Larrikins

I LOVE larrikins. Well der Fred, I suppose that is obvious seeing I was a sharpie.

For the last few years, I have been researching Larrikins and gangs back to the 1840s in Melbourne and occasionally I come across something to share.

The educated, snotty journalists at the Argus must have been excited when this letter, from the dregs of their society, fell into their hands in the 1880s.

LETTER TO A LARRIKIN IN PENTRIDGE.

[The following letter was found in Smith Street, on Thursday, after the police cab had passed, and has been handed to us]:

" Mud Island, Collingwood Flat,"

Thursday, 9th December, 1880."

Chummy, Old Bird, here's at you.

I collar the ink-stick to sling out a few remarks in answer to your stiff, which I got through Donkey-face. I'm sorry, old pal, to hear of your extension. It’s a crooked game, plugging the screws [fighting the warders] as they generally drop you a hot un before you bid 'em ta-ta." We have had a rorty go in with the coppers. I suppose the news sneaked through the walls of Pen. before now. But I know you suffer the agonies of death to know the full particulars, as the Herald says, so listen.  The coppers was going home from exercise, and the Weighbridge gang and a few mates were having a free pisening at the Victoria.

Well, out rushes pub-keeper, and says he 'these young fellers has stuck up the shanty, and soaked their whistlers in the best.’ 'Have they? says one copper, and he swung round his rifle and tumbled a lairey. (no names, Chummy, for fear of this going crooked.) Then another lairey, he ups with a pebble about ten pound and tumbles him. Then another copper, he swings round and capsizes five or six lairies, and then things kind o' gets mixed up, and, as about 10 more coppers jine (join) the ball, we take to shanks pad. Well, Ted Peddy, and Don gets lumbered, and Cheeser (Massa) and Paddy Quinn gets picked up after. Last Friday the lads toed the line at the Collingwood Dead house, and McKean spouted about a foot, he said 'I'm here for Quinn, a decent lad, and I can get 200 witnesses who never saw him do anything wrong.' They wanted to make out a hallaboy, I leave you to find out what that means, but the boss of the Dead-house said 'this is no time to make a hallaboy so we sends him back.' Snowey, Fairthorn, and another bloke got 18 months for lifting horse togs, and another lairey gets pinched for slinging a bit of weed (tobacco) to the lads, but it’s all right. The papers makes a lot of tawk about the Copper who got slops, but Berry's our friend yet, Chummy. He says 'I won't flog the lads yet, till I hear of 'em killing a few coppers, then it'll be soon enough to move' What's a few coppers any how.

I' m sorry to tell you that Jackey Ashworth, Tommy Griffiths, and a fellow called Brewer, has got pinched about this copper, they was hawking their lairey trotters to Sydney, but they was met at Violet Town by Bannon and Lovie, and carted back to doorance vile (horrible imprisonment). I think that's all for the time-being, but I expects soon to jine the majority of lads, and if I do, Chummy, we'l share hominy (porridge type maize) and weed, and be pals to the last." I remain, yours on the + " PAN SNATCHER-"

Weighbridge Gang -  (Weighbridge Hotel Johnston St, Collingwood, southwest corner Hoddle Street Demolished 1971)

Below is the original newspaper article of the event (a transcript is below it). It was a time before phones, and the police were on foot, so it was easy for a push of Larrikins to take over a pub.

ASSAULTING THE POLICE. Friday 26 November 1880

At the Collingwood Police Court yesterday, the four youths Edward Peddy, Thomas Donnelly, Patrick Quinn, and Francis Chiswick were presented to answer a charge of being concerned in the recent outrage on the police, which took place in Hoddle Street last Monday afternoon. Inspector Green prosecuted, and Mr McKean appeared for the prisoner Quinn.  Inspector Green applied for a remand, on the grounds that the constable who was injured in the affray was still in the hospital in a very dangerous condition, and also that there were others who took part in the disturbance still at large .Mr McKean objected to the remand, and informed the Bench that there were a number of witnesses who could prove that Quinn had nothing to do with the outrage. Constable Charleston was then put in the box, and deposed that on Monday last he was in Hoddle Street, when he was assaulted by a number of youths. He identified the prisoner Quinn as one of the lads who assaulted him on that occasion. He subsequently arrested the prisoner at Richmond. After some discussion between Mr McKean and the Bench it was decided to remand the prisoners, bail being allowed in two sureties of £100 each, and themselves m £200 each

