Good timing, aerobatics, hyperbole, little pig

The corpse plant has conveniently waited until the weekend to unfurl its stinky flower after all. Hurrah! It's expected to be fully unfurled by morning, although apparently it already smells (like rotting flesh, hence its common name. Its proper name is Amorphophallus Titanum, which means 'giant misshapen phallus'!). I wonder if there will be a long queue to get into the glasshouse to see/smell it like the last time it bloomed? I hope not because I'm very impatient, but I also think it's pretty ace that so many people turn up to see a rare flower. 

The Australian Grand Prix is on this weekend. Today as part of the entertainment for those trackside, a fighter jet performed spectacular aerobatics over the circuit. We could see it and hear it from our office windows.  It was LOUD. At times it seemed as if we were higher up on the 38th floor than the jet was at the lowest point of its routine. 

You know that feeling when you read an article that perfectly expresses an opinion or feeling that you share, but haven't been able to properly articulate? How good is that? It happened to me today when I read this article about the hyperbolic language of the internet. Made me want to punch the air and yell, "Yeah!". 

Only the most bombastic and hyperbolic descriptions will now do, even if they are in jest, and it's a direct consequence of the internet, which has turned discourse's volume up so high that only the most caustic or reverential reviews will cut through the noise. Only extremes of feeling are worthy of your finite consideration, everything else is scrollable.

I love these gorgeous photos of kids and animals by Russian photographer Elena Kaneeva. I love the first one with the wee calf, number 12 with the hairy little pig and number 13 - the child's expression really makes it. I love the autumnal light in some of these shots. 

Day 28: Masters of Sex, snick, double ending

Waiting for the rain

Anyone else a fan of Masters of Sex? I rarely watch TV dramas series, but I tuned in from the start after reading about the hype surrounding the show, and I was hooked from episode one. I love it. (And no, not because it's a bit saucy!) 

It's based on the fascinating real-life story of pioneering sex researchers Masters and Johnson, but there's a host of other interesting characters with their own compelling stories (I assume these are mostly fictional, but I'm not sure). 

It's the only show I've bothered to watch online after missing an episode on TV. Lately our SBS reception has been so bad I've had to resort to watching all episodes online after they've aired.  I actually kind of like it better that way. I can watch them whenever I want.  I like coming home on Friday knowing I have that episode of Masters of Sex to look forward to. 

Yeah, I know, this isn't novel to most people, but don't forget I still hire DVDs.   

Snick

One of my favourite sounds is the little 'snick' when I remove my security pass at the end of the working day and tuck it back into my bag. I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeee.      

End of Month

Tomorrow is the end of the week and the end of the month (and thus the end of billing). I like when the two coincide. 

Creature of habit, mushrooms, random connections

Bare branches

I saw two Nankeen Night Herons again tonight, hunting for their dinner at the river's edge. One was standing in the exact place I saw it last night, perched on the same rock, staring into the water in the same direction. It must have found a tasty meal there. Its companion was standing in the water about a metre from the bank. The tide must have been very low, because the night heron is not a long-legged bird. 

Bad phone photo taken in dark with flash because, 

as always, I was running late this morning

There's several patches of mushrooms growing along the river. They must have sprung to life after the recent heavy rains we had...though I don't think it takes much rain to encourage the fungus.

I've made another new musical discovery. Stella Angelico, another Melbourne singer-songwriter, has been on my radar for a while, but I only just got around to looking her up last night. This is from the EP she released last year (with her band The Switch). It's very Amy Winehouse-esque.  I love it - and the rest of the EP. I don't actually own any Amy Winehouse albums, but I probably should.  

Speaking of music and discoveries, a man from the Netherlands  (Hi Michael!) found my blog by searching for the lyrics of a Gabby Young song called Mole, which I blogged about a while ago. He wrote:

Not finding any I ended up searching for "can't we be children about this". There's two hits for these exact words, both leading to this page.

Wooh!  It's both odd and awesome that my blog was the only source. I get a kick out of the random ways people connect on the internet. 

