Wrong side of the tracks

Amy Ruppel

What is with all the cool stuff that comes out of Portland? I think Portland is the new Brooklyn. The end.

Well not really the end. Could an illustration be any more awesome? How cute it that fox! You can check it out on her blog. You should have a look at Amy Ruppel's website and buy stuff. I love her work, especially her series on state animals. And I also love the fact that she makes beautiful affordable art.

Saying bye

I can't help but think this photo is saying goodbye to something. Out of the whole set, there wasn't one where both of them looked at ease, or even in focus. I think that is a bit of a sign. I'm sure there will be times where the two of them are together, but things will never be the same - and I guess I'm starting to be okay with that. Kind of.

Wendy and Lucy

I hadn't heard too much about this film - it seems to have slipped under the radar here. It is an amazing story, though be warned I cried 70 minutes of the 80 and was sobbing by the end.

Wendy and Lucy is a story which I'd say isn't told often in American film, about people in the US who are living on the margins of society. Things can turn from good to bad and bad to good in a matter of seconds. Life is fragile and a small mistake can pretty much change everything.

The movie is confronting and thought provoking (well for me anyway)and I think you should take the time to watch it. It is a reminder of how good most of us have it, and how during difficult times people change the way or how much they are willing or able to help each other. It is a big dose of reality.

I'm a bit ashamed to say though, that I think the movie tugs at heartstrings because of the dog. I often struggle with this, because I'm always so emotional when there are animals involved, and argue with myself for not being more touched by stories solely about humans. Maybe I just relate to the story more because of the dog from the yellow house? I don't know though, for this film the dog is such an important character and I guess a symbol of hope. Michelle Williams performance is also understated and beautifully realistic. Watch it, I'd be interested to know what you think.

January Postcard

I am now part of the Benevolent Postcard Society. At the beginning of each month, members send a cheerful, amusing, inspiring, pretty or quirky postcard to each other — either handmade or readymade. Here is my first postcard which is going all the way to the UK.

January 1st 2010

This is the view outside my kitchen window on January the 1st 2010. This means it has to be a great year... doesn't it? How can it not with this beautiful sky, pancakes cooking, fresh leaf tea and a gypsy in my lounge room.

The day ended up with a laneway BBQ at the back of O'Connor shops - taffy bubblegum style. It was very secret life of us - just without the voice overs.

I hope 2010 is a wonderful year for everyone, with less crap than 2009. It can have a bit of crap, because without the bad you can never really get the most out of the good.

January to December 2009