgeous blonde girl who has been writing poems, but never considered herself a songwriter. Gunnar sets one of the poems to music and they smoulder as they sing together. They get a publishing deal and she speaks about songwriting at a dinner to welcome them to the fold.
She says that she has noticed that the more specific the image, the more universal the truth. YES! What a great summary of all kinds of writing.
I'm looking back at my songs and thinking about this idea.
*****
I'm thinking of going to the movies this weekend. On the list to see:
The Broken Circle Breakdown
Fading Gigolo
The Zero Theorem
Under the Skin
No blockbusters! What have you seen lately?
Monday, 2 June 2014
Rehearsal is for wimps - Sunday night impro!
Last night I did dinner and a show with a friend. The dinner was delicious Asian dumplings (difficult to eat elegantly...do wait until they've cooled before placing them in your mouth) and the show was made up on the spot. It was Maestro, produced by Impro Melbourne.
Maestro is a gladiatorial format. Last night 10 players/actors competed for the audience approval, 9 of them working in vain to avoid elimination in the quest to be crowned the Maestro and win a very special prize.
Two directors randomly draw ping pong balls with numbers which correspond to the numbers on the netball-style bibs worn by players. Sometimes scenes just start; at other times the directors will give a very loose offer and the players take it from there. At the end of each scene the audience clapometer determines the number of points to be allocated to each person in the scene. The audience doesn't lie, but occasionally is happy to play. For example, one actor repeatedly said that he had declared his love "five" times, over "five" days. The subliminal messaging continued until eventually many in the audience awarded the full five points. I did. He deserved the points for having gall and charm simultaneously. At one point in the show, I was the ONLY person who awarded two points and it felt very lonely. I clapped twice, very softly. The power of the human need to conform got me!
Like all great shows based on improvisation, not everything works. I actually love this too. It's great when a scene really comes together and the audience feels the thrill and joy of spontaneity. But when a scene doesn't quite work we see something we don't often see these days - unpolished and raw creative work.
The audience is not immune from the creative impulse. Last night one of the directors told the two players on stage that they were on holiday in a tiny caravan. I was sitting five seats away, so she heard me when I said, "Oh god" in response to the idea of the tiny caravan. She asked me if I'd been in one and asked me to describe it. Off I went: "Everything is close together - too close together. The bed is in the kitchen, the stove is on the bed, the TV is on the stove..." I could have added that you can flush the toilet and do the dishes from the comfort of your bed too.
The scene that resulted, was silly and funny with more and more people being invited to come into the caravan (of course it was raining outside) and doing the simplest thing like getting the milk out of the fridge required the skill of a contortionist to climb under and over the other people in the caravan.
Another highlight was the discussion between the two yokels about what exactly an "air strip" is. (It's a strip of specially imported air!)
Permission to be silly and play is one of the things that drew me to improvisation years ago. I use it daily in all kinds of situations. (Last week I wrote a new song inspired by the rats I had discovered in my roof...it's all done, but it could be a country song or a shoo-wop song and I can't decide. I might keep playing and turn it into a rap!)
I was reading something today (I can't remember what) but it was a statement that spontaneity is an essential ingredient for us to perceive other people as authentic. It makes sense; if you're in a spontaneous mindset, then you're present, open, listening and ready to dive in. If you're in a spontaneous mindset, you're not worried about what anyone else is thinking of you or busily planning your next comment when you should be listening closely to someone else.
Impro Melbourne runs classes if you want to tap into your spontaneity. Or you could go along on a Sunday night and have a lot of fun for $10!
I left feeling inspired, even though it was dark at 4:30pm on the first day of winter.
Do you improvise? Have you seen Maestro? What did you think? What's your favourite impro format?
Maestro is a gladiatorial format. Last night 10 players/actors competed for the audience approval, 9 of them working in vain to avoid elimination in the quest to be crowned the Maestro and win a very special prize.
Two directors randomly draw ping pong balls with numbers which correspond to the numbers on the netball-style bibs worn by players. Sometimes scenes just start; at other times the directors will give a very loose offer and the players take it from there. At the end of each scene the audience clapometer determines the number of points to be allocated to each person in the scene. The audience doesn't lie, but occasionally is happy to play. For example, one actor repeatedly said that he had declared his love "five" times, over "five" days. The subliminal messaging continued until eventually many in the audience awarded the full five points. I did. He deserved the points for having gall and charm simultaneously. At one point in the show, I was the ONLY person who awarded two points and it felt very lonely. I clapped twice, very softly. The power of the human need to conform got me!
