THE TICKET MACHINE
Today I paid a quick visit to a large Food store to buy a lunch of chicken and Caesar salad. Choosing the salad was easy, there were several containers with Caesar salad written on them and all I had to do was make my choice.
Then I went to buy the hot chicken. Generally, this is a simple task , you just open the server and take out the chicken of your choice, go through the check out, pay for your purchase and away you go. In my case it was away back home to watch the last half of an AFL (Australian Football League) game. Lo and behold when I arrived at the Server I discovered it was locked and barred and yet contained many chickens.I found out later that these chickens had all been ordered for a party. Who does that? Probably people who were watching the same AFL game that we were.
There was nobody waiting at the Deli so I hurriedly went to the ticket machine, tugged on the roll and pulled out a number. Unfortunately I must have tugged too hard and I pulled out five other numbers apart from mine. By this time other customers had begun arriving at the deli counter. The staff were beginning to call out numbers, (numbers which I greedily held in my hand). 'What should I do'? I asked myself. 'Do I quickly dispose of these numbers discreetly?' Then I envisaged the person ahead with number 90 having to wait in line because the five people with numbers in front of her were not presenting at the counter. So I decided not to upset the military procession of the staff as they called out numbers 84 to 89. As calmly as possible I walked along the line and said 'here you are' as I gave out the numbers. A couple thought I was just being generous, the rest thought I was a bit weird and greedy.
Finally, in the fullness of time my number came up and it was my turn. I moved to the counter with my ticket held tightly in my hand. Proof I was not pushing in, I had a legal right to be there. Only to be informed that yes there was indeed an oven full of chickens, however none would ever be mine. They had all been pre-arranged for a party.
Downcast, I left the Store and hurried out to the Car Park and headed home, just me and my Salad.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Nature and Animals
Nath and I and Deez our dog have been walking daily to Black Swan lake in Lakelands where we live. For thousands of years the indigenous Australians travelled and camped in Lakelands which is named after the many swamps and lakes that were in this area. Black Swan Lake Mowyn Kuljak and Paganoni Lake Berong, provided an abundance of food and bush medicine.
The lakes have spiritual significance to aboriginal people. They were believed to be an integral part of the Wagyl dreaming which comprises a track along a chain of lakes extending from Yanchep to Australind. The lakes were formed several thousand years ago as the sea level began to recede.
Two weeks ago we were walking on our usual route. The day was a perfect spring morning, although officially spring didn’t arrive until last week. The azure blue sky was cloudless, and the soft warm breeze brought the pleasant smell of new growth, (unless you are allergic and susceptible to hay fever, then it may not be so welcome). Birds were flying and chirping merrily as if to welcome early spring. We ambled across the bridge and in the distance we could see the traffic heading for the new freeway. It’s a great feeling of freedom to know that every Thursday and Friday you are not part of the human race rushing to work. As we walked along a track which runs parallel with the train that runs from Mandurah to Perth we could hear the mooing of cattle long before we could see them. As we turned the bend in the road by the huge green trees that have been there for hundreds of years we could see a white cow standing by the railway line, next to the wire fence that cuts us off from the railway lines. He saw us coming and gave a long mournful moo, as if to say I’ve been waiting here all night for a train. On the left side of the track there was a farm with cows and their calves. We stopped for a few moments to enjoy this peaceful country scene. The animals looked at us and gave a couple of moos and nods of heads. Others kept on feeding their young and looked contentedly at us, wondering who were these people staring at them. Overhead crows, magpies and other birds were flying close by. We even encountered some dragon flies and the first bees of spring.
Several cows came up close to the fence where we were standing and allowed us to take photos seeming to be preening and smiling for the camera. The cow waiting for the train simply stood and watched our antics. We were thoroughly enjoying our commune with the animals and with nature when we finally decided it was time to continue our morning exercise.
Then Diesel made his move. He is the kind of dog who loves to make new friends, no matter where he is he always thinks he it’s a social situation that he needs to be involved in. When a dog growls him or wants to fight, Diesel looks bemused as if he can’t believe that somehow this dog doesn’t want to be friends with him. As we turned to leave, Diesel who had been watching the animals suddenly noticed the hole in the fence and tried to get under it. Instantly we were almost in the middle of an affray. The cow closest to the fence mooed loudly as the white cow outside the fence started to amble down toward us. In just a few moments all the cows began to moo angrily in response and started coming over to help their mate. One of the cows noticed the hole in the fence and began to lean down as if to come outside and charge Diesel. Poor dog he had no idea what was happening all he wanted to do was play.
We moved rather quickly just in case and were soon far from the lovely quiet country scene which had suddenly turned into something similar to animal farm, when those bad dudes wanted to take it over.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A laser Party is like no other
Jamie and I seem to have a penchant for meeting new people and making them our best friends. Before his stroke, when he could walk Jamie was always able to be seen out and about in the community talking with someone.
