The Lollipops Meme

Last Sunday of the Year. So far today I've had a facial, gone to the first pump class in two months (Thanks leg injury for that) and listened to a couple of episodes of the "My Father Wrote a Porno" podcast series (which is hilarious on about fifteen different levels, most of them very wrong levels.)

So, here we are, the last Sunday Stealing of the year. Thanks again, Bev, for all the work you put into this.

 1. Are flowers a nice gift to give someone?

Yes and no. I love giving flowers, but you sort of know that they are going to end up dead in a bin in the next few weeks. Australian natives are great to give - they last longer.

2. Do you wear any jewelry?

I have two silver rings, one on each hand. I also normally wear earrings - studs. And that is about it. I don't like things around my neck so I rarely will have on a necklace.

3. Have you ever laid in a field of flowers?

No. I have visited the sunflower fields in Tuscany though - that was awesome. I've also lay out in the paddocks in the long grass as a child. That was great - but not in Summer - too many snakes about the place.

4. Do you like tea?

Yes. But as I no longer drink caffiene I've been limited to rooibos tea and fruit tissanes.

5. What would you do with a million dollars?

Go travelling - and probably go back to Uni for a year or two - maybe get that doctorate.

6. What word do you have trouble saying?

Photosynthesis. I have a slight lisp - this plays to every one of my linguistic weaknesses as there are too many 'th's and 's's in close proximity. Thistle is another word I can't say. So don't try get me saying this following tongue twister:

Theophilus Thistle, the successful thistle sifter,
In sifting a sieve full of un-sifted thistles,
Thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb.
If Theophilus Thistle, the successful thistle sifter,
Can thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb,
See that thou, in sifting a sieve full of un-sifted thistles,
Thrust not three thousand thistles through the thick of thy thumb

7. Favorite fairytale?

Oh, traditionally I love Cinderalla. It's always been a favourite. However, I am rather fond of the Handless Maiden tale. It's an allegory, and pretty grim, but it's got a great message about female empowerment.

8. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?

No. At present, there is a live cat sleeping with me. He's very cuddly. I love the fat boy. Pity he's going home on Thursday.

9. Do you prefer the city or the country?

I'm a fan of both. I'm also happy to live in both - just don't put me in the suburbs. City trumps country as there are fewer creepy crawlies.

10. Are you a big fan of makeup?

I'm not a big fan - I do wear it - I don't go to work without applying eyeliner and mascara. I'll wear a bit more when I go out - and that is about it. Also a big fan of red lipstick.

11. Favorite drink?

Gin and Tonic.

12. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve stayed awake?

I did about 36 hours once or twice in the 90s when I went clubbing and some interesting chemicals involved. Not doing that again.

13. Have you ever traveled outside of your country?

Hell yeah. I try and get out of Australia to somewhere - anywhere, once a year. Looking forward to a trip to Hong Kong in March.

14. Do you like spring?

It's not my favourite season. I sneeze a bit - and it can get a bit hot.

15. Lipstick or lipgloss?

Lipstick. Preferably red.

16. Favorite color?

Pillarbox Red.

17. Do you like to decorate?

Yes and no. As I rent, I don't can't do too much to my place. It is nice to get some new stuff on though.

18. Do you ever go barefoot when you’re outside?

Yes, when I can. Especially down the beach. As it is summer, I'm living in thongs (jandles / flipflops, what ever you want to call them) and Birkenstocks.

19. Are aliens real?

I think it's very selfish to think that in the whole universe, we are the only planet with living organisms on it, so I say yes.

20. Does you zodiac sign fit your personality?

Yes and no. I'm a Leo/Virgo - I'm a bit quiet and shy to be a real Leo and a bit too out there to be a true Virgo. But I have the Leo confidence and the Virgo need for lists.

21.Favorite sea animal?

Seals. I can sit and watch the seals for hours - we went fishing in the Bay on year, we had a seal follow us. They are hysterical. Love them.

22. Are you a nice person?

I try to be.

23. Favorite word?

Serendipity.

24. Night or day?

I like both. My favourite part of the day is sunrise and sunset - I love that mid-light time.

