Touch Yourself

This is different to what I normally write here. However, I do look at my blog as a diary of sorts, or a record of what I have been doing. Granted it’s usually more the fun things. I couldn’t call my yearly visit to the Breast Clinic fun, but when I decided to live tweet the appointment, I was surprised at how people reacted to it. So I thought I would turn the tweets into a post here for those that may be interested and missed my tweets.

A little background first.

I first found a lump in my left breast when I was 31 or 32 and with a history of breast cancer on both sides of the family I didn’t waste time getting to my GP who in turn referred me to the Breast Clinic. That first appointment was awful, I ended up having 3 or 4 fine needle aspirations that day and I cannot begin to explain the pain. This is where a very fine needle is poked into your breast right into the lump and squidged around to grab some cells to test. During the ultrasound prior, the lump I found and a few more had turned up. They can also tell you almost immediately if it is cancer or not, which is great, and it wasn’t. The lump I found was a fibroid and the rest cysts, but I was asked to come back 6 months later to be on the safe side. I still remember poor Mum driving me home, every single bump reverberated through me, and I was so white that Mum didn’t believe me when I said I was ok.  

6 months later I was ok and on yearly visits until another was found a few years later. I had the option for this to be removed and checked. Of course I took the option and asked for the original Fibroid to be removed at the same time. Fibroids are benign, but can be very painful and mine was. The pain of a sharp poker going through my boob was almost unbearable at times. The Doctor couldn’t 100% guarantee the pain would go with its removal but felt it wouldn’t hurt.

And so I went in for my first ever operation. A boob job! The surgery was quick, a morning visit, the recovery longer than I thought. Removing the fibroid was a good idea, never had that pain again, and the cyst was benign. You can barely see the scars, Doctor Clarke is the best, and a great surgeon. I won’t go into the ins and outs of my recovery, but being the independent gal I am, I insisted I was fine at home by myself. Recovering from the surgery I had was not too painful but very uncomfortable. The first time I laid down I had a small bleeding issue and totally freaked myself out and my poor sister who had to help me sort myself out. Minutes later my father rang, informing me to pack and Mum was on her way back to collect me to stay at their place. Where I could sleep on their recliners, as laying down was too uncomfortable.  

And so I recovered, nothing really, not compared to what people who really are sick go through. 6 month check-ups led to yearly ones. I am never complacent, and realise it could go either way at each visit, you just never know. I get very stressed/anxious in the week leading up to the appointment, but try to keep things to myself. But the more I hear from people my age who have never had a mammogram or even regularly check themselves the more annoyed I get. This is really important stuff!! It’s not scary, just a little uncomfortable. Last year I contemplated live blogging the appointment but chickened out. This year I decided to freak everyone out and do it! 

Of course as soon as I took this picture and wrote my first tweet I worried about the end result. Shit was gonna get real if it was not a good outcome, and my superstitious mind wondered whether tweeting it was asking for trouble, but it was too late!

Tweets reproduced from hereon-in:

So yeah. I'm here for my annual best check up! Live tweeting because why not!  

The breast clinic was refurbished a few years back and is huge. Unsure whether this is a good thing. I'm guessing to assist more people.

 

The ladies who work here are really lovely. People of all ages are here, waiting like me.

 

I am fully aware of how lucky I am and others are less so. Yet as I sit here you just don't know how the afternoon will turn!

 

I'm pretty used to the routine now after all these years and it's not so bad. So this is why I'm tweeting it. Reduce stigmas and all that!

 

Ladies you have to touch yourself up!!! Or get your man to! And if you're over 40 get a mammogram. If I can do it, anyone can!

 

Of course I feel a little (ok a lot) anxious. But you just have to do it. I do find my mood is a little poopy in the week leading up to it.

 

But I guess that's understandable. So now I wait for my name to be called.

 

Stage 1 complete. Check up (or touch up, lol). 5 mins with Dr Clarke. He says everything feels ok. So that's good.

 

I removed my top and bra and now wearing a very ordinary hospital top that ties at the front. Off to the next waiting room to wait Stage 2.

 

These tops need to be fixed! I always joke about it. Last year the one I wore had to be designed for a child.

 

This year it's too big but so threadbare it's practically see through. But everyone is in the same boat.

 

I'm sitting in the waiting room with 2 elderly ladies. Both dressed which means they're waiting for results etc.

 

One has just been called back in for further testing. This sucks. Usually just precautionary, but still. I've been there.

 

Still in the waiting room. Should get Mammogram first! This is the thing that puts people off. It's unpleasant but it's really not too bad.

 

It's a large machine, cold and sterile and surely invented by a man, lol! Basically x-rays are taken of your boobs from various angles.

 

The thing is they need to squish your boobs as flat as they can. This doesn't hurt so much but feels really freaking awkward & really cold.

 

So this is the beast ;-) Mammogram!

 

Stage 2: Mammogram compete. That quick! (was in maybe 10mins) Very awkward but relatively painless. The staff here are so lovely & make you as comfy as they can.

 

For the mammogram the hospital gown comes back off and your boob is rested on the bottom plate of the machine.

 

The top clear plate comes down as tight as it can. Your body is contorted into odd positions to get a clear pic. 4 in all.