Spoiled for choice and off to see The Reverend

I can't believe I didn't already know you can design your own sneakers online. What rock have I been under? Nike offers the service and so does New Balance - no doubt there are plenty of other sites that do too. You pick an existing style and then choose materials and colours. You can even have a personalised logo and your choice of words on the heel. 

I mention this because I have a lot of trouble finding decent casual sneakers in colours I like. I'm quite particular. There's often too much yellow, orange and pink and pastel shades in women's ranges. Not my style. I bought a pair of men's Asics Onitsuka Tigers in purple, black and silver a few years ago because I couldn't find anything I liked in the women's range. Sadly they've just about had it and I need something more cushiony  underfoot this time. 

I think I want a pair of Nike Cortez, their original running shoe which came into the world the same year as I did. Trouble is...what colour? Maybe red or green. Or navy. Or royal blue. Too much choice now! 

I discovered on Facebook that psychobilly legend The Reverend Horton Heat is playing in Melbourne on 31 May. Mojo Juju (formerly of The Snake Oil Merchants) is one of the supporting acts. Since I started writing this post, I've bought tickets to go. Woooh!

Did I mention I'm seeing Wagons again in June? They're previewing songs from their upcoming album. Can't wait. I'm off to Sydney to see Mark Forsyth in two weeks too. Lots of exciting things to look forward too. That's the way life should be. 

All you needs is love...and bees and music and robots

Say "Honey!"

I stopped to take this photo near my building  - spring blossoms! blue sky! - and when I zoomed right in, I saw bees harvesting pollen.  Bees!  This one says hello.

I have some new music to share with you. I saw the video for this on Rage last night. Raphael Saadiq. Love it.

And this afternoon, while streaming Adelaide's Three D Radio online*, I heard a new track by the Dex Romweber Duo (among many other awesome tunes) and discovered they have a new album out. Hurrah.

* My very first blog comment, back in the olden days of Myspace, was from Jade, who hosts a couple of shows on Three D, including (The Whole) Kit and Caboodle. Thanks to the wonders of the interwebs, I can listen online. If you like your music with lashings of rockabilly, country, blues, gospel, funk, swing and "dreamy creamy mashed potato pop", I urge you - nay, I beseech you - to check out Three D. Now, I sez!

I have some other fabulous stuff to share with you too. If you're into love (who isn't, really?) and letter writing and especially the two of them combined, take a look at The World Needs More Love Letters. This lovely project grew out of one girl's attempts to ease her loneliness while travelling. She started handwriting love letters and leaving them in places for people  - complete strangers - to find. She left them in library books and cafe menus and on trains. She wrote 400 letters and then launched the website to help other people spread the love - you can write love letters and request a love letter for yourself or someone in need of a bit of love. I er...love this.  

If that's not enough love for ya, check out J's Love Project on her site, Zebra Sounds (which is where I read about Love Letters).  She writes about her year of "consciously, unabashedly, fearlessly spreading the love".  

"In January, I made a public declaration that 2011 would be my year of loving fearlessly. It's a project. A mission. My personal rebellion because here’s the thing: snark is funny, cynicism is cool, but I think the real badasses in this world LOVE... "

I couldn't agree more. There's also links to many awesome things on her site, especially if you like reading and writing and well, awesome things.

I'm still addicted to etsy. I love this clock and this badge and these bookends.

The world and Jayne: a love story

The rail brige over Johnston Street...a portent of glee?

This might sound strange and arrogant, but today it felt like the world was in love with me. Everywhere I turned, there were awesome things that made me smile. It's like the world  was trying to make me happy. Damn fine job, world. Lucky - I wouldn't  want to disappoint the world.

I was up early again and as it was such a lovely day I decided to walk to Collingwood to meet Marian. I was worried I wouldn't make the 6.4 kms in the hour I allowed myself, but I got there in 45 minutes. Thank you, legs; thank you feet.

We wandered to the Abbotsford Convent and browsed the indoor and outdoor stalls of handmade arts, crafts and clothing at the market. We saw many nice things - jewellery, skirts, soaps that look like cupcakes (though we were a little let down when we realised they weren't actual cupcakes), T-shirts, and a sausage dog puppy that had gathered a gaggle of gushing girls about it (Wooh! Alliteration!). The sausage dog wasn't for sale.