25. What would make you happy right now?

I'm fairly content. I would be a lot happier if the two cats who are staying with me got on with eachother. I have to keep them in separate parts of the house. They are trying to get together, but they fight. It's not pretty.


Today's Song:

The End of Year Questions

Ah, it is getting to that time of the year. The joys of having to look at the year and see what you have done. Ah well. Probably not the best thing to do when you're in the grips of a depressive funk (It's manageable, but not too bad. At least I have some time to get through this.)

Regardless of being stuck at home with two cats and feeling a little low, I will give this a go.

Questions, as always, supplied by Bev at Sunday Stealing.


What did you do last year that you had not done before? 

I gave up caffeine. Completely. I've never done that before - and it is still one of the best things I've ever done. I've also got to the 60000 words stage of a novel. This too is a good thing.

Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions/goals for the year and will you make/set more for next year?  What are they? What are your new ones?

I sort of make new years resolutions. One of mine from this year was to get my health back. This I have done, thanks to a big change in diet and exercise. I also make a resolution to remain gainfully employed. I will keep that one. My resolutions for next year are to travel more and to keep my healthy regime going. I certainly like the travel one.

Did anyone you know give birth? Or become pregnant?  Or adopt?

No.

Did anyone you know die? Or have a serious illness/injury?

I loved a well-loved friend to breast cancer in November. I think she is a big part of the funk I'm in at the moment. Breast cancer is brutal.

What places have you visited? 

Other than the odd trip to Adelaide and regular trips to Sydney, I spent my birthday in Bali, which was most wonderful.

Any new pets? Lost a pet?

Nope, I'm still sitting people's cats when they go away. I have two of them with me at the moment. They hate each other. It's interesting.

My sister has a new kitten. This, by extension, is a new member of the family. She looks cute.

What would you like to have next year that you lacked this year (doesn't have to be a physical thing i.e. love, job security, peace of mind...)? 

More travel. More kissing. More fun. There have been some elements of this year which have made it hard - especially the last few months.

What date from last year will remain etched in your memory and why? 

August 19. I had a really good day on my birthday. I turned 50.

What was your biggest achievement last year?

Getting my health back. I took on a naturopath to help, gave up gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine and alcohol for three months. Lost 10 kilograms (22 lbs) and feel a lot better for it.

Did you get sick or injured?

Other than the odd minor snuffles, I really badly jacked my quad at the end of October. I tripped on a step. The muscles are better now, but the knee is still giving me jip. It's only taken two months. It's been a long process and a lot of visits to the myotherapist to get it moving again.

What was the best thing you bought? 

An airline ticket to Hong Kong - that's my trip in March. Looking forward to it - I've never been to Hong Kong before. It looks interesting. Oh, and the ticket to the David Byrne American Utopia tour. That was an incredible experience.

Where did most of your disposable income go (money leftover after you pay for food, medical care, basic clothing, transportation and shelter)? 

Travel and the Arts.

What song will always remind you of last year?  Doesn't have to be a song released last year.

Probably this:

What do you wish you would have done more of?

Write. Kiss. Travel. Go out with friends.

What do you wish you would have done less of?

Crappy paper work for an organisation I am affiliated with. I am trying to remedy this.

What was your favorite new TV program? Movie? Album/Songs? Or if you didn't pick up any new ones, what are you still watching/listening to? Any recommendations?

Okay, I will admit to being a bit of a Suits tragic. It's good fun. I've also just discovered "The Good Place" on Netflix. I also love The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, but I only get to watch an episode on the way up to Sydney on the plane. It's fabulous.

Favourite films of this year:

• Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
• The Square
• Ready Player One
• A Star is Born
• Deadpool 2
• The Wife

Music - I haven't got into music this year really. I listen to a lot of varied playlists on Apple Music.

What was the best book you read this year?  How many did you read?

I've read about 25 books this year. The stand outs were The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith and The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose. Both were excellent - and by Australian writers. I've read about 25 books this year.

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you? Did you feel differently? 

I was 50 in August. I was in Bali with a group of friends. I got up, wandered about, went to the most mystical place in Bali (Tirta Empul) and was purified in the waters of the temple, went to yoga, then went out to dinner. It was a good day. Do I feel differently now I'm a year older - not really. Maybe a little more invisible, but I think that is the funk speaking.

