It's beginning to feel like Christmas

Lonesome Star, originally uploaded by mindy_w.

I didn't want to say 'it's beginning to look like Christmas' because that was evident from the end of November - if you noticed all the shopping centres started decorating quite early on.

This week i ventured out to the city during lunch time, and i can say that i felt chaotic. i felt the rush of all the busy little workers as they scrambled to get their Christmas gifts for 2009. I can't believe there is only 4.5 working days left. Have I finished my Christmas shopping? Absolutley not, however I have started - which is saying something.

I like to do things last minute, that's why I am grateful for 24 hour shopping on Christmas Eve. Anyways, the Christmas Carols were on the domain - i wonder if they were any good. At least the weather held up for it.

Anyways, an early Happy Christmas to you all, may you get granted your Christmas wish this year.

toodles
mw

MISSING: BEANIE

Dear Beanie,

Where are you? I think the last time i saw you was on this day when i was sipping on coffee and eating to my hearts content at ripples cafe at Pyrmont.

Have I left you somewhere in the car? Have I left you on a park bench? Sorry.

I will miss you greatly in winter. hope you come back soon.

mw

Woof!

Sydney - Dog Park (1), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

Hi all,

I am starting to warm up to babies and dogs. I was walking through Haberfield the other day, on my way to the Bay Run and there is a Dog Park in Haberfield where all the dogs are free to run around and sniff other dog's butts! Theres also a cafe at the end of the park where dog owners can mingle and their dogs can mingle. Theres also some sort of training ground there for dogs to practise dog tricks.

Here are some snaps. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

mw

Wheels keep on turning...

Sydney - Wharf Area (3), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

So loosely am i connecting the above picture with the subject of the post. I was so psyched to get cable broadband installed at my place today - giggling like a school girl psyched. when did i get so addicted to the internet? it offers so many different things
- ability to download tv shows that air in america to get it 'first' in australia - i am loving vampire diaries btw.
- ability to read interesting world news - i love the website http://www.foreignpolicy.com/ AND how i found it was through google's fun website http://fastflip.googlelabs.com/. This totally satisifies the people of x and y generations, that like to 'flip' or 'channel change' within 3 seconds if it does not hold their fancy.
- ability to learn different things, everyone is so willing to share information. i have learnt so much and am always surprised at people's ability to be so open about things on the internet. i guess it still feels like you are anonymous
- ability to keep in touch - as sad as it sounds but i am thankful for twitter and facebook - without these mediums i would not know what my friends are doing. sad, but true.

i believe i am using dashes too much.

anyways, this was taken at the Rocks near the Sydney Dance Company. I will be experimenting with photoshop next couple of days and delving in the world of photoshop 'actions' - excitement plus!

happy long weekend readers!

mw

Stairway to .... possibilities

Sydney - Wharf Area (4), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

The thing about stairs is that they start somewhere and they generally lead you to a destination. They are used as a mechanism to deliver you to an end point. So much we concentrate about the destination, but not on the journey.

The picture is framed in a way that does not cap where the stairway ends, it could continue in a different direction, it could stop.

i need to constantly remind myself that in life, it is the journey that matters and to enjoy the view throughout. It's not about constantly climbing the proverbial 'ladder' - sorry mixed metaphors - don't you hate that? It's about learning, experiencing and being fulfilled by the things that happen to you during.

Photo Details
This was taken around the Rocks, where Sydney Dance Company is and Wharf 8. It was a really nice crisp day with not many people around. This is an HDR using Photo Matix and Photoshop Elements 7.0

mw

Lovers Lane

Sydney - The Rocks (1), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

Not sure if it was lovers lane, but i like to think so. Sometimes when you see something, it doesn't actually seem like much. More and more, i find that photos only mean something when you associate it with a feeling, a moment or what you thought was happening at that time.

For me, these set of stairs were so normal, sure it had a bit of artwork on the side of a strange little man. But what made this memorable for me that day was a young couple slowly making their way up the stairs. holding their hands tightly enclosed in one anothers, whispering and giggling like they were in their own little word. They stopped, gazed at each and then they stole a kiss and didn't care that they were in public. it was nice.

and no, i am not a voyeur. much.

mw

Time, your furry friend

Sydney - Hyde Park (1), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

There is a fantastic documentary series called 'about women' and 'about men' and it a really interesting look at the two genders and how the different genders deal with age and its v. strange to see how we react differently to the same situation.

