One? I can only pick one? No, as I'm not a stickler for rules, I'll have to go with my favourites...of which there were many.
The very hungry caterpillar started a life long love affair with Eric Carle's work, as a late discovery discussed. Simplicity in art and story to create perfection.
Where the wild things are gave me a love for all the adventures and bad tempered boys of Maurice Sednak's creations. Sometimes it's okay to be cranky, but learn to reign it in, like Pierre or Johnny, or face the consequences.
The grisly fairy tales of Hans Anderson and Grimm - in particular, the Little Match Girl, the Tinder Box and the Steadfast tin soldier were my favourites. I also can't stand the Disney ending of the Little Mermaid. Apparently I am not a happily ever after kind of girl, which could be why I find the Chinese cinema cathartic...or maybe I've a bitter side that needs a safe space to run it's course?
I loved so many books of Dr Seuss, but more left of centre, like Go Do Go and I wish that I had Duck Feet. I'm guessing his exploration of the crazy world of possibility is the magical appeal.
Not my favourite book as a child, but one of my favourite children's book is I wish I had a pirate suit by the fabulous Pamela Allen. The perfect gift for any second (or subsequent) child. It captures the human condition perfectly.
Did you have a favourite book as a child?
Linking with #DreamTeam
Saturday, 26 October 2019
Wednesday, 23 October 2019
Sock it to them! Manrags
For three years, we've had a laundry basket that gets filled with odd socks - I have no idea where they go! Occasionally, I sit down and match them but there's still about 60 that don't match up. I know for a fact there were 60 unmatched socks and 20 socks with holes. How do I know? I've sent them off to be recycled.I saw an ad for Manrags on facebook and it instantly solved my problem. I ordered 5 biobags to post up to 20 WASHED, CLEAN socks (or 10 pairs) to them in. They then either match them and send them to the third world for wear, or break them down to be reused in making new products.
I also ordered some new socks that are thick and funky and came so glamorously wrapped that I'm using the box to package up my partner's birthday present, so you'll have to wait to see that, in case he happens to glance here before next week...
So if you need socks, or have socks you need to get rid of, look into Manrags. (You also get a $20 discount for your first return, so it's a great way to check out the quality of the socks)
So I'm loving reducing landfill, and supporting ethical businesses when I need something - as Manrags says 'Look Good. Feel Good. Do Good'. It's true....
What are you loving?
(Not sponsored, just loving it).
Linking with #LovingLifeLinky
(That's me modelling my Manrags women's sightless socks - I can now tell people I'm a model. So I might run with that at the next party I go to...hehehe)
Just to update, this came in from Manrags:
Thank you for joining the movement and helping us to reduce textile waste.
Since launching 48 days ago we've already saved OVER 100,000 SOCKS from landfill, and counting!
Tuesday, 22 October 2019
The beginning and the end
There is a step in parenting no one really tells you about. My eldest has a partner who has become very much a part of our family. A regular fixture in the house and at family meals, and even came on a daytrip for lunch with my mum and a family visit to the dentist (to be fair, I don't think he realised how long the whole exercise was going to take, but came along and joined in the joking fights over who was DJ in the car and which of my music didn't sound like a poor copy of Avicii - apparently all of it does, according to the kids, but they're wrong).
I like this kid. A lot. But they're young, so it stands to reason that eventually, a time will come when we say goodbye. If we're lucky enough for that opportunity. There has been a previous long term relationship, and after 4 years, one day we just never saw him again. Gone, with no warning. At least no warning we were privy to, the parents and siblings. No chance to say goodbye.
After a recent Sunday lunch out, we played Mario kart on the machines left in the foyer of the shopping centre, everyone taking turns to compete with each other. The five of us are now a very easy six. I looked at my husband while the kids were playing and beamed "I love this" and he knew I meant the new dynamic, and agreed.
But fast forward through life, and another friend is planing his exit after twenty something years of marriage. It's sort of heart breaking. There's no one else, just a lot of unhappiness. An empty nest about to become emptier.
For some reason it makes this new love seem all the more precious. And perhaps more ephemeral. Glittering on the horizon only to one day be a vague memory, now irrelevant.
My heart will break just a fraction at the loss too, but I'll probably have no chance to say goodbye. I guess this is a part of parenting that you never get to grow out of, as the stage is a permanent one, regardless of age.