What political or social issue stirred you the most? 

The ineptitude of the Australian Federal Government has been a thorn in my side for most of the year. They are terrible - so much so they are giving Trump a run for his money.



Who was the most interesting new person you met?

I did a writer's workshop with Catherine Deveny. She's a breath of fresh air. It's a bit like having a malevolent fairy sitting on your shoulder egging you on to write.

What changed at your job?

I moved companies in October. Now at an insurance company on a project. It pays the bills.

What changed in your home? 

Nothing - all the same here in Richmond.

Describe how a relationship changed. 

I think most of my relationships are pretty much in the same place.

Do you think you are still the same person that you were at the beginning of the year?  How so?

I think I'm a bit more driven that I was earlier in the year. I think I'm a bit more serious. I'm also not in for being a masochist as much as I used to be. Then again, this could be the funk talking. I am doing something about the funk.

Summarize the year in three words or less. Bonus points for doing it in one word. Explain. 

Challenging. Transformative. Accepting.

How have people around you changed? 

I think they are a lot less willing to put up with crap too.

What have you learned throughout the year? (Other than crafts) 

I can do something if really put my mind to it. Losing weight and novel writing are two of those things.

What was your favorite outfit for warm weather? Cooler weather? 

A pair of bathers for warmer weather. I have a really nice black dress with  floral overlay for winter. Oh and my green jeans and a top - I love that combo.

Did you learn any new crafts or techniques? What was your favorite thing you made? 

Nope. Too busy writing.

What changed about your physical appearance? (Hair? Wrinkles? New makeup style? Etc) 

I'm a bit thinner. This is a good thing. The rest is pretty much me.

What are your hopes and dreams for the new year?  (Some suggestions-family, travel, work, lifestyle, hobbies, pets, appearance)

I have a few things I want to achieve next year:

• Go on the next segment of this weight loss and health journey
• Finish both novels that I have on the go.
• Travel a lot more to some new places (first stop, Hong Kong)
• Get really fit again.
• Laugh more, love more.

Happy Season to you all.

Today's Song: (It's a Nine Inch Nails kind of time)

The Fashion Asks Meme

Hard and heavy day today. She's been gone three years. That time has gone far too fast.

Looking for distractions. Today's song is in her honour. Pity leukaemia isn't part of the dumb ways to die - it is a shocker of a way to go (This is also one of the best public service announcements ever made)

Questions, as aways, from Bev at Sunday Stealing.


   What season has your favorite looks?

Probably Autumn. Half light, half heavy and I love the colours.

    Formal or casual?

I'm a casual dresser, but I love the look of formal attire.

    Thrift store, boutique, or online?

I have my shops I go to - but I buy a lot online. The op shops around our way have normally been picked over too well for my size - and I am picky.

    What’s your favorite decade for fashion?

I love the look of the late fifties and early sixties - I've been watching The Marvelous Mrs Maisel - the fashions there are incredible.

    Do you like to accessorize?

Not really - I'm a very plain dresser.

    What does your basic outfit look like?

Black pants or skirt, black or plain top and a cardigan. I like block colours - lot of blue and red, a bit of green. Sometimes stripes.

    What piece of clothing do you spend your money on the most?

I have a dress that I wore at my 40th which was over $200. I normally buy clothes on sale.

    Do you wear hats?

Sometimes. I look good in hats, but I lose them too often.

    What is your opinion on wearing socks and sandals together?

Yuck. I am not a middle aged man. No. Just no.

    What colors do you like to wear?

Black and red. I do live in Melbourne after all. (We wear a lot of black)

    What are some of the strangest outfits you have seen?

Look at what anybody is wearing down China Town these days - it's great fun, but I don't know if you would catch me dead in any of the fashions.

    What fashions do you hate?

Anything from the seventies was pretty dodgy.

    What are you favorite styles?

Casual, and the odd bit of Gap/Abercrombie and Fitch college wear. I really don't know.

    What do you think of body piercing?

I don't mind it on other people. Their bodies their holes.

    Do you like dyed hair?

I have dyed by hair for nearly forty years. So yes.

