Another one bites the dust

Feeling sooooooo sick.

I can't believe I contracted the dreaded Bali bug on my last day. Pat kindly took this photo of me at the Japanese restaurant in Denpasar airport (probably revenge for the photos I took of him). Needless to say I didn't eat a bite - I just wanted to rest on the lounge chairs before boarding while Pat filled his belly.

The flight home was horrible with too many trips to the bathroom. Note to self: NEVER book an overnight flight again. EVER (unless of course it's business class and I can sleep on those flat lying beds).

When I got home I headed straight for my bed and slept for what seemed an eternity. I woke up burning and the thermometer was just under 40 degrees Celsius. So it was a trip to the doctor this afternoon followed by a visit to the pharmacy to pick up some pills. I've got everything I need to help me get back on track.

Looking forward to getting better and life returning to some normalcy.

Until tomorrow, remember to be thankful when you're feeling well - feeling sick really does suck!

Grace xx

My lounge room

Yesterday I inserted this photo of my lounge room in an attempt to portray me resting in a time of restlessness, the Sunday Sentence theme. Then I realised how funny it must look to those with a savvy sense of style in interior decor.

For those who don't know, I live a very bohemian existence. We reside in what were once offices above a factory. My brother lived here several years ago and converted it into a living space. After he vacated, it was used to store all my grandparents belongings when they were relocated to an aged care facility.

Because Patrick and I are transient, we've never taken our abode too seriously. There are many tongue-in-cheek touches to amuse ourselves and bemuse our guests. The space is now a combination of old, new and completely bizarre. It is extremely kitsch, makes me giggle and I love it.

Since all my grandparent's have now passed, I feel comforted by being surrounded by their stuff. Just like smells take you back to your childhood, so too does an old photo or piece of fabric. Our place is by no means minimalist and chic, but it has soul - and a fabulous sense of humour.

Until tomorrow, never be too chic and loose your soul.

Grace xx

PS. The photo hanging top left is of my family's hometown in Italy. It was taken around forty years ago by Giuseppe Bonfito, my father's godfather, and is framed in a masterpiece lovingly crafted by my late Nonno. The painting top right is called 'Traffic Jam' by Australian Artist Samantha Lord. We purchased it the night after we returned from travelling 355 days around the world.

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What's cookin' good lookin'?

Last week I embarked on a massive cleaning, clearing, sorting, organising, painting, hammering, shifting and redecorating mission.

'One Word Week' was something I came up with to minimise blog time and maximise mission time.

Each day I chose a word that summed up my day, which in itself was challenging.

One Word Week is now over yet my mission is still going - so I'll continue to focus on short blogs.

This is a very exciting time for me. I can feel change stirring in my belly (and no, it wasn't last night's cannellini beans). While the source of my recent busying is a mystery to me, I know that I'm cooking up a storm - though I don't exactly know what (or why).

I am directing this bizarre burst of domestic energy and enthusiasm into altering my environment, despite not having any concrete plans. It's all a bit of a mystery, much like the way I cook. I simply start by chopping vegetables and the dish reveals itself. Perhaps the same will happen with my current domestic mission.

Until tomorrow, just start and see where it leads.

Grace xx

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Window Seat

Whenever I check into a flight, I always request a window seat.

Sure window seats may not be as comfortable or convenient as aisle seats (for leg stretching and toilet trips) but to me, it's all about the view (and the fact I can utilise the window as a headrest mid flight).

I love gazing at the world below and wonder whether there's anybody down there looking up at me. Who are they? What are they like? Where is there home? What are they thinking when they see us?

I get lost in my imagination while simultaneously marvelling at nature's magnificence. I am awed by the carving of the landscape. Such beauty. So humbling.

When I fly over central Australia (during daylight) my heart skips a beat. The intense red earth contrasting the brilliant blue sky is nothing short of breathtaking. This is my home.

Today I am happy to be flying home. I look forward to reconnecting with my family, friends and my husband, mentor and best friend Patrick (whose birthday it is tomorrow). A new adventure awaits.

Until tomorrow, please enjoy this wonderful extract from the quintessential Australian poem titled 'My Country' by Dorothea Mackellar (1885 - 1968).

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!

In the words of Dorothy, there's no place like home.

Grace xx

ps. Happy birthday eve ZigZig - can't wait to see you xxooxx

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