serendipity

White Infinity

2012-01-21T16:57:00.000+11:00

From Karen Barlow's blog: blogs.abc.net.au/news/in-mawsons-footsteps/

Despite being on holidays till 27/1, I have been slaving away on the computer preparing interesting, hopefully engaging work, for Term 1. Our first social science unit is 'Antarctica', a subject I love to teach. Coincidentally, it was the first unit I taught in my first year of teaching in 2001; eleven years later, my methods have improved and so has the internet. The array of videos, images and information available now is brilliant. One example is this blog from ABC reporter Karen Barlow, who has just returned from commemorating 100 years since Mawson explored Antarctica. I loved this juxtaposition of a photo from 100 years ago with the site now - almost makes you believe in ghosts, or 'spirits" at least.
The issues facing Antarctica are a microcosm of issues facing the world - global warming, arguments to drill for oil and mining, eco-tourism, depleted food chains, arguments to have a military presence there - lots of good stuff for my gifted and talented students, not to mention continental drift, fossils and evolution. I am almost keen to get started!

Visual reflections...

2012-01-12T11:45:00.000+11:00

Reflecting

2012-01-06T02:22:00.001+11:00

I fly home tomorrow, and Paull has booked a fascinating theatre experience for us tonight. I think I'll explain that better after the event. Meanwhile, I've been reflecting on the experiences I've had here. I've been part of a family's Christmas, and seen snow on Christmas day. I've walked the trail that Paul Revere rode and stood in front of THe Little Ballerina. I've seen Rivera's murals and a section of the Berlin Wall.I've gazed sadly upon the radio transmitter from the top of the World Trade Centre, mangled and charred. I've stood exactly in the spot that Abraham Lincoln's assassin stood in the Ford theatre. I've spent valuable time with my son and time in the company of a great bunch of young people, and I believe that the future is in good hands. I've seen a pencil sketch by the nine year old Picasso, and gazed upon works of art by Warhol, Renoir, Matisse, Monet, Degas, Vermeer, Cezanne, et al.I've even ridden a bicycle alongside the Potomac River from Georgetown to the mall. I've had dinner in the restaurant where JFK proposed to Jackie...

Today I'll take it easy and wander around Central Park before meeting Paull for the theatre/experience. Tomorrow, up in the air and down to earth!

Sensory Overload

2012-01-01T04:17:00.003+11:00

Another day, another few hundred priceless works of art - I've been hitting the art museums, my favourite thing to do in NYC. It is hard work, strangely enough, up early, a quick bowl of oatmeal and bowl of cappucino at our nearest cafe, then walk to the subway, walk to the museum, line up to pay, line up to check coat, spend several hours walking around gazing in awe. Line up to retrieve coat, walk back to subway, walk home to rest before walking out to dinner.

Dinner! My second favourite thing in NYC is the quality and variety of small restaurants around the East Village. Paull has chosen a different experience each time, from Creole, to Argentinian, to Mexican and Italian. And even after tipping, so much cheaper than the similar quality in Sydney. The spaces are dim, atmospheric and moody, with pressed metal ceilings, exposed brick walls and a feeling of history.

Speaking of dinner, it is New Year's Eve tonight and we are going to Esperanto, for Brazilian and Latin food and music and mojitos, my new favourite tipple. Tomorrow? Amtrak to Georgetown for a couple of days speed-sightseeing in DC. Hopefully, no hangover.......but I am sure mojitos have cured my 'airplane' cough....

Living History

2011-12-28T03:04:00.000+11:00

Boston is steeped in history, and so beautiful. Especially at Christmas, when the houses are decorated with green wreaths and huge red bows, with tastefully twinkling fairy lights at night. It snowed very briefly on Christmas Day, just enough for this Aussie to get very excited. Paull and I did one of our speed-tours (we walk fast and can pack a lot into one day in a new city). The Freedom trail, a museum, lunch at Cheers, the art museum (Degas, Little Ballerina - fantastic) then a restorative drink at the Union Oyster House.....where I ordered a whiskey and soda (to warm up) and the bartender said, looking puzzled: "We don't have any cider"....

Next stop, New York City

2011-12-21T19:37:00.001+11:00

Up, up and away at 9am tomorrow. Quite blase this trip because it is familiar territory, but really looking forward to being back there, and going to Boston for Christmas Day, and doing some work at Charity Water's office, and hopefully visiting Washington DC too. Moonboots, check, (thanks, Eliza) down parka, check (thanks, Anne). thermals, layers, mittens, beanie, scarves, Bring. It. On. !!

Reflecting...

2011-12-14T20:32:00.000+11:00

As the school year comes to an end, and my three terms on kindergarten (and well out of my comfort zone) come to an end, I won't say that I will actually miss working with 5 year olds; or that I would do it again in a heartbeat; but I will say this:

Ten things that are great about teaching kindergarten:

They 'explode' into reading
They 'explode' into writing
They 'explode' into math
They complement you on your earrings
They complement you on your shoes
They complement you on your dress
You get to sing - a lot
You laugh - a lot
You receive many, many. many lessons in patience
They hug you

18 days

2011-12-04T12:59:00.000+11:00

I've been so engaged with work and socialising that the fact that I am flying to New York on the 22nd has kind of escaped me. I've been so lucky to have visited twice, once in the middle of summer and once at the beginning of spring, so this Xmas/New Year winter visit will show me the city in another mode. Paull just pointed me to this excellent video, and I was surprised to realise that so much of it is familiar. I spend my days there walking and taking the subway to various locations, and after work and on weekends, Paull takes me around like a local. The first time I visited he lived on the Upper East Side, one block from Central Park, and by the next visit he was in the East Village (still is), so I've been lucky to have roamed the streets around both areas. Now for the Xmas tree and ice-skating at the Rockefellar Centre...

A Year in New York from Andrew Clancy on Vimeo.

November

2011-11-27T14:21:00.000+11:00

November '11 was a month to remember, because:

Sculpture by the Sea began
Helen & Alan came to Sydney for a visit from the Sunshine Coast
Paull and girlfriend Heather came to Sydney from NYC for a visit
Eliza found her dream car and bought it
I saw both my kids doing what they do for a living, at the same time, and they were great
A large contingent of extended family, and friends who are family, went to the Hunter Valley Wine country for a day trip to remember
I threw my first Thanksgiving Dinner - it was so good, it will be the first of many!
3 sisters,1 niece, 2 nephews and 1 brother and 1 sister-in-law had Thai food overlooking the harbour in my sister-in-law & brother's new house
My house has been full of friends and family

Five Year Plan...

2011-11-16T19:45:00.000+11:00

I've been doing a lot of internet research on maths for next year's class, and I particularly love this guy. He has explained Fibonacci numbers, fractals and heaps more to me, better than any maths teacher I've ever had. So when I stumbled upon his Life Skills lectures, I had to watch. This is really good advice, and I've found that I have actually done this without realising. If anything in maths is a mystery to you, this is the man to educate you.

More of Melbourne

2011-11-09T19:58:00.000+11:00

I took the pictures just for you!

