A Whirling Dervish Of A Week

I was really hoping for a chance to draw breath after last week. I was stymied on several fronts. After the Queen's Birthday long weekend, which was naturally only celebrated in Western Australia, I only had two days off to get my act together before I returned to my role as Front-Of-House in the Gallery.

I do not cope well with long weekends. Losing a day at home means I have to cram three days worth of house time into two days. And with the warm weather, my three courtyards of potted garden call me to come outside. Hence the laundry basket is neglected and resembles Mount Vesuvius more often than not.

Plus, we have lost one artist and gained another. This always involves a major shuffle within the Gallery (I'll just move this piece to make space) and before I realise, the dominos have fallen and most of our artworks have changed position...

As a result, most of this week has been a blur. I keep trying to reduce the ironing pile. Epic fail. In the Gallery on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I geared up for all of Sunday and Monday in the Big Smoke. Baby shower for Bronwyn. Retrieval of a desk. Introduction of Ragnor (Ragdoll cat) to Stella and Pip - total disaster. Catching up with Vanessa, Callum and Alex (briefly). Meeting with the NDIS for initial planning. An unexpectedly positive experience with Maria Radici, Alex's NDIS contact. Podiatry in York with the fabulous Laura Ellwood on the way home.

We are bloody exhausted.  Michael had a massage today to relieve his chronically sore neck and lower back. I caught up on housework. Except for the ironing. The pile is still glowering at me from a side table. Maybe tomorrow.

However, we have two days at home in a row. Just as well as today, I spent a large chunk of the day on the computer. Bill paying. Bill delaying. Discovering I could throw some dollars at MasterCard. Supplying Centrelink with information which we have given them before. Uploading documents which took two, three, four, up to five attempts to actually appear to submit. Centrelink is encouraging less-than-fortunate welfare recipients to send information online. A pity if one is not computer literate or has no access to the internet. Even with some computer knowledge, having to try multiple times to upload information that Centrelink has requested is exquisite frustration. And having sent the required documents does not make me breathe easier. The ever-present threat of cessation of benefits hangs over us.

This week has Michael's gastroscopy approaching on Thursday. We hope to discover the cause for his suspected tummy bleed back in July. Gastroenterologist Matt suspects an ulcer. Which would be awesome in some ways. An ulcer is relatively easy to treat. Stay tuned.

Stella continues to entertain in between random destruction. Which is usually our fault for not foreseeing a particular situation, such as thongs left out (on several occasions! Bollocks...). This evening, I walked the dogs, which doubled as a comedy routine. Stella was intent on herding - me, Pip and a random jogger. Fortunately, he had seen Stella before and didn't completely trip when she baled him up.

I feel guilty due to my lack of writing lately. I understand I shouldn't stress. However, I just love to post on this blog. I just love the connections with the universe.

*sigh* Now, all is well in my world.

I'm dancing as fast as I can...

Trying to keep up!

Bronwyn with Problem Child!

 My wonderful son, daughter-in-law and soon to be granddaughter...

Surprisingly productive meeting with our Autistic Superstar, Alex...

Laura taking our feet in hand...

My ironing pile!

The Simple Things...

The last day of September. Busy day, with lots of guests through the East End Gallery. I've barely had time to think. And when I have tried to engage the little grey cells, I haven't been terribly successful navigating the load of bollocks that is buzzing around my head, masquerading as Deep Thoughts.

The trouble is, the years seem to be accelerating faster and faster as I become older. Back in the time of the dinosaurs, there was at least some variation. For example, school terms passed far more slowly than the holidays. I would count down the weeks and days until all the breaks, but particularly the summer holidays, which began with a sense of infinity stretching out before me. Then, the days would annoyingly speed up, meaning that we would all be confined inside four walls again before we were ready, supposedly learning stuff that would set us up for the rest of our lives.

This has all changed with mature age (not necessarily mature behaviour). I feel that I have less time to do more and more. So, my chances of catching up are similar odds to Buckley's. To quote Charlie Brown..."AAUGH" comes to mind at moments like this.

Which really is only a stopgap. What I like practising, hopefully before I become overwhelmed by day-to-day reality, is to stop. Even if only for five minutes. Sniff the intoxicating aroma of our jasmine creeper. Turn my face into the breeze. Watch the deciduous trees bursting with new growth. Listen to the birds as they busily make nests and lay their eggs and have babies.

