Intermission

Intermission is going to drive me crazy! I swear it needs to get a move on. Sigh! Okay I need to relax and get my head together but the problem is I cannot seem to relax unless I am reading something interesting or doing something interesting. So today I got back in the Kayak, despite the cold chilly wet weather and went for a paddle on the Swan. And beautiful it was.


There wasn't a power boat in sight, so you have to love that, no jet ski's at all, because all those water polluters don't like being on the river when it's cold, big bonus, however there were a lot of kayakers paddling away up and down the Swan. I was amazed at how many there were. You could almost call it traffic. Interestingly I ignored all of them and cruised my way down the river between Shelly Bridge and Mt Henry Bridge. It was a bit of a paddle and the dog got tired and went to sleep on my leg. However I caught some beautiful images.

Seeing such beauty so early in the morning in the middle of the city is refreshing and gets my day going. I have to say cold though it was it was very enjoyable. It took roughly three hours there and back, admittedly we did a couple of pitt stops for the dog to stretch his legs, but all up invigorating.

Great way to start your day.

Life is good.

NAIDOC WEEK

Aboriginal Flag

This Sunday is the beginning of NAIDOC week and I am excited. The first week in July is my favourite time of the year. The week begins on Sunday with the launch of NAIDOC and then events take place during the week all over the city. Aboriginal people are happy, smiling and proud. Yes we are proud to be who we are. NAIDOC gives us the opportunity to showcase the best of Aboriginal culture and heritage. NAIDOC is the one time of the year when Aboriginal Australians become visible.

There are a couple of things during NAIDOC week that get me excited. The first one is the flags that are flying along Riverside Drive and on the Causeway. Today I drove to work and the flags are up. I took one look at those flags and I couldn't stop smiling. I feel proud to be Noongar. 

The second thing is the events that are occurring during the week a couple of which I will be participating in with fellow Noongars. I love being actively involved in NAIDOC events and enjoying the company of my friends and family at these events. It is exciting and fun. Everyone is in good spirits and there is an air of ownership and pride around the city that makes me glow.

But the highlight of NAIDOC week for me is the Ball. The NAIDOC Ball is the social event of the year for Aboriginal Australians and everyone who is anyone will be at the Ball. This years Ball is looking promising for me because I actually brought myself a beautiful dress. Usually when I go to the Ball I beg borrow or steal a dress because I am too scroogey to buy one. This year I did not think about the cost and actually let go of my control issues about finance and brought myself a fabulous dress. I can't wait to wear it. Unfortunately I do not have a date but I reckon the dress might just do it for me....lol  The Ball is always held at the end of the week as a celebration of all of the hard work that we do during the week to share with you our culture and heritage. 

Now where to find a pair of fabulous shoes for dancing? 


On that note please take the time to attend events in your town or city this year and support NAIDOC. Wadjelas are welcome!

Life is good.

Torres Strait Islander Flag

Footprints

The images above are Kangaroo tracks. Im not sure if you can see it in the top picture but you can definitely see them in the bottom picture. I took these shots when i was out walking. The top one was on the Bibbulmun Track and the second photo was taken when I was on 'country' in Quairading. I took these photos to give you an idea of where the patterns on Aboriginal artwork comes from. If you look at the shapes of the footprints left behind you can see the straight line and the little point on the end of the print. It is a very interesting process and gives one the understanding of the imagery painted in Indigenous artworks. 

Animals and human beings leave behind the footprints of our physical bodies. One of my favourite footprints is when you sit in the sand with your legs crossed and then get up. The shape of your bottom and legs gives you the 'U' shape that is used in Aboriginal art. This means 'people or person sitting'. 

Indigenous art can be elusive to people who are not observant of the footprints left by nature. If you really want to have an understanding of Indigenous artworks just look around you. The designs are all there waiting for you to uncover.

Nature is the most efficient designer of contemporary art designs and colour combinations all you have to do is open your eyes and see.

Enjoy!!!

Life is good.