NOVEMBER REVIEWS

NB/ I was about to hit publish on this and somehow lost it all. I had to rewrite, it is not as good as it was, and I am sure bits are missing. Damn you Blogger!

What I've Been Reading

Faith, Hope, and Carnage by Nick Cave and Sean O'Hagan

This is one of the best books I have read this year. Based on a series of conversations with Nick Cave, Sean simply transcripts them. 

And it is magnificent.

They cover a lot, so many subjects with a lot of depth and a lot of darkness. They talk about Nick's son who died unexpectedly very young and the grief that followed. They talk about his music, before and after, the writing, the recording and producing. The synchronicity of music, life, etc. 

It is not all dark, there is much humour and uplifting sections, it is balanced beautifully. He talks about The Red Hand Files and how important it is to him and how seriously he takes the stories and questions sent to him. He talks about his family and Susie and his love of ceramics.

There is so much more, if you are a fan you will simply melt, if you are not a fan, you will become one. This is truly a must read.

A Pocketful of Happiness: a memoir by Richard E Grant

A two-part memoir. About the final year of his wife's life after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. It also delves into his life in movies and television, his Oscar race and love of Barbra Streisand. This later part stops the other from getting too heavy and upsetting.

He is a born storyteller, and an avid diary writer since a young boy. He takes his stories from his diaries. And whilst parts are heavy, there is so much light and humour too. If you follow Richard on Instagram, and you must, you will totally understand.

His wife, Joan, was a respected dialect coach for actors, and many spent time or sent gifts during her illness. Without coming across too name-droppy, Richard details some of this, including Nigella Lawson sending a taxi full of home cooked meals for the week to them every Sunday and Prince Charles (at the time) coming to visit with Mangos, her favourite fruit.

His stories cover Withnail, Spice Girls, Star Wars, Loki and so much more. His joy of being Oscar nominated was well documented too, including his unabashed excitement of meeting people and having a selfie with them. He also tells the tale of meeting his great love since a mid teen, Barbra Streisand, which is so very glorious. 

This is an excellent read, not a long read, but totally worth your while.

Left on the Tenth: a second chance at life by Delia Ephron

Delia is the sister of Nora, and is also a writer/essayist. She says she's the lesser sister, not as good a writer. This is not true, she is amazing. This memoir is about a couple of crazy years in her life. Nora and her beloved husband have both died of cancer. Nora's was a genetic type of cancer that Delia has the markers for but may not necessarily get. She is very aware of what may happen. 

During this time she unexpectedly falls in love, in her 70s, the kind of story her sister would write and make a film about. And when she was just settling into this new life, the cancer she feared reared its ugly head. The memoir includes all of this and more in deep detail. It is sad and worrying at times but mostly it is joyful and funny. I loved this, I miss Nora, but am thrilled Delia is still here. 

Mirka Mora: a life making art by Sabine Cotte

I have read many books on Mirka who I love, but this memoir combines and details how she goes about her art, and in a very detailed way. What joy! Sabine knew Mirka and spent time with her. She writes about Mirka's inspiration and techniques, and how she felt about her art. It is glorious and out there and amazing, as you can only imagine. For fans of Mirka and the creative process.

Music is History by Questlove

Questlove writes a year by year history of music, from 1971 and details music against the backdrop of what happened historically that year. It ranges trends and interests, intertwined with the news. An easy read, but an interesting one.

Rock Concert: a high-voltage history, from Elvis to Live Aid by Marc Myers

An interesting, but not definitive book about rock concerts, encompassing some of the more famous like Live Aid, Elvis' comeback special, Woodstock and everything between. 

The Guy Who Decides: Australia's funniest social media sensation by Jimmy Rees

A fun read covering the social media memes that Rees put out during the pandemic. Lots of laughs, but not a lot of new content.

No Time Like the Future: an optimist considers morality by Michael J Fox

Another memoir from Fox covering the most recent years. He has had a lot of health set-backs, but keeps his optimistic view of it all, even through the darker periods. It also covers some of his smaller and most recent roles on television.

