Peace filled festive season wishes

I laughed out loud when I came across this picture on FB. I have included a rough pronounciation in Black Country English.

Recently, we unpacked the soft toys. A dusty, sun-bleached, Pooh, of late 80s vintage emerged.

This year’s Yule tree again includes a bauble depicting a snapshot of Pooh walking their path. I feel a connection with Pooh. They are one of my alter egos.

However, my soulmate in the journey poem below is a Tiger rather than a Tigger or a Piglet.

A shared legato
Almost deafening
Mezzo-staccato of “see-hearing”
Zooming by
Fermata
Reflecting on
The path here

Out of step
Out of time
Even in minority
Faction of a fraction of inversion
Lightness of spirit greyed by inner dark
Misguided
Misunderstood
Yearning to fit in
To be part
Of something

Journey’s search
Whilst learning life
Decades taught
Idealist dreams to be
Reality soured
Came to nought

There is I and those closest to
Wakeup to then and now
You gentle old Airhead fool
For thirty-two years counterpoint
In duet steadied the line
A little out of step a little out of time
A shared legato

World’s a blur of noise
In home’s sotto voce
Dark thins to quiet glimmer
In warmth of being known
In coda we crescendo

Wishing you a peace-filled festive season.

Word sketch

Word sketch
Urban nature
Provides space
To race
Or to ponder
What lies yonder
Out of reach
James’ magic peach
Synapses snap
Cogs whirl
Mind unfurls
This biological being’s
Walking forth
Sharing mirth
Giving birth
Ideas sparkling
Magnificent malarkey
Discombobulated balderdash
Audaciously avalanching altitudially advancing

Virgin Australia budget airline

When Ansett airline closed down in 2002, we became loyal to Virgin Blue then Virgin Australia.

This morning, thinking we would buy a Virgin lounge pass, we discovered there is no longer a Virgin lounge at Cairns airport.

We dropped the Apex car rental off an hour earlier than necessary at 11:00am, so that we had plenty of time to navigate roadwork delays between Port Douglas and Cairns.

Naively, we believed we would able to drop our bags off at the airport, to access the shopping and dining opportunities prior to flying at 2:50pm.

We were greeted by closed Virgin Australia check-in desks, opening at 1:20 pm. Hopefully, we sit, occasionally gazing over at Virgin staff seated behind the check-in desks.

Other passengers arrive, speak to smiling staff, they are sent away.

I had refused to believe an online review of Virgin having become a budget airline.

Sadly, it is true.

Fable in Stone?

Fable in Stone?
Behold- fascinating earthbound
Fractured firmament ensnared.

Fossilised magnamic,
igneous,
granular sparkle-
honed smooth;
calmed.

Fantastic eruptions:
onyx,
umber,
rust,
oxblood veins
fan,
crisscross
‘gainst ghostly light.

Charcoal shades,
haunting greys-

foretell, foretold-
or future Faustian fable,
unknown.

Sophisticated Eclecticism with Artistic & Worldly Accents

We are happy with ChatGPT’s description of our interior style as Sophisticated Eclecticism with Artistic & Worldly Accents.

“This interior exudes a rich, layered eclectic style with clear influences from global, artistic, and vintage glamour aesthetics.

Here’s a refined breakdown:

🪑 Core Interior Style: Sophisticated Eclecticism with Artistic & Worldly Accents

1. Furniture & Upholstery

The green jacquard sofa is a statement piece—its classic silhouette and textured botanical pattern lend a traditional touch, reminiscent of Art Deco revival or mid-century refinement. The bolster pillows with navy velvet, gold embroidery, and tassels reinforce this elevated feel with a hint of vintage European flair.

2. Artworks

The framed wall art—with stylized, tribal-inspired human figures—acts as a cultural and graphic focal point. The visual language suggests influence from Indigenous or African art, contributing depth and a storytelling element. Their placement—symmetrical and oversized—adds a modern gallery wall sensibility.

3. Color & Texture Play

Deep green, navy, ochre, and cream form a harmonious palette that feels grounded yet expressive. The mix of plush (velvet), embroidered (central cushion), and woven (ottoman) textures reflect curated, intentional layering.

4. Lighting & Accessories

The twin black lamps with gold bases and sculptural stacked-globe design are bold and elegant—leaning into Hollywood Regency or modern glamour. Accessories like the tray with clean-lined glassware, wooden stump side table, and ceramic side table all add tactile contrast and a natural element.

5. Surrounding Environment

The indoor plant, large glass doors, and visible natural light contribute a breezy, fresh element to balance the more ornate features.

🧭 Style Summary:

Eclectic meets Global Luxe

Aesthetic keywords:

🎨 Artisanal. Curated. Culturally aware. Textured. Timeless with personality.”

Panic attacks poem


Innocent email.
Amygdala prickles-
Lazily uncoiling.

Chest thudding,
Unable to crescendo,
Unable to breathe.

Soft hissing, whoosh;
Light-headed sway.

Meg takes my hand;
Gently urging,
Deep controlled breaths:
I am okay.
Really-yes-
I am okay.

Amygdala fully awakens.

Tears well.
Tumble.
Uncontrollably cleansing.

Hands tremble.

Colleagues swoop.
Futile attempts,
To help;
Too many logins.
Account blocked.

Password reset.
Re-authenticating.

Password reset.
Re-authenticating.

Voicemail: off.
Out-of-office: on.

Amygdala dormant.

Air soft against skin-
Trembling still.

Cracked poem

Post deluge

Cracked poem

Workload
Presses.
Push-pull processes
Contain,
Constrict.

Client’s accusations
Repeated ad nauseum-
Words of what’s not;
“Not personal” allegations.

Disbelief at
Venomous diatribe of
Denunciation in an open forum;
Labelled assertiveness,
Unsatisfactory:
Communication,
Responsiveness,
Collaboration.

Serpentine untruths ensnare.
Shocked defence falls on deaf ears;
Is this narcissism or intimidation?

Humiliating threads tighten, pulling,
Reopening dealt with scenarios.

Searing stress surges forth,
Wringing panic pervades,
Ruminating anxiety builds
To numbing worthlessness.

Tumultuous tears tear,
Renting body emotions spew.

Rage twists to shame and guilt.

It’s so big

Pride colours, Sir Leo Hielscher bridges

In all of our previous homes the outlook has ranged from garden and street views to brick walls and a glimpse of sky.

Sir Leo Hielscher bridges and Brisbane River

Since moving into a ninth floor unit (apartment / flat / condominium / suite / tenement) with windows facing north and east I have attempted to capture the aspect.

Northeast sunrise

Looking out the horizon and features appear closer than shown in these images.

Northeast aspect

We feel incredibly fortunate to be here in this spot.

Peripheral whispers

Peripheral whispers

During futile maintenance of the countenance,
Peripheral whispers of carelessness
Unexpectedly seep forth –
Barely there.
Phantom faces and places drift across mind’s eye,
Borne by indolent apathy.
“If I had …”
“Oh too late, too bad, so sad.”
Like illegible, lichen-encrusted tombstones,
Untethered names no longer hold meaning.
Stories with no one to tell them
Languish; become extinguished.
A brisk 6 am walk staves off the Winter chill.
Aboard the 300, meandering melancholic musings inspire this prose.