I guess this is why you hold onto the minutes you get together as tight as you can.
Linking with #TheRandom #StayClassyMama #MLSTL and #DreamTeam
I like this kid. A lot. But they're young, so it stands to reason that eventually, a time will come when we say goodbye. If we're lucky enough for that opportunity. There has been a previous long term relationship, and after 4 years, one day we just never saw him again. Gone, with no warning. At least no warning we were privy to, the parents and siblings. No chance to say goodbye.
After a recent Sunday lunch out, we played Mario kart on the machines left in the foyer of the shopping centre, everyone taking turns to compete with each other. The five of us are now a very easy six. I looked at my husband while the kids were playing and beamed "I love this" and he knew I meant the new dynamic, and agreed.
But fast forward through life, and another friend is planing his exit after twenty something years of marriage. It's sort of heart breaking. There's no one else, just a lot of unhappiness. An empty nest about to become emptier.
For some reason it makes this new love seem all the more precious. And perhaps more ephemeral. Glittering on the horizon only to one day be a vague memory, now irrelevant.
My heart will break just a fraction at the loss too, but I'll probably have no chance to say goodbye. I guess this is a part of parenting that you never get to grow out of, as the stage is a permanent one, regardless of age.
I guess this is why you hold onto the minutes you get together as tight as you can.
Linking with #TheRandom #StayClassyMama #MLSTL and #DreamTeam
Friday, 18 October 2019
Old enough to know better...
I went to a party the other day, and it was divided into clusters from the hosts life. There were a fair few in our cluster, so while I spent most of the night with those I knew, I did strike up conversations with others, as we were all there to celebrate a milestone birthday with the host.
At one point in the night, a song I liked came on, so I went to the small group of five that was dancing, and announced I was joining them, even though they were all strangers to me. A few seconds later, the three women whispered to each other, looked at me and left. It was shockingly rude and frankly for 50 year olds, infantile and weird. I turned to the two men who remained dancing (one of them obviously feeling very awkward about whether to stay or go, and one too drunk to care) and apologised for bringing the vibe down. The drunk guy just shrugged and smiled. We danced as if it hadn't happened and then when the new song came on, I went back to my people...
WHO DOES THAT?
I told a friend and her first response was to shriek in a horrified squeal 'That's so high school?!'
And it was. The weirder part, I wasn't trying to talk to them, I literally was just coming to dance. So it seemed an excessive show of poor manners, to prove some point that I clearly missed.
The night before I went to Jungle Giants, where I was easily 30 years older than everyone else. I went with a friend and we merrily danced away. At one point, I noticed three women, maybe 20, looking at me. One was grinning and possibly copying my moves. I wasn't 100% sure if she was making fun of me, as she was smiling at me in a very friendly manner, so it was difficult to read what was happening. Her friend then gave me that look. It's a look I get at lots of concerts where I don't belong. It's not nasty, but there is a patronising air. It's a look that says "Aren't you cute?!" Cute in the sense of a sweet old lady. Betty White cute. The mimicking was an inclusive move, not one with malice. It is something I'm getting used to. It has occasionally had the words 'I hope I still go out like you when I'm old' and other such variations, that are meant to be compliments but are shattering reminders that your outside doesn't match how you feel inside...and yet I'd still take that over the small minded women at the party.
It's a sad reflection of society in a lot of ways. The older we get, the more focused on our 'lot' we become. We're not interested in sharing with the greater community, nor open to new people. I have a lot of faith in the youth of today. I hope they don't follow our bad example.
To borrow from Kate Forsyth, dancing is common ground that allows 'people to connect, despite all our defences and all our differences'.
And who wouldn't want to connect in the easiest and most instantaneous way possible?
"Inclusion is a way of thinking, a way of being, and a way of making everyone feel they belong"
(not attributed to anyone? If you know, let me know).
Linking off topic for #KCACOLS #GlobalBlogging #TwinklyTuesday and #DreamTeam
At one point in the night, a song I liked came on, so I went to the small group of five that was dancing, and announced I was joining them, even though they were all strangers to me. A few seconds later, the three women whispered to each other, looked at me and left. It was shockingly rude and frankly for 50 year olds, infantile and weird. I turned to the two men who remained dancing (one of them obviously feeling very awkward about whether to stay or go, and one too drunk to care) and apologised for bringing the vibe down. The drunk guy just shrugged and smiled. We danced as if it hadn't happened and then when the new song came on, I went back to my people...