Glossy: the inside story of Vogue by Nina-Sophia Miralles

Glossy was a good title for this, and whilst I enjoyed the read, I wanted more. It was really just a padded history that glossed over all that happened. Worth reading if you love Vogue, but don't expect a lot of detail.

You're Doing it Wrong: a history of bad and bonkers advice to women by Kaz Cooke

A hilarious look at how women have been treated over the years as only Kaz Cooke can present. The way men treated us, and how we were told to react...or not. I had a blast reading this.

Free Fall by Ben Quilty

Ben's latest book covers fighting and violence, loads of copies of his paintings and descriptions etc. Ben always makes you think deeply and I love that.

Yiayia Next Door by Daniel Mancuso

This is the cook book based on the insta series. Daniel and his brother started showing pics on Insta of the food their next door neighbour would gift them after their mother died (at the hand of their father, her estranged husband). Yia Yia, as she is known, shares some of her recipes with money going to domestic violence. This is a lovely, comforting cook book with snippets of stories. 

What I've Been Watching

Days of Bagnold Summer

One of the best indie films I have seen in a long time. About a middle aged Librarian and her teenage son. He is meant to spend the summer with his father and his new family in the US, but it is cancelled and he is stuck at hom. His mother tries her best to keep him happy, but in his mid teens, he is a sulky metal head and is keen on causing trouble. It is a coming of age story, it is funny, and it is just wonderful. Earl Cave (yes, son of Nick) absolutely shines as the teen. Wonderful supporting cast, and fabulous soundtrack by Belle and Sebastian!

The Batman

I really enjoyed the new The Batman, with - of all people - Robert Pattinson. I wasn't so sure going in, but he was great. Colin Farrell was unrecognisable and brilliant as The Penguin. LIkewise Paul Dano as The Riddler. Great supporting cast of Andy Serkis, John Turturro, Zoe Kravitx, and Jeffrey Wright.

Then Came You

Look, this was pretty crap, but I really miss Craig Ferguson and he was the star. A woman, Kathie Lee Gifford, goes on a trip overseas to scatter the ashes of her late husband. She falls in love with Ferguson's character, an owner of a castle she stays at. But he is engaged to be married...

Cyrano

Another version for Cyrano, and a good one. Is there a bad one? Starring the wonderful Peter Dinklage in the lead and is a great movie.

The Bad Guys

A load of fun, from Australian author Aaron Blabey. Features a mix of nasty animated characters intent on a bank heist. But is it really worth it, will they turn from bad guys to good guys. 

Ammonite

Kate Winslet plays a paleontologist in the late 1800s, working seriously and solo along the coast and making amazing discoveries. A colleague leaves his wife (Saoirse Ronan) in her care. They have an affair. This is a wonderful movie, very dramatic, very sensual, but I wanted more paleontology.

Fisk S2

If you haven't seen Fisk you are missing out, this is such a great comedy, tight cast set in a flailing law firm. You will laugh out loud, one of the best Australian comedies I have seen in recent times.

What I've Been Listening To

B'52s

I enjoyed listening to Bouncing off the Satellites, I have not listened to this album in a long long time, it got quite a few spins, and there was much dancing and singing.

Madonna

I picked up True Blue and a few 12 inch singles on vinyl, so enjoyed spinning these during Madge's heyday!

Lizzo

Loving Lizzo's new album, Special, loads of great tracks, very pop and a few laid back tunes.

80s

Continuing slowly with my 1980s compilations over Sunday brunch, so many great tunes to be heard and I am working on a blog of them!

TISM

TISM is everywhere at the moment, so a walk down memory lane was necessary, there is much out there on the web, so I didn't need to get out my CDs. They have done some guerilla gigs leading up to their tour, and much of it is up there!

Now I've just got to get I'm on the Drug that Killed River Phoenix out of my head!

WTF with Marc Maron - Neil Gaiman

If you love Neil, you will love this, finally on WTF, a great interview, as Marc would say, Do it up!

BE MY GURU

I have loved the Hoodoo Gurus for a long time. 

