The seeds of ideals are embedded in our formative minds from such an early age. They can be things we aspire to. Things we long for. Things we assure ourselves are right.
But like faded covers on favourite books, they often belie the vivid and complex truths that compose intricate stories.
Today I had, through the most exquisite presentation of honesty, a reappraisal of those ideals to identify a truth that is so much more applicable than I could have ever expected.
Although ideals may serve as models or aspirations, they do not often manifest effectively in reality.
But honesty, the kindest intentions, and the intrinsic love and respect of ourselves and those we care for, can reveal the most beautiful truths which can be much more significant and relevant.
I am so thankful I can share it with those people who mean the very most to me.
xx
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Wednesday
As many of you know, I have been busying myself with my minor thesis and coursework. After submitting my first draft chapter, I am letting my thesis rest while I research for three coursework subjects - droll work indeed.
What a pleasant surprise it was, then, to hear from an old friend who is visiting my town to open a joint exhibition. I was kindly invited to attend the opening tomorrow evening, and to enjoy the same privilege next month at the solo exhibition!
And just as nice was a lovely package from What Katie Did. With a few lovely items for my sister who has been so very kind, and a little something for me. A girl has to have a tiny indulgence.
Can you guess what they were?
Here's a clue: It appears in a picture somewhere on this blog!
Happy hunting ...
xx
Can you guess what they were?
Here's a clue: It appears in a picture somewhere on this blog!
Happy hunting ...
xx
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Dashboard
I love the word "dashboard". Besides our blogging engine room here, it is that fine stretch beneath the windscreen which forms the bottom of the frame of all things lovely and long distance.
Recently I took another eleven-plus hour road trip with the pup and a dear friend. Here are some of the lovely sights we found along the way:
Write and tell me what you have been doing!
xx
Recently I took another eleven-plus hour road trip with the pup and a dear friend. Here are some of the lovely sights we found along the way:
If one little church isn't enough,
why it just makes sense to build another church about the same size right beside it.
Car graveyard. Such lovely old beauties.
Matching signage. How gorgeous!
Everything here was just as we had imagined.
And of course something sweet for the trip home.
Write and tell me what you have been doing!
xx
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Underlying Intentions
In my last post I had something to show you. Something absolutely delicious and desirous. It was a fabulously overwhelming gift from the friend I mentioned.
It was one of those rare and treasured occasions when a girl is surprised by something she could have only dreamt of calling her own. I had not mentioned my preferences to anyone, and it was only vaguely referenced here in my blog, so it was a wonderful surprise. What makes my dear endowerer even more incredible is that the selected sizing was impeccably accurate.
Most of you are familiar with my preference for many of the delightful items at What Katie Did. For a few years now I have been secretly lusting over a particular design in their corset range. What a very lucky girl I am to be able to cinch myself with the gorgeous Morticia.
You can imagine how overwhelmed a girl could be to learn that her divine friend had been busily sourcing both the US and UK collections for such an indulgence. More than this, it was to be a part of an entire lavish ensemble!
After examining it on-screen so often, one would think that I would know the items in my favourite What Katie Did range by touch. But with my eyes averted and my fingers feeling those lines of stitching, soft satin and powermesh I could not believe my lingerie fantasies were being realised. I am entirely enamoured with so many of the items in the delectable Maitresse range. Can you believe what gorgeous things I found?
It was one of those rare and treasured occasions when a girl is surprised by something she could have only dreamt of calling her own. I had not mentioned my preferences to anyone, and it was only vaguely referenced here in my blog, so it was a wonderful surprise. What makes my dear endowerer even more incredible is that the selected sizing was impeccably accurate.
Most of you are familiar with my preference for many of the delightful items at What Katie Did. For a few years now I have been secretly lusting over a particular design in their corset range. What a very lucky girl I am to be able to cinch myself with the gorgeous Morticia.
If you have ever received a parcel from this gorgeous boutique, you will know how the pleasure begins as you unwrap your delicate items from the volumes of black tissue, which has been carefully beribboned and subtly marked for posting. Their corsets also come in lavish satin bags for safe keeping. You can imagine how overwhelmed a girl could be to learn that her divine friend had been busily sourcing both the US and UK collections for such an indulgence. More than this, it was to be a part of an entire lavish ensemble!