Throughout the 'about women' documentary, it looked at the different phases of growing up as a woman and the running theme was confidence. When you were young, you were over-flowing with confidence because you were oblivious to everything else; all you knew was fun and the next adventure. In the growing up years, you were so scard and worried about every one else's opinion, your insecurity comes out and you struggle to find your way. In your college or university days, you start not caring what other people think, but i think its not something that women can get rid of. We can't help but over-analyse and react to the situation at hand by banding with our other girlfriends and dissecting in detail what you should do next.

About Men, the documentary i saw concentrated on men in their later stages of their life. It followed men with their wives in retirement homes or men who had lost their spouse. It's so interesting that men find it harder to make friends or maintain friendships when they're older so they find it harder when they lose their spouse compared to women. It goes towards my thought that men are emotionally stunted in comparison to women. it makes me sad for them that they don't have a support network...

Anyways, this man pictured is always at Hyde Park watching the people play on the Giant Chessboard. I think he is somewhat of a genius when it comes to chess - well it gave me that impression.

The thing i like about photography apart from its a bit stalkery, it capures a moment and you wonder about the subject of the photo, what his life was about, what he's doing, what makes him come to the same place every day....i like to wonder.

back to listening to the australian idols massacre the top 10 songs. did you hear how they massacred the GLEE theme song?

seeya!

mw

What comes around...

Sydney - Paddington (6), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

First thing is first, i went to the gym yesterday and i brought one sock with me. fantastic. i decided to not wear any socks, as wearing one sock would have felt a bit weird.

Second thing is, i've been watching the channel GO (channel 9's HD version), it's pretty good. It has re-runs of good shows like Seinfeld and mediocre shows like The Nanny and then bizarre shows like 2 hours of the Jetsons.

What is funny is that they have a Sunday mid morning episodes of Charlie's Angels and Starsky and Hutch. I, not being of that generation only know of these as movies with famous Hollywood actors of this time; so it is interesting watching where it all started off.

Anyways, this photo was taken at William St in Paddington. I am not sure if the graffati man is suppose to be Bosley...or is it the owner of the convenience store?

Hope everyone has a toasty time in ol Sydney town this weekend!

mw

Hello SOP!

Sydney Olympic Park (5), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

Good thing about working out in whoop whoop ( no offence Sydney Olympic Park ) is that you can walk around and take photos during lunch time and no body will think you are weird.

Another good thing is that there are usually things going on like the Gardening Show and the on-going PINK concerts that keep things interesting.

The poles in front of ANZ Stadium are quite cool, that have writing on them so they tell you stories and they also have interesting patterns and don't be scared - they have voice recordings telling you stuff. stuff i didn't listen to. But anyways, they also have a listing of athletes by alphabetical order which is nice. so many talented people in the world!

Anyways, tomorrow i think i will post about HDR's and how i have been using them and how it still doesn't look as good as the ones i have seen in flickr.

Time to box.

mw

Sunshine and Happiness

Sydney - Woolich (7), originally uploaded by mindy_w.

Hello ,

Sometimes in life, you need to look at the brighter side of things. You need to remember that there is still fun in the mundane parts of life. You need to think to yourself, self - theres an empty field - let's do star jumps.

Man, Simon can jump high can't he? Lucky i was not the subject of this photo as i cannot jump v. high at all. Nor am i that awesome at leg spreads.

This photo was taken at Woolwich - i have spelt it wrong in flickr. apologies woolwichians (if thats a word). Woolwich is a really nice area in Sydney - but has awful public transport.

Hope everyone is having a lovely hump day.

Regards,
Mindy

Lost Hobbies

Spanish Guitarists, originally uploaded by mindy_w.

Lost - Please help me find
- My ability to be interested in life outside of work
- My ability to find joy in learning a new skill
- My ability to do bar chords on the guitar
- My ability to hit over 100m on the golf course.

Thanks.

Anyways, this photo was taken at Sydney - GPO at a friends drinks night. I thought the backdrop of the beautiful Spanish senorita and the v. talented Spanish guitarists was great. I love how red invokes such a powerful and passionate emotion. well it does for me anyways.

Have a lovely night, hope you find something on your way!

mw

Do i look tired at 2:23am

I am unable to sleep and have resorted to taking photos of my friends, the dark circles. Hello constant friend. I know we will be friends for life. Should i name them? Suggestions?