Last night, our friend came to stay. She introduced The Bear and I and has a special place in our family. She is brave and smart and adventurous and inspirational.
Talking over a chilli and mint lamb (yes, I'm cooking now!!), the three of us explored issues of career, working, boards etc and both Our Friend and The Bear said that they didn't like having a lot of complexity in their lives. I do.
I've been thinking about it today. Our conversation got me thinking about 'busy-ness' and filling up time with 'stuff'. This Restorative Year is supposed to be about cleaning out - physically, spiritually, karmically... and yet I'm busier than I've ever been... who would have thought that possible? Between full-time work, a double masters, sitting on four committees and the occassional piece of freelance work, this has all become a bit mad.
What I've realised today is that there are a number of 'gaps' in my life. Usually I fill them with an endless search for the perfect handbag or lipstick that stays on. However, in the Year of No Shopping, I'm left with the gaps. I've realised that I've been filling them with being busy.
IT'S NOT WORKING!!! I'm so tired I can't think straight. I'm not doing anything well and am certainly not enjoying anything. There must be a better way to do this? I do like being busy, I love having lots of things happening... but what I am doing is silly because I don't have any time to stop and smell the organic, fair-trade coffee. I don't do anything for 'me'. Why not?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Australia's Most Inspiring Woman
In the build up to International Women's Day on 8 March, The Melbourne Age is asking for comment on who is Australia's most inspiring woman?
In the early 90s I was a bored secretary and, being in a very unhappy relationship, was wondering what I should do next? I've never been good at sitting still so I was keen to work out what I should do... but how? And then I met Quentin Bryce! At the time, she was heading up a review of child care provision in Australia. She was (and is) elegant, intelligent, straight forward, chic and, at all times, focussed.
She didn't have an assistant, so I would, on occassion, do administration work. She encouraged me to go to university and suggested that I go to Deakin University to study with Dr Renate Klein - which I duly did.
It is because of Her Excellency that I developed my deep love of university, challenged my views and practice of 'feminism', left an awful relationship and feel in love with Melbourne. She is one of Australia's most inspiring women.
The other most inspiring woman is my Mum. I know that sounds cliched and maybe it is, but I don't care! Mum is also elegant, focussed, intelligent and chic. She had a long and inspiring career as a school teacher and taught hundreds of children to read, think, question and love. I have had the good fortune to meet many of them as adults and they remain big fans.
Even in the last few years, as times have been tough, she has remained hopeful and stoic. She loves my Dad with passion and enduring friendship and now, as a grandmother, is repeating the love, songs, stories and silliness from our childhoods.
Importantly, Mum taught me to be loving, independent, question faith and knowledge, be educated, read everything, always have matching handbags, the great value of lipstick to make you feel better and to always think of others. She continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
In the early 90s I was a bored secretary and, being in a very unhappy relationship, was wondering what I should do next? I've never been good at sitting still so I was keen to work out what I should do... but how? And then I met Quentin Bryce! At the time, she was heading up a review of child care provision in Australia. She was (and is) elegant, intelligent, straight forward, chic and, at all times, focussed.
She didn't have an assistant, so I would, on occassion, do administration work. She encouraged me to go to university and suggested that I go to Deakin University to study with Dr Renate Klein - which I duly did.
It is because of Her Excellency that I developed my deep love of university, challenged my views and practice of 'feminism', left an awful relationship and feel in love with Melbourne. She is one of Australia's most inspiring women.
The other most inspiring woman is my Mum. I know that sounds cliched and maybe it is, but I don't care! Mum is also elegant, focussed, intelligent and chic. She had a long and inspiring career as a school teacher and taught hundreds of children to read, think, question and love. I have had the good fortune to meet many of them as adults and they remain big fans.
Even in the last few years, as times have been tough, she has remained hopeful and stoic. She loves my Dad with passion and enduring friendship and now, as a grandmother, is repeating the love, songs, stories and silliness from our childhoods.
Importantly, Mum taught me to be loving, independent, question faith and knowledge, be educated, read everything, always have matching handbags, the great value of lipstick to make you feel better and to always think of others. She continues to inspire me on a daily basis.
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Dawn Conspiracy... at dawn
What a crazy week it has been! I have been working like the proverbial Trojan (were there any women in that army?) and feel as though I haven't had a minute to reflect.
It is early Saturday morning and I'm up and dresssed - about to go to Weight Watchers... which I have recently joined in an attempt to, once and for all, lose weight! More about that later...
8 March is International Women's Day and this year, it is the centenary of the event. I've always been a huge fan of IWD - the marches, the breakfasts, the moment in time to spend a whole day thinking about what it is to be a woman. I will be attending many events, but want to tell you of a couple over the next few days.
