COVID 19 has been responsible for much of my weird and rambling monologues during 2020. As most would be aware, I absolutely love hearing and sharing stories. And so yesterday, for no particular reason, I found myself considering all those stories and the people I am privileged to call our friends.
My darling Dad, whom I miss every day, was a wordsmith. He introduced me to the delicious term interpolation when I was quite young and is an excellent description of the way I practise conversation. To interpolate is to leave the original topic of discourse, digress, go out on a limb, diverge, but eventually return to the actual starting point of the dialogue. For me, interpolation is an incredibly useful tool to hear much more of those stories that are so meaningful between friends, particularly in this "Year of Wonders". Or any other year for that matter...
Friends, buddies, companions, mates, confidantes and sidekicks are all synonyms to describe those with whom I choose to associate. When I was a child, I was desperate for a "best friend", somebody who would understand me inside out, support me, cherish me, fight for me. Slowly, I realised that best friends may not be all that they are cracked up to be. So now, I do have my best friend (Michael), a bunch of close friends with whom I am happy to see as frequently as we all wish and then those unexpected friends, who come into my life and add so much, who I may have never dreamt of knowing. Each and every one of these friends have become important elements in my life, broadening my horizons and hopefully reminding me to be a compassionate, thoughtful and inclusive friend in return.
So, who are some of these paragons?
Hilariously, Michael's friend from his youth, Gary immediately springs into my mind. This man can be a genial boofhead, an irritating drunk, a fiery and opinionated conversationalist and a surprisingly generous soul. I dropped into Gary's house that he is building to check on Michael whilst the pair of them were watching the footy grand final on Saturday. I took a seat on his ancient black leather and very comfortable sofa, was offered a drink and quickly joined the camaraderie of bagging the teams, the coaches, the spectators and the play for a very happy hour. Gary also has the distinction of never deserting Michael when he began the relationship with me. Which other so-called friends did. Thanks, Gary.
Jan, our second in command at the East End Gallery is beloved by Michael because she "thinks like a bloke". Ever ready to help us in any way, shape or form, I can't imagine our lives not including Jan. She has made herself bloody indispensable and is also mind-bogglingly talented. Added to that is her keen and stunning gardening skills, and the ability to make yet another cup of tea at a moment's notice.
Greg, her partner, an outstanding writer and performance artist, often resembles a lad gigglingly hiding a secret. With razor-sharp intelligence, his intellect is very impressive and his wit decidedly left of centre. That he has been mistaken for a world wrestling champion is like a secret weapon that he can spring on the uninitiated without so much as a blush.
Celeste, who speaks her mind whilst being surprisingly vulnerable, is a Godsend. She can follow Michael's instructions without any difficulty - in fact, she often immediately understands what is required when I would have been scratching my head in abject confusion. She is slowly transforming her home, neglected by the previous tenant, into her own unique space.
Gentle James is the latest addition to our inner circle. A quiet and reflective chap, James adores his Huntaway Rosie, his daughters, his house and his garden. Taking a break from the relentless grind of FIFO (fly-in/fly-out) work, James would love to build his landscaping business so he never has to return to his previous lifestyle. James' latest and spectacular achievement was to chat with profound empathy to Christine, a widowed Narrogin artist and coax her back into bringing some new paintings to us.
Old friends like Zelda, Meredith and Kim can reappear into a snatched weekend visit and resume conversations like we were together the other day. Ailsa and Brenda, whom I see rarely but keep in touch mainly through Facebook can have me rolling on the floor in helpless and side-splitting laughter just describing their latest exploits.
Then, there are all those who we have met in Heavenly Beverley or through the Gallery who began as strangers and became so much more. Lorna, formerly our next-door neighbour, appears to be related to just about everybody in the state, has a car named "Ze Witch" and a trailer "Ze Broom" whilst inhabiting Freedom Hollow.
Guy and Denese have been friends from very early after our move. Guy has assisted us in many mad projects and is one of our "East End" musos. Denese is famously known and loved by me as not thinking she is "good enough" as an artist, a trait shared by textile artist Jo and card designer Kim. Across the road from Guy and Denese are Don and Heather, posties, Bowen therapists and Heather is another of our card makers.
Delightful oddball Jan from York gives her quirky tendencies away with her pottery label - "Gone Potty" and is currently one of our best selling artists. Also possessing bucketloads of different is Jenny from Brookton, put on a train as a seven-year-old in charge of her five-year-old sisters to travel from Melbourne to Kalgoorlie. Her husband and picture framer Sandy had a startlingly similar experience, flying solo as a nine-year-old from Perth to Malaya!
Then there is Jenny and Mick from Northam. Jenny designs and creates affordable jewellery and is also in charge of keeping Mick on the straight and narrow. Mick is a master woodturner, fantastic storyteller and has had a number of diverse employment positions from pastoralist to politician.
Paul and Norma from the Perth Hills dropped in yesterday to exchange Paul's sculptures. Originally guests through the Gallery, they shared a connection to the Wheatbelt by having family in Cuballing. Norma is currently hosting Paul, son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren along with a cat and a dog whilst the younger generation sort out new housing arrangements. Norma thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to unwind and de-stress from months of having a lot of family underfoot. Laughter was the order of the afternoon.
Very tall Neil and good buddy Ian always look forward to their adventures in the old Beverley tip to find delectable objects for their artworks. Ian's wife Lindy is a spectacular glass artist and introduced me to three other fabulous glass artists, none of whom I have actually met...
Gingegannup sculptor and gorgeous chap Andrew has given us the compliment that Michael and I "get him" and his intimate stories that he shares in three-dimensional figures. Exquisitely crafted and beautifully presented, Andrew's sculptures are a glimpse into his soul that we are honoured to view.
And as I have to bring this post to a close, I just have to mention a wonderful man who again has been Michael's friend and has become mine. Young Lawrence, (not of Arabia), is another muso, a really lovely guy and a fascinating giver of tales. Lawrence's main claim to fame is his struggle to arrive anywhere on time, an endless cause of amusement for all his friends. Lawrence has also introduced us to a fabulous bunch of York musicians who add so much to our Famous Sundowners. See you at our birthday party on 12 December, Lawrence!
So many friends, so many stories. I can't possibly include all of them into this post, but I hope you know who you are and that you are loved by us.
And to my husband, Michael, thank you my darling, for every day. I cannot imagine my life being so rich without you...
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