Like all great shows based on improvisation, not everything works. I actually love this too. It's great when a scene really comes together and the audience feels the thrill and joy of spontaneity. But when a scene doesn't quite work we see something we don't often see these days - unpolished and raw creative work.
The audience is not immune from the creative impulse. Last night one of the directors told the two players on stage that they were on holiday in a tiny caravan. I was sitting five seats away, so she heard me when I said, "Oh god" in response to the idea of the tiny caravan. She asked me if I'd been in one and asked me to describe it. Off I went: "Everything is close together - too close together. The bed is in the kitchen, the stove is on the bed, the TV is on the stove..." I could have added that you can flush the toilet and do the dishes from the comfort of your bed too.
The scene that resulted, was silly and funny with more and more people being invited to come into the caravan (of course it was raining outside) and doing the simplest thing like getting the milk out of the fridge required the skill of a contortionist to climb under and over the other people in the caravan.
Another highlight was the discussion between the two yokels about what exactly an "air strip" is. (It's a strip of specially imported air!)
Permission to be silly and play is one of the things that drew me to improvisation years ago. I use it daily in all kinds of situations. (Last week I wrote a new song inspired by the rats I had discovered in my roof...it's all done, but it could be a country song or a shoo-wop song and I can't decide. I might keep playing and turn it into a rap!)
I was reading something today (I can't remember what) but it was a statement that spontaneity is an essential ingredient for us to perceive other people as authentic. It makes sense; if you're in a spontaneous mindset, then you're present, open, listening and ready to dive in. If you're in a spontaneous mindset, you're not worried about what anyone else is thinking of you or busily planning your next comment when you should be listening closely to someone else.
Impro Melbourne runs classes if you want to tap into your spontaneity. Or you could go along on a Sunday night and have a lot of fun for $10!
I left feeling inspired, even though it was dark at 4:30pm on the first day of winter.
Do you improvise? Have you seen Maestro? What did you think? What's your favourite impro format?
Monday, 29 July 2013
What raised my eyebrows today
Whenever anything happens in the British royal family, I expect there will be a wave of fervour that will cause most unexpected results.
I noticed a pattern on Ravelry offering instructions for me to knit my own Prince George, complete with Kate and Will. On further investigation I notice that I am behind as I missed the earlier offering enabling me to knit my own royal wedding!
One thing led to another and suddenly I'm on the Book Depository website discovering books with titles such as "Knit your own dog", Knit your own cat", "Knit and Purl pets", "Knit your own zombie", "Knit your own moustache".
There are lots of references to "knitting bibles". I had always assumed that the term "bible" used in this context meant a comprehensive guide to knitting. Now I'm not so sure. Perhaps it contains instructions to knit my own bible. This could either be an actual book or the characters in the bible.
How about this fanciful title: "Knit in a day for baby". This is clearly written by someone who doesn't actually have a baby. I don't have one, but I know enough to know that if I had one, I wouldn't have time to do anything in a day, let alone knit something. I think I would start the planning for the 21st birthday present early.
******
I walked past a promotional poster for a show at the Arts Centre and was surprised that a piece of advertising would have such a lukewarm tag line. I read: "This show is mildly entertaining!" Wow. Can't wait to see that one.
The exclamation mark seemed remarkably out of place!
I looked again.
It actually said that the show is "wildly entertaining!"
The punctuation now made sense.
*****
Another season of "Big Brother" is broadcasting on television right now. I feel the passage of time as I notice my lack of desire to have a look.
*****
An email from a friend who is currently in Edinburgh advised me that Melbourne's temperature today was actually 3 degrees warmer than the temperature over there. So much for summer. I gain a new understanding of why the Scottish woman at music camp that time had no idea what to do with a sarong.
I hope your week started well.
What raised your eyebrows today?
I noticed a pattern on Ravelry offering instructions for me to knit my own Prince George, complete with Kate and Will. On further investigation I notice that I am behind as I missed the earlier offering enabling me to knit my own royal wedding!
One thing led to another and suddenly I'm on the Book Depository website discovering books with titles such as "Knit your own dog", Knit your own cat", "Knit and Purl pets", "Knit your own zombie", "Knit your own moustache".