A Treasure Trove

2011-11-05T16:20:00.000+11:00

Yep, those Melbourne alleyways are fascinating. I can highly recommend the 'Laneways' walking tour - it showcases history, architecture, boutique shops, young designers, retro clothing, even a Banksy piece of street art. All things I would have walked right by on my own. The other 9 people were easy to talk to, which was just as well seeing as we had a morning tea break (at a cute little chocolatier) and lunch at the end (at a cute little licensed cafe). They also had to sing 'Happy Birthday" to me and share a little cake at morning tea, thanks to Eliza the organ-iza. Melbourne has such a cool vibe, helped along by the Melbourne Cup fever of Derby Day on the Saturday. Here's a potted visual history:

Hidden Treasures

2011-10-25T18:47:00.000+11:00

I'm off to Melbourne with Eliza this weekend to celebrate my birthday (no, I'm not saying how many times around the sun). She has been there for two weeks for a conference so she should know all the good places to go by now. I've booked a 'Laneway Tour' for Saturday morning because Melbourne's gems, unlike 'out-there' Sydney, are hidden away for those in the know. I'm not much of a shopper, but I'll be looking at art, enjoying the window displays and loving the cafes and restaurants. Baggage handlers - please don't call one of your sudden strikes!

Wonderful WA

2011-10-11T18:04:00.000+11:00

...that's Western Australia. The Margaret River district is beautiful AND it has lots of lovely wineries, AND it has dramatic coastline and great beaches, AND it has a Berry Farm, AND it has a chocolate factory & cafe, AND cute little cafes and great pub food....and no, I didn't really want to come home! AND whales and dolphins, in our case, together, which was a magical afternoon on a calm, sunny day.

Whale tale

2011-09-26T15:40:00.001+10:00

I'm visiting the other side of Australia on Friday this week for a few days to go whale-watching and wine-tasting with a good friend in the beautiful Margaret River district, south of Perth. Seeing a whale has long been on my list of things to do, so I just watched a few videos to get in the mood. This particular one was worth watching - people in their yacht in Santa Monica Bay, with several blue whales approaching their boat then sliding under at the last possible minute. I was as freaked out as they were!

If you're gonna be a bear....

2011-09-21T20:27:00.001+10:00

...be a grizzly. I've just taken on a new challenge by applying for the 'opportunity class' at my school. I had to compete with others, as it was advertised, and was interviewed by a panel of 4 people yesterday (gulp). I got the job! I start in term 1 next year. An 'OC' class is a 5/6 class of 30 students, drawn from the whole district, who have passed a very difficult test. My job is to keep them engaged, learning and stimulated. I guess I'll be spending the Xmas holidays teaching myself high school maths....

Great Thinkers

2011-09-12T18:57:00.000+10:00

I spent Sunday at the University of NSW, volunteering as a judge at 'Tournament of Minds' state finals. I was blown away with the maturity, creativity and confidence of these teams of 10-12 year old's. They had three hours to prepare a dramatic solution to a challenge, with a bag of masking tape, cardboard, paper plates and pens for making props and costumes. The question? What needs saving today, why is it deserved, what obstacles would be faced, how would they be overcome. One team decided that a community that would not express its feelings needed saving; another, that New York City needed 'hope' returned to it; one team felt that modern families needed saving by a return to older values; several teams used the environment, in different ways, to present their solution. My favourite was the team that used chocolate as a metaphor for coal - they created a country that used chocolate as a food and energy source but were so greedy that they kept eating it until it ran out! They were 'saved' by a mad scientist who invented a renewable alternative.
Gotta love this generation...

Zen and the art of taking one day at a time...

2011-08-29T18:41:00.000+10:00

I seem to have a new-found zen-ness, from just being unable to do certain things, so it is what it is, and all that. Since breaking my arm, I've met some lovely people, had in-depth conversations with strangers, patiently waited for taxi cabs, serenely travelled on buses and trains, been helped by kindly bus drivers and station assistants, been forced to ask for help from friends who are so happy to help, received unasked help from friends just when I needed it, found a travel-buddy who is in year 5 at my school, and learned to prepare everything the night before for a quick easy get-away in the morning. I get to work feeling organised because I have read through things on the bus, and hey, I don't sweat the small stuff any more!

Spoke too soon....

2011-08-22T20:55:00.000+10:00

Oops. had a minor car accident that turned major when my left wrist got tangled in the spinning steering wheel. From all the drama that followed, several things stand out:

ambulance crews are amazing and fantastic
police are helpful when you need them
fire crews will jump at any chance to cut a door off a car
family are the best people you can have in your life: sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, long distance son & daughter included
friends are the family you choose for yourself, and are therefore included in the above
medical specialists are gifted, special people
nurses are the most under-rated, under-paid people but are consistently kind, caring and professional
my arm hurts!

Ten things I like about right now

2011-08-10T00:03:00.000+10:00

I'm not sick anymore!
I've just been to Cirque de Soleil with my lovely daughter
My 2 kids are about to spend time together in NYC
My class were glad to see me back
I almost missed them, too
Spring is in the air
I'm on top of things at work
Thursday night is schnitzel night catch-up at the RSL
Tomorrow I get back to yoga
Did I mention that I'm not sick any more?

Sick as a dog...

2011-08-03T13:33:00.000+10:00

Well, actually my 13 year old dog is showing much more enthusiasm and vitality than I am at present. I take my hat off to people who cope with chronic disease - my red raw tonsils will heal eventually. I can't wait to feel like myself again, and run and do yoga and go to work and do housework. I'm trying to rest up but can't help worrying about my class, and all the things I have deadlines for at school that will now be closing in. Which is probably why my immune system is low in the first place. In the last 30 years I've not had two consecutive days off 'sick', and here I am heading for a third. Time for a reality check:

* I'm lucky to be usually so healthy;
* I'm lucky to have a job that pays sick leave;
* I'm going to stop working through lunch times;
* After those sweet little kindergarten hands slip in to mine on the walk to the classroom, I'm going to discreetly use the hand-sanitiser.

Out of Africa

2011-07-24T15:23:00.000+10:00

My New York based son has had the amazing opportunity to visit the Central African Republic with the organisation he works for, Charity Water. They were returning after 12 months to drill a well, which had encountered problems the previous year. This time,they did it - watch the video here.

http://www.charitywater.org/blog/

Art After Hours

2011-07-15T11:56:00.000+10:00

Our Art Gallery opens late every Wednesday evening, with talks, films, music, food and wine - hey, some of my favourite things. This week they had 'drop in' sketching classes in the sculpture gallery, so I organised a teacher friend (we have so much more energy in school holidays) and off we went. Afternoon tea overlooking the harbour, a walk through the new Aboriginal section, an hour of sketching, then a restorative wine with dinner and chamber music. It was the coldest day of the year, apparently, but we had a ball.

An inspiration - at any age

2011-07-08T17:31:00.000+10:00

Thank you to Photoblogging in Paris for this wonderful video.

Summer Envy

2011-07-02T13:06:00.001+10:00

Looking at the Sartorialist this morning, I was momentarily wistful that I couldn't be wearing flimsy, floaty, summery clothes like the people snapped on the street in Paris and Milan. Then I looked out of my window at the 8am blue sky, cockatoos flying past and wattle trees blooming and thought - well, Sydney winter isn't so bad either.

The Great Disruption

2011-06-23T18:43:00.000+10:00

This seems a fascinating concept - the book of this name by Paul Gilding, an environmental economist, refers to the time that Mother Nature and Father Greed will both hit the wall. Our economy can't continue in its present form when the environment can't support it.

" The coming decades will see loss, suffering, and conflict as our planetary overdraft is paid; however, they will also bring out the best humanity can offer: compassion, innovation, resilience, and adaptability. Gilding tells us how to fight-and win-what he calls The One Degree War to prevent catastrophic warming of the earth, and how to start today".

