Life is sweet February 11, 2009

I don’t know what I want to write.  There were bushfires back home.  There were towns wiped out.  There were people trapped in their cars, driving to escape who got encapsulated by a fireball and reduced to cinders.  There was one town (Marysville) with a population of 500… where 100 people died.  I’m talking about my home state of Victoria, Australia.

It makes you feel sad, mad, and helpless.  And (the stupid Pollyanna in me) makes you remember that life is sweet.  Without going into too much detail, my mum died when I was 14, my dad died when I was 31, both through terminal illnesses.  In between these dates, my cousin died when he was 14 through a tragic accidental accident; and several other members from my family died.  

Enya is the usual music played at our family funerals, so I am not keen on her out of the funeral context.  We always cremate.  I’ve scattered a few ashes.  Whew.  So being a “silver lining person,” what do you do with this?

Life is sweet.  We have to plan for the future.  We have to live in the present.  We have to find a balance between these.  We should always tell people that we love them (family and friends) or that we appreciate what they do and their talents (co-workers).  

Living for the present (in case tomorrow doesn’t come) doesn’t mean we should quit our jobs and spend our savings.  But it does mean we should think about our lives and make sure we are living to our values.  I have worked through the insane crunch at the expense of other parts of my life.  And I have chosen not to crunch; increasing the enrichment of my life and relationships.  The book “The Dip” by Seth Godin is a good one to read.  I requested it at the library and when I picked it up… it was so short and I was not working at the time… that I read it in a couple of hours sitting at the library and returned it right away.  Only stick it out if the crunch supports your principals and personal goals. If not, walk away.  I’ve done both.  Both are worthwhile.  

This post doesn’t fit into any of my art/photography/gaming categories… ok, maybe gaming.  Thank you for letting me vent.

Australia – the movie November 18, 2008

I am from a humble, sunburnt country.  Australia is the land of the Aussie battler (a working class person who tries to rise above their current circumstance while remaining true to their roots).  And as an expat (been away from home for 17 years now…) I still love my country’s sensibility and sense of humour.  And we just make the best movies!

Muriel’s Wedding.  How can you laugh so hard at people miming in Abba costumes, incorporate the best friend becoming paralysed and still call it a comedy that has true serious moments? 

Strictly Ballroom.  For all those who grew up in a small country town where there was only “one way” to do things, and that you were supposed to follow the crowd - remember that “A life lived in fear is a life half lived…”  Don’t get distracted by the razzle dazzle, do what feels right in your gut.

The Castle.  The ultimate Aussie battler story that makes you cringe at times… The son says, “The real estate agent said ‘location location location’ and we were right next to the airport!”  (They aren’t a travelling family.)  They simply believe their home is their castle… until the airport wants to buy it up to build another runway.  The battle begins for the essential right in life – to keep your home.  You laugh at them, and with them.  And love them anyway.

Moulin Rouge.  Okay so this isn’t set in Australia – but it was shot at a Sydney sound stage with Aussie, English and other actors in their native accents despite the fact it is set in Montmarte, France.  It is Spectacular, Spectacular – the first half hour reinvents fast paced editing, it is almost overwhelming.  And the way the movie weaves modern songs into a period movie in an over-the-top yet oh-so-logical way… From “the hills are alive with the sound of music…” to “here we are now, entertain us…”  A visceral experience.  Needless to say I have the soundtrack on my iPod.

And… soon soon… the movie Australia by Baz Luhrmann is set to release.  I am a sucker, I love Nicole Kidman (thank god that couch jumping Yankee is out of the way) and Baz, so of course I will see it.  I know it will be visually rich, have highs and lows… and perhaps leave me with something to think about.  Or not.  I’m just one of those silly fans who is excited to see the next Baz movie.

When I see Australia (in Canada) I will be proud to be an Australian. Go Baz!