There are lots of references to "knitting bibles". I had always assumed that the term "bible" used in this context meant a comprehensive guide to knitting. Now I'm not so sure. Perhaps it contains instructions to knit my own bible. This could either be an actual book or the characters in the bible.
How about this fanciful title: "Knit in a day for baby". This is clearly written by someone who doesn't actually have a baby. I don't have one, but I know enough to know that if I had one, I wouldn't have time to do anything in a day, let alone knit something. I think I would start the planning for the 21st birthday present early.
******
I walked past a promotional poster for a show at the Arts Centre and was surprised that a piece of advertising would have such a lukewarm tag line. I read: "This show is mildly entertaining!" Wow. Can't wait to see that one.
The exclamation mark seemed remarkably out of place!
I looked again.
It actually said that the show is "wildly entertaining!"
The punctuation now made sense.
*****
Another season of "Big Brother" is broadcasting on television right now. I feel the passage of time as I notice my lack of desire to have a look.
*****
An email from a friend who is currently in Edinburgh advised me that Melbourne's temperature today was actually 3 degrees warmer than the temperature over there. So much for summer. I gain a new understanding of why the Scottish woman at music camp that time had no idea what to do with a sarong.
I hope your week started well.
What raised your eyebrows today?
Sunday, 21 July 2013
TV binge
What greater excuse to indulge in binge TV can there be than winter weather? I took full advantage of the rain and cold temperatures over the weekend to finish watching the first series of American Horror Story and the seventh season of Dexter (I only had two episodes of this one left).
I approached American Horror Story with much trepidation. Horror is not my favourite genre and I'm not great with ghost stories. Or anything involving mirrors. Rather than investing in something I wasn't sure I was going to be able to watch, I borrowed the first disc from Quickflix and was immediately hooked. Although it features ghosts and lots of mirror action, I was okay. I think I was more involved in the psychodrama side of things - what do people's fears look like? what does a man see when he looks at a woman? who's real and what's imagined?
I watched the opening titles once and found them scarier than the show, so I skipped right past them after that first time. There's something about sepia photographs of wide eyed infants flashing in quick cut or melting that is spooky. Then I watched the feature on the DVD about the design of the opening title sequence with its wonderful font and discovered that the impact that the opening title sequence had had on me was exactly what they were aiming for.
Maybe the fact I had my knitting to distract me helped me not be too scared. I did watch the first episode in broad daylight, fully prepared to not go beyond that, but how can Jessica Lange be resisted? She's always terrific and plays slightly unhinged very well. And the good news is that I've nearly finished the cardigan I'm knitting for myself - I just need to do the neck and the sleeves. I hope the cardigan isn't prickly as a result of the context in which it was knitted.
Apart from watching TV, I'm reading a book about TV. It's by Alan Sepinwall and is called The Revolution was Televised. It's an examination of the change in television that started with prison drama "Oz", continued with "The Sopranos", "The Wire" through to "Breaking Bad". I've watched all of the shows discussed except for "The Shield", "Lost" and "Battlestar Galactica", the last of which has been on my list for a while. It's interesting to discover what seem to be "universal" responses to particular moments and characters. And I'm happy to have discovered that "Deadwood" did seem to be missing a fourth and final season. It wasn't just me.
What are you watching at the moment?
I approached American Horror Story with much trepidation. Horror is not my favourite genre and I'm not great with ghost stories. Or anything involving mirrors. Rather than investing in something I wasn't sure I was going to be able to watch, I borrowed the first disc from Quickflix and was immediately hooked. Although it features ghosts and lots of mirror action, I was okay. I think I was more involved in the psychodrama side of things - what do people's fears look like? what does a man see when he looks at a woman? who's real and what's imagined?
I watched the opening titles once and found them scarier than the show, so I skipped right past them after that first time. There's something about sepia photographs of wide eyed infants flashing in quick cut or melting that is spooky. Then I watched the feature on the DVD about the design of the opening title sequence with its wonderful font and discovered that the impact that the opening title sequence had had on me was exactly what they were aiming for.
Maybe the fact I had my knitting to distract me helped me not be too scared. I did watch the first episode in broad daylight, fully prepared to not go beyond that, but how can Jessica Lange be resisted? She's always terrific and plays slightly unhinged very well. And the good news is that I've nearly finished the cardigan I'm knitting for myself - I just need to do the neck and the sleeves. I hope the cardigan isn't prickly as a result of the context in which it was knitted.