Yesterday evening, we discovered a baby bird that had fallen out of the nest. High anxiety gave way to relief and then wonder as the mother called her infant chick and persuaded it to follow her back to their home. The baby was just capable of flight, which had landed it, literally, in its predicament. Mum coaxed bub back and we assume they both safely found their way home.

We have a small lizard resident in the Gallery, usefully chomping on fly carcasses. Plus we came upon two besotted bobtails, doing what besotted bobtails do. The Lady and the Tramp posed for photos before Lady shot off into a corner of Michael's workshop and Tramp retired behind Michael's significant metal collection.

Saturday began with a celebration of the re-opening of Kerryanne's beauty salon, U Beauty Country, in Shop 1 of our Forbes Building. Lindsey and Kerryanne have poured their hearts, souls, labour and money into crafting Kerryanne's own salon. We are thrilled that they chose us to start their dream of opening Kerryanne's business.

Saturday night's Sundowner only attracted a smallish gathering. We didn't care. The combination of musos Lawrence Jones, Jan George, Nick Childs and Guy Slingerland was just fabulous. How lucky are we to know such gifted performers who willingly give their time to us. For free. The Christmas Sundowner, on Saturday 14 December, will feature both "our" musicians and the talented and grooviest eighty-year-old named Brian Aylward who will be conducting a pastels demonstration. Again for nothing. All we offer is a decent glass of vino for his trouble. We couldn't possibly give Brian the cheap and nasty plonk for his services...

I love spring in Heavenly Beverley. Not quite warm enough to swim, but full of mostly pleasant days and nights. The heater is being used less, the fans more. Our courtyards are full of colour. The house is bright and airy with doors and windows flung open after the cold of winter.

And today felt like a Joe Cocker sort-of-day. When I was quite young, I used to sit in my brother David's turquoise blue room and listen to his collection of hits of the Beach Boys, Herman and the Hermits and of course, Mister Joe Cocker.

Joe's voice has always captivated me. Gravelly, sensual, full-throttled and tender, Joe is still a favourite. So, I played him. So many great songs. But probably, I have always loved "The Simple Things" more than any of his songs.

"The Simple Things" remind us to breathe, to appreciate, to savour, to grab the present with both hands. A great song to remember how to stop. Even if only for five minutes...

 Somewhere Along The Way

I Got Caught Up In The Race
I Kept Spinning And Turning
Lost Myself My Hope My Faith

We're Always Wanting More Than What We Have
And What I've Learned Is All I Really Need Are...

The Simple Things
That Come Without A Price
The Simple Things
Like Happiness Joy And Love In My Life
I've Seen It All From So Many Sides
And I Hope You Would Agree
The Best Things In Life
Are The Simple Things

Hey Everybody Don't Get Me Wrong
You Got To Understand
Ambition And Knowledge
Are The Seeds Of Every Woman And Man

It's Good To Work... Work Hard And Prosper
As Long As You Take Time To Find...

The Simple Things
That Come Without A Price
The Simple Things
Like Happiness Joy And Love In My Life
I've Seen It All From So Many Sides
And I Hope You Would Agree
That The Best Things In Life
Are The Simple Things

This World Moves So Fast
Sometimes You Got To Slow Down, Down, Down
To Find Out What Its All About

Solo

We're Always Wanting More Than What We Have
What I've Learned, Is What I Really Need Are..

The Simple Things
That Come Without A Price
The Simple Things
Like Happiness Joy And Love In My Life
I've Seen It All From So Many Sides
And I Hope You Would Agree
That The Best Things In Life
Are The Simple Things

If time is flying...

Faster and faster...!

Scream if you have to...and then try to remember "The Simple Things"...

Like family and friends...

Celebrations of a dream come true...

Take time out at an East End Gallery Sundowner!

Watch a horny bobtail...

Or a baby bird finding his way back to Mum...

STOP...even if only for five minutes.

The Steampunk Event of the Year in Heavenly Beverley

Last Saturday, we were honoured to attend Gem and Adam's Steampunk Pizza Preception Party. We had never been to a Preception Party before. Gem and Adam, two utterly sensible young people, had decided to have a series of parties in Beverley and Perth before they marry this coming Sunday. Hence the idea of a preception rather than a reception.

As I had completely forgotten to notify our supporters of our absence from the Gallery for the party's duration, I snuck into the Gallery just before eleven o'clock to stick a notice on the door.  Clad in my passion-killing blue and white dressing gown, thermal undies and my ugg boots, I was surprised by local supporter Mike wishing to enter and see me in all my glory.

