September Round Up

Well, September started pretty ordinarily with all the political kerfuffle but ended great with a mini break to Burleigh Heads!

 

I really need to review my 42 things in terms of what I haven't done, but I find it much nicer to accentuate the positives!

 

5. Read more of my own books. I tend to purchase these, but they get pushed aside for books I bring home from work

Yes! See Books read below.

 

15. Spend more time outdoors and less time indoors

Yes, lots of walks after work and spent most of my Queensland holiday outside. I've also been watching a couple of families of ducks with ducklings at Green Point.

  

17. Mini breaks to my favourite places - Melbourne (not been since 2011!!), The Blue Mountains, Mid North Coast, and try new ones

I had the loveliest mini break, when my sister A and I flew into Coolangatta to spend a long weekend with our other sister, K and her family. They were holidaying at Burleigh Heads, much like we did as kids. We arrived early Thursday and had a relaxed day of pool lazing, shopping, the beach, and a lovely walk to the North Burleigh Surf Club for a seafood dinner. Friday we headed to Sea World as Miss C turned 6 and she wanted to see the penguins. We got there a little after opening, and waited roughly an hour to get in. It was hot and there were a lot of people, it made the day a little rough, but we managed. Miss C loved the penguins, Mr 10 tried out some rides but looked decidedly grey after disembarking the corkscrew roller coaster. I'm not a ride person, so I enjoyed the animal and people watching. Miss C wanted pizza for her birthday dinner, so we tried a local  gourmet pizza place, the pulled pork, scallops and cashew pizza was delicious. Saturday was a little overcast which made for a more pleasant day, weather wise, at Dreamworld, Mr 10's early birthday choice. There is much more to do there, we got there early and it was really quiet. Miss 6 surprised us all by just being tall enough to go on most of the rides and showed not the tiniest bit of fear on any of them, with awesome and again being the top words of the day. Sunday was a bit more laid back, with a sleep in, some Putt Putt golf and a visit to Sizzler for lunch before flying home.

 

 

 

 

19. Eat and drink out more/20. Get through my list of local restaurants and cafes

I finally checked out Three Bean at Hamilton for lunch to celebrate M's birthday, we had a leisurely long lunch and I was rather impressed. L scored us an early look in at the new High Tea setup at Wests, New Lambton and we drowned our election sorrows on champagne and delicacies. I joined A & L at Quint Cafe for another lovely lunch. We also checked out MoneyPenny, a new cocktail place on Honeysuckle.

23. Spend more time with my niece and nephew

Did lots of that while I was away in Queensland.

 

33. Go to lots of fun social events

I attended the two amazing gallery openings. The first was the Now and Then Photography Exhibition at The Lovett Gallery. And the following week, the After Five, Darnell Collection Opening at Newcastle Art Gallery. Later in the month we checked out Parking Day at Darby Street, which was a lot of fun. I celebrated V's birthday with N & K at Bolton Point for afternoon tea and a fabulous BBQ for Father's Day. As always our Bibliotweeps Book Club met at Talulahs.

34. Make sure those that mean the most to me know that they do

Between birthday celebrations for friends, Father's Day, family events and assisting friends in need...I think I have been sharing the love around this month!

 

36. Take time to do nothing and daydream more often

As always I take the opportunity on my walks to incorporate photography and chill out spots, great for the soul.

DVDs watched

I watched a trio of french films, The Well Digger's Daughter, Women on the 6th floor and Father of my children. They were all really good, but the stand out was The Well Digger's Daughter, which was the directorial debut of my beloved Daniel Auteuil. He starred as the father of the daughter who gets swept up in a romance with a wealthy young man prior to the war. It was based on a story by Marcel Pagnol, which I found fitting as Auteuil became famous staring in two Pagnol films, Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring. I loved those films and this one has a similar feel and stunning cinematography.

I was blown away by Soderburgh's Side Effects, a twisty and turning thriller with Jude Law, Catherine Zeta Jones, Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum. This is a must see psychological thriller. I also was quite taken with Margaret about a teenage girl, Anna Paquin, who witnesses a life changing event and the aftermath of it. A post 9/11 film, this was held over from being released for a long time, I saw the directors cut, which is long and at times rough going, but really worth it. It is a character piece and Paquin is stunning.

The best two films I saw were Dave Grohl's Sound City and Julie Delpy's Skylab.  Sound City is about a famous recording studio in LA, and the amazing bands that cut their records there. If it were not for Sound City Fleetwood Mac as we know them today would not exist, nor would Nevermind, the album. This is an absolute must for music fans, it gave me goosebumps. I've always been a huge fan of Julie Delpy, as an actress and director. Skylab is about a family get together over a long weekend on a sprawling property in the French countryside. It is based on Julie's childhood, and Julie plays her own mother. The family are mesmerising and ecclectic. It has the best 'disco' scene I have seen in a long time, and features some great scenes with the children of the family. This is a must see French film.