I loved My Girl, but it wasn't until I heard Like WOW, Wipeout, that I became a fan. The 60s kitsch and the drum beat sucked me in and I have never looked back. 

I was 15.

I immediately went out and bought Mars Needs Guitars, and then Stoneage Romeos.

I loved their 60s influenced pop, and their love of paisley, which matched my love of paisley at the time (and ever since).

I learnt Bittersweet on the guitar, and played those albums over and over.

Stoneage Romeos still remains a favourite, every song a gem. One of the all-time best debut albums and still in my top 10 albums of all-time.

I continued to love them and buy their albums, then CDs through my teen years and into adult.

And then I saw them live!

I can remember the first time I saw them live and I was blown away. Hoodoo Gurus have always sounded great, possibly better live. I cannot remember when it was and I am fairly certain it was at The Palais Royale. It would have been the very late 80s. I have seen Hoodoo Gurus more times live than possibly any other band, easily 30 times, possibly more. I don't know exactly. In the early 90s they toured Newcastle a lot. One of the members, Mark I think, lived in Maitland. I saw them every time they toured, usually at The Palais.

I knew every song, got there early, took position at the front, and had a blast of a time singing and dancing. As time moved on and crowds got rowdier, I had to forego that favourite position for my now favoured up the back to the right. 

This band, I still love them and have not seen for a long time. They rarely come to Newcastle anymore, I don't know why. I have heard rumours that Newcastle crowds and nasty crowds (in recent times) and it doesn't surprise me. I may not listen to their music as much as I used to in my teenage years, but their music still makes me smile when I hear it.

When they toured recently I didn't get tickets, and it was during COVID times and things were being cancelled and postponed everywhere.

So when very good friends gifted us spare tickets they had for the many times postponed Horden Pavillion shows, we jumped at it.

It was a miserable rainy night and the 4 of us had a great Italian dinner early. Early to ensure we located some seats for our aging bones in this GA only concert. 

I had not been to the Hordern in years but as soon as I walked in the room it all came back to me. We located great seats and rested, chatting excitedly.

The support was a cute all girl band called The Buoys, a little bit punk, a little bit The Bangles, a little bit The Go Gos. We loved them.

Next up, The Dandy Warhols, who I have never seen. Again, they were excellent, and edgy and exactly what you would expect. They were slightly indulgent, and very loud, and rocky and poppy. 

Alexandra and Andrew, went down for a dance and to take some photos up close. The venue was very very packed, Alastair and I decided to stay put.

Finally, it came time for The Gurus, and they sounded amazing. They were on fire, it was an excellent gig. I had not seen them for a while, so I was worried they may have lost their charisma and shine. I have no idea why I was worried, I have never seen them do a bad gig, or even mildly off. 

They played songs from their new album, which I have not heard, and they blended in seamlessly. And played loads of old stuff including loads from Stoneage Romeos. Dave sounded great, although he said he had a bug and felt he wasn't singing well...he was. Brad also sounded great, on fire, as were the entire band.

These men, well into their 60s now, sounded as fresh as back in the day. It was a thoroughly enjoyable concert.

As they ended with Like WOW, Wipeout, I said to ANdrew, that was amazing, although they didn't play one of my all-time favourites, Leilani.

AND then they came out for another encore, with all the support bands to do a phenomenal version of Leilani, I was beyond thrilled!

What a way to finish up.

I do hope I get to see them again soon, but if I do not, I know I saw them at their very best!

Setlist

World of Pain

Tojo

The Right Time

Don't Try to Save my Soul

Another World

Death Defying

Hang with the Girls

Dig It Up

I Want You Back

Chariot of the Gods

My Girl

Come Anytime

Poison Pen

I Come from Your Future (Brad)

Bittersweet

Miss Freelove 69

1000 Miles Away

I was a Kamikaze Pilot

Encore

Be My Guru

What's My Scene

Like WOW Wipeout

Encore

Leilani - with everyone from The Dandys and The Buoys

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

 

How to raise outdoor kids  by Linda Drummond

Full disclosure, Linda is a close friend of mine, but I know how incredibly hard she worked on this book. I didn't really realise the amount of work though until I saw the finished product. This is a huge book with loads of information and ideas. It is the kind of book you will read cover to cover but can also dip in and out of. If you have kids and want them off their devices or even need to help cure boredom, this is the book for you. Really any one with kids will love this. Full of detailed, researched information presented in an easy to digest way. The ideas are easy and cheap or free to replicate and evoked a lot of my childhood from the 70s.

