-Lewis Carroll
Friday, January 27, 2006
Favourite Quotes
"I'm very brave generally," he went on in a low voice: "only to-day I happen to have a headache."
Friday, January 20, 2006
Creativity continued
Last week you read in shock as Ariel (the mermaid, yes, apparently she does exist) solicited my aid in defeating Scylla (the Greek one). This week I begin my journey to the golden city (so named by Ariel)...
Walking back up the beach towards my car (I don't actually have one, but it's nice to dream), I was immediately distracted from my goal by ummm... what? By what? By... a heavy beating. Turning back towards the water I saw an inordinately large eagle flying towards me. I screamed, thinking this would be an unpleasant (and possibly bloody) message from Scylla. In less than a second the creature was a metre away from me and speaking my name.
"Lucy," it said, "I come from Ariel."
I staggered, then regaining my poise I said crossly "I didn't think eagles were sea creatures. Or able to speak English!"
"Eagles aren't," it said. "I am a griffin."
"A griffin?! Oh this morning is going just great. Not to be petty or anything, but since you aren't supposed to exist, doesn't it kind of blow your cover to be seen by people?"
"Oh no. The people that see us are uniquely chosen for difficult tasks. And we remain invisible to everyone else."
"So I look like I'm talking to the air?"
The griffin nodded (sort of, I'm not sure if griffins can actually nod, but say it made a kind of affirmative head movement).
"So what you're saying is, I look like I'm completely crazy! Fantastic! I'm going to end this thing by getting committed!"
The griffin, ignoring my remarks, said "Come, we must hurry and begin the journey at once."
"Well that's not true at all," I said grouchily. "Ariel said the trip would take two hours and I had three days to do it. So I think I can probably relax about it for a day or so."
"No! You must not! When you reach the golden city it may take you several days to convince Eric's family of our need!"
"Oh," I said disappointedly. "Hey! How do I even know that you are from Ariel and not from Scylla?"
The sphinx looked offended (again, not sure if that's possible but let's just say it is). "Griffin are always on the side of truth and love," it said tersely.
"Fine, fine. I just have to get some things out of my car," I said.
"Yes, the tools Ariel has sent to aid you in your task. Let us get them at once."
I looked sideways at the Griffin. "Well, how about you wait here and I'll come back with them. I don't want to be seen talking to the air any more than I can help it."
"No, I must accompany you. I have been instructed not to leave you alone at any time."
"Fine," I muttered. "By the way, since we're going on this journey thing together - what's your name?"
"My name is Arnorld."
I choked. "Arnold?" Then between giggles I asked, "So are you a guy?"
Arnold's offended look had returned, but he said "I am a male griffin, yes."
"Well, Arnold, let's get going," I said, still lauging.
Tune in next week to find out what will be discovered in the car....
Walking back up the beach towards my car (I don't actually have one, but it's nice to dream), I was immediately distracted from my goal by ummm... what? By what? By... a heavy beating. Turning back towards the water I saw an inordinately large eagle flying towards me. I screamed, thinking this would be an unpleasant (and possibly bloody) message from Scylla. In less than a second the creature was a metre away from me and speaking my name.
"Lucy," it said, "I come from Ariel."
I staggered, then regaining my poise I said crossly "I didn't think eagles were sea creatures. Or able to speak English!"
"Eagles aren't," it said. "I am a griffin."
"A griffin?! Oh this morning is going just great. Not to be petty or anything, but since you aren't supposed to exist, doesn't it kind of blow your cover to be seen by people?"
"Oh no. The people that see us are uniquely chosen for difficult tasks. And we remain invisible to everyone else."
"So I look like I'm talking to the air?"
The griffin nodded (sort of, I'm not sure if griffins can actually nod, but say it made a kind of affirmative head movement).
"So what you're saying is, I look like I'm completely crazy! Fantastic! I'm going to end this thing by getting committed!"
The griffin, ignoring my remarks, said "Come, we must hurry and begin the journey at once."