A lad named Edward Barnfield was then presented to answer a charge of obstructing the police on the execution of their duty on the same occasion Constable Charleston deposed that on Monday he was chasing a lad across a piece of vacant ground in Vere Street, when he was struck by a stone on the back of his head and on turning round he saw the prisoner coming towards him. A witness said he cautioned him, but the prisoner became insolent, and placed himself in a fighting attitude. Witness then endeavoured to secure him, but the prisoner resisted violently. Mr Lyons who appeared for the defence, asked the witness if it was true that he knocked the prisoner down with the butt end of his rifle. Witness replied, "No” Constable Kane corroborated the former evidence. Mr Vincent a milk seller, deposed that the prisoner, who bore a very good character was in his employ. On Monday last he was in company with the prisoner watching the altercation between the police and the larrikins, but beyond this the prisoner took no part in the disturbance, but, on the other hand he was roughly ill used by the police without cause.  As the evidence against the prisoner was not very clear, the Bench gave him the benefit of the doubt and discharged him at the same time cautioning him to be more careful for the future.

And some follow up articles.

7th December 1880

Detective Lovio yesterday succeeded in arresting at Benalla three men, named John Ashworth, Thomas Griffiths, and Brewer, upon a charge of being concerned in the recent attack upon Constable Shorthill. They will probably be brought up at the Collingwood Police Court this morning

12 August 1881

The case of Constable Shorthill, who was so seriously assaulted at the Victoria Hotel, Hoddle-street, by the larrikins who had taken possession of the hotel one night in November last, came before the Police Super-annuation Board on Wednesday, at the usual monthly meeting. The board, consisting of Mr. Symonds, the under-treasurer ; Colonel Rede, the sheriff ; and Mr. Harriman, secretary of tho Law department, decided to re-commend to the Governor in Council, undersection 22 of the Police Regulations Statute, that Constable Shorthill should be allowed to retire with a gratuity, or a pension equal to half his salary.

Constable Shorthill joined the force in 1878, he recovered, but there was an argument in parliament over his fitness for duty in 24 June 1886

Day 25 26 27

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 

Day 25 Control Angry Feelings - I don't think you can underestimate a well placed 'fuck off'. Sometimes that is all I need, to release a shit load of passive aggressive stuff that I might otherwise carry around. The other day I rang the bank, due to a timing thing, my car insurance was due a banking nano second before a deposit went in. The bank (they are all bastards) decided to dis-honor the payment, and fine me $15. I rang and asked nicely if they would consider reversing the $15, actually I even used the word beg. So when the call person center went into her bank brainwashed spiel, I wasn't impressed. I know she could have used her discretion, instead of being on a power trip, and when she said to me 'you are just going to have to wear it'. I said, 'Well thanks for nothing, and I hope you have a really shitty day'. And then instead of getting off the phone and being furious, I pissed myself laughing, and updated my Facebook status with the story, I got 40 likes, so everyone hates banks. And it was worth the $15. So some might say, that I responded in anger. Maybe I did, but I know it could have been far worse.

Day 26 Fish out a happy notion - Sometimes I like to wallow in self pity. If I am happy all the time, how will I know that I am happy. I need the occasional contrast of being selfish, grumpy and negative. It doesn't help that people find my grumpiness hilarious either.

Day 27 Go to a live happening, enjoy the anticipation and participate. Another one that I find difficult. Firstly, I have to get up, shower, dry my hair and choose something to wear. Then I run out of the house late, because I am always late. Then I get stuck on the Westgate Bridge, or arrive at the venue and not have change for parking. I get to the venue, it is too loud, or the chairs are uncomfortable, or the patrons annoy me. Then I realise I haven't put make up on and my face is all red from running around. I force myself to enjoy it, all the while wishing I was home with my dogs, beating myself up because there are people in the world that never have the opportunity to experience some of the things I complain about. Then I come out, find a parking ticket and go home with the shits. Sometimes it is all just too hard.

Day 21 22 23 24

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
21 Take regular breaks
22 Cherish yourself - eat well
23 Leave your work at work
24 Feel seasonal magic

Take regular breaks, I know I don't move away from my desk often enough, but even though I don't take physical breaks, I take lots of mental breaks while working.
I am looking forward to a month off over the end of February early March. Me time.