Today's Other Song:

The Dreamy Meme

Writing this from yet another airport. It's been a wonderfully relaxing trip. Now back to Melbourne for hell week (Too busy) with some fun thrown in for good measure.

Questions from Bev, at Sunday Stealing, as always.


favorite novel and author?

There are many, but Captain Corelli's Mandolin, but Louis de Bernieres normally takes this crown. Favourite author? It's a toss up between Margaret Atwood and Richard Flanagan.

favorite perfume/scent?

I'm currently wearing Narcisso, but Narcisso Rodrigues. My favourite scent is dogs paws first thing in the morning. Strange, I know.

coffee or tea?

I drink both, and I no longer drink caffeine, but I'm still a coffee girl.

are you a cat or dog person?

I adore both, but I am known as a cat person through and through. Cats aren't as needy as dogs, but if I had a farm, I'd have a lot of both of them. I love them both and both of them love me back.

which mythical creature would you transform into if you could?

A phoenix. It's a good representation of my life at the moment.

favorite time period?

I read a lot about the forties and WWII. Tudor England fascinates me too.

name 3 films that have changed your life and have shaped you into the person you are today.

Kenneth Branagh's Henry V - it helped forge my love of Shakespeare.

Three Colours Blue - because it is sublime.

The Shawshank Redemption - just because.


diamonds or pearls?

Diamonds. Not that I have any.

what’s your biggest dream?

To be a successful writer of novels.

dream destination?

Spain, to do the Camino de Compostella de Santiago.

favorite fictional character?

I have a huge soft spot for Severus Snape from the Harry Potter Series.

share a quote or passage that means something to you.

"The lunatic, the lover and the poet, are of imagination all compact."

what’s your favorite plant/flower?

Roses.

do you prefer the forest or the ocean? why?

The ocean. Fewer bugs. It always gives me a sense of freedom being by the sea.

what do you value most in people?

Humour, intelligence and a sense of loyalty.

Today's song:

The Art Historic Meme.

I'm exhausted. But I am standing. Just.

On the good side of things:

• I got my 50000 words for NaNoWriMo
• In three weeks time I have two weeks off
• I've got a quiet weekend at home
• I'm getting through the ironing
• My leg is getting better thanks to Spencer, myotherapist extraordinaire and his dry needles
• I'm off to breakfast at the gym in a bit.

Quick Questions are good questions, so thanks to Bev at Sunday Stealing for these. The deal is iron something, do a question.


Classical: If you were an Olympian god, what would you be known for?

My amazing ability to bounce back. I'm like a rubber band at times.

Byzantine: Do you prefer gold or silver accessories?

Silver. I've always worn silver. Would love to wear its grown up cousin platinum one day.

Medieval: Are you religious?

No, I'm not religious at all - but I am very spiritual. I have an all rather than one mentality.

Gothic: What is your favourite historic building?

Well, in Australia, the oldest buildings are like two hundred and thirty years old. However, I am a great lover of Westminster Abbey in London. Fascinating place. Ely Cathedral is another favourite too. The light in the Lady Chapel is incredible.



Renaissance: Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt enlightened or changed?

I think I'm going through that at the moment. Catharsis requires a maelstrom to do it properly.

Baroque: Do you enjoy the finer things in life?

Absolutely. Probably to my detriment.

Rococo: Is your bedroom full or trinkets and pictures? If so, which pictures adorn your walls?

No. I've kept my bedroom pretty free from that sort of stuff. I have a toy panda which I bought in Bath 25 years ago, that is about this. I have two small pen and ink drawings on he walls. That's it/

Neoclassicism: If something came back into fashion, what do you hope it would be?

Capes. I would love a red cape. Pencil skirts are good too.

Romanticism: Do you often see things in a positive light?

I try to do this all the time. It is my modus operandi. Why would you do anything else?

Pre-Raphaelite: Which book would you like to see turned into a film?

Oh, there are a couple. One day they might do Donna Tartt's The Secret History and do it properly. I've been casting this for years.

A Little Life - now that is more a mini-series than a movie. Great book.

Oh, and one day they will do a proper movie of Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Nicholas Cage - what the hell were they thinking?

I love casting movies in my head.

Impressionism: Do you look for details or take everything in at once?