After examining it on-screen so often, one would think that I would know the items in my favourite What Katie Did range by touch. But with my eyes averted and my fingers feeling those lines of stitching, soft satin and powermesh I could not believe my lingerie fantasies were being realised. I am entirely enamoured with so many of the items in the delectable Maitresse range. Can you believe what gorgeous things I found?
An essential item in a vintage girl's wardrobe
Tasteful and glamourous
Authentic, specially made on rare machines, and with a keyhole welt.
and to hold that beauty in place
with six very fine quality garter tabs for a sure grip.
What a very fortunate girl I am. However, at the moment they are being admired in my drawers as I wait patiently for a visit from my very generous gifter.
A girl shouldn't wear them for just anyone.
xx
Thursday, January 26, 2012
How Far I've Come
So much time has passed since my last post, and although it was filled with unprecedented activity, I must admit I have missed you.
As you know, I took a little sojourn abroad. Since then I was hurled into a whirlwind of obligations: at home and at university. In those first weeks of November I handed in my final assignments - some a little earlier than expected. A dear friend called me in those heady days to share some dreadful news: the company he owned had been sabotaged by a fellow director while he had spent the past 18 months, some 4000 km away, setting up a new office. The effects were devastating. Even though it was not due until the following week, I wrote into the early hours and through the next day so I could submit my final assignment, and be available if he needed me.
When he called the next day things had become worse. I sped down to the university to hand in my essay, which they thankfully accepted even though the faculty had closed. I arrived home to find the girl dearest to me with my favourite flowers to celebrate the end of my degree. I explained what had happened, and she agreed that I should help him pack his apartment and the new business address so he could return to head office immediately. How very cruel it seemed to ask her to cancel her celebratory plans and take those beautiful flowers back with her.
I had 30 minutes to organise my flight, taxi and suitcase, and negotiate a lift to take that sweet girl home. The plane was the last one to leave town, and I was exhausted when I arrived at my destination some six hours later.
The next few days were spent packing his home and office. I do not envy the personal grief he had to endure during those dark days. On the third day he flew back to head office while I spent that, and the next, packing and cleaning his apartment. After the removalists left I took his magnificent vehicle to the international terminal to be shipped home. Because of the airport curfew I waited seven hours before catching the last plane to his home town.
The flight travelled through the night to arrive four and a half hours later at 6:00am. With a chatty passenger beside me, I disembarked without sleeping. I was met and whisked to a shower, and then went into the office for a ten hour day. Although it is not my line of business, I did what I could there for the next two weeks before flying home. I had so much to do. My little house was evidence of serious neglect while I had studied. But I also eagerly awaited my final grades and looked forward to my graduation.
How very excited I was to be awarded four high distinctions for the semester, and a high distinction average for my course. My graduation day was such a special day for me, and I was so pleased to be offered Honours. I spent it with my beloved "flower" girl, and my dear friend who flew in especially.
The next day I packed up the car and my puppy and we took a 12 hour road trip - the first day of a four week holiday. I spent time at beaches, by the pool, with good books, but most importantly with family and friends.
Now I am back and am unpacking, I have something to show you. It is something delicious, and something you know I love especially.
Can you wait until the next post?
I promise to post pictures ...
I hope you have been good, and have accrued a few pretty packages of your own.
Shall we share?
xx
As you know, I took a little sojourn abroad. Since then I was hurled into a whirlwind of obligations: at home and at university. In those first weeks of November I handed in my final assignments - some a little earlier than expected. A dear friend called me in those heady days to share some dreadful news: the company he owned had been sabotaged by a fellow director while he had spent the past 18 months, some 4000 km away, setting up a new office. The effects were devastating. Even though it was not due until the following week, I wrote into the early hours and through the next day so I could submit my final assignment, and be available if he needed me.
When he called the next day things had become worse. I sped down to the university to hand in my essay, which they thankfully accepted even though the faculty had closed. I arrived home to find the girl dearest to me with my favourite flowers to celebrate the end of my degree. I explained what had happened, and she agreed that I should help him pack his apartment and the new business address so he could return to head office immediately. How very cruel it seemed to ask her to cancel her celebratory plans and take those beautiful flowers back with her.