 

One of each lying flat and then the machine sort of turns on the side and they do a side shot of each. This is the more awkward angle.

 

If the operator is shorter than you it's more difficult for them to get you in the correct position. This happens almost every time.

 

So I'm back in the small waiting room waiting for the ultrasound. By myself atm. You wonder about others you see and hope they're ok.

 

I guess you need to be comfortable with your body. Lots of people touching & handling you. So being precious or shy only hinders their work.

 

I learnt this the hard way early on, lol. I guess we all do. These ppl must see millions of boobs a year. The nudity is no big deal.

 

Stage 3: Ultrasound compete. Back in small waiting room and dressed. Normally you don't get dressed so this is new.

 

For the Ultrasound the gown is off again and you lay on your back/side and they put a gel on your boob and move a wand over it taking pics.

 

It feels rather lovely albeit a little cold at first. I used to try and work out what was going on. Watch their face or the screen.

 

I close my eyes and try to relax now. No pt second guessing what is going on. I'm a Librarian not a Radiographer.

 

So it's one boob at a time, the gell wiped off after each one. The lady today had a very diff technique and I was very impressed.

 

She was very very gentle and quick. I think it had to do with how she got me to lay down. Def the quickest Ultrasound I can remember.

 

The worst is when they leave the room and get a second opinion. Be it another radiographer or a doctor. It's happened to me a few times.

 

That is absolutely the worst. Sitting there half naked and wondering what's going on and thinking the worst.

 

Once I sat there for almost 30mins. Totally terrified. The radiographer was new, all was ok. I was so relieved I didn't care.

 

Another time I was left and Dr came back & did a couple of fine needle aspirations. That was before my operation. You just try and be brave.

 

Still in waiting room waiting for Dr to tell me the results. At least you find out pretty much straight away.

 

And that's it, I'm done. Everything ok. I have dense breasts, lol and lots of cysts but all OK. Come back in 18 months, which is new.

 

I feel relieved and a bit spaced out. Dunno why, I always do. Especially relieved today giving I was tweeting. No one wants a dodgy ending!

 

So life goes on! I have some things to get at the shops and maybe a little treat for getting through this again. Thanks for indulging me.

 

And please urge your loved ones and yourself of course to do the right thing! Check your breasts regularly and get a mammogram!!!!!

 

Thank you everyone for your kindness. I wouldn't have done this if I wasn't passionate about it. So many leave it too late!

 

I admit I was worried about the outcome. Well more than usual but I took the chance. Phew :-)

And so ends the twitter transmission. I had loads of replies from both men and women. Mostly relief at everything being ok, but also thanking me for sharing the experience. I shared to ensure people had an idea of what might happen. I wish I had known slightly more when I walked in there that very first day.

So, go on, go and Touch yourself!!!

AUGUST WRAP UP

The month started quietly with a day off and a lovely walk at Green Point, I had just discovered a new lookout (new to me!) which serves as a nice midpoint to my walk and meditation spot. It was a dark, overcast day, so I couldn't stay there long, and ended up reading underneath my favourite tree at the end of the walk.

 

The following day was full of sunshine, fun and friends. Brunch at Talulah, Olive Tree Markets, Movies, and supping at Bar Petite.

 

The movie was an Australian documentary called Once My Mother. Difficult to describe, but a must see, it's about a mother's extraordinary journey from Europe through the holocaust and WWII to Melbourne, told from the eyes of her film-maker daughter.

 

I returned to The Regal the following night to volunteer and to see the French/Iranian drama, The Past. Directed by Asghar Farhadi (A Separation) and starring Berenice Bejo, it is about a young French woman and her children. She is living with her lover and her ex-husband returns from Iran to finalise their divorce. Over a few days a whole range of hurt and torment from the past rises to the surface and you wonder how anyone involved will ever be the same again. Great acting and tightly wound drama, this is really worth seeing.

 

On a mild Thursday evening I was finally lured by the White Rabbit to an Underground Epicurean event. What a delightful evening with friends. Champagne and starters at Soul Foods, mains and dessert at Napoli Centrale, and a movie next door at The Towers. The movie was 100-Foot Journey with Helen Mirran. It was a sweet film about culture clash between Indians and the French in countryside France.

 

After months of anticipation I met L & A at Glendale to watch Monty Python Live on the big screen. It was very much an underwhelming experience, with some laughs, but nowhere near enough for the almost 3 hours of the show. Terry Jones and Michael Palin the stand out performers (nothing changes really!). Kinda made me sad.

 

Every now and then you have a night so spectacular that it will go down in history. Our Sat night out for L's birthday was one of them. L, J, A, & I began (as planned) at Red Baron. Oh my, I had heard much about this club, and I was thrilled to be there. We walked in to this buzzing Berlin bar decked in Deco to The Andrews Sisters singing Rum and Coca Cola and I knew I was at home. Great Russian tapas, champagne, and laughs and chats in this fabulous bar. We had not planned past this, so headed to the Great Northern for mains, but it was in between owners, no food, and looking sadder than usual (oh I long for the day someone looks after my favourite pub with the care it so deserves!). After a drink, we moved on to Chooks and Brooskys, a new place on Hunter Street, that served fried chicken and beer. We didn't have a beer, but the chicken was amazing. Then we headed to the Lass, where we played pool drank, laughed, danced, and had a blast listening to the cool bands playing. You don't plan nights like these, they take on a life of their own and just happen. Happy Days!!!!