"Well that's not true at all," I said grouchily. "Ariel said the trip would take two hours and I had three days to do it. So I think I can probably relax about it for a day or so."
"No! You must not! When you reach the golden city it may take you several days to convince Eric's family of our need!"
"Oh," I said disappointedly. "Hey! How do I even know that you are from Ariel and not from Scylla?"
The sphinx looked offended (again, not sure if that's possible but let's just say it is). "Griffin are always on the side of truth and love," it said tersely.
"Fine, fine. I just have to get some things out of my car," I said.
"Yes, the tools Ariel has sent to aid you in your task. Let us get them at once."
I looked sideways at the Griffin. "Well, how about you wait here and I'll come back with them. I don't want to be seen talking to the air any more than I can help it."
"No, I must accompany you. I have been instructed not to leave you alone at any time."
"Fine," I muttered. "By the way, since we're going on this journey thing together - what's your name?"
"My name is Arnorld."
I choked. "Arnold?" Then between giggles I asked, "So are you a guy?"
Arnold's offended look had returned, but he said "I am a male griffin, yes."
"Well, Arnold, let's get going," I said, still lauging.
Tune in next week to find out what will be discovered in the car....
Monday, January 16, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
Creativity
You know I should really use this thing for working on my creative writing (which won't otherwise get much work this year). For example...
let's say I went to... the beach. Early this morning. (This is definitely fiction. I'm never up early). The early morning sun was glorious, celebrating the new day. The air was fresh - that uniquely beach air that is a combination of salt and sand and seagulls.
I jogged along the water edge quickly at first and then more slowly as I watched the sea. (This could be true, I usually jog at least a little bit when I go to the beach.) The movement of the water was mesmerising and I eventually stopped altogether, looking out over its vast expanse. As I did so, an odd movement to my right caught my eye. But when I turned my head to work out what it was, it disappeared. At first I thought the effects of getting up too early were causing me to see things. I was about to look away when I saw the movement again, closer this time. Shock rooted me to the spot. (What a cliche). I looked around me, but I was alone on the beach so there was no one to verify what I was seeing. (What was I seeing? It could be a dolphin although I'm not sure I would be 'shocked' to see one in the sea (this is, after all, where they generally reside). Perhaps someone I thought was dead is swimming towards me. This would definitely be a shock and also has interesting possibilities. Or it could be some kind of sea monster - a (really big) sea snake or a giant octopus. Although I think shock in that case would make me flee for my life. How about...)
Swimming towards me was a face that I recognised on a body that I had previously thought (and possibly still did think) to be mythological. When the... thing... (I can't really bring myself to say mermaid) was only a few metres away, she called my name.
"Lucy!"
I hesitated. "Ariel?" I said.
"I need your help!" she said.
"You need my help! You need my help? I need the help of a psychiatrist! Since when do mermaids actually exist? And I thought you grew legs and married the prince!"
She snorted (an action I had not previously associated with mermaids). "Get with it! He grew a tail and became a merman. There's no way I was going to give up my female right to maintain my oceanic role."
Visions of a sweet and demure Ariel cast aside, I said "So you want my help? Princey boy probably got a little sick of the water," I added to myself.
"Scylla has take Eric captive and we need to get in contact with his family. They have the magic weapon that can defeat her."
"Scylla? As in Scylla? The Greek one?" (my knowledge of Greek myths comes in handy here)
"Yes, of course," Ariel replied impatiently. "Are there any others?"
"Aaah, well, I suppose not."
"We cannot lose any time, you must travel to the golden city. It is two hours from Adelaide, and invisible to the human eye. When you return to your car you will find a sack containing all you will need to find Eric's family and convince them of our dire need."
"Hey, look Lady. You may be able to boss Eric around all you like, but I have other things to do with my time." I turned around to leave, but her next words stopped me.
"Your reward will be a chest of priceless jewels."
"Aaaaah, now you're talking."
"But we must talk no longer! Time is short so you must begin at once! I will meet you back here at sunset in three days. Remember, by sunset on the third day you must return."
