Thursday 28 February 2013

My flashmob story

The story begins with these girls.



They are my girls. I've known them since highschool. For over twenty years. We've had our ups and downs but we've grown together, and have always been there for each other. I expect we always will be. 

We have a tradition. Well, it's fair to say we have a few. But this story is about a tradition that involves producing a personalised short film for each one of us as we get married. Each film has been different and creative, all are a tribute to the person and our friendship. The bride-to-be is kept in the dark, while the rest of us meet in secret, brainstorm, storyboard, recruit friends and family, film and edit. 

Katie was the first of us to get married. This was where it all began. We created K! True Hollywood Story which chronicled her whole life story, complete with interviews from all her nearest and dearest, plus a few surprise guests.

Amy was our resident Ranger Guide. Girl can tie a knot. She can also build an engine, wire up an electrical circuit or fix a lift. For Amy's, we filmed her Hen's event, complete with red carpet arrivals and live crosses back to a studio newsroom. It was serious, hard hitting journalism with a dose of frivolity and a sense of occasion. Much like a televised royal wedding, thus befitting a woman who both loves a good frock and is handy on the tools.

I've mentioned Mel before, here. Before she got married, we created M(el)TV. Our most ambitious project to date. We chose five of her all time favourite songs. And with the help of loads of friends and family, recorded film clips based either exactly (Beyonce, Crazy in Love) or very loosely (NKOTB, Hanging Tough) on the original version by the artist. Once we had recorded and edited the five music videos, we recorded ourselves presenting them in a music show program format. It was epic.

Since I eloped with Richard in Fiji, the girls didn't get the chance to do one for me. Little did I know that they weren't going to let me out of it that easily. It was my turn last Sunday, and they did an actual, real life flashmob! They've been working in secret for the past couple of months, rehearsing every weekend and planning every detail. It was all caught on film and is currently in the editing suite. 

BEST. EVER.

You may be wondering, why now? 

Well. It's not conventional to be sure but this coming weekend, two years after we eloped in Fiji, Richard and I are finally having our reception party. We have our reasons for the delay, but now that it's happening I'm so glad we waited. The timing is right.

We've been busy with planning and preparations over the last few months and we have one hell of a party in store for our family and friends. I can't wait and I know it's going to be a fantastic day. But because we're aiming for a relaxed, family picnic style day, I hadn't really given alot of thought to what the occasion meant to everyone else. It's really hit home for me now. They might not have been able to join us on our wedding day, but they sure as eggs are turning up to the party!

Belinda x

PS. As soon as that movie is ready to share, you can bet I'll be posting it here! A glimpse here of the flashmob in action, in case you missed it.

Sunday 24 February 2013

8/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: hanging out poolside. The Little One loves the water. She'll happily swim, splash and snorkle for hours, in any weather.
We: are planning a special family celebration next week. This photo was taken by a passerby as I was Flashmobbed this morning by Richard, friends and family. Best.Surprise.Ever. I will explain the link between these two seemingly random things in the coming weeks. Still in shock!

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel.  You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

*Second portrait, photo credit: Roger Jaber (random passerby)

Thursday 21 February 2013

Sundays are the best days


Recipe for a perfect Sunday.

Sunshine.
Lunch by the water.

Jug(s) of Pimms.
Post lunch meandering.
Waffle cone chocolate icecream.

And, that guy. He's the cherry on top.

Belinda x

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Indigo

 
Last weekend, I was lucky enough to steal away a for a few hours to learn an ancient art form incorporating a hue that is possibly the most universally used colour in our collective histories.

Indigo. One of the oldest blue pigments, threaded throughout our history, connecting all of us. It's a colour I instantly link to the Mayans, the Romans, the Egyptians. It's blue denim, it's ocean shores.

With the lovely and talented textile designer and artist Joanna Fowles at the helm, our small class donned our aprons and gloves and delved into the highly addictive Shibori techniques of Japanese tie-dye. The process is so cathartic, it's tangible, you can see the dye reacting to the oxygen in the air and turning blue. Jo described her love for Shibori  because it helps you reconnect with your hands. In this digital world, creating with your hands, seeing your ideas unfold, your gloved fingertips turn blue. It's grounding.