Apart from watching TV, I'm reading a book about TV. It's by Alan Sepinwall and is called The Revolution was Televised. It's an examination of the change in television that started with prison drama "Oz", continued with "The Sopranos", "The Wire" through to "Breaking Bad". I've watched all of the shows discussed except for "The Shield", "Lost" and "Battlestar Galactica", the last of which has been on my list for a while. It's interesting to discover what seem to be "universal" responses to particular moments and characters. And I'm happy to have discovered that "Deadwood" did seem to be missing a fourth and final season. It wasn't just me.
What are you watching at the moment?
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Sunday slideshow
I haven't shared my photographs for a while. It's interesting to observe the change in seasons - the different light, colours and mood of the city.
How has the changing season affected what you see? How does your home look in the different light?
All photos taken on my iphone 4s and finished using instragram.
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| Inside the foyer of the National Gallery of Victory is an extraordinary object - a taxidermied deer covered in glass bubbles. It's quite compelling to look at. Everything looks different from different angles; some of the bubbles magnify what's beneath. © divacultura 2013 |
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| Late afternoon at the pool outside the NGV, looking towards the Melbourne Theatre Company theatres. © divacultura |
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| That's the Eureka Tower peering over the smaller buildings. Taken from the corner of Sturt Street and Southbank Boulevard through the tram wires. © divacultura 2013 |
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| While listening to a speech at BMW Edge in Federation Square, I noticed the Arts Centre spire. © divacultura 2013 |
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| Inside the old GPO Building. There's a clothes shop where my old post office box used to be. © divacultura 2013 |
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| Here's the entrance to the Regal Theatre's ballroom. I love the tiles and the gates together. © divacultura 2013 |
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| One of my favourite corners in Melbourne - Collins and Swanston Streets. © divacultura 2013 |
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| The new NAB buliding at Docklands, just near Southern Cross Station. I like the reflections of the building opposite on Spencer Street. © divacultura 2013 |
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| The Helix Tree is a piece of voice activated sculpture which is currently in Federation Square. At 5:30pm, every night in June, an a capella choir sings "up the tree" to bring it to light. It's part of the Light in Winter Festival. This choir is Soulsong. I'll be there with my group, Tongue and Groove, soon. © divacultura 2013 |
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| Singing up the Helix Tree. © divacultura 2013 |
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| The upper branches of the Helix Tree. © divacultura 2013 |
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| Walking across the bridge to Flinders Street Station in the gloom. © divacultura 2013 |
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| The Yarra River from the Princess Bridge at about 5:30pm last week. The warm colours from lights at Flinders Street Station look so inviting. © divacultura 2013 |
How has the changing season affected what you see? How does your home look in the different light?
All photos taken on my iphone 4s and finished using instragram.
Friday, 14 June 2013
My favourite things - this week
It's the day after yesterday and woke up again to more sexism. This time West Australian radio announcer Howard Sattler thought he'd use the privilege of access to Prime Minister Julia Gillard to repeatedly ask whether her partner Tim Mathison is gay. That he thought it was okay to ask is bad. That he harangued and repeatedly asked as he said "I'm not saying this, but people are" is terrible. That he is "flabbergasted" at his sacking really says something about the man.
Why is this included in a post of my favourite things? Because the radio station acted swiftly and sacked him. No namby-pamby suspension and then quiet reinstatement later when everyone has forgotten - gone. Congratulations 6PR.
Baz Lurhman's film, "The Great Gatsby" took up most of the holiday for the Queen's Birthday on Monday. I loved the film. I loved Leonardo Di Caprio's performance and Joel Edgerton and Carey Mulligan. And the music and the swoon- worthy fashions. My favourite moment though was the footage of a young Queen Elizabeth II with the message "Happy Birthday Liz" played before the film at Yarraville's Sun Theatre. "Oh yeah," I thought, "that's right...that's why it's a public holiday today."
Loved this piece on the 10 books people will judge you for reading. I've read 4 of them and have no intention of reading the remaining 6. E readers are a god send. That's all I'm saying. (I will make no mention of being ensconced in "World War Z - an oral history of the zombie war" at the moment.
It's well and truly winter in Melbourne and I for one am enjoying the chill. It gives me plenty of opportunity to show off my selection of handknitted scarves and fabulous hosiery and boots. The rain is a bit annoying, but it hasn't stopped me achieving my daily target of 10,000 steps in the Global Corporate Challenge.
