Ha! I’ve just typed the heading to this post and I’m wondering if it will make it to the final cut. Maybe I’ll leave it – it’s what came into my head when I looked at the photos I wanted to share, plus it really is how I feel at the moment.
After six months of daily Headspace meditation and ten months of daily walks, I’m doing well and enjoying a sense of balance. In addition, I’m feeling much more resilient to stuff that happens these days, if that makes sense…
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Serendipitously, Sydney has been at her most charming in the last month and it’s been a joy to get out and about, exploring all she has to offer. Pete and I caught the train to town for Vivid 2017…
The Opera House was transformed into a living coral reef…
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Pete’s cousin Richard did the electrical work on Supernova, so of course, we had to make a special trip in to see that…
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The MCA was again a canvas for moving light and colour…
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A small alleyway was turned into a sea of light and colour in Tidal…
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Pete and I try to visit a new precinct each year, and this time we walked through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The waratah light sculpture was a standout…
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Light of Thoughts – a stylised interactive “brain” – was made all the better by a chance meeting with the young Chinese artist who created it…
He was justifiably proud of his work!
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While Vivid was on, we had family visiting from overseas.
Young Rachel, my nephew Nick’s partner, became an instant kindred spirit. She used to work as an assistant curator in Contemporary South-East Asian Art, so you can just imagine how excited I was to have someone to drag to art galleries with me! We visited the White Rabbit Gallery, then trekked over to the MCA. On the way, we stopped at Hat World in the Rocks to buy Rach a Breton, to protect her from Sydney’s occasionally terrifying seagull population. Naturally, I had to get one too (can’t resist a good hat!)…
The MCA is my happy place – I try to go whenever I can. At the moment, French-Algerian artist Kader Attia has stunning pieces on display.
This untitled piece, created from 116 stained glass fragments, was one of my favourites. It can be viewed from the front…
…and the back…
This interesting untitled work was created from an ancient sculpture combined with neon lighting. Both Rachel and I would happily have taken it home…
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Sydney’s street art scene is growing, and we passed some fabulous works as we meandered through the city…
Aboriginal elder Jenny Munro, as painted by artist Matt Adnate, graces the wall of the Novotel hotel…
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When I heard that a portrait had been painted of Fighting Father Dave Smith, I made a special trip to Martin Place to view it.
Dave and I go back a long way – I have wonderful memories of him sitting in my college room, decked out in his bike leathers, talking to me about God. Even in his early twenties, he was the least judgmental Christian I’d ever met. He’s spent the past thirty years fighting – in the ring, taking on churches and governments; always defending, always preaching, always faithful and always driven. Oh, and more than a little bit crazy. When I last saw him (it must have been ten years ago), he told me I was welcome to join the Fighting Fathers, but I’d have to get the tattoo.
It’s a joy to see him honoured for his enormous contribution to those in need. This artwork by Archibald finalist Luke Cornish aka E.L.K. has captured him perfectly…
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Are you still reading?
Let me end this long rambling post with a couple of early morning photos.
The sun rises later in winter, producing amazing light which changes over the course of our daily walk. This photo captured every aspect of the weather that morning – the fluffy white clouds and blue skies reflected in the sea, the band of grey storm clouds looming in the distance, and the golden shoreline, lit up by the first rays of the sun…
And finally, a photo which provides an apt metaphor for where I’m at right now.
Big Boy and I were out walking in the drizzling rain last week and as we turned to head home, we saw this magnificent rainbow. I can’t remember the last time I saw one so complete. I’m always incredibly grateful for the time I get to spend with our eldest son and seeing such a glorious sight was icing on the cake. It only lasted for ten minutes, before the top of the arch started to fade.
Getting wet and cold? That was insignificant by comparison.
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Wishing you all a very happy week, lovely friends! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Every year I say I want….no. … I NEED to go to Vivid but alas! The cold always drives me away and I snuggle at home and see all the highlights on the news! I know! The cold and I are total enemies Celia but it’s great to see and hear about your adventures! x
Just awesome blog Celia, I made it to Vivid this year after your wonderful desription and photos last year’
Also thank you once again for introducing and
rediscovering our beautiful Sydney!!x
Great post! Beautiful Sydney in all it’s artistic glory
No rambling. I enjoyed every word. Thanks muchly.
Dear Celia, I absolutely adore your blog, always. We made it back to Sydney this year to see Vivid for the first time … love revisiting Sydney but HATE the traffic … living for the past 10 years in country Brierfield, that is hardly surprising. We brought our 2 dogs back to check out some of their lovely old walks around the harbour which they loved but I guess the freedom of lovely bush walks right from home are still no.1 for them.
I really hope to get over and see some more of the Sydney street art scene. Anne and I visited Adelaide and Melbourne this Easter and were truly amazed. I would love you as a guide sometime. And of course a cannoli to help us on the way. We did manage to find one while we were exploring Melbourne
Peter and Anne
All of the photos are fantastic – the Vivid festival is always stunning, but my favourites are the last two photos – such simple, peaceful beauty and incredible luck seeing such a perfect rainbow.
And I’m so pleased for you that you are in a better headspace – Fighting Father Dave sounds like a really interesting man.
Your blog is a treat I really look forward to devouring. Makes me want to visit Sidney more than ever. Keep up the good work.
Vivid looks a great festival to brighten up your winter days! Considering the scale, Matt Adnate’s work is stunning.
Inspiring! Glad all is well. Hugs, Maz.
What a lovely post. I love your photos,especially the early morning one with the boat. I would love to visit Sydney for vivid.
Love the title! That rainbow is just spectacular, what a perfect arc. And, I have never heard of Father Dave Smith, but he sounds an inspiring and unusual character so I will have to find out more about him now. It’s a glorious day here in Brisbane today, the sun is shining and the sky is its light, early morning blue. Another day that never comes again … Meg:)
Glorious indeed, your joy is contagious!
A very apt title for a joyous post. Just love those art installations.
So wonderful to hear the passion and happiness in your words. Sydney isn’t necessarily the easiest place to live but has so much to offer if you look at it the right way and appreciate its best ♡
Beautiful pictures! What beautiful art. The rainbow and boat picture are lovely.
Oh Celia, it was so lovely to read this post. I have been tucked up in bed with the flu for the last 8 days and I feel like your post took me outside and around beautiful Sydney, it really brightened my day. I adore the art worl, love the walk photos and think your hats are gorgeous!
You will be pleased to know that whilst I’ve been sick my husband has taken over sourdough baking and he is far more adventurous than me and he’s doing a fabulous job.
Thanks again for brightening my day :-)
Oh thank you for this post! You’re so right, it’s a beautiful city to live in and it’s important to take the time to enjoy it xxx
Love seeing all your photos xxx
A joyful post. I loved every word and picture 😃