out of the loop

I've been totally absorbed in moving house and preparing for exhibitions that I have entirely neglected the blogger world... Oops!
A new abode in Elwood leads to quick walks to the bay, rooftop views, and a much closer main street for shopping and eating. A good move I say! There will be more images and possibly complaints as I move through from this evening across the weekend.I've taken over the front window at the children's store I manage, MINE. My exhibition, The Story Which Must Be TOLD is a venture of finger puppets, and paper scenery alike, with an accompanying zine {with a hand-screenprinted cover}. There is a looping digital animation of an Autumn tree taking residence in the window, and origami folded whales gracefully swim and scoop under and over cardboard waves and stuffed calico clouds, that remind one of kipfler potatoes. The centre of all the attention lies with the puppets, however. With an illustration printed upon their stuffed beings, or being adorned in delicate handpainted or handthreaded features, may these little characters swoon your heart away! Have a wander over to MINE's blog to see a few more pictures of my window installation. I'm yet to take some images when it's the evening {I imagine they would in their night time discretion organise their own performances!}.

little things

Wow! Yesterday was a little hairy in my neck of the woods. My home-town was under threat from a bushfire running along the back of a close friend's farm and Birdsland Reserve.

Today was a little more subdued. A much needed trip to the op shop was rewarded with a couple of old books.
One gem was an old 50's Chinese Communist propaganda publication {I'm baffled why it was printed in English}.

The other book was The collected works of William Shakespeare with beautiful illustrations,which will be made into a book sculpture for a recent order.

When flipping through Shakespeare collected works, I found a perfectly pressed maple leaf. How long it's been left in the novel, I don't know, but it's inscription suggests a time after the 80's.

{It was rumoured in the op shop that a $1 note was also found, pressed in the collected works, but taken before I got to it.}

distractions from the disaster

It's been one of the worst weeks ever for Victoria. I have been completely overwhelmed from the tragic outcomes of our recent bushfires- too emotional, and utterly lost for words.... for that reason I've been avoiding the blogging world. Nevertheless, other people have been very informative, and respectful in their reactions to this disaster.

In times like this it's important to, as well as grieve for innocent people's losses, remember the positive and triumphant actions of us "Aussies" {and support from around the globe}, helping those in desperate need. I think this support towards to the survivors has been remarkably uplifting, and it has reminded me that we do keep moving forward and by projecting a love for one another, someone's life can eventually get back on track. I think this is truly wonderful.

So I decided to focus this blog on a sense of love and positivity. And, yes, Valentines day was yesterday- so what better time?

- how to make a throbbing origami heart.


I made one and attached it to my lapel yesterday-it's free and fun! I'm saving pennies {and notes} to donate money to the bushfire appeal

Take care,
{Love}

I'm rising early, trying to beat the sun

{Here are some images captured in the morning light, while it's still usually below 35 degrees celsius}.

It seems that I fantasise about another season only in Summer. Come on, Autumn, and with you bring your crisp air, tickling sunlight, and brightly toned deciduous leaves.

I'm eating refrigerated apples to cool my gums.
I'm sleeping on a deflated lilo in the tent in the backyard {which admittedly does have a degree of wonder as I get to look at the stars, and contemplate my minimal presence in this universe}.
I'm sticking my head in the fridge, convincing myself that I'm looking for something other than some respite from the heat.

The cool change is expected tonight between 5 and 8. Yippee!