I also saw a few episodes of Tim Rogers's Studio at the Memo. It's a Cabaret style TV show, with a whole range of musical styles and hosted by Tim. He acts the role of a charming bon vivant very well. The first episode had Tex Perkins, Dave Graney, Todd McKenney, Virginia Gay and Baby et Lulu, so you get the picture.

I finally caught up with the first season of The Newsroom and I'm sold. I saw the first episode on the plane last year, but had not gotten around to the series. I have always loved Jeff Daniels, since The Purple Rose of Cairo, and he is fabulous as the hard hitting anchor, Will McAvoy, of News Night, a cable news show. The show is very Aaron Sorkin, political, controversial, walk and talk action with personal relationships thrown in. The supporting cast are superb, with standouts being Olivia Munn as Sloan, the sexy yet awkward economist, Alison Pill as Maggie, the earnest associate producer juggling her job with a range of personal issues, and Sam Waterson as Charlie Skinner, the news division president. Add in Jane Fonda in a small, but recurring role as Leona Lansing, owner of the media company that oversees the show and it's simply wow! Can't wait to devour Season 2.

Movies
The French Friday Film was La fille coupee en deux which translates to girl cut in half, and about a young weather girl who 'loves' two very different men, both much wealthier than her, one her age with a few issues and the other an older man, a writer. This is a very French film but was a little cliched in parts, fabulous sets and costumes, the storyline left a little to be desired!

I also saw Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine and the fabulous Frances Ha:

Both reviews can be seen here:

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/movie-review-blue-jasmine.html

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/movie-review-frances-ha.html

Books Read
We read Marieke Hardy's You'll be sorry when I'm dead for Bibliotweeps Book Club. I had read it before, but enjoyed it as much as the first read. Some stories are very funny and well written, some a little bit too 'look at me' and some are rather confronting. It's an interesting memoir, and gave us a range of topics to discuss.

I have listened to two talking books. The first was, Stardust by Neil Gaiman and read by Neil Gaiman. I think by now everyone knows my love of Neil Gaiman, I love this story, and hearing him read it in his hypnotically sexy reading voice almost caused a few accidents whilst driving I must say! Stardust is an adult fairy tale, paying homage to The Princess Bride, and started as a graphic novel, then regular novel and movie. It is on the surface a sweet love story about a young man looking for and finding a fallen star and their magical relationship, but it is also quite dark and rather sexy in parts. He is a gifted wordsmith and to hear him read with his own nuances as intended was a delight. 

The other was The Art Forger by B. A Shapiro. The Art Forger is fiction and set in the art world of Boston, with varying threads of storyline. There is Claire a renown forger of paintings but specialising in Degas. She has a murky past that is revealed as the book proceeds and is asked to copy a painting that could be one of the many paintings stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I am a huge fan of Art Crime - yes sadly this is a genre and a true genre at that. The heist mentioned in this fictional book happened back in 1990 and I have read a lot about it. I really enjoyed this interesting angle of what may have happened. There were times it needed a better editor and the reader was a little annoying, but ultimately this was an excellent ride!! 

I loved Grace: a memoir by Grace Coddington, 70 year old fashion editor for American Vogue and ex British model. Anyone who follows proper fashion or has seen the documentary The September Issue will know Grace. She is very outspoken, and is a true maverick, if that word can be used in such a vacuous vocation. It was a great read that follows her rise and rise in the fashion world and is full of her delightful illustrations. A true role model!

I took away with me to Qld, Venice is a fish: a sensual guide by Tiziano Scarpa and Life at the Marmont: the inside story of Hollywood's legendary hotel of the stars, Chateau Marmont by Raymond  Sarlot and Fred E Basten. Venice is a fish was superb, a small book written by a young man who has lived in Venice his entire life. Rather than write a regular travel story of you must do this, he describes his city as he knows it. Each chapter is divided up into a body part, his philosophy being your entire being is taken over when visiting the city. Having been there, I totally agree. His prose is poetic and rhythmic and incredibly sensual. I could have devoured this book in one city, but I spaced it out taking in a chapter at a time and found myself back in that glorious city...sublime! Chateau Marmont was the perfect holiday book, lots of gossip and outrageous stories of the goings on at the famous hotel in LA from the moment it was built in the 20s until now. 

MUSIC
Not much of a musical month, my go to album has been Nick Cave's Lyre of Orpheus which I adore.

OTHER
The other excitement of the month was my favourite customer/borrower Doug (96) being featured in an ABC Open video. The talented and wonderful A, filmed Doug in our library and attending our 500 Words Online Writing Group and the results are brilliant, so much so it will be shown on ABC TV in October and November!

You can view the video here:

http://vimeo.com/73748380

 

AUGUST ROUND UP

Well August was pretty darn wonderful, so busy I had no time to think of anything but what's happening next! As Warren Zevon said "I'll sleep when I'm dead"! (September has been much the same hence my tardy delivery of this blog!)