A bit of both. I like to survey the scene first, then get on with the finer points.

Art Nouveau: When were you last at the theatre?

Friday Night. I subscribe to the Melbourne Theatre Company. The play, Astroman was very enjoyable.

Surrealism: Why does the porcupine think it's a duck?

Because it ate some funny mushrooms and that's what happens when you don't check your mushies property. Puked up quite soon after it had this thought.

Pop Art: Do you enjoy pop culture?

Strangely, yes. Even as I age, I like to know what is going on. Good to have your finger near the pulse of the zeitgeist.

Contemporary: What did you do today?

So far I've got up, done some ironing, had a cup of tea, made the bed and written this. I'm off to the gym now to meet Jay after a light upper body work out and breakfast. Going for a float later. Might go see Maow Maow after that.

Today's Song:

The Annual Dilemma

Currently, I have a mental load which is doing my head in.

Mental load? Yeah, the crap you think about to keep life running and things in order. That's a mental load. I learned the term from a podcast on "Ladies We Need to Talk." Though not a real fan of Yumi Stynes, the podcast puts an interesting slant on things, and the webisode about mental load really resonated with me.

My Mental Load has done my head in so much that I have finally fallen in a heap and I've called time on a barbeque I was looking forward to, gone home, decided to clean the flat, do some writing and hide away from the world. Yep, it is that good.

But I am scheduled for a float tomorrow at 3 pm and I might catch a movie after. But yeah, my head is a bit full.

Of the things I have to think about, in no apparent order, although this is not the full list:

• When is my leg going to be able to let me do leg work at the gym? (It is nearly better, but still giving me grief)
• How can I afford a new computer and a new washing machine? (Not necessary yet, but soon)
• I must get out the mason's paperwork this weekend, (Yes, I do)
• Write a definitive list of things to do for the Property Association for the Masons.(Somebody has to do it)
• Find a hotel in Hong Kong for my holiday in March (recommendations gratefully received)
• Research things to do on Hong Kong.(I have three months - shelve this for the minute)
• Do I go to England soon? (I want to, writing about England has made me homesick)
• Will I be able to do the Camino in the next two years? (Hope so, just have to work out how to finance it)
• When is the Australian Federal Government finally going to implode? (this in on the cards)
• Will I be able to finish the first draft of my first novel by 31 December? (Have to keep focussed and committed)
• If I don't finish my first draft of my first novel by 31 December, what will Catherine Deveny do to me (she is like a malevolent good/bad fairy who I promised the draft to - I don't like letting down mentors)
• Should we renegotiate the lease on the office space at the temple? (We had better)
• What do we do about the real estate agents seeing the temple didn't sell on Thursday? (Breathe in and leave it on the market)
• What do I wear to my friend's funeral on Monday, not that she will have an opinion on this? (Bright red, maybe - we've been told to wear colour - but what colour?)
• Will the two cats who are coming over for Xmas get on okay? (They're cats - they will hate each other - Maow Maow is a bastard)
• When am I going to get the time to bag up the lollies for book group? (When I get back from Sydney next Sunday - I have the rubber gloves)
• When will Harvey and Donna get together? (Yeah, something stupid to think about)
• Do I really want to read A Man Called Ove again? (Book group book, read it last year)
• How am I supposed to write a love story which never actually happened? (Use my imagination and get plotting)
• When will they get rid of above the line voting in the legislative council in Victoria? (Soon, I hope, saves getting the numpties the preference whisper gets put in there)
• Will Peter Dutton end up in prison? (Hope so)
• Will I get to see my lovely friend who lives in Florence in person, in Florence? (Really hope so)
• How will I work with the new guy who joins our team on Monday? (Hopefully well. Work is in an interesting spot at the moment. Exhaustion not helping matters.)
• Will I be able to take the Grand Poobah of the lodge to the airport and make the gym on Monday? (Should be able to - just use my logistics brain and all will be well - and take the Tulla)
• Was the David Byrne concert we say last Saturday better than the one I saw at Brixton Academy 25 years ago. (Unsure, both were brilliant, but in different ways)
• When am I going to be able to get back to my dystopian novel? (Soon, I hope, finish this one first)
• How long can I leave this hair pack in my hair? (30 minutes - hair feels great now)
• Can I hire somebody to mop my floors and do the hoovering? (Don't be a yuppie, Pandora and do your housework.)
• Will our inept Federal Government call an early election? (Please, please, please...)
• Why isn't the Bureau of Meteorology website publishing temperatures for Melbourne. (I'm a weather nerd, this is making me anxious)
• Will Blarney remember to take the cheesecake out of the fridge for serving at her BBQ? (Maybe I should text her)
• Where has my Village Cinemas gift card gone that I got for my birthday? (It's probably under the ironing pile - like everything else on the couch)
• Should I buy a new shredder? (Probably)
• What do I get for my colleague for their Kris Kringle present? $15 Maximum. Older male. (Seriously stuck on this one)
• Is the fact that I have a funny gut at the moment because of a 24 hour bug or is it just stress? (One of the other, this list making is making me feel better)