We have been going up to Perth to an Eye Specialist who has been giving Jamie laser treatment for Glaucoma and pressure behind the eye. I think of it as a small TIA. As this was our third visit we knew the drill. Patients wait patiently in the patient waiting room for at least two hours or more. There are eye drops to be administered, photos of an eye or two to be snapped and then the business of the laser treatment begins. I have to admit it kind of concerned me that I could sit in the room with Jamie during his laser treatment yet had to wear a mask cover my eyes.
We set off early for our one hour drive to the city, when we arrived I was able to find ‘my’ disability parking spot which always seems to be waiting for us. The surgery was really full and I noticed that people looked up from whatever occupation had been taking their attention and contrived to look without any eye contact at the latest person to enter the door. That was us. A man kindly jumped up and opened the door for Jamie to wheel himself through. I’m trying to help him become more independent and do stuff for himself. However, I think I’m like my mother, if you do it yourself it saves time and is easier. Also, I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings when they offer to help us.
It seemed kind of silly to spend the next 3 or 4 hours trying to pretend we weren’t there, so when we walked in and spotted a group of people, I thought, ‘These will be my audience they can’t get away’. So we sat down. As Jamie said quite loudly, ‘Hello’ people slowly looked up from their magazines, mobile phones, IPads or just from trying to sleep. They all responded in their own ways to his greeting. Jane had been waiting for 2 hours and 35 minutes and was sure it was going to be her turn next. David was there with his Dad who was reading a paper with yesterday’s date on it, had he really been there that long? Another lady I called Eloise was hiding behind her magazine. Sure enough Jane was called up, she was so excited she gave us all a little bow as we clapped. Then there were four. Carlo had been many times and was trying to reassure the lady next to him that when the Doctor lasered your eye it hurt like mad, but felt good when it was over. I’m not sure he helped her fears really.
Finally, it was our turn, 3 and a half hours after entering the surgery and hearing other people’s stories of horror operations that went wrong, ( I guess that is why they were horror operations.) The Nurse came and wheeled Jamie into the surgery. When it was all over and we were on our way out of the surgery, all the people we had been speaking to called out good bye and waved us through the door.
I think they liked us.
We have been going up to Perth to an Eye Specialist who has been giving Jamie laser treatment for Glaucoma and pressure behind the eye. I think of it as a small TIA. As this was our third visit we knew the drill. Patients wait patiently in the patient waiting room for at least two hours or more. There are eye drops to be administered, photos of an eye or two to be snapped and then the business of the laser treatment begins. I have to admit it kind of concerned me that I could sit in the room with Jamie during his laser treatment yet had to wear a mask cover my eyes.
We set off early for our one hour drive to the city, when we arrived I was able to find ‘my’ disability parking spot which always seems to be waiting for us. The surgery was really full and I noticed that people looked up from whatever occupation had been taking their attention and contrived to look without any eye contact at the latest person to enter the door. That was us. A man kindly jumped up and opened the door for Jamie to wheel himself through. I’m trying to help him become more independent and do stuff for himself. However, I think I’m like my mother, if you do it yourself it saves time and is easier. Also, I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings when they offer to help us.
It seemed kind of silly to spend the next 3 or 4 hours trying to pretend we weren’t there, so when we walked in and spotted a group of people, I thought, ‘These will be my audience they can’t get away’. So we sat down. As Jamie said quite loudly, ‘Hello’ people slowly looked up from their magazines, mobile phones, IPads or just from trying to sleep. They all responded in their own ways to his greeting. Jane had been waiting for 2 hours and 35 minutes and was sure it was going to be her turn next. David was there with his Dad who was reading a paper with yesterday’s date on it, had he really been there that long? Another lady I called Eloise was hiding behind her magazine. Sure enough Jane was called up, she was so excited she gave us all a little bow as we clapped. Then there were four. Carlo had been many times and was trying to reassure the lady next to him that when the Doctor lasered your eye it hurt like mad, but felt good when it was over. I’m not sure he helped her fears really.
Finally, it was our turn, 3 and a half hours after entering the surgery and hearing other people’s stories of horror operations that went wrong, ( I guess that is why they were horror operations.) The Nurse came and wheeled Jamie into the surgery. When it was all over and we were on our way out of the surgery, all the people we had been speaking to called out good bye and waved us through the door.
I think they liked us.
Friday, December 10, 2010
'A life Worth Living' . A One Act Play
Scene One
Actor dressed as a woman at retirement age is packing pieces from her dresser into a large trunk. As she rummages through a small box she picks up an old fashioned round mirror and gazes into it at her reflection.
The light dims and when it comes back on the Actor appears dressed as a child, with pig tails or a band in her hair. Stands where the old lady stood a moment ago.
As she gazes into the mirror it brings back memories of her childhood. As she smiles and reminisces she begins a conversation with her Mother, whilst looking into the mirror.
' Do you remember when you gave me this mirror, Mum? I was only 10 years old and my best friend Robin was leaving Perth and going to Sydney with her family. I was inconsolable but you held me and hugged me and wiped my tears away. It was all so easy when I was a child, you could wipe away my tears when I was hurt. Just by looking at my face as I’m doing now you knew how to help me even when you could no longer hold me in your arms and kiss away the hurt. Just your simple act of combing my hair gave me a sense of warmth and love and security'.