We strolled around the buildings and grounds. It's a fantastic place with a slightly eerie atmosphere about it in parts, particularly where there's no people. Some buildings are still vacant and in a state of disrepair. We found an open door and poked about inside, which felt a bit naughty. It's still being developed and there's loads of potential there. It's going to be AMAZING.

I showed Marian this old building which I love, and she liked it a lot too.

We found this old thing which looks like a petrol pump. Maybe the nuns pumped their own fuel?

And this awesome tree, which, devoid of leaves, perfectly matches the eerie atmosphere (as did the crow call we heard).

The possum guard detracts from the gothic air a little.

We then headed to Lentil as Anything, a vegetarian eatery onsite staffed by volunteers where nothing has a set price - you just leave however much money you want to give in a box on the way out. I had tasty pancakes for second breakfast.

Lentil as Anything still life

When we were on the train back into town, we sat near a boy about six playing chess with his mother. I'm not sure if he was very good at it or whether they were just playing at playing and she was letting him win. He said "check" a lot and went on to win the game. I'm sure I heard him say to his mother, "You lose, sucker"! (Old person comment coming up) It's nice to see a kid playing an old fashioned game on the train instead of having their eyes glued to a DS screen or whatever.

Marian and I parted ways in the city. I went to Target to get some more photos printed for my collage. I bought (I bought, I bought, I bought!) a book on origami. Another project! I've been thinking about having a go at it after seeing cool origami things on Etsy.  It seems I'm good at ideas and getting the materials for projects, but less good at actually completing things... I have to stop getting inspired and going to art and craft stores...but...but...

I was at Lincraft yet again today and I finally found some square frames that are big enough for the art cards I want to display. And they were super cheap!

I also rearranged their paper mache letters again, to something less profane this time.

On my way to Lincraft, I saw this on one of those pillars that people usually tack gig posters to:

No, lovely person, thank YOU.  And then I had a hot chocolate at Muffin Break. Look what was at the bottom of my mug! How adorable is that?

When I was waiting for my tram home tonight at Flinders Street, the Yarra Trams staffer was very entertaining. As the City Circle tram approached he said, "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, boys and. girls. Lend me your ears...All you've gotta do is smile and board the tram.  It's free."  And then: "The tram is now departing. Stand clear please. Goodbye!" After I got on my tram and sat down, he motioned others to the door and said, "Good looking people use this door"! Hahaha. What a legend. (Why, yes. I did use that door.)

Walking home in thh golden late afternoon sun I saw guys in the park kicking the football and throwing a frisbee.

 Frisbee at top left.

I like to think these bikes are having a chat as they lie in the warm sun

 I am in love with Curly Girl Designs (the site itself is cute too. Run your cursor over the camera). My favourite of her cards reads: "I just don't like to see you waste your time on silly things," he said. "Well, then," she said, "Close your eyes." Ha. 

I think I'm going to fall in love with Pinterest, which Marian told me about today.

OK, I'm going to get off my laptop and actually work on a project. More action, less blog.

I'm just a d-d-dork addicted to haberdashery

How has it taken me so long to discover the joy of Google Translate? Type in the word 'dork' and then after it translates, tap the 'listen' button at fairly rapid but irregular intervals. The lady translator in the computer does the stutter-rap. Dork-dork-d-d-d-d-dork-dor-dork-dork-dork. That kept me entertained and cackling for many minutes yesterday. As did translating silly expressions and rude words into German. It was ace Hosen.  Arcuh-hawzen-ar-ar-arcuh-haw-haw-hawzen. Maybe you had to be there...Sigh.

Yesterday was an absolutely stunning winter's day in Melbourne. It's back to gloomy today, but the smell of jasmine on the night air and the blooming of magnolias tells me that spring is packing its bags and wondering where it left its car keys.

Sometimes when I'm at home I can hear a currawong calling. It reminds me of my wonderful get-away to Walhalla with Luke for my birthday in July.

