Thoughts

I feel a little lost. I was told/it was strongly suggested on Monday by my manager that I'll have to leave my role if I want to be developed. It was rather crushing as I'm sure I can be developed if the manager made some space and changes. She doesn't seem to understand and doesn't seem to want to develop me, it has made me feel a inadequate most of the time and has been a strain for a while. I think she is aware that I am looking for other roles and perhaps cannot be bothered now? Who knows. Work isn't everything..... This photo made me feel a lot better.

Aesop

Aesop is an Australian beauty brand, they have monthly newsletters full of inspiring stuff:

The following is from http://www.aesop.com/latest/newsletter/2011/item/331-august2011


AUGUST NEWSLETTER

When possible, we make time for diversions that enrich the soul. These need not be practical or productive. Indeed, the best ones almost never are. This month, our preferred diversions include Terrence Malick's film The Tree of Life, his first directorial work of note since The Thin Red Line in 1998. We've admired Malick since his independent feature Badlands debuted close to forty years ago. His latest film is both a closely observed study of one family, and an epic exploration of life in the universe. Immerse yourself in its existential beauty as an antidote to mainstream mediocrity. More visual treats are on offer at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, where Cy Twombly is featured in the exhibition Twombly and Poussin: Arcadian Painters. While the world has suffered a blow due to the recent passing of Cy Twombly and the great Lucien Freud, we are grateful for the work these dignified artists bequeathed to us. Our respect for both men is boundless. We nod also to the departed Ai Qing, father to contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, who offers another form of lyricism with his poems. Should you prefer to find your beauty in motion, visit the gentle people at Tokyo Bike for assistance. There is no better way to transit from point A to B than aboard one of their bicycles.

READ
Stand Still Like the Hummingbird, a collection of essays by Henry Miller (1891-1980). Artists and writers will be inspired. Those inclined to philosophy will be given many chances to reflect - on money, technology, nature, and persistence, among other things. To help you appreciate Miller, we recommend his 1961 Paris Review interview. If you are anything like us, you will want to pore through other interviews once here. Since 1953, the Paris Review has had the tenacity and good fortune to interview the world's best writers. In addition to Miller, read conversations with William Faulkner, Margaret Drabble and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

DISCOVER
Windmuehlenmesser Rust Eraser & Oil to keep your steel knives in good working order. The oil can be used to lubricate metal, wood and leather on all manner of objects. We use it in our kitchen to protect knife blades, wiping a few drops on clean metal after each washing. The eraser can be used on rust spots. To further care for your knives, never store them in leather or wooden sheaths where moisture can remain. And always keep them perfectly sharpened, since a dull blade is a terrible insult to fresh produce and the surest way to a kitchen-based injury.

LOOK
At the substantial collection of works on display in Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams, at Brisbane's GoMA until 2 October. The exhibition features paintings, sculpture, short films and photographs from Paris' Musee national d'art moderne in the Centre Pompidou. It's worth visiting Brisbane for the gallery alone. Since it opened in December 2006, GoMA, which is part of a riverside cultural precinct opposite the city centre, has been part of the city's reinvention of itself. As well as the original gallery (still operational and worth exploring), museum and GoMA, the area boasts a first-rate State Library known for its innovative initiative The Edge.

WATCH
Umberto D. Vittorio De Sica's compassionate tale of an elderly man's struggle to stay afloat in an uncaring city is regularly cited as one of the best films of all time, applauded by Ingmar Bergman and nominated for both an Academy Award and the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prix. We admire it for its art direction and the choice to film on real streets with an untrained cast, the result of the filmmaker's lack of respect for his professional compatriots admittedly, but a choice which led to a film that has emotional honesty and poetic rhythm. We recommend this film from Italy's post-war past as a reminder that the country offers so much cultural wealth, and will continue to do so, no matter how tawdry or undeserving the leaders of the nation.

EAT
Honest English fare at Frank's Cafe in London. If you're suffering after a celebratory evening, it's hard to go past their grilled sardines, barbecued sausages or roast chicken and potato salad. Positioned on the tenth floor of a Peckham car park, this pop-up cafe (now in its third year) is open only during the summer months, so make sure to visit soon. Don't be fooled by the humble location and somewhat basic seating arrangement: cocktails are available, and the view is as lovely as any you'd enjoy from a luxury hotel. Lunch is available but for the best atmosphere head there in the evening.

ENJOY
Greek and Australian wines from producers of integrity. Hatzidakis Winery offers bottled sunlight in its impressive dry white Santorini Assyrtico. Greek wine has improved markedly in recent years and this family winery, based near Pyrgos Kallistis, on the road to the monastery of the Prophet Elias, has been leading the charge since 1997. Share a bottle in one of Greece's clifftop hotels, ideally in September in a secluded pocket of Oia. In Australia, we're enjoying Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock Shiraz Cabernet Franc, a darkly fruity, firm and elegant wine. Also a family company, Jasper Hill grows its grapes in two paddocks named after the owners' daughters, using organic and biodynamic techniques.

