The world is upside down, it's going to take a lot of hands to turn it right side up. Leymah Gbowee

She is right, but this is not a political post. 

Many of you know I like to flick my photos upside down from time to time.

I love this one.

Right side up is here.

"You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life." Walt Whitman

My husband was already going to see a band I didn;'t like when Nick Offerman's VIVID date was announced. I couldn't be bothered wasting time looking for someone to go with (as I'd already missed out on a Solstice celebration waiting for people to 'get back to me') so I booked immediately and was rewarded with a great seat.

When the night came, I decided i would go early for some of the Oysters and Aburi I'd seen on my last visit but been too full to eat. So dinner and then a preshow cocktail at Neon Dreams. 

I ate the Aburi fireside and enjoyed the festivities around me.

Neon Dreams was unexpectedly shut so I wandered over to the W hotel as I figured the heaving restaurants would be too slow for my limited time frame.

The W was a crazy adventure in itself. 

It was indeed a 'Treat yo self!' moment (IYKYK)

Then it was show time and I was in the company of one of my favourite stars, though I did prefer his Full Bush show a few years back. Still glad I went and very glad I made the most of it!

It's funny how we usually minimise what we do on our own, saving the indulgences to share with friends or partners. That seems to be a waste of much our precious time.

And to paraphrase Whitman's poetry, no one else can travel the road for you. You must travel it for yourself.

The full poem is here if you want to read it. 

Linking with #WeekendReflection

Golden Sunday

My morning walk on Sunday really put a spring in my step for the day. The sun was showering gold on the ground and every where I looked was a delightful glow.

When I left home the moon was still shining and the chill was biting but it didn't take long to warm up, both literally and figuratively.

And that tainted the rest of the day. After a rough few preceding days, I was suddenly my old self again, feeling delight at the smallest of pleasures.

Linking  with #WaterThursday #TalkaboutitTuesday #MondayMusicMovesMe  #AwwMondays for the macaroons!

End just like that, lights out....

I managed to check out Customs House VIVID projections on the way to meet friends at the Opera House for a show. 

Tonight I'm at the ICC so I'll walk via The Goods Line for some of that Aburi I couldn't eat last week

And then just like that, it's lights out for another year.

I know this year has been quieter, but I've really enjoyed getting out and about when the city is abuzz and everyone is smiling.

Did you enjoy VIVID?

Linking with #TforTuesday

#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.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Elysian: adj Beautiful or creative, peaceful and perfect

 I've no idea why I loved this one so much, but the moon definitely seemed part of it, though I failed to capture it with my point and click.

I loved watching it change colours. I loved the immersive nature of it.

Part of the fun at Tumbalong Park VIVID, The work by Atelier Sisu is inspired by Greek gods. The website description reads "The Elysian Collection is a playful escape from life’s chaos, inviting you to pause and explore. A reminder that inspiration and fun can be found around the bend of any corner." And for me, it definitely worked. I'd been a little out of sorts but before I was done at this work, I'd forgotten all the ill vibes.

There is a beauty in the simplicity. The transparent nature of the inflatable. Maybe we just need to focus on beauty and joy for a break from our troubles?

Maybe Wordsworth was right? “Elysian beauty, melancholy grace, Brought from a pensive though a happy place.”

Linking with #TalkaboutitTuesday #WeekendCoffeeShare #HappyTuesday

VIVID at the Goods Line and Darling Harbour

I took the train to Central and wandered down the Goods line. It was unfortunate it was so early as the food in the stalls at the start looked better quality than a lot of the offerings at the food trucks and there were no queues. So that's my tip, maybe try to each your dinner there before wandering on. there were also plenty of little tents to escape the wind and eat at a table along the way.

Something lovely about sharing the fireside to warm up with other Sydneysiders.

The crowds were low, in part to it being the Monday night of the long weekend and probably due to the cold.

Spice Lounge also offers a great spot with plenty of seats and fires to warm up and rest.

Then crossing into Darling Square, it was the first place the queues for the light installation appeared, but not too hectic.

I continued down to Tumbalong Park where a band was playing and there were many interactive installations and a band playing for Tumbalong Nights. There was no queue for the light tennis so I played that for a bit and then kept on my way.

Darling Harbour looked lovely this year, and it's a continuous loop so there was no waiting around.

I spent about 90 mins in all pottering about.  Less than three hours door to door, so it was a great way to end the weekend.

More info at the VIVID website 

Other VIVID posts:

VIVID up high

Martin Place VIVID

Sydney Opera House VIVID

Barangaroo VIVID

Sydney's VIVID season ends 14 June. Don't miss it!

What's been your favourite parts of VIVID? 

Linking with #WordlessWednesday #WeekendReflection