Twirls her hair with her fingers in child like gesture. Laughs.
'Sometimes I would bounce Matilda my favourite doll on my lap. Until too many baths in the outside loo destroyed her pretty face and hair.
'Do you remember how disappointed I was when I discovered I had grown too big to sit on Daddy’s knee? Just like Diesel our old German Shepherd; he was huge but still thought he could jump up on laps.
As I grew up, even this mirror became too big for me to see your hands and face together. Sometimes I could only see your hands which held the same warmth and security as your face'. Giggles at the pleasant memories.
'But you and I could see each other’s reflection if we held our faces very close to this mirror, couldn’t we?'
Slowly she packs away the mirror as the Light fades
Scene Two (Who am I?)
Actor is now dressed as an adolescent. She sits at a stage mirror flanked with lights at the top. The mirror shows how one changes from one person to another in front of the mirror simply by applying make up. The young woman is afraid to show her real self. If people knew who she really was underneath it could spoil things. She may not be accepted for who she really is.
Oh this mirror was great for masking me. It was really scary out there, meeting guys, being afraid to show the real me. Love seemed very dangerous. Pause
What if I showed the real me and it spoiled things? I might lose Jason the most popular guy in College if I was honest.
I didn’t like the ‘me’ that was revealed in the mirror. Funny how, as I put on my makeup in this mirror, the outside changed from one person to another, just the way I wanted to be on the inside.
I always saw myself as someone else, someone prettier, more intelligent, and nicer. More popular and vivacious. Perks up her boobs and tosses hair back. So I denied you because I didn’t like the image you presented.
Looks deeply into the mirror.
I lost myself somewhere along the way but when I came to you, I could make myself the way I wanted to be.
Pauses. Takes a piece of paper from the dresser. It is a poem.
Oh I remember writing this.
AN UNPOEM
I'm wearing a mask and I play to the crowds
in their adulation I bask.
The more they laugh, the more I'm inspired
to be who they want me to be.
Would the crowd still love me, if they could see inside my head
see the fear, the lonely child within
who was once so dear.
On the outside the light shines brighter
while inside it grows darker
until in the midst of the crowd’s sighs
the real me
dies.
Turns mirror or switches off the lights. Walks away, shaking her head as light fades,
Scene Three
This time when the Spotlight is turned on the actor is dressed a little older, she is now a Mum. She rummages through her handbag which is sitting on the Dresser. She comes across the lipstick mirror she has used since she was a wife and mother.
She remembers smacking her lipstick on. Sometimes the smack was a determined one, sometimes fearful, angry, sad or concerned.
She holds up the lipstick mirror and peers in to it smiling. She talks at times to the mirror and at other times looks out at the audience.
Oh hello you. You were such a little lifesaver! All I could see in you were my lips as I smacked them together. You didn’t show me the lines marching across my forehead and taking up residency, or the grey hairs that were infiltrating and taking over my blonde locks, not to mention my chin.
All you did was show me whether the lipstick I had applied was smudged or not.
Pauses, touches up her lips with lipstick and smacks her lips together, wiping the corners of her lips and checking her teeth.
You were such a handy little mirror. I remember the day I desperately needed to look beautiful. Peter my husband had asked me to come to his office and bring him a file he had left behind. As usual I left in a rush after depositing the kids at school. I was determined I was going to look good. Sally his secretary was just so damned gorgeous with all that hair and a beauty spot- false of course- She adds disdainfully.
Not that a mere man would notice, all they see is that gorgeous young face and that red lipstick. Oh, and not to mention those two pert boobs she had. I applied a new bright red lipstick that day and smacked my lips in a sultry, ‘look out Sally’ kinda way. Peter is MINE. Looking at my lips in this mirror, I felt so confident.
Turns the mirror around and back again.
I loved being a mother. Well most of the time anyway. I remember the day I was called to the Principal’s Office because one of the kids was in trouble. Should I side with my child who I knew could do no wrong or agree with the principal, ‘yes he needed a bit more discipline from his father’. I was so nervous, wonder why it is that even as adults Teachers and Principals can put the fear of God in us. Then I remembered my mother’s words, ‘always put you’re lippy on, then you are prepared to face the world’. I put it on with a determined ‘smack’ and yep I felt as if I could take on the entire Education Department.
Pauses, then looks embarrassed. Looks out at the audience as she remembers.
Then there was that time I looked in the mirror with a sultry pouty smack as I pasted on that violet lipstick. Throws head back then gives a sultry pout in the mirror.
I knew exactly how to do it. After all, I practiced and practiced the smack in this very mirror. I planned a romantic, sexy evening with Peter. I’d packed the kids off to their grandparents and filled the fridge with tasty nibbles and lots of wine. When he came to the front door from work, there I stood in my sexy suspenders and my hired French maid’s costume mouthing the words Hi sexy are you up for a good time tonight?