 

The next evening was a slower, quieter almost-repeat of the night previous. I met M at Customs House for a drink and some pool, then we headed to Red Baron, where it was quiet and pleasant, before moving on to Grainhouse for dinner. A great evening of chatter and reflection.

 

The following weekend provided an evening of variety. Starting at Back to Back Galleries for the opening of our friend C's stunning art exhibit, L & I then headed next door to the Oriental Hotel for pizza and beer for dinner, then to the Terrace bar for more drinkies before heading to Ncle Panthers to meet B and A, and see Courtney Love!! Let's pass on the whole venue thing and go straight to how extraordinary the concert was. I had low expectations, cause you never can predict her behaviour, and her solo stuff is a bit ordinary. Well, she turned it on and it was a sight to behold. She looked great, mostly sung 90s (Hole) songs and sounded terrific, and seemed to be joining herself. We lasted about 30mins up the front before the mosh pit got a little bit too much, not bad for 40 somethings!!! We ended the night with a reflective drink at Cooks Hill Hotel.

The following day was the new Doctor Who on the big Screen at Charlestown. C & I reveled at Capaldi as the new doctor, almost a year after his announcement. It was a great first episode and my thoughts were cemented that he may well go down as the best doctor ever!

 

The family celebrated A's birthday at Heng Loong Chinese at Wallsend. Heng Loong is in the old Wallsend Library and I had heard good things about it, but never been. They have decorated the old library well and the food is outstanding. So much so I was back a week later for a catch up with N & V.

 

We had a work function at Sesame's Belmont, another restaurant I had heard good things about and again, outstanding.

 

The month ended with B & I having a chat at Talulah instead of bookclubbing. Bibliotweeps was a bust this month due to inclement weather, illness, and kid wrangling.

 

You can read all my reviews of the month here.

 

As always there were photo opportunities to be had, with some spectacular sunsets this month!

 

AUGUST REVIEWS

What I watched

I caught a few movies on DVD this month.

Kill Your Darlings could have been an interesting take on the beat movement, but ultimately it was disappointing and ponderous.

Anchorman 2 was ok, it didn't make me laugh as much as the first one.

Sister was a French film set in the Alps about a brother and sister trying to make it on their own.

The Fisher King was my movie of the month. An all time favourite and one I had to watch in the wake of the death of Robin Williams. It took me a couple of weeks to be able to watch it and even then it was probably too soon. It's a film that divides people for sure, most Gilliam films do. I think it is his finest and definitely the performance that I most associate with Williams. It is a romantic fantasy, essentially a holy grail film but it's got this quirky heart to it that I find difficult to ignore. And the four main performances kill me, each and every time.

Jeff Bridges is a NYC Shock Jock, whose on air actions cause a devastating ripple effect and he is sacked. He ends up working with his on/off girlfriend, Mercedes Ruehl, in a video store, and drinking a bit too much. And then through a strange set of circumstances he meets a homeless man (Williams) who is very damaged directly due to the actions of Bridges earlier. Bridges decides it's his mission to save Williams. This is done through finding the holy grail - the fantasy element to the film, and gloriously shot - and also love, the love interest being the very shy and unusual Amanda Plummer. 

The romanticism and fantasy of the film meld well, and the chemistry between Williams and Bridges is a thing to behold. The women are great in their respective supporting roles, Ruehl won an Oscar for this performance. There are scenes of beauty and rawness throughout, it always bring a tear to my eye, and this time I must say it brought more than a tear.

I also watched some great documentaries.

I enjoyed Monty Don's French Gardens, looking at some well known and lesser known gardens throughout France, and as always another series of American Pickers.

Music Video Directors was a fabulous series of music video directors from (mostly) the 80s, great clips, and insight into making them and the artists themselves.

Who is Harry Nilsson (and why is everybody talkin' about him?) was a great doco about the combined genius/tragic that was Nilsson.

Hear my train a comin'  was a great doco about Jimi Hendrix, his influences, how was influenced by him and how he came to be. Fascinating stuff.

I got my hands on a copy of The Ghost and Mrs Muir S1 and found it to be as delightful as I remembered as a child. And Edward Mulhare (The Captain/Ghost) was just as gorgeous as I remembered too.

I finally got around to checking out Scandal S1, it took a few episodes to get into it's groove and as soon as I was hooked it finished (only 6 eps!) so I am eagerly awaiting S2.

Top of the Lake was an Australian/New Zealand mini-series set in New Zealand. Written and directed by Jane Campion it is compelling viewing but harrowing and bleak with no lightness. Every character is dark and disturbing. It is essentially about a 12 year old girl, 5 months pregnant, who disappears in the NZ wilderness. Elisabeth Moss (West Wing and Mad Men) is a detective, home visiting her dying mother and becomes wrapped up in the case, with many of the small towns secrets unraveling to paint a wider and more disturbing picture. I can’t say I enjoyed Top of the Lake, but there was some outstanding acting in it, with Moss deserving all the accolades she has received for this role. If you liked Broadchurch or The Killing, this is one to check out.

