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Attempting to pimp out my blog... Why do I have to be so technologically inept? Oh blog god let my blog be beautiful... If only I knew how to make it so
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Celebrating crayons
A little bit about me...
Another day, another dollar. I work in the mining industry in Western Australia. Which I know is a 'shock n horror' blow that is totally at odds with my environmentally friendly loving principles.
Unfortunately living in Western Australia is rather exspensive due to the mining resources boom the average house price in the local market is upwards of $500,000. So becoming a home owner can be rather tough. Especially when you are attempting to do it on your own.
Unfortunately for me getting into the industry was the only way I could afford to break into the market and get a mortgage, and even with that I was lucky I scored my house at the beginning of the GFC (global financial crisis for anyone who has been living under a rock) so prices were much lower than expected.
But despite working in an industry that's all about profits and completely anti the environment, the company's environmental efforts are a joke, nothing more than a transparent cloak to look like they aren't the money hungry, resource consuming monster that they are... I TRY to be a positive influence. By bringing the environment and what we can do into the workplace discourse daily. Chanting less is more. It's surprising how the people you think would be the least likely to pay attention , often surprise you.
We work on a fifo roster, which means fly in fly out, 2 weeks at work, 1 week at home. Totally the wrong equation it should be the other way around. AND I'm totally hankering to go home. One week in, one week to go. I can't wait to get my DYI and crafting on the go. Hopefully I'll be painting the house this week when I get home, organizing my paperwork, cleaning... Aaaahhh
It probably all sounds very blah and like a massive chore to most people but when you're away from home and have little else going on in your life that's positive (very recent break up of six years with my partner) it's the small things in life that you really appreciate. Generally once a year I go on these massive purges cleaning out every element of my life, clearing out all the shit that is no longer required. So I'm looking forward to it! (Spring cleaning only it's winter..)
Until I get home though all my creative urges which are being constantly fuelled by my reading books, mags, e-zines, blogs are being channelled into my writing and my latest love - Taro Gomi colouring books! Which I discovered thanks to Jane of Sea of Shoes
What I love about these colouring books is that it's not just pages of pre-formulated images to colour in, so you are forced to use your imagination. There is a lot of white space in a Taro Gomi colouring book to fill in. I like to create complete scenes filling in as much of the space as possible. It challenges you to think outside of whatever the given shapes provided are.
I'd really like to post them but at this stage I don't have a scanner and to be honest that's really the best way I think to view them, and even then you're going to lose the textural elements viewing them via the computer screen.
So that will be my next purchase! Any recommendations???
I don't think as adults we do enough of the things that we loved from our childhood. Everybody is so centred on finances. AND BELIEVE ME I GET THAT. Life is rough, but I still believe we work far too much and live too little. With everything that has happened in 2010 thus far, to live more has become one of biggest aims, to engage more, to do more things (Not buy more things which seems to be the mistake most people make). I'm currently working on making my home a sanctuary not a storage space for unnecessary belongings. I'd love to know how much people spend on storage facilities and storage gizmos every year. Who ever invented those rental storage facilities is a mastermind, a very evil genius indeed... Think of all the resources just sitting locked away... Such a waste!
Well I should be sleeping people as I'm on nightshift.
Just think, do I really NEED it the next time you go to make a purchase? Can you make a better choice? Is there a greener option- if so find it!
Another day, another dollar. I work in the mining industry in Western Australia. Which I know is a 'shock n horror' blow that is totally at odds with my environmentally friendly loving principles.
Unfortunately living in Western Australia is rather exspensive due to the mining resources boom the average house price in the local market is upwards of $500,000. So becoming a home owner can be rather tough. Especially when you are attempting to do it on your own.
Unfortunately for me getting into the industry was the only way I could afford to break into the market and get a mortgage, and even with that I was lucky I scored my house at the beginning of the GFC (global financial crisis for anyone who has been living under a rock) so prices were much lower than expected.
But despite working in an industry that's all about profits and completely anti the environment, the company's environmental efforts are a joke, nothing more than a transparent cloak to look like they aren't the money hungry, resource consuming monster that they are... I TRY to be a positive influence. By bringing the environment and what we can do into the workplace discourse daily. Chanting less is more. It's surprising how the people you think would be the least likely to pay attention , often surprise you.