The Final Painting : the last works of the great masters by Patrick de Rynck

This was a fascinating insight into a range of artists from all eras of art. A few pages on each with some lovely examples of their work and mostly concentrating on their end of life. The thing I found most interesting about the book was that almost all of the artists - over many different styles or eras of art - painted self portraits towards the end! Reflecting I guess.

Secrets Beyond the screen by Anita Jacoby

Anita Jacoby is one of Australian television's best producers. She started as a journalist at the Women’s Weekly before getting her tv start on Simon Townsend’s Wonderworld (as many did). She even worked at NBN in the early 80s. She got her first producer job on Good Morning Australia with kerri-Anne Kennerly and Gordon Elliot then The Today Show with Liz Hayes and George Negus, before moving on to 60 minutes in it’s heyday.

In the 2000s she teamed up with Andrew Denton to form Zapruder which produced Enough Rope, Hungry Beast, Gruen and much more. The book covers all the ins and out of these times and her great successes, smashing the glass ceiling. It was not all smiles, dealing with sexism and toxic work environment. It also covers a terrible accident she had in 1990. 

Anita also intertwines the story of her beloved father. A formidable business man, she learnt a lot from him and he guided her through her career. She knew there were a few skeletons in his closet, as he had 3 ex-wives prior to marrying her mother but she was at a dinner party when a notorious court case he was involved in was brought up. She had no idea what the person was talking about and decided to put her investigative journalism to work, And she uncovered a whole lot of stories and information about her father, not all of it good.

This just tips the surface of this well written memoir. 

The Premonitions Bureau by Sam Knight

This was not as good as I hoped. It is a non-fiction book about a a man who pulls together an official bureau to track Premonitions. There are some really interesting stories and seemingly some genuine premonitions but ultimately there was not real outcome which would have been great.

My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson

I really enjoyed this debut novella. Set in what felt like a recent time, there is looting and gun fires, a town is overtaken. A young girl gets her hand on a small bus and rounds as many people up as she can and they drive away from the violence. A hero is born and a story begins, 

 

Chronicles of a Bookseller by Nadia Wassef

Nadia set up a bookshop with her sisters in Egypt about 20 years. This was a big deal as there were no bookshops like this one, and that it was run by women. 

 

No Time Like the Future: an optimist considers mortality by Michael J. Fox

This is another great read from Fox. His openness and honesty about his life and his illness. This book concentrates on health, Parkinsons and the small and larger episodes he has and how he tries to stay optimistic. During the past few years he has had additional health issues which has pushed this optimism to outer and he had to use all his strength and tools to keep on track. The book is not all doom and gloom, it is very optimistic, and also includes tales from his acting life and his family.

Glossy: the inside story of Vogue by Nina-Sophia Miralles

This was a basic history of Vogue magazine; talking about some of the fashion, personalities, cover models, and big celebrations over the years. It was an easy read, but lacked a lot of depth and had minimal photos which was disappointing.

 

Fugitive by Simon Tedeschi 

Beautiful prose and sometimes pure poetry telling some stories from his life in music. The most haunting pieces were how he plays and absorbs the musical experience.

 

I am C-3PO: the inside story by Anthony Daniels

This was loads of fun, the story behind how Anthony Daniels became C-3PO and loads and loads of behind the scenes Star Wars stuff. He talks about finding the character's voice and fitting inside that very challenging costume and some of the tougher scenes to film physically. He talks about his co-stars and his love for most of them. He is not backward in saying his piece, but you also get that he just loves being part of the machine. For fans I guess, but interesting to anyone.