What I've Been Reading

100 Foot Journey by Richard C Morais is a tale of Indian Cuisine and love in France. I also saw the movie is was based on, the book is charming but a little grittier than the film.

Melbourne Art Deco by Robin Grow was a fabulous coffee table book of Art Deco Architecture in Melbourne, along with the stories behind each building.

Lost and Found  by Brooke Davis is the latest feel good book everyone is talking about. I didn't care for it, but I am never a fan of the latest feel good book!

I also listened to Candide by Voltaire on Spoken Word, spoken by Jack Davenport no less. He did a superb job of bringing this great French satire to life. Candide sets off on an adventure with his manservant and mentor, Pangloss. They come across much fun, good, bad, and disaster during their journeys and Voltaire showcases his philosophical style in the interpretation of each adventure. All is for the best could well be the main subject of the story.

However my pick of the month is John Safran's Murder in Mississippi. I normally don’t read true crime, although I have appreciated a few titles over the years. I have found almost all of these have had the author become a character in their own book with writing that is highly stylised; Helen Garner, John Berendt, and Truman Capote do this well. John Safran’s writing could be classed similarly. When he finds out a white supremist he interviewed for one of his shows has been murdered, he heads to Mississippi to find out what was going on. Not long there he realised there is a book in the drama unfolding, and despite never written a book before he embarks on telling the tale in his own inimitable way. It is more about Safran getting his head around what is going on and how he can tell this story than about the story itself. Although the story itself is rather compelling. I've always been a fan of Safran, and found only mild traces of his trademark smirkiness in the book.

What I've been listening to

Loads of Courtney Love and Hole, in the lead up to seeing her live.

Lyre of Orpheus by Nick Cave, one of my favourite albums of all time, and containing two sexy Cave tracks, Breathless and the stunning Babe, You Turn Me On.

I fixed my broken turntable, so have been spinning all sorts of vinyl, including but not limited to Pink Floyd, Elvis, The Beatles, Talking Heads, and Australian Crawl.

Don't Think Twice, Bob'll be here tonight

My love of Bob Dylan knows no bounds, I'm a fan, but not fanatical. I don't know everything about him, but I know what I like. I wrote about that and how I first 'discovered' Bob here previously called, Don't Think Twice It's All right.

 

A few weeks ago I wrote a small piece for ABC Open's 500 Words topic of Right Here, Right Now, called Don't Think Twice, It'll Be Alright? (I see a theme occurring here) on the anticipation of finally seeing Dylan live.

 

And now I have and I am pleased to say it was a great experience. I have had so many opportunities over the years to see Dylan play live but always turned them down or ignored the fact he was in the country. I guess when you love something so much you don't want that love to be diminished in any way. And we all know how cantankerous and changeable Dylan can be, mostly this is why we like him. He does it on his own terms. But that doesn't exactly equate with shelling out big bucks to hear him grumble and mumble on stage live.

 

And so when tickets went on sale for Sydney Opera House - my favourite concert hall, and one Dylan has never played - it seemed the universe was beckoning me.

 

I spent the weekend in Sydney, indulging myself in some of my favourite things, getting lost with no real plans in a big city, staying in hotels, eating out, people watching, and music.

 

And on that Sunday night I wandered out towards Sydney Opera House, the sky shimmering with drizzle and lights from the harbour. I ate a wonderful meal at Circular Quay, watching people make their way towards the Opera House, most of them I suspect off to see Dylan. I could overhear snippets of conversations from my vantage spot, and most indeed were. It was a wonderful thing to behold.

 

Appetite satisfied, I joined the crowds and made my way to that magnificent pearlised beauty on the harbour. No matter how many times I walk those stairs I never fail to feel impressed, excited, and blessed to be able to do so.

 

I like to arrive early to concerts if I can, take my seat and watch the audience fill up. The sense of anticipation is always palpable, the energy growing stronger as time moves towards that magical commencement. The audience themselves always fascinates, their appearance, dress, age, conversation, excitement. I love seeing it all.

 

And then the lights dim, the audience gasp, the band appear on stage to applause, and the sails almost lift and float onto the harbour as Bob saunters out.

 

He almost smiles I think, I have good seats, about 22 rows back, but not close enough to confirm that. And the set begins with Things Have Changed (from Wonder Boys soundtrack), a favourite of mine and quite possibly the entire audience from it's reaction. He is wearing a long black jacket piped in white with matching black pants, a hat, and white cowboy boots that don't reveal themselves until he sits at the piano.

 

His second track takes him to 1965 with She Belongs To Me from Bringing It All Back Home. The crowd go wild, but this will be only one of three songs from the 60s. Later in the set we are treated to a rushed, mumbly version of Tangled Up In Blue, a great track, from an album I love, but it was probably the weakest track of the night. That's not dissing it, it was just that he was in finer form elsewhere. In the second set, he absolutely kills Simple Twist Of Fate from the same album, Blood on the Tracks. A definite highlight.