So a quick look at the 42 things (to do while I am 42):

 

3. Have one night a week where I turn off all electronics and read

Still not weekly, but taking moments of complete silence to read, be it at home or somewhere out and about. It's my form of meditation.

 

4. Walk more and explore my own surroundings...there is so much I haven't seen in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and other areas nearby

I have been on a few walks in Newcastle and around Belmont and Warners Bay, not necessarily new places but I always find something new to look at. 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Read more of my own books. I tend to purchase these, but they get pushed aside for books I bring home from work

Some of the books read this month were my own. But being so busy, reading is very difficult to fit in.

6. More live music - the very poor list above is very abnormal for me. I'm open to pretty much anything, though snooty about venues!

I went to the album launch for Oliver Mann whilst in Melbourne, a friend of my new friend M, this was a fabulous afternoon of true indie music. I love finding new artists, especially one as talented as Oliver. His voice was remarkable doing folk/guitar type tunes but with an operatic feel.

 

I also won Mum and Dad tickets to see Ross Wilson at Lizottes. I have seen Ross a few times and thought they might enjoy it and they did. I even managed to tweet Ross and let them know my parents would be there and he gave them a shout out, which was so incredibly kind and very cool. Mum and Dad, but especially Mum, were rather excited by that. 

17. Mini breaks to my favourite places - Melbourne (not been since 2011!!), The Blue Mountains, Mid North Coast, and try new ones

After 2.5 years I made it back to my beloved Melbourne. You can read about it here:
 http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/melbourne.html

 

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/melbourne-favourite-haunts-and-laneways.html

 

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/melbourne-eating-and-shopping.html

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/melbourne-exhibitions-and-shows.html 

And I will be back in Jan with C for the Doctor Who Symphony! And heading to the Gold Coast next month!

19. Eat and drink out more/20. Get through my list of local restaurants and cafes

How I have maintained my weight this month (and I have!) I really have no idea. Must have been all that walking in Melbourne. I have eaten out A LOT!!!

See Melbourne post, PLUS a few visits to Le Passe Temps, lunches at Honeysuckle, Crepes at Coco Mondo, Hamburgers at Brown Dog (nice meal, but small, overpriced and very ordinary service, not planning on going back and it seems everyone I talk to agrees...shame!) and Thai with C.

 

 

 

22. Wash my car more often

Not really doing the best of job with that, however, whilst I was away my car was left with my parents (so they could do my airport drop off/pick up) and Dad spent seemingly days washing, polishing, cleaning it inside and out. Bless you Dad!!!
 

26. Go to the farmers markets regularly

Yep, have discovered the Dumpling man now...oh my!!

 

 

27. Really listen to music...eg in the dark with a glass of something something...no distractions

Yes, I had a Midnight Oil blast earlier in the month, you can read about it here:

http://reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/midnight-oil-teenage-memories-and.html

 

31. Have fun and laugh more at work

Great month at work, I had the pleasure of popping out to give a talk to the local Book Club. There were a small group of elderly ladies, who were really interested in the digital collection, ipads and the 3D printer. This warmed my heart to see cutting edge technology embraced with such tenacity. They gave me a lovely arrangement of camellias.

 

 

We also had Children's Book Week, where the local retirement village put on a play of Dot and the Kangaroo for the kids and it was marvellous. The kids loved it, the seniors had a blast and the community were thrilled. The following week we had Craig Smith from NZ, doing his Wonky Donkey show. If you don't know Wonky Donkey, you must seek him out. A fabulous and uber-popular kids book set to music.

 

 

33. Go to lots of fun social events 

But of course. A couple of movie nights, and some theatre. King Kong (see Melbourne review), Ruben Guthrie (a Newcastle production of Brendan Cowell's confronting play about alcoholism) and Frankenstein.

 

http://reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/frankenstein-play.html

 

Drinks and eats as above. I visited the Wildlife Exhibition at the Lovett Gallery, re-read Zeitoun for my Book Club and went to a Travel Writing Workshop. I had my monthly lunch with my gorgeous sisters, plus celebrated the birthday of my sister, A and good friend L. Good times!

 

 

36. Take time to do nothing and daydream more often

I did a lot of that in Melbourne, but have been doing it in bits and pieces back home too. Usually finding a spot to plonk myself down and people watch whilst out and about on my walks.

 

 

DVDs Watched:

I enjoyed the following: The Sessions, The Letter, Marilyn and Me, Ides of March, Celeste and Jesse, Two days in Paris, Blue Valentine and Barney's version. Bully - a documentary about kids being bullied in Middle America - was well shot but made me cranky and sad. And This is 40 was very ordinary, would not recommend.

The highlight of the month for me was Searching for Sugar Man: If you haven't seen this musical documentary, you simply must! It is about Rodriguez, a South American musician living in the US, he made two albums, toured a little and then disappeared, the story being he committed suicide on on stage. Over the years he got a cult following and in South Africa where he was bigger than Elvis, became a hero to many. The two amazing albums, are now considered classics, his style a slightly more upbeat Bob Dylan. I won't say anymore, though I imagine most now know how the story goes, suffice to say, it is incredibly compelling and touching. If you love great human stories and music, this is the film for you.

