Pondering I

Art and Culture...

I was just looking at my groups page on Facebook today when I saw that a friend of mine had joined a group called "Bill Henson is disgusting, perverted and a creator of child pornography". Now, I can see why people might hold this opinion. His art can border on confronting, but I've never been offended by it myself. I actually hold quite a high opinion of his work, formed when I visited a retrospective held at the Ian Potter Centre, part of the NGV. I actually bought a season ticket to the exhibition, so I was able to visit it several times. I found his work thoughful, sensitive and beautiful. It captured the innocence and inquisitive nature of children, as well as the search for identity and meaning, so integral to adolescence and the journey to adulthood.

I also watched a program dedicated to the discussion of art vs pornography in the wake of the accusations brought against Bill Henson in May of this year. It was aired as part of the Insight program on SBS. I enjoyed the program as it included the opinions of people from all sides of the issue, the artists and curators, the subjects and their parents, and the detractors. They didn't really draw any conclusions, but rather illuminated that it is a very difficult line to draw and that it reflects more on society rather than the art itself.

Why do we feel it so necessary to judge any art that challenges us and what we believe as degrading? I've never viewed Mr Henson's work as exploitative or disgusting, in fact, I've never seen anything of his that shocked or disturbed me. Some of it challenged me, but that is not the same thing. In fact, I believe that our art should challenge us and our beliefs. It is a powerful and appropriate medium for precisely that. Why shouldn't a book, picture, film or song challenge us to see things in a different way? Perhaps they allow us to hear a voice that hasn't been heard, or to view an issue from the other side of the fence. I'm not saying that we should be tolerant to all controversial art. I vividly remember an artwork that depicted a cruifix submerged in urine - this is offensive, to be sure. I don't think that art should shock just for the sake of it, rather it should prompt us to think, rationally and thoughtfully, rather than in heat and anger.

What do you think? Its centainly something to ponder....

For My Mum...

Happy Birthday Mum!

I won't tell everyone how old you are... I'm sure you're years young after two weeks with the kids in Denmark anyway!! Either that, or exhausted! ;)

I hope my Dad is making you feel the special and adored princess that you are today... breakfast in bed, running you a bath, taking you out for a special picnic... you know what I would do... bring you flowers picked from a walk ('cause I'm too skint to buy them!!), read you as much of our latest book as you wanted, bake you a passionfruit sponge, make a lamb roast, bring you as many cups of tea as you desire.... and finish the day with a gin & tonic of course!! ;)

You are my inspiration Mum, I hope some day my daughter can say the same about me... and if she does I tell her that her Grandmother taught me everything I know!

I love you Mum, and thank our Father every day for sending me such a lovely woman to call my mum!!

xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo

another job interview

I had a surprise job interview on Thursday afternoon... such a surprise that they didn't even know I was coming!! Anyway, it felt good and I think it went well, hope to hear back early next week. I also have another interview lined up for Wednesday (Stroke Educator). It sounds like it would be a good fit for me too... Please pray that I find something soon...

In other news the 8.8.08 marks the beginning of my new venture as Tupperware Demonstrator, will hopefully help my finances and keep me busy! I held my announcement party this evening and a few stayed behind to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony... quite the spectacle, but you'd think they could walk just a little bit faster!!! ;)

I'm also due to give my class presentation in class on Monday afternoon... not sure how I'm going to fit the preparation into my weekend, I'm all booked up!! Might have to take my computer out with me... no, that wouldn't work!! I guess I should go to bed so I can wake up at a decent time on Saturday.... I know that I'm my own worst enemy as far as sleep goes!!!

And thank you for all your prayers... I think they're working!! <><

When opportunity knocks....

My life this year seems to be a series of downpours... (as in, "it doesn't rain when it pours"!) The year didn't begin all that well, what with a death in the family, a health scare and relationship failure... but now things begin to look up.

First I'm ordered into my Job Network provider to learn how to find a job (as if I need lessons, being so practiced in the process myself!!) but it opens the door to study, and I'm now completing a certificate in vocational training. This in turn leads to a job interview in the kind of role I never would have expected.

