01. Had the great pleasure of attending the launch of Andrea Goldsmith’s new novel, The Buried Life, at the Abbotsford Convent this week. The book contains lots of references to music so, as Andrea explained, the evening was more of a performance than an author convo.

I’ll share more of what Andrea had to say about the book when I review it, but know that the central theme is death. Andrea said that she was compelled to write a book about death because there are two commonalities for all people – “Death and that life is uncertain.” She went on to say of death that she found it “…curious that people are frightened of something that is so certain.” That all sounds heavy but know that it’s also a novel about friendship.

02. The RISING program has been released and lots to be excited about this year. Particularly looking forward to Saturate, Swingers, Amplified and POV.

03. In an odd coincidence, there’s a line in A Buried Life that I’m sure is about RISING 🙂

04. Cooking: I’m mad for Carolina Gelen’s book Pass the Plate – this week I’ve made her roasted red pepper pasta and a West African mafé-inspired chicken stew. Both delicious.

05. Listening: Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour set-list (I have a love/hate relationship with set-lists being revealed online!).

06. First bits of uni assessment submitted. Weird to have study deadlines again. Reminding the ever-conscientious-student in me that ‘Ps get degrees’.

07. Lennox Wine Bar with my oldest friends. We laughed until our sides hurt.

08. Watching: The Jury: Murder Trial UK (SBS) – really interesting experiment.

09. This guy’s vibe on Insta.

10. Lastly, not a great result 🙁 but loved being back at the footy with my Carlton buddies.