Broken White

"My best works are erotic displays of mental confusions (with intrusions of irrelevant information)." Marlene Dumas

Jule-die vrou

Marlene Dumas

1985

125 x 105cm

Jule-die Vrou is a disembodied portrait painting framed in extreme close-up; only the model's eyes and lips are fully rendered attributes of seduction and sexuality. The rest of the painting is obliterated by a corpulent fleshy pink, suggestive of femininity, sin, violence and womanhood. The contrast between representation, and abstraction suggests a psychological disparity, where morality, representation, and social convention are questioned. 

Patricia Ellis writes;                                                                           

Marlene Dumas's provocative paintings of women, children, celebrities and people of colour are as psychologically disturbing as they are violently beautiful. Championing the under-represented classes, her characters occupy an unholy ground where the viewer's individual morality, ethics and adherence to ideological convention are questioned.

Marlene Dumas makes paintings with no concept of the taboo. Racism, sexuality, religion, motherhood and childhood are all presented with chilling honesty. Undermining universally held belief systems, Dumas corrupts the very way images are negotiated. Stripped of the niceties of moral consolation, Marlene Dumas's work provokes unmitigated horror. She offers no comfort to the viewer, only an unnerving complicity and confusion between victims and oppressors.

"It was my first time in a peepshow so when the girl smiled at me I said "Only looking", and she replied "That's how I got started here too".

Removing the hierarchical value system of perception, Marlene Dumas presents unsettling truths as paintings because there is no other means to communicate their primal essence. Working from her own photos and pictures found in magazine and film archives, her canvases act as sociological studies. Subjects, already at one remove, are further physically and dispassionately distanced by her instinctive and disquieting painting style.

Often described as an 'intellectual expressionist', Marlene Dumas blurs the boundaries between painting and drawing. Bold lines and shapes mix seamlessly with ephemeral washes and thick gestural brushwork. By simplifying and distorting her subjects, Marlene Dumas creates intimacy through alienation. Her subjects' assertive stares suggest that her paintings aren't actually about them, but the viewer's own reaction to their perverse circumstance. With deceptive casualness, Marlene Dumas exposes the monstrous capacity belied by 'civilised' human nature.

Beneath Marlene Dumas's hard-hitting social dialogue is a deep-rooted ideological equality. As one of the most profoundly feminist contemporary artists, Marlene Dumas uses painting as a means to personally navigate history. Her holistic approach to creation and subject undermines the discomfort and restriction of traditional rationale. Embracing the totality of human experience, Marlene Dumas finds an eternal beauty not in immediate pleasure, but in the timeless gap between the cherished and unspeakable.

~

I first discovered Dumas' work as a fan of the music of Pearl Aday, I have read that her song 'Broken White' was inspired by Dumas. I love the inspiration behind her work and find her paintings beautiful and confronting.

'Broken White' -Pearl Aday

It ain't broken 'till you scream and scold and chide it
The knife ain't stabbin' 'till you feel your hand around it
Blood and spurn
Take your turn
Buck up, don't you cry
Don't cry
Steely white
A seething sight
Make her broken white

Let's call it a war
It don't hurt no more
I fall up from the floor
Your holy ghost is a holy whore
Let's call it a war
I don't scare no more
I fall up from the floor
Your holy ghost is a holy whore

Psycho dancin' want it right in your face, you got it
Spike up your boots, it's time to fight your
Way on out, you got it
Bitch, you'll learn
Your pain is earned
Suck it up, do your time
No time
A feely fright
It just ain't right
Call her broken white

Let's call it a war
It don't hurt no more
I fall up from the floor
Your holy ghost is a holy whore
Let's call it a war
I don't scare no more
I fall up from the floor
Your holy ghost is a holy whore

Melancholy Calling

I will be turning 30 in 10 weeks. Well, in 74 days to be precise.Whether a coincidence or not, I've been reflecting on the last 10 years and how I got to where I am.

I think, in part, this reflection has come as I'm crazily aware how fast life is passing me by. I can't believe my baby is 16 months and that, in fact, she is more a little girl than a pink,chubby babe. I feel since her birth, the days and weeks have torpedoed past. I just don't know where the time has gone. I can't believe I left Australia 6 years ago! 8 years since I was strolling the halls of the Arts Department at Griffith University!

What would the 20 year old me think about the 30 year old me? Am I where I 'wanted' to be? Have my goals and desires changed? 

