01. Project Yarra is somewhat restricted as we can’t venture further than 10kms, so we’re covering some stretches of the River previously walked (but from the opposite side). Melburnians might spot a landmark in the pic above. Continue reading
Tag Archives: music
Eurovision 2021
Eurovision kicks off tomorrow. Here are my preliminary thoughts but, as we know from previous years, the live performance can change everything (my picks are at the very end). Continue reading
Things that are making me happy this week
01. Back to the opera. Saw a stunning new production of Aida. The huge LED screens were very impressive (image). Continue reading
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart – a literary mix tape
There’s nothing I can say about Douglas Stuart’s 2020 Booker Prize winning novel, Shuggie Bain, that hasn’t already been said. Know that I laughed, I cried, and I ached for Shuggie, his alcoholic mother, Agnes, and his siblings. This story is raw and tender and hopeful and heartbreakingly sad.
In my tradition of not reviewing books that have a squillion reviews on Goodreads, I have instead put together a mix tape, drawing on some favourite passages in the book. Needless to say, I had dozens to choose from in Shuggie.
5/5 Shuggie has my heart. Continue reading
Things that are making me happy this week
01. Finished my diving certification (at Pope’s Eye and Boarfish Reef). I went to 16 metres and honestly, it was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I’ve done in decades.
Continue reading
Things that are making me happy this week
01. My Yarra River walking project continues – this week a slice of Britain with enormous oaks and pear trees (planted in the 1850s) lining the River.
02. It was timely to come across magnificent oaks because my walking friend and I both have new acorn vases. Continue reading
My Best Books for 2020
I did away with ‘top tens’ a few years ago, and instead I finish the reading year with a recap of the books that are still speaking to me (less about four and five-star ratings, more about what has stuck). Continue reading
Things that are making me happy this week
01. The NGV Triennial exhibition was absolutely outstanding. Highlights: Salon et Lumière; the Fallen Fruit wallpaper; Dhambit Munuŋgurr’s bark paintings and larrakitj in shades of blue; the story behind Pirjo Haikola’s biopolymers and urchin-corals; and my very favourite, Cecilie Bendixen’s delicate clouds (above). Continue reading
Things that are making me happy this week
01. Supernova was devastating (I took a box of tissues….). And really good. Go see it. Continue reading
Things that are making me happy this week
01. Felt #ALLTHETHINGS when the restrictions were lifted (relieved, happy, anxious, exhausted…). I’ve remained positive in these weekly posts but I am also really hoping that the media (and people who don’t live in Victoria) stop the Victoria-bashing. This article. (Pics taken in the CBD by my friend Steph). Continue reading