Oh the look on his face! He went bright red, then a kinda ‘whiter shade of pale’. AND standing right behind him was his boss. What an embarrassment, I thought I’d never live that little disaster down.
Pause
One day I put on my brightest ever lipstick and smacked my lips together twice for good luck. I was going to the Doc for one of those horrible female checkups. Of course he wasn’t looking anywhere near my face at the time. But I felt dressed. I was wearing my bright ‘smart looking faced woman’ lipstick.’
Pause, looks sad. Looks deeply into the mirror and begins speaking in to it.
Do you remember the day I put on my lipstick and smudged it? I was going to Dad’s funeral and I couldn’t hold back the tears. Not even the old familiar act of putting on lippy helped me that day.
Has a final loving memory and looks at the audience.
Most days I had to have that lippy just right. But not with my children and grandchildren. When they gave me their sticky kisses it could be as smudged as it liked. I returned them wholeheartedly, or I blew bubbles on their tummies.
(Woman is smiling and gazing into the mirror, caught up in her memories as the light fades).
Scene 4
The actor is an older woman and is dressed as she was at the beginning of the play. She has almost finished packing.
When the spot light is turned on her she is standing in front of a full length mirror. She looks into the mirror and starts to speak to herself.
Well old girl, we have come full circle. What have we learned in this journey called life?
Its winter now and the winter of your life. Just as the snow buries everything its time to bury your past and all the baggage you’ve carried. The only baggage you need now is your suitcase and a few precious old friends for your new home at the SUNSHINE AND SMILES Retirement Village. Leans over and touches the Trunk.
Smiles into the mirror
This is the last time I will stand in this house and see myself this way. Peers closer into the mirror. Hmm, and is that my mother I see looking back at me?
Looks closer into the full length mirror and smiles. Has a sip of champagne.
Look at how your body has changed. Hmm, I remember the fantastic feeling of having a cleavage during my pregnancies which was never there when I wasn’t pregnant. Shame I had the bump though, just when I could take advantage and show off this sexy cleavage.
Oh and then later those hot flushes, they were the pits. I felt as if I had an inbuilt furnace. Laughs out loud. I was babysitting when I had the first one. I thought the weather was changing and getting hot and cold. The poor baby, I kept taking off her blanket and covering her up again. (Rolls eyes, shakes head.)
Takes another sip of champagne.
Examines her body in the Mirror.
Touches her tummy. Hmm, when did you appear? Raises her arms to adjust her hair with hands. Then sees the loose flesh under her arms.
This jelly on my arms wasn’t invited, but there isn’t much I can do about it now. Still you don’t have to keep wobbling every time I lift my arms, do you?
And when exactly was it my boobs started wandering down toward my stomach.
Never mind at least I can’t see my sagging behind.
Adjusts her bra straps, pushes boobs up with her cupped hands
Ah well, this is just me on the outside.
Finishes off the glass of champagne and toasts herself
Here is to my ‘best me’ and a new chapter with different experiences. From here on in we are going to free fall and not waste a moment of this gift called Life.
Puts on her hat, picks up her handbag, and straightens up. Has one last look in the mirror.
All masks are off, I love you my friend, you know everything, don’t you? All my little secrets and foibles. You know about all my little catastrophes, but along the way there was love and laughter. And you know we have made it in a most glorious way.
End. Curtain Falls
.
Actor dressed as a woman at retirement age is packing pieces from her dresser into a large trunk. As she rummages through a small box she picks up an old fashioned round mirror and gazes into it at her reflection.
The light dims and when it comes back on the Actor appears dressed as a child, with pig tails or a band in her hair. Stands where the old lady stood a moment ago.
As she gazes into the mirror it brings back memories of her childhood. As she smiles and reminisces she begins a conversation with her Mother, whilst looking into the mirror.
' Do you remember when you gave me this mirror, Mum? I was only 10 years old and my best friend Robin was leaving Perth and going to Sydney with her family. I was inconsolable but you held me and hugged me and wiped my tears away. It was all so easy when I was a child, you could wipe away my tears when I was hurt. Just by looking at my face as I’m doing now you knew how to help me even when you could no longer hold me in your arms and kiss away the hurt. Just your simple act of combing my hair gave me a sense of warmth and love and security'.
Twirls her hair with her fingers in child like gesture. Laughs.
'Sometimes I would bounce Matilda my favourite doll on my lap. Until too many baths in the outside loo destroyed her pretty face and hair.
'Do you remember how disappointed I was when I discovered I had grown too big to sit on Daddy’s knee? Just like Diesel our old German Shepherd; he was huge but still thought he could jump up on laps.
As I grew up, even this mirror became too big for me to see your hands and face together. Sometimes I could only see your hands which held the same warmth and security as your face'. Giggles at the pleasant memories.
'But you and I could see each other’s reflection if we held our faces very close to this mirror, couldn’t we?'
Slowly she packs away the mirror as the Light fades
Scene Two (Who am I?)