When I was 20 I was in my second year of University. I was in a dead end and very unhealthy relationship (one that I stayed in, stupidly, another 4 years.) I was living with friends on the Gold Coast; dreaming of travel, imagining an 'escape,' not appreciating the opportunities that lay ahead (opportunities available purely because my 'life' was truly just starting.) Hindsight is a marvellous thing.

So, looking back (as the list maker I am) what have I accomplished in that time?

I spontaneously booked a trip to Europe; 5 weeks travelling with a girlfriend. 

I graduated University. 

I listened to that internal voice that was getting increasingly more urgent! "This is not IT. Leave. Go back to London." 

I booked a one-way ticket and found my feet in a city I will always hold dear to my heart, a city I'll always feel at home in. 

I took *somewhat* steps to improve my health and self-esteem, in short I lost 20kgs. 

I ended THAT relationship, 5 years late, but I did it. 

I met the man of my dreams- a cliché but the truth. 

I married the man of my dreams and started a family, a love I could never fathom. 

... and being that I am a glass half empty kinda gal, what have I not accomplished I think I should have?

I do not, nor am even close to, owning a home. This is probably the one I am finding most difficult to accept, I want the best for Avalon, I wish for her what I had as a child.
We have not 'put down roots'-- not by house, area or country.
My career is not where I hoped it would be. In fact, let's me real. I have a job, not a career.

I have not been to Nepal. My Mother and I had made a pact that we would travel to Nepal for my 30th birthday. Nope.

I have put on 7kgs to that 20kgs I had worked so hard to loose and thus, affirming, that some demons are still alive and well.

So, where do I find myself? My family is so important to me and just to have Grant and Avalon in my life is so fulfilling. Avalon is my greatest accomplishment, followed by being in a respectful and loving partnership. I am proud of my tertiary education and travel and GRATEFUL that I had the opportunities I had. This is a self indulgent reflection. I realise I am lucky to have the things I have.

Life cannot be planned to a T. I get that. I have my goals and dreams for the next 10 years and will do all I can to achieve those. All in all, I feel pretty darn blessed.

‎"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." -Epicurus-

Wordless Wednesday.

A Toutes Jambes Editorial by Terry Richardson for French Vogue

16 months of love...

watching youtube music videos with Dad

In the park on our way to Budding Babes (natural parenting group)

Reading 'At the Market'

Colouring

Avalon is 16 months old tomorrow.

I amazed at how quickly she has turned from a baby to a little girl. I think the transition to walking has had a huge influence and to then confidently running was a further pang to the heart strings.

She loves to be on her feet and unless she is tired isn't as content being carried in the Ergo (or in arms for that matter.) She is far to independant... and curious... to what is going on around her.

She wants to be in it. A part of it.

Her vocabulary astounds us every day, not in the 'Oh-my-child-is-uber-intelligent' kind of way- but that there are new words and new sentences every single day. This has really taken off in the past month and she mimics us alot now (so would REALLY be the time to start curbing the potty mouth!)

Some of her words are: Shoes, Socks, Crocodile, Duck, Dog, Hello, Phone, Nannie, Daddy (on from Dadda), Mummy, Baby, Izzy, Kitty, Nana (as in banana), Nani (as in nachi), truck, car (toot! toot!), Peppa, ... and onwards...last night we sang 'Twinkle Twinkle' together- hand actions and all.

She loves to colour and paint... we have bought her a couple of colouring in books and crayons... she loves it and goes nuts for them- I thought she would just eat them but she will take the book and crayon and find a hard surface to scribble on- she also hold the crayons correctly... we may have an artiste here! (tongue planted in cheek!)

Books are her favourite toy. Really. She will happily sit my herself, crossed legged, book in lap and reading to herself.

Listening to her babble away is the sweetest thing. When she wants you to read to her, she brings the book, plonks in your lap and turns the pages... She is so gentle with books too, turning each page delicately.

She has started eating alot more too. At 16 months she is very much a breastfeeding babe but has started having more and more at meal times; she loves bananas, nachi's, english muffins, cheese and Linda McCartney burgers and sausages (ha!) I have doubted our baby led weaning jouring with her at times but seeing her come into her own independantly with perfect health I know it was right for us.

Her Granny takes he swimming on a Tuesday and she loves the water (apparently.) She kicks her legs and I believe there is a challenge to get her out again. I am glad she is turning into a water baby- I grew up in the water and I think it is great for her confidence. She showers with us now more often than bathing... standing under the stream playing her her toys or holding onto the shower head and spraying us (whomever is in with her.)