The book does have an optimistic view, apparently! I listened to a radio interview with the author today. When asked how he personally tried to lessen his footprint, he spoke about using and needing less "stuff". I love the way his family does birthdays: the birthday child chooses an "experience" that the whole family embark on, such as a picnic or trip to the zoo, instead of receiving more "stuff". What a lovely way to re-work birthdays.

PS or you could give up your birthday for Charity Water.....

Farewell, old friend

2011-06-12T14:20:00.000+10:00

We lost our old friend, Beavis, on the right in this picture. She was full of life right up to the last day, when a sudden stroke took her away. She was always smiling; always happy; always hungry; always ready for a walk. She was so gentle we could take food right out of her mouth if necessary. She was the mirror image of her black sister, Butthead (left). She loved cats, especially our cat, people, especially family, other dogs, especially Butthead, and having a little jog in the early mornings. She always met me at the back door with a wagging tail and a present - her blanket, a toy, my lost sock. She loved to go for a swim in the river and was always first in. 13 years just wasn't long enough, and morning walks just aren't the same.

Report Time

2011-05-29T19:04:00.000+10:00

It's that time again - you're either writing reports or feeling guilty about not writing reports. Despite that I had a real day off yesterday and went to see "Mrs Carey's Concert" - a documentary about a school concert that plays like the best narrative you could imagine. Here's my first semester report:

Cate has settled in well to her new school. She is beginning to remember that kindergarten is not Year 6 and is giving more explicit instructions. Cate is appreciating the fact that this new school is half way to Newtown and is going to yoga classes regularly. She is now able to remember the names of several staff members and is making new friends. Cate has not neglected her old friends and meets them regularly for $10 schnitzel night at the local RSL. She has realised that there are worse things in a working life than singing and dancing the "Hokey Pokey" before 11am on any given day. Good work Cate!

Desk-bound

2011-05-17T18:44:00.001+10:00

My study and I have made peace, which is just as well because I have been spending hours there. Not blogging or surfing the net, but programming, programming, planning, researching......I'm loving my new Ikea trestle desk with its glass top and flower pattern. The old solid pine unit has decided to stay, as it is too heavy to easily take downstairs and because the Salvation Army can't pick up unless I take it downstairs. Eliza is pleased, because she says it is older than her and she always remembers it being around. So she can have it when she gets her own place! Meanwhile, I have used it to display my mini-busrolls from Cal at i love life, and it kind of works as a display board. It is also full of curricula etc, so it has a job to do. So do I, so back to work for me...

The Power of Words

2011-05-06T18:25:00.002+10:00

Working with four & and five year olds now makes me choose my words very carefully - positive, explicit, firm-yet-friendly. We probably all need to consider our words, but in the hurly-burly of every-day life, sometimes we don't. Have a beautiful weekend. y'all.

Water Changes Everything

2011-04-24T10:23:00.001+10:00

Water changes everything - as this video clearly emphasises. I'm probably as guilty of taking fresh, potable running water for granted as the next person, but since my son Paull began working with Charity Water, I think about it much more. Especially when I'm just hanging out for a hot shower after exercising with the dogs each morning, or running water to wash clothes or clean the house and yard. This would be an unimaginable luxury for so many people in other parts of the world. One in eight people on Earth don't have clean water - as one of the seven that do, I support Charity Water as much as I can.

Holiday to-do list

2011-04-20T17:16:00.001+10:00

Oil new deck (done)
Service car (done)
Check out trade-in value (done)
Go to dentist (done)
Picnic, a lot (still doing)
Movies, ditto (ditto)
Browse in Newtown (done)
Lunch with friends (still doing)
Be a couch potato (every rainy day)
Set up new classroom (nearly done)

So it's been flat out versus stop dead, with the weather dictating the day's activities. I've been up at six and in my new classroom by eight to get it all set up for the first day back. The block I am in was built in 1929, and has a lovely feel. High ceilings, casement windows and an old fireplace in the corner. I can feel the spirit of many past students and fortunately, it feels good so they must have had a good time at school! Looking forward to the Easter break with friends and family - and I hope you are too.

Where have I been?

2011-04-12T12:04:00.002+10:00

"If you do not change direction,you will end up where you are going" Lao Tzu

The last two weeks of school, and for me, at that school, have flown past in a blur of assessing, marking, tidying, packing, farewelling, tying loose ends and generally burning the candle at both ends. My head has moved towards my next school and class, but my heart was still with my current class. I made sure that we had lots of fun times involving art, drama and a class party on the last day. We took a "muck-up" school photo with us sitting in the traditional way, but dressed up in drama props, which was a big hit. Now to stop, relax, unwind - and go through the piles of boxes stacked in my study which used to be in my storeroom. I really thought I had pared right down, but as Kinder to Year 6 teachers, we can be moved to a different grade at any time. So I need to be really organised and store it in grade categories. OK, and chuck some more out! This card was so thoughtful, I have framed it for my new desk - Thanks, Chris!

Change

2011-03-30T19:43:00.001+11:00

The season is slowly changing as Autumn weather arrives. I'm changing my office around and have given away my desk to make room for a glass topped trestle table from Ikea. Eliza has changed her room around and added a desk and really cool shelving. We've added a deck to our front yard and changed how we eat dinner most nights. Now a big change for me has arrived as I have taken a transfer to a different school on a completely different age group. This is my eighth year at my current school, so I'm looking forward to the revitalisation that change brings. Somewhere, someone is taking a change to replace me, and bringing new ideas and skills with them. I'll certainly be sharing my skills with my new school, whether they need it or not :)

Bra-ty

2011-03-22T22:35:00.000+11:00

We're having an all-girl get-together on Saturday afternoon, ostensibly for an "Intimo" party but hey, any excuse. Punch, pink champagne, spinach dip, boob-shaped cupcakes, tea & coffee too, Mums and daughters, work-friends, old friends, new friends, nieces, cousins. We might even order some new bras..

Sydney Autumn

2011-03-13T07:48:00.000+11:00

I took myself to the Art Gallery yesterday for some much needed creative input. It overlooks the Wooloomooloo end of Sydney - that is Russell Crowe's penthouse in the background - and as I walked up from the Botanical gardens, I passed the Andrew "Boy" Charlton pool. People were swimming, but more were sunbathing, the cafe was full, the air smelled of Eucalyptus, the sky was brilliant blue. The Art Gallery was packed for the last day of the Chinese Emperors exhibition, but I was more interested in ArtExpress and visiting my old favourites (Picasso's 'Woman in a Rocking Chair"). ArtExpress is the best of the 2011 High School students' major works - their talent is amazing. Meanwhile, at the back of my mind, is the horror of the huge earthquake in Japan. Feeling inadequate once again.

Congraturations

2011-03-06T14:35:00.000+11:00

One of our Montessori pre-schoolers became engaged last Saturday - OK, he was a pre-schooler 24 years ago, but that's where we all met. It was a beautiful party in his Mum's lovely garden, by candlelight, beautiful food, Macedonian dancing, balmy evening. When they cut the cake by candlelight, noone noticed, but when we brought it up to the kitchen to slice, somebody noticed....

It still tasted good! Anyway, congraturations to me, I'm only 4500 words away from finishing the Certificate of Gifted Education; congraturations to Eliza, she has completed her first week of distance university, and congraturations to Julia, my niece, who is staying with us for a while as she starts her degree in Medicine. It's a student household here at present.

