Bubblegum and Briquettes

As I cycled home from my rehearsal today, the city smelled like bubblegum and barbeques. It was a warm day, and a warm evening --- so maybe it was a concoction of jasmine, fresh mown grass, and other scented trees that filled the air with candy-like sweetness. There must have been someone in each neighborhood who was firing up some fresh briquettes to have a barbeque.

Spring Energy

Spring is sneaking into swing here in Melbourne. The jasmine is blooming and scenting the air, and camellias, irises and violets have been blooming for some time. Calla lilies and roses are starting to open.

I bought two bunches of ranunculus at the market on the weekend, and the riotous colours and open blossoms make me happy.

My fringe show opens next week, and things are busy. Often, I can put way too much pressure on myself to meet my own exacting standards in so many areas of my life. And, of course, this means hello to anxiety and sleepless nights.

I had a great yoga class tonight. At the end of class, when our heads were bowed in namaste,  my yoga instructor reminded us to "Be content with your effort".  Good timing. (How is it that this man always says the things that I need to hear the most? ...One reason why he's my favourite.)

Launch Party

Sapidah, Nadia and me

It's on! Turtle Lab has launched! We had a lovely afternoon at Provenance, with Benny and Jules playing cool jazz in the front of the restaurant, and our supporters (30 strong!) gathering at the back.

 Me and two of my students, Margot and Tristan.

Chris, Rinske and Xanthe

Elise, our producer and her crew.

Allen and Nick

Turtle Working Bee

Sapidah, Nadia and I got together on Saturday night to prepare and fill the gift bags we gave out to all those who attended the Launch party. I made and baked Brownies (gluten free and gluten full) and Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies to wrap and include in the goodies bag. Red wine was consumed and many laughs were had in the process.

Sapidah was in charge of cello wrap.

 Nadia was dogsbody: she poured, scooped, filled bags and tested the product. 

Hipstamatic shot of Brownies and Chocolate Pecan Cookies bonbonieres. 

Turtle Lab Online

CLICK HERE to check out our new website!
Nadia, Sapidah and I launch our new theatre collective tomorrow.
It's all happening...

Springtime in Melbourne

I have been ABSOLUTELY  PATHETIC in maintaining this fricking blog! August passed with one post and that's just shocking.
September will make up for it, believe me!

Here's a lovely post though: I had dinner with some beautiful friends of mine on Tuesday night. We ate lots, drank good red wine and talked about both the meaningful and the inconsequential.

Sapidah and Xanthe

Nadia hates having her photo taken, and she never poses. 

 This is Lara and Karen during one of the meaningful conversations...

Xanthe and I 

Rinkse

Lara and Sapidah

Ratatouille Goodness

Mt Martha Visit

It's been a while since I last visited with Sheila and Sue, and this last weekend, I went down to Mt. Martha for an overnight, had a great catchup and shared two wonderful meals with them and Finn and Trinity.

Sue made a Pavlova, and dressed it with Passionfruit (from their garden), Kiwis and cream. 

Finn is a big fan of dessert!