On the dog walk...

I've not been out in gardens so much but there has been some little beauties on my dog walks....

These photos didn't work out as I wanted them to but they make me smile all the same. The light, the texture, the warmth I felt trying to get the shot...not sure what it is, but they make me happy.

Sometimes we don't see the world as it is but as we are.

It's all a reflection.

It may not be the most spectacular sunset but the pink tinged cloud is enough to make the world seem momentarily perfect.

Now make a wish. 

Linking with #GardenAffair  and #MondayMusicMovesMe

Handa's Opera on the Harbour - Guys & Dolls

Every year, in part to the generosity of Dr Haruhisa Handa, there is a production by Opera Australia on the harbour with the stunning backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. 

This year it was not an opera but a musical - Guys & Dolls. As a kid, I loved this musical - I watched the movie with Brando & Sinatra so many times, but Stubby Kaye was the scene stealer for me. I know all the songs by heart. While I prefer the Opera productions on the Harbour, I was not unhappy to go to this one.

Whether you like musicals or not, it's a stunning location and always a lovely evening.

Because it's outdoors, I get my ticket a few days out, or on the day. I only like to sit in the central bays, so when the Rush Tickets on TodayTix** came available, I purchased 2, to get dead centre (rather than 1 to the side). I managed the $389 tickets for $65 each. Basically for $7 more than the cheapest ticket ($123), I got the second best seat in the place. 

I was unable to get anyone to come with me at such short notice having scored the tickets at 3pm for the 7.30 start, and as tixel listed the ticket incorrectly, it wasn't going to sell there, so I went early to try and sell it at the gate.

The sun was beginning to set, so I was just about to give up when I saw a young woman turn away from the Box office without buying anything. I asked her if she needed a ticket. She explained she couldn't get one (presumably that she could afford). I told her I had one for $65 if she wanted it. She had no cash, and as an American, she didn't think she could transfer to me. I looked at the golden sky and told her it was her lucky day. She could have it as I didn't want to miss the sunset. I then checked who she voted for (as I'd have to spend an evening with her) and she pulled the most hilarious face so I figured she'd be fine company.

She was wowed as we walked in to the amazing view and suitably impressed with the seats. On my travels I have benefitted from the generosity of strangers. It was nice to pay it forward.

It is such a lovely atmosphere, regardless of the performance. The food & drinks tie in with the show so alas the American theme meant pizzas and hot dogs or 'deli' sandwiches...go early if you want the salads - they were sold out. The cocktails looked good but I had to skip those as I was driving*.

The show is not as pretty as other ones, La Boheme being my all time favourite but as always, a magical evening. We ended up chatting to the group sitting next to us - also American and it was a very fun evening of bonhomie. As always, everyone loves the front row view of the fireworks.

You have one week left to see it. Handa's Opera on the Harbour finishes April 20.

*If you do drive, the parking is $12 at the Domain if you pre book. There is a free shuttle but I just walked.

**Note if you purchase this way you do risk missing out completely.

Linking with #GMAlinky #SundayBest #TrafficJamReboot #WWWhimsy  and #HappyTuesday and #HappyNow as you can't not be happy with this view and ambiance.#Skywatch #GalleriaHimmelsblick #WaterThursday

(Note also you can see Babu Gili projected on the inside sail of the Opera House at certain times of the evening) 

School Holiday Season

I'm away a bit in the rest of April so this #Allseasons runs for 2 weeks. You can add ONE post a week. Please comment on other people's post. I will comment when I can but it will be a bit delayed.

Remember Double Demerits.

Happy Easter everyone.

My insta should have plenty of music as I'm away at 2 festivals.

#Allseasons linky runs usually from Thursday to Wednesday each week but this one is for 2 weeks. 

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. 

Step back in time...

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.

Linking with #MuralMonday

"Mirrors are perpetually deceitful. They lie and steal your true self. They reveal only what your mind believes it sees." - Dee Remy

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....

Linking with #TalkaboutitTuesday #SeniorSalonPitstop #Stylewithasmile #WWWhimsy  #TrafficJamReboot #MondayMusisMovesMe 

Note a slight swear word - hard to make out but not suitable for work if strict and flashing lights. A Sydney local band.