"Natural" Disasters

2011-02-26T17:38:00.001+11:00

When I studied Natural Disasters at uni for my accredited science subject for primary teaching, I learned that a disaster is actually natural - we make it a disaster by building/living/being there. Doesn't help the people affected though. In NSW we have been spared the floods, flash flooding, bushfires and cyclones; our hearts go out to our neighbours across the Tasman as well. Apart from donating money and goods, it feels quite helpless to just see the heart-wrenching images and not be able to do anything. I hope the spirit of the collective unconscious does find its way to all the people affected by these 'natural' disasters.

All decked out..#2

2011-02-20T20:40:00.000+11:00

Deck is finished, and I decided to reuse the cream deluxe plastic setting from the back verandah. Then, despite 33 degrees C and 74% humidity, went to the Garden centre and lugged around pots, plants and bags of potting mix. On a whim I threw in some solar lights. Back home, literally dripping with sweat (I could taste the salt) I potted up the (hopefully hardy) plants, then on another whim, pushed a solar light into each pot. That was 4pm, but when I looked out around 8pm, the lights were glowing and it looked magical. Pic doesn't do it justice!

All decked out..

2011-02-12T16:35:00.000+11:00

I've temporarily shelved (no pun intended) the office project to do the deck project. Inspired by many balmy evenings sitting out the front having dinner or a glass of wine, and some fun bbq's, we decided it was time to make things level. Very disconcerting when your plate and glass are on a downward slope. After a lot of research & picking brains, it was decided that a deck from the low end to meet the high end would be easy and look good. I chose spotted gum hardwood, which will be oiled, and there will be a step down to integrate it into the existing path near the front door. After pics to come! And hopefully many good times to come with the people we love.

Thanks, guys!

2011-02-05T06:59:00.000+11:00

Gotta love the blogosphere, I have inspiration and validation to start project "office" - and permission to go shopping at Ikea. I know it is more ethical to reuse, remake, recycle, but I will be passing furniture on to people who need it. With all the floods and now the cyclone, I guess the major charities will be needing stock. I also feel grateful that I still have a house to come home to.

Makeover time

2011-01-29T18:25:00.000+11:00

I like my "office", especially since I recently moved the desk to under the window. It looks out to trees and a small park next to the river, so it is pleasant to stare out at when I need inspiration. It is in an almost square ex-bedroom, freshly painted Antique White, freshly cleaned cream carpet, new warm white blinds - so why doesn't it work? Why does it look like a used furniture shop? To answer my own question, by necessity it has a tall unit that holds syllabus documents, text books and programs. This is left over from previous incarnations in different houses and is pine turned ginger. The desk is left over from my kids' student days, and is cheap brown laminate. The side table is a lovely old piece that once lived in a church. So no, nothing matches. I'm thinking about sanding, priming and painting them all cream - will it work? Or donating the desk and unit to the Salvation army and getting wall shelves and a trestle desk from Ikea... or just doing nothing.....any ideas?

A Happy Place....

2011-01-26T12:31:00.000+11:00

Teachers everywhere in NSW are slowly coming to the realisation that the carnival is nearly over.....of course we are going back to school refreshed and revitalised, but still.......we decided to milk every last drop of holiday fun, and took a ferry to Cockatoo island last Friday to the Summer Bar. Kicking off our shoes, sipping on sparkling Rose and snacking on bruschetta, we instantly relaxed and stayed until the 6pm ferry. This will be the "happy place" I go to in my mind..........

I-phone snaps enhanced via Instagram (free download)

Do Nothing....

2011-01-21T10:37:00.000+11:00

This is lovely - but is it bad that I checked at 1 min 34 secs to see how much longer I had to go?

Two minutes of peace: http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/

How to have a great day on approx $20

2011-01-12T11:59:00.000+11:00

Drive to Newtown (OK, using some petrol there, but not much in my little Micra); go to a movie at the Dendy ($10); browse in all the cute little shops (free if able to just browse); browse in Better Read than Dead; browse in the art supply store (reminding self that don't need more supplies, just need to stop procrastinating and get inspired); finish up at Berkelows Books Cafe for a coffee and little something to go with it ($10). Read newspaper, read Kindle (maybe not, bookseller may get angry that kindle is stealing their profits). Must fly - the movie is at 2.30..............

10 things I like about....

2011-01-05T19:34:00.000+11:00

....this summer holiday time of year:

eating dinner outside
lunches by the sea, river, pool...
family on holiday too
overseas visitors
cousins catching up
not setting the alarm clock
finding time for friends
going to the movies whenever the mood strikes (don't miss The King's Speech)
finally doing those odd jobs around the home
using the cricket as an excuse to lie on the lounge all afternoon (with novel open too)

Our picnic lunch at the river today was shared by two happy horses, trotters, so not just cooling off but exercising their tendons. The weather is perfect, cool for this time of year but sunny; sadly, in Northern Queensland the floods are devastating. At least the cool, wet weather has reduced the bushfire threat in most states.

Summer holidays - beautiful one day, perfect the next.

Aussie Xmas

2010-12-30T11:43:00.000+11:00

Sleep-in, big breakfast, pack a picnic and head for the beach - on a beautiful sunny day. Xmas to remember!

Full House

2010-12-23T12:55:00.001+11:00

Well, we only have four people plus two dogs and one cat and plenty of friends dropping in, but it is a full house and I love it. Paull is home for three weeks, his friend Chase has come back to enjoy a Sydney summer and Eliza and I are enjoying the holiday atmosphere. We are heading to Manly beach for Christmas Day, staying over at the Manly Pacific and catching up with family at Waverton on the way back home on Boxing Day. A picnic on the beach if it is picnic weather; a picnic on our balcony if not. A little bit of grey weather will not phase this party crowd. Happy Holidays to y'all!!

How cool is my Xmas Tree?

2010-12-14T18:04:00.000+11:00

Argument has always raged at our house between Scrooge (me) and the Spirit of Christmas (Eliza) about when is too soon to put up the tree (me: 24th December) (Eliza: never too soon). The type and quantity of decorations is also a bone of contention (Me: none is good) (Eliza: deck the halls, walls, floors, tables,etc). So it was a bi-partisan agreement of some note when we agreed on this tree during a recent stroll around Ikea. I think I like it because it is just the merest suggestion of a Christmas Tree, but I do like it. Now I have to go buy some presents...

Countdown

2010-12-09T18:20:00.000+11:00

This time of year has a weird feeling about it. The end of the school year is really close, yet it feels so far away. Our programmes are finished, reports sent home, assessments finished; this makes each day feel so much longer for some reason. Students are moving into holiday mode, the weather is humid and our new rooms don't yet have air-con. So I try to keep to the timetable, but introducing more "fun" activities to keep us all on task. We are playbuilding this week, and will dress up and perform for other classes next week (which finishes on Wednesday); maths will be lots of hands-on games and quizzes; weather permitting, we will play a lot more sport than usual. Teachers don't finish on Wednesday, we get two child-free days for professional development. Those two days will have a festive air for sure...

How Fast They Grow

2010-12-02T17:41:00.000+11:00

We had a reunion with several of the Montessori pre-school families at home on Sunday. It poured with rain but we had a sausage sizzle regardless, and the "kids" went wake-boarding on the river (in the rain). It was so lovely to see the kids getting on so well, we oldies could hardly hear ourselves think. At least, nowadays, they do the cooking - thanks, David.