Then, to top it all off, I was at a party at my sister's last weekend, and now I'm being given the opportunity to become a rep for a reputable plastics company (and with no start-up costs!)

So now I just have to consider what to do next.... I'm praying that the Spirit opens (or closes) the right doors and that I consider my future with care and wisdom. I know where I'd like to be in a couple of years time, but is that where God wants me?

Watch this space and I'll let you know what happens next!

Rolling on....

My beloved little Betty is back on the road!! yippee... I was fearful she'd never get going again, but thanks to my lovely parents and Brett the Village mechanic we're rolling again. Where would we be without our parentals eh? I don't like to think about it too much!!! Am well known for tackling things that are too challenging and attempting to punch above my weight. They've always stuck by me, prayed for me and helped me out of more than one or two tight corners! I'm constantly thanking God for such an amazing pair. They're a constant inspiration!
(If you're unlucky enough NOT to have met my awesome parents, then check out my mum's blog, there's a link on the left, but beware, you will soon be enthralled and find yourself coming back again and again for her great stories.

Speaking of which I'm writing again. I found my beloved red notebook so am getting back to my first novel. If I can squeeze it in around my new commitments then I will do a proper edit of it too, with some accuracy checks, etc. I want to make the story more realistic, and hopefully a little more suspenseful! My lovely Godmother gave me a book on writing short stories too, so I'll no doubt be attempting more of those. I've been writing a lot of poetry too, comes of the cold days and even colder sleepless nights... more about that later!

I'm getting busier these days. I just started a certificate course in vocational education. It should open up some different and exciting opportunities for me, so watch this space. I'm about to start my second week and I really enjoy it... thinking of which, I have some homework to complete!!

So, what else has been preoccupying me so much lately I haven't found time to post? Well, for one, life was in the slow lane for a bit so there wasn't much to report and I was feeling thoroughly uninspired. But this month I've also been preoccupied with athletic guys in brightly coloured lycra... you guessed it, Le Tour de France! We get every stage live here in Aus, which mean it starts around 10.30pm and finishes after 1am! Its been messing with my head and sleeping patterns big time, but all will return to normal as the August chills roll over the hills!! (like that one, couldn't help myself!) ;)



Other than that not much else is happening. I'm helping out with Breakfast Club on Wednesdays at the Primary School, enjoying my small group and catching up with friends for mid-week lunches (and movies , if its cheap day!) The Annual Writer's Festival kicks off soon, so I hope to catch some of that for further inklings. As usual I shall report any thing of interest. Will try to post at least weekly for a while, so check back regular for all the scintillating tales of joce.... ciao for now! xo xo xo xo

Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday, so its my opportunity to tell everyone how much I love him. I've always gotten along well with my Dad, and even if we don't completely understand one another, I think that we are kindred spirits. I've spent many memorable times with my dad, perhaps especially on our road trip from Adelaide to Darwin. I was just becoming a teenager, and it was so special to spend that time in the open country with my dad. I remember him reading us stories. He had a great reading voice, and he can really bring the text alive. He's also preached some very memorable sermons.
Dad you are a thinker, always considering things carefully and I am grateful for your wise counsel and encouragement over the years.
Dad you are enthusiastic for life and ready to face its challenges, you have always inspired me.
Dad, you get alongside others, befriending them, mentoring them and bringing them home.
Dad you are gentle and considerate - the diplomat of the family, I hope that I have learned from your example.
Dad, you enjoy getting involved, are not shy to try new things, and follow the Father's leading, wherever he takes you. May he continue to bless you abundantly for your faith in him.
I love you, Dad.

For Dad and Mum

I love my Mum and Dad. The way they've stood together all this time. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but they've held on tight.

I love the way they allow each other the space each needs. A time to speak and a time to listen, and even times to be a part, and then together again.

I love the way they make a great team. With complementing strengths that balance out the weaknesses.

I love the way they brought up their children to love their Father, just as they do, but free enough to find our own way.

I love their courage in adversity, their determination to see it through, and I'm sure they'll make it to the end, for their Father loves them, even more than I do!

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mum, here's to 32 great years together, cheers!! xo xo