"Hmmm, that sounds familiar," I said. But Ariel had disappeared under the waves.
Da da da dum.......
Tune in next week for more exciting adventures.
let's say I went to... the beach. Early this morning. (This is definitely fiction. I'm never up early). The early morning sun was glorious, celebrating the new day. The air was fresh - that uniquely beach air that is a combination of salt and sand and seagulls.
I jogged along the water edge quickly at first and then more slowly as I watched the sea. (This could be true, I usually jog at least a little bit when I go to the beach.) The movement of the water was mesmerising and I eventually stopped altogether, looking out over its vast expanse. As I did so, an odd movement to my right caught my eye. But when I turned my head to work out what it was, it disappeared. At first I thought the effects of getting up too early were causing me to see things. I was about to look away when I saw the movement again, closer this time. Shock rooted me to the spot. (What a cliche). I looked around me, but I was alone on the beach so there was no one to verify what I was seeing. (What was I seeing? It could be a dolphin although I'm not sure I would be 'shocked' to see one in the sea (this is, after all, where they generally reside). Perhaps someone I thought was dead is swimming towards me. This would definitely be a shock and also has interesting possibilities. Or it could be some kind of sea monster - a (really big) sea snake or a giant octopus. Although I think shock in that case would make me flee for my life. How about...)
Swimming towards me was a face that I recognised on a body that I had previously thought (and possibly still did think) to be mythological. When the... thing... (I can't really bring myself to say mermaid) was only a few metres away, she called my name.
"Lucy!"
I hesitated. "Ariel?" I said.
"I need your help!" she said.
"You need my help! You need my help? I need the help of a psychiatrist! Since when do mermaids actually exist? And I thought you grew legs and married the prince!"
She snorted (an action I had not previously associated with mermaids). "Get with it! He grew a tail and became a merman. There's no way I was going to give up my female right to maintain my oceanic role."
Visions of a sweet and demure Ariel cast aside, I said "So you want my help? Princey boy probably got a little sick of the water," I added to myself.
"Scylla has take Eric captive and we need to get in contact with his family. They have the magic weapon that can defeat her."
"Scylla? As in Scylla? The Greek one?" (my knowledge of Greek myths comes in handy here)
"Yes, of course," Ariel replied impatiently. "Are there any others?"
"Aaah, well, I suppose not."
"We cannot lose any time, you must travel to the golden city. It is two hours from Adelaide, and invisible to the human eye. When you return to your car you will find a sack containing all you will need to find Eric's family and convince them of our dire need."
"Hey, look Lady. You may be able to boss Eric around all you like, but I have other things to do with my time." I turned around to leave, but her next words stopped me.
"Your reward will be a chest of priceless jewels."
"Aaaaah, now you're talking."
"But we must talk no longer! Time is short so you must begin at once! I will meet you back here at sunset in three days. Remember, by sunset on the third day you must return."
"Hmmm, that sounds familiar," I said. But Ariel had disappeared under the waves.
Da da da dum.......
Tune in next week for more exciting adventures.
Monday, January 09, 2006
The Sixth Sense
Some movies I know I'll love and some I know I'll hate. And some movies surprise me. I am definitely not into scary suspense movies and thought The Sixth Sense would not be my thing. But when I saw it by chance (while babysitting - this is when I see most movies by chance) I loved it. I am unashamedly a massive Bruce Willis fan (who can forget Die Hard???) and I love his brooding sincerity in this movie. My favourite quote is when Cole's mum comes in and starts to tell him about her day - she makes up a whole lot of cool stuff including winning the lottery, quitting her job, and having a long picnic. I don't know why I love that. It's just. Sweet and funny and kind of heart breaking.
I won't say I love the twist at the end because I wouldn't want to give it away for those who haven't seen it, but for those who have.... lean in and I'll tell you a secret... I LOVE the twist at the end! It's very powerful.