She adores her father. For every 'Mummy' there are ten 'Daddy's'... I relish this, I do, and I am not surprsied she is a 'Daddy's Girl.'

She is very cuddly and will nestle her head into your shoulder for long hugs. She melts my heart. I find myself rushing home to her after work to see her smiling face. Being back at work, and her huge affection for her Dad, I do cherish our nursing time together as it is just 'ours.' We cuddle up on the couch and chillout- although she is becoming very squirmy and active when she feeds which can be interesting...

We do a web camera call with my parents to Australia every Sunday and she is recognising them and they sing to her which she giggles along to.

She has 11 teeth, and I am pretty sure more on the way very soon (lots of biting of her arms and fingers and grizzly times at night.)

She is growing so very fast and it is truly bittersweet.

Happy Anniversary... Part Deux

... and how could I forget! 2 days ago marks Grant and my anniversary since we met... 6 years ago.

A terrible cliché but truly, where has the time gone? It just feels like yesterday I was introduced to this gorgeous man with a funny accent in a pub in London...

Happy Anniversary...

Today my Mum and Dad have been married 31 years.

Wow.

You guys ROCK! I love you, and miss you like crazy...

Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Ok... not a feeding photo~ but milk drunk...

This was taken on the weekend by G, what a beautiful place to feed Avalon... and I loved that Grant decided to take this photo

at Godalming Food Festival in July

I love this one...

Did you know?

By breastfeeding Avalon I have decreased my risk of breast, ovarian, uterine and endometrial cancers, plus osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis? The longer I feed her, the lower my risks get too and she herself is at a decreased risk of cancer also.

 In the second year (12-23 months), 448 mL of breastmilk provides:
◦29% of energy requirements
◦43% of protein requirements
◦36% of calcium requirements
◦75% of vitamin A requirements
...◦76% of folate requirements
◦94% of vitamin B12 requirements
◦60% of vitamin C requirements
-- Dewey 2001

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding 2 years and BEYOND. There is so much more to breastfeeding than nutrition. I can comfort and soothe my daughter immediately and my milk is designed just for her and her needs.
~

Avalon and I have enjoyed 16 months of a beautiful, nursing relationship~ we have had our ups and downs, but the positives have far outweighed our challenges and I feel so grateful that I have had this experience with her.

Breast is not best- it is NORMAL.

a weekend in Cymru

We have talked about going away for a weekend jolly for quite awhile now.

In fact- the discussion of 'let's have a holiday!' happens a lot in our household with little action. We spent 5 amazing weeks in Australia over Christmas and since then have not been away anywhere else. As wonderful as going home always is, it is also not as relaxing as we would like as our time is spent catching up with folks so the time to just get away and relax was well and truly due.

Even though I have lived in the UK for 6 years, I have seen very little of its countryside (and cities besides London) so we decided to spend 3 days in 'sunny' Wales, in the Vale of Glamorgan to be a little more precise.

We had a fantastic time, just the 3 of us. It was great to 'recharge the batteries' and be in a new place that neither Grant or I had explored before. We stayed in East Cardiff and drove around to various sites over the weekend; Caerphilly and its castle, Castle Coch, Brigend, Coity Castle, Ogmore Castle, Ogmore-on-Sea, Southerndown, Cardiff and Cardiff Bay. The countryside is ezquisite and the time allowed G and I to reconnect a little better; life has had a way of getting us a little off track lately.

I would love to visit again and next time stay here. This cottage was stunning and in the grounds of Ogmore Castle- it was like a dream.

I think Avalon had a great time and travelled so well considering it was such a busy time. The plan now is to do it all again, maybe take a 4-5 day break to Edinburgh to see the city and catch up with friends of ours that live there. Now is the time as life will be very busy over the next 6 months or so with visitors from Australia, my 30th birthday and house move, not to mention a new job for Grant.

'Love is a losing game'...

Today we lost Amy Winehouse at the age of 27...

A talent like no other, yet the music couldn't save her from the darkness inside... RIP sweet girl...

Music Monday

Losing my religion ~ REM

The mandolin evokes a wistful melancholy that takes me back to being a young teen, lying on my bed and looking out the window to the green trees that dwarfed our house.... Ahhh... If I knew then what I do now.

Seeing REM at Twickenham in 2008 was all that I had imagined it would be. Michael Stipe is awesome.

Wordless Wednesday

(anti)Social Network

I recently spent a weekend completely Facebook free.

For most people this would be no huge feat, but for me I'll admit, it took vigilance, making a conscious effort to ignore the laptop on the coffee table and most importantly stop. checking. my phone.

