September 7. Day 251. You have to laugh

 My heart sinks just a little when my phone rings and I see my neighbour Margaret's name light up.
I have a tendency to think the worst because the truth is there have been too many times I have to go and help her off the floor.
But there are many, many other times when she just calls for a chat or to tell me a long, drawn out story about her hearing aids or the like.
Some times I'm not even sure there is a point to the call at all except on those occasions you know the call is the point. Today's call was to tell me there was a shopping list ready for my consideration. "I've got the red purse ready," she always says.
I could go alone but I rarely do.
My presence is welcome but the dogs.... well they make her day. Anyone can buy groceries but only a dog can deliver pure unconditional love. There's no price you can put on that.

September 6. Day 250. Feeling Wicked

I sometimes wonder how Drama Teen would have passed senior school had it not been for his passion for musical theatre. Time and time again show tunes were used as the basis for some assignment or other in English, religion and probably more besides. At the top of my head I can remember Empty Chairs at  Empty Tables in an English oral about war. I Am What I Am got a run in a Study of Religion self reflection piece. A couple of songs from Avenue Q also made an appearance. But by far the "go to" musical for inspiration was Wicked. On paper Wicked is a Wizard of Oz prequel but it is actually a stunning clever story about populist politics, political manipulation, scapegoating and the gullibility of electors. It's a story about the length those in power will go to in order to protect their power and their willingness to sacrifice anyone who stands in their way. It asks who is actually Wicked and what myths we are being sold. I love Wicked. 

A favourite number is Popular. Consider this section: "Think of
Celebrated heads of state or
Specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!

They were popular!" That pretty much sums up politics today. But don't take my word for it. Ipswich Musical Theatre's version of Wicked opens on Friday. From what I saw at the technical rehearsal tonight it will be something to behold. It would be Wicked to deny yurself the opportunity to be there. 

September 5. Day 249. A little bit of culture

Just another manic Monday - well not quite. When you work in a Creative Industries Faculty you pretty much never know what you are going to see around the place. And because it's Brisbane Festival time there's even more activity than usual. Over my morning coffee I watched a Jaime, a student I recognised spray painting a blackboard getting ready for the crowds who will gather on opening night on Wednesday. It's a trifle inconvenient getting around the precinct at the moment while the set up is underway but how awesome is it for students to have a theatre venue right next to the coffee shop?
Only a few strides away, an Indigenous dance group was performing for an Indonesian touring group.
I learned a lot about what the different symbols painted on the skin - those stripes represent the clouds for instance - and the different types of boomerangs and what their roles were.
Yeah, just another manic Monday Creative Industries style.

September 4. Day 248. Birthday girl

Back in the old days, a party wasn't a party unless there were either gatecrashers or police responding to noise complaints or possibly both.
But in recent years the parties I've hosted have been much more sedate affairs.
Not today.
Today was THE event of the year where "event" is defined as a super hero themed first birthday for a dog.
I challenge you to find another event of its type to top this.
Anyway, I am fully aware that most people will consider a dog's birthday party to be clear and irrefutible evidence of insanity.
I am also aware that I don't care.
The dogs in my family are people too and we love a party.
And so at 4pm the invited guests arrived.
At 5pm the uninvited guests turned up. First there was a kookaburra who ignored the fact that two dogs and a host of humans were on the back deck and flew in for a feed. He or she stayed for quite a while and cared not when I walked up and took photos. I could have hand fed her if the size of her beak didn't totally freak me out.
Shortly after a butcher bird came even closer perching on the back of my chair.
If that isn't clear endorsement of my skills as a party mumma I don't know what is. Anyway there was dog cake and human cake and champagne and a good time was had by all.

September 3. Day 247. It will all come out in the wash

 I'm pretty sure that if my dogs knew how to use a phone, they'd have the RSPCA on speed dial ready for the torture they frequently have to endure on a Saturday morning.
Both the dogs hate the hydrobath.
Winkle who has springs for limbs leaps out and has to have a human with the catching mits on positioned at the edge of the bath.
I go home with the very attractive scent of dog wash. Why a supermodel isn't endorsing that one I'll never know.
I swear they resent not only the wash but the removal of that doggy smell they'd worked hard to perfect.
The funny thing is, when we visit the beach they are far more accommodating of the bath. I presume there is a much closer association between the beach and the bath.
If you want to enjoy one you must endure the other.
Also, the post beach bath is always in warm water as is befitting pampered pooches.
Either way there is always a treat ready as a reward.
So they can't complain.
And as they are yet to master the use of the phone telling anyone who might care is also out of the question.

September 2. Day 246. The thrill of the chase

 My dogs and I share many, many common loves. We love to eat. We love to sleep. We love each other. They have also taught me a thing or two. Dogs know a whole lot about the thrill of the chase. They love to chase balls. They love to chase each other. They love to chase the birds. Catching is either a bonus or a distraction depending on the object or the day. Humans tend to see it as a be all and end all which rather sets you up for failure. Dogs enjoy the process not just the conclusion. I love that about them. Dogs also have a zest for life. They are happy lying around in the sun but there's a desire to get out and get amongst it that is never far from the surface. And dogs have a need for speed, except when they don't. They are pretty good at judging each situation on its merits and acting accordingly. It saves a lot of bother. I love that. I also love that there's not a mean bone in either of m dogs' bodies. They act for all sorts of reasons but spite is not one of those. This makes them the ultimate team player. They care not at all whether they are the mascot, the cleaner of cellar master. Provide snacks and pats an the fur fried of your friend for life. This loyalty you can't buy. It's earned and it's for life

September 1. Day 245. Champagne performances

 I don't know how you find the energy, people say. When I finish work the thought of heading out again is just too exhausting, people say. I sort of get that but let's face it when I go to the theatre, I'm not the one performing on stage. I'm not the one tying myself in knots in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent. Whether it's on the couch at home in front of the TV or a front row seat in the naughtiest circus in town my job is just to watch and breathe it all in. And let's face it, if the choice is Law and Order (insert city here) or Blanc de Blanc, a fusion of cabaret and acrobats and champagne talent, I'll take the live action "girl in the bubble" every time. It's not exhausting. It's exhilarating.
I must say that the sneak peek at Blanc de Blanc fills me with a great deal of excitement. There's something about the circus format that lends itself to adult only entertainment.
I can't wait to see the show in its entirety tomorrow.
And it's just as well I feel that way because it's Brisbane Festival season and that means it's party, party, party.
And then when it's all over sleep can happen.