Underbelly Arts

It's been over a year now since my sister Amanda, came home from her stint in London. She was away for two years and during that time, we both went through alot individually. It was hard to be apart from her, the distance was felt deeply.

Since she returned home, we have had a renewed appreciation for our relationship. How lucky we are to have each other. How novel it still feels to be able to pick up the phone, make plans and get together, that same day! Amanda has itchy feet for more adventures abroad but for now, we live in the same city. Our home. And we don't take it for granted for a second.

A few weekends back, Amanda and I met at the Sydney Harbour Ferry wharf and went over to Cockatoo Island. It's one of my very favourite places in Sydney to visit, we spent the afternoon exploring the Underbelly Arts Festival, which included some fantastic art installations and performances, made all the more spectacular against the backdrop of the beautiful and historic island. 

It was a brilliant day out with my sister. I thought about that as we strolled together, chatting on our way home, I thought it couldn't be any more perfect. 

Then this happened.

Perfect.

Belinda x

34/52

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

Richard: Telling me stories of this, his first childhood home in Manchester, England.

We: Country pubs, cobblestone streets, rowdy family get togethers, catching up with old friends, copious amounts of tea and pimms. English summer holidays are alright.

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

33/52

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

Richard: worked for the same (great) company for a decade. After much deliberation, he decided to move on and in a few weeks he'll start his new job. It makes me so happy to see a new energy behind those eyes. Inspiration.

We: take flight today, to far away shores where family and friends await. Excited!

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

Sydney Flower Market

We met before dawn. My mum, sister and I.

While most were tucked up, warm in bed, cloud shapes formed on our breath as we hugged at the designated meeting spot. The scene before us was already awash with movement, market stall vendors and florists hustling, the bright lights and colour snapping the last of sleep from our minds and into the moment.

The lovely ladies of Sydney Flower School who ran the tour we had come to join, brought some calm and sense to the chaos by introducing us to favourite vendors, educating us on seasonal blooms, how to choose the freshest buds and find a good bargain. 

Despite this being the most delightful morning, I was shocked to learn that the vast majority of the vendors are now turning to cheaper imported flowers to cope with rising farming costs locally and staying competitive. But perhaps the biggest surprise of the day, the distinct lack of fragrance. In a quest for enhanced or unique colours or perhaps longevity, a flowers natural scent is the first thing to be compromised. I expected to be hit by a wall of heady fragrance with so many blooms in one place, but it was only in pockets. 

Isn't that so sad!

As the sun rose and glowed peach in the rafters, we returned to vendors selling local and fragrant flowers. We filled our arms with natives, roses, blossoms, freesias, marvelling at stories shared of cultivating rare natives and wishing we lived closer so we could do this every Saturday morning.

Huge thanks to Judy and Kylie from Sydney Flower School, for being so generous with their knowledge and time. I'd absolutely recommend joining their Sydney Flower Market tour if you're so inclined, it's a gorgeous way to start your day.

Belinda x