Cherish yourself - eat well. I read something earlier today that said, 'I am not fat, I have fat'. Whatever. I have lots of it. One day I may solve the mystery of why I allow myself to carry so much extra weight, but I don't think today will be the day.

Leave your work at work. Luckily I have the kind of job where I can do this. I would hate to be the kind of person that has their whole identity wound into their job. 

Feel seasonal magic - another easy one! I enjoy celebrating seasonal changes with my Pagan friends. Beltane at Mount Franklin, Midsummer Ball, Druid stuff - lovely

Dancing the Maypole - Mt Franklin 2011

Day 20 Cut down on stimulants

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Stimulants can make you on edge and reduce your happy moments.


I am playing catch up with this project. Mainly because I have been busy doing things, I think that is the truth, I don't think I am shirking the project.

Cutting down on stimulants is also something I have been gradually doing, reducing alcohol, and I have a fascination for green tea. Actually it is bigger than just tea, I have a fascination for many Asian things. I think it goes back to when I was first taken to a Chinese Restaurant when I was a pre-schooler. I can remember sitting at the table and looking at the red lanterns above, being so little, they were like huge red moons or balloons and I loved the dragons, the gold and the brocade.

Even now, I am attracted to little Chinese fabric purses, lipstick cases and am presently using a brocade handbag with cane handles, which has been admired by a Chinese IT business woman and a Chinese lady in a $2 shop (my favorite shops, I love buying Asian Colgate for a third of the price)

One Saturday morning I went to the library to return some books. I thought I was only going to be a minute, so I had on a hippy dress, no make up, and no underwear, which didn't matter because the dress wasn't see through, (some people get all giggly or horrified over no underwear). At the library I see them setting up a table with Chinese teasets and stainless steel thermoses and the librarian tells me they are having a class on the Chinese Tea Ceremony, but that the class is full. She must have seen how disappointed I was, as she said, it is just about to start, so hang around in case there is a no show. The Chinese tea gods were looking out for me that day, and I was given a place.

The instructor, who was in her late 60s, but looked twenty years younger, took us through the Zen of pouring tea. Firstly we heated the cups and teapot with boiling water, then we tipped some boiling water into a smaller vessel, when it was a tiny bit cooler, we poured part of it over the tea. We then tipped that off - to get rid of the caffeine, and then we poured the rest of the water into the moist tea. She told us to only let it stand for about one and a half to three minutes, any longer than that, the green tea turns bitter.  The tea was exquisite. Since then I have been on a journey finding the perfect green tea. So far, the best tea bags are the ones from Costco, the tea is bright green in the cup rather than yellow or brown, the Mandura Organic green tea bags are good too. Each time I get loose leaf tea, I get a different one, at the moment I am using Kaffir lime tea from Cambodia, but if you are looking for loose leaf green tea, buy a good quality Japanese one or some of the Buddha balls, where the tea leaves are wound into little balls, that unfurl in the water.

Day 19 Schedule quiet time

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Quiet time

Pisces by nature are daydreamers, so finding quiet time is easy. Even when surrounded by a room full of people, it isn't hard to drift off to another place and dream.

I have been having quiet time and escaping for ever. As a kid growing up in the 1960s we had lots of freedom. I can remember when at dog and cat shows, even before I started school, being able to roam freely to explore, alone or with other show orphans. Having two little brothers also gave me a reason to escape, lucky I had my own room or they would have sent me crazy, or maybe they did! 

Somehow I managed to find quiet time too when Claire was little. As soon as she was asleep, I would make the most of it. I didn't have time for hobbies, but still had time to read or be still, or sleep.

Reading also gives me time alone, and writing, that is the best of all, I can lose hours and hours when I am writing, it is like being swallowed up in a time lapse or being kidnapped by aliens.

Day 18 Allow time to be on time

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Reserve plenty of time to be on time.

Punctuality. Hmmm, I think I have been late to work every day since May 181. It is some form of unrecognised mental illness. I will have to look it up. I do have patches where I am on time, but mostly I am late. It is psychological, I don't want to go to work, so I think of important things to do when I should be in the car on the Ring Road, things like sleeping, unloading the dishwasher, sleeping, feeding the dogs, sleeping, washing my hair, sleeping.

