Extra-Curricular

For the first time in a long time, I have an utterly free Friday night. It's also our 'number' day today, plus my birthday tomorrow, so today is a good day. We've been trying to figure out what to do with ourselves to celebrate, and I've managed to narrow it down to two options.

Option One, Midnight In Paris at the Moonlight Cinema.

It's been raining all day, so I don't think this is going to happen. But, I have a post devoted to it coming soon, so that's ok to postpone. I could talk about that gem of a film all day.

Option Two, Sam Amidon at Matisse Up Late at GOMA.

I saw Sam when he supported Beth Orton at the Old Museum a couple of weeks ago. Not only is he a gifted musician and storyteller, but his banter between songs was witty and I relished each moment of his set. If you have the time, the video above is of the song I loved most from his set. As it's virtually the same, I can assure you that we also had the pleasure of the sing-along at the show I saw. I've had the lyrics running through my head ever since so I definitely wouldn't mind seeing him again. I've also found that back to back gigs before a festival can be a good way to warm up before a full day of music. Laneway! Tomorrow!

Plus, I'm dying to see the Matisse exhibition at GOMA. I could insert another Midnight In Paris quote here, but I'll hold back..

What are you doing tonight? Indulging in yummy food? I'm also considering making and/or going out for a curry or pie. Or a curry pie. Any of those options would be rad.

Have an incredible weekend!

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Plus, post title inspired by the greatest weekend

song ever, The Darkness' Friday Night 

Backyard Love

Today we..

..slept late, swam in the pool, jumped on the trampoline, slid around on the grass, jumped on the trampoline into the pool, danced barefoot, hugged many times, engaged in group love, drank from wizard wands, had bbq, wore coral lipstick, got stitches, walked and talked in the rain, took many photos, sang our hearts out, got muddy clothes, finished with falafel..

Happy love day! Because it's a chance just to celebrate our loves and the incredible lives we share!

More photos to come!

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Instagram by me, polas via Picasa

Warm Glimpse

While I was in Copenhagen and Reykjavik, the majority of the homes that I wandered past had candles or fake light "candles" in their windows. With that soft glow carrying to the street outside, the homes all looked incredibly cosy, lived in, and secure. Somehow, even from where I stood in the cold, they seemed private and removed. That sense of seclusion was interesting to me as I've always felt the greatest sense of privacy when away from the street. I particularly feel this when surrounded by trees. Since I've lived in the city, it's been an even greater priority. I don't even know if it's that Australian houses are super airy and built exposed to the elements so as to capture any cooling air in summer (we have some mild winters), but it still feels like I spend most of my time trying to shut out noise of some sort. With all the rain in the last few days, there's finally been some peace without outside interference. While this weather isn't going to last, I'm going to work on that warmth factor. Lighting candles in the early evening or burning them throughout grey days immediately changes the feel of our small space. It makes our place such a soothing, more charming and inviting place to be. What's more, it makes a home of our rented house..

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Image via 

1, 2, 3, 4

Two of my absolute favourite artists, shot by the gifted Mary Rozzi. I was so thrilled the other night when I found this intimate series on Miss Moss (love her rad space too). I have visited them repeatedly before finally sharing them here*.

I've mentioned my adoration of the lovely Feist before (here and here), so it was such bliss to see her with my beloved Cillian. He's starred in a couple of my favourite movies, one of which you can indulge in with the video here. Not only that, he's from my Mum's home county, and that makes him all the more amazing in my opinion.

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*In honour of this Saturday (Laneway and Birthday!),

I thought I might start stealth posting about such magical

acts that I am far too excited about seeing. Expect to see

some posts that aren't too subtle, but enjoyable all the same! 

Cough, Feist!!.

Nursery Rhyme Of Another Summer

I found this longer version of my "theme" song last night. It's too perfect not to share, perhaps with yet another cup of coffee? I, however will have to settle for herbal tea, as we bought strength 12* coffee yesterday and I am buzzing.

*normal maximum strength is 10..my brain is in a profound "after" state right now..

For Ever And Ever

I've never particularly liked the idea of perfection. Such absolutes create an invisible pressure that can both haunt and corrupt the enjoyment of things. In fact, when something feels exceptionally awesome I breathe it in and try to suck every part of it out until I'm (hopefully by then), just completely part of the experience; something I usually find hard to achieve.

So to say that Sunday is always a perfect day is a little foolish for me. But there were some things that made it exceptionally so today, besides getting home at 4am*..

..muscles that are ridiculously sore from three impromptu massages..two on the dancefloor, one over dinner. Don't ask. Felt so good at the time, yet so painful now.

..savouring the memory that suddenly sprang up of how it feels to be in the departures lounge at the airport. I think my gypsying nomad blood is getting even more restless.

..planning celebrations with my sweet family, friends, and dear man.

..also planning on making shirts with Hemingway quotes from Midnight in Paris. Hemingway..

..still having two out of my six figs left. Oh yesss.

..French lavender as an early birthday gift. It reminds me of my Grandma Florence.

..a sunrise and sunset walk home today.

I hope all is magical in your realm.

*it was a splendidly big, massage, dance, and pizza-filled evening..

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Image via

Silly Bunny

Super ridiculous but heart-warmingly fun. I probably shouldn't admit this but I have a long-term dream of having a gigantic pet rabbit with long twitchy ears. Sadly, we can't have pet rabbits in QLD (?) and this isn't a hard case or I would be living some form of the dream pronto! I saw a girl with one of these in a restaurant and my heart smiled. Super silly, but the best sort of everyday magic..

Ps, some other silliness for your evening..

Love,

Helleborine Pink Lady

(you'll get it if you click the link..)

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Bunny Ear case via Ebay

Unicorn Name Generator via Gala Darling

Paper Heart

 

366 new days to make magic with, dance through, and make count. Of which I've already spent approximately 13. This fresh new feeling might fade, but in a sense this is a year of my life like no other. It might even be the start of a new phase. 

In this, my first year outside of formal education (there were eighteen plus one of preschool) since I was three, I find that I am still fertilising long-time, familiar dreams and learning foreign, unreal ones. I'm excited and ready and hopeful beyond measure.

Here are the ones that I dearly hope will take root this year:

1, a lively herb garden and making tea from it.

2, a new job and developing new skills.

3, graduation and travelling afterwards (hello, Japan!).

4, strong and loving relationships.

5, a content heart and productive spirit.

6, the reading of many books and recipes.

7, becoming a part of a community.

8, rising earlier and being healthier.   

What about you? What does your new year hold?

I also wanted to say thank you to anyone who has

visited this space during its time online.

I plan on looking after my space more frequently

in the coming months and I'm so 

excited to share it with you.

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Image by me from instagram

These sweet flowers are brightening 

our home today.

They will dry and be everlasting.

I always think that nature can turn

any day around and make

my heart glad again.