To the people who robbed me,

I’m writing to you today to tell you how much you have inconvenienced me.

Not only did you steal something that didn’t belong to you, you stole something that made me who I was.

Your actions were selfish, unkind and cruel.

Not only did you know what you were doing, you wanted to do it.

Doesn’t it bother you?

Do you understand the pain that you inflicted?

Didn’t the screams of horror and anguish create any kind of moral alarm to you?

You are guilty, faceless sirs, of a crime that no-one wants to hear about.

Something must have happened to you, something disastrous.

You have taken away my identity.

I don’t know who or what I am anymore.

I can’t be sorry for you or what you did because I can’t feel anything anymore.

Hoping for change seems like a distant dream, a worthless dream, but I need help.

See the wrong in your actions, see the chaos you inflict.

I have a right to what is mine.

I am a human being.

Stop.

Please stop.

From,

A voice that needs to be heard…

The Helen Bamber Foundation

The Helen Bamber Foundation is a UK-based human rights group. They are one of the many organizations that are working together to educate people about human trafficking around the globe. This is an enormous problem, people. Do some research, become aware, make these issues apparent to you. I’m so sick of inaction, especially with an issue as awful and soul-destroying as this. Take comfort in the fact that organizations like Helen Bamber’s want to help – support their cause in any way you can.

It’s time to say something, write something, believe in something!

Ignorance is bliss for those who can afford it.

Please help.

Peace,

- C

Emma Thompson’s “Journey” exhibition was released a couple of years ago to raise awareness about the horrors of sex trafficking. Elena was and is a real person. She had the guts to speak out about what had happened to her. Honestly, I think this advertisement alone speaks volumes.

Did you know that a sloth, (let’s just call it a “general” sloth for argument’s sake – if you care that much about toe numbers please realise that nobody else does), moves up to thirty-eight metres a day?

Did you also know that these animals have such flexible necks that they can pretty much look wherever they want to?

I’m not sure if that’s some cruel joke, or just another display of Mother Nature’s sadistic design, but this animal makes a symbolic point. When we slow down it’s pretty weird how much we can see clearly, (ironically, of course, sloths have really bad eyesight…apparently…so I’ve read…on Wikipedia).

Relevance?

I haven’t had an inspirational thought, idea or opinion to write about for three months.

Right now my mind is screaming at me – “but so much has happened in three months you moron“.

Super sorrow, I say, super sorrow. For some unknown reason, whether it be confidence or whether it be candles, writing and thinking hasn’t taken place in my life for a while. That’s right – I have been an empty vessel of thought, waiting to be filled up until I’m bursting with half-assed comebacks and whiny retorts about modern living and our “civil” society.

Therefore, I have adopted a new hero – the sloth. Of course, my admiration evolves around its ability to survive, not its inability to move about. I’ve figured out that only until I can survey what I want from life exactly…or better yet, what to write about within the confines of my life, I’ll be able to start rambling to you again – rambling such nonsense, such oddities like, “is the Dahli Lama now a capitalist guilt tripping tactic” or “is Osama Bin Laden really dead”?

[On a side not, guess what my rambling is about after three months of silence? - sloths! How amazingly interesting is that?! Gold star, Catherine.]

Oh rhetoric and sarcasm, how I’ve missed you.

Well, that’s enough of a reintroduction…remember to tune in next week for another rambling idea that is collective only in the sense that I’ve thought of it…them…the ideas, I mean. Nothing coherent, just stream of consciousness from here on in, it’s truth enough for me.

Ta ta,

Peace.

- C x

Side thought: How much better did the Beast in “Beauty & the Beast” look as an animal rather than a human being? Talk about Disney giving a truly odd push into exploring beastiality. Then again, I’m probably the only one who thinks this and now it’s out there. I’m the person who mentioned beastiality on a blog. Oh dear….

So, back onto what I was writing about before that truly disturbing thought…

What we tend to forget when we do find the elusive ”one” is that little, iddy-biddy thing called…….

REALITY

 Yep, I just killed the romance. I’m an official romance killer…

There’s nothing wrong with being swept up in the beauty of love. However, there are two things I think everyone should ask themselves while they’re skipping amoungst the daffodils, sighing, holding hands and what not:

1. How much do I have  in common with this person, apart from the obvious physical attraction?

2. Where do I want this relationship to go?

The majority of people have no idea what they want. This makes life “fun”. However, being the control freak that I am, I tend to think that relationships should be based on this mutual “where are we going?” understanding. From my experience, if they aren’t based on a stable mutual goal, you’re going to be truly disappointed.

