Last night I saw Leonard Cohen perform live under the stars. Truly inspiring and incredible.
Today I discussed which brand of tupperware I think is best.
Leonard Cohen Loves Tupperware
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Author Archives: Hunter G
On the Road Again
I’m on the road again and in preparation for this trip I got my first taste of Chinese red tape. The consulate in melbourne stuffed up my visa application and when i pointed it out to them they agreed and told me i’d have to pay them again to fix it! Can only imagine what their response is to Tibetan dissidents who point out that they stuffed up their borders!
And on the first day…
And on the first day God said, “Let me be funny”. And someone replied…
I’m on the road again and on the first day, to get me into the right mindset, i stumbled across this.
A Life Worthwhile
I took some portraits of a friend and his wife and step-son last december. This friend died two and a half weeks ago. At his funeral his wife came up to me and said, “Thanks for the photos you dropped off recently. The black and white one is laying in his coffin with him now.” My photography has never before felt so worthwhile – a simple black and white portrait accompanies my friend to the other side. I will miss him.
Passing a Weak Stream
Recently I was sitting in a cafe enjoying my chai latte when an old italian guy leans over from the next table proffering a sheet of paper for my attention and says, “Excuse me. Can you tell me…” and begins reciting something from the sheet. ” ‘ how many times over the past month have you had a weak stream when passing urine?’ ” “What does this mean?” he enquires innocently. And I try my best to explain what ‘passing a weak stream’ might involve: a reverie by a babbling brook?; or having a piss that doesn’t cut the mustard? He is seemingly content with my attempt and slides back into his seat. But a minute later he’s beside another cafe dweller, popping the question again – to further clarfiy the intricacies I suppose.
The Lama Rides Again
I saw and listened to the Dalai Lama last Saturday at Princes Park, Carlton. There were several thousand people sprawled across the middle of the oval in the sun and plenty more scattered throughout the grandstands. Mr Lama reminds me so much of Yoda from Star Wars – a small, delicate old man, slightly crooked and wobbly on his feet, a squeeky voice, simple sense of humour, gentle and generous laugh, and very wise.
What i enjoyed the most was the fact that while this famous and dignified character spoke, a bunch of young teenagers continued to kick for goal down one end of the footy oval. I could occassionally hear the thud of Mr. Tom Sherrin hitting the boot and once I heard the warbled and sustained ‘pinnnggggg’ after Tom hit the upper end of the goal post.
Dignity & Grace
A few nights ago as I wandered home along High Street I came across a homeless man, a ‘bum’, a raggedy man, gently picking through the layers of urban garbage that filled the public rubbish bin. While stereotypical in appearance – wild, filthy hair, a bushy beard and raggedy clothing – I imagine he would have surpised many with his response to my query, “G’day mate. Are you short on a few dollars at the moment? ”
“No thanks.”, he said, in gentle and graceful tones, looking up while slowly continuing his search through the refuse, “I’m doing alright at the moment.”
We chatted briefly. I mentioned that I had seen him around over the last few weeks (walking along High Street, Northcote and Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill) and he replied that he had grown up just up the road – in Preston I think. We wished each other well and parted ways. It was a beautiful exchange and he is an inspiring character.
Walking with the Ants
Like an ant, I carry home the spoils of walking the footpaths which are my terrain – in my case I gather a battered wooden outdoor table, a garden umbrella, a potplant stand and the outline of a female figure which had a previous life as a shop fitting; all to be added to the growing collection of discarded and remnant items which decorate and litter my abode.
Melbourne Social Forum
I have just spent the last three days atttending the third Melbourne Social Forum – a local version of the World Social Forum which was set up in 2001 as an annual event to discuss social issues and foster community spirit. If you are interested in community issues you should definitely check out www.melbournesocialforum.org and its parent event, the World Social Forum, www.wsf2007.org.
Approaching Storm
It has been stinking hot today – about 35 degrees – but the cool change is just blowing in now. Mid grey and dark grey (almost silver in parts) thunder clouds are slowly gliding by from the West. The breeze is gusting and carries the warm scent of water; and the first few bulbous drops of rain have hit the concrete, leaving a temporary stain. Now more are on their way and a low growl of thunder just rolled by. It’s beautiful.
Now, suddenly, it’s really started. Massive raindrops spear into the bitumen and explode in a conical fury. Our shoddy roof guttering can’t cope with the volume and sends crooked columns of water gusghing over the far end.
And then it’s over. As quickly as that. Five minutes only. At least for now.
Pabulum 