Now I’ve said it out-loud it sounds ridiculous. Of course the physical laws are inescapable. But for some reason I continually challenge the essence of Newton’s 3rd law of forces; “that every action has an equal and corresponding reaction.”
Never is this more acutely felt when having to use a plunger on a drain that’s recently imbibed bubblebath. And yes, I’m aware Sir Isaac Newton was not responding to my drainage issues in describing this law of forces.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post). The essence I take from Newton’s discovery is actions have consequences. And, no I not talking about Karma or the secret of positive thinking. Just the simple idea that there is a consequence to every action. You may not be the one feeling the consequence but it exists and someone is feeling it. So think – what reactions are you causing?
Don’t forsake spending time in the company of friends.
When you see someone you know face-to-face your body releases ‘happy’ chemicals. There are a myriad of useful ways to keep in touch with our loved ones, and they really are useful. But (and we all hate a big but!) they do often fail to produce the same beneficial physiological responses that face- to-face interaction provides.
Plus there really are some things that are more fun: in the flesh, in real time, real life. This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post).
Nicole Kidman | Photograph by Annie Leibovitz
I found myself in Sydney at a loose end so headed over to The Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay to view the travelling Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life exhibition. Despite being in the exhibitions last day’s, the gallery was still fairly packed: with a line out the door.
The exhibition took up the entire top floor of the museum. There were a variety of styles, sizes and types of prints. I wasn’t so sure where to start. So I just started somewhere. I was surprised by the images that really captured my interest: there were a series of images from Sarajevo which I found really moving; and a series of family portraits and personal photos. I could have stared for ages conjuring my own versions of what their life might be like. I really wanted to know more about the people contained in the images and thought about the for ages afterwards.
The only downside to the experience was the way the pictures were framed. They were framed behind high-shine glass that in the gallery light turned them into mirrors. I found it frustrating watching myself looking at the pictures – and I think that took away from the subtle details in the photos. It was an annoyance, but didn’t ruin the experience.
The Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life 1990 – 2005 exhibition has now closed at MCA but many of her images are readily recognisable from Vogue and Rolling Stone.
The above picture was sent to me by a friend. It was a little surprise in an otherwise average week. The email came with the following message,
If you think guys with cats are hot how do you feel about John Lennon with a Siamese???
You know what it totally worked! You see I was feeling a little subdued, (less said the better). Receiving this email was definite mood break. It make me stop, smile and laugh to myself.
I love it, I love the gesture’s of my friends and the simple acts that connect us together.
I can’t say this enough — fortunately for me I no longer have to because someone’s obviously felt passionate enough about it to register it as an domain name… But, Tights Are NOT Pants.
Words of Wisdom for the modern gal
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post). True, this may not be one of those things that heighten my appreciation for life but I do believe it will have some sort of beneficial side-effect. If nothing else, then keeping tights as pants out of my workplace.
Cliche it may be, fad most definitely, but still I love a cupcake!
I resisted visiting my local cupcake parlour, which really is too cutesy for words, for some time. But, as with all my firm-stands against fads, I quickly succumbed. The store showcases a delicious selection of wares. Each cake beautifully decorated, from the classically sublime to pure novelty (what coffee date is complete without a cupcake sporting lolly teeth?)
The magic occurs for me though with take-away. Because then your cupcake(s) will be carefully bedded down onto soft, white tissue paper and carefully placed into the appropriate sized cakebox.
Personally, I love the feeling of returning to my desk, cakebox in-hand. Then slowly revealing my treat. My favourite? Either Red Velvet, with it’s deep burgundy colour and soft cocoa flavour. Or, Dark Chocolate Fudge whose cake exterior yields to a rich gooey centre of fudge. Delicious.
Begging for change | Artwork by MEEK ((c) 2004 Stencil)
The University of Queensland, UQMuseum is hosting the traveling exhibition – Space Invaders: australian . street . stencils . posters . paste-ups . zines . stickers.
I met the girls for Brunch this Sunday. It was a casual affair, with friends coming and going as you please. Now, I’m not, nor have I ever been, a morning person. But when it comes to a leisurely brunch with good coffee and great friends I’m powerless to resist.
I love cradling my coffee in both hands – gripping the cup tightly. Feeling the warmth slowly seep into my hands easing me up to genuine awakeness. This Sunday was special for 2 reasons. Firstly, this Sunday’s brunch included an interstate friend. She’s always a treat to catch up with, sharing a ready sense of humour and acerbic wit aplenty.
Secondly, this weekend saw a West End institution reopen after an unavoidable hiatus*. The new and improved “Expressohead” has opened.
Expressohead Cafe | Photo courtesy of Moi
So several coffee’s later I can confirm a brunch well done. I had the big breakfast: bacon, potato rosti, tomatoes, toast, eggs (done your way), chipalatas, mushrooms. Everything was tasty, even the mushrooms which can often taste like boiled rubber in cafes. I have had confirmation the vegetarian breakfast was delicious as well. I tasted part of a polenta dumpling that was divine. Melted in the mouth! Only one friend wasn’t entirely satisfied with her meal – she’d ordered the pancakes and there wasn’t enough sauce for her liking, but the general consensus was positive. The barista’s were certainly hard at work for us!
Expressohead cafe working hard | Photo courtesy of moi
So, contentment running high it was off into the great blue wonder of a long weekend on a perfect autumn day.
* If local businesses are not suffering water damage it seems they have to contend with fire!
In the time it takes, and the emotional energy expended to think about doing the right thing you likely could have completed the task.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post). In today’s busy world being time-poor has become the new black. Everyone seems to be busy being busy. For those who are business-minded there’s likely hours spent working-up expertise in Time Management. Personally, I’m not spending time trying to be better with my time.
My solution: Just do it now and be done with it. You’ll be amazed!
Sci-Fi Romance Thiller
I shared a saturday night novelty with one of my closest friends. Date night. For Friends. Our plans? Dinner and a movie. I know, standard fare.
General catch up over sushi proceeded our viewing of The Adjustment Bureau. The film is credited as an adaptation of the graphic novel, “The Adjustment Team” by Philip K Dick, which I would now like to read.
There was a definite style to the entire production, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I really connected with the performances of both actors and wanted to talk and compare notes with my friend following the movie. Plus, I didn’t know if I loved the movie or not when it finished (which I love for some reason). Cue after movie coffee!
So, while we sat sipping our coffee’s we talked. About the movie: it’s obvious religious themes and questions about free-will. This inevitably led to a D&M of our life – the ‘adjustments’ we all make and the unforseen effect our choices can have, some good and bad. For me, our coffee and trip home was the highlight of the evening.
It was a great night and I can guarantee we’ll be seeing each other again.
It happens. In fact it’s been happening to me. Hence the rather haphazard attention given to my blog.
I have, if it’s any consolation ( yes I’m sure you were devastated in my absence), been super busily visiting art galleries, viewing exhibitions, eating out and socialising so make no mistake there’s to be a flurry of activity on this blog – including a couple of exciting developments on the 2011 Life List. So stay tuned! The best is yet to come…
When someone tells you the universe is responsible for some event, whether that be positive or negative; carefully and thoughtfully visualise the speakers head imploding.
This is part of my 101 Ways to Live series (follow the link to read the original post).
Fragments of Eva 