Beautiful...

Mike couldn't have cared less about what I was wearing. He had eyes only for "Bat Out Of Hell", Paul Kendall's masterful motorbike creation. Paul had won the Darlington art prize with his sculpture, made entirely from parts unrelated to a motorbike, and had been unable to convince any Perth galleries to show her. We had been delighted to welcome Paul, Norma and "Bat Out Of Hell" into the East End Gallery, as we had recently become a Motorcycle Friendly Venue...Of course, we needed a motorbike!

And at long last, Mike had chosen to layby this sculpture, in order to display her permanently in his study. Mike is thrilled. We are thrilled. And I have no doubt that all Paul's blood, sweat and tears will become insignificant when he enjoys the reward of his labour of love.

I have also proven that nobody looks at my appearance if they are in love with an artwork...

Onward to the Steampunk Pizza Party. What an occasion! Gem, who is a beautiful mix of a number of nationalities was resplendent in a multicoloured dress, made all the more striking by her multicoloured hair. Adam. who is not a short chap, was dressed in the loudest pair of trousers I have ever seen.

The catering was divine. A Kombi that doubled as a carrier of various kegs. A couple of blokes producing great food - canapes, pizza (naturally) and three different flavours of the best doughnuts I have ever eaten. Guests who really revelled in the Steampunk theme. Those boring gits who couldn't be bothered (but turned out to be great people in spite of their lack of imagination).

The wine flowed, the grounds were admired and the guests mingled. The tyre swing, unfortunately, malfunctioned halfway through the afternoon. The giant party games Connect 4 and Jenga were very popular. The almost bride and groom were justifiably jubilant.

I returned for a stint in the Gallery from four o'clock. I needn't have bothered. With only Jan for company, I could have remained at the party. And keep an eye on my beloved husband, who we all are aware is a boy in a man suit.

After a pre-evening nap, I waited for Michael to return home...And waited...And waited...I should have known better. I should have gone and collected him. When he eventually arrived home at nine-thirty, he was cheerfully rip-roaringly drunk. I still have no idea how he lurched his way to Station House without injury.

Gem filled me in later about some of  Michael's escapades. He'd had a high old time with some of the relatives and actually outlasted the bride and groom to be. A party to remember was definitely not by Michael.

Sunday was subdued. As we navigate the years just beyond middle age and before we become decrepit, we are often rudely reminded that we are not as young as we once were. But hell, in spite of the sometimes unpleasant consequences, life continues to be an adventure.

Before dementia...

Dressing gowns are the answer to life, the universe and everything...

"Bat Out Of Hell" and passenger...

The somewhat eccentric creator, Paul Kendall...

Meanwhile, at the Steampunk Party of the Century...

The bride and some interesting guests...

Hmmm...

Connect 4 ponderings...

THE GROOM...

With the bride and Dastardly (Mister Greg Burley)...

My alter ego...

Pixie on a swing...

Adventurer just returned from Africa...

Greg...

Jan...

The bride and groom.

A Punch In My Face, A Shave For My Back And Other Comedy Routines...

How on earth can it possibly be Friday again? We were back in the East End Gallery as per usual yesterday and enjoyed a steady stream of guests plus another of our Famous Artists' Play Days. Loaded around the Gallery table were Phil, Jan, Greg and Michael, all gasbagging away. Lunch was consumed with gusto and not much art was actually undertaken, but a great time was had by all.

Our three days out of the Gallery were utterly consumed at a rapid rate. Monday and Wednesday were thankfully at home, but there was still plenty to do. With some warm Spring weather and then windy conditions before a change, the garden was surprisingly dry. Throw a minor volcano of dirty washing and the general house chores into the mix and those two days vanished in a puff of smoke. Last night, we contemplated, with some wry amusement, having to cover some of our tender new shoots in our potted garden as we had a frost this morning.

Tuesday was our marathon day in the Big Smoke. We started off with our six-monthly visit to the divinely delicious Doctor Daram for our full body checks. Entering his inner sanctum, I was transfixed by his gorgeousness until he cheerfully voiced those fateful words - "Down to your bra and knickers, Kate."

The only good part about showing off all my wobbly bits was that I can heave a sigh of relief for the next six months after he delivered liquid nitrogen to all my spots on my hands and arms and removed any other suspect bit through a variety of approaches. As much as I dislike local anaesthetic, there was really no choice. So, I swore loudly, clutched Michael's hand and screwed up my face as Daram performed a punch biopsy on my cheek and shaved a piece off my back for closer examination. I was left with two neat little stitches on my face, which Daram will remove next week. Michael, the lucky bastard, managed to pass with flying colours and had nothing that needed to be removed.