We work on a fifo roster, which means fly in fly out, 2 weeks at work, 1 week at home. Totally the wrong equation it should be the other way around. AND I'm totally hankering to go home. One week in, one week to go. I can't wait to get my DYI and crafting on the go. Hopefully I'll be painting the house this week when I get home, organizing my paperwork, cleaning... Aaaahhh
It probably all sounds very blah and like a massive chore to most people but when you're away from home and have little else going on in your life that's positive (very recent break up of six years with my partner) it's the small things in life that you really appreciate. Generally once a year I go on these massive purges cleaning out every element of my life, clearing out all the shit that is no longer required. So I'm looking forward to it! (Spring cleaning only it's winter..)
Until I get home though all my creative urges which are being constantly fuelled by my reading books, mags, e-zines, blogs are being channelled into my writing and my latest love - Taro Gomi colouring books! Which I discovered thanks to Jane of Sea of Shoes
What I love about these colouring books is that it's not just pages of pre-formulated images to colour in, so you are forced to use your imagination. There is a lot of white space in a Taro Gomi colouring book to fill in. I like to create complete scenes filling in as much of the space as possible. It challenges you to think outside of whatever the given shapes provided are.
I'd really like to post them but at this stage I don't have a scanner and to be honest that's really the best way I think to view them, and even then you're going to lose the textural elements viewing them via the computer screen.
So that will be my next purchase! Any recommendations???
I don't think as adults we do enough of the things that we loved from our childhood. Everybody is so centred on finances. AND BELIEVE ME I GET THAT. Life is rough, but I still believe we work far too much and live too little. With everything that has happened in 2010 thus far, to live more has become one of biggest aims, to engage more, to do more things (Not buy more things which seems to be the mistake most people make). I'm currently working on making my home a sanctuary not a storage space for unnecessary belongings. I'd love to know how much people spend on storage facilities and storage gizmos every year. Who ever invented those rental storage facilities is a mastermind, a very evil genius indeed... Think of all the resources just sitting locked away... Such a waste!
Well I should be sleeping people as I'm on nightshift.
Just think, do I really NEED it the next time you go to make a purchase? Can you make a better choice? Is there a greener option- if so find it!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Autograph Man by Zadie Smith
Okay onto the books!
The next few book entries will be slightly delayed in terms of the timeline from when I read them to when I post about them as I've been rather prolific with my reading lately and rather lazy with my blogging!
Did I mention I'm currently working my way through Hallie Ephron's 1001 Books for every mood, plus all the books that have been sitting on my book shelves, cupboards, bedside tables, beneath the bed... pretty much everywhere, that have been waiting patiently since I purchased them, received them as gifts etc to be lovingly gazed upon and devoured.
First off! The Autograph Man by Zadie Smith of White Teeth fame. This is one of the ones that has been waiting patiently on my shelves. The Autograph Man is one of those books I love for the smallest of details. But I must admit my first reaction upon finishing reading this book was one of disappointment.
There are so many questions left unanswered. What does the main character Alex-Li Tandem learn? I'm not that sure that he does. Perhaps only how important Esther is too him and even this is possibly too late. (Alex.. I can relate).
The only thing in Alex's life that can be deemed finalised is his quest for a Kitty. Which reaches a point of saturation. The thirst is quelled, denounced. Yet once filled the void, those spaces in between that have been left wanting in Alex's life, remain empty, life is essentially the same even though everything has changed.
But then again isn't that a true representation of life. Very little is ever truly finished in life. Or is it? The act itself maybe finished but do we ever let go of the thoughts, reasons, values that brought us too that point in the first place?
Is The Autograph Man any less of value as a text because of these representations- It is precisely because of these representations that I adore this book, it causes you to ask questions, without being so deeply entrenched in the religious and philosophical questions that you get bogged down, it's still a relatively easy read. But it's the unanswered questions that mirror the every day nature of reality that it poses for which I value this text most.
Oh.. and Alex holding the battery that powers Esther's heart, is there a more beautiful image of the fragility and futility of love?
The next few book entries will be slightly delayed in terms of the timeline from when I read them to when I post about them as I've been rather prolific with my reading lately and rather lazy with my blogging!