Monday nights and The Voice are still a great moment in a week's television viewing. The final is on this week and I reckon Harrison will win. I was sad to see Miss Murphy go - it ruined my perfect record of predicting who would go through. I will look forward to Danny Ross' album.
Lastly, I need to finish now so I can make some more sourdough toast with a smear of Maggie Beer's pate to accompany a glass of peppery shiraz. Mmmm.
Why is this included in a post of my favourite things? Because the radio station acted swiftly and sacked him. No namby-pamby suspension and then quiet reinstatement later when everyone has forgotten - gone. Congratulations 6PR.
Baz Lurhman's film, "The Great Gatsby" took up most of the holiday for the Queen's Birthday on Monday. I loved the film. I loved Leonardo Di Caprio's performance and Joel Edgerton and Carey Mulligan. And the music and the swoon- worthy fashions. My favourite moment though was the footage of a young Queen Elizabeth II with the message "Happy Birthday Liz" played before the film at Yarraville's Sun Theatre. "Oh yeah," I thought, "that's right...that's why it's a public holiday today."
Loved this piece on the 10 books people will judge you for reading. I've read 4 of them and have no intention of reading the remaining 6. E readers are a god send. That's all I'm saying. (I will make no mention of being ensconced in "World War Z - an oral history of the zombie war" at the moment.
It's well and truly winter in Melbourne and I for one am enjoying the chill. It gives me plenty of opportunity to show off my selection of handknitted scarves and fabulous hosiery and boots. The rain is a bit annoying, but it hasn't stopped me achieving my daily target of 10,000 steps in the Global Corporate Challenge.
Monday nights and The Voice are still a great moment in a week's television viewing. The final is on this week and I reckon Harrison will win. I was sad to see Miss Murphy go - it ruined my perfect record of predicting who would go through. I will look forward to Danny Ross' album.
Lastly, I need to finish now so I can make some more sourdough toast with a smear of Maggie Beer's pate to accompany a glass of peppery shiraz. Mmmm.
Friday, 17 May 2013
My favourite things - this week
I'm loving my new vocal group. I went to my second rehearsal this week and enjoyed singing Sarah Maclachlan, Zap Mama, an African song and Rachmaninov - sung in Russian! And they have a very funky name - Tongue and Groove. Lovely group of people with a solid group of excellent male voices. Heavenly. I'm switching between my usual soprano spot to sing first alto on occasions and am enjoying exploring my lower register.
Today's job was pretty good. It involved wearing pyjamas and a hospital gown and lying in bed. There was a bit more to it than that, but it's really easy to get ready for work when that's the brief!
I accidentally bought some new boots today. Or I could tell you they followed me home...but I don't think you'd believe me. Another pair of Fluevogs joins the collection. The style is called Map and the colour is called Ontario Blackberry. Yum. I think I like this new "no black shoes" policy (apart from the one pair for corporate work).
Another favourite moment was when one of the women in the office told me she liked my red boots. Well she didn't say that exactly. She said they were "jazzy". I found this very confusing, but said thank you because she meant well.
Even though it's cold, I love being able to parade around in the lovely scarves and hats I've knit. The one I wore today is one of my all time favourites. The colours make me very happy.
The other favourite moment was being at home when the water started running out of the ceiling and being in the right place at the right time. None of my stuff was damaged! Thank you universe.
How's your week been?
Today's job was pretty good. It involved wearing pyjamas and a hospital gown and lying in bed. There was a bit more to it than that, but it's really easy to get ready for work when that's the brief!
 |
| Walking tall ©divacultura 2013 |
I accidentally bought some new boots today. Or I could tell you they followed me home...but I don't think you'd believe me. Another pair of Fluevogs joins the collection. The style is called Map and the colour is called Ontario Blackberry. Yum. I think I like this new "no black shoes" policy (apart from the one pair for corporate work).
 |
| Red boots on Fluevog day. ©divacultura 2013 |
Another favourite moment was when one of the women in the office told me she liked my red boots. Well she didn't say that exactly. She said they were "jazzy". I found this very confusing, but said thank you because she meant well.
Even though it's cold, I love being able to parade around in the lovely scarves and hats I've knit. The one I wore today is one of my all time favourites. The colours make me very happy.
 |
| © divacultura 2013 |
How's your week been?
