We are in for a warm night.
Prickly Prima Donna
Ninety five percent of day, The epitome of calm;
Open, helpful, time for all.
As tiredness and workload mounts,
Only takes a look, a word:
(Grim genie unfurls slowly);
Heat building or voices too loud;
(Edging closer to release);
Interrupt or stand too close;
(Darkness oozes to stifle
My relaxed disposition).
Prickly Prima Donna’s out!
Unending madness ensues:
Unworthy; shame; guilt; despair.
Exit, take drama along.
Penning this poem is perfect
For regaining control. Back
Towards the bottle she goes.
Those were the days
Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And dreamed of all the great things we would do
[Chorus]
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la,
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I’d see you in the tavern
We’d smile at one another and we’d say
[Chorus]
Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me
[Chorus]
Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we’re older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same
[Chorus]
Sung by Mary Hopkins, 1968. The photograph is detail of UTS Business School designed by Architect, Frank Gehry. I can imagine this building as a 22nd century tavern.
Paradise
It is so easy to slip into automatic pilot for the journey to work. Today was different. I would like to thank the driver who welcomed me to his bus with a chirpy “good morning”.
Since prepaid fares have been introduced in Sydney there is little need to interact with the driver. Being greeting was part of the story; the driver also played familiar songs and wished everyone a good day as they alighted.
I tell others about the beauty of Australia, usually referring to the beaches, outback and rainforests. Today I was given several moments in urban paradise.
The songs included Don’t you forget about me by Simple Minds, Really wanna know you by Gary Wright and Paradise by Coldplay.
New flag
There has been lots of chatter over the Tasman in New Zealand about a new flag. I like the curls on this local railing so much that they inspired me to create a flag-like montage.
Ground colour
When my mind is grappling with burdens nature lends a hand. This carpet of purple-blue jacaranda petals marked a path towards home.
Secret garden
This walled garden is a tranquil and shady spot, perfect for being bitten by mosquitos.
Urban Revitalisation
I’m fascinated by local history; while having lunch at Capriccio today we wondered what the story is behind the building across the street from where we were sitting. Until about a month ago the ground floor of The Harold Hawkins Court was adorned with flaking beige paint and graffiti. The colourful abstract mural is a welcome improvement. An Internet search revealed a Uniting Care media release from June 2014.
Dame Pattie Menzies opened Harold Hawkins Court in August 1964. At the time, it was a state-of-the-art facility providing a home for up to 120 senior citizens. However, Harold Hawkins Court, which is located in the heart of Leichhardt’s iconic Norton Street, has stood empty and neglected for most of the last 10 years.
By continuing with my search I hit the jackpot a few webpages later, it turns out the building started off as a theatre.
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/39519
Large inner west theatre running typical suburban double bills. It was situated on busy Norton Street just off Parramatta Road in the Leichhardt suburb of Sydney. The Marlboro Theatre opened in June 1920. When CinemaScope arrived the Marlboro Theatre had the widest screen in the area. It was a favorite for action pictures. The Marlboro Theatre was closed in July 1960.
The above image is taken looking south along Norton Street towards Paramatta Road. The parked cars on the left are approximately where outdoor seating is provided by cafes and restaurants, including, one of our favourites in the area, Aperitivo.
The new mural was painted to commemorate the revitalisation of this area.
Related links:
Hannah or Harry?
This gargoyle like image evolved from blending blobs of colour. The ear and teeth shapes are intentional. I used Paper and Pencil by fiftythree to create this haunting Halloween abstract.
An offering
Gentle transition from tree,
Through air,
To water.
Behold this offering
Unto the heavens;
Reflected above.
theINFP 