I had 30 minutes to organise my flight, taxi and suitcase, and negotiate a lift to take that sweet girl home. The plane was the last one to leave town, and I was exhausted when I arrived at my destination some six hours later.
The next few days were spent packing his home and office. I do not envy the personal grief he had to endure during those dark days. On the third day he flew back to head office while I spent that, and the next, packing and cleaning his apartment. After the removalists left I took his magnificent vehicle to the international terminal to be shipped home. Because of the airport curfew I waited seven hours before catching the last plane to his home town.
The flight travelled through the night to arrive four and a half hours later at 6:00am. With a chatty passenger beside me, I disembarked without sleeping. I was met and whisked to a shower, and then went into the office for a ten hour day. Although it is not my line of business, I did what I could there for the next two weeks before flying home. I had so much to do. My little house was evidence of serious neglect while I had studied. But I also eagerly awaited my final grades and looked forward to my graduation.
How very excited I was to be awarded four high distinctions for the semester, and a high distinction average for my course. My graduation day was such a special day for me, and I was so pleased to be offered Honours. I spent it with my beloved "flower" girl, and my dear friend who flew in especially.
The next day I packed up the car and my puppy and we took a 12 hour road trip - the first day of a four week holiday. I spent time at beaches, by the pool, with good books, but most importantly with family and friends.
Now I am back and am unpacking, I have something to show you. It is something delicious, and something you know I love especially.
Can you wait until the next post?
I promise to post pictures ...
I hope you have been good, and have accrued a few pretty packages of your own.
Shall we share?
xx
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Serendipity
Recently, I travelled some distance to break the monotony for a dear friend who had been stationed in isolation.
Our first morning began with a beautiful breakfast and stash of travel goodies before ensconcing ourselves in the black beast which found its way to a quaint country town a few hours east.
On the outskirts of the town is a disused mill which houses a weekend market. We purchased locally made cinnamon rolls and date scones, and perused the wooden and woollen handicrafts before cruising into town.
We found a lolly shop filled with all those favourites synonymous with sunny memories as children. Dusty second hand stores were stuffed with unwanted oddments; a discarded collection of other people's lives.
Along the main street is an old restored courthouse staffed by a local lady, who told us how she made butter as a girl and rode, three to a horse, to school.
And then there was the Motor Museum housing some of the regular regional favourites, and a few absolutely astounding unique vehicles. One was a Chevrolet Eldorado Biarritz of which there were only several hundred made. There are reputedly only 20 left. She is a hard top convertible who puts her roof up when it rains even if you are not there. You really must see the photos:
We then had a local lunch where I accidentally spilt my malted milkshake across the lap of my trusted driver just before we departed. I found this disaster in vanilla incredibly amusing because of the poker face, (and thankfully the grace) of my travel companion. After many tea-towels and some surreptitious sponging we rejoined the beast for a roundabout return along the country roads. (Which was punctuated with my bursts of giggling in recollection of the incident, much to my driver's chagrin ...)
The way home was as beautiful as the roads we had taken to come. Fields of canola crops coloured our journey home (as did sour worm lollies and ginger biscuits).
In retrospect I found our day filled with all the things I loved.
My spontaneous visit to cheer a dear friend four thousand kilometres away was also a wonderful weekend for me.
xx
Our first morning began with a beautiful breakfast and stash of travel goodies before ensconcing ourselves in the black beast which found its way to a quaint country town a few hours east.
On the outskirts of the town is a disused mill which houses a weekend market. We purchased locally made cinnamon rolls and date scones, and perused the wooden and woollen handicrafts before cruising into town.
We found a lolly shop filled with all those favourites synonymous with sunny memories as children. Dusty second hand stores were stuffed with unwanted oddments; a discarded collection of other people's lives.
Along the main street is an old restored courthouse staffed by a local lady, who told us how she made butter as a girl and rode, three to a horse, to school.