 

Mostly the songs were from his last five albums, 6 of them from his latest, Tempest. And mostly the jazzy/bluesy songs from them. I love all of these albums, but especially Modern Times, so was thrilled. I never expected a lot of classics, infact if Tangled up in Blue was a benchmark, I think hearing those favourites not treated so well would have been disappointing. He moved between standing and singing with some harmonica action to playing the piano. He seemed more comfortable behind the piano, and what a superb player he is, something you forget. When he just sang, he also danced which amused the audience immensely. When I say dance, I mean a sort of odd shuffle, but the thing about this was, you could tell he was actually enjoying himself.

He also sounded great, there were a few shambolic interpretations, but not too bad all things considered, mostly he sounded great, but a few songs, in particular Spirit On The Water (my favourite song from Modern Times and quite possibly the highlight of my night) he sounded crystal clear and rather stunning, something I would never expect to say regarding his voice.

 

But it is his voice that makes him distinctive, the gravely mumble, the oddly nuanced phrasing, the words and turn of phrase. He is the leader of many generations now, as witnessed by the varying audience.

We had two sets with a short break between, the only time he spoke was to mutter something about the break. Those at the front laughed, I gather it was witty, the detail didn't make it back to me.

 

The encore was a raging version of All Along the Watchtower and had us all enthralled, then he ended with a bluesy almost rocky version of Blowin' in the Wind. And after a rousing standing ovation (there were many throughout the evening too) the band joined hands and bowed, and made their way off stage. The audience wanted more, but I knew that was it. We had been lucky, our hero had been in fine form, we were delivered a treat from his later day songlist. Not many musicans in their 70s can pull off such a feat. 

And I walked back through Circular Quay with Tangled up in Blue going round my head, smiling at the experience behind me.

  

Setlist

Things have changed - Wonder Boys soundtrack   (2000)

She belongs to me – Bringing it all back home (1965)

Beyond here lies nothing – Together through life (2009)

Workingman Blues #2 – Modern times (2006)

Waiting for you – Divine Sisters Soundtrack (2002)

Duquesne Whistle – Tempest (2012

Pay in blood – Tempest (2012)

Tangled up in blue – Blood on the tracks (1975)

Love sick – Time out of mind (1997)

High water (for Charley Patton) – Love and theft (2001)

Simple twist of fate – Blood on the tracks (1975)

Early Roman kings – Tempest (2012)

Forgetful heart – Together through life (2009)

Spirit on the water – Modern times (2006)

Scarlet Town – Tempest (2012)

Soon after midnight -      Tempest (2012)

Long and wasted years – Tempest(2012)

All along the watchtower - John Wesley Harding (1967)

Blowin’ in the wind – Freewheeling Bob Dylan (1963)

JULY ROUND UP

Looking back on July it's no wonder I have only just finished writing it up. What a busy but fun month!

 

I started the month on holidays - and truly it seems like eons ago. I didn't go away, just had a week and a bit off, was lovely to recharge the batteries and get out and about.

 

I spent a couple of days wandering around the East End of Newcastle, the beaches, and enjoying the unseasonal warm weather. I caught up with friends, did lunch, sat in the park and daydreamed, read at the beach, checked out Olive Tree Markets, and stayed up late watching Le Tour de France.

I had my niece and nephew to stay a few days and we had a great time, shopping at the local bookstore, checking out the Wildlife photography exhibit, heading to the beach, and going to Blackbutt with C.

I also caught a screening of The Big Lebowski at The Regal. What a fun night, with bowling, beers and hotdogs. People dressed up and just great to see a favourite film on the big screen.

 

A and I went to The Cambridge and saw Dan Sultan. He is so good, such a consummate performer, he was unwell but gave his all for a fantastic rocking (and well sexy) night. The support were Stonefield, a rocky band of 4 sisters, loved them too!!

I somehow got suckered into being part of ABC radio's Treasure Hunter. A longtime fan I knew the show well, but whilst I devour crosswords, cryptic ones are just not my thing. But my friend R needed a partner for the morning and so I went along to the ABC studios, nervous I would be of no assistance at all. The lovely Jenny and Sophie made us feel at ease and we were off and running. Once it starts, you really don't have time to think you are on the radio and the listeners that text or ring in are so delightfully helpful, you are not on your own either. R was definitely the brains of our partnership, having done it a few times previously, I learnt a lot and got right into it. And I found it much easier than I expected, or maybe we were just lucky. But we found the 'treasure' with minutes to spare. I said after I'd do it again...and I would.

 

Once back at work, things were go go go. We had a screening of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which I sat in on and it was delightful! I took a seniors social media class, did a school visit, and spent time working on a new program that helps seniors with technology; they are shown by school kids.

 

I also caught up with K and V for chinese at the always divine, Chinois, and then a show at the Civic Theatre, An Evening with Groucho. Frank Ferrente is an American actor who specialises in Groucho Marx, and boy we were in for a treat. He arrives in character and two hours later our cheeks were sore from laughing. I wouldn't call myself a Groucho fan, but I was surprised how much of his shtick I knew...I guessed from MASH, lol!!! If he ever tours again, I highly recommend seeing him.