Well, that's the start of the stuff going on in my head.

Can you get why I'm exhausted?

But now, for important things. I am going to concentrate on something big and serious which blights thought processes each year at this time.

What the hell am I going to put up for book group books at our December meeting?

This is a huge thing for me. I need to find two fiction books of literary or very good popular fiction standard, under 500 pages, easily available to recommend for reading on our next year's book group book list.

I will admit that I have a bit of a bonus in that I organise our book group and I get to see what everybody else is putting up early. I have to tell everybody to put in an extra book in case there are double ups. Four of the eight have put theirs in already - and two people have chosen the same book.

So, for me, what am I going to put up? I have a long list. Here is is - with some reasonings as to why I think we should read them.

1) Catcher in the Rye by J.D.Salinger

Why - I've never read it, but heard heaps about it. It's an American classic and it is not too long. It's good to have a classic on the list too. Slaughterhouse Five did not disappoint.

Why Not:  Can't find a reason why not.

2) Milkman by Anna Burns

Why: This won the Booker Prize this year and I have read one of her other books, No Bones, which was remarkable. Right length, easy to get.

Why Not: This group are funny. They might see this as a bit high brow. We've had some interesting reactions to prize winners.

3) Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

Why:Won the Booker last year. Extraordinary book. Incredible even.

Why Not: Probably going to be inaccessible to many of the book group - just a bit high brow for them.

4) The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguru

Why:  I love Ishiguru.

Why Not: A bit obscure and a bit highbrow.

5) The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

Why: I adored this book - loved it. I love Elizabeth Gilbert too. I was listening to a TED Interview of hers the other day - she is phenomenal. Somebody who inspires me. Great woman.

Why Not:  It's a smidge over 500 pages. Not sure how some of the girls will put up with Alma (and I've thrown this to a few friends already)

6)  Transcription by Kate Atkinson

Why:  Kate Atkinson is great - it's also set in WWII - a pet area of mine to read.

Why Not:  Hmm, dunno.

7) Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver

Why:  The Poisonwood Bible is one of my favourite books. She is awesome (and a colleague has recommended The Lacuna by her as well).

Why Not:  Mention The Poisonwood Bible to some in my book group and they throw stones at you.

8) The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Why: Classic, never read it and it's short.

Why Not:  Might be a touch depressing. 

9) The Rebel Angels or What is Bred in the Bone by Robertson Davies

Why: Both are extraordinary books by this amazing, but dead, Canadian author. Fun and fascinating.

Why Not: May not be that easy to find. Book group can be fickle about books in trilogies. 

10) The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose

Why: It is an extraordinary book - one of the best things I have read this year. Stella Prize Winner. It's about Art and the artist. Phenomenal book.

Why not: A bit too high brow for some - but God it's a good book. 

11)  The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber

Why: He wrote one of my favourite ever books - The Crimson Petal and the White.

Why Not: It's pushing the 500 page rule. 

12)  Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Why: I love Artemis Fowl - he's awesome. Like a Harry Potter but of the underworld.

Why not:  It's a kid's book - but I don't care.

So there. 

I've decided to have an iron one thing, shred/put away a few things night. A night at home is just what I need I think. 

And having a write has made me feel a lot better.

Thanks for listening. 

Today's Song: