January saw Haiti hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake with a reported 230,000 people losing their lives and many more affected. I was overwhelmed trying to understand the numbers- just too big to comprehend. In stark contrast February saw Whistler BC host the Winter Olympics. I could not have been more excited watching the Women's Slalom and the drama of the Ice Hockey.
European skies in April look apocalyptic as volcanic ash from eruptions in Iceland spread across flight paths. The Deepwater Horizon oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico explodes killing 11 rig workers and causing horrific damage to the marine and coastal environment as the resulting oil spill spreads. Pictures of birds coated in the stuff that protects my engine car breaks my heart.
Heavy monsoon rains cause massive floods in Pakistan in July, killing many and displacing over 1 million people. That is just under the population of Adelaide. Donations to charities remain low for this disaster as many decide that Pakistan is harbouring terrorists so wallets and hearts remain closed.
Burmese opposition politician Aung San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest in November after spending some 15 of the last 21 years a prisoner. Freedom is a right we should all fight for- many people still remain imprisoned because of their political affiliations in Burma and other countries such as Iran and China. North Korea shells South Korea and I begin to feel a little nervous for people living in this volatile region.
December sees no real change for Afghanistan and countries such as China, Indonesia and Pakistan struggle to rebuild after tsunami, earthquake or flood.
On a rather less global front there is love, lust and addiction.
I fall in love all over again with the music of Lloyd Cole after seeing him play at Northcote Social Club. I develop an addiction to Prosecco and Limoncello cocktails, Dimple whisky and Frankie magazine. And I lust after Lindt Delice, particularly the Champagne macaroons.
I paint my toenails three times in one year and enjoy the end result! Strange given my aversion for such things. I also buy more clutches, purses and small handbags I could ever need given I may go somehere requiring such things a handful of times a year. Perhaps it is because I am creeping closer to 40 and am trying to dress up the ham. Could be....or that I am noticing things that are beautiful, artistic or colourful. I think this is closer to the truth or at least I hope so.Sydney for a weekend proved to be a luxurious mini break in May as I clocked over into my 38th year. I delighted in Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang's installation at Cockatoo Island as part of the Biennale- eight cars dangling from the roof of the Turbine Hall, skewered by flashing light rods.
I spend a quiet morning strolling through the William Ricketts Sanctuary in the Dandenongs, and had the distinct feeling it was home to many spirits I did not have the talent to see. But boy could I feel them!
On the writing front I continue to plod away at two stories. "The Decline" and "Flight of the Warrior". I contributed to 21D- Journey magazine and experience the preposterous notion of holding onto a publication staring down at my words for the first time IN PRINT.
Next week I will be reflecting on writing plans for 2011.
If anyone has any special requests please click on the comments box below. I am more than happy to give any challenge a crack! Just don't expect Tolstoy.
