Closing Cycles

I've never been good with goodbyes. And the one thing I've learned is that it never comes easier with time nor practice.

In 2003, I came here through an international exchange program that brought together interns from different parts of the world. The year was ours. We had full time jobs but the essence of the experience materialised from the connections that we made through 12 months of exploring this beautiful country and embracing the Australian way of life. We were like a mini United Nations. There were endless opportunities to get to know people and learn about different cultures. It was fantastic! Some of us stayed whilst most have moved on. I have said goodbye to more people in the last five years than I have in the 21 years prior to moving to Australia. Today, I farewelled Liz and it felt like all the other goodbyes were a lead up to this one. Just think of it this way... You have your chicas, I have Liz and Sue Ellen. I've known Liz for as long I've been living here. We've shared so many memorable times and I guess the airport goodbye was just another thing that we needed to go through together. Today, she set off to fulfill her dream of making a life in France. I was sad to see her go but I couldn't be happier for her.

Goodbyes make me weepy and form big knots in my stomach. And that's ok because everyone's allowed to feel the loss and miss what's gone. There's nothing wrong with being bittersweet because it's normal to feel torn between letting go and being excited for a loved one. Having said that, life does go on and the world won't stop to wait for us to come on board if we don't take action. And so instead of clinging to memories on a standstill, it is important to detach ourselves to a certain extent and make room for new things that come with the change. That's not to say that we can't grow friendships and relationships over long distances. But being left behind doesn't mean that life has to stop. It'll present just as many opportunities for amazing adventures and rich experiences if we allow ourselves to be open to the signs. :)

I still don't like airports though... unless I'm in the arrival gates anticipating massive hugs.

I just realised... you were the last person I said goodbye to before seeing Liz off. And I was the one leaving then innit... xx

Donde Esta Scooby Doo?

The real one, por favor. Denisse is in trouble and she needs you to save her!

The ghost villain from outerspace and Butter Chicken Scooby Doo have kidnapped Denisse and they have put up terms for her release.



photo by Reem

Butter Chicken Scooby Doo's Ransom Notes:

1. Meet us at Havana Airport on 28 December 2008 at 3.30 pm.
2. You cannot, under any circumstances, bring Cop Guy with you.
3. Nobody from your Cosa Nostra either.
4. Wear a red bandana... only one will do and you know which one it is.
5. Bring a photo of a fisherman from Tulum, Mexico.
6. Bring Scoobs' birth certificate that proves he's half Filipino, half Sicilian.
7. Bring Scoobs' address book that holds contact details for his connections in Asia, Europe and the Americas.
8. Bring a stash of CUC's, cigars and rum.
9. Convey the password "Down with Amber" upon first contact.
10. Don't be late.

Because Denisse is currently gagged and tied up, this postcard is being brought to you by Agent Abdalla and Agent Hassanen.

Spring Has Sprung

It was a sunny 28 degrees in Sydney today. With my ipod in one hand and my camera in the other, I stepped out of my apartment in a white summer dress and greeted the city hello. I had everything I needed and was all set for a day of adventure. The only plan was to follow the sun. I figured that the rest of the details will present themselves as I go along. My first stop was Hyde Park and it it was buzzing with so much positive energy. There were families, friends, couples, kids, grandparents and people from all walks of life. Everyone was happy claiming their share of sunshine and going about the spring activity of their choice - painting, reading, eating, rollerblading, napping, tanning, chatting, juggling, etc. Can you imagine how much of a treat that was for me? You know me and my people shots. :) After an hour or two of being shutter happy, I made my way to Newtown to meet up with Reem and Sarah. We spent some time trying on silly clothes at op shops and eventually ended up at the Newtown Cemetery. Reading tomb stones isn't my usual idea of hanging out but I must admit that it was quite an interesting way to spend the afternoon. I was also surprised to see the amount of people chilling by the graves (no pun intended) and to feel a warm vibe that was quite contradictory to the nature of the premises. Sometime later, I got a call from Clara and before I know it, I was on a train to Padstow for a quiet Saturday night with the chicas. Oh the spontaneity that beautiful days like this one bring! There were loads of chatting as per usual. And danish and ice cream to share amongst friends. There was a sense of togetherness everywhere I went today and I'm very grateful. It must be the magic of spring fueling smiles and good moods all around and I love love love it!

Spring is often associated with fresh beginnings. In the same way that roots wake up to make new trees and buds open up to form new blooms, I see spring as a perfect opportunity to reflect, reenergise and to some extent, be reborn. There's no room for being idle during spring. Whether it's something that you've been putting off for a while or something entirely new that you've been wanting to try, own it, take action and trust that everything will be ok. Spring is on your side. The combination of the sun, the sky and the light breeze will be encouraging and comforting. And the universe will be cooperating so you'll know when it's your cue to make things happen.

You'll recognise a perfect spring day when you come across it... and there'll be no better time to satisfy that craving for triple scoops of ice cream. :)

I'm Singin' In The Rain, Just Singin' In The Rain...

What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again
I'm singin' and dancin' in the rain!

This was me whilst waiting for the bus to get home this afternoon. Spring has officially started but Sydney seems to disagree. It's been raining all weekend and instead of shorts and sun dresses, people are walking around with brollies over their heads. The sun worshipper in me can start complaining right now. For the most part, rain makes me think of tropical storms that result into traffic jams, power failures and class suspensions. But rain can be beautiful if you just let it be. It's probably just waking up roots from their sleep for all we know. And the trees and flowers will be in full bloom before we know it. Plus we've all heard of that common saying... there'll be no rainbows without the rain. :)

I've come to associate special treats with the rain - sleeping in, snuggling under the covers, my grandma's chicken soup, dvd marathons, catching up on my reading, coffee and hot chocolate with friends, group hugs, sharing umbrellas and walking in the rain.

Today, I went to Leichardt to meet up with friends for lunch. We went to a Brasilian restaurant and shared feijoada, garlic prawns and churrasco as Ivete Sangalo sang in the background. It was followed by an impromptu photoshoot at the Forum. My friend Andee and I were literally hopping, skipping, dancing and singing in the rain as Lars and Liz snapped away. After one million shots, we headed to Berkelouw and spent the rest of the afternoon browsing books and chatting over coffee. It was a perfect day.

I'm still waiting for the sun to come out but I think I'll hold off a bit and wait one more day before I start singing my "Sol, solecito" song. :)