 

And Rockshow: I do not think I can love Paul McCartney any more than I do. I adore The Beatles and he is my favourite. Of course I also love Wings, they are the soundtrack to my childhood. Other kids got to listen to nursery rhymes and the like, me I got Wings and all the other cool 70s music. Rockshow is the re-release of Wings Over America, a triple album of live music recorded over a few shows in 1976. At the time, it was released as a film. I definitely knew the music, but had never seen the full footage. Oh! My! It is remarkable, remember McCartney is only 5 or so years away from The Beatles and really still a kid himself. His voice has never sounded better, he is loving touring with a band of excellent musicians and it is hit after hit after hit, most of which I have not heard in a long, long time. It gets off to a rocking start with the punch of Venus and Mars, Rock Show, Jet and Let Me Roll It! A little further in he does Lady Madonna and The Long and Winding Road and the crowd goes wild. What I love are the faces of the audiences, they are in heaven, it's fabulous! Live and let Die kills, then a little further there's a lovely section of Paul (without the band) singing Bluebird, I've Just Seen a Face, Blackbird and Yesterday. It made the hair stand on the back of my neck and brought tears to my eyes, the audience looked much the same. It moves through oodles more including  My Love, Listen to what the Man Said and Silly Love Songs, before blowing the place up with Band on the Run. It's as perfect a performance as you could ever imagine. I've lent it to my Dad to watch, cause without him I wouldn't love this stuff anyway!

I also watched the following Television:

Breaking Bad S5 - Walt has sunk down the rabbit hole and there is no return for him I suspect and I loved every freaking single minute of it! YEAH BITCH!
 

Smash S2 - still have a few episodes left. The first season was great, but not popular so they decided to change almost everything about it...it didn't really work. However with a cast of Jack Davenport, Angelica Huston and Debra Messing and fab guest Broadway stars and great music I still watched.

 

Mr and Mrs Murder - only caught bits on tele, simple husband and wife amateur detectives but it's the pairing of Kat Stewart and Shaun Micalef that make it

 

Lilyhammer - This is ok, Steve Van Zandt (Sopranos and E Street Band) is a Mafioso sent to Lilihammer on witness protection after dobbing in another. He choose Lillehammer as he thought it looked nice when The Olympics were there. As someone on witness protection he is meant to behave and blend in, two things that are impossible for him. It is a mix of light humour and light drama and the backdrop is magnificent.

 

Offpsring - This was the season of the looming death, who would it be? I guessed early on it would be Patrick, how could it not be? I think Channel 10 really fucked up in the way they advertised this. It was easily the best season yet of the crazy Houseman family, Kat Stewart's storyline being the most catching. She just kills me, her acting, especially her facial expressions, are second to none. To me, without her, there is no show. I still think killing off anyone was an unnecessary stunt, but am sure single parent Nina will allow for some fabulous screwball comedy. But yes, manipulative as it was, I still cried buckets! Beautifully done.

Broadchurch - this was outstanding television from the Brits. Stunning set and cast with twist and turns and a shocking ending. This could have been a usual predictable UK murder show (yawn) but it was anything but that, each week I held my breath, trying to work out what on earth had happened. Olivia Coleman was brilliant and real, but David Tennant gives good melancholy and his character was a heartbreaking revelation, bravo!

 

Rockwiz - this is still my favourite show on tv. I think I have missed maybe 2-3 episodes over it's entire run. It's a no brainer, music quiz set in a classic pub with a great band, brilliant guest musical stars, the wonderful Brian Nankervis and the perfect host, Julia Zemiro. Even the audience participation (normally a cringe worthy ingredient to such shows) works perfectly. What a season, culminating in the most perfect finale with Tex Perkins, Don Walker, Charlie Owens and Mia Dyson. Laughs, music, duets and chills.

Books

The Short History of Everything by Bill Bryson - I listened to Bill read his fascinating book on a talking book in the care, well worth a listen!  

After by Morris Gleitzman - this is the 4th installment in this series about a young boy against the backdrop of the holocaust. Gleitzman writes for children beautifully, I have been a fan of his books for many years, he incorporates humour and intelligence with such ease and cleverness, thought this series is low on humour (obviously) it is still a wonderful read. I also had the pleasure of meeting him last year and was pleased to find him as agreeable as his books. He is also married to Mary-Anne Fahey (a children's author herself now) who you might remember as Kylie Mole from the Comedy Company!

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers - this was a re-read for my book club. It's Non Fiction set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina and about one man who makes a difference during the storm, but it all goes pear shaped. Quite a riveting read on the human nature, politics, the US and Katrina.

Mom and me and Mom by Maya Angelou - I have no words to explain how much I adore Maya Angelou. Just read her books and you will understand my love for this amazing woman. This little gem is about her relationship with her mother, and her mother with her. It's a fascinating read, and beautifully constructed. I wish she would release more regularly.

