galleries

returning to galleries has been special. on the big adventure they became sanctuaries for me in the midst of my running from or trying to make sense of things I didn’t quite understand. revisiting this pastime on which I leant so much for distraction and escape has reminded me once more of the importance of worlds beyond the real one in which I live.

today I ran into a painting I’ve known since before I could speak - a print of which hangs in the blue room of my grandparents’ home, in which I’ve set many times. I thought of my brothers and home when I saw it, a moment that felt somewhat surreal for reasons I don’t quite understand.

I’m heading home now - back to the world I know. <<

Lucy

in Sydney I also spent time with Lucy. having known her friendship for so long, I feel very lucky to call her one of the important people in my life. across the oceans there are people I love all over: remembering this, I tell myself to be grateful for all I’ve ever had and known. what has been can never be taken away from me. << 

Isaiah

I visited the little guy in Canberra. I saw him perform in his show, met his friends and cast mates, and even cooked our favourite Thai dish with him. we ate froot loops and watched silly videos. being in his world and seeing him navigate so much with such confidence and ease made me proud and miss him more than I do already.

I also caught up with Fran, who I’ve missed for a very long time. the stay in Canberra was short but felt as though it needed to happen. it felt good to be on the move again. <<

cat haus

in Melbourne I was staying at quite possibly the most exciting and wonderful sharehouse in the world. on the corner of two streets in north Melbourne, the cat haus sits as what easily be mistaken as a magnificent hybrid bookstore/cafe/hostel. shelves on shelves of books, every surface covered in writing or drawings or paintings or gorgeous draping curtains or lamps. a terrace lit by a web of fairy lights, surrounded by a forest of pot plants. instruments everywhere, and strange quotes too. every wall triggers a thousand questions. the stories held in the sanctity of this vibrant establishment lived on in the fragments remaining, cluttering the walls and furniture of the house that seemed to live and breathe.

I had fun and made friends there, and was even invited to draw on the wall. I’m praying I’ll be back to draw there again sometime soon. << 

Joel

a lot happening. it’s nice to be out of the state and away from home for a while. I’ll have to share more thoughts soon, but for now I just wanted to acknowledge Joel before I sleep. it’s the first time we’ve seen each other since living together in Lewes. we’ve laughed and talked for hours, he’s shown me around his neck of the woods, and I’ve remembered why I miss him and all of my friends from that world so much. Joel makes me laugh without even trying. I know how lucky I am to know his friendship, and I need to promise myself to remember this and the countless good people and things I’ve found. these gifts should never be taken for granted. <<

camp

I went on camp again. I’ve realised I’m somewhat dependent on the authenticity I find on these programs, though I know I’m so very lucky to keep going back. my buddy was an angel. it was a gorgeous group and a special week. it’s remarkable to think that I might never have known the fulfilment I find in this work had I not challenged myself to try it out at the awkward age of thirteen.

I’m lucky and working on not taking this for granted. leaving home for a while now - the first time since the adventure. excited for the distance and uncertainty it will bring, if only for a short time. << x

he’s home

strange week. long week. but Isaiah’s home now, and I have at least some time to spend with him. I’m very lucky.