It’s highly unlikely that women can change men. Unless you have a “Beast” that can magically transform into the perfect prince, you’re going to have to learn to love those irritating tendencies your significant other does that drive you crazy, (and I’m sure the list is long for many people).

Nobody’s perfect, not even Prince Charming…

Realistically, I think people need to find contentment in knowing that the person they choose to be with for the rest of their life is going to love them no matter what. Yes, life is about taking risks and feeling confident in yourself, but it’s also about discovering what’s right for you. Afterall, at the end of the day you’ve got to ask yourself, 

“What’s going to make me happy?”…

Peace,

- C

Do blondes really have more fun?…

I’m prepared to find out…

In the meantime, I think I’m beginning to discover how change can be seen as a good thing, (even when you find yourself out of a job, unable to afford curtains and in need of a healthy diet).

It is so damn easy to be negative these days, especially if you live in Sydney. However, karmic retribution has taught me that if one is in a constant state of gratitude, life will become easier to bear. It’s like that brilliant line John Cleese said in, “Fawlty Towers”…

“Afterall, if you’ve got your health, what else do you need?“

Too right Basil.

Some people may see it as a bunch of crap but I’m starting to believe it’s downright matter of fact. Yes, money is cold and lifeless. It makes us struggle, fight and in some instances kill. However, it’s there, it can be earnt and as long as we can put food in our mouths it shouldn’t get to us too much.

Idealistic? Sure…but at least I’m not afraid to think it and believe it.

Although the idea of running away and living up a tree somewhere can be attractive, it’s not very practical…

Just get by. Keep rolling.

Make your own happiness.

This is what I am experiencing at the moment. I thought it valuable to share because it’s honest.

Take care of yourself.

Peace.

- C

Open until March 13th at The Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Muffled footsteps echo in a darkened room. Whispers of an anticipated mystery, an ancient beauty in bronze and clay. A history is captured at a reasonable distance. An ancient culture preserved for an intended eternity…

One metre…

                          One foot…

A great wall is divided by dominance, provided for protection, and broken by war. Over mountains and through valleys, a border is formed. A thirteen year old boy becomes Emperor – the first Emperor. Consumed by ideals of immortality, grasping for perfect protection, an army of clay is ordered to be made for his transition into an afterlife.

The boy’s Eternal City is a dream where musicians dance with wild swans and chariots charge out into an endless sky. Art falls to its hands and knees at this paradise dedicated to a powerful young man, a troubled young man. A life’s ambition becomes a reality, a statuesque force, a memory in gold, topaz and jade.

However, it is bronze that sustains his seal and holds his culture firm for thousands of years. It is bronze that leaves clear traces and makes us marvel at such an advanced society.

The soldiers are his symbolic testament, his individual portraits trapped in time. They become timeless.

Commander and chief: undiscovered.

Motionless emotion.

Feet face forward.

Hands grasp weapons.

Hair back tight.

Head face up.

Look straight ahead.

Protect me, stay with me forever. Comfort me throughout my everlasting walk.

I am untouchable. I am the mountain.

We see only a symbol, a meaning, a modern translation. There’s a proud ownership that speaks volumes in between interwoven lines.

Lines of servitude that stand at attention are but a token of a great many discovered. Shapes preserved for thousands of years, hidden and waiting for an intrusion.

One fingernail. One strand of hair.

Layer upon layer equals hours, days and weeks of forced labour.

You are worth one hundred and fifty days. You are his artistic purpose. Half a year for one result, for one man, for an immortal sentiment.

We witness history in art, an incomparable chance discovery.

A simple glance.

Is it chance that haunts us? Is it the mere idea that something so vast can be hidden from view for so long?

It ends with an alarm and a hasty farewell. We have disturbed the undisturbed. We have witnessed something that isn’t inherently ours.

Heavy, earth bound warriors stand in silence once more.

Exhibition Details: The First Emperor - China’s entombed warriors

Open until the 13th March 2011.

Admission:

• $20.00 adults
• $15.00 members/concession
• $55.00 family (2 adults + up to 3 children)
• $5.00 student in booked school group
• $15.00 children 5-15 and full-time students. Under 5 free

Peace,

- C

…choirs are cool and they’re open to EVERYONE!

Did you know that singing can reinvigorate your sense of wellbeing? Singing is a health kick -  I love it. No matter where I am or how embarrassed I make the people I’m with when I break out into song, singing is a must. It’s self-expression and confidence building – especially if you’re part of a choir. I mean, there’s an entire social networking side to it too. Who wants to hide behind a computer monitor all their lives? Sure, it has its appeal but performing is something spectacular…

When you go up on stage you’re free. Performing creates a feeling that is completely unique.There’s nothing quite like it – especially if you feel like more of an audience member…but singing is different. It’s personal and it’s usually a natural talent. To me, natural talent mustn’t be wasted…it’s like having the ability to fly but choosing to stay in a nest your whole life – unfulfilled.