Amber Amulet by Craig Silvey - this is another's children's book, but has a great noir feel and I think a book that appeals to both kids and adults. It's about a young and very sensitive boy, who patrols his street at dusk as a super hero. He just wants to make sure everyone is ok, but when he comes across someone who is not, what will he do? Highly recommend.

Music

Depeche mode - new album, really good

Midnight Oil - as mentioned above

Went a bit old school listening to the newish Led Zep compilation, turned to 11 of course!

Fleetwood Mac had a re-release of Rumours, with various versions of the songs on it, was excellent

And at work I have been listening to a lovely French compilation.

Movies

Behind the Candelabra - I had been hanging out for this movie for some years. When I first heard it was cast with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon I was intrigued, I could see it and I was impressed they accepted the challenge. The movie was a load of fun, with some great cameos by Rob Lowe, Dan Ackroyd and Debbie Reynolds. But Douglas and Damon were unashamedly dazzling. Not only in acting but in their costumes. The costumes, and indeed the set, were outstanding, more rhinestones and gold than one could ever imagine. They were brave to take on the roles and should be proud. This is a must see!

Red Obsession - this is a documentary about the high end wine business in the South of France and the obsession of it by those in the East. Narrated by Russell Crowe, this is an eye opener. Beautifully filmed, especially of the properties and vineyards in France, it opens right up how business is done and it's not pretty. If the wine industry interests you or you are a Francophile you will love this, but I think the greed and the business part would be interesting to most people too. Quite shocking to see how a very small percentage live.

And finally, the new Doctor for Doctor Who was announced and I was thrilled.

You can read about it here in an article I wrote for Social/Life Magazine:

 

http://www.sociallifemagazine.com.au/#!the-new-dr-who---cathy-shay/cxy0

 

JUNE ROUND UP

The year is flying so fast I feel a bit freaked out. I just want it to slow down a little...or maybe I need to slow down a little...nah, life's too short baby!!

 

So I have done pretty well in June, lots of things ticked off my 42 things list. I had pockets of busy, busy and pockets of stillness, which I really needed.

 

3. Have one night a week where I turn off all electronics and read

Yes! Still not a regular habit though, hopefully by the time the year is out.

4. Walk more and explore my own surroundings

Yes, been walking at lunchtime when the weather is ok and after work. Still need to get into a better routine, winter is so hard. Explored a bit of Maitland and also lots of the Watt Street area with City Evolutions.

 

7. Learn to cook 5 basic, healthy meals I can whip up easily

I have been experimenting with easy cooking. Made up a version of a Beef Stroganoff that was pretty easy. Been cooking up things like Vegetable pie, Zucchini slice and corn fritters on a Sunday so I can have them for meals during the week with veges or salad. I love food, but don't care much for cooking, so try to keep it simple.

 

8. Don't let the things that usually bother me, irritate me too much

This has been a hard one the past month or so. I find it difficult to shut my brain off, and tend to dwell on stuff, and truly that only leads to no good. I have been getting so much better at not doing this over the years but occasionally I slip. Usually it is work that gives me the poops, but it has been a whole range of other little things that just added up this month. Call it the black dog or the blues or as Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly called it, The Mean Reds (I love that!!) I had it, still do a little to be honest. I think we all go through this from time to time and I see no shame in calling it that. A lot of people say they love all the stuff I do and my life...and I do too, but it's not perfect...believe me!! It's very difficult to walk in the shoes of a single woman, especially at my age, but as Carrie Bradshaw said that is why we need really special shoes.

 

So how does one beat off the Mean Reds!?! Here are my tips:

 

1. Wallow a little, this is ok, have a day (only one) in bed, have a good cry, think about what is making you feel shite, yeah it makes you feel shite-er, but better than ignoring it!

 

2. Process it all - write it down, talk to a friend, I have the best friends anyone could ask for, they listen to me, and I to them and a problem shared is always a problems halved.

 

3. Go for a walk, that helps you mull it all over and gets endorphins going that can help fight those mean reds.

 

4. Wash it out in the shower...I love this, have a long, long shower and think about all the things and ensure they go down the plughole with the dirty water!!!

 

5. Pick yourself up and do the things that make you joyful. For me it's music or a funny movie...but laughter always ensues.

 

6. Keep busy AND take time to be calm and quiet - hence the month I have had.

 

7. One more thing I do and I wish I didn't, but I tend to eat comfort food...this is why I do NOT have the body of a supermodel...but nobody's perfect!

 

How am I doing now? Ok! But more importantly, how are you???

13. Write more, post on my blog more regularly

Yep, been writing heaps. For work, for my work writing group, for me, for the blog and a few other projects.

 

Here is a link to my online profile on ABC Open. I host a writing group at my work. I am merely the facilitator, and we all encourage each other, so of course I must join in too! It's memoir based and loads of fun.