I have been getting up earlier though, maybe it is one of the (dis)advantages of aging, sleeping less. It makes sense to plan to be on time or earlier, I am so much less stressed when I am not rushing. But then again, who looks forward to a daily two hour commute? This is what I experience every day. Yuck.

Day 16 and 17

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Day 16 Plan new projects
Day 17 Face your fears logically

Day 16 - I almost need to do the reverse. NO more projects. Nah, I would go crazy without a project or cunning plan to work on. Most of my projects are on schedule, even with new ones pushing into the race. Like today, Dad managed to get me a Horn sewing cabinet for $20 from the semi-homeless man named Canman that lives under a table in Dad's kitchen (you think I am joking!), Canman and a lady friend procured it from one of their naturestrip treasure hunts. So I have spent time setting up the cabinet, gathering all my sewing bits and bobs from the laundry, linen press, garage, dog basket and where ever else they have ended up and set up my cabinet. It is lovely, I feel like one of those models from Sale of the Century, where they wave their hands over the latest prize.

 

Canman, a lady friend and dad, wrangling the Horn sewing cabinet

Day 17 Face your fears logically

Easy and hard. I am not scared of many things, other than the obvious, my family and home being threatened or attacked by The Kraken, lurking psychos and other monsters. And Christmas, I am scared of Christmas.

Other than that, I am mostly ok with putting on my big girl panties and facing up to stuff. Doesn't mean I am going to like it, but as Mum says, 'that's the way the mop flops'.

Day 15 Watch how you walk

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Watch how you walk 

Too hard. I hate walking. It could be because of my recently diagnosed sacroiliac joint problems. We shall see. But I will make an effort to pull my shoulders back, suck my tummy in (ha ha) and push my boobs up when I walk.

Day 14 Notice bad moods

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Feeling disgruntled, pay attention to the feeling.

Hilarious. I have been in a bad mood for 40 years. I would do something about it, but people find my bad moods funny so I have no incentive.

Day 14 is a brilliant strategy. If you are in a bad mood, don't deny it, and push it away, think about it. Ask yourself 'why am I feeling this way'. It is ok to be angry, sad, depressed, go with it and try to get to the bottom of it. 

Well I know what is at the bottom of it, my life path, and that is something else that is in a loop.

Day 13 Think about your health

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013
How's your health today?

I fail this one. I fail it miserably. I don't look after my health. Probably because I come from a long line of healthy people, that just fade away of old age in their 70s. 

Health and medical issues are not one of my favorite topics so I will make a little list that I will try include into my daily routine.

. Drink more water
. Eat less sugar
. Try to move around a little bit more

Day 12 Notice goodness

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Notice the goodness in your world and it will lift your spirits

Instant pass!  Even when I am at my gloomiest, I can still appreciate the goodness, even if it is gallows humor.

I regularly practice random acts of kindness or engage strangers I find crying in the street, until they are distracted enough to continue on their day. The kindness and goodness comes back to me and I send it back out there and it makes a continuous loop (I think that is a tautology, a loop is continuous anyway)

But is not all hearts and flowers, sometimes I am a complete bitch too.

Day 11 Revel in sounds

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Listen to birdsong

I hate loud noise. Makes me want to kill people. Every Tuesday at work, in the afternoon they test some big motherfucker diesel engine right outside my window. My boss and I hate it. If the canteen was open, we would go and have a latte, but the timing is wrong.

I have stopped going to parties, because every time I walk past the stereo, I turn the music down when there is a pause in the song. I go to parties to talk to my friends, not shout over Khe San. I am the party Grinch.
I don't think I will even have music at my 50th. 

We have no radio or stereo at home, we don't even miss it. The TV is on if Mark is home and I spend a lot of time shouting 'turn it down'. 

Birdsong is something I notice and enjoy. Especially when camping or staying at Bev and Dad's. Which brings me to a story.

Dad had a turn on the weekend, while Bev was away visiting my brother in Mackay, so we decided that I would stay with him until Bev got back, Three nights. What an adventure. Especially when Dad slipped off his chair and I couldn't lift him, so I sat on the floor in front of him eating his Christmas Chocolates, to try and entice him into getting himself up.