How did this happen? More importantly, how did this 'addiction' happen upon a self confessed 'technophobe?' I don't quite know. Should I partly blame G for signing me up to this think back in 2008? Probably not.

Let's start at the beginning...

For the longest time I believed that my attraction to Facebook was born living so far from all my family and most of my friends. I keep in touch with those that I miss terribly in Australia- seeing their photos, daily musings and having that contact at the touch of my fingers make me feel like the gap between us is shortened. I love that I can share up to date photographs with my Mum, Dad & brothers with ease. That my best friend Kate, whether in Australia, Canada or Fiji (yes, she has lived in all three since I joined in 2008) is only a short 'inbox message' away.

From that bore a need to express.

I could post notes, status updates, join fan pages, connect with 'idols' and meet people from around the world with whom I shared interests. This connection and creativity became important as I was living in Germany with few friends, surrounded by few people I had any commonalities with before then moving to the South East of England where that situation stayed pretty much the same. I wouldn't say I have difficulty making friends per se, but I have a very low tolerance for bull-shit. It is a fault. But I cannot shoot the shit with  folks that I have no desire to share with. This is also a fault. So what can I say? I retreated further into the Facebook world for my social stimuli.

My Facebook usage ramped up whilst pregnant with Avalon. Within the first few weeks I started exploring the option of birthing at home. I knew very few people (READ NONE) that had chosen to birth at home, wanted to, or didn't think it was kinda crazy. Enter Facebook and a myriad of groups and pages for every little thing, activity,lifestyle, activism you can think of. As I found myself making choices different from those around me I retreated to my on-line friends; these funny, amazing, loving, warm, supportive AND interesting women I had never actually 'met'- here I had found my 'people' and they saved my sanity on more than one occasion. My idea of parenting does not follow the 'maistream' and so I have relied on this forum for support and advice over the past 2 years.

But, like any good thing, there is a downside.

I spend WAY too much time on here. Here being the laptop, but more often than not, here is just Facebook.

The time I spend on-line aggravates my husband to no end.

I have met people who have said 'Oh you're [insert name here], I have seen you on Facebook.' WOW. That could constitute a problem.

I find myself constantly referring to it; 'I saw on Facebook...' 'I read on Facebook...' 'The other day on Facebook...'

Kind of sad. I know.

I have been absolutely aggravated, angered, saddened, repulsed and numbed my what I have read on Facebook extending to losing sleep.

I have lost friends, most of those 'IRL' (that would be in real life) variety and even those I have met on-line.
I am a passionate person, I make no apologies for that, but these passions boil over in arguments, debates, conversations over trivial AND serious issues--- all discussed in this forum.

Social networking is an open window into (some) peoples lives... By peeking into that window we see more than we ever should and know more than we ever should. I cringe when I witness the dissolve of a relationship, or snarky infantile, veiled comments from one poster to another. But I also wonder how often I reveal too much of myself?

So, I am going to make a conscientious effort to spend less time on Facebook and less 'computer' time in general.

My Facebook free weekend was positive. I spent some great time with my two favourite people, even though I do this anyway, before I was over-extending my time- or not being one hundred percent present for them. As the time was only 3 days 'leave' from social networking, I got the chance to read through some of my favourite blogs and reply to those emails I complain I never have enough time to.

I will try to limit the laptop time.

So yes. Less virtual me. More IRL me.

SHUT>DOWN>

☆ Starry, Starry night ☆

Last Saturday morning I had the privilege of attending my dear friend Nina's homebirth.

Hers has seemed like the longest pregnancy in the history of mankind as she will attest and am so pleased that after the intervention-filled birth of her first daughter, her second was born into the calm and familiarity of their home.

Nina has known of my desire to train as a Doula for some time and with that in mind, she and her husband, Gez were gracious enough to let me attend the birth in this capacity (and as official photographer.)

To be included in such a momentous time in their lives is incredibly humbling and I will never forget this experience, so with that, this is my recollection of the night. This is not Roxy's birth story (as that is Nina's rite) but I wanted to share my feelings.

With contractions coming intermittently over the past 4 weeks, we knew that this birth was going to come quickly. I have spent a great deal of time with her and have felt the tightening of her belly as Roxy wriggled and moved. I joked that she was making it too comfortable for her in there, as Nina has been mentally prepared for this birth since 37 weeks, so suffice to say she was pretty fed up with being pregnant. Big sister Izzy made her entry into the world much sooner than 40 weeks so here she was hovering somewhere around 42 (the dates are confusing and a long story within themselves.)