I have a confession to make: I'm addicted to haberdashery, and art and craft stores. I can wander for ages looking at all the bits and bobs and pretty things. I used to wander around feeling an urge to get crafty and then walk out empty-handed. But yesterday I went a bit bonkers in Clegs and spent $70 (and got a receipt longer than my arm. Literally). It was like I was on The Price is Right: Crafters Edition. I have several little (and easy) projects planned for my week off (which started today. Hurrah!).

Luke is going overseas for a couple of weeks tomorrow night. I bought him this to take with him as a sort of tiny proxy me.

There's a very cute moose in the hoose

Balloons, sore face, goats and rabbits

Hot air beerloon (haw haw) floating past my flat

I was pleasantly startled by the sight of a hot air balloon looming large in my toilet window when I got up yesterday (the red one below). It was much closer and larger than it seems in the photo (which I took from my bedroom window. I know I say I take my camera everywhere, but that doesn't extend to the WC). I saw the beer-glass-shaped one above when I got back to my room to get my camera. I love where I live.

The other one

The sun has been rising close to the same time as me lately, so my flat was drenched with golden light when I got up yesterday. It's a lovely way to start the day.

I went to see David O'Doherty last night. He's the Irish comic who sings amusing ditties while playing a toy-sized keyboard on his knee in between bouts of straight stand-up. I loved it. My face hurt from laughing (that's happening a lot lately. Yay!). It was funny and quirky, smart and silly, and he has such an appealing stage persona - he's very natural, self-deprecating and obviously loves what he does. He didn't want to leave the stage! He went off and came back on twice, completely ad libbing stuff before finally leaving.

All that and it was at the fabulous Forum Theatre!

My friend and I went for dinner afterwards and I dunno how we got on the topic, but we were talking about mohair and where it comes from (yes, really) and to confirm it comes from goats, I googled it and...LOOK AT THIS GOAT! Hahaha. Crazy goat! It's an Angora goat...but wait...doesn't Angora come from rabbits? So I googled that and LOOK AT THIS RABBIT! IT'S A FLUFFY CUSHION WITH A FACE! (Speaking of fluffiness, I now know some knitting terminology - knitters call the fluffiness of these wools the 'halo'. Don't say my blog is not educational, orrite?).

So awesome it hurts

I want to share my newest blog find with you because it's so wonderful that your life cannot possibly fail to be enriched by it.  You have my money-back guarantee on that.

It's called 100 Awesome Things and it's a countdown of 1000 "simple, brilliant things", like when your pet notices you're in a bad mood and comes to see you, finally peeing after holding on for ages, and wearing your favourites pair of undies. It's similar to this blog, only better.  It's cool, funny, insightful, sweet and touching and I've lost track of how many times while reading it I've thought, "I know! That's so true!".

Sometimes I have to stop reading and do something else for a bit because the awesomeness is too much to bear.

The blog is now also a book. *adds The Book of Awesome to reading list*

Sunny, green, googly and curmudgeonly

I love this row of old shops on Bridge Road in Richmond (shame about the mess of tram and power lines).

It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Melbourne today. We've had more than 100 days of top temperatures above 20 degrees, but we've also had some very wet weather which means the parks, gardens and river banks near where I live are unseasonally lush and green. Normally at this time of the year, the grass is sun-dried yellow from months of hot weather.

Don't you just love it when Google knows exactly what you're looking for before you even finish typing it? I do. Before I wanted to check the difference between 'unseasonable' and 'unseasonal' and I didn't even finish typing the word 'unseasonable' before my search query popped up in the drop down box, a couple of entries down. For some reason, I find it comforting to know I'm not the first person to look something up, especially when it's not a common query...or at least I wouldn't have thought it was a common query. 

Once I wanted to know what dolphin poo looks like and when I typed the words "what does dolphin" my query popped up second in the drop down list. And it lead me to a video showing a dolphin defecating. Google win! The interwebs are ace.

But wait, there's more!