As we were literally across the road from Murdoch Vet Hospital, we decided to drop in and collect some of Stella's puppy power dog log, everything a growing canine scallywag needs for health. Rachel, on the dispensary, was very helpful indeed. A handy find and useful information for future expeditions.

With Gem and Adam's Steampunk Pizza Party this weekend, we paused for a few essential supplies from Hurly Burly - a costume show in the centre of Perth. A rapid fire stop saw me in and out with a pocket watch and goggles for Michael and a hat, earrings and Steampunk firearm for me. Between Jan and ourselves, we now have all clothing and accessories for a truly splendid time at Gem and Adam's pre-wedding soiree.

The more mundane shopping was left until last. Chemist, supermarket, vino and finally Hills Fresh were all visited. We set off gratefully for home, the car bulging with purchases, including a bright red gerbera for the garden.

The Dynamic Duo of Pip and Stella were delighted to welcome us home. Pip no longer resembles the sad and arthritic little dog, who inhabited his Jack Russell suit earlier in 2019. He now jumps onto the couch in a single bound, plays noisily with Stella at the drop of a hat, pinches her toys to frustrate her and runs around the house or at the oval with her. Yesterday, he leapt off our bed without hesitation, a feat he has not performed for over a year. So much for his ruptured cruciate ligament. He has no apparent discomfort, a cheeky grin from ear to ear and a rediscovered joy for life.

As for Stella, she is a blast of pure energy,  of constant positivity, a beautifully natured soul who adores everybody and every day. She has pursued Happyness and grabbed it with all four paws. Toilet training has been successful and she has a plethora of sturdy rubber toys into which she can sink her teeth. Yes, she still chomps on the wrong items - our bedroom Ted has become a pirate as Stella removed one of his eyes, both sets of our thongs have been chewed and a plastic pot, with plant insitu, was too irresistible to ignore. All of these instances have occurred because we were too slack to respond to circumstances of potential puppy demolition.

Stella is now adored by all, except for Madame Ruby the cat. We have decided to change her name to CC (Cranky Cat) as she has no sense of fun and actively discourages Stella from Final Approach. Ever the optimist, Stella now believes she has a Mission from God to continue her efforts to win over the Fickle Fairweather Feline.

Not to be outdone, Red the Parrott launched himself skywards, only to seek emergency refuge on Michael's head. Red squawked loudly in protest, Stella was nonplussed and Michael was not amused. Red was sent packing and Confined to Barracks for the rest of the day.

The Steampunk Pizza Party tomorrow is just the beginning of a few weeks of socialising. Next Saturday is our Famous Sundowner, with Michael as the chief chef at the Sausage Sizzle and LIVE music from six o'clock. Earlier in the day will be sweet nibbles and beverages. Musos Lawrence Jones, Nick Childs and his fabulously fiddling Dad, Jan George and Shane Dasborough are all confirmed. Waiting with bated breath to hear back from Guy Slingerland and Luke Blanch.

The following weekend is Bronwyn's Baby Shower. As Nanny Kate, I intend to be in my element. Michael and the dogs will accompany me to the Big Smoke, helping Callum take apart the corner desk that will make its way back to Beverley with us. I'm not sure how handy Pip and Stella are, but I'll reckon they will make up for their lack of tradie knowhow with complete enthusiasm.

I must mention that the Beverley Heroic will take place the weekend of 12 - 13 October. For anybody who has ever clapped eyes on a bicycle, this annual event is a rollicking ride, even if, like me, you can't even mount a bicycle. Vintage bikes and riders, new bikes and riders, a bike show, cyclocross and some serious road races are all on the agenda, along with serious prizes such as the Most Heroic Hair.

Do yourselves a favour and join us for our Sundowner or the Beverley Heroic or performance of Road Dahl's "The Twits" at the Platform Theatre or the Beverley Rose Show, all scheduled for October. Have any thoughts on boring country towns?

Never a dull moment, in Heavenly Beverley.

What Doctor Daram didn't do!

This is a punch biopsy...

Sorry, couldn't resist...

Shave biopsy...

Our morning bed...

"I am out of here!"...

Portrait of Ted, minus one eye...

A rubber turkey, minus arms and legs...

Michael couldn't possibly have autism!

Red has the last word.