 

https://open.abc.net.au/people/cathy-01am7fc

14. Whip my little back yard back into shape

Oh yes, During the earlier months of June I spent a fair bit of time digging in the dirt, which I find is also good for the soul. Trees and bushes trimmed, pots repotted, things rearranged and all looking ship shape.

 

15. Spend more time outdoors and less time indoors

Between gardening, walking and being out and about I have gotten it to 50/50 I reckon!

 

17. Mini breaks to my favourite places - Melbourne (not been since 2011!!), The Blue Mountains, Mid North Coast, and try new ones

Finally heading back to Melbourne in August, been close to 18 months since I have been which is way too long. I have a little apartment in the heart of the city, plan on seeing the Monet Exhibit, Australian Impressionists in Paris Exhibit, and the Hollywood Costumes at the ACMI and quite possibly King Kong: the musical! Plus lots of walking and photography, some laneway shopping, a bit of my beloved St Kilda and Prahan. Melbourne is my favourite place to vacation in Australia, someone said to me the other day I always thought you'd move there. Funny, She was right it is something I have considered many, many times, but then, where would I vacation? Plus Newcastle has so much awesomeness to offer at the moment, I don't want to miss a single thing!
 

19. Eat and drink out more/20. Get through my list of local restaurants and cafes

I ate at the lovely cafe at Maitland Art Gallery, had heard great things and totally concur, it's perfect for lunch. Went to Agosti twice to eat, for breakfast and dinner, both superb. The rest were favs I got to regularly. We had a Swansea Library Team dinner at Caves Beach Hotel, always great there. Indian at Raj's Corner, Gozleme from the markets, Pork Belly at The Royal Inn, Thai at Charlestown, and Coffee at Talulahs and Bella Beans.

 

 

 

26. Go to the farmers markets regularly

This is part of my routine now, always a pleasure.

 

28. Entertain more

I used to entertain at my old Club Cathy as it was set up better to have people over. New Club Cathy not so much and I need a new dining setting, or at least chairs, so I have not really entertained for a long while. However I had friends over for supper and lunch recently and it was lovely on both occasions, I love where I live so I should have people round more often!

 

31. Have fun and laugh more at work

Work has continued to be zen and joyful, which after so many years of challenges is so amazing. We do laugh and enjoy what we do, the more we do it the more good comes our way and the more we enjoy it, it's like a crazy loop of fun...not complaining!

 

33. Go to lots of fun social events

Yes! Lots of social events this month. And other bits and pieces.

 

C & I went to see Doctor Who on the big screen at Glendale at the very beginning of the month. 2 episodes and it was wonderful, I bought myself a Tom Baker scarf for the occasion, it's a beauty!

 

I had a 6 day break from work early in June, where I relaxed a bit, did nothing, read, caught up on DVDs, walked and went to the movies (more on that later).

 

I had S over for lunch and C for supper. I met J for coffee and caught up with the Bibliotweeps for Bookclub.

 

I went to the opening of City Evolutions, which was a whole street, Newcastle's oldest Watt Street, dedicated to illuminations and light shows. A must see for sure.

 

Then there was the travelling Sydney Film Festival and lunch at Maitland Art Gallery.

 

Work farewell at Caves Beach Hotel, Mum's birthday celebrations starting at The Royal Inn and a sisters day of shopping and lunch.

 

On the sporting front, lots of F1 and Le Tour watching and went to Lambton oval to see my nephew play soccer.

Movies I've seen

S & I saw The Other Son, a French film about two young men, one Israeli, and one Palestinian, who find they are swapped at birth. It was a very subtle and beautifully directed film, with excellent acting showing this very human drama against a political and religious backdrop.

D & I saw Qui m'aime me suive as part of Newcastle Film Society's collaboration with Francaise Alliance for French Fridays. It was about a young doctor who decides to throw it all away to get his old band back together. It was very funny and about pursuing your dreams. The band does all right, his wife and father are disgusted, there are lots of funny twists and turns and some tensions, but ultimately a very disappointing ending. Great music and he was rather cute.

 

I saw The Look of Love, Mood Indigo and Muscle Shoals at the Travelling Sydney Film Festival. The Look of Love was another Steve Coogan/Michael Winterbottom collaboration. I adore Winterbottom's varied output, but his tragi/comedies with Coogan are fabulous and this biopic about Paul Raymond, London entrepreneur was no exception. The Look of Love was a titillating, funny and ultimately sad look at Raymond's life. Outstanding acting, and fabulous 60s set design. 

 

L & I saw Mood Indigo, directed by Michel Gondry. I adored his first film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but each film since then has been disappointing. His films are eccentric for sure, and always have moments of surreal within, but this was full blown Satre surreal and quite possibly would have been better understood under the influence of something! Visually it was spectacular, and Audrey Tautou is always great, but that didn't save it from being incomprehensible. The final film, Muscle Shoals was a documentary and a revelation, L & I loved it. If you love music, this is a must see, read my review here:

 

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/muscle-shoals.html 

And I was thrilled to see North by Northwest, my favourite Hitchcock film on the big screen, follow the link for the review:

 

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/north-by-northwest.html

 

Books Read

I read a lot during June, here is a selection of the best.

