Just over 13 years ago, I posted my first blog on WordPress, Memory motivation momentum.
During this time, I have changed employer twice, we tied the knot, and we moved home from Lewisham to Leichhardt to Morningside to Deception Bay to Hamilton.
We are happy where we are, so far.
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.”
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
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.
In all of our previous homes the outlook has ranged from garden and street views to brick walls and a glimpse of sky.
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.
Looking out the horizon and features appear closer than shown in these images.
We feel incredibly fortunate to be here in this spot.
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.
We moved into our north facing ninth floor apartment on a chilly dreary Monday, two days ago.
This opaque view is taken from my sofa spot, gazing over Eagle Farm, beyond Morton Bay, towards the Pacific Ocean on the horizon.
The sun’s rise silhouettes the appendages of a dracaena gifted by Clarice in the year we arrived in Australia, 1998.
Time for change
Sunday serenity disrupted:
“Zee-earning” dirt bikes,
Mowers rattle ‘n’ roar,
Whipper snippers “Buzz-err-err-zeeping”,
Avian cacophony; “chit chat,” “caw,” “screech,” “tweet tweet tweeting,” and
Insane, incessant insects thrumming.
Planning. Packing. Downsizing.
Time waits for no one.
Calm restored-
This view’s days are numbered.
Midas’ late afternoon light
Gilds the garden,
Revealing lush, emerald vibrance.
Warmth wanes; wakening, Winter wins-
Heralding pastures new.
I can’t remember how I came to the conclusion my paternal great grandmother’s surname was Walton. Maybe the assumption was due to COVID delirium and wishful thinking. After all living in Shropshire, there was a fair chance distant relatives may have been from neighbouring Wales. I was certainly pleased when I identified Martha’s mother had Welsh ancestry.
After receiving my DNA results, I excitedly used the above assumption to label mother and father influences.
Recent mixed emotions have negatively impacted my motivation for researching the family tree. I was pleased about unknowingly visiting places my ancestors had lived and disillusioned, I was making little progress in identifying potential Scottish, Dutch, and Danish heritage.
Then a few hints from other family trees suggested Martha’s surname was Adams with ancestors solidly from Shropshire not Wales. Hm, maybe I have my parentage confused, I thought.
Checking in on a second and third cousins’s DNA results, whom I’ve never met, revealed the maternal line is rich in family from. Welsh, Scottish, Dutch, and Danish regions. I switched the parental influences and explored a strong tie to Yorkshire and generations of Turpins. This surname has Danish heritage.
In the ‘80s, I was thrilled to visit the newly opened Jorvik Viking Center, depicting imagined tenth century scenes of York during the time of the Vikings.
Perhaps my granddad’s middle name of Havelock had been a clue all along. It has Scandinavian, Danish, and Old Norse origins.
Weary tears
Moisten lower lashes
Insufficient to fall free
Achy orbital cavities
Constrict the oculi
Head wrenching yawns
Cause sore jaw
Ear piercing pain
Drills drum deep
Bark parched throat clenches
Crunched up squashed in
Fifty minutes’ commute
Will soon be over