Old house + paint = new house

2010-11-20T14:09:00.001+11:00

As if the double workload of Semester 2 reports combined with a 3000 word essay due at the same time wasn't enough, we're having the interior painted as well. Fortunately I was a worry-wart and knocked myself out to hand everything in a week early. Fortunately I am not silly enough or broke enough to do the painting myself. All the dust and smell and upheaval will be worth it, however, because the place is looking lovely already. The walls are Antique White USA and the woodwork (doors, window frames, skirtings) is the same colour but in a deep gloss, so it looks different but complimentary. With new Roman blinds arriving next week, the little house will look fresh and new.....pics to come.

Asking around for you

2010-11-13T18:29:00.000+11:00

A dear friend died last week, and he chose this song to be played at his funeral. Barry and Veronica are a couple who make you believe in couple-dom, and I've loved them both since we met as part of a close-knit group who decided to start a Montessori pre-school. We've never lost touch, and as the rest of us became single, one by one, he became the only male at our yum-chas and dinners. He never minded that, and his wry sense of humour and intelligence was always a joy.
I'm going to miss him, a lot.

WoW!

2010-11-02T21:21:00.000+11:00

I went to one of my favourite Sydney events, Sculpture by the Sea, on Sunday afternoon. As I went to take my first photo, my "never-ready" camera told me the batteries were flat - and I'd left my phone at home. So I figured the Universe was telling me to just enjoy the sculpture. Once again, it was a mix of whimsy, bold geometric pieces and innovation. How great is this paint tube? (Photo from smh.com)

From my yoga-in-daily-life newsletter.....

2010-10-28T18:53:00.000+11:00

People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars
and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.

Saint Augustine

Surfin' USA at school

2010-10-21T17:45:00.003+11:00

Never, ever, use beachballs as a dance prop. Our school is having its first dance concert, and every teacher had to choreograph a dance. So YouTube became very important for "inspiration". Our song is Surfin' USA, and the kids loved this video. So we went with the beachball thing. First we learned some moves and I learned that I am not, never was and never will be a choreographer. Writer, Director, Producer, bring it on, but dance? Not my thing. So I add in 27 beachballs. Beachballs can be thrown, bounced, popped, deflated, inflated, blown away, sat on, stood on. They also look really good from the audience veiwpoint doing a Mexican wave type dance- so I'm sure it will all be OK next week when we do 2 (2!) performances. The second performance might be pushing our luck.......

Some days are diamonds #2

2010-10-14T18:40:00.000+11:00

...or what can happen if you let kids follow their curiosity. A simple lesson on triangular numbers caused much interest - two boys started doing each triangle individually (3, 6, 10 etc) then decided doing one big triangle would answer all their questions. They are only 9 years old, but I'm hoping the next step is that they look for a formula. The lesson only needed them to go to 10 to answer some logic questions, but they were so into it I let them carry on. "Can we stay in and finish it, Miss?"

Recharging batteries

2010-10-10T14:07:00.001+11:00

Two weeks school holidays have just come to an end, and despite, or perhaps because of, spending the first week at Uni, I've relaxed and recharged. The second week I revelled in not having to get up early, taking longer walks, seeing movies with friends, catching up on chores and curling up on the sofa. On Thursday I had lunch with three of my favourite people at Cafe Sopra above Fratelli Fresh. The blackboard menu changes with what is good at the markets that day so the food is fresh, delectable and often unusual - Brussell Sprout salad anybody? I loved the dressing on my Parma ham and fig salad, the meatballs were exquisite and as for the chocolate tart..............mmmmmmmmmmm.

I'll think of it as I grab a home-made sandwich next week, remembering that it is only ten weeks till my next holiday....

Dragons are the Premiers!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-04T10:46:00.001+11:00

I'm not such a mad footy fan, but I am a fan of the now-grown kids who never missed a game, stayed true, and bonded over the wins and losses. Eliza flew in at 8am from Bangkok, had a shower , put on the footy jersey and went off to the Grand Final with Paull's footy "brothers", Ben and Danny. It was like old times to wake this morning and find them draped across various couches and beds. Meanwhile Paull was at the Australia Hotel with loyal US friends Chase and Heather, who kept him company despite the 3am start and their incomprehension of the game. These guys will be friends for life, I'm sure.

Maybe this time?

2010-09-26T10:01:00.000+10:00

My son barracks for St George, as his father did and his father before him........you get the picture. In Paull's lifetime, his team have made it to the grand final twice, and both times he was there. Both times they lost, very hard for a little guy to take. Last night his team won the semi-final by one point, and next Sunday they will be in the Grand Final again, but the now 27 year old Paull will be in New York City. He'll be up in the middle of the night, watching it with other ex-pats at the Australian Hotel. His sister flies in to Sydney from Europe on the day, so she'll be celebrating or commiserating with his Aussie mates. Go the Dragons!!

Some days are diamonds

2010-09-19T20:11:00.001+10:00

In teaching, there are some difficult days, lots of just busy days and occasionally, a day where you would have worked for nothing. Last week I was lucky enough to take a small group of talented artists from our school to the Sydney South West G&T Art masterclass. They made prints, prepared etchings and painted a canvas while I watched, helped out a little and did my own sketches. I went back to school the next day feeling like I had had a week off!

Lunch+Friends

2010-09-14T21:44:00.001+10:00

The best things in life are free - and for the cost of the makings of a spring-time lunch, catching up with special friends for a loooooooong lunch is pretty good value. I love getting all the serving bowls and glassware out, shopping and preparing, then relaxing and enjoying good food, good wine and good company. We bonded as we started a Montessori pre-school 25 years ago - making lamingtons to sell to cover wages for the teacher, painting shelves and desks as our kids played and one drank some paint (he survived), selling raffle tickets to buy equipment, lobbying local politicians to get planning approval and always, always supporting each other with baby-sitting, a cup of tea and the belief that our kids were worth it.

You know you like coffee when......

2010-09-06T17:26:00.000+10:00

you have at least three loyalty cards in your wallet
at least two coffee shops greet you by your first name
you sanctimoniously drink green tea all day at work, because you know you are having a coffee on the way home
if meetings look like going past 4.30pm, you get twitchy
on weekends, you've been known to visit three cafes in one day
your "one coffee a day" rule does not include Saturday & Sunday
catching up with friends, business meetings and community get-togethers all happen at a cafe
you've become a regular at a cafe that opened only three weeks ago

Couldn't be me, could it?

Market Place

2010-08-31T17:21:00.000+10:00

Eat your hearts out, Paull in NYC and Eliza in Ibiza, your Momma went to Revesby Markets on Saturday. The band played Waltzing Matilda (really), the scout group's sausages sizzled, the Lemon Myrtle products stallholder told me all my women friends would be jealous if I started using his moisturiser. There were cupcakes, hats, jewellery, tea tree products, assorted junk, unusual finds, on a beautiful spring-like day. I did feel as if I was in a country town circa 1950. Actually I have been to markets from Covent Garden, London to Eumundi, Queensland, from Paris to New York, and I love the market vibe - it's the same all over the world.

Democracy Oz Style

2010-08-25T20:16:00.000+10:00

I spent a long, very cold day handing out Greens "how-to-vote" pamphlets at the election on Saturday. It was worth it, because the Greens will hold the balance of power in the Senate and have their first Lower House member. As to which party will be governing the country, we don't yet know! As usual, the people handing out for the other parties were friendly and collegiate, getting coffee for all, handing out for each other when someone needed a bathroom break and chatting away like old friends. Only in Australia?

I stayed back after school yesterday and with the help of a good (tall) friend put my lovely present from Eliza up on the wall of my beautiful new classroom (Thank you, Rudd Government). The class were suitably impressed when they arrived this morning, and have already learned a lot about the relative size and distances apart of various countries. I think our isolated location is also obvious - you can't even see Australia in this picture! The hats on the left are the 6 Thinking Hats (De Bono), in case you were wondering. Thanks Eliza, for the map; Andy, for the help; and Kevin, for the room.