It’s time to fly, everyone. The Festival Chorus Day on Sunday the 13th of February, hosted by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, attempts to make the shift from speculating to participating fun and easy.

Fresh from a very successful year of performances in which they sang at the BBC Proms Opening Night in London, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs are kicking off 2011 with a recruitment drive.

“The idea behind Open Day is to give the potential singer, as much information about our choirs alongside the opportunity to sing in a large choral ensemble,” says Brett Weymark, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Artistic Director and conductor.

“If you’re curious about choirs, this is an entertaining and supportive way to find out if it’s the right form of musical expression for you. The workshop aims to be entertaining and fun, and will give people a good idea as to whether they want to stay for the vocal assessments and placing at the end of the session,” says Brett.

The Festival Chorus has been created to serve as a ‘training choir’ for people who have always been interested in singing to determine if choral performance is for them. Perfectly suited to those who are vocal rich yet time poor, the Festival Chorus performs in just two concerts in 2011. This year they will sing one of the 20^th Century’s most recognised pop-culture compositions, Orff’s Carmina Burana, made popular in countless tv commercials at the Sydney Opera House in May, and a collection of British choral works at the Sydney Town Hall in September in the collective performance titled Brighton to Bondi.

So, don’t be too scared or think it’s “nerdy”. You know it’s fun, you know you love it – the buck stops with you!

Festival Chorus Open Day
Sunday, 13 February 2011   2-5pm
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Rehearsal Space
Pier 4 Walsh Bay, Hickson Rd, Millers Point

To register in Festival Chorus Open Day phone (02) 9251 2024
or visit  www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au/openday

Feel free to email as well: enquiries@sydneyphilharmonia.com.au

Keep on singing!

Peace,

- C

Catherine M. Fowell - lifestyle cynic.

After a rather successful year of blogging in 2010 I thought I’d be really lazy and start my 2011 at the end of January. Aren’t I thoughtful? The real reason for this total neglect would have something to do with house hunting, job searching and laziness. Oh, the joys of laziness! One day I’ll end up thinking I’m in some sort of misguided time warp as I dig around for more Doritos while dreaming about some imaginary past….but that’s for the future to dictate – let’s get on with now…

As for today, this glorious day of days, I’m going to bump out some well needed thoughts about what we consider to be “free” in this country, (in terms of live entertainment), and why it can really suck being educated in certain circumstances…

I love classical music. I grew up with it, I danced to it and I played it, (and one day I will eventually start playing again), but that doesn’t make me some glorified snob. For instance, I know pretty much nothing about rap music. This makes me uneducated and in certain communities I can be considered to be incredibly thick. Therefore, when you go to a free event like Symphony in the Domain and witness a drunken brawl break out in front of you over some guy’s “bitch” (quote), you tend to think why so many people are there in the first place. Is it because it’s free and they can drink or is it because they enjoy the wonder that is classical music? Who knows? I will say this – if you want to get pissed go to a pub. Fair enough?

Apart from the overcrowding and questionable audience members, the Sydney Symphony played superbly. It’s always a thrill to watch Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture performed live amongst a wonderful array of fireworks and cannon fire.

Another special addition this year was John Bell. What a brilliant orator that man is, reciting soliloquy’s from some of Shakespeare’s greatest works - it was a special touch to the evening and it was definitely worth waiting for…if you’re as into Shakespeare as I am.

In summation, I love these free events because I consider them to be incredibly important in our day and age where nothing comes for “free “. Afterall, it’s so very hard to keep ones head above water financially we tend to forget what true enjoyment really is. However, it’s so disappointing to see idiots getting a kick out of picking fights with security staff just for the hell of it while John Bell recites the St. Crispin’s Day speech from Shakespeare’s Henry V. But it’s a free event right? 

Peace and Happy New Year,

- C

P.S. For all of those Opera lovers remember that next Saturday night is Opera in the Domain - be sure to get a good seat!  Also, be sure to check out the launch of the Chinese New Year celebrations which start next Friday. Head on down to Belmore Park from 6pm – 8pm. Both are free events so don’t miss them.

All photos taken by Shane Van Laar @ www.shanevanlaar.com

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.

Crunchy numbers

The average container ship can carry about 4,500 containers. This blog was viewed about 19,000 times in 2010. If each view were a shipping container, your blog would have filled about 4 fully loaded ships.

In 2010, there were 59 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 230 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 18mb. That’s about 4 pictures per week.

The busiest day of the year was December 5th with 700 views. The most popular post that day was The ugly duckling syndrome….