WHO DOES THAT?
I told a friend and her first response was to shriek in a horrified squeal 'That's so high school?!'
And it was. The weirder part, I wasn't trying to talk to them, I literally was just coming to dance. So it seemed an excessive show of poor manners, to prove some point that I clearly missed.
The night before I went to Jungle Giants, where I was easily 30 years older than everyone else. I went with a friend and we merrily danced away. At one point, I noticed three women, maybe 20, looking at me. One was grinning and possibly copying my moves. I wasn't 100% sure if she was making fun of me, as she was smiling at me in a very friendly manner, so it was difficult to read what was happening. Her friend then gave me that look. It's a look I get at lots of concerts where I don't belong. It's not nasty, but there is a patronising air. It's a look that says "Aren't you cute?!" Cute in the sense of a sweet old lady. Betty White cute. The mimicking was an inclusive move, not one with malice. It is something I'm getting used to. It has occasionally had the words 'I hope I still go out like you when I'm old' and other such variations, that are meant to be compliments but are shattering reminders that your outside doesn't match how you feel inside...and yet I'd still take that over the small minded women at the party.
It's a sad reflection of society in a lot of ways. The older we get, the more focused on our 'lot' we become. We're not interested in sharing with the greater community, nor open to new people. I have a lot of faith in the youth of today. I hope they don't follow our bad example.
To borrow from Kate Forsyth, dancing is common ground that allows 'people to connect, despite all our defences and all our differences'.
And who wouldn't want to connect in the easiest and most instantaneous way possible?
"Inclusion is a way of thinking, a way of being, and a way of making everyone feel they belong"
(not attributed to anyone? If you know, let me know).
Linking off topic for #KCACOLS #GlobalBlogging #TwinklyTuesday and #DreamTeam
Tuesday, 15 October 2019
Beautiful Day
After a very frustrating few days, I woke with a smile and this song put a spring in my step. I spent the whole day on a high for no reason, just this song on high rotation. (To be honest, I'm guessing it was the hormonal upswing of being quite down for a few days about this country's current political shennanigans, and the NBN stress). Whatever it was, sometimes something so miniscule can change your outlook. You just need to 'Open your box of blessings and take out something to smile about.'
―
Linking with #WanderingCamera #WordlessWednesday #WonderfulWednesday #SayCheese #MySundayBest #WWOT #WWOAT #MondaysMusicMovesMe and #MondayFotoTunes
Monday, 14 October 2019
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul” ― Martha Graham
I have written before of how therapeutic I find dancing, and how great it is for confidence and well being, no matter how terrible you are at it. If I go too long without it, I get 'itchy' feet...
A friend sent me a story, that she said reminded her of me. In South Korea, a group of over 65's had thrown away their medicine and walking sticks as a result of government funded day time dance parties for seniors. Some had even met new partners. I love this story so much. I can see easily how it would be so beneficial to their heath and mood.
In China, the elderly all meet up in parks and in the walkways of the Chinese monuments (like Temple of Heaven) to play Go or cards. They have a tradition of dancing in public squares together at night. You don't need to know anyone, you just join in. Squares all over the city are full of people of all ages dancing at night. The Chinese seem to have a very social view of life. It's easy to see this might lead to greater happiness than being cut off and isolated, and left just to family when they get home from work. I think it's something we've really lost in this country, and probably explains our high rates of depression.
I'm listening to a book which is talking about all the 80 year olds on Tinder in the West. It's very hard to socially meet people their age in daily activities. I had never even thought about this, so of course Tinder (or such apps) would make sense. However, in those Chinese and South Korean settings, you wouldn't need an app, as you are constantly out mixing with people, so the loneliness and isolation aren't an issue.
On my return, I was delighted to discover the City of Sydney offers classes for Chinese Square dancing (Plaza dancing). It's inclusive for people with disabilities too. So if you know someone who would benefit from this, pass on the details - it could be literally life changing.
As for me, I'm going to check it out - not to find a date but I see myself as a South Korean senior at a daytime rave, and this is close enough. So dusting off my very neglected list, I've one more to add:
“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.”