 

I also got back into walking at Green Point, and discovered a new trail that takes me to a fabulous look out. July Bookclub was Virginia Woolf, caught up with friends at Talulah, the new dumpling place on Beaumont, and Grainstore, and got some reading done at the beach.

 

You can read my book, music, movie and DVD reviews here.

 

Final score of the month was getting my broken turntable working again!!!

And then there were some amazing sunsets.

JULY REVIEWS

What I've been watching

 

I caught up with two previously unseen classics, The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946, Barbara Stanwyck) and Witness for the Prosecution(1957, Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich, directed by Billy Wilder). Both were overly melodramatic but lured you in. The acting was fabulous and the stories intense.

 

I also caught up with Gangster Squad which I loved, great story, cast, and highly stylised set design and cinematography; and Dom Hemingway, a gritty British drama about a criminal out of prison, with charismatic performances by Jude Law and Richard E. Grant.

 

I only saw two documentaries this month, the very odd Apollo 18 and the superb In Bob We Trust. Apollo 18 is supposedly footage from the final moon landing, and it is more Blair Witch than anything else, part of me wants to believe what I saw happened, but I doubt it very much. I don't want to say any more, watch it if you are interested! In Bob We Trust, is about the wonderful Father Bob and shot over the past few years from when he was told he would have to retire. We see a lot of the amazing work Bob does, the people who help him, and hear a lot of his honest and wise thoughts.

 

I've watched a lot of television this month - there is so much great tele out there, the list of what I want to catch up on is never ending. Thank god there is nothing much good on regular tele.

 

I've been watching Medium the past few months and finally finished up the entire series. I found the finale a little disappointing, her husband's storyline was not to my liking, but ultimately I liked the last season. It had reached it's end point I think, and whilst the stories within each episode were always intriguing, it was the sense of family portrayed that made it worth watching.

 

S2 of Veep was as funny as the first. Julia-Louis Dreyfuss is hilarious as Selina, Vice President of the United States! She is self involved, sassy, clueless, and rude. The team that surround her are equally as funny, especially the wonderful Tony Hale, as her sycophantic assistant Gary. Full of sharp, quick political dialogue, and loads of trademark JLD physical comedy, this series created by Armando Iannucci (Thick of It) is a stunner.

 

I finally caught S1 of Orange is the New Black and instantly loved it. The range and depth of solid, quality female characters is mesmerising. The entire cast is superb, I don't think I have a favourite character at this point. It is mostly lighter fare, funny and witty with extreme dramatic moments that make your jaw drop and tear up. Excellent writing too. I look forward to S2.

 

But Downton Abbey S4 was my tele highlight this month. I almost didn't watch this as whilst I loved S1, S2 and S3 left me a little less enthused. However, I feel S4 is the best season they have produced thus far, a heady mix of romance, dramas, embroils, and sweetness. I loved the storytlines for both Mary and Edith, the new characters, and was left shocked by the storyline for our beloved Anna. I also am finding my favourite character to be the delightful Tom. And have been giggling at the sharp friendship formed by Penelope Wilton (Isobel) and the formidable Maggie Smith. As always her lines continue to amuse. Add in Paul Gaimatti and the return of Shirley Maclaine, royalty, and the roaring 20s (oh my, the music and the costumes) and I did not want the season to end. It is escapism of the highest order especially in times where the world seems like too much. Ohhh and Dame Kiri as Dame Mellie was inspired, emotional and grand!

 

I caught a great 4 part series called Venice Revealed by Peter Ackroyd which was fascinating and stunning visually.

 

And my favourite viewing was The Ronnie Wood Show. Ronnie Wood, Rolling Stones, has a radio show (who doesn't these days?) and he plays his favourite tracks and each week has a guest in to do the same for part of it. The show is filmed and parts of it are put together for this. It was fantastic. His range of music was mostly old rhythm and blues, with unexpected tracks popped in. His guests included Slash, Mark Ronson, Pattie Boyd and Paul McCartney. Loved hearing all these amazing people talk music.

 

What I've been reading

 

Bully for Them, a selection of essays from interesting Australians about being bullied at school and how they survived. People like Marieke Hardy, Benjamin Law, Missy Higgins and Eddie Perfect.

 

Afternoons in Ithaka by Spiri Tsintziras was a great little memoir about her life here in Australia and in Greece, and the travels back and forth over the years. It's about fitting in, people, family, and most importantly culture and food. It also includes recipes for the family dishes she talks so lovingly about.

 

Love life by Rob Lowe and Let's just say it wasn't pretty by Diane Keaton were both disappointing follow ups to their first memoirs. Both have taken the random story type memoir for their second offering, and in Lowe's case it comes across a little like name dropping and less informational, and Keaton's was trying to take the line of looks don't matter, but I didn't buy it. I do believe that and that is why I really love Keaton, for her this is how I am, take me or leave me style. The book didn't really support that attitude as I thought it would...or should!

 

Kate Ceberano's I'm Talking was interesting, but nothing terribly new in there.

 

I've been reading Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf for Bibliotweeps Bookclub. I've not read any of her fiction before and must say I struggled to get into it. But once I found her rhythm I was fine. What a beautifully written, superb piece of prose. I cannot wait to read more.