And then there was the Motor Museum housing some of the regular regional favourites, and a few absolutely astounding unique vehicles. One was a Chevrolet Eldorado Biarritz of which there were only several hundred made. There are reputedly only 20 left. She is a hard top convertible who puts her roof up when it rains even if you are not there. You really must see the photos:
We then had a local lunch where I accidentally spilt my malted milkshake across the lap of my trusted driver just before we departed. I found this disaster in vanilla incredibly amusing because of the poker face, (and thankfully the grace) of my travel companion. After many tea-towels and some surreptitious sponging we rejoined the beast for a roundabout return along the country roads. (Which was punctuated with my bursts of giggling in recollection of the incident, much to my driver's chagrin ...)
The way home was as beautiful as the roads we had taken to come. Fields of canola crops coloured our journey home (as did sour worm lollies and ginger biscuits).
In retrospect I found our day filled with all the things I loved.
My spontaneous visit to cheer a dear friend four thousand kilometres away was also a wonderful weekend for me.
xx
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Little House Warming Present
As you know, I am soon to be moving to a lovely little house all of my own. I am leaving behind an established life for one more austere, but one more imperatively self-determined.
This also enables me to have a few small flourishes of my own. As my funds will be quite restricted for the next six months or so, these indulgences also have to be delightfully thrifty.
My new kitchen is teeny tiny. Without my pantry or the oodles of cupboards I am used to, I decided to use my bench space more functionally. A girl does love a decent aesthetic, and after a little research and nifty bidding I have secured these kitchenette delights.
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This is the seller's photo, and I am very excited to be picking up my babies tomorrow. Can you see their gorgeous font? So many suffer the fate of the (quite rare I believe) salt cellar, and lose their lettering. But not these. I have been looking at some of their cousins, and although this set is sans-Coffee, I don't mind, as these days coffee is usually kept in the freezer.
Don't you love their standard colours? Flour is usually red; Sugar, grey or cream; Rice, teal; Tea, pale green and Coffee usually a browny-orange.
I can't wait to fill them all up. And then you can come for tea from the tea canister, and I shall make cakes from the flour canister. Then, after prattling through the afternoon, you can stay on to an early dinner and we shall have something nice with rice and a pinch of salt from the salt cellar. Then we can take an evening stroll in the 50 acre park near my home, then come back for something cozy.
Come by.
xx
This also enables me to have a few small flourishes of my own. As my funds will be quite restricted for the next six months or so, these indulgences also have to be delightfully thrifty.
My new kitchen is teeny tiny. Without my pantry or the oodles of cupboards I am used to, I decided to use my bench space more functionally. A girl does love a decent aesthetic, and after a little research and nifty bidding I have secured these kitchenette delights.
This is the seller's photo, and I am very excited to be picking up my babies tomorrow. Can you see their gorgeous font? So many suffer the fate of the (quite rare I believe) salt cellar, and lose their lettering. But not these. I have been looking at some of their cousins, and although this set is sans-Coffee, I don't mind, as these days coffee is usually kept in the freezer.
Don't you love their standard colours? Flour is usually red; Sugar, grey or cream; Rice, teal; Tea, pale green and Coffee usually a browny-orange.
I can't wait to fill them all up. And then you can come for tea from the tea canister, and I shall make cakes from the flour canister. Then, after prattling through the afternoon, you can stay on to an early dinner and we shall have something nice with rice and a pinch of salt from the salt cellar. Then we can take an evening stroll in the 50 acre park near my home, then come back for something cozy.
Come by.
xx
Monday, May 23, 2011
Great Unexpectations
Sometimes we are so pleasantly surprised. It comes when we least expect it. It can be all one's wishes come true. Or a happy hiatus. I certainly do not mind.
These last years, and months especially, have been strange and wild. They have been conducive to radical and often uncomfortable change. I have looked to friends and relatives for support and met with a dearth on so many sides. It has been surprising and devastating. So when I found something precious, I wanted to hold onto it. Naturally perhaps. But ironically not always successful.
I have worked consistently at everything that was important and that I loved. And I have had to relinquish almost all of it. But my university grades, and my integrity I have retained. So little and so much.
