Fishy and his friends wanted to see this film for his birthday. He also requested they be able to go on their own for the first time. Overcoming the strong desire I had to spend two hours watching a thug called Wreck- it Ralph wrecking everything, I succumbed to my son's wishes and went to find MY bliss.
When I emerged, released into the wild without a single child attached (!!!!), it was a little overwhelming. I had a yen to sit in a peaceful place like...say... Matisse's garden.
If you squinted and ignored the soaring temperatures it could be a French Boulevarde- or Grey Street in the morning rush.
So I ducked between some buildings and found myself here, reacquainting myself with the Bouganvillea trellis path and the river side.
Hello there, Brisbania! How pretty you are in the morning. Sorry to have lost touch but it is lovely to see you again!
Under the bridge and around the spiral walkway brought me back to this old dear...
The original Queensland Art Gallery which I'm afraid I have been spurning in favour of her newer, flashier little sister, GOMA.
Hello perennial frangipanis,
hello dandelion fountains so beloved by my once- toddler boys...
and, hello, lovely garden of zen in the middle of the city's miasma of noise. A coffee, a view, still water, a fountain in my ear and a couple of perfect puffy clouds. For a moment it looked like a child was going to make big ripples in my mirror like calm but he was quietly moved on. Yes, please!
I have always loved this large hall with the watery exhibits it houses. Does anyone else remember when it was filled with a floating sea of silver balls?
There was still time to check out some favourite old masters and their perfect rendering of clouds. A little handmade object shop had some precious bits in it too.
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| Sandra Bowkett ceramics |
I filed some away for reference as there will be access to a kiln this year.
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| Murray Topham ceramics |
I was waiting at the doors of Wreck it Ralph, probably looking a little more serene than when we had parted company. Dad had the pizza and cake waiting at home and then we dropped the extras off and headed for a friend's at the coast. Fish got one of his wishes there which was to cuddle Dee Dee his long lost mini schnauzer friend.
Our babiest boy was all of twelve and pretty darn pleased about it!
As Grandad Bill would say, "Happy Birthday, dear Finley, Happy Birthday to you! ... and a tiger!"
(We don't know why he has always said that but we like it.)
Having had quite enough of the 'Keep Kate' PR in our local Ashgrove elections, this sign rang a truer note for me. Keeping Lefty is a higher priority today.
Another sign that all will be well was seeing these two bonny boys turning thirteen yesterday. They have grown into such funny, life loving, vigorous people and I love being around them.
They were even kind enough to accept the humble offering of a single birthday cake baked by their eleven year old brother. The offspring ate every crumb of that e-numbered up delicacy.
I came home from needle city to find sisterly love and support and friendship, child minding and cheerful people.
They all had the restraint and kindness not to 'talk about the war' as my Mum says because, frankly, I was over it. We drank tea and laughed and opened gifts.
These sweet people are a sign that all will be fine in our corner of the world.
So I watched my big boys...... 
being the loveable, affectionate energetic teenagers they are.
They chose to go to their favourite epicurean palace for dinner. Big Fella took this photo on his phone. He likes it because of the salt and pepper in the foreground. It's like them- completely opposite in some ways but perfect together. It's a sign!
You arrived during the Melbourne Cup nine years ago and have since always known how to make a dramatic entrance. I was expecting a fourth boy so you were a sweet and delightful surprise. I felt like I had suddenly gained a tiny ally. You felt the same way when you gained a sister six years later.
You have been displaying less of your feminine side of late but still have a highly individual sense of style, wit...
and charm.
We so enjoy your eclectic array of friends, talents and abilities and how you harbour no fears when introduced to new ones.
I learn every day from your brave joy de vivre, your simple insights, your affection and your understanding beyond your years.
Happy Birthday, little Lala. We love you very much!