Actor is now dressed as an adolescent. She sits at a stage mirror flanked with lights at the top. The mirror shows how one changes from one person to another in front of the mirror simply by applying make up. The young woman is afraid to show her real self. If people knew who she really was underneath it could spoil things. She may not be accepted for who she really is.
Oh this mirror was great for masking me. It was really scary out there, meeting guys, being afraid to show the real me. Love seemed very dangerous. Pause
What if I showed the real me and it spoiled things? I might lose Jason the most popular guy in College if I was honest.
I didn’t like the ‘me’ that was revealed in the mirror. Funny how, as I put on my makeup in this mirror, the outside changed from one person to another, just the way I wanted to be on the inside.
I always saw myself as someone else, someone prettier, more intelligent, and nicer. More popular and vivacious. Perks up her boobs and tosses hair back. So I denied you because I didn’t like the image you presented.
Looks deeply into the mirror.
I lost myself somewhere along the way but when I came to you, I could make myself the way I wanted to be.
Pauses. Takes a piece of paper from the dresser. It is a poem.
Oh I remember writing this.
AN UNPOEM
I'm wearing a mask and I play to the crowds
in their adulation I bask.
The more they laugh, the more I'm inspired
to be who they want me to be.
Would the crowd still love me, if they could see inside my head
see the fear, the lonely child within
who was once so dear.
On the outside the light shines brighter
while inside it grows darker
until in the midst of the crowd’s sighs
the real me
dies.
Turns mirror or switches off the lights. Walks away, shaking her head as light fades,
Scene Three
This time when the Spotlight is turned on the actor is dressed a little older, she is now a Mum. She rummages through her handbag which is sitting on the Dresser. She comes across the lipstick mirror she has used since she was a wife and mother.
She remembers smacking her lipstick on. Sometimes the smack was a determined one, sometimes fearful, angry, sad or concerned.
She holds up the lipstick mirror and peers in to it smiling. She talks at times to the mirror and at other times looks out at the audience.
Oh hello you. You were such a little lifesaver! All I could see in you were my lips as I smacked them together. You didn’t show me the lines marching across my forehead and taking up residency, or the grey hairs that were infiltrating and taking over my blonde locks, not to mention my chin.
All you did was show me whether the lipstick I had applied was smudged or not.
Pauses, touches up her lips with lipstick and smacks her lips together, wiping the corners of her lips and checking her teeth.
You were such a handy little mirror. I remember the day I desperately needed to look beautiful. Peter my husband had asked me to come to his office and bring him a file he had left behind. As usual I left in a rush after depositing the kids at school. I was determined I was going to look good. Sally his secretary was just so damned gorgeous with all that hair and a beauty spot- false of course- She adds disdainfully.
Not that a mere man would notice, all they see is that gorgeous young face and that red lipstick. Oh, and not to mention those two pert boobs she had. I applied a new bright red lipstick that day and smacked my lips in a sultry, ‘look out Sally’ kinda way. Peter is MINE. Looking at my lips in this mirror, I felt so confident.
Turns the mirror around and back again.
I loved being a mother. Well most of the time anyway. I remember the day I was called to the Principal’s Office because one of the kids was in trouble. Should I side with my child who I knew could do no wrong or agree with the principal, ‘yes he needed a bit more discipline from his father’. I was so nervous, wonder why it is that even as adults Teachers and Principals can put the fear of God in us. Then I remembered my mother’s words, ‘always put you’re lippy on, then you are prepared to face the world’. I put it on with a determined ‘smack’ and yep I felt as if I could take on the entire Education Department.
Pauses, then looks embarrassed. Looks out at the audience as she remembers.
Then there was that time I looked in the mirror with a sultry pouty smack as I pasted on that violet lipstick. Throws head back then gives a sultry pout in the mirror.
I knew exactly how to do it. After all, I practiced and practiced the smack in this very mirror. I planned a romantic, sexy evening with Peter. I’d packed the kids off to their grandparents and filled the fridge with tasty nibbles and lots of wine. When he came to the front door from work, there I stood in my sexy suspenders and my hired French maid’s costume mouthing the words Hi sexy are you up for a good time tonight?
Oh the look on his face! He went bright red, then a kinda ‘whiter shade of pale’. AND standing right behind him was his boss. What an embarrassment, I thought I’d never live that little disaster down.
Pause
One day I put on my brightest ever lipstick and smacked my lips together twice for good luck. I was going to the Doc for one of those horrible female checkups. Of course he wasn’t looking anywhere near my face at the time. But I felt dressed. I was wearing my bright ‘smart looking faced woman’ lipstick.’
Pause, looks sad. Looks deeply into the mirror and begins speaking in to it.
Do you remember the day I put on my lipstick and smudged it? I was going to Dad’s funeral and I couldn’t hold back the tears. Not even the old familiar act of putting on lippy helped me that day.
Has a final loving memory and looks at the audience.
Most days I had to have that lippy just right. But not with my children and grandchildren. When they gave me their sticky kisses it could be as smudged as it liked. I returned them wholeheartedly, or I blew bubbles on their tummies.
(Woman is smiling and gazing into the mirror, caught up in her memories as the light fades).