So now, when I have been given something so unexpected, and so beautiful, I find it difficult to believe.
Strange and beautiful. Even if it is only for a short time, one is so very grateful.
xx
These last years, and months especially, have been strange and wild. They have been conducive to radical and often uncomfortable change. I have looked to friends and relatives for support and met with a dearth on so many sides. It has been surprising and devastating. So when I found something precious, I wanted to hold onto it. Naturally perhaps. But ironically not always successful.
I have worked consistently at everything that was important and that I loved. And I have had to relinquish almost all of it. But my university grades, and my integrity I have retained. So little and so much.
So now, when I have been given something so unexpected, and so beautiful, I find it difficult to believe.
Strange and beautiful. Even if it is only for a short time, one is so very grateful.
xx
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Vargas Video
Some of you may remember my post from November last year on the gorgeous Vargas dress.
The creators, Kiss Me Deadly, are asking for videos in their loveliest shape-wear.
Without a boy in the boudoir, a girl needs to ask nicely if there is any kind and discreet person out there in my ethernet who is handy with a camera (or vidphone) and has a few luscious ideas to make a fun little film-o-matic.
... but you have to promise to be nice because I am a very good girl.
xx
The creators, Kiss Me Deadly, are asking for videos in their loveliest shape-wear.
Without a boy in the boudoir, a girl needs to ask nicely if there is any kind and discreet person out there in my ethernet who is handy with a camera (or vidphone) and has a few luscious ideas to make a fun little film-o-matic.
... but you have to promise to be nice because I am a very good girl.
xx
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thank You Ann O'Dyne
This evening has been totally haphazard, incongruous and disrupted. It started to get better when working on solution #11 when I had to rush out to make an unexpected purchase and I heard a certain Dr Nichols on the radio which certainly cheered me up. But then I received this! #c2991050267887705294
As a recipient of the award, this is what I must do:
Step One: Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award.
I am so very excited to get this award from Ann O'Dyne who was one of my very first followers!
What an absolute darling she is!
Step Two: Share seven random things about yourself:
Only two people know that I blog. It is my secret between me and you.
I was a suspect in a murder.
When I was a child I was forced to live in cognito for 22 months.
I went to 10 schools. One for two days.
I have been to Iceland and I loved it.
I was born on the winter solstice.
Someone who reads this knows my most secret secret.
Step Three: Confer Stylish Blogger Award on 15 bloggers.But I shall choose my 10!
1 Pin Up Girl Clothing (because a girl has to dress!)
2 Twilla Jean
3 Vixen Vintage
4 Pedro The Boat Builder (he is so wicked, but so good)
5 Elizabeth Pulie
6 KMQ's Simone
7 Mr Lorraine Crescent
8 Ruby Rach
9 Ann O'Dyne
10 Marshall Stacks
xx
As a recipient of the award, this is what I must do:
Step One: Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award.
I am so very excited to get this award from Ann O'Dyne who was one of my very first followers!
What an absolute darling she is!
Step Two: Share seven random things about yourself:
Only two people know that I blog. It is my secret between me and you.
I was a suspect in a murder.
When I was a child I was forced to live in cognito for 22 months.
I went to 10 schools. One for two days.
I have been to Iceland and I loved it.
I was born on the winter solstice.
Someone who reads this knows my most secret secret.
Step Three: Confer Stylish Blogger Award on 15 bloggers.But I shall choose my 10!
1 Pin Up Girl Clothing (because a girl has to dress!)
2 Twilla Jean
3 Vixen Vintage
4 Pedro The Boat Builder (he is so wicked, but so good)
5 Elizabeth Pulie
6 KMQ's Simone
7 Mr Lorraine Crescent
8 Ruby Rach
9 Ann O'Dyne
10 Marshall Stacks
xx
Friday, February 4, 2011
Brown Paper Packages
Yesterday I was very surprised to hear the door bell ring. It was a postal contractor with his little notepad and a brown cardboard box!
At first I thought it must be for somebody else. But it was clearly addressed to me ... Who could have sent such an exciting parcel? And what could it be?
I did not wait for scissors to splice the tape. I opened it immediately in the hall. Inside the box was a note which said:
I did not peek until every piece of sticky tape was undone. And look what I found!