Friday, 3 August 2012
My favourite things - this week
1. The idea of the Olympics is a favourite thing this week. I wrote about it and the spirit of Olympism here. The idea of the Olympics is much more inspiring than the reality of Channel 9's free to air coverage (see what the Lazy Civil Servant had to say about it) and the twisted notion of winning and losing. Having said that, I was completely absorbed in the women's K9 at midnight last night. Who knew it could be so interesting, so technical and that Eddy is more than just a boy's name. Naturally I'm now an expert on everything to do with kayaking. Goodness knows what my area of expertise will be tonight.
2. Winter sunshine is a great invention. This week in Melbourne has been spectacular. We've had very cold mornings - luckily, I avoided most of them - followed by clear blue skies and sunshine. I love to feel the cold winter air on my face, perhaps even see my breath, and then look up to see a glorious, sunny day. I even went out with my heavy winter coat today!
3. Free movie tickets! I've been to the movies twice this week and haven't paid a cent! On Monday night I was a guest of ABC 774 (our local radio) to see "Beasts of the Southern Wild" which is screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival. It was a magical film with an incredible performance by the 8 year old girl in the central role, Quvenzhane Wallis. The second outing was this afternoon to see "Hysteria" courtesy of Hopscotch Films. They were kind enough to give me a double pass for my own use, as well as the three that I gave away here recently. Free movie tickets rock!
4. My electric blanket is something I've only recently come to appreciate. In the absence of central heating, it's excellent. I don't have to roll around in bed for half an hour to warm up the bed before I can go to sleep. I turn it on about half an hour before bedtime and turn it off when I get in. My goose down doona does the rest, keeping the warmth in the bed.
5. This photo!
If you can spit on the ceiling then you're fantastic and we're going to turn you into an Olympic champion!
What were your favourite things this week? Anything to share?
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY & YOU GET THE GIFTS!
As I contemplate renewing my commitment to divacultura for another year, I feel excitement and affection. Thank you for sharing some of your time with me. As a thank you gift - and so I can gain a better sense of who's out there - I'll be giving away a pair of my hand knitted socks to two very lucky readers, where ever you are in the world (ie two readers will receive a pair of socks each). To be in the running, leave a comment on this post by Friday 17 August 2012, stating why you like reading divacultura. My favourite responses will receive the prize (my decision is final). Why not take the opportunity to sign up and follow too!
2. Winter sunshine is a great invention. This week in Melbourne has been spectacular. We've had very cold mornings - luckily, I avoided most of them - followed by clear blue skies and sunshine. I love to feel the cold winter air on my face, perhaps even see my breath, and then look up to see a glorious, sunny day. I even went out with my heavy winter coat today!
3. Free movie tickets! I've been to the movies twice this week and haven't paid a cent! On Monday night I was a guest of ABC 774 (our local radio) to see "Beasts of the Southern Wild" which is screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival. It was a magical film with an incredible performance by the 8 year old girl in the central role, Quvenzhane Wallis. The second outing was this afternoon to see "Hysteria" courtesy of Hopscotch Films. They were kind enough to give me a double pass for my own use, as well as the three that I gave away here recently. Free movie tickets rock!
4. My electric blanket is something I've only recently come to appreciate. In the absence of central heating, it's excellent. I don't have to roll around in bed for half an hour to warm up the bed before I can go to sleep. I turn it on about half an hour before bedtime and turn it off when I get in. My goose down doona does the rest, keeping the warmth in the bed.
5. This photo!
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| Flinders Street Station subway. (c) divacultura 2012 |
What were your favourite things this week? Anything to share?
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY & YOU GET THE GIFTS!
As I contemplate renewing my commitment to divacultura for another year, I feel excitement and affection. Thank you for sharing some of your time with me. As a thank you gift - and so I can gain a better sense of who's out there - I'll be giving away a pair of my hand knitted socks to two very lucky readers, where ever you are in the world (ie two readers will receive a pair of socks each). To be in the running, leave a comment on this post by Friday 17 August 2012, stating why you like reading divacultura. My favourite responses will receive the prize (my decision is final). Why not take the opportunity to sign up and follow too!
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Countdown to winter.
There is half an hour left of autumn for the year. In thirty minutes it will be winter. Officially. Mother nature blessed us with a final, stunning day, representative of the best of autumn - clear, blue sky, 18 degrees Celsius, still. I knew it was going to be like this, so I had the washing machine going early to maximise drying time out in the air.
My kitchen faces north and at this time of year, on a day like today, if I position a chair just so, it is like a sun room. So I do. I pull up a chair and I roll up my sleeves and I take some sun. As I write this, I'm mentally making a note to ask my doctor whether I can absorb vitamin D through glass.