Create Your Life

2010-08-15T17:02:00.000+10:00

This studio belongs to some lucky person in Santa Barbara (thank you Google images). I'm searching for art studio images because I have signed up for an on-line course, the inspiration of Cal at (i)LoveLife . It's called "Nurture your Creativity and Be Bulletproof". I'm taking the slow and steady option so I can fit it in around everything else, which is the point of it really - making time for something that is important. Life is all about priorities, and sometimes you need to stop and think about what is important to you. Friends & family? Make a playdate! Travel? Plan it now. Fixing up the house? Get a quote. Qualifications? Research University websites. In the words of a well-known sports shoe brand - Just Do It!

Beautiful Morning

2010-08-08T12:33:00.001+10:00

I love the chance to go for a longer walk on Sunday mornings. The dogs love it too, of course. They went in for a swim today, didn't stay in for long, but definitely a sign that Spring is on its way.
I've been thinking about the things I love about where I live, after a friend recently decided to down-size her big family home but also decided to stay in the area. We have restaurants, cafes and patisseries; you can be standing under the Harbour Bridge 40 minutes after leaving your front door thanks to a good train service; I can walk across the road and be at the river for walks and picnics; we don't (yet!) have good movies and bookshops, but they are a short drive away along the freeway.
They say Sydney is a city of tribes and villages - I'm pretty happy with my little hamlet - doesn't stop me pining for New York City, however!

Keeping the Balance

2010-08-03T18:03:00.000+10:00

The weekend was busy with study and work and also, thankfully, busy with friends and loved ones. (I must stress that the marking and the glass of red wine were separate incidents.) I'm loving the on-line post grad study, it is really making me synthesise what I already know with the theory behind it. The 4000 word essay might slow me down, however......

Our weather has taken a turn for the worse, with the August winds lowering the temperature and a lot of rain. Rain and wind do not make 28 ten year-olds happy chappies, I can tell you. Fortunately Sunday was clear and sunny, so we took fish 'n chips down to the river and watched the boats go by. Then back home to criteria-mark 28 narratives before soup and a glass of wine.....yep, it's all about balance.

Juggling Act

2010-07-25T13:57:00.000+10:00

Must have been thinking a lot about Eliza, who left for a 10 week overseas trip on Thursday, when I had the urge to sketch one of her (many) stiletto shoes. As predicted, it was relaxing sitting sketching after being an on-line uni student all day on Saturday. I went back to school on Monday, ready to keep all the balls up in the air, and they immediately added several more balls. Juggling hard and fast!

This weekend I discovered gnocchi - why did it take me so long? It cooks in just a few minutes, is healthy, goes with any topping, loves parmesan and black pepper and tastes good. Tonight I'm going to a French movie (Leaving) at Leichhardt, Sydney's answer to Little Italy. We will have dinner in one of the many Italian restaurants in Norton Street, and I might just order - gnocchi, to see how the experts do it.

Arty Weekend

2010-07-20T19:03:00.001+10:00

Sunday was a warm, spring-like day, perfect for our ferry ride to Cockatoo Island for the Biennal Art Exhibition. The island is right in the middle of Sydney Harbour, and has been a prison, asylum, and more recently a dry dock for the Navy. Now it has been returned to the public, but still has amazing spaces and sandstone buildings, just perfect for art installations. I will admit to not understanding a lot of them, but this one was fabulous. Children were running through and swinging them around - yes, they were actually allowed to! If you look closely you can see that they are made from plastic colanders joined together to make a sphere. The crazy lime-green colour was part of the charm.

Balancing Act

2010-07-17T11:33:00.001+10:00

With the two week July break nearly over, I've been thinking a lot about balance. Going from "flat out" for 11 weeks to "dead stop" for two weeks has made me think about how to balance things a little better next term. I'll be studying on-line for about 6 hours a week, teaching full time, preparing the Tournament of Minds team, preparing for my turn at the "assembly item" and preparing for the whole school "Extravaganza" in November. I'll need to balance numeracy, literacy and the arts in class - and lesson preparation, study and downtime at home. So I've moved my easel downstairs and pulled out my art journal, because sketching is one time I don't think about two or three things at once, and if it is right there in front of me I am more likely to pick up a pencil and just do it.

Surprise......

2010-07-12T13:53:00.001+10:00

I have never seen anyone as surprised as my sister Pat was at her Surprise Party on Saturday night. We gathered at the beautiful "Souk in the City" Moroccan restaurant on Bourke Street and waited for her thoughtful daughter, who had organised the whole thing, to bring her in for a "quiet dinner for the two of us"....and there we were, waiting around a Moorish screen, reclining on silk cushions and nibbling on beetroot and eggplant dips. It was a lovely night, beautiful food with aromatic spices and good company.

I did it!

2010-07-06T16:03:00.003+10:00

I ice-skated, didn't fall over once thanks to my brilliant teacher and beautiful daughter, Eliza. She zips around the ice with her blonde hair flying and blue eyes flashing, looking for all the world like a Scandinavian who has been on ice all her life.

It was a great start to the July school holidays, two weeks to recharge the batteries and get my groove back. We went here for lunch today- Sealevel Restaurant at Cronulla- to celebrate not being at school, and it was very pleasant indeed.

It's freeeeeeeezing...

2010-06-30T17:42:00.001+10:00

...really! I know our friends in the Northern hemisphere would not think -6 is cold, but here in Sydney we are cold. Today was the thickest frost I've seen in 10 years, with the bin lid frozen shut, the car windscreen in need of scraping, and my feet leaving impressions as I walked in the park. The dogs didn't seem to mind but raced about as usual; I ran in a beanie, mittens, woolen scarf and two jackets. On Saturday, Eliza and I are going ice-skating at the temporary outdoor "Winter Wonderland" rink in the city. Only problem is, I can't ice-skate. Eliza says she will teach me in no time, but her student will have one eye on the mulled wine and hot chips instead. Maybe a cushion tied to my bottom??

A day is a long time...

2010-06-24T19:54:00.001+10:00

...in politics. Although a female Prime Minister is a good thing for Australia, I am not alone in being less than happy about the way in which it was achieved. Although not a Labor Party member, I thought Kevin Rudd was a very good PM who had done some excellent things for Australia. In recent times a hostile senate, hostile media and apparent lack of good PR has caused a slump in the polls, so out came the faction fighting. Shouldn't be surprised - what workplace or committee is without the potential for a Shakespearian backstabbing? Et tu, Brute.

Inner Peace

2010-06-17T18:10:00.003+10:00

Spice, practising inner peace

Here's a recipe for inner peace if I ever saw one - from my Yoga weekly newsletter:

Pratipaksha Bhavana is a technique offered by Sage Patanjali as a means of preventing the mind from being agitated and moving from its centre.
Pratipaksha means opposite point of view and Bhavana is contemplation or a state of thought.
In this practice when a disturbing thought arises, counter it by consciously bringing to mind its opposite to neutralise any opposition to positive values.

Try it - it's quite relaxing - I was in line for a hectic day at work, so brought to mind an easy day. The day may have still been hectic, but I didn't waste energy worrying about it!