 

How to Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons): poems by Barbara Kingsolver

I am a big fan of Kingsolver's fiction, and this book of poetry left me loving her even more. Divided into different sections for each theme. There was a section of How to poems - how to knit a sweater, be hopeful, have a child etc. There is another with lovely, long, whimsical poems about a family trip to Italy. Another with poems honouring the deceased, family and friends. Another on nature and so on. I really enjoyed this and my poetry journey continues.

 

One Hundred Days

One Hundred Days refers to 100 days of confinement the main character, Karuna, takes after giving birth to her daughter at age 16. The year is 1987 and Karuna lives with her strict Chinese Mother, her father has abandoned them. Karuna’s mother is very controlling and concerned about her daughter. She has a brief affair with an older boy, her tutor, and falls pregnant. She is 16. She hides is for as long as she can, and her mother is mortified. Entrenched in superstition and Chinese cultural beliefs, her mother starts to place even more restrictions on Karuna under the banner of ‘looking after the baby’. She also tells Karuna, that once the baby is born she will raise it and it will be Karuna’s sibling. And the drama’s continue from there.

The book is written with Karuna as the narrator telling the story to her child about how they came to be and how things happened. It is written beautifully, Alice has a lovely way with words and descriptions and you can see it all unfolding in your head. And whilst the story sounds dire, it is actually quite funny. The breaks up the tension of the novel. It is perfectly constructed, there is no fill, it moves fast and you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. It also reads a little bit like a fairy tale, a fractured fairy tale if you will. She references Labyrinth the movie a bit, the story has a Rapunzel feel to it, and then there is the Chinese cultural stories and beliefs.

I think it is important to stretch our brains and read about diversity but I also really enjoy reading about other cultures, this was one!

 

What I've Been Watching

 

Doctor Who

This is easily the best episode of Doctor Who I have watched in many years. I loved Jodi's doctor but the writing let her down a lot. This episode had so much within it was worthy of multiple watches, something I rarely do.

It was her swansong, and she was - as always - magnificent. Her regeneration was beautiful and worthy of her time in the Tardis.

The first 30 minutes was genuinely thrilling and had me on the edge of my seat. The look at memory lane with past characters returning was lovely and sentimental and really added depth to the story. The Russian/Rasputan link was purely so they could add the comedic element of The Master dancing to Boney M I am sure, but why not, it was a great scene.

And then back to the ending, which was genuinely a surprise and a wow moment unlike any other wow moment on the show.

I really look forward to seeing these new shows in 2023.

Around the World in 80 days

This was a bit disappointing. With David Tennant as the lead I had high hopes, but it was all about action and drama, and less about travel and the characters than I had hoped. I did finish it to the end and the final episode was great but ultimately it was missing something. 

Summer Love

This was a good little Australian show with short stories each week. The main character is a summer beach house. Each week different people stay at the house and discover love, no necessarily romantic love, but love. A range of great Australian actors visited the house each week, with drama and humour. Well worth a watch.

Kominsky Method 

I devoured all 3 seasons of this great comedy quickly. It is an easy watch, I have always been a fan of Michael Douglas and I also love Alan Arkin and their chemistry is wonderful. The supporting cast of mostly newbies and some classic character actors are superb. It will make you laugh and cry. Adding the brilliant Kathleen Turner as Douglas' ex wife was genius, their chemistry is boundless. If you haven't seen it, you are really missing out.

Lupin S1

I finally got around to watching S1 of Lupin with Omar Sy in the lead role. I have always found him very charismatic, and in this he is really that. It has loads of fabulous shots around Paris, especially The Louvre, and is sharp and all killer, no filler. Lupin is trying to find right the wrongs on his father, based on an old book called Lupin his father gave him. It smurs the boundaries of right and wrong, and is fascinating to watch.

Pistol

Fabulous series on the Sex Pistols from the memoir of Glen Matlock. Told from his perspective and just fascinating. It has always been about Johnny Rotten, Malcolm or Sid. This felt fresh and authentic. The casting was great. The inclusion of Chrissie Hynde brilliant, I had no idea how close she was to the action and that she was part of their story early on. I don't think you would have to be a fan to enjoy this. Music also awesome, but that's a given really.

