As we turn back our clocks an hour on the weekend, I thought I might as well share these pictures that were also a step back in time.
Even though it was February, it appeared to still be Christmas in Hosier Lane (the famous graffiti laneway in Melbourne). I have mentioned before it is not may favourite laneway for street art in Melbourne but it is very handy to The Outsiders gallery and that made taking the short cut through it all the more worthwhile.
So this week's #Allseasons is Christmas. Or the arbitrary nature of time. Whichever you choose.
#Allseasons linky runs from Thursday to Wednesday each week.
Link one post that shows something seasonal. Traditional weather wise, a seasonal nature marker or a seasonal celebration.
Make sure you link back to this #AllSeasons post.
Please comment on the post before yours and the host. Don't dump and run.
Someone I know online was complaining about how they looked. I know those words too well, the ageing appearance that creeps into your vision, noticing not so much as how you are, but how you are no longer...
The irony is, she put up a really lovely photo. Not false modesty but not seeing herself as the rest of the world sees her. I had said to her 'We judge ourselves more harshly than reality, so don't listen to that a$$hole in your head!'
My body shape has changed with age, and for once I carry weight on my waist. I puff up and down on a daily basis it seems. Making decisions on what to wear always a last moment choice if in the evening.
I was going to see Alison Wonderland at Machine Hall, but before that, stopping by to see Headstrong at Oxford Arts Factory. I was wondering what to wear as both venues and performers were different style requirements.
Then I remembered I am old and will look like an out of place weirdo at both regardless of my outfit and I genuinely relaxed and figured I would wear what I liked as I was going to look out of place anyway....Problem solved!
So for comfort, I dug out this dress. I always get compliments in it, which makes me laugh.
Hilariously, it is 22 years old. How do I know, you ask?
It's a maternity dress.
I actually wanted to let BellyBasics know how excellent their quality as it's still in pristine condition but it appears they are no more. The dress outlasted the company.
It's my go too whenever I decide I am too fat for all my clothes. Or if it is super hot and I just want something loose. I always put it on, feeling depressed and thinking I look ridiculous. Then someone at the party or in the line for the bathroom will come up to me and tell me I look great and ask me where I got it. And that is the lesson that what we see is tainted by what we think.
If only we always saw ourselves through other people's eyes....
I had stupidly missed my rego papers and discovered I couldn't drive my car. It was a complete drama and I will admit overwhelmed me a little at the emotional upset it caused me. (I have since discovered menopause affects your resilience so I've decided it was that, as even I couldn't understand why I felt so overloaded by it all).
As I wandered around the mechanic's neighbourhood, waiting for the pink slip, I saw these fun guys and burst into a smile.
I was meant to be walking to the theatre with a friend, but as I'd been so caught up in car drama, I didn't see the message that she would meet me there until I was at her door. I'd left my headphones at home so was feeling disappointed I'd wasted the opportunity to walk with music (as it always makes my soul soar, and I walk much faster so much better exercise).
Then I rounded the corner and saw this. It made me think of the Elegant Squatch in Dispatches from Elsewhere and it made me so happy that someone liked it too. (You may remember I've written about it here, here and here).
It truly filled me with delight, enough to put that spring in my step that makes me speed up with joy.
It's been raining all weekend and so our sunrise kayak got cancelled and our evening beach picnic has moved to a restaurant. My morning walk & talk with a friend was also cancelled....however, I needed the sleep in after a late night and I went to dance class instead of the kayak so still all good.
This web was beautiful, glistening from the rain (though I'm hoping my camera photos show it better).
The leaves on this plant glimmered and shone as if doused in balls of mercury. Again the iPhone doesn't show the beauty but the rain brings with it it's own delights.
I do however, look forward to reading on the deck in the sunshine again....
At dinner the other night, I kept thinking of this Edith Wharton quote "There are two ways of spreading the light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." I think we all need to lift our game in spreading some light in the world.
I loved the purple vase but it's $495 price tag made it just an object to be admired. There are so many reflections in this shot. The more you look, the more you see - the vases, the lights, the buidlings over the road and of course, me!
"Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful" Margaret J. Wheatley.
It is really hard watching the unintended consequences (or maybe they are intentional) of some of the political decisions around the world. As we go into our own election, make sure greed doesn't cloud our judgement, because we all know who really benefits when when government funding is cut. It's not the general population or lower income tax brackets.
There is a faux reflection in the mural below. It made me smile.
Last night I went to part 1 of the Player Kings. I hadn't really paid much attention to what it was and thought it was just the main speeches out of the Henry's and Richards of Shakespeare by the wonderful Sport for Jove company, who did the best production of Taming of the Shrew I've ever seen.
However, as the course of the night rolled on, watching the recognisable decades of social upheaval in the 50's through to 80's, I realise of course where (& who) Richard III will be. Glancing at the website, it was confirmed "the story glances backward to the journey from Richard II to Richard III, in order to thrust our gaze forward to how political systems collapse and societies devour their own potential."
This is an ambitious project. condensing 6 plays into two nights, with a large ensemble cast, requiring versatility of both skill and visual imagery. It's engaging and entertaining. I also enjoyed recognising moments and characters in our living history (as well as the obvious events featured in the play).
The live music is a lovely touch, and is used artistically both in song and background ambiance or heightening the impact of war. The use of film and projection is also a nice touch, and the space is more physical than a normal theatrical staging. There is even some hilarious audience participation. It feels a little more like the Globe theatre than the Seymour Centre is.
For a Shakespeare production (of sorts) there is nothing usual about this, in concept or execution.
On a personal note, what I like about this most, is while we all know Henry IV and Richard III very well, the other Henry plays (and Richard II) I could watch like a normal play, for the story, as I didn't know what would happen. It's a lovely experience to engage in Shakespeare performances on that level (it helps my English history of that period is a little rusty too). When you are watching events unfold rather than waiting for speeches to be made, it's a very different emotional experience. You are judging the characters on their deeds, and at times this is surprising.
If you can get tickets, it is worth going to. Part 1 ran for 5 hours, so if you do both in a day, you will be in the theatre for 10 hours or so. I am glad we spaced ours out, but eager to see the finale in a week's time.
Tickets are available here. I don't know if it's touring, but for your sake, I hope that it is.
Greek Easter is not until the 20th of April either, so I'm not entirely sure why the decorations were already out at Alpha.
Our Greek friends took us out for lunch to say farewell after their 6 weeks here. I was very sad to say goodbye as it had been lovely sightseeing with them. Lots of laughs and harbour filled days.
I've not been to Alpha for many years but the food is still delicious.
Has anyone else noticed Easter seems to have come early?
#Allseasons linky runs from Thursday to Wednesday each week.
Link one post that shows something seasonal. Traditional weather wise, a seasonal nature marker or a seasonal celebration.
Make sure you link back to this #AllSeasons post.
Please comment on the post before yours and the host. Don't dump and run.
Even though it was February, it appeared to still be Christmas in Hosier Lane (the famous graffiti laneway in Melbourne). I have mentioned before it is not may favourite laneway for street art in Melbourne but it is very handy to The Outsiders gallery and that made taking the short cut through it all the more worthwhile.
So this week's #Allseasons is Christmas. Or the arbitrary nature of time. Whichever you choose.