Life Long Learning

2010-06-10T20:00:00.003+10:00

It's been ten years since I worked for the NSW Association for Gifted & Talented Children. I've been teaching since then and using my G&T experience to make our school a leader in G&T education in our district. I've decided that it is time to formalise my experience with a post-grad qualification, so I recently applied, and was accepted to study the Certificate of Gifted Education. Offered by the University of NSW, I can do a lot of it on-line and will be finished early 2011. So back to assignments, study and the revitalisation that comes with learning.

The end was not nigh :(

2010-05-27T17:49:00.005+10:00

I'm still going! I seem to have been working on these 27 individualised reports for over 4 weeks, and I'm still just nearing the finish line. I gave myself a day off on Sunday and went to see "New York I Love You", (the follow up to "Paris Je t'aime") with another teacher. We went to Newtown, browsed in Eastern Flair, Berkolows Books, Better Read than Dead, Tea 2 and all the other funky shops; had lunch at a Thai restaurant then went to the movies at the Dendy. Definitely felt like we were playing Hookey! In honour of the movie (which I loved) here is a pic. from the Brooklyn Art Museum.

The End is Nigh..

2010-05-19T19:18:00.003+10:00

..of my school reports, that is. Which means my mood will improve also! Long hours after school and a chunk of several weekends is the payback for our longer holidays, I know, but there are only so many hours in a day - and spending that time on reports means lesson preparation and creative thinking about programming gets left behind for a few weeks. That makes the days less organised, which has a flow-on effect to discipline, which makes you work harder, come home tired, then start some more hours on...reports! Enough gloom, here's three things I'm loving right now:

My new yoga class at Yoga in Daily Life, Annandale
Walk/runs early in the Autumn mornings
Saturday brunch and Sunday lunch

Now I'll stop procrastinating and get back to...reports!

2010-05-13T19:04:00.002+10:00

Well I might be having a case of the "blahs", but my son is not. He has taken the job of "Director of Digital Engagement" with this excellent organisation, Charity:Water. They provide safe, clean drinking water in places that need it most, such as Haiti, Cambodia and Ethiopia. Every dollar raised goes directly to the projects, with administration funded separately. They are unique in using Social Media extensively to raise donations and to keep donors in touch with where their money is being used.

This is his staff photo from the Charity:Water site - I may be biased, but I think it is a great shot!

Boring, boring, boring me...

2010-05-06T18:43:00.003+10:00

I've been a hamster on a wheel since returning to work, with the usual new term rush of programming, and assessing for reports, and beginning reports (due in two weeks) - which makes me marvel even more at the amazing Jessica Watson, who at just 16 years of age is about to finish sailing around the world, solo. She is due in to Sydney, if all goes to plan, on the 16th May, and turns 17 on the 18th May. She is only six years older than the students in my Year 4 class. Read her blog and send her a message - she is one plucky, talented and level-headed individual.

(Me, not Jessica Watson!)

Oooh La La..

2010-04-29T18:36:00.002+10:00

I was fortunate to be visiting New York just when Paull's rugby team were playing the crew from the Jean D'Arc, which was also visiting NYC. They arrived in full uniform, looking very smart - but there are no change rooms at the field. So, in the coach and up the hill, they emerged later ready to play. The visitors won 2-1 after a hard-fought game, then joined us for celebrations that night (back in their beautiful uniforms). Someone who looked just like me was photographed dancing rock and roll with a French Naval Officer, coincidence, huh.

Interactive Sculpture

2010-04-22T16:41:00.007+10:00

This fantastic sculpture, known as "The Bean", but actually called "Cloud Gate" is everything a public sculpture should be, in my opinion. It invites and encourages interaction - it is impossible to just walk past and ignore it. The reflection of the city highlights the beautiful architecture of Chicago, and children of all ages, even the adult ones, can't resist it either. The first shot is from inside and underneath- I'm there somewhere with a camera! By British artist Anish Kapoor, you'll find it in Millennium Park, right next to the Art Institute.

Up In The Air..

2010-04-18T12:43:00.008+10:00

...and down to earth. That flight is sooooooo long, but at least the volcano didn't affect us. The last weekend was a beautiful "yin" for the "yang" of NYC. We travelled to Kohler, Wisconsin, where Paull had a work commitment and I had to while away the days in the spa, doing yoga by the lake, and being spoiled. The village of Kohler was started to house the employees of the bathroom fittings enterprise; that Company continues today, making high-quality bathroom fixtures and fittings. The village also boasts a spa, excellent accommodation and restaurants, and PGA golf courses. The restaurants are top-class, as is the accommodation and spa - and people are very friendly in Wisconsin. Every time you say "thank you" , without fail, they reply "you're welcome" and that is how you feel.

Sensory Overload

2010-04-11T00:48:00.004+10:00

The Brooklyn Museum of Art may be my favourite art museum ever....there are five floors, and I spent an hour on each floor, with my eye on the clock as it closed at five and I'd arrived at twelve. (3 subway changes, breakfast and sleep-in!)

Highlights: Rodin sculptures, ancient Egyptian artefacts and mummies, contemporary sculptures, early American art, African, Chinese and arts of Islam, whole rooms decorated in the period style, and this amazing "dinner party". An installation by Judy Chicago, it was originally displayed in 1979 at the height of feminism. There is a personalised and intricate placemat and plate to match each of the feminist icons she features- and so much more to it than that. Check out this article, from which I borrowed the photo - photos were not allowed, so I had to cheat..

I came back in total sensory overload, and had a beautiful quiet dinner with Paul at Matilda's. It is a tiny Mexican/Italian fusion place just around the corner. I was so taken with the chandeliers and plates, Paull was heard wondering if I had been eating special mushrooms in Brooklyn!

Art Attack

2010-04-08T14:13:00.004+10:00

Being a visitor in NYC is very hard work; today I had to walk around the MOMA for hours, check out the (melting) ice-skating rink at the Rockefella Centre, then go to a Broadway play - A Behanding in Spokane. Starring Christopher Walken, it was very clever and funny. After that, being New York, we went out for Thai, and everywhere is full of people despite the late hour.

Just for a change, tomorrow I'm going to Brooklyn to see the Brooklyn Art Museum - apparently it has a huge collection - I'll let you know!

Spring in NYC

2010-04-04T23:33:00.003+10:00

Washington Square Park and the East Village vibe....

Crossing Delancey

2010-04-03T07:50:00.002+11:00

Some years ago I saw a movie called Crossing Delancey, with the premise being that it was the wrong side of the tracks. Yesterday I walked down to the Tenement Museum from E.10th, and crossed Delancey. The vibe is very different down there, not all gentrified like the East Village. Loved the history of the tenements, learned a lot.

After that I used my new-found confidence using the Subway system to take the E train down to the World Trade Centre. The memorial gallery is very moving, very sad, but it was something I needed to do. Kind of paying my respects to the people who went to work and didn't come home.

Tonight I am going to Van Diemans on 3rd and 27th for a rugby fundraiser..Paull's team, the Village Lions, are playing a French Navy team tomorrow (won't miss that!) and they are all invited tonight. I hope we all make it home in one piece.......

au revoir!

SoHo, So Good

2010-04-01T14:10:00.002+11:00

Things I did not buy for Eliza in SoHo:

"I Love Pink" tracksuit
Cupcake Post-It notes
Guess pink snakeskin hand luggage
Knee length leopard skin boots
Long T-shirt printed with red ballet slippers saying "Fame"
"In the Pink" body spray

- but I did buy her some cute things, which will be a surprise so I can't tell you what. I had a lovely jet-lag recovery day, beginning with breakfast in a really cute cafe (The Grey Dog) (Irish Oatmeal with blueberries & banana, bowl of latte) moving on to lunch in Mulberry Street (Little Italy, so spaghetti puttenesca) followed by shopping in SoHo (mostly window shopping, sorry Eliza) then a longish walk back to East 10th Street for a rest, to get my strength back for dinner with Paull at a really nice restaurant on his block (okay, spinach fettucine with lamb ragout). My camera batteries died early on, so many photo ops. passed me by. There goes my new career as a photographer of NYC. Maybe tomorrow!