Don't they look as bright and colourful as lollipops?
At first I made a space scene, then a sea animal collage, and later shared it with a young lass who made a flower garden.
Super-nova-licious.
Just like sending letters, I love receiving things in the post, but this was extraordinarily generous and unexpected, which made it all the more perfect.
xx
At first I thought it must be for somebody else. But it was clearly addressed to me ... Who could have sent such an exciting parcel? And what could it be?
I did not wait for scissors to splice the tape. I opened it immediately in the hall. Inside the box was a note which said:
SURPRISE!
The toy(s) inside this box have been specially selected, ordered (and paid for) by someone you know. The name of the 'mystery' person(s) who have kindly and thoughtfully chosen you as their recipient ...
- Can be found on the card/label that's attached to the gift inside,
- Cannot be revealed or has wished to remain anonymous,
- Is ...........................................................................
(The first option was ticked. Then it said ...)
Please remember, these toys are intended for the person as indicated on the card/address label of the parcel so please do not remove any wrapping or open any envelopes unless you are the person for which the toys were intended.
... We hope you enjoy and have many hours of fun playing with your new toys.
How exciting!
I carefully opened the cute little card. The words on the front were just like the note:Please remember, these toys are intended for the person as indicated on the card/address label of the parcel so please do not remove any wrapping or open any envelopes unless you are the person for which the toys were intended.
... We hope you enjoy and have many hours of fun playing with your new toys.
How exciting!
Inside my benefactor was revealed!
My present, however was not. It was still wrapped in this beautiful paper which I later learned he had chosen especially.
I did not peek until every piece of sticky tape was undone. And look what I found!
Remember these? They were like maths and science and tech drawing and art all in one.
And look how the gears came. It reminded me of the little toys in cereal boxes which we pressed out and put together.
The template has been redesigned so that when you flip it over the teeth interlock under the lip, and the gears are more secure as you wheel them around.
And it also came with this stencil to accessorise your swirls!
Don't they look as bright and colourful as lollipops?
At first I made a space scene, then a sea animal collage, and later shared it with a young lass who made a flower garden.
Super-nova-licious.
Just like sending letters, I love receiving things in the post, but this was extraordinarily generous and unexpected, which made it all the more perfect.
xx
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Holiday Hootenanny
My oh my, what a busy time it has been these last few weeks.
Besides the usual festivities and feting, I have had the opportunity to indulge in some favourite pastimes and challenge myself in activities I would not otherwise have contemplated.
Being in a different city where many of my old friends live allows me to fill my dates with visits across town and suburbs. But this can also prove a challenge, especially is there are other enticing activities playing here for a short time only. And thus presented my quandary. Fortunately I am also graced by the benefaction and generosity of many friends and family who either share my interests, or are willing to oblige them. So I proposed an open invitation to a photography exhibition and was pleased with the disparate but comfortable little group which kindly joined me.
The exhibition exceeded my expectation, as did the positive and varied perspectives on the work when we reconvened in a noisy bar a few winding streets behind. Conversations continued from afternoon through evening as we revisited places we used to frequent for pre- and post-dinner drinks.
* * * * *
Conversely, I was invited to a family event at an activity park. Such venues are usually a little off my radar, but I decided this might be a fun way to extend my perceptions and my physical abilities. Heck, in the borrowed clothing I had to wear I could be assured no-one would recognise me if I made a blazing fool of myself.
Did I say I thought this may be fun? It was a downright holiday hootenanny! I leapt, dived, careened, tobogganed, bumped, glided, and bobsledded my way through the park. I ate and drank naughty things and somehow didn't mind a bit. I saw happy people from such a variety of diverse and colourful demographics constantly around me. Opposing re-visitations to activities were all jovially accommodated within our group. We arrived home tired, in need of a long warm shower, and sated. In fact, the fun may have rivaled my convivial cultural excursion.
Such can be the dividend of disparity. Surprising and opposing components in these unfamiliar environs made for some very propitious opportunities. Perhaps that is why I like to subversively challenge my perceptions of normatives, whether personal, social, or ideological.