Taronga: Who's Who in the Zoo S2 - I finally finished this season, and it is wonderful. Set behind the scenes at Taronga Zoo, you get to meet the fabulous staff and all the animals they care for. You hear about the concept of modern zoos, which are purely about conservation, and see how they do that. For this animal lover, it is pure joy.

Escape from the Chateau S8

This season was shot during lockdown. So no events, but much still needs to be done. Mostly retiling the roof, which was a huge undertaking. And lots of insights and looks into other areas of the grounds and Chateau. This family are charismatic and interesting. I love this show.

Old People's Home For teenagers

This follows up Old People's Homes for Preschoolers, but matching the oldies up with teens and giving room for greater depth. Everyone in the series grew exponentially during the series with learning from both sides of each other being powerful and rewarding, not just for them but for us watching. Much was learnt, mostly that people are people. There were laughs and many tears, this is possibly one of the best 'reality' shows out there. 

Great Southern Landscapes with Rachel Griffiths

She's done it again, a great documentary about Australian art, this time landscapes. Each week Rachel was given a handful of Australian Landscapes within a theme and asked to choose one. She would then head to where the painting was painted, or in one case the photo was taken, and see if she can recreate the pic on an ipad and meet those involved. I bloody loved it!

Take 5 with Zan Rowe

I have listened to Zan's Take 5 on the radio on and off over the years, but this was a visual version of it. A perfect show in many ways. Each week an artist is asked to pick their Top 5 influential songs, Zan meets with them, spins the tracks (mostly on vinyl, squee!), and the artist tells the stories. Compelling, fascinating insights, with often remarkable and emotional stories, and each time brilliant tracks! I was blown away by Guy Pearce and Tori Amos, loved Tony Armstrong, was surprised by Keith Urban ( I love love loved his kd Lang story), and even enjoyed Missy Higgins (so not a fan). I was thrilled to hear it is coming back for a second season. S1 is still on iview, so do yourself a favour!

A Quiet Place II

This was almost as good as the first movie, it goes back to the origin (although we never find out why) and takes it further than where it was left off. It still had me on the edge of my seat, and the kids still gave the most powerful performances. To say any more would be spoilers! It finished up with you knowing there will be a third.

Stardust

I am only writing about this dogshit movie to say do not watch it. In fact, I only got 20 mins into it before giving it up. I knew it would be bad but I was curious. IT was a biopic about Bowie that did not get the blessing (or indeed the music rights) from the family. So yeah, a Bowie movie without music. It was about his younger years before he was famous, or as he got famous. The story didn't feel authentic, and the acting was crap. Just don't!

Spiderman, No Way Home

I really enjoyed this with the multiple universes overlapping. Everyone was great, the film itself probably needed 30 minutes shaved off (but I tend to say that about most films over 90 minutes these days), the action was fun and the acting great.

Boy

Taika Waititi's first film, Boy is a great film. Dramatic and humourous. Boy's father is her hero, Boy's father is a loser, but Boy refuses to see that. This is that perfect blend of New Zealand dry humour and lush surroundings. Waititi plays the Michael Jackson loving father as you can only imagine. It is one of those films that bubbles along without too much plot points, but it works. A must see film.

The High Note 

A predictable film about a music diva, Tracee Ellis Ross (daughter of Diana), who is getting a little long in the tooth. Her PA, Dakota Johnson, has dreams of producing, and when she redoes one of the diva's songs, all hell breaks loose. Ross can sing, but usually does not, she should! SHe is also a gifted comedian, which she is better known for, there was not much humour in this and it could have done with some. It is not a bad movie, just so so.

Gloria Bell

Julianne Moore is Gloria Bell, a 50 something divorced woman with two older children. She is happy enough in her life, has a good job, and loves to go to discos in the LA scene and dance. But one night she meets an interesting older man, John Turturro, but he comes with complications. Will she follow love and stick to her simplistic life. I really loved this little gem, great music, both Moore and Turturro are great, the supporting cast are also wonderful. 