Scene 4
The actor is an older woman and is dressed as she was at the beginning of the play. She has almost finished packing.
When the spot light is turned on her she is standing in front of a full length mirror. She looks into the mirror and starts to speak to herself.
Well old girl, we have come full circle. What have we learned in this journey called life?
Its winter now and the winter of your life. Just as the snow buries everything its time to bury your past and all the baggage you’ve carried. The only baggage you need now is your suitcase and a few precious old friends for your new home at the SUNSHINE AND SMILES Retirement Village. Leans over and touches the Trunk.
Smiles into the mirror
This is the last time I will stand in this house and see myself this way. Peers closer into the mirror. Hmm, and is that my mother I see looking back at me?
Looks closer into the full length mirror and smiles. Has a sip of champagne.
Look at how your body has changed. Hmm, I remember the fantastic feeling of having a cleavage during my pregnancies which was never there when I wasn’t pregnant. Shame I had the bump though, just when I could take advantage and show off this sexy cleavage.
Oh and then later those hot flushes, they were the pits. I felt as if I had an inbuilt furnace. Laughs out loud. I was babysitting when I had the first one. I thought the weather was changing and getting hot and cold. The poor baby, I kept taking off her blanket and covering her up again. (Rolls eyes, shakes head.)
Takes another sip of champagne.
Examines her body in the Mirror.
Touches her tummy. Hmm, when did you appear? Raises her arms to adjust her hair with hands. Then sees the loose flesh under her arms.
This jelly on my arms wasn’t invited, but there isn’t much I can do about it now. Still you don’t have to keep wobbling every time I lift my arms, do you?
And when exactly was it my boobs started wandering down toward my stomach.
Never mind at least I can’t see my sagging behind.
Adjusts her bra straps, pushes boobs up with her cupped hands
Ah well, this is just me on the outside.
Finishes off the glass of champagne and toasts herself
Here is to my ‘best me’ and a new chapter with different experiences. From here on in we are going to free fall and not waste a moment of this gift called Life.
Puts on her hat, picks up her handbag, and straightens up. Has one last look in the mirror.
All masks are off, I love you my friend, you know everything, don’t you? All my little secrets and foibles. You know about all my little catastrophes, but along the way there was love and laughter. And you know we have made it in a most glorious way.
End. Curtain Falls
.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Passport
Instructions to apply for a Passport appear quite simple and straightforward. To renew an Australian Passport appears even more simple and straightforward. One can download the forms, fill them in and take them to the Post Office. Following this a photo is taken which generally makes the passport owner look like a convicted criminal. It is attached to the form then all that is needed is a signature. Easy enough really in the grand scheme of things.
Today was a special day for Jamie, he spruced himself up, had a shave, cleaned and polished his wheelchair (well that part isn’t entirely correct). Then off we drove to the post office for ‘The Passport’. Since his stroke Jamie has had problems using his dominant hand, it tends to shake and fly about now and again which makes it hard to write. So he has been practicing writing with his right hand and not doing too badly.
We planned our visit to the post office carefully so we didn’t have to be in a long queue with the wheel chair. It was mid morning 30 minutes before lunch so the workers would still be working.
We drove in and found a perfect disabled car space close by. I was even offered help t by people watching me struggle with getting the chair out of the car. When we arrived at the post office, sure enough, we had timed it perfectly, there was only a small queue of five people.
When it was our turn, Jamie wheeled himself up to the counter and said proudly and (loudly) ‘I want to renew my passport please’. The girl at the counter took his photograph, the first one didn’t turn out so well so she took another. When she realized we had a stack of crates in front of us and could barely move the wheelchair she came around to the front of the counter to help us. By this time there was a small crowd. Have you ever noticed when you are in a public place people like to look without appearing to do so. Heaven forbid there anybody should be seen to make eye contact. Finally the photographs were approved of and Jamie had to sign in a very small space on his passport document. He leaned forward and slowly, slowly started to write. ‘You must write inside this square,’ he had been warned. As he wrote the crowd leaned forward as if to give him moral support. Finally it was over and he had made his signature. Alas the last letter of his surname was poking out of the square as if to say ‘let me out of here I want to go and explore. ‘Sorry’, said the post office clerk, you will have to try again. So as Jamie drew in a deep breath the ever growing crowd did the same and ever so slowly leaned forward as Jamie proceeded to write. Triumphantly he called out I think I did it this time. I had said try to leave only small spaces but he thought I meant make small letters and they all looked a bit like spindly ants as they crept along the page. Remembering my idea of pretending I was in a movie when things got hard. I stood up and clapped loudly, the crowd followed suit.
Our excitement didn’t last long. ‘Alas, you will have to go home and try again’. The helpful post office lady advised us. By this time I was thinking we should have just asked if we could mark the space with an X. It was rather disconcerting to see the crowd was now so large the queue was moving out of the door.
