It was a special day today. A day in which I got all gussied up in a nice frock, and took myself to town so that I could treat my mother.
We went to the Queen Victoria Building in the centre of Sydney, up to the third floor and the tea room.
Most pleasant I must say!
Definitely a more elegant way to indulge oneself!
And not much left by the time we parted ways two hours later!
There are places you go when you’re feeling a little flat. When your life needs some direction. When you just feel the need to connect with something inspirational again. For me, one of those places has always been the Powerhouse Museum.
I took myself off on a little excursion over there today. Decided to give myself a treat, and go and see the Harry Potter exhibition while it was still on. I may have reached the conclusion that a weekday, now that school is back on, and early in the morning, was the most sensible time to go for a visit. And I was right!
The session I went in with (yes, you go to a timed entry session), was the first of the day, and I was one of five adults. No screaming children. No queues. No obstructed views. AND I got to be sorted! *giggles* Oodles of fun!
I was enthralled and mesmerised by all the details in each of the costumes and all the props! Truly mind-blowing, and utterly inspiring!
But, being owned by Warner Bros, no photography allowed.
So whilst in the building, I navigated my way around the construction work (and they are doing quite a bit of it at the moment it seems!) and headed off down to my favourite space; the Lace Study Centre.
In there I was able to chat with the wonderful volunteers who are so knowledgeable and who obviously not only love, but have an all encompassing passion for their craft. It’s catching! I showed them some of my work, and they showed me the basics of bobbin lace (I’ve always wanted to do that! *adds it to the list*).
They opened all the drawers for me, and we discussed this history of some of the older pieces, the methods of construction, and then the procedures of some of the newer pieces, like Catherine’s wedding gown and the Royal School of Needlework’s part in its construction.
EPIC!
As the room filled up, and they had people other than me to effuse all over, I headed out to the Love Lace exhibit that’s currently running.
I love discovering new ways of incorporating lace into life, and how many different things it represents to so many different people!
This is a selection of a few of my favourite pieces from today.
You know I’m going to try this at some point, right? *plots a yarn bomb*
I also want to try this with some doilies!
And the rest!!!
I can’t get over the fact that this is a chain link fence!
So anyway, by the time I walked out of there I was well and truly inspired! Now to take that inspiration and make something mind blowing with it!
To the grind stone!
It’s a beautiful day in my neighbourhood!
Oh my! Where have we ended up?!
A patchwork fabric shop you say?
I may have finally realised that I could goggle “patchwork fabric Sydney” and discovered two of the best and most amazing shops are in walking distance of our house. I may have asked Himself if he wanted to go on an adventure. I may have walked away with quite the stash of new and exciting fabrics … But I’ll leave those for another post!
One of the things I love about where we live is the diversity of the street art. This piece has been moving me for quite some time when I see it on my walks, and today I had the time to photograph it and share it with you.
We tried out a new café. One again it was one which I had been wanting to try for some time, and today it was not only open but we managed to walk in at a point where we could have eaten from the breakfast or lunch menus! (handy!)
I ended up with roasted field mushrooms, with sautéed spinach, Persian fetta, dukkah, on toasted olive bread…
And Himself went nuts and had the French Toast, with grilled banana, bacon, and maple syrup!
I can’t walk past the local nursery without going in and having a quick wander and a browse of all the plants that are flowering.
It made me wonder if hanging my plants would protect them from wayward kitties who like to eat my beautiful plants and then barf everywhere! (*looks at Oscar*)
Just so you’re aware, we made it into two more fabric shops before heading home. But I’ll spare you those details and instead share with you one last piece of local street art.
I know they’re fighting each other. But did you notice that they’re watching you?
*grins*
When was the last time you walked around your neighbourhood?
With our Annual Pass at its expiry date we packed up our bags and headed off for one last jaunt with the animals.
We were reminded why you need to be careful when hiking through the Australian bush.
We cracked jokes about Drop Bears, loudly, for the tourists’ benefit.
These guys were playing near the water as it was a warm day out!
According to the sign, this fella is the world’s deadliest bird. He also took issue with the nice man who was trying to clean his glass. Poor man *shakes head*
This half of the emblem could have been a taxidermy specimen! I swear he was moving around on the day! (Boing! Boing! Boing!)
And I’ll never forget having an emu steal my cheese sandwich when I was a child. Damn emu! *shakes fist*
Some types will ever be prone to playing up to the paparazzi.
And as we bid a fond farewell, we noticed Rex was enjoying some sun. One would almost swear he was waiting for someone, or something, to fall in.
Yes, you.
Yep. He’s awake alright! Just waiting for one small slip up!
With our Annual Passes fast running out, we thought we’d best make use of one of the venues while it’s free.
So last Thursday on a slightly over cast day, we headed on up to what is now the Sydney tower, but in my heart will always be Centrepoint.
On a clear day you’re meant to be able to see to Ayres Rock (with assistance). This was not a clear day.
North – Harbour Bridge and beyond that, the family.
West – Darling Harbour (and though not visible, our house!)
South – I work in that jungle …
East – Watsons Bay makes the best fish and chips! Slightly out of shot: New Zealand.
Back a bit, and in a bit to: Kings Cross (Coke sign to the left) and Taylor Square (below the SCG to the right).
A tourist gimmick!
Damn I love this city ☺
ghoti industries 