Today my 'unseasonal/unseasonable' query led me to discover the Dictionary Of Disagreeable English: A Curmudgeon's Compendium of Excruciatingly Correct Grammar. I like the sound of that. *reaches for credit card*

All a-twitter

Another foggy morning in Melbourne

Henry Wagons replied to me on Twitter today! I was ridiculously pleased about it. You'd think he was Bono.

For those who are new here, Henry is the frontman of my fave band, Wagons, and I have an embarrassingly adolescent crush on him.

Ya gotta love Twitter...especially if you want to stalk celebrities. Not that I'm stalking Henry, mind. Yes, I read all his tweets, but I rarely reply to them, partly because he doesn't follow me so I assume he doesn't see my replies and partly because I don't want him to think I'm stalking him!

But maybe I am on the brink of stalkerhood. Today Henry tweeted the name of the place that serves his current favourite breakfast dish and I confess I did make a mental note...

You know what else gave me a little buzz on Twitter recently? I got a reply from comedian and radio personality Cal Wilson. I used to have a girl crush on her because she's so cute and funny. She's on my Myspace friends list and used to read my blog on there after it was recommended to her by a mutual myspace friend. She told me I should write a book, which I was seriously chuffed about considering I am a fan of her comedy.

Anyhoo, I also follow her on Twitter. Not only did she reply to me last week, she also remembered my name! My real name! I was impressed (even though she spelt it wrong. Pah! Details!).

I couldn't really see the point of Twitter in the beginning but now I'm hooked on it...and no, not because it allows me to feel like I'm rubbing virtual shoulders with my celebrity crushes. Well, not only that. I've also amassed a nice posse of followers (that's what they're called, if you don't know) - real non-celebrity people, quite a few of them local, who are smart and funny and interesting.

Twitter is also a great time filler when you are bored at work.

More postcards!

I have received two more postcards via Postcrossing now. I've had one every day for the past three days. The new ones are from the Netherlands and Finland.

I'm now opening the letter box with anticipation rather than indifference, or worse. It's a nice change. Takes me back to when I was a kid and I used to have penpals.

Gee, I love the internet.

Oooh! Oooh!

Cheeky bird in Botanic Gardens

Don't you love it when you randomly stumble across cool stuff on the internet that makes you go, "Oooh! Oooh!"? I do. It's not only finding the cool stuff that is pleasing - it's discovering it completely by chance. Doubly gleeful.

You may recall that I am compiling a list of 101 Things to Do Before I'm 40. I poached the idea from a someone on listography.com, who had posted her list of 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days but I gave it a little twist of my own. (I get 1281 days and counting....). I didn't give much thought to where she got the idea or if it was her idea, but I liked it.

On Twitter this morning I got a new follower and when I looked at her updates, I saw she'd posted a link to her own list of 101 Things to Do in 1001 Days. I went, "Oooh! Oooh!" and clicked the link, where I found her list but also a link to the site Day Zero, which is where the idea originated. People can join up and post their own list.

Not only am I pleased to learn of the provenance of the 101 Things list, I'm going to ransack the hell out of those lists for inspiration! You see, I'm only up to about 70 things and I'm struggling a little. Compiling the list is a project in itself!

Day Zero also has links to some other interesting, fun and worthwhile projects, including:

* Learning to Love You More, which is the idea of artists Miranda July and Harrell Fletcher.

"Participants accept an assignment, complete it by following the simple but specific instructions, send in the required report (photograph, text, video, etc), and see their work posted on-line. Like a recipe, meditation practice, or familiar song, the prescriptive nature of these assignments is intended to guide people towards their own experience."

* Gimme your Stuff, a cultural exchange project blog "where you can swap items of significance to your area with items from others around the world. A conduit for many an international cuisine to change hands. A place where you can trade a newspaper from South Africa, or a CD from Finland. A place where we take no responsibility for anything anyone else does. A place where we are changing the world with other people’s stuff".

* 365 Day Flickr Group, which is a Flickr community of nearly 12,000 people who post a self-portrait every day for 365 days.

* Post Secret, which is a blog that publishes the secrets of anonymous people who send them in on the back of a postcard.

Anyone feeling inspired? Have you stumbled across any cool sites by chance recently?