Nina had called me early that evening to say her waters had broken whilst she was grocery shopping. Her contractions had started but were not very intense so I was on standby but not too over-zealous. I love that Nina has been so calm about the whole process; namely my role during her labour. I was so conscious as not to step on any proverbial toes of the midwife, not to be a hindrance to Nina or Gez and only support her as much as she needed. I was concerned about over crowding her, over touching her (or not enough) but she had the attitude of 'we will play it by ear' and she was so right.

I sent Nina a message at around 9pm Saturday night to say I was off to bed, my phone was close at hand if she needed me (I only live a 10 minute drive away), I could be with her in no time. She said that her contractions had stopped again and so I fell asleep not really anticipating another call.

At 12.45am the phone rang, it was Gez to let me know that her contractions were 6 minutes apart. I dressed excitedly, left Avalon & Grant asleep and drove to their house in the dark- filled with anticipation for what the dawn would bring.

When I arrived, the door was unlocked and soft music was playing courtesy of the radio. The birthing pool was inflated in the conservatory at the back of the house with towels abound. I tip toed in as not to alarm them (or wake their sleeping daughter) and found Nina was close to transition already, she was kneeled on the futon with Gez massaging her back. She could hardly speak and was breathing through her contractions. I went into what I can only describe as 'Doula' mode and kneeled beside her.

As Gez was rubbing her back for pain relief (we didn't know at this point but baby was posterior) I got a cold flannel for her face and neck and used it to cool her down, trying to soothe and calm her. We kept our voices low as possible. Nina breathed vocally through the contractions and despite the intensity of the room, there felt like an incredible calm in the dim conservatory and stillness of the night.

The midwife arrived 10 minutes after I and upon consent examined Nina. She was 9cm. Her labour had progressed so quickly within only 3 hours and I could see her body moving to push. Her breathing had changed to a more gutteral sound. The pool sat half full as every time Gez tried to fill it with more water his hands were needed to massage away her pain.

I will remember alternating between stroking her head, smoothing her hair from her face and picking up the camera to record these moments. 'Songbird' by Eva Cassidy was floating from the radio, such melody and calm in a room filled with intense energy.

I cannot describe how amazing it was to see this little girl emerging into the world, Nina on all fours on the futon as I stayed behind the midwife to photograph as she had wanted.  I remember seeing the full head of hair emerging and wanting to exclaim 'she has hair!' yet refraining as I didn't want to take Nina out of her zone.

Roxanne Myfanwy entered the world at 1.45am on Saturday the 9th of July as 'Starry Starry Night' played softly on the radio. She was passed between her Mama's legs for her first cuddle. Mum and Dad sat together on the futon with their new daughter, basking in the glow of her birth and the love that came from extending their family. Mum had skin to skin, Dad had skin to skin, Roxy opened her eyes almost immediately, such big brown eyes and stared at her surroundings. She was so alert and yet calm.

I got home at 4am and crawled into bed beside Avalon and Grant, Avalon usually wakes at this time for milk and I was too excited to sleep.

I am so honoured to have been a witness to Roxy's birth and am thankful that her parents were pleased with the photographs and support from the night.

Welcome to the world baby girl.

shellac me.

I love nothing more than a little beauty pampering.

Since having Avalon I haven't had much chance (time/money) to indulge in one of my favourite past-times but today I managed to treat myself to a manicure at Polished in Godalming. It seemed the perfect opportunity as today was the Godalming Food Festival so I could managed an hour away whilst Grant and Avalon indulged in Louisiana Shrimp.

For years, on and off I have been getting acrylic nails. My nails do not grow. At all. And after years of having acrylics is it any wonder? I hate to think of all the nasties that I have had painted onto my nails at dodgy nail bars and have vowed N0 MORE. I can kiss the artificial length goodbye and am Ok with that- Gone are my days of looong french tips (circa 1998)- hello short, shiny, squared COLOUR.

I think I have found exactly what I always longed for- The holy grail of beautiful nails for those Keratin challenged; long lasting, chip-free colour polish that does not damage the nail either through filing and drilling OR *apparently* nasty ingredients.

Introducing... Shellac manicure.

Shellac is supposed to last 2 weeks before a re-do is necessary similar to gel or acrylic tips. Unfortunately I cannot afford that either financially or time wise so we will see how long these babies last.