Dad's place is like Mecca for birds. Every bird in the world must have visited there place at least once. The council have tried to stop it, (bastards), they have even served Bev a court ordered cease and desist, telling her not to feed them, and the ranger drives past their corner block, at a snails pace regularly, like the Men in Black - the fuckers got her name wrong on the court order though, so Bev wins.

Bev has a parrot called Stickybeak. He drinks Ouzo (no it is not animal abuse) and eats everything she does. Stickybeak talks and can mimic the telephone perfectly, which drives me bananas, running to the phone answering it and seeing Stickybeak fall off his perch laughing because he has tricked me again.   

I thought I had a photo of Stickybeak on his jungle gym, but I haven't, so here is a pic of Dad with his dancing Galah and the Eagle that sits on the front verandah, that every bird in the world comes to worship.
  

Day 10 Is your path right

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013

This one makes me want to SCREAM. My path has never been right. My path is still not right.

Three years ago, I set a three year plan to get my life on track. 

1. Finish and publish RAGE
2. Start two more books
3. Finish Certificate IV in Youth Work
4. Get out of debt
5. Change careers

Each one of those goals is a plan in itself, and now three years later, the summary is

1. Finish and publish RAGE    Done
2. Start two more books         Done - almost ready to go to print with book two
3. Finish Certificate IV in Youth Work   -  Sabotaged by the TAFE teacher that convinced me into transferring to a Diploma course, so now I have to study an extra year, while my certificate mates have all finished.
4. Get out of debt - Well too many overseas trips knocked this one on the head, but my debt is reducing instead of increasing.
5. No luck with job change yet, no experience, hard to do placement as it is a bit stupid taking up to three months off a well paid job to work for nothing. Yes, I do have some paid leave owing, but my boss has a mini melt down when I take time off because he gets stuck with the entire work load, and he is a bloke. Still working on plans B, C and D.

I thought at the end of those three years, that I would now be embarking on my brilliant career. Instead, I am still in the same fucken job (that I should be grateful for) and am just as miserable. I have had lots of fun on the way. Maybe this is my path. Aaarrgghhh  Noooooooooo.

Day 9 Enjoy anticipation

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 
Delay some of today's small pleasures and enjoy the extra anticipation this gives you.

People with addictions and impulse control demand immediate gratification, so I failed miserably at this one. Except for housework, I delayed my housework so I could feel better later - which worked really well as my sister in law came over and did it for me.

And this post, was also delayed so I could anticipate finishing it. 

But I do enjoy the anticipation of longer term goals, like our trip to the Cook Islands in July and my approaching month's leave.

Day 8 Today is the first day

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 

The summary of day 8 is, despite the fact you are probably surrounded by the same old same old, try and capture a 'fresh start' feeling to energise you forward.

Being creative seems to work best for me, and the fact that I only have 31 days until I go on a months leave. 

Today I worked on the invitation to my 50th, it really doesn't seem ten years since I was organising my 40th, and on the weekend I have a 21st to go to so I am in the process of making a magic black mirror and a gothic/horror treasure box for the birthday girl. The round treasure box is made from an empty chocolate box and spooky contact.

The scrying mirror is a normal pine glass photo frame, that has had one side of the glass painted black and the frame has been painted black too. Will post another photo when it is finished and decorated.

 

Days 4 5 6 7

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 

Day 4 Go for a mini break

Day 5 Make that call

Day 6 Forgive someone

Day 7 Think first

I got a bit behind as the weekend was busy with an engagement party, a baby shower and the night out at Dracula's.

Day 4 Go for a mini break is easy - I am always having mini breaks, either at the caravan or at home when I am left with no adult supervision. Sometimes I even manage to have them at work, when Cheryl and I have a fish'n'chip picnic at the park during our lunch break.

Day 5 Make that call - I had been using FB to stay in touch with people, but already this year I have made quite a few overdue phone calls. I like to ring people sometimes and say, 'I don't want anything, just rang to hear your voice'.

Day 6 Forgive someone -  Hmmm, not sure about this one. I quite enjoy my revenge fantasies, which are probably a healthy way to 'forgive' someone, rather than becoming bitter and twisted. This one is a bit too deep - especially when it can sometimes take people years of therapy to get to a point where they can even consider forgiveness. Still, it is a starting point and may be helpful for someone about to start out on a journey towards forgiveness.

Day 7 Think first - Nope. Boring. If I thought first,and bit my tongue, there would be no stories to blog about. I think I have some adult form of Oppositional Defiance Disorder.

