Brass water lillies... 

Photo of me at Cloud Hill, taken by my beautiful Mum 

Art work at Cloud Hill Garden 

Cloud Hill garden, Olinda, Victoria 

QUIDAM and other reflections

On Friday night Mark and I went to see Cirque Du Soleil's 'Quidam' under the Grand Chapiteau. It was the most breath-taking and inspiring performance I've ever seen - many of the feats were quite simply, beyond belief. One that completely amazed me was a contortionist who performed upon a cluster of 6-7 metal rods, which looked to be about 1 meter high. Each rod was about 2cm in diameter and at the top of each was a small block that her hands could comfortably wrap around. With grace and incrementally slow movements, she contorted, twisted and strained her body, arching it in directions which, seemed to defy gravity, moving from one rod to another. From the side of the stage, a man dressed in white appeared, bearing another rod, somewhat longer than the others, fitted with a mouth piece instead of a block. He inserted this rod into the stage floor, slightly apart from the other rods, and went away. Meanwhile the contortionist continued with her act... gradually she positioned herself in front of the last rod, in the form of a bent handstand - her arms were positioned as in push up, with her neck outstretched, and face looking forward. Her body was arched up and over - like the letter 'J' but with crouching arms supporting her underneath. Biting upon the mouth piece, flooded with light, her arms, one by one, outstretched behind her and she held the position, biting upon the mouth piece, for what must have been 4-5 seconds - her whole body a single extension of the rod, without any other support. This was just one highlight, but there were many others too... It was a great night. They are going to be in Melbourne next year.

Another highlight of late was my trip to Melbourne in October. I stayed with my sister, her husband and and my little nephews, from the 20-27. When I arrived home in Brisbane I was feeling homesick for Melbourne - for my family and friends. Apart from Sarah and Chris, I didn't catch up with any other friends, although I had intentions too. In the end I had lots of quiet time with family, which was just what I needed. One lovely place I visited on the second last day was Cloud Hill in Olinda. If you are ever out that way, you should call in. It is a garden that was built in the 1930s and is just delightful - full of art work and beautiful established trees. It made me long for a garden in the hills, away from the sub tropical climate of Bris Vegas! They also have a commercial nursery attached, where you can buy garden art that is quite gorgeous. I'll attach some photos so you can see what I'm raving about.

News...

Today I started my new job and I feel glad for the change and the new beginning... I hope that I will be able to work on some interesting corporate capability projects very soon. The first four days, however, will be settling into my new role. On Wednesday, I'm going to Melbourne to see my family. My beautiful twin, JC, is the most amazing person and I miss her very much. It will be wonderful to see her, and my parents, and to spend time with my adorable nephews R & K. I can't wait!!

Last night I went to Verve Bar for a few celebratory/farewell drinks. Verve is one of those wonderfully comfy, underground haunts. Located in the basement of the Metro Arts Centre, on Edward Street, it is a place of ambient lighting, exposed brick walls laiden with art work, wooden tables and groovy beats. I first went there with my friend RC, who is now working in Darwin for the DPP. I miss RC - she is such a creative and intelligent little soul - so witty and unique. It was great that RC was living here in Brisyland when MQ & I made the move - her friendship, and that of WG, made those early months of transition so much easier. Anyway, Verve was great, and I was inspired by the art work!! I had been making my own cards, using hand-painted Japanese paper, and some of the art works utilised the very same paper! When I get back from Melbourne I plan to get back to my card making. I also plan to take the wonderful MQ to Verve for a few drinks and eats. I love my MQ so much!!

Check out these Teddy Bears

http://www.nobodyhere.com/toren.hier

Toorak Road, Hamilton, Queensland

 

South Bank Melbourne - 20th May 2004

I was visiting Melbourne for my birthday, and was staying in Quay West with my darling M. This photo was taken walking back to the hotel after visiting my Grandma in Port Melbourne. It was the last day that I would ever see her again. She passed away on the 11 July. 

Some stylish sites to check out...

Olga Berg designs the most beautiful bags and accessories! The Olga Berg website is: http://www.olgaberg.com.au/index.asp

I first came across Olga berg's lovelies in a little shop called Belki, located in Rathdowne Street, Carlton, Victoria. But it was actually down on the Mornington Penisula, that I bought my very own bag from a boutique called Fiona's (Main Street, Mornington). Now that I'm living in Brisbane, it is a great escape to log on to the Olga Berg website and daydream about what bag I'll buy next...

The Fred Perry website is great for shopping on line. The address is: http://www.fredperry.com/index.html

It is a little known fact that Admirmals Quarters in George Street, Brisbane, while being a 'gentlemens outfitter', also stock women's wear - primarily that of Ben Sherman! Their range of Ben Sherman is always superior to that available in the local department stores, and the staff who work there are really friendly. The Ben Sherman website is a good escape, but Aussie's can't make online purchases: http://www.bensherman.co.uk/

If your looking for male underwear checkout: belowthebelt.com.au

Inspired by the musings of the Laziest Girl!

I'm so excited to be creating my own blogspot - thanks Laziest Girl for your inspiration!