The Dawn Conspiracy is a feminist project that brings 'together performers, writers, poets, musicians, comedians and other thinkers, taking the pulse of feminist culture in our city and finding it in fine form.' I was approached to make a short video about what it meant for me to be a feminist. It is a long time since I have used that term to describe myself. Mea culpa! With the help of two gorgeous young feminists who understand such technology, I have recorded a piece and will make it available here when I can. Lets just say that Dame Judy Dench is in no danger of an competition for movie roles!
The Dawn Conspiracy is holding three events this week (two of which I will be attending):
I am so looking forward to the Variety Night and Women as Heroes events - another opportunity to listen, watch and learn as a generation of smart, sexy, powerful women move up in the world.
It is early Saturday morning and I'm up and dresssed - about to go to Weight Watchers... which I have recently joined in an attempt to, once and for all, lose weight! More about that later...
8 March is International Women's Day and this year, it is the centenary of the event. I've always been a huge fan of IWD - the marches, the breakfasts, the moment in time to spend a whole day thinking about what it is to be a woman. I will be attending many events, but want to tell you of a couple over the next few days.
The Dawn Conspiracy is a feminist project that brings 'together performers, writers, poets, musicians, comedians and other thinkers, taking the pulse of feminist culture in our city and finding it in fine form.' I was approached to make a short video about what it meant for me to be a feminist. It is a long time since I have used that term to describe myself. Mea culpa! With the help of two gorgeous young feminists who understand such technology, I have recorded a piece and will make it available here when I can. Lets just say that Dame Judy Dench is in no danger of an competition for movie roles!
The Dawn Conspiracy is holding three events this week (two of which I will be attending):
- CherChez La Femme: Feminism and the Brand Featuring Monica Dux, Chrissie Feagins and Alicia Sometimes, and hosted by Karen Pickering, Cherchez la Femme is a monthly digest of pop culture and current affairs from a feminist perspective. This will be the first show back in 2011 and the opening night of The Dawn Conspiracy.
Thursday 3 March, Fox Hotel, 351 Wellington St Collingwood 7-9pm
- The Dawn Conspiracy Variety Night Hosted by Clem Bastow and featuring Helen Razer, Linda Beatty (The UnEnchanted Princess), Susan Carland (Salam Café), Emilie Zoey Baker and a host of other entertainers in a celebration of feminist thought. This revolution’s telethon will not be televised. Tickets are $15/$10 and all proceeds go to WIRE and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Friday 4 March, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Victoria Room, 8-11pm
- HERo: Women as Heroes Hosted by Lyndal Walker.
Saturday 5 March, Grace Darling Hotel, Smith St Collingwood, 2-12pm
I am so looking forward to the Variety Night and Women as Heroes events - another opportunity to listen, watch and learn as a generation of smart, sexy, powerful women move up in the world.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Launch of the Fitted For Work Fashion Challenge (Melbourne0
Join us for drinks and canapés on the eve of International Women’s Day and celebrate the launch of the Fitted for Work Fashion Challenge with co-founder Marion Webster and CEO Jane Hunt.
When: Monday 7 March at 6pm to 8pm (registration from 5.30pm)
Where: Level 2, 201 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
Bookings: $30 per ticket. Book online at www.trybooking.com/LYK or phone Fitted for Work to book on (03) 9620 5533. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, go to http://www.fashionchallenge.org/.
Suzanne Dekyvere - An Air of Distinction
Discover how to turn the LBD (Little Black Dress) into seven incredible outfits suitable for a day at work to a black-tie dinner just by changing your accessories. Suzanne Dekyvere of An Air of Distinction will demonstrate just how to do it on real live models.
Fitted For Work is launching our Fashion Challenge in Melbourne on 7 March 2011 at 6:00pm. Bookings can be made here.
I will be there and would love to see you! Please let me know if you'd like an invitation emailed to you (PDF) so that you can pass it on.
x
When: Monday 7 March at 6pm to 8pm (registration from 5.30pm)
Where: Level 2, 201 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD
Bookings: $30 per ticket. Book online at www.trybooking.com/LYK or phone Fitted for Work to book on (03) 9620 5533. If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, go to http://www.fashionchallenge.org/.
Suzanne Dekyvere - An Air of Distinction
Discover how to turn the LBD (Little Black Dress) into seven incredible outfits suitable for a day at work to a black-tie dinner just by changing your accessories. Suzanne Dekyvere of An Air of Distinction will demonstrate just how to do it on real live models.
Fitted For Work is launching our Fashion Challenge in Melbourne on 7 March 2011 at 6:00pm. Bookings can be made here.
I will be there and would love to see you! Please let me know if you'd like an invitation emailed to you (PDF) so that you can pass it on.
x
Clothing sale... Fitted For Work
This is a very quick blog as I'm struggling to finish a report and it is already 10:18pm! Where did Sunday go?