 

Fresh and Dark

50th birthday celebration at Dracula's Theater Restaurant in Melbourne

Tonight we celebrated my old mate Caryn's 50th. A mutual friend said to me, 'you know she isn't really 50, she is 15'. I agree.

Caryn's boyfriend Ashy organised for Caryn's two lifelong best friends to meet at Dracula's as a surprise for her birthday, with me and another friend. Caryn's sharpie girl gang was known as JLK Sharps. Jenny Linda and Karyn (That was before she decided to use the correct spelling Caryn, of her name)

During the 1980s Tiki and John's and Dracula's were often on my social calendar for birthdays, hen's nights and other events, but today's birthday girl had never been there before.

As I am a grumpy old bag and in the past I had overdosed on theater restaurants, I was curious to see how I would feel about tonight.

The evening started out in high spirits, the birthday bitch had no idea where she was going, so on the way to the venue to meet J and L, our first incident was next to Etihad Stadium, when we pulled up beside a brand new convertible Porche driven by a self important man (calf headed fat fucker according to the girls who are helping me type this). Sharpie girls prefer alpha males, I think it is because of our testerone/eostrogen imbalance. Anyway I inched the car forward to get a good look and mouthing off, and showing off in front of my friends, I sung, in a gravelly Marlborough/Whisky voice,  'Nice car, but we wouldn't fuck you'. Turns out I had the window slightly down and his shocked/astonished/bewildered/devastated 35 year old beta male face looked towards a car full of tattooed, cleavaged 50 year old gypsys, and the girls said 'he heard you'. I said 'Ooopps' and then said to birthday bitches's boyfriend 'I bet he is looking at you thinking what has he got that I haven't?' and Ashy said 'Well I have got the three chicks in the Subaru'.

Next I pulled up near 'Witches in Britches' in North Melbourne shouting out 'Here we are', and then as we accelerated away, 'ha ha tricked ya' and as we passed La Porchetta's near Victoria Market and I said to birthday bitch's boyfriend, 'I can't believe you would choose La Porchetta'. Next we drove towards an open windowed back packers bar, I shouted out 'Yay, Slops (an old West Side Sharp friend) is already there. I could see Birthday bitch looking at the muscular man playing pool and then realising I was tricking her again.

Arriving at Dracula's we do the queueing thing, which we hate, but coped because were waiting to meet up with J and L.

 Caryn   Linda   Jenny

Lifelong friends

At the door we are greeted by a stunning green corseted young woman named Violent (which appealed to us) and then we went through the secret initiation of arriving and being seated at Dracula's. I won't describe too much as it is a secret.

In the 80s at Dracula's we were entertained by the good looking Newman children and I was wondering if an aging Rocket Snotter and his sexy side kick would be on stage.

Well they were not on stage, but their influence and creative energy were everywhere. The occult decor was something to be envied, with collectibles, kustom made wall coverings and wrought iron, and rare treasures.

Now old ladies love their food, and we were not disappointed, caramelised onion or morrocan chicken tart for entree, I had Asian pork belly, which had just the right amount of coriander mixed with spinach and chat potatoes, and I am not telling you what we had for dessert.

I was blown away by the fresh show and have only processed some of the dark highlights :

. The diabolical devil scanning groceries, especially the Rice Bubbles and the intermittent beep.
. Dead swan girl hitting the high notes and making my hair stand on end
. The dark puppet show
. The statues

It was a collision of steam punk, rock opera, electrified classical instruments, managed by multi talented fabulous young people, finished with one of the best alternative dress up box, souvenir kiosks I have ever seen. And the cocktails, can't forget the cocktails! Or the costumes, or the explosive finale...

                                             https://www.draculas.com.au/melbourne/the-show/

As we consider ourselves part of the original punk scene in Melbourne, I had a maternal feeling as I saw the evolution on the stage in front of me.

Day 3 Assess your energy dips

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013


This is only my second day back at work, but I haven't noticed any energy dips, which is strange. Although I find I am not as tired now that I off my 'happy pills'. I love it when I am being bitchy and I tell people 'I am medicated to be this nice'.