Did I mention I'm currently working my way through Hallie Ephron's 1001 Books for every mood, plus all the books that have been sitting on my book shelves, cupboards, bedside tables, beneath the bed... pretty much everywhere, that have been waiting patiently since I purchased them, received them as gifts etc to be lovingly gazed upon and devoured.
First off! The Autograph Man by Zadie Smith of White Teeth fame. This is one of the ones that has been waiting patiently on my shelves. The Autograph Man is one of those books I love for the smallest of details. But I must admit my first reaction upon finishing reading this book was one of disappointment.
There are so many questions left unanswered. What does the main character Alex-Li Tandem learn? I'm not that sure that he does. Perhaps only how important Esther is too him and even this is possibly too late. (Alex.. I can relate).
The only thing in Alex's life that can be deemed finalised is his quest for a Kitty. Which reaches a point of saturation. The thirst is quelled, denounced. Yet once filled the void, those spaces in between that have been left wanting in Alex's life, remain empty, life is essentially the same even though everything has changed.
But then again isn't that a true representation of life. Very little is ever truly finished in life. Or is it? The act itself maybe finished but do we ever let go of the thoughts, reasons, values that brought us too that point in the first place?
Is The Autograph Man any less of value as a text because of these representations- It is precisely because of these representations that I adore this book, it causes you to ask questions, without being so deeply entrenched in the religious and philosophical questions that you get bogged down, it's still a relatively easy read. But it's the unanswered questions that mirror the every day nature of reality that it poses for which I value this text most.
Oh.. and Alex holding the battery that powers Esther's heart, is there a more beautiful image of the fragility and futility of love?
Thrift Happy
What's inspiring me today?
Thrifting! If only I wasn't sick in bed.. Doing that age old dash bed to bathroom, bathroom to bed. Don't you love it... (Where would the world be without sarcasm?)
So I'm dreaming of uncovering hidden lovelies in the local op-shops as we refer to them here in Australia. So yes thrifting, saving something, turning something old into something 'new' and beautiful. Repurposing things and turning them on their head. I'm currently loving wearing things backwards or inside out. I'm always amazed at how beauty often turns up in the most unexpected places. I'm a crazy romantic, I love everything fantastical.
But here it is ... shame... I am a hoarder. Yes I admit it. My ex would probably class that as something of a break through. Now let me say I'm not one of those unfortunate people that you see on the tv who hoard to the point where they are unable to walk around their own houses or without any form of discernment to what they hoard.
No I just have an unhealthy appetite for books, magazines and clothes. I recently decided to pick up all the clothes that are lying around here and there in my place. Upon doing so I discovered two things, firstly I do not own anywhere near enough coat hangers and secondly that I have FAR too many clothes. Not that I'm about to admit that to my mother. Nor am I likely to never buy another piece of clothing or an accessory again. I am honest enough to admit that I enjoy being a consumer, even if I am an environmentally friendly minded one. I am currently trying not too though, I'm even trying to stay away from my beloved vintage... Oh Etsy and Ebay taunt me at every turn.
I've also made a vow to cull my books. (Calm down fellow book lovers) By asking the question "Am I ever going to read this again, honestly?" If the answer is a resounding No, then it's off to market they go. The swap market that is. The simplifying is not about money, although it wont go astray. It's just about simplifying my life. I feel like we've all become too bigger consumers. We have more stuff than we'll ever possibly need.
A perfect example of this presented itself too me the other day when I visited my parents place, I was looking to borrow a DVD when I stumbled upon a favourite movie of mine, Girl,Interrupted. Still in the plastic wrapping! They've never even watched it and have no idea how long ago they bought it.. Which means it's been on the shelf for well over a year. Crazyness. I'm sure most of us can identify something like this within our own lives, a dress we've bought and never worn, a kitchen gadget we've never used.. Now I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with wanting beautiful things in our lives. But we do really need so much stuff? Maybe we need to revaluate our definition of the words need and beauty....
Thrifting! If only I wasn't sick in bed.. Doing that age old dash bed to bathroom, bathroom to bed. Don't you love it... (Where would the world be without sarcasm?)
So I'm dreaming of uncovering hidden lovelies in the local op-shops as we refer to them here in Australia. So yes thrifting, saving something, turning something old into something 'new' and beautiful. Repurposing things and turning them on their head. I'm currently loving wearing things backwards or inside out. I'm always amazed at how beauty often turns up in the most unexpected places. I'm a crazy romantic, I love everything fantastical.