Now as we were preparing to leave we found that in front of us was a sea of people who were crowding wheel chair space with parcels, trolleys and prams. A kind Irishman urged us forward, ‘you can do it dearie’ he said. So, lifting my head high I strode forth through the melee presenting the crowds with a small enigmatic smile as the cameras rolled on the next scene. “That has to be a take, I thought to myself, 'I’m sure that was my best role ever.
Today was a special day for Jamie, he spruced himself up, had a shave, cleaned and polished his wheelchair (well that part isn’t entirely correct). Then off we drove to the post office for ‘The Passport’. Since his stroke Jamie has had problems using his dominant hand, it tends to shake and fly about now and again which makes it hard to write. So he has been practicing writing with his right hand and not doing too badly.
We planned our visit to the post office carefully so we didn’t have to be in a long queue with the wheel chair. It was mid morning 30 minutes before lunch so the workers would still be working.
We drove in and found a perfect disabled car space close by. I was even offered help t by people watching me struggle with getting the chair out of the car. When we arrived at the post office, sure enough, we had timed it perfectly, there was only a small queue of five people.
When it was our turn, Jamie wheeled himself up to the counter and said proudly and (loudly) ‘I want to renew my passport please’. The girl at the counter took his photograph, the first one didn’t turn out so well so she took another. When she realized we had a stack of crates in front of us and could barely move the wheelchair she came around to the front of the counter to help us. By this time there was a small crowd. Have you ever noticed when you are in a public place people like to look without appearing to do so. Heaven forbid there anybody should be seen to make eye contact. Finally the photographs were approved of and Jamie had to sign in a very small space on his passport document. He leaned forward and slowly, slowly started to write. ‘You must write inside this square,’ he had been warned. As he wrote the crowd leaned forward as if to give him moral support. Finally it was over and he had made his signature. Alas the last letter of his surname was poking out of the square as if to say ‘let me out of here I want to go and explore. ‘Sorry’, said the post office clerk, you will have to try again. So as Jamie drew in a deep breath the ever growing crowd did the same and ever so slowly leaned forward as Jamie proceeded to write. Triumphantly he called out I think I did it this time. I had said try to leave only small spaces but he thought I meant make small letters and they all looked a bit like spindly ants as they crept along the page. Remembering my idea of pretending I was in a movie when things got hard. I stood up and clapped loudly, the crowd followed suit.
Our excitement didn’t last long. ‘Alas, you will have to go home and try again’. The helpful post office lady advised us. By this time I was thinking we should have just asked if we could mark the space with an X. It was rather disconcerting to see the crowd was now so large the queue was moving out of the door.
Now as we were preparing to leave we found that in front of us was a sea of people who were crowding wheel chair space with parcels, trolleys and prams. A kind Irishman urged us forward, ‘you can do it dearie’ he said. So, lifting my head high I strode forth through the melee presenting the crowds with a small enigmatic smile as the cameras rolled on the next scene. “That has to be a take, I thought to myself, 'I’m sure that was my best role ever.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
D'Zell has an outing
Last week I had reason to take my son's dog D'Zell to the Vet. We haven't had a great deal to do with each other, so before we left home I set down the rules of good dog behaviour, explaining we were going to the Vet and if he was well behaved he would have a reward when he arrived home. D'Zell is a large dog, lovely nature but suffers from 'hyperactivity'. He bounced happily into my car and after sniffing all about decided to sit with his nose out of the window. This is going to be easy I thought. Finally we arrived at our destination.
Imagining he might be rather frightened in his new surroundings I soothed him and patted him and told him everything would be alright, just follow me. Not so, this dog had no fear, he couldn't wait to fly out of the car and begin his adventure. He raced past me and ran straight through the door to the Vet. He must have thought he was at a party, as he ran about sniffing people, dogs, guinea pigs, cats, introducing himself and looking about him as if to say, 'where is the food'.
I felt as if I wanted to explain this isn't my dog and he hasn't been introduced to dog pre school or Cesar Milan as yet. On the whole people were very patient with D'Zell's meanderings, I guess they had to be, after all they are pet owners aren't they?
Finally, he was called to the Vet's examining room. The poor vet could only watch in amazement as D'Zell charged about her room, knocking over anything in his path. She thought to slow him down by giving him a little snack. No chance, he just gulped it down on his way to demolishing the contents of the rubbish bin in the corner.
The vet gave D'Zell a quick look over and pronounced him ok, and we were allowed to leave.
As we headed for the door, someone came in and opened it for us, at the same time D'Zell's lead slipped off and away he raced out into the car park. Fortunately a very kind young man was out side, he slowed Deez down and slipped the lead over his head, after the dog had banged his head several times on the poor man's bumper.
D'Zell and I have been out several times since this event and as long as I let him believe he is taking me for a walk and I follow along behind him it is working out reasonably well.
Imagining he might be rather frightened in his new surroundings I soothed him and patted him and told him everything would be alright, just follow me. Not so, this dog had no fear, he couldn't wait to fly out of the car and begin his adventure. He raced past me and ran straight through the door to the Vet. He must have thought he was at a party, as he ran about sniffing people, dogs, guinea pigs, cats, introducing himself and looking about him as if to say, 'where is the food'.
