I honestly feel I just did this. I've no idea where the month went. Lost in a frantic chasing lost passport applications and subsequent break down, trying to book a holiday at Xmas with insane travel prices and no appropriate accommodation left and the overwhelming work not being done so I have to squeeze it in on weekends.
Something Loved: We had planned a weekend down at the Wanderer festival, with most of the bands I wanted to see on the Friday night. Unfortunately we have some family circumstances that meant I had to change the flights (at increased expense. of course) to Saturday morning) and none oof the Friday expenses are refundable so effectively we are now spending $80 a minute for Curtis Harding's 50 minute set and a fleeting 24 hour visit (including flying time). However, I am happy to still get to see him at all and trying not to think about what a bad fiscal decision this turned out to be...If you haven't checked him out, Curtis Harding is definitely a musician you will love. He also does a song with Rufus who I'm seeing in November...but I'm guessing he won't be making a sneak appearance there. In short, I love that we are still going, I love the idea of a festival again and I love Curtis Harding's music!
Something Gleaned: I had a learning moment on the weekend. I went to FODI, Precious White Lives b Sisonke Msimang (which was brilliant and if it goes digital, check it out). At one point she reads out some appalling racist rhetoric from a science journal written in 1910. I was shocked but in my head, it was 'ye olde' history etc. At the end of the talk, Stan Grant said to her 'I'm sorry you had to read out and hear some of that damaging material. I'm sorry you had to put yourself in a distressing position to educate these white people'. And that for me was when the penny dropped. It hadn't occurred to me that it was still insulting or damaging to anyone of colour (because I feel we have improved since then - which I realise might also be naive). It didn't occur to me that looking back at history would still be upsetting for people, just because the words are so insulting to you now. Most importantly, it made me realise how much I think I get it, I'm not even close to understanding it. It was such a powerful learning moment for me.
You can follow StoryBox on Instagram
I also entered YeahWrites competition, and came in the top 3 of my group. While shortlisted, I didn't eventually win one of the prizes. I do have to be happy though as it was my first ever 'retelling' and the word count was so tight, I found it quite restrictive and difficult. So great outcome for something that was quite a stretch for me.
What a magnificent parrot. Its colours are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your writing encouragements this month, Lydia!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I have never heard of Curtis Harding! Congratulations on winning the StoryBox award and having your story shown! That's quite an achievement! I'm loving the parrot you've got photographed there - what gorgeous feather colours!
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia - I loved those gorgeous magenta colours in your photos and you always go to such interesting events (even if they are at great expense sometimes!) Still, my husband tells me that money is only worth what you buy with it (something I'm still learning to process in complete opposition to my idea that money in the bank is security!)
ReplyDeleteOh! And congrats on winning the award - that's fabulous!
DeleteWow, you certainly get to see some diverse things Lydia and I love that. you share them with us. Congrats on your writing success!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your writing achievements! That's wonderful. It's too bad that your festival ended up costing waay more than you had planned-- we had the same thing happen with our Disney trip (I absolutely refused to total it out and see what those changes cost us in the end)... but sometimes you've just gotta! I hope you have a fabulous time and feel it was worth all the hassle and expense in the end.
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia congratulations on your writing successes. I'm sorry to hear about your travel planning woes. The airfares are so expensive which is a shame as many have not seen loved ones for so long because of the pandemic and now can't because of the cost to travel and the lack of accommodation. Fingers crossed it all comes together for you.
ReplyDeleteWell go girl...I get exhausted sometimes reading what you are up to, but I also know you well enough to know you are making up for a LOT of lost time. Congrats on the award. Yay. See you when school is back...and my logo/pic thing is on the blog for the WWandPics if you choose to use it!! Denyse
ReplyDeleteWill add it next time - away this wednesday but back to normal after that.
DeleteCongratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd such a beautiful bird!
Thank you for linking in with us at I'd Rather B Birdin'.
~Anni