I would love it if you could share some of yours with me. (I promise I won't tell!)
xx
Besides the usual festivities and feting, I have had the opportunity to indulge in some favourite pastimes and challenge myself in activities I would not otherwise have contemplated.
Being in a different city where many of my old friends live allows me to fill my dates with visits across town and suburbs. But this can also prove a challenge, especially is there are other enticing activities playing here for a short time only. And thus presented my quandary. Fortunately I am also graced by the benefaction and generosity of many friends and family who either share my interests, or are willing to oblige them. So I proposed an open invitation to a photography exhibition and was pleased with the disparate but comfortable little group which kindly joined me.
The exhibition exceeded my expectation, as did the positive and varied perspectives on the work when we reconvened in a noisy bar a few winding streets behind. Conversations continued from afternoon through evening as we revisited places we used to frequent for pre- and post-dinner drinks.
* * * * *
Conversely, I was invited to a family event at an activity park. Such venues are usually a little off my radar, but I decided this might be a fun way to extend my perceptions and my physical abilities. Heck, in the borrowed clothing I had to wear I could be assured no-one would recognise me if I made a blazing fool of myself.
Did I say I thought this may be fun? It was a downright holiday hootenanny! I leapt, dived, careened, tobogganed, bumped, glided, and bobsledded my way through the park. I ate and drank naughty things and somehow didn't mind a bit. I saw happy people from such a variety of diverse and colourful demographics constantly around me. Opposing re-visitations to activities were all jovially accommodated within our group. We arrived home tired, in need of a long warm shower, and sated. In fact, the fun may have rivaled my convivial cultural excursion.
Such can be the dividend of disparity. Surprising and opposing components in these unfamiliar environs made for some very propitious opportunities. Perhaps that is why I like to subversively challenge my perceptions of normatives, whether personal, social, or ideological.
I would love it if you could share some of yours with me. (I promise I won't tell!)
xx
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sweet Holiday Dreams
We are coming to that time of year when many of us are taking holidays and enjoying the opportunity to spend luxurious hours with those dearest to them. These happy little events are usually combined with fine victuals and infusions, and often a few little wrapped surprises.
This year I have started a little early, flitting over to the farthermost city of our fair country to visit and to venture through places I remember, and others I have heard lauded.
And what a piquant little time it was. One of the most surprising days was spent in a small university town outside of the city. Design, unusual stationery which incorporated themes and images from children’s books, and sweet little cafes tucked into tiny facades were inspiring and delightful. This was also a dream-come-true place of pristine vintage books in tiny stores with friendly prices. Bookish owners who were happy to discuss details of strange literacy histories and hearsay. Dark and dusty shops with vinyl records which you thought had disappeared for ever, or did not know existed, which rest heavily on others which have acquired a kitch, quaint or quirky presence as all our years seemed to have passed them by. There were, of course, others which would make you feel queasy if they made it to the turntable, but on the shelves simply seemed amusing. How exciting it was to walk out of the store with one of those slim square plastic bags made just for records. Shall I tell you what I made mine?
Greg Dear and the Beautiful Losers “lover/saint” and Nina Simone “forbidden fruit” as LPs. (Doesn’t 'LP' sounds so K-Tel!), the Bamboos “Virginia” b/w “Snuff” and the very exciting Partridge Family “I Think I Love You” b/w “Somebody Wants to Love You” on 7”. I also got a little Tubeway Army single for a dear friend.
And like surprises, friends are what make travel so worthwhile. I was fortunate to enjoy both on my glorious first day. There was sunshine, a big black beast of a vehicle, and beaches. We swam in that rollicking surf and stretched out on the sand to dry. The twilight generously gave us extra hours to explore a park with small pools, rolling lawns, unfamiliar flowers and plants and wading water birds. And there was the most perfect present for me to remember the time we had.
But sometimes a girl cannot spend enough time with her oldest and dearest friend, and I am afraid it was often compromised. Although I later ventured with others south into vineyards to discover delicious things, pristine seashores that extended to the horizons, and beautiful art and architecture, I missed the quiet time I would have liked to have had together to catch up on the little things which seem to make the most sense in this busy old world.
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