I won't say I love the twist at the end because I wouldn't want to give it away for those who haven't seen it, but for those who have.... lean in and I'll tell you a secret... I LOVE the twist at the end! It's very powerful.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Shopping
I actually have numerous things to say on the subject of shopping, but today all I will say is that I dream of having a shopping centre entirely to myself where every clothing item is perfectly suited to me and every coffee exactly to taste. There would be no pushing crowds and no grouchy employees. Funky music would be playing, not grunge and not loud. There would be soft couches at regular intervals, hot coffee and juices sitting on the side. AND I wouldn't have to drive home through hectic traffic afterwards. All the assistants would be friendly but not pushy, and none of them would make me feel dowdy (by being more attractive than is healthy for one person to be). Okay freeze that. I'm starting to sound like a Hitler wannabe. Scratch all of that. What I really need is a good sleep. And some patience...
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
I know I'm going to run out of things to write
I mean let's be honest - who really cares about what I have to rant about? Part of me thinks that what's great about blogging is that I can pretend to be a totally different person. I can be the person I actually want to be in this cyberspace where noone but me knows any better. But that's the tricky bit. I do know better. And eventually, inevitably, the deception will fail. I'm not that great at deception. Especially not character deception. It's just too hard. Although there are people out there who think I'm well-adjusted, sane and uncomplicated - they are few and far between. Oh dear, my first cliche. There we go, the deception has already failed. I naturally use cliches all the time and it's just too hard cutting them out.
What am I rambling about? Does anyone care? Do I? That whole thing of less thought more action is not going to work if I continue these pointless philosophisings. So, on action: I'm going to go and drink some coffee and have a bit of chocolate without worrying about the calories.
What am I rambling about? Does anyone care? Do I? That whole thing of less thought more action is not going to work if I continue these pointless philosophisings. So, on action: I'm going to go and drink some coffee and have a bit of chocolate without worrying about the calories.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Beginning
I am now an official blogger. Sadly. I hoped never to succumb to this bizarre world of curious user names and weirdo events. Only for computer nerds I say. I guess now I am a computer nerd. But it's Rose's fault. I needed a login account to comment on her page so now I have a login. And I might as well use it, right?
It's kind of a poetic moment to start something like this anyway. It's a new year and new things are happening. I'm doing my Biotechnology Honours. It's strange and terrifying, especially considering I didn't ever think I'd make it. It's kind of cool that I have. I've defied my own expectations of failure and now I have to overcome the biggest mountain of all. The Thesis. Hmmm. I don't really want to think about that yet.
Do I have any new years resolutions (I hear you asking)? Not really. Except I'd like not to fail my Honours, but that's kind of a given. How about - eating less chocolate? Well, we all know that's not going to happen. How about this one. Be adventurous. Take risks. Michelle Branch says "It's all so overrated, never saying how we feel, so we end up watching chances fade." I want to take chances this year. I want to go dancing and not be embarassed. Crash a few parties, maybe kiss a few boys. Be a bit reckless. Not all the time, but I've always been the mature and responsible one. Sensible, that's me. Sometimes I need to think less and do more. HEY! That's it! That's my motto for 2006. Think less, do more. I like it.
It's kind of a poetic moment to start something like this anyway. It's a new year and new things are happening. I'm doing my Biotechnology Honours. It's strange and terrifying, especially considering I didn't ever think I'd make it. It's kind of cool that I have. I've defied my own expectations of failure and now I have to overcome the biggest mountain of all. The Thesis. Hmmm. I don't really want to think about that yet.
Do I have any new years resolutions (I hear you asking)? Not really. Except I'd like not to fail my Honours, but that's kind of a given. How about - eating less chocolate? Well, we all know that's not going to happen. How about this one. Be adventurous. Take risks. Michelle Branch says "It's all so overrated, never saying how we feel, so we end up watching chances fade." I want to take chances this year. I want to go dancing and not be embarassed. Crash a few parties, maybe kiss a few boys. Be a bit reckless. Not all the time, but I've always been the mature and responsible one. Sensible, that's me. Sometimes I need to think less and do more. HEY! That's it! That's my motto for 2006. Think less, do more. I like it.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)