 

My favourite story this month was We are all completely beside ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler. It is a family drama that starts in the middle, works it's way to the beginning and then moves towards the end. It's about a lost family member, what has happened to her, and the subsequent implosion of the family after this incident. And it has a twist! I found this a fantastic page turner, and have halted reading it as I will schedule it for a bookclub soon and want to finish it closer to that. And so it sits on my coffee table mocking me and making me want to pick it up and finish it. More next month!!!

 

What I've been listening to

 

Indie Cindy by The Pixies! Oh I loved this so much, especially track 2, Blues and Greens, which is perfect pop.

Blank Project by Neneh Cherry – the long awaited new album by Neneh after a troubled period was definitely worth the wait. On first listen I wasn’t that impressed, it had gotten rave reviews and I didn’t agree. But Blank Project is a slow burn and after a few listens I had it on repeat. There are some songs I am not sure about but they are indeed interesting. I do particularly love the title track. The subject matter is dark and controversial, but she really does sound good, and it is much different to previous albums…more laid back, trip hop rather than funky and pop.

I've been listening to Talking Heads, Hoodoo Gurus, and Simon and Garfunkal in the car and at work.

JUNE ROUND UP

Looking back I guess June was busy, yet it didn't feel that way at the time.

I started the month with much laughter seeing The Trip to Italy at The Towers with A. This is the second trip with Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan. I loved the first trip, and this one, set in Italy was as good, if not better and certainly equally as funny. Rob and Steve (as potted versions of themselves) travel through Italy staying at lovely places and eating incredible food. The food and the scenery was outstanding, but really it is their friendship, and slight rivalry that makes the film. Jokes, one-upmanship and loads of impersonations had us laughing so much we were crying and snorting (well, ok, that was just me!). If you haven't seen this, you really are missing out of something!

Work has been busy with the lead up to School Holidays and Naidoc Week and planning activities. We have been going out into the community and talking to schools and had our monthly movie night, this time, Priscilla. The 500 Words Writing Group I facilitate is growing, welcoming new members each time. The stories I wrote about this month are: Taking a wrong turn in Rome, My last day with my Pop, and how I felt when Lost ended.

I saw a lot of concerts this month: Tim Freedman, Wagons, and Lloyd Cole (where I was lucky enough to 'work' for and meet him) at the fabulous Lizotte's.

I also took my parents to see The Glenn Miller Orchestra at The Civic Theatre.

I spent time with family and friends to celebrate birthdays, farewells and just to catch up at The Olive Tree Markets, Talulah, The Landing, The Royal Inn, Graze, and The Grain Store.

And of course got up to my usual reading, watching and listening.

And I caught a couple of films at the Sydney Travelling Film Festival with J.

The first film was Rock the Casbah, a drama set in Morocco about a family reuniting to bury their father, Omar Sheriff. His presence looms large over the three days they are together and after the initial mourning, personalities and secrets are unveiled. This was shot in the most stunning locations, not least the amazing family home. The large cast was superb, and whilst the plot was dramatic, there was plenty of light humour scattered through. 

The second film was Richard Linklater's Boyhood. There are not enough superlatives to describe this magnificent film. Masterpiece does seem to be the best description. A coming of age film, shot in such a unique and original way, it defies categorisation. Linklater cast a young boy of 5 and filmed Boyhood over 12 years waiting for him to age and indeed come of age. This was such a leap of faith on his behalf, it could have been a disaster, but it wasn't. With Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as his divorced parents, and Linklater's own daughter, you watch these people evolve over 12 years. And it is pure magic. The film clocks in at almost 3 hours and I could have sat there for double the time. This is simply a film to be seen, it has been garnering rave reviews and it should. Arquette and Hawke are brilliant and believable and simply stunning in this. But it is Ellar Coltrane, who is the star. His portrayal of a version of himself from 5 to 17 is nothing short of a miracle, from a cute kid to an awkward tween to an almost Ethan Hawke lookalike teen, he simply shines. Without Coltrane this movie simply would not be, and what an extraordinary performance it is. I cannot recommend this film highly enough, it is one of the best films I have seen in a long time.

And nature put on a fabulous show as always.

Sunset on Beaumont Street

Kookie at Greenpoint

Rainbow over Lake Macquarie 

Sunrise over the cemetery, Blacksmiths

Sunrise over Swansea, no filter (never use filters)

Looks can be deceiving, bitterly cold at Greenpoint

JUNE REVIEWS

DVDs watched

I thought the adaptation of The Book Thief was good, but not great. Excellent casting, but so much of the beauty that is the book was completely missed. I was not surprised about this. I really enjoyed Lovelace. I thought it was compelling with a superb cast, this could have so easily gone the titillation route and it did not. What Maisie Knew was a bit of a mess, great cast, but sloppy script and acting, yet an underlying sweetness that made me watch it to the end. The Big Wedding was not as bad as I thought it would be. Huge cast pulled together as a large modern family attending a wedding, predictable and a little lazy in parts, it was ok.

My pick of the month was Saving Mr Banks.  I knew I would like this, but the whole Disney/Tom Hanks (two of my least favourite things!) double act kinda made me cringe. But you know they weren't bad at all. But really this is Emma Thompson's film. I have worshipped at her altar since I can remember, she is just a stunning actress and made this very unlikeable character interesting and adorable. The supporting cast was magnificent, great character actors doing their thing. I particularly loved the song composition scenes.

TV on DVD

I've been whipping through some TV series.

Californication S6 was ordinary, in fact it's been ordinary since S3. I do love Duchovny but it's time to move on. Restless was a British mini-series with Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery finding out her mother, Charlotte Rampling, was a spy during WWII. Hayley Atwell played a young Rampling in the flash back scenes and it was an edge of your seat drama. Excellent acting and great story. I cried my way through The Big C finale. Laura Linney was outstanding in this black comedy. The supporting cast brilliant, it was always going to end I guess but I was sad to see it go. American Horror Story: Asylum was a delicious mind fuck with Lily Rabe stealing every scene she was in.

I've also started to rewatch Medium. I used to love it but as always commercial tele messed around with when they showed it so I just never finished it. I picked up where I left off mid S4 and been powering through. Patricia Arquette is fabulous as the mother/psychic. Whilst the psychic storylines are fascinating (although mostly very far fetched!) it is the sense of family the show portrays that I admire. The middle daughter is particularly funny!

Show of the month was True Detective. The best new thing I have seen this year I think (along with Fargo, more on that soon!). Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey are brilliant, in this true crime series, as two detectives with very different styles and personalities who don't quite see eye to eye. Shot beautifully and layered so intricately, this is superb viewing and not to be missed. I could say more, but...spoilers!!

TV on TV

I do love Call the Midwife, as I have previously mentioned not really subject matter I would have thought would appeal to me, but it is the characters, the time period, and such great stories that make this series wonderful and heartwarming viewing. And S3 was no exception, I particularly loved the changes in the girls as life gets in the way. I believe there will be a 4th series and will be curious to see how things progress. Offspring returned with widowed Nina and has pretty much broken me every week since. Powerful and quite possibly manilpulative storylines have had me wishing I had brought shares in Kleenex! Possibly the strongest season yet!

  

And then there was Fargo. What a refreshingly brilliant series this is. Great characters from the biggies of Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, to the wonderful supporting cast. Much like the film it is set in the mid 90s, with quirky characters, lots of snow, and much more death. Gruesome death! Beautifully filmed with great dialogue it's Twin Peaks meets Northern Exposure and I cannot wait for S2.

Music

I listened to a lot of Lloyd Cole and Henry Wagons this month due to seeing them both live. I really enjoyed the new Paloma Faith. My work background music was a lot of Neil Young, Bob Seger and Nick Cave's Lyre of Orpheus. I bought a stack of new CDs, but not yet listened to them!

  

Books 

Shy by Sian Prior - this was an interesting read, part memoir, psychology, self-help, and sociological book. Essentially it’s about parts of her life as a shy person, but really it’s much more than that. It’s not a straight memoir, it uses other people who suffer similarly and examples of information she has found regarding shyness. It explains situations she has been in – as a child and as an adult – when she has suffered badly. It is also a potted expose on her partner “Tom”, a musician and writer (and womaniser) with a drug problem. How his presence and love helped her and how when he suddenly ended their relationship how she coped…or rather didn’t. This is beautifully written and fascinating to read. As an introvert who at times suffers from shyness, although not to Sian’s extent, I really related to and understood a lot of what she was writing about. However I was left wondering what she really hoped to gain from this. It was obviously a release, a reach out for others like herself to see they are not alone, and for others to gain an understanding. But I guess it was the ‘character’ of ‘Tom’ that bothered me. For those that know Sian dated and lived with Paul Kelly for a decade, it would be obvious Tom is Paul, and in every interview I read she said she called him Tom to protect him, but then why mention it in every interview? And really much of what was written about him was no real news. It just struck me as odd and was at the back of my head the entire time I was reading this and I found it detrimental.

The gardener of Versailles: my life in the world's grandest garden by Alain Baraton - This was a magnificent read and my book of the month. Alain tells the story of Versailles from his perspective and how he became a gardener there; to live there and eventually take on the role of head gardener. He describes the gardens and how the work has changed (or not) over the past few decades of working there. He weaves in historical aspects of Versailles and important aspects of his own life. He particularly loves the trees, some there for centuries. Stories of the revolving door of visitors from politicians, films stars, workers, tourists, and regulars are endlessly fascinating. It was also beautifully written and the turn of each page brought a new delight or magical tale. The only negative thing about this book was no pictures. Having been there I could picture in my mind most of the places he wrote about, but still visual depictions would have been lovely. Even so, this is a remarkable book, one I highly recommend.

Cuckoos Calling by Robert Galbraith - this was out Bibliotweeps bookclub title this month and I must say it didn't grab me. I only got about 5 chapters in. Whilst the detective interested me greatly, I just did not care for the remaining characters (which is normally not something that bothers me) or the story (something I do need to care about). I read a lot of murder mystery as a kid and a teen and I just don't read that sort of thing anymore. It wasn't that difficult to read, just not that interesting to me.