One of the great things about Shibori is that it's so forgiving. Mistakes and experiments often turn out the most beautiful results. I think it's the indigo. It's such a beautiful colour that it's impossible to get wrong. I bought the take home kit and my mind is overflowing with ideas of new projects and gift ideas. It's safe to say I'm hooked!


Megan Morton creates such a gorgeous environment for classes at The School. In the crisp white space all high ceilings and light, located in the same complex as Koskela and Kitchen By Mike. It's almost too much amazing in the one place. Plus there's always tea and there's always cake. Especially beautiful American Chocolate cake, if Julie Gibbs has anything to do with it!

There's an all day Shibori class coming up at The School next month, and loads of other beautiful classes and crafternoons in the schedule. I'm aiming for a class every few months or so. It's just so good for the soul. I challenge you to attend a class and not come away utterly inspired!

Belinda x

Sunday 17 February 2013

7/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: can be quite the animated storyteller.
We: finally managed to spend some quiet time together this weekend, it hasn't been easy to find the time this week. We savoured each other, the sunshine and the Pimms.

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel.  You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

Thursday 14 February 2013

Beloved, still


Valentine from elsieandjoan on Vimeo.

I realise this is rather lazy, a reposting of my valentine from last year. But I just watched it again and it made my heart explode so, I decided it's my blog and I'm the boss round here ;-)

Maybe I'll do a new one next year. Or maybe I'll just use this one again...we'll see.

This man makes me feel like the luckiest.

Belinda x

Happiest 5k







A few of my favourite shots from The Color Run last Sunday. I was registered to participate but sprained my ankle two days beforehand. Rich ran it on my behalf but, as you can see by the photos you can walk, run, cartwheel your way. Anything goes! 

Such a wonderful event, fundraising for a truly great cause

They call it the "happiest 5k on the planet" and they're not wrong! If ever you get the chance to take part, I highly recommend it. It's a day you wont soon forget.

Almost the weekend! Hope your week is the happiest.

Belinda x

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Sunday 10 February 2013

6/52


 "A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: sheer exhaustion. He's been an amazing support on a very busy weekend of birthday celebrations (mine) and injury (also mine). I wish I could describe how I feel looking at this photo. I love this kind, selfless man.
We: participated in The Color Run. When I badly sprained my ankle, he stepped in and ran on my behalf. The Little One and I waited for him with colour bombs at the finish line. Our team raised over $1,400 for HeartKids. A great effort all round!

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel.  You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

Friday 8 February 2013

Summer love



Summer has always been my favourite. I love the light and colours of Autumn, the smell and energy of Spring. Winter's ok. Maybe if we had lashings of thick fluffy snow, I'd be a bit more partial to Winter? But for all the crazy weather in Summer, I forgive all when the sun shines. It's all plums and mangoes, summer dresses, lazy beach jaunts, it's melting ice creams, it's social get togethers; planned and impromptu and it means there's an almost endless list of music, art, dance and theatre performances on offer.

January is the month of the Sydney Festival. An annual program of events for grown ups, kids and families, often free and all over town. This year we didn't get to see nearly as much as we'd have liked but managed to get along to a few live shows, most notably David Byrne and St Vincent and their choreographed marching band (mind.blown) and Bat For Lashes (utterly charmed)

Her performance was so clever and beautiful and captivating. AND, she wore a cape of rainbows. Couldn't have loved it more.

Source

Have a wonderful weekend!

Belinda x

Sunday 3 February 2013

5/52

 "A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: Kissing in the blue dark, playing pool and wild darts, video games *
We: sit in opposing camps when it comes to choosing a movie - Horror / Sci-fi / Action (Him) Vs. Drama / Documentary / Comedy (Me). This rainy weekend's viewing has included The Dark Knight Rises, Your Sister's Sister and Sound City. Can you guess who chose what?

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel.  You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

* Lyrics from this tune.

Friday 1 February 2013

Sweet nothing


I'm now five days into a two week cleanse detox program. Five days down without caffeine, dairy, all sugars and processed foods. It's been quite insightful so far, and exhausting. I'm shocked to realise how much I overlooked and took for granted. My Traditional Chinese Health practitioner says I'll feel amazing for it next week but right now I'm missing sugar like Rihanna misses Chris Brown.

Some photos of our Australia Day last weekend. When the sun was shining, the Hottest 100 was playing and breakfast was a glorious serve of vegemite on toast and coffee.

Hope your weekend is sweet.

Belinda x
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