The phone was working overtime today. This morning it was so constant that I didn't have my shower and get out of my pyjamas until about noon. It wasn't because I was lazing about either. I was working. Being able to do it in your pyjamas is one of the joys of working from home. I don't work in my pyjamas on a week day very often. Even though I have lovely pyjamas, I get dressed for work as part of gearing up mentally.
Anyway, I was drying off after my shower when I heard Skype calling on the computer. My brother and I work together via Skype and usually we've made a specific time to meet. I went out to answer the call - it was my brother - and almost accidentally pressed the "answer with video" option. Thankfully, for everyone, I didn't. Dashing naked from the shower to the desk at home is one thing, broadcasting via Skype is a whole other ball game. Everyone is okay.
I had some errands to run and took advantage of the day by walking the long way round. Crackling and swooshing through the papery autumn leaves is another one of my favourite things to do. It took ages for the leaves to change and fall this year and now suddenly, on the last day of autumn, there are plenty taking up the footpaths.
Heading to St Kilda this evening was gorgeous at about 5pm. The blue in the sky was darkening, tipped with blush pink and highlighted with golden streaks. Being in slow moving traffic over the Westgate Bridge did not bother me one bit when there was a sky like that as backdrop.
After dinner with a friend and opening night of a play, I was looking forward to a quick trip back home. My hopes were dashed when I turned on the car radio and heard that there had been an accident and the Westgate was closed in both directions. I sighed. I would have to drive the long way around. Instead of 20 minutes, it took 40. Five minutes from home I was pulled over for random breath testing. I'd had no alcohol to drink yet I still feel hot and guilty whenever I'm pulled over. They're streamlining too: no questions about what I'd had to drink tonight. Straight in with the request to "blow until I say stop". I always run out of breath and then fear inadequacy. I'm an actor and a singer for goodness sake. I have more breath than THAT!
With twelve minutes to go before winter's arrival, I'm happy to be in my electric-blanketed bed with its white sheets and big, square pillows. I imagine how much more I will appreciate it in winter.
My kitchen faces north and at this time of year, on a day like today, if I position a chair just so, it is like a sun room. So I do. I pull up a chair and I roll up my sleeves and I take some sun. As I write this, I'm mentally making a note to ask my doctor whether I can absorb vitamin D through glass.
The phone was working overtime today. This morning it was so constant that I didn't have my shower and get out of my pyjamas until about noon. It wasn't because I was lazing about either. I was working. Being able to do it in your pyjamas is one of the joys of working from home. I don't work in my pyjamas on a week day very often. Even though I have lovely pyjamas, I get dressed for work as part of gearing up mentally.
Anyway, I was drying off after my shower when I heard Skype calling on the computer. My brother and I work together via Skype and usually we've made a specific time to meet. I went out to answer the call - it was my brother - and almost accidentally pressed the "answer with video" option. Thankfully, for everyone, I didn't. Dashing naked from the shower to the desk at home is one thing, broadcasting via Skype is a whole other ball game. Everyone is okay.
I had some errands to run and took advantage of the day by walking the long way round. Crackling and swooshing through the papery autumn leaves is another one of my favourite things to do. It took ages for the leaves to change and fall this year and now suddenly, on the last day of autumn, there are plenty taking up the footpaths.
Heading to St Kilda this evening was gorgeous at about 5pm. The blue in the sky was darkening, tipped with blush pink and highlighted with golden streaks. Being in slow moving traffic over the Westgate Bridge did not bother me one bit when there was a sky like that as backdrop.
After dinner with a friend and opening night of a play, I was looking forward to a quick trip back home. My hopes were dashed when I turned on the car radio and heard that there had been an accident and the Westgate was closed in both directions. I sighed. I would have to drive the long way around. Instead of 20 minutes, it took 40. Five minutes from home I was pulled over for random breath testing. I'd had no alcohol to drink yet I still feel hot and guilty whenever I'm pulled over. They're streamlining too: no questions about what I'd had to drink tonight. Straight in with the request to "blow until I say stop". I always run out of breath and then fear inadequacy. I'm an actor and a singer for goodness sake. I have more breath than THAT!
With twelve minutes to go before winter's arrival, I'm happy to be in my electric-blanketed bed with its white sheets and big, square pillows. I imagine how much more I will appreciate it in winter.
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