Giving thanks for 2009

With four hours to go until the new year and decade, I've picked these flowers from my garden as offering of thanks to the Universe for the year that's about to end.

What a privilege to play my part in helping to produce such profound beauty as these flowers.

I give thanks for the people, opportunities and protection generously offered to me in 2009.

I eagerly look forward to the new year with joy and excitement.

In 2010, may all beings be happy.

Circular Quay on a nice day

Sydney is beautiful.

MCA Sydney

Did another day trip to the city with Walter today and the train sadly was just as attrocious. Circular Quay was just disorganised chaos, with very little sympathy from Cityrail staff.



Did manage to catch an exhibition at the MCA. Enjoyed the Almanac: The Gift of Ann Lewis AO exhibition. A light installation on the foyer promoting the Olafur Eliasson exhibition also took my fancy (though we didn't see it).

Owl and the Sparrow the movie

Owl and the Sparrow is one of the most touching films I've seen in a while. It doesn't pretend to be profound or grand, but it's pitched just right.

A homeless girl, an air-stewardess, and a zoo keeper, three lonely people in a city of over 8m people. The homeless girl is played brilliantly.

Tender and warm without getting too mushy.

And bonus great shots of modern, busy, bustling Saigon, too.

Highly recommended.

Catching the Train

I can't remember the last time I caught the train, but somewhat shocked that it costs $7 return from Cabramatta to the City (and that's off peak prices). For the two of us, it would have been just as cheap to drive and park! (so much for the environment).

We went in to see the 80's exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum, which was alot of fun.



The train to the city wasn't air-conditioned and was the 'Ho Chi Minh Trail' going Cabra, via Bankstown and Marrickvillle - someone at Cityrail has been researching... but I digress, it was hot, and long... not at all pleasant. And the view... well I'll let you be the judge of that.



On the way back mercifully we got a direct train that was also air-conditioned, wasn't too bad an experience, if only they were all like that, and tickets were half the price, then the train might be a worthwhile proposition.

Berkelouw Books, Newtown

Checked out Berkelouw Books in Newtown the latest in the spreading empire. It's off King street which made me certain it won't work.

When we got there, very pleasantly surprised, extremely well converted, lots of gorgeous wood, tin roof, sky light - airy, light and very lovely. Nice comfy coffee shop that serves not bad latte!

Contrary to my negativity, it was busy in both the bookstore and coffee shop.

Walter's doing a book event at Berkelouw when Destination Saigon comes out, but I think we'll still do it in their flag ship store in Paddington.

Stanley St, East Sydney

Most Sundays we eat at a little place on Stanley Street called Big Boys Thai. The food is good, fast, cheap and cheerful.

Once known as little Italy, Stanley Street seems to have more Japanese restaurants than Italian. Bill and Tonys is still there, but Italian places seem to be in the minority!

Took this photo today, the street does look stunning on a fine day.

Evergreen Taoist Temple, Redfern

I couldn't believe it, a short stroll from Surry Hills Shopping Village is a deceptively large Taoist centre on Bourke Street, Redfern.



It used to be a police station, but the group bought up part of the block to build their organisation.

Amazing how they were able to make it look like a temple from outside and in - given they had to work with the original structure.

Maggie Hamilton Speaks at New Church Roseville

Fairies, that's the topic of Maggie Hamilton's new book. She was kind enough to speak to a very engaged audience last Friday.

Maggie was introduced by Ruth Duckworth.



At the conclusion of the talk, Julian Duckworth the minister of New Church, Roseville gave a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the audience.

Le Meridien, Bangkok

Finally got the chance to post my review of Trip Advisor.

Best hotel I've stayed at, just pipped the Langham Place in Hong Kong!