―
Linking with #TheRandom #GlobalBlogger #KCACOLS & #StayClassyMama
A friend sent me a story, that she said reminded her of me. In South Korea, a group of over 65's had thrown away their medicine and walking sticks as a result of government funded day time dance parties for seniors. Some had even met new partners. I love this story so much. I can see easily how it would be so beneficial to their heath and mood.
In China, the elderly all meet up in parks and in the walkways of the Chinese monuments (like Temple of Heaven) to play Go or cards. They have a tradition of dancing in public squares together at night. You don't need to know anyone, you just join in. Squares all over the city are full of people of all ages dancing at night. The Chinese seem to have a very social view of life. It's easy to see this might lead to greater happiness than being cut off and isolated, and left just to family when they get home from work. I think it's something we've really lost in this country, and probably explains our high rates of depression.
 |
| Square dancing in Xian |
I'm listening to a book which is talking about all the 80 year olds on Tinder in the West. It's very hard to socially meet people their age in daily activities. I had never even thought about this, so of course Tinder (or such apps) would make sense. However, in those Chinese and South Korean settings, you wouldn't need an app, as you are constantly out mixing with people, so the loneliness and isolation aren't an issue.
On my return, I was delighted to discover the City of Sydney offers classes for Chinese Square dancing (Plaza dancing). It's inclusive for people with disabilities too. So if you know someone who would benefit from this, pass on the details - it could be literally life changing.
As for me, I'm going to check it out - not to find a date but I see myself as a South Korean senior at a daytime rave, and this is close enough. So dusting off my very neglected list, I've one more to add:
Torshlusspanik List:
1. Shooting (check)
2. Fencing (check)
3. Play croquet at Croquet Club
4. Laser skeet
5. Off road buggy driving
6. Play Assassins Creed
7. Jetpacking (check)
8. The Color Run (check)
9. Invent something
10. Cooking Masterclass (check)
11. Master a Masterclass (check)
12. Perform a rap song (check)
13. Trampoline adventure (check)
14. BMX Riding (check)
15. Do a cart wheel (check)
16. Ride an Electric Bike (check)
17. Astonish Myself
18. Write a book.
19. Participate in a distance event (check)
20. Climb Sydney Tower (check)
21. Dance in a dance class (check)
22. Trust a stranger
2. Fencing (check)
3. Play croquet at Croquet Club
4. Laser skeet
5. Off road buggy driving
6. Play Assassins Creed
7. Jetpacking (check)
8. The Color Run (check)
9. Invent something
10. Cooking Masterclass (check)
11. Master a Masterclass (check)
12. Perform a rap song (check)
13. Trampoline adventure (check)
14. BMX Riding (check)
15. Do a cart wheel (check)
16. Ride an Electric Bike (check)
17. Astonish Myself
18. Write a book.
19. Participate in a distance event (check)
20. Climb Sydney Tower (check)
21. Dance in a dance class (check)
22. Trust a stranger
23. Get a truck for the Landmine Museum and Relief Centre in Siem Reap
24. Paint a picture
25. Go Rollerskating (check)
26. Do Chinese Square Dancing
“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.”
―
Linking with #TheRandom #GlobalBlogger #KCACOLS & #StayClassyMama
Friday, 4 October 2019
24 hours in Canberra - share my snaps!
We raced down for a jam-packed tour of the capital city. Sibling bonding was the main aim, and using the free night at the Novotel before it expired was the other. Plus get the money back with reciprocal benefit on our Powerhouse membership. Even though it's closing, it's still worth getting the membership, as I've already made $89 in discounts and free entries, and as we're off to the Wollongong museum next week, we'll have covered the membership cost, and any further visits are a saving.
Game Masters is smaller than the Sydney and Melbourne ones, but has some new games and less crowded so was definitely worth doing. And the three of us played together for awhile, then the two siblings, in a rare bonding these days - that pesky age gap causing the youngest to grow into an only child, as previously discussed. |
| Ode to Jeffrey Smart |
Dreamworks was probably more of interest to me, though both of them liked drawing on the animation tablets at the end. I would have loved to do the Antartica VR but we were out of time, alas.
Then it was off to Nightfest for dinner. Having visited Floriade last year, I thought the lights and the band might be a lure for the kids. If nothing else, it meant dinner was sorted.
The next day was the morning at Questacon, still a favourite.
Then my reward was lunch at Lazy Su before the drive home....
If you're looking for a quick getaway, Canberra has a lot on offer at the moment....
What have you got up to these holidays?
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