2014!

I'm back from my 2 week break in Victoria, staying with Mum in Birregurra. This year was pretty special as one of my sister's and 2 of my nieces were also there, along with me and my girls.  It felt very Christmassy, sitting down to a traditional dinner with a fire going, and all trooping off to church on Christmas Eve, then sipping sherry and nibbling mince pies. 

We headed up to Melbourne for a few days.  It was mostly spent eating and shopping (my girls are great shoppers and can keep going and going - I opted for refreshment stops while they kept going).

Melbourne city is fun to wander around with labyrinth like arcades full of cafes and little shops.  Alleyways full of graffiti. Sitting and people watching is the best.  I like the slightly grungy feel in these back lanes. It feels a bit more real to me than the highly polished and sophisticated shops. And there's a definite air of individuality. I felt I was escaping the cloning-like-drone-like environment I feel in Perth at shopping malls in particular, where shop after shop is the same.

Here's pics from a free installation at the Potter Gallery. The rug...

I don't think you'll ever guess what it's made from...

The cushion...

And the remnants of a dinner party...

It was terrific fun standing and taking in the amazing details...the drippy candle, half eaten after dinner mints, wine spills.  It was done by the Hotham Street Ladies - a group of 5 women from memory. 

Any guesses?