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were facebook.com, orkut.com.br, search.bt.com, 74.125.67.100, and mail.live.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for neville longbottom, neville longbottom actor, macaulay culkin 2010, macaulay culkin, and the exorcist.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

The ugly duckling syndrome… July 2010
1 comment and 1 Like on WordPress.com,

Florence + the Machine performing in Sydney at the Enmore Theatre, August 5th… May 2010

A love letter from Norman Bates… August 2010
1 comment

Look at me… August 2010
2 Likes on WordPress.com

A “LOST” cause…(spoiler alert!) June 2010
3 comments

     … a time that means holidays, food and family, I thought I’d be cliché and conventional by pondering on those unhappy cases, those too proud to show their misfortune and those who go without day after day…

It’s a well-known fact that when interest rates go up, prospects for those on the edge go down. After doing some internet snooping I discovered that the estimated number of Australian children living in poverty reached three hundred and fifty thousand this year.

Think about that for a moment…

That’s the seating capacity of twenty Acer Arenas.

Acer Arena, Sydney.

I remember being five years old. I remember my little Christmas stocking, with a polar bear in a Santa hat stitched on the front, overflowing with presents. I remember my Grandmother lighting her Christmas pudding (which she still does every year), endless candy canes and Christmas cards from school, stupid little presents from novelty Christmas crackers that I kept for a whole four hours…

It’s memories like these that last a lifetime. Stuff is just that – it’s stuff. Relationships matter.

What I’m really trying to say is that as fleeting as time is, and as stupid as material things can be, it’s important to make gestures. I think that’s why I love Christmas so much. As truly awful as some presents that we receive can be, we smile sweetly and say ‘thank you’ because of the thought – the thought that someone cared enough to go to a shop, find a pair of misfitting socks, pay for them, go home and then wrap them in paper and ribbons to give to us especially.

Recently, someone told me how important it is to be grateful. As much as I complain about society, and how bloody awful certain situations can be, I’m grateful that I have so much opportunity. I can afford to live, I have supporting friends and family, I’m incredibly lucky.

That’s why this year, instead of thinking about it, I’m actually going to go out and make a gesture. As small as it may seem, it’s needed. Who wants to sit around feeling bad and muttering, “I can’t afford it”? I’m over it. That’s why, after I finish writing this post, I’m heading out the door and over to the St. Vincent de Paul’s centre down the street to donate something…anything.

It’s not just because it’s Christmas, nor is it some weird self-validating decision – it’s because I truly want to and I am grateful.

Peace on earth,

- C

To put it simply:

Beautiful Emma...

Watson: Wonderfully mature, far more stoic than she’s ever been, terrific performance.

Grint: Hopelessly romantic, beautifully acted.

Radcliffe: Intense, over-dramatic, and uncomfortable to watch…sorry, dear.

As much as Radcliffe has adopted the role of Harry Potter, he seems to have communicated a sense of frustration, entrapment and peculiar aloofness in his most recent performance. It must be terribly hard to grow up in such an intense environment but, unfortunately, once you’ve committed to such an enormous thing as Harry Potter is - you’ve committed for life. There is no living it down… 

Sorry Daniel.

No matter what you do you will always be seen as that eleven year old who lives in that cupboard under the stairs. There’s no way to erase such an immortalised image and, ironically, it’s rather churlish of you to think you can. Sure, it’s fantastic that you’re in your twenties now, but there is more to being an adult than just looking and sounding like one. 

Extremes can shock but they don’t erase the past.

Which brings me to another point – why can’t anyone take the subtle approach anymore? It’s called using progressive tactics towards your artistry or to your life in general. The whole idea of proving oneself means there’s a perceived, unsatisfying self-image in the first place. Be smart and get realistic.

Take Radcliffe’s fellow actor in the Harry Potter films, Grint (Ronald Weasely). After watching that beautiful two-minute speech of his, discussing lights going into his chest and voices calling to him, it is quite clear the actor has nothing to prove. Talk about lovely.

It’s almost sad that Radcliffe felt the need to shock the world with his performance of Alan Strang in Peter Shaffer’s Equus. It’s a tasteful way to say “I’m a man” to the world but surely he could have chosen something more tasteful like Biff in Death of a salesman; a role that is heavily symbolic about the nature of growing up and acting like an adult. Then again, being nude on stage is better than being incessantly slutty or publically degrading to one’s image, (cough Kristen Stewart cough). Still, he’ll carry that with him forever, as well as the Harry Potter image. Bad luck.

Let’s hope he can do better in the final film, as well as offer a truly mature and less “in-your-face” style of acting.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One' World Premiere - November 2010.

Go team Harry!

Peace,

- C