The colour is Tropix. Perfect for summer. I am normally a 'Whore Red' kinda girl but thought I would change it up a bit and lucky for me I have a Nails Inc polish at home in 'Coral' to paint my toes and (sorta) match.

************************ UPDATE ***************************

One week on and my nails still look like I *just* had a manicure! I love it! Thank you so much to Amy & team at Polished, Godalming... I will certainly be back!

If you want to see how Shellac is done, check out Lisa Eldridge below:

Is it really July?

June was a busy month for us.

The weather has been warm, well, I would go so far as to say it has been hot so, like most of Britain, we got outside and amongst it because we all know it won't last long. Taking advantage of our National Trust memberships (thanks Mum & Dad) we have spent most weekends walking and exploring the local countryside; Winkworth Arboretum, Hydron's Ball & Heath & also Farnham Sculpture Park. Grant and Avalon also enjoyed a day out together to Devil's Punchbowl, taking in a 2 1/2 hour hike 9I had tthe displeasure of being at work.)

The area where we live has some beautiful scenery and countryside. It is what I like to think of as quintessential England... cottages, fields, ruins and greenery. It is this I will miss about the UK when we head to a warmer climate.

I also participated in the Race For Life at Guildford's Stoke Park for the second time, the last being in 2009. The Race For Life is a 5km run to raise money for Cancer Research UK. It was an emotional day for me as I ran in honour of my cousin Belinda who we lost way too soon in 2007. I sucked up the tears and powered on. The run also physically kicked my arse. I am really unfit, I have basically spent the last 2 years (pregnancy and post-partum not in a gym which is a surprise to no-one)- 5km took me 40 minutes to get around-- pretty shocking.
I MUST do something about my fitness.

Grant and I also enjoyed an impromptu date night to the cinema-- Avalon visited with her Grannie Leigh and Grandpa Tony whilst we had a quick glass of red and pizza at ASK in Dorking followed by popcorn and X-Men: First Class at the Dorking Halls... It was lovely, a little rushed, I was exhausted too- but you have to take these opportunities when they arise. As nice as it was to go on a 'date'- I really missed my girl and couldn't wait to get back to her.

I finally managed to get a couple of packages home to friends and family. I am terrifically slack when it comes to sending gifts home; I have every intention to do these thoughtful gestures, I swear, yet I get side-tracked- or the thought I getting to the post office seems to much (I know, I know). To add fuel to my feelings of being a terrible friend/daughter- my family and (a few) friends are too good to me and send me random goodies for no particular reason. I don't deserve it- but am forever grateful.

We took a trip to Petworth Food Festival last weekend and am heading to Godalming Food Festival tomorrow. The weather looks like it will be great too so looking forward to a wander about, and a bit to eat. I am also vainly excited by the prospect of a manicure I have booked tomorrow- my payday treat to myself.

Avalon testing out our new PUJ Go Sling

My two hams... two peas in a pod.

Never underestimate the awesomeness of bubbles

Pre- run (note smile and ZERO sweat)

Has half the year passed us already?

A night like this...

Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh

June Book Club

Alone in Berlin is set during World War II and centres around several characters whose lives are intertwined amongst the streets of Berlin.

Otto and his wife Anna, devastated by the loss of their son, decide to dangerously 'protest' against the Nazi regime. The book is beautifully written and poignant when understanding the influence of the narrative.

The greatest book ever written about German resistance to the Nazis. --Primo Levi

This novel is far more than a literary thriller. Fallada's vivid novel gives us the true, concentric circles of lives in a Berlin apartment block under totalitarianism. Michael Hofmann should be congratulated for bringing this work with all its immediate clarity to the English language.
--Hugo Hamilton, Financial Times

I loved it. I was captivated by the strength and stoic nature of Otto and Anna and the brutality of others. If you are a fan of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak you will probably enjoy Fallada's novel.

5 in 60 seconds... Cities

My favourite cities/places to visit... to explore... to drink up... to know.

Paris ~ London ~ Byron Bay ~ Florence ~ Cape Town

Happy Father's Day to ROCKdad et al

   My Dad, G & A, November 2010

 Father's Day card

A's first painting.

Our Tapas feast, fit for an awesome Dad.

Here's to all the great and wonderful Dads out there- the ones who are present and involved, loving and supportive- and a special mention for those that can't physically be with their children on this day or many days.

A toast to you all!... on this day... and every day.

Tell your Dads (and partners) what they mean to you- I know I don't do it enough.

Thank you Dad... and thank you my darling... for all that BOTH of you do.

Wordless Wednesday