 

The Library of Unrequited Love by Sophie Divry, a novella of 92 pages about a librarian and her inner most thoughts, told as a one way conversation to a customer locked in over night. It is sad, funny, snooty and joyous, it's about books, the Dewey Decimal Classification system, her passion for Martin - a researcher who doesn't know she exists and of course her love of literature. Translated from the French it is a must read for all lovers of libraries and literature.

 

The Last Thread by Michael Sala. Michael is a local I discovered at the writer's festival and this is a novel as memoir about his life, growing up, his family and the things that happened as he saw it. His upbringing was difficult with challenging father figures, a depressed mother, lots of moving including countries. Powerful, honest, and heartfelt, I didn't want it to end, I wanted to be sure he was ok, I think he is. It is a book that stays with you long after you turn the last page, a must read.

 

Mateship with Birds by Carrie Tiffany has won lots of awards. Set in the 50s, a young family live in the outback, there is no father, just Mum and the two kids, the rest of the town wonder about them and keep these strange people at an arm's length. A male neighbor keeps an eye on them and develops a close relationship. This was difficult to read, but beautiful. It was very sensual, descriptive, included poetry and lots of bird watching. It's hard to categorize, but you can see why it has been talked about.

The Secret Museum by Molly Oldfield. A Non Fiction book about secret treasures in museums, art galleries and libraries of the world. Loved it so much I reviewed it here:

 

http://www.reviews-vyv.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/book-review-secret-museum.html

Girl Defective by Simone Howell. A teen book set in St Kilda about a family who live above and run a record store. My type of book! It is about looking for the truth, finding your flock and caring for those that are a little different in this crazy old world. I loved it.

 

The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Another teen, this a classic coming of age story, made recently into a film. Wonderful and real, funny and heartbreaking, this is a must read. Especially for those that struggled to fit in and the joy of finding someone similar to you.

 

The Vogue Factor by Kristie Clemons. An autobiography by the former Vogue editor. This was a bit too me me me for me and very vacuous, not exactly The Devil Wears Prada, though you could tell she thought it was...tsk tsk.

At Home by Bill Bryson. I listened to Bill read this amazing Non Fiction history behind the home as we know it and how it changed over the years. Outstanding range of information, that included the obvious and the less so. Mostly brilliant, but at times too detailed. I think it would be a tough book to read, but fascinating to listen to.

 

Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald. This is a beauty guide to being a strong female type of book laced with small servings of Molly's life, especially from her reign as Teen Queen in the 80s. It was cute, but I wanted more of the autobiographical elements, which really the book was not about. I guess one day she will write that one, and divulge what it was like to kiss Andrew McCarthy...sigh.

 

Mortality by Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens is/was one of my favourite writers, someone whom I did not always agree with but someone who's honesty and morality I adored no matter what. This is a short book, around 100 pages, and put together after his untimely death by Grayden Carter. It is mostly from Vanity Fair columns and contains eloquent musings on cancer, illness, dying, and death. He also includes a lot of research he did, including how to deal with people, how they approached him. He also wrote about writing, something he had not done much of before. How to write and find your voice, outstanding especially when intertwined with how much he hopes he doesn't loose his 'voice' as he becomes more ill. The final chapter is written by his wife, with a little insight into the great man.

 

All that I Am by Anna Funder was the Bibliotweeps June read. I adored Funder's first book, the Non-Fiction Stasiland, so had been keen to read her follow up, this time a novel. About the period before WWII and a group of people who saw very early on that Hitler was no good and how they tried to bring him down. It is told from two perspectives of two of the people. One a man in the 40s just after WWII ended and the other a woman living in Australia in the present looking back at the period. It is thrilling and upsetting and outstanding. The brevity of these people based on events Funder researched and put together with fictional gap filling. It made you think, what would you do in such a position, would you be brave enough to go against hundred of thousands who initially thought Hitler was the second coming?

DVDs watched

I also managed quite a few DVDs, here are some.

Bertolucci's The Sheltering Sky is a modern classic. Starring Debra Winger and John Malkovich as a couple travelling in the Sahara with companion, Campbell Scott. Their marriage is deteriorating, Scott's character interferes. It is a meandering (in a good way), slow paced film, with a few unexpected twists and an odd ending. The acting is excellent and cinematography stunning. In fact, it could be said The Sahara is the star of the film. It's the perfect film for an afternoon where you need to disappear into another world.

 

Grand Designs Series 10, the one I believe that is playing on tele at the moment. I really do have a thing for Kevin McCloud, but the renovations are remarkable. I love the crazy formations of pieces like the very tall water tower into a home, or the quirky builds like the underground art house. But mostly it is the people they pick, more often megalomaniacs with way too much money on their hands.

