It's been nearly two weeks since I arrived in Australia. The time has flown by as I worked my way through my to do list. I've finalized my visa/residency permit, I've established bank accounts, sorted out temporary housing, internet and phone, gotten a bit familiar with the city and most importantly, I've found a long-term apartment. All just in the nick of time, as I start working from my new office today.
A few impressions during my relatively short time here: Australian's are really as warm and welcoming as their stereo-types say. I've had great conversations with complete strangers and received so many genuine offers of help and great advice.
Terms of endearment are alive and well - I've been honey-ed, dear-ed, and sweetie-ed all over the place - and I have to say it beats being ma'am-ed any day of the week.
I could learn to love the beach - it's too cold to consider sticking my toes in, but I kept finding myself drawn to the shore just to watch the waves roll in.
I'm looking forward to diving into work today - I know it will make meeting a few people here easier and it will be good to have a bit of structure back in my week. I do, however, feel a bit like I'm a 12 year old girl on the first day at a new school, wondering what I should wear and hoping I'll have someone to eat lunch with! Fingers crossed it will all go well and that the cool kids like me!
I've found myself paying more and more attention to the various qualities of light lately. It doesn't matter whether I have a camera with me or not, it catches my eye and I find myself wanting to improve my technical skills so I can capture what I'm seeing. These photos are from a hike in my neighborhood just before sunset.
There was a lot of smoke in the atmosphere the day these were taken, so the light was filtered in an even more beautiful way (and yes, it makes me feel slightly guilty for thinking that - because I'm certain the fire causing the smoke was causing destruction for someone or a lot of someones.)
Do you have any favorite tutorials or classes that have helped you better capture light in your photos? And while I'm asking for tips - I'm struggling to get my photos printed decently. I don't know if it is that I'm not using the best shop or if it is something I'm doing in processing, but my pictures are not showing up in print the way they do on the screen and any tips would be greatly appreciated.
I picked up the new Missy Higgins album and fell in love with the closing track: Sweet Arms of a TunePin It
My dog, Sadie, came to us from Arizona; which may explain her strange relationship with Utah winters. She loves playing in the snow, but she hates being cold. One day over the Christmas holidays we found her on the dog bed, next to a space heater, cuddled up under her blanket. I have no idea how she managed to get under the blanket like this on her own.
One of my favorite artists this year has been Missy Higgins. Her beautiful voice seems to be a perfect accompaniment to so many of my days. Here is her gorgeous, "Warm Whispers."
I'm in love with the Genius button on my iPod. It made the most amazing playlist for me today.
On Monday I hit shuffle and then a few songs in got stuck on "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles. I must have listened to the song 5 times.
Today during my commute I pulled the iPod back out and "Gravity" was still playing, but this time I hit the genius button, and look at the amazing messages I found in the music I listened to on the way to work.
Here I am and I stand so tall
I'm just the way I'm supposed to be
I don't know what I've done
Or if I like what I've begun
But something told me to run
And honey you know me it's all or none
Everything's falling, and I am included in that
Oh, how I try to be just okay
I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me,
God answered in silent reverie.
I said a prayer and fell asleep.
Afraid to see that she's lost her direction
She never stays the same for long
Assuming that she'll get it wrong
Perfect only in her imperfection
An entire commute full of beautiful music with lovely lyrics that kept me going all day long.
Pin It
Say good morning to today's driver Get in the car Head to Defence Market
Stop in at Defence Bakery Pick out a loaf of bread Hand it to a guy behind the counter Who slices it by hand Make chit chat with the owner Promise to try and come back To the restaurant upstairs for dinner Drop the bag off in the car
Stop in at Defence Store A small grocery store Karen's Korner was 5 times the size of this place (for those of you who will get the Aurora reference) Expensive - but carries many imports I buy peanut butter and campbell's tomato soup here Greet my grocery-whallah (grocery guy) He always helps me shop I think it is because I tip him He carries my basket Goes to the back for things I can't see on the shelf And reminds me to buy milk and corn flakes when I forget I am my my grandpa's granddaughter While I'm checking out My friend the grocery-whallah has taken my groceries and loaded them in the car
I head across the market to the produced stand Buy a pomagranate And two oranges imported from California
Stop at the flower stands Consider buying myself roses for valentines day Decide not to bother because I don't have a vase
Instead stop at the magazine stand For less than two dollars Pick up the Indian version of People, Time and Glamour
On my way back to the car Stop at Barista India's version of Starbucks Pick up an iced tea (herbal of course)
Notice that CocoBerry is finally open India's version of PinkBerry Promise myself I'll get all my work done And come back this afternoon For a frozen yogurt treat
Get in the car Head back home As luck would have it Our house cleaner was standing outside He helps me lug my grocery bags and case of water Up the 3 flights of stairs
Next time you hear me complain about Delhi Remind me about Saturday errands
My favorite song this week: Missy Higgins - Steer
But the search ends here Where the night is totally clear And your heart is fierce So now you finally know That you control where you go You can steer
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