Music for October

Here are some new albums which are helping me keep cool and inspired.  Each album is fantastic in its own way.  What is even more cool?  In less than a month my ten years of part time study will be over.  I can't wait!  It only means good things; more life, more fun, more music and perhaps even more importantly, healthy amounts of sleep!

Spring Weather

I can't believe it's already near the end of September but I am glad for all the warm weather.  Summer definitely feels like it's just around the corner.  This weekend we went out for brunch by the river at Bulimba and a wander through the Powerhouse farmers' markets where I picked up fruit and flowers.  James and I then strolled across to South Bank where we found a tranquil comfortable spot overlooking gardens and the water to while away the afternoon with cold glasses of Campari and soda and a chance for me to catch up on the latest issue of Vogue.  Clear blue skies, sunshine and water must be one of the most mood enhancing combinations, I wish I could always enjoy these kind of days as we did on Saturday. Here are a few snippets from around the apartment this weekend including market flowers in some old jam jars, our vintage sunburst clock in its new spot above the bamboo desk and my new straw hat I purchased at South Bank for a steal sitting happily at the entry.

Island Living at King's Treat

The latest Lonny Magazine features one of David Flint Wood and India Hick's Harbour Island homes, King's Treat.  I love the style of these light airy interiors that speak of relaxed coastal living, not overly decorated but with lots of interesting features.  It definitely embodies my ideal island living!

Weekend Colour

I am not averse to a cheerful bunch of flowers care of the supermarket, especially when the whole bunch only cost $10!  I always find it uplifting to have an abundance of fresh flowers in the apartment and whether they are from the market flower stalls, a couple of bunches from the local drug store pulled apart, a beautifully curated bouquet from the florist, or a big mix on special at the supermarket, flowers are beautiful no matter where they are from.

Darling Dahlia

Last evening James and I arrived back in Brisbane after three intensive days of work up on the Sunshine Coast.  It was overcast and rainy most of the time but the landscape was beautifully green as a result of all the rain.  The views out towards the misty hinterland was very atmospheric.  The rain stopped long enough for me to quickly take a snap of this lovely Dahlia I came across.  Its bright fuschia colour was so astonishing in the grey weather.  This one is yet to open up completely with all its petals and will no doubt look even more glorious.  Dahlias are definitely one of my favourite flowers.

August Favourites

Just a few of my favourite things at the moment... French candles under glass cloches, vintage turquoise Foo Dogs I found for a steal, Kate Spade ballet flats from Boston, a blue and white paisley scarf I found in Toowoomba last weekend from a lovely store called French Allure and my Red Phoenix necklace from my good friend Caroline...

Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston

One of the things I most love to do when I travel is to visit a city's museums and galleries.  One of the highlights of my trip to Boston was the opportunity to discover the ICA.  The art museum was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and opened in late 2006.  Located at Fan Pier on the waterfront the museum is such a wonderful art space full of light and transparency.  Furthermore, I love a good stair and you can probably tell from my photos that I was a fan of all the stairs at the ICA!  I enjoyed the exhibitions and loved the public space extending out over the water with beautiful views back towards the city.  A must visit if you are ever in Boston.

Chihuly Colour

I have been meaning to post up these photos I took on my visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  I have admired the work of American glass artist Dale Chihuly for many years ever since I watched an ABC arts program featuring his work.  You can imagine my delight at discovering the fact that there was a Chihuly exhibition on during my stay in Boston.  Chihuly's blown glass pieces are exquisite in form and jewel like in colour.  The artist's glass installations are like some kind of strange and beautiful underwater wonderland...

Wedding & Vacy Hall

We left for Toowoomba Friday evening for a family dinner ahead of Lachlan and Bec's wedding on  Saturday.  The weather on the day was magnificent and the bride and groom couldn't be more radiant in their happiness.  James and I were so happy for them both.  It was great for James to catch up with family and in particular James' Great Aunt up from Melbourne.  Tomorrow the newly wed couple is off to Fiji while the rest of the family returns home.

We took the opportunity to stay the weekend and pay Vacy Hall a second visit.  No Hydrangeas this time although perfect Camellias were in abundance.  The garden always seems to be in bloom no matter what season of the year.

Brisbane Mangroves

A few weeks ago Dad and I went for walk through the mangroves at Wynnum North (near the mouth of the Brisbane River). There is a boardwalk which meanders through a section of relatively undisturbed mangroves.  I suppose this is what the mouth of the Brisbane River looked like to John Oxley when he first discovered it.  So haunting and yet so beautiful, though if you looked closer the water was quite murky.  Far from the description in historical records.  I love these words describing the river in 1823:

"crystal clear water and a white sandy river bed that reflected the sun's rays even though it was 10 metres deep ...dark green patches of palms and giant fern forests were sprinkled with the delicate colours of thousands of orchids ...Oxley’s boat glided through millions of pink and white water lilies."
http://www.abc.net.au/queensland/federation/stories/s270973.htm

I wonder what Brisbane could have been had we preserved some of that natural beauty.

Harvard Yard

I thought I would post up these photos from my visit to iconic Harvard Yard of the university's beautiful grounds and buildings.  The prestigious Ivy League university is known for having had numerous U.S. Presidents as previous graduates and for being the oldest university in the U.S.  There weren't many people around other than visitors as it was summer vacation over there so it was a nice quiet stroll through the shady grounds.

July Music

       

Here are some albums that we are listening to on high rotation at the moment:  Teen Dream by Beach House, The Optimist by Stan Harrison and Au milieu des autres by Calogero.  I'm particularly digging Stan Harrison's album right now.  It has some smooth grooves with a bit of that retro 80's sax flavour.