 

I love documentaries, good quality ones and Ken Burns is one of the best documentary filmmakers there is. His latest series is The Dust Bowl, about the dust storms in America in the 30s. He interviews survivors, has some fabulous still photography and film footage, but mostly it was the amazing tales of heroism against this phenomenal tragedy.

 

The perks of being a Wallflower gave the book a resurgence of interest. About a young boy who does not really fit in with everyone else at his school. He carries with him a history of turmoil that unfolds slowly throughout. He finally finds some friends that get him, outcasts themselves and for the first time he finds he fits in, but at what cost. The young actors playing these characters are outstanding, this is a deep and dark film with splashes of joy and laughter throughout. A perfect teen movie indeed. 

Liberal Arts, starring Josh Radnor as an ex student coming back to his college to celebrate the retirement of his favourite professor, Richard Jenkins. He meets Elizabeth Olsen becomes smitten despite he being much younger. This was a sweet movie and the characters were lovely with depth, but ultimately didn't go that far.

 

Looper - a complicated to explain sci-fi/time travel film that was outstanding. In the simplest explanation, organised crime groups in the future use time travel to send people they want murdered back in time. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one of the loopers that does the murdering. But when his future self, Bruce Willis, is sent to him, confusion reigns. Emily Blunt is great as a woman who may or may not be the answer to completely cut the loop. Willis and Gordon-Levitt are also great.

 

Dark horse was Todd Solondz's latest, about a couple in their thirties who fall in love. Abe meets Miranda at a wedding, he still lives at home with his suffocating parents, Mia Farrow and Christopher Walken, works for the family business and collects toys. Selma is depressed and self medicates. He finally wears her down and she agrees to meet him on a date, things go a little haywire after this. Part melancholy, part dark, dark humour, this is an odd film, which is usual for Solondz but this felt sloppy in parts and didn't have the awe left by Happiness or Welcome to the Dollhouse, his earlier classics.

Now for three I didn't care much for, I try not to be negative, but also this is to stop you wasting your time on crap too!

 

Hope Springs with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones as an aging couple who are tired of each other, or more so him or her. They head away for a week of couples counselling. They are great actors, Streep I adore, but something just didn't connect with me. I found it tiresome and boring, and I think they cruised through the movie.

 

Quartet, I was excited about this film directed by Dustin Hoffman about retired Opera singer and classical musicians. It was sweet and simple and the cast extraordinary, but I felt it was a mediocre film. I wanted more passion and Opera and I just refuse to believe people of that calibre would be so annoying later on. Or maybe they were annoying because they were old and couldn't reach the dizzying heights that they had when they were younger, this was touched on as a theme,  but I found myself not caring. It lacked something. I think it's a nice film your grandmother might find sweet. 

Pitch Perfect, the less said about this disgusting dog of a movie the better, I don't know what's worse, the fact I watched it at all, or the fact I watched it to the end, in hope of something good. I think kids would like this, but really anyone above 10 would find it juvenile and tiresome.

And so onto the most magnificent thing I have seen this month, Game of Thrones. I have had both Series 1 and 2 for some time, but just been waiting for time to sit down and watch and so I devoured Series 1 in less than a week. I cannot say how brilliant it is. You have heard it from everyone who has seen it, go and do yourself a favour and watch simply the best television I have seen in a long, long time. 

 

Taken from George R. R. Martin's very popular series of books and indeed shaped by Martin himself, Game of Thrones is a classic medieval tale of Seven Kingdoms ruled by the Iron Throne and those that fight for it. The stories, kingdoms and characters are intertwined and epic, infused with fantasy. Most characters are neither good nor evil, but have a little of both within them, which makes for substantive storytelling. Women are strong and powerful too, which I find awesome. 

 

Stand out characters are Peter Dinklage (who I have loved since The Station Agent) as Tyrion Lannister (smart and funny, but not taken seriously by anyone due to his short stature), Maisie Williams as Arya Stark (on the run disguised as a boy, she will strong and indeed a player of the future) , Jack Gleeson as Joffrey (I am yet to meet anyone who does not want to slice him in half, evil mutant he is), Emilia Clarke as Khaleesi (Mother of the Dragons) and Kit Harrington as Jon Snow (bloody gorgeous, that's all), amongst many, many other great characters.

The sets are spectacular, especially the set of the Night's Watch, with it's massive wall and extraordinary lift that goes up the side of it! I could go on forever, but I shan't, just go and watch if you haven't!

 

Music

I watched Chris Isaak Live, Memphis recordings on DVD, his voice is sexy and sublime, been a fan since Blue Hotel and seen him live, he is delectable and makes great music.

 

I have been listening to a lot of french music, compilations I have found from work and quite enjoying them.

 

I also bought the new She and Him (Volume 3), as always a soulful album of melancholy and sweetness harking back to the late 50s, early 60s. Hypnotic and divine.

 

PS Not as many photos this month as I was without my phone for a few weeks, while it was getting a new motherboard...it was only 5 months old, the less said the better!