SUPPORT
Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort and friends, who began the not-for-profit organisation Heartwear in 1993. Working with artisanal companies in developing countries, Heartwear collects finely made textiles, silverware and clothing and retails them through Heartwear's catalogue and network of wholesalers. Heartwear assists artisans to refine their products for export while working to retain the character and history behind each object. All profits are reinvested in the craftsperson's community. Edelkoort continues to run her eponymous Edelkoort Inc, predicting with consistent accuracy and alacrity how the world is shifting on its haunches from season to season.

SHARE
Phillip Pullman's epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials, a series that does what so many books promise by speaking to both adult and young adult readers, insulting neither. Rather than be prescriptive or moralistic, Pullman gives readers the space in which to interpret his references to Milton's Paradise Lost, theology, nationalism and physics. In response to questions about what it all means, he says: 'I'm not in the message business; I'm in the "Once upon a time" business.' Read the books for their remarkable turn of phrase, romping storylines, fully fleshed-out landscapes and wonderful characters - which range from witches to polar bears. Most readers of the series would agree that the film, The Golden Compass, based on the first book, Northern Lights, was unfortunate. We recommend you enjoy these stories in print.

LEARN
About Michael Murphy, co-founder of Boston-based MASS Design Group. Murphy is part of the design collaborative who start with the premise that architecture needs to play a role in combating poverty. The group works with governments and NGOs to train local tradespeople, build vital resources using cutting-edge techniques and modern materials, and assist in long-term improvement in living standards. Their projects include building Butaro Hospital and BHW Women's Hospital, schools and training centres in Rwanda, and working with the people of Haiti to rebuild their community.

'All growth is a leap in the dark, a spontaneous unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience.'
Henry Miller

Friday!!

Yes, its Friday and what a week it has been. I didn't have a good working week to be honest, rather rushed and a little traumatic. I'm glad I can relax for a couple of days. I have no plans to go out, I shall:

Read a book or read a couple of books, finish my oil painting of peonies, prepare for an interview for Monday!!! Oh and yes soak up some sunshine :)

The Skin I'm in

No this isn't me- I wish I had radiant skin like this young woman! Although maybe she is wearing makeup and illuminator? Image from http://www.scotch-soda.com/en/collection/campaign/category/women

For some reason this photo also reminds me of my drama classes at school and also a workshop training programme I attended a couple of years ago, it must be the theatrical effect and the black top (we had to wear all black for our drama classes at school). Wow those drama lessons have left an imprint on my memory- this was 15 years ago!

It's often said the way your skin looks shows your state of being. Mine is rather dry and dull. Just like my life over the past 5 years :(

To be honest I don't really look after it so its my problem really. In the past I have tried various organic creams and oils and the effect is short lived, so I half gave up just exfoliating with St Ives radiance cleanser and rubbing in some Astral or Nivea before dashing out anywhere. Yes I normally neglect my skin when I just bum around at home...

So is there a secret to good skin? I don't know but I'm not going to save up for any expensive creams. I shall:

1) Drink several glasses of water a day
2) Eat raw fruit and veg (try for five a day)
3) Exercise more- Join Netball club if evening classes in Sept don't clash, or go jogging twice a week.
4) Try to do happy things once a week or more like watch a good film, read a good book, paint or play my guitar.

Reflections

Image from http://www.scotch-soda.com/en/collection/campaign/category/women

The unexamined life is not worth living said Plato. I really agree with him, if you can't be conscious of yourself or your actions your life is probably rather robotic. Diary, letter writing and even blogging makes me examine some aspect of my life and explore different ways of thinking and discovering. There is a magic in writing, a world opens.

I'm reading a book about Van Gogh's letters, they are amazing, if Van Gogh, art and the artists creative mind interests you I highly recommend this book. Van Gogh reflected a lot about his life and his work in these letters. There is also a lot of affection and passion too.
I love this painting of irises, whenever I see real Irises I think of van Gogh. It's strange but I don't automatically associate like this regarding sunflowers (his paintings of sunflowers; the studies and the infamous sunflowers in a vase)

Finding square holes

have you ever had a mini-crisis? Where your world kind of comes crashing down and you question why you are following your lifestyle, current job and other attachments which suddenly appear poisonous and painful to you? Well it has HIT me.

I'm trying to find a job I will like and enjoy and feel happy with. I had an interview today but not sure that it went well? You know when you're not sure if your instincts are right and you blank out what you said and/or overreact afterwards? I'll find out on Monday, whatever happens, happens.

I WILL enjoy the weekend, I will enjoy the weekend, I will enjoy the weekend....ad infinitum......and I will pray that my life becomes happier at least in the work respect....

Update 15.08.2011-I didn't get the job, but on reflection it wasn't really for me and would have been simply an escape from my current role.

Nearly Friday

Ahhh, nearly Friday and what a long week it has been. I long to lie down and , with flowers nearby, read a really good book, drink smoothies and tea, eat cakes and fruit, feel the breeze fly past and sunshine on my skin and feel happy again....