Fitted for Work is having our first clothing sale for 2011. How can you resist? We'll have some lovely Autumn treats for your wardrobe. (Unfortunately, I will have to resist - but I thoroughly encourage others to attend). Dates are:
Saturday 26th March 2011
9.30am-3.30pm
Sunday 27th March 2011
11am-2.00pm
It’s at our warehouse in Northcote:
Fredrick Street, Northcote. Behind Dear Gladys 296 High Street, Northcote
(Here is a link to a google map to help you and your sale loving friends/family find us.
MOST ITEMS UNDER $20.
Please bring cash, as we have no eftpos facilities.
All proceeds go to Fitted for Work.
This is not a secret, anyone in need of a spruce up to their wardrobe is welcome to come buy the fabulous clothes, please forward this on to family/friends or anyone you think might want to come buy a bargain.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What on Earth was I thinking?
It all sounded like a good idea - a year without shopping. A year to think about myself without all the distractions of handbags, David Jones and Chanel lippie. A year to get rid of clutter... to reorganise my wardrobe (which I secretly hope will morph into Carrie's fabulous wardrobe with the shoe shelves). A year to lose weight and reappear - like a butterfly out of a crystalis - reformed and thin!
It seems, however, that I did not do my research properly. I should have bought British or American Vogue and then I would have known that leopard print is the biggest thing this year!
I had to go to Southland today to pick up something from Medicare (what a delight that is!). I had to park near Myers and walk through the handbag / accessories / Country Road / Chanel section. And there it all was... leopard print for as far as my fluttering eyes could see. Even the most wonderful pair of sling back, kitten heeled leopard print shoes.
I felt like an addict. I couldn't help myself but wonder 'what if'?
But... you'll be happy to know that I resisted as I am the most stubborn person I know (well, a close second to my lovely husband - who has just bought me a cup of camomile tea) and I am determined to make it to 31 December 2011 without shopping for clothes et al.
I am in Week 6... and I am noticing changes in myself... and that is what this whole process is about.
It seems, however, that I did not do my research properly. I should have bought British or American Vogue and then I would have known that leopard print is the biggest thing this year!
I had to go to Southland today to pick up something from Medicare (what a delight that is!). I had to park near Myers and walk through the handbag / accessories / Country Road / Chanel section. And there it all was... leopard print for as far as my fluttering eyes could see. Even the most wonderful pair of sling back, kitten heeled leopard print shoes.
I felt like an addict. I couldn't help myself but wonder 'what if'?
But... you'll be happy to know that I resisted as I am the most stubborn person I know (well, a close second to my lovely husband - who has just bought me a cup of camomile tea) and I am determined to make it to 31 December 2011 without shopping for clothes et al.
I am in Week 6... and I am noticing changes in myself... and that is what this whole process is about.
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Killer Heel
I have a particular pair of shoes in my wardrobe. They are Chanel-esque - cream patent leather with a black toe and heel. They are - quite simply - gorgeous and I love them! However... I can't walk in them.
Following a broken leg in 2008, my ankle struggles in 'killer heels' and at 185cm (that's 6'1" for those using imperial), I don't really 'need' the heels. But I love them. They are elegant and chic. They look as though they should be on the end of my long legs, crossed at a table at The Windsor, while drinking champagne with girlfriends. They go perfectly with cream suits for important interviews or cashmere cardigans and pencil skirts - worn to a friend's (unexpected) baby shower.
I have struggled for years about being so much taller than everyone else when wearing heels. In many cases, I am the tallest in the room in my stockinged feet... but add a pair of tres chic cream patent pumps and I'm unmissable.
I have them sitting in the middle of the floor at the moment. Do I - in this year of rethinking my 'stuff' - recycle them to a good cause? Or do I return them to my side of the wardrobe where they remain - unworn but very much loved? Is this about 'stuff' or is it about being 'unmissable'?
Following a broken leg in 2008, my ankle struggles in 'killer heels' and at 185cm (that's 6'1" for those using imperial), I don't really 'need' the heels. But I love them. They are elegant and chic. They look as though they should be on the end of my long legs, crossed at a table at The Windsor, while drinking champagne with girlfriends. They go perfectly with cream suits for important interviews or cashmere cardigans and pencil skirts - worn to a friend's (unexpected) baby shower.
I have struggled for years about being so much taller than everyone else when wearing heels. In many cases, I am the tallest in the room in my stockinged feet... but add a pair of tres chic cream patent pumps and I'm unmissable.
I have them sitting in the middle of the floor at the moment. Do I - in this year of rethinking my 'stuff' - recycle them to a good cause? Or do I return them to my side of the wardrobe where they remain - unworn but very much loved? Is this about 'stuff' or is it about being 'unmissable'?
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