Market morning

Saturday 28th June. As the mid morning chill melted under the winter sun and open blue skies, Esther and I explored the Green Flea markets. Scanning the fruit and vegie stalls I made my purchases. We wandered the length of the markets, touching silken fabrics, delighting in hand crafted bags, searching through racks of second hand clothes and enjoying the buzz and hum of the often alternative crowd.

Walking back to the car I was happy to see a parking inspecting fining all of the cars illegally parked, knowing I had lucked on a legal spot just up the road.

We drove into the Valley for the famous $4 breakfast at my favourite cafe, Fat Boys. The Valley markets were also abuzz with activity and colour. I couldn't resist capturing some of the colours. With our stomachs full and caffeine fix satiated we drove up to Paddington to collect Gigi before diving into the 'Mind, Body, Spirit Festival' at the showgrounds. It was hours before we escaped the clutches of the festival. Esther had her aura photographed, Gigi purchased some crystals and a prayer bowl, and I indulged in some scented oils.

It was a full day, but full of the things that make Brisbane such a great place to live.

Collection of worry dolls, waiting for someone's worries.

My new car?

Let's hope I can afford something better than this specimen.

Shop Sign

Boys on the Move

I recently spent the WHOLE day boysitting (they're not babies anymore, they're big boys!) my nephews Joshua and Lachlan. After seeing their parents off, we strolled down to the children's play area at Southbank Parklands. It's a perfect place for 2 and 4 year old boys. Two hours of running, crawling, sliding, swinging, jumping, exploring, bouncing, riding, climbing and fighting fires (this last bit was a bit of make believe) and I was exhausted from watching, supervising and constantly moving around the area making sure no major accidents occurred. I took some photos but my digital camera just couldn't keep up with them. Most of the photos are focused on something in the background as the boys move far too quickly. Any requests to 'be still for a moment' went completely ignored.

Later in the day we were joined by my AFS friend from Germany, Esther. We had pasta for dinner and then put the boys to bed, warm and snug in their flannelette pyjamas. Their parents returned from a dinner meeting after 11pm and Gigi picked me up to take me home. I collapsed into bed. We had a lovely day, the boys behaved beautifully and I went to sleep filled with admiration for my sister who tackles their energy levels every single day.

Sarah & Mohsen

My gorgeous friend Sarah wed her Iranian beau yesterday. Perched above Coolum beach on the rooftop of her parents' spectacular house we basked in the winter afternoon sun as their Mauritian celebrant delighted us with his quirky style. Friends and family kept to the cocktail wear theme, jewel colours, stylish black and elegant shawls would guard against the cool of the evening. The bride arrived in an elevator, preceded down the short red carpet by her niece and nephew.

Blooming in delicate pleats and a crocheted top, offset with a stunning silver brooch Sarah looked beautiful as she stood beside Mohsen in suit and silver tie. The family dog, washed, blow dried, fluffed and dressed in a knitted pink ensemble, mingled with the guests, seeking pats and rubs from stray hands as the ceremony unfolded.

The Pacific Ocean sparkled and with the moon risen, the sky turned from azure blue to a subtle pink as dusk approached. We returned to the generous living room where we enjoyed fabulous pink champagne and canapes. Photos, speeches, cake and more champagne filled out a relaxed, special celebration of what will undoubtedly be a the start of a loving marriage.

Congratulations Sarah and Mohsen. I can't wait to hear about the honeymoon to Tasmania.

City twilight