I felt as if I wanted to explain this isn't my dog and he hasn't been introduced to dog pre school or Cesar Milan as yet. On the whole people were very patient with D'Zell's meanderings, I guess they had to be, after all they are pet owners aren't they?
Finally, he was called to the Vet's examining room. The poor vet could only watch in amazement as D'Zell charged about her room, knocking over anything in his path. She thought to slow him down by giving him a little snack. No chance, he just gulped it down on his way to demolishing the contents of the rubbish bin in the corner.
The vet gave D'Zell a quick look over and pronounced him ok, and we were allowed to leave.
As we headed for the door, someone came in and opened it for us, at the same time D'Zell's lead slipped off and away he raced out into the car park. Fortunately a very kind young man was out side, he slowed Deez down and slipped the lead over his head, after the dog had banged his head several times on the poor man's bumper.
D'Zell and I have been out several times since this event and as long as I let him believe he is taking me for a walk and I follow along behind him it is working out reasonably well.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Snatches of Conversation
Snatches of conversation can be found everywhere, floating out of bar room doors, drifting on the breeze where people sit in outside areas, talking sharing. Of course these snatches are shifty characters, incomplete and slippery, open to all kinds of interpretations. If you try to listen too deeply the snatches simply clam up and become silent.
Recently I have overheard two incomplete conversations. One was whilst waiting outside a public toilet. Two women aged approximately seventy years were holding a discussion, oblivious to the women surrounding them in the queue.
One bent forward, the lines between her eyebrows deepening. I thought this to be significant. Then she spoke. 'I have made up my mind, I'm going to the house tonight'.
'Oh! said the other, 'How do you feel about that?'
'I'm very worried and uneasy. 'I'm going in and will need backup' Was the response.
From these snatches I wondered, where the old ladies two police officers? Was espionage involved? After all, don't they always say 'I'm going in, cover my back' on television. Or was she
a burglar, going home to get dressed in black with a mask and then covered in grease off to her next 'mark?' Was it all innocent? Perhaps it was a friend's birthday and she wanted to surprise her. Somehow this didn't sound very festive.
Then it was my turn to use the vacant toilet so I did not hear the end of the conversation.
The second snatch of conversation I heard was while searching through a second hand book store. The woman next to me had a mobile phone which began ringing insistently. I'm sure the tune came from Star Wars. Her conversation with the caller went something like this.
'I'm in a book store at the moment so I can't say much. I phoned you about my daughter. She seriously needs help and I think she should come and see you'. There was a pause, then,
'Well she is seeing a man and I think he is a drug addict and may even be a dealer', said loudly and in a firm tone. Again silence, 'Then, well I', very busy and can't really make an appointment until the end of the month. Do you have a time then?
At that moment I had to pay my book and no reason to stay in the store. Still, I couldn't help be curious, who had the woman phoned? Was it the police? A counsellor? Did her daughter know she was making contact to talk about her? Even if her daughter was unaware there where 16 customers in a second hand book shop that now knew.
Eavesdropping is the best way to find out what these 'snatches of conversation are up to. But be prepared for disappointment, as I have discovered meeting with snatches is rarely a fulfilling experience.
Recently I have overheard two incomplete conversations. One was whilst waiting outside a public toilet. Two women aged approximately seventy years were holding a discussion, oblivious to the women surrounding them in the queue.
One bent forward, the lines between her eyebrows deepening. I thought this to be significant. Then she spoke. 'I have made up my mind, I'm going to the house tonight'.
'Oh! said the other, 'How do you feel about that?'
'I'm very worried and uneasy. 'I'm going in and will need backup' Was the response.
From these snatches I wondered, where the old ladies two police officers? Was espionage involved? After all, don't they always say 'I'm going in, cover my back' on television. Or was she
a burglar, going home to get dressed in black with a mask and then covered in grease off to her next 'mark?' Was it all innocent? Perhaps it was a friend's birthday and she wanted to surprise her. Somehow this didn't sound very festive.
Then it was my turn to use the vacant toilet so I did not hear the end of the conversation.
The second snatch of conversation I heard was while searching through a second hand book store. The woman next to me had a mobile phone which began ringing insistently. I'm sure the tune came from Star Wars. Her conversation with the caller went something like this.
'I'm in a book store at the moment so I can't say much. I phoned you about my daughter. She seriously needs help and I think she should come and see you'. There was a pause, then,
'Well she is seeing a man and I think he is a drug addict and may even be a dealer', said loudly and in a firm tone. Again silence, 'Then, well I', very busy and can't really make an appointment until the end of the month. Do you have a time then?
At that moment I had to pay my book and no reason to stay in the store. Still, I couldn't help be curious, who had the woman phoned? Was it the police? A counsellor? Did her daughter know she was making contact to talk about her? Even if her daughter was unaware there where 16 customers in a second hand book shop that now knew.
Eavesdropping is the best way to find out what these 'snatches of conversation are up to. But be prepared for disappointment, as I have discovered meeting with snatches is rarely a fulfilling experience.
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