I was probably motivated today as I had things I wanted to do. And also because at work at the moment I am the only Master Data Administrator in the region, so I am feeling really really fabulously important, helping out people in other countries. I like doing things like that at this time of year, as it is performance appraisal time and you are only as good as your last fuck up or compliment. So I have made sure to say to anyone that has rung, or emailed and apologised for asking for my help 'No problem, it is my job to help'. Nothing shits me more than someone that says 'That is not my job'.


So with today's non energy dip, at lunchtime, I showed two of the frienemies how to make soy candles in the work microwave. The rest of the office appreciated the gorgeous smell of Lemongrass wafting around the office, bit of aromatherapy there, Lemongrass is 'uplifting'. We had to put a do not touch/rock the table sign to stop the stupid boys from touching the candles.

Also I designed a voucher and an engagement card for a friend that is getting engaged, one of the daughters from my favorite family at Eppalock. They broke my heart when they sold their van.

And I transcribed some interviews for a film maker friend, fascinating stories, that have me laughing out loud. I hope my energy surge lasts, the more I get done, the more I want to do. Nothing depresses me more than not having something to look forward to, a project or a cunning plan.


After making the candles, and bringing in my mother in laws home made lemon slice to share, I actually saw some of the frienemies smiling at me as I walked down their end of the office. I rarely go down there, it is only a few meters away, but I only go there to buy lollies from Rose. And when I do, I shout out 'Warning, warning, intruder' as I head towards them.

Day 2 Count Small Luxuries

From the book 'Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you'. My project for 2013 

Today I am to appreciate the small comforts.

That is an easy one. Firstly I was happy to angrily flap away a naughty poodle puppy that sleeps in my bed, that wanted to bite my hands, lick my face and pull my hair at 5 am. 

Although I had going to work rage, I enjoyed putting my pedicured feet into my bejeweled sandals and packing a container of home made Croatian pastries to share with my work frienemies, to try to trick them into liking me and I was grateful for getting into a car that was almost a gift to me, that starts immediately, runs well, and has frosty air conditioning.

At work I got to sit in an airconditioned office and snack on the best blue vein cheese I have ever had the satisfaction of eating and other holiday left overs bought in by the frienemies.

When I got home to a centrally cooled house, my poodles were delighted to see me, and Mark although a bit surly/tired/coming down with a cold, cooked an interesting pasta for tea with ham, egg and red pepper sauce while I pottered around, putting away my fabric scraps and completed projects

Day 1 Just Do It

Everyday Happy 365 ways to a better you. My project for 2013

I am expected to do something really active and pro active, like go for a run, pop round and see a friend, or start a new project.

Well, I am not running, I don't mind running, but I have been having issues (which I won't bore you with, I hate medical discussions) with my sacroiliac joint, so I get out of that one. Not going to visit any of my friends, I love them, but this year I need to stay home and not be popping off all over the joint visiting people. (That sounds like some kind of grade four fart joke)

That leaves a new project. I can just hear Mark and Claire groaning. They HATE my projects and ideas.

I started this project today, I did have plans on finishing it, but it was a bit ambitious. It does fold out and I had a lovely sleep on it under the verandah the other afternoon with my dogs. (I like them the best)

 One old sofa bed couch thingy, that somehow ended up in our garage, plus velvet remnants

You get the idea, the back is almost finished

So after abandoning that project, I started on another one, I have two antique cane chaise lounges, which Mark hates, (spending more money on shit, blah blah blah) and I have two 70s chaise cushions (that are so ugly that they are back in fashion) that needed covering with a new doona cover I bought from the Salvos for $6. It is thick upholstery fabric.

Before

 

After

It is a bit sad when the 'before' looks better than the 'after'! The 'before' photo makes the cushion look like it is in better condition than it is, it is dusty, faded, and has vinyl on the reverse, and holes in it.

 

 I found the chaise outside an antique shop in Belgrave about 18 years ago. As the man bellied his way around the counter to put the sold sticker on it, he told me it came from a doctor's property in the Dandenong's and had been on the verandah since the 1930s.  I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it, somewhere between $75 and $125. My other one isn't in as good condition, but I bought it from a friend (who I let rip me off in the deal, it was a game we played) who has since passed away, so it has sentimental value. Not sure who ended up winning our game, but I do still owe her $40.

Well I am feeling quite smug, attaining my first goal (I learned that wank word, 'attainment', during a re-engineering project at work, from a slimy bloke that loved to tell people about his MBA)