But here it is ... shame... I am a hoarder. Yes I admit it. My ex would probably class that as something of a break through. Now let me say I'm not one of those unfortunate people that you see on the tv who hoard to the point where they are unable to walk around their own houses or without any form of discernment to what they hoard.
No I just have an unhealthy appetite for books, magazines and clothes. I recently decided to pick up all the clothes that are lying around here and there in my place. Upon doing so I discovered two things, firstly I do not own anywhere near enough coat hangers and secondly that I have FAR too many clothes. Not that I'm about to admit that to my mother. Nor am I likely to never buy another piece of clothing or an accessory again. I am honest enough to admit that I enjoy being a consumer, even if I am an environmentally friendly minded one. I am currently trying not too though, I'm even trying to stay away from my beloved vintage... Oh Etsy and Ebay taunt me at every turn.
I've also made a vow to cull my books. (Calm down fellow book lovers) By asking the question "Am I ever going to read this again, honestly?" If the answer is a resounding No, then it's off to market they go. The swap market that is. The simplifying is not about money, although it wont go astray. It's just about simplifying my life. I feel like we've all become too bigger consumers. We have more stuff than we'll ever possibly need.
A perfect example of this presented itself too me the other day when I visited my parents place, I was looking to borrow a DVD when I stumbled upon a favourite movie of mine, Girl,Interrupted. Still in the plastic wrapping! They've never even watched it and have no idea how long ago they bought it.. Which means it's been on the shelf for well over a year. Crazyness. I'm sure most of us can identify something like this within our own lives, a dress we've bought and never worn, a kitchen gadget we've never used.. Now I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with wanting beautiful things in our lives. But we do really need so much stuff? Maybe we need to revaluate our definition of the words need and beauty....
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Return from the dead
Ok so I completely lost my notebook with my passwords that I had set up for this blog and the matching email account and in turn produced possibly the slowest moving blog on the net.
But after a massive bust up with my partner of six years (My own stupid, stupid fault..) I had to do a bit of organizing in terms of paper work, bank loans and losing half a house worth of belongings... (mainly it's the demise of my relationship I am still lamenting) I am a complete freaking idiot. For any one who's ever even thought about it do not cheat if you are not prepared to lose the person you love over it. That is all I am going to say on the matter. Like I said freaking idiot of the year headed my way any hoo... That's not for public consumption any more than it has already become, I discovered to my joy (there has to be a little bit of joy no matter how badly your run has turned)my notebook with my passwords...
So a return to blogging is inevitable.
Where do I start except to say that I have been reading voraciously to help with the stress and sadness of my break up. Books, zines, e-zines, blogs you name it I'm there. There are some amazing blogs out there I must say. I'm looking into buying a decent camera to help me document my life, for both my blog and my own personal reasons. So hopefully there will be some amazing images coming to this space soon.
If anyone has any recommendations for cameras- digital, SLR I'm thinking, please let me know! I"m open to doing a bit of hands on research but any pointers in the right direction would be amazing.
But after a massive bust up with my partner of six years (My own stupid, stupid fault..) I had to do a bit of organizing in terms of paper work, bank loans and losing half a house worth of belongings... (mainly it's the demise of my relationship I am still lamenting) I am a complete freaking idiot. For any one who's ever even thought about it do not cheat if you are not prepared to lose the person you love over it. That is all I am going to say on the matter. Like I said freaking idiot of the year headed my way any hoo... That's not for public consumption any more than it has already become, I discovered to my joy (there has to be a little bit of joy no matter how badly your run has turned)my notebook with my passwords...
So a return to blogging is inevitable.
Where do I start except to say that I have been reading voraciously to help with the stress and sadness of my break up. Books, zines, e-zines, blogs you name it I'm there. There are some amazing blogs out there I must say. I'm looking into buying a decent camera to help me document my life, for both my blog and my own personal reasons. So hopefully there will be some amazing images coming to this space soon.
If anyone has any recommendations for cameras- digital, SLR I'm thinking, please let me know! I"m open to doing a bit of hands on research but any pointers in the right direction would be amazing.
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