The Batman

I enjoyed the latest Batman, although I still wish there was humour within. I actually thought Pattinson was great, to my utter surprise. His supporting cast were exceptional, especially Colin Farrell and Paul Dano as The Penguin and The Riddler. Andy Serkis was a great modern Alfred and Jeffrey Wright a great stabliser as Commissioner Gordon. The action was great, the car chases excellent, again, needed some time shaved off, but overall totally worth a watch.

What I've Been Listening To

Springsteen and the E Street Band: the Legendary 1979 No Nukes Concert

This was a re-release of an early live concert and it was great. Wonderful sound and the band on fire.

Paul Simon

Been listening to Paul Simon at work, his work is always a perfect soundtrack to anything.

Nilsson

Got some more Nilsson on vinyl, his songs always hold up, even the obscure stuff. Love him to bits.

Michelle Shocked: Short, Sharp, Shocked

I have always loved this album, it is a great mix of alt country, and I recently got a copy on vinyl. I am aware over the years Shocked has become a little...shocking, but I still love this album.

Van Morrison

Went down a Van wormhole early October, playing a lot of his albums. Again, Van's ideals have been a little off putting lately, but his music still lives. 

The Cars

Always a fave, another one I have been playing at work. Their work seems uniquely timeless.

MAY/JUNE/JULY/AUGUST DIARY

I am well behind with this, no real reason. I have been busy but my writing muse hasn't been around. I don't even know what my writing muse is anymore. Hopefully getting back into things will bring it out.

May always starts with May the 4th or May The Force, Star Wars dressing up at work and a load of fun, and this year was no exception. A week later we also celebrated Friday the 13th.

I finally got back to Choir briefly, between COVID, general flu/sinus, work it has been difficult, but when I am there the joy I experience, it should be bottled!

We spent a lovely Saturday exploring Carrington. It is a sweet little industrial town on the water. A real mix of architecture, some great pubs, and little shops. We had a great meal at the Seven Seas Hotel.

In late May we headed into the city to celebrate Andrew's 50th. He wasn't 100% happy with this age, lol, but we really made the most of it! We went to our favourite Chinese on the Friday night. We were up early to head to the NSW Art Gallery to see the Archibald on the Saturday, and then lunch with Andrew's parents.

We celebrated with supper at the top of the Sydney Tower, and the excitement of Anthony Albanese becoming our new Prime Minister!!!

I was back in Sydney in June to care for Andrew after his cataract surgery. It was fairly low key but we did get out and about. 

There was some out and about in Newcastle.

A return to One Song Sing, albeit in the rain, singing Adele's Rolling in the Deep.

I attended my final markets at Speers Point Park - they have moved to a shopping centre carpark and have lost their charm.

July was busy but quiet, we started the month seeing the Elvis movie, which was phenomenal. I headed to Andrew's for a mini break in the holidays but brought COVID back with me. It was not great, but not so bad either. It took a good 2 weeks to shake.

I went to Mystery Monday at the Commonwealth Hotel with my gals and had a fabulous mystery meal!

I also had the extreme pleasure of seeing Kate Miller-Heidke with Alex and Alastair. I love her voice so very much, she is an extraordinary performer. And this was a much waited for concert, having been cancelled many times during COVID, and she gave her all and then some. It was a stunning set list and we had great seats at Town Hall, looking down on the side of the stage. She called out a young teen from the audience (obviously pre-arranged) to sing Caught in the Crowd with her. They had everyone in tears, that song, a bloody instant classic. She also did a stunning cover of Wuthering Heights, probably one of the few people who could actually pull that song off, and she did. And a dark, deep operatic version of Paint it Black

We ended the month with Wuthering Heights Day, the first one in years, having been postponed by COVID and/or bad weather. It was our best turn up, with hundreds flocking to King Edward dressed in red as Kate, and dancing to Wuthering Heights. Such joy, I live for this day every year.

August was fairly low key with a couple of trips to Sydney.

A weeknight visit to the Press Book House for Book Club.

And my sister's farm growing with animals, which was most delightful.

There was much reviewing to be done.

You can read them here, May, June, July, August.

And plenty of additional photography.