NYC - here I come

2010-03-29T18:25:00.002+11:00

I read an interesting saying the other day- "Everything you have ever done in your life has brought you to this day" - if you think of it first thing in the morning, it sure puts the day in perspective. I don't feel that I am doing some days justice! Tomorrow, however, the baby I had 26 years ago has led me to New York City. All I have to do is sit in a plane for 21 hours and watch movies. I can do that.....next post: an Aussie in NYC.

Keeping It Real

2010-03-24T18:23:00.003+11:00

Bohemian Mum recently blogged about the way we tend to show only our good side to the world. She bravely listed all her not-so-perfect qualities, which made me think about mine. I'm a neat-freak, so the house is usually tidy; I'm used to looking after everything on my own, so the pets are walked & fed, the fridge has healthy food, the plants are watered. However.....inside the cupboards, out of sight is definitely out of mind. Especially my school stuff, which is in constant disarray in my study and in my storeroom and desk at work. Looking at the book titles squished into this cupboard gives me a reason for this: maths, improv, science, philosophy, gifted children, geography, pottery, Excel for Dummies, Term1,2,3, &4, - no wonder I'm always drowning, not waving!

Workout...

2010-03-13T11:55:00.003+11:00

A few weeks ago I decided that I should add some weights into my fitness routine of yoga, walking and a daily jog around the park. I contemplated joining a gym, but decided it would be too expensive just to use a few things a couple of times a week. The very next day I varied my walk route and discovered that what I'd thought was new play equipment being built in a corner of the park was in fact an outdoor gym. Free. Five minutes from home. So most mornings since then I tether the dogs and do some weights before I take them off leash for a jog. The first time I tried the butterfly press I thought it must be a joke that the two sides would ever meet, but now I can do ten! In a row! So Paull, next time you're home, no excuses for missing your gym routine.

Spring

2010-03-04T17:46:00.002+11:00

This month I'm leaving Autumn (Fall) and heading across the ocean to experience Spring in New York City. Looking at the weather there now, I think our Fall may be a lot warmer than the Spring I'm heading into. I'm packing boots and warm sweaters and an overcoat and scarves and wondering if I'll need snow boots and parkas as well. I guess a country with four distinct seasons sees quite quick changes - not like Australia where we just morph from less warm to more warm. Anyway, I'm not concerned about the weather - just looking forward to spending quality time with my son Paull over Easter and revelling in the art/shows/shops/parks/ and people of NYC. I fly out on March 30th for 3 weeks and plan to enjoy every minute. Even the loooooong flight (time to overdose on the latest movies!)

Serendipity in the garden

2010-02-25T18:53:00.004+11:00

No post since mid Feb? Mainly because everything I wanted to blog about needed a photo, and my camera is so big, and cumbersome, and fragile, that I tend to leave it at home or not have it handy. I need (need?) to get a small, cheap point 'n' shoot that will fit in my bag and won't break my heart if it gets wet or dropped. So, I've just gone out into my compact back garden and taken this shot, even though it is 7.00pm and the dogs are trying to lick my face while I lean down to take this.

Because I don't know what it is, or from whence it came. But it looks like a real plant, not a weed, so I've let it grow. Now it has a small white flower. Any gardeners out there know what it is? Will I transplant it into a pot? Will it spread? Is it Jack and the Beanstalk? I do like a garden that plants itself.

Small Wisdoms

2010-02-13T11:24:00.002+11:00

More things I've learned from my dogs:

stretch when you wake up (downward dog is good)
drink lots of water
it's not the destination, it's the journey, so stop a lot on the way and check out interesting things
if you're getting on in years, you can cut corners when you run around the oval
or stop on the way and sniff interesting things
it's always great to see old friends
it's always great to make new friends
after your morning exercise, have a light breakfast, big drink of water and a rest

and it's the weekend so I can do just that!

Working Smarter

2010-02-04T19:41:00.005+11:00

I'm pleased that I haven't lost that holiday feeling; something to do with my NY intention to work smarter, not harder. Something to do with being on Year 4 instead of 5/6, and being lucky to have a class of curious, switched-on kids.

This pic. was from my Perth sojourn - we were cruising the canals of Mandurah, lusting over the waterfront mansions with million dollar boats on their own moorings, when a friendly dolphin began swimming under our boat and popping up on the other side, then doing it again and again. Even with sports action set on my camera, I couldn't catch him up close, and I kindly let the Japanese tourists have the best position. This snap was taken as we left the enclosed canal system and headed out into the large estuary. I was pleased to see him head off, as I thought he might have been lost. Meanwhile, I certainly won't be winning "Wildlife Photographer of the Year."

The Wild West

2010-01-28T18:26:00.007+11:00

Perth's skyline, and Mandurah, 1 1/2 hours south. Lovely place.

Go West, Young Man (old(ish) woman??)

2010-01-24T20:47:00.003+11:00

I'm in Perth!! Nothing like following your New Year's Intentions to the letter. My good friend and roommate from New Guinea in 1971/72 lives in Mandurah, a beautiful seaside town 1 hour south of Perth. She visited me in Easter 2008, so I was overdue to return the compliment. One e-mail and a cheap carry-on bag fare later, I was winging my way across the continent, about as far as I could get from home and still be in Australia. And Paull tells me that if you could dig through the centre of the earth from New York, you would arrive just off the coast of Perth. (There is a website that tells you this.) (Apparently.) So I'm having a wonderful end to my holiday, back to Sydney Monday, back to school Wednesday (no kids), back to 30 kids Thursday.

Refreshed, revitalised, re-energised!

Pics to come - Perth's coastline is bee-yoo-ti-ful

Invictus = unconquerable

2010-01-15T18:45:00.002+11:00

Nothing like going to the harbourside outdoor cinema in the botanical gardens on a night that has thunderstorms threatening. Each night books out as soon as the bookings open in December, so you go for the movie you want and hope for the best weather-wise. People arrive at about six for dinner and wine, watch the sun set over the opera house then enjoy the movie. So, we did all that, but between dinner and movie there was a sensational thunderstorm and pouring rain. Undeterred, everyone donned the plastic ponchos thoughtfully supplied, and stoically soldiered on with the eating and drinking. No one complained, people were laughing and taking photos, and the rain stopped just as the giant screen rose over the water. And the movie? Excellent! It is named for Mandela's favourite poem, which concludes:

..."I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul".

Following Intentions

2010-01-11T17:54:00.004+11:00

We're really enjoying our "staycation" - Sydney is a good place to do that. There is so much water surrounding our suburbs, it is easy to find a pleasant lunch venue and we've been doing just that. Yesterday the cool weather turned to heatwave, so we went to the beach, had beers overlooking the ocean, then went to the movies at the Randwick Ritz on the way home. I love the Ritz because it was my local movie theatre when I was a child, and Saturday matinees were my favourite thing to do. It has retained its lovely Art Deco appearance, but is now four small theatres instead of one huge one with a dress circle.

I'm just pleased it has survived and flourished, and I'm not telling how many years ago I was a regular!