MissLeonie.com

I had a bit of a cycle trip planned yesterday. My job agency had set me up with a “nearby” (I use the term loosely) golf course that was in need of someone to help them replace a sick colleague. I was extremely non-nervous about the whole thing, because the job was for just 24 hours a week, a 10km cycle ride one way, and not the kind of work I want to be doing. That really took the pressure off. Of course, earning a bit of money again would be very pleasant, so I thought I’d at least give it a chance.

I’d never been to the golf course before, and had dad not showed me where it was the night before, I would probably have got lost. I didn’t, however, and I didn’t get rained on either which is a miracle and a half given the weather we’ve been having. The place is huge and incredibly fancy, but thankfully the lady who interviewed me was wearing jeans, so I won’t have to buy a new uniform. I got the job, and they’ve actually asked me if I’d mind working four or five days a week instead of the three originally proposed, too! My salary’s gone up, and I won’t have to worry about exercise anymore. Very happy with how this worked out. It’ll earn me the money I need to finally get my driving license sorted - I’m currently working on the theoretical test book. I can’t believe I was lucky enough to find a job two and a half weeks after getting home. I didn’t even really start looking until a week ago…

Then, to complete an already lucky day, I found out I’d won a set of face care products from one of my favourite brands, just like that. Not bad! Unlucky in love (sort of, anyway), lucky in everything else, apparently. *knocks on wood*

I’ve uploaded two photos taken on what will now be my daily commute here. Could be worse, no? It borders on one of the bigger forests in this area. It’s full of foxes and deer, so hopefully I’ll see some occasionally. I’m bringing my camera to work every day, that much is certain.

I decided I needed to take The Brick for a walk yesterday evening. I’m amazed by how long the days last here. In Byron, 5pm pretty much meant darkness. It’s some form of light until at least 9pm here. I live on the edge of town, and most crops aren’t so tall yet that they obscure views. In a country that’s flat as can be, you really don’t need 2m tall corn stalks to prevent you from getting a shot of the horizon.

Anyway, I came up with what I think is a pretty decent shot. Have a look at the full-sized version here.

I ended up taking some photos at the Mojo Bluesmen’s gig at the Rails in Byron Bay. The first few photos are now up on their MySpace page, click on over to their website to have a look!

If you’ve just arrived here through their website - more of my photos can be found at my Flickr page! I’m hoping to process some more shots from the performance, they should eventually appear on both websites.

I don’t know if you can tell, but I got a little annoyed with the current guests at the hostel. They are the messiest bunch yet, and that drives me insane. I am not there to do people’s personal dishes - I clean the kitchen, you clean your dishes. There is such an arrogance behind the decision to just leave your dirty dishes for others to deal with. It means I spend longer cleaning, and I’d rather be doing something else, just like they obviously would. I started off wanting to draw a version of myself, but a mood of general frustration really isn’t the time to embark on something that’d make me despair at the best of times. Fairies with their slightly distorted features are slightly easier to draw. Plus, you get to give them really cool hair.

Link to the photo for Day 7

Yesterday was one of those days that just got away from me. I know it had 24 hours, but I honestly wouldn’t be able to tell you what I did with them. I managed to find a little bit of time right before bed to do some drawing, because I don’t want to flake out on this challenge, but what a day..

Anyway - here’s a drawing I rustled up fairly last minute. I’m trying to get the hang of the concept of value, i.e. lights and darks to create depth. Let me tell you, it does not come naturally to me at all. I’m only uploading it today, on the 6th, but I assure you the creative bit was done on Day 5!

Edit: My prayers have been answered! I’ve been admiring Karen Blados’ entries every day, and she’s now uploaded an overview in four steps of how she works, focussing on shadows among other things. Interested? Click here.

This is a photo I took this morning. We had the mother of all rainstorms last night (now I know why they call them rain storms out here). I slept in a staff room last night, which looks out on the beautiful garden behind the hostel. A palm tree with huge leaves had held on to these drops of water till morning.

I was planning to do a little drawing/painting today as well. The idea for it popped up in my head last night as I was dropping off to sleep and I’m excited to see if I can make it work.

I was all set this afternoon, planning to grab my pencils and start drawing after coming back from the Byron Bay market. The markets were quirky and colourful, like most things in Byron Bay, a good way to get in the mood for some creativity. I started feeling queesy on the shuttle bus back to the hostel, however, and went into full throw-up mode when we got back. So instead of drawing, I spent the afternoon asleep. Perhaps that freshly pressed pineapple juice was no good for me… I feel back to normal now, if not a little weak, so I might squeeze in some drawing after all. I just thought I’d post this up for day three!

Link to the full-sized photo for Day 3 

After looking at the Every Day in May Flickr pool, I desperately wanted to draw and paint as well as the people who had contributed. I’m not very good, but I figured I’d never get any better unless I tried.

This is a drawing with watercolour pencils I started while sitting out on the grass in front of the State Library in Melbourne weeks ago. I finally decided to just paint the damn thing already (I’d done the watercolour pencil bit but was a little scared I’d screw it up once brushes got involved) and write it all up. I’ve stuck it in my diary for now to keep it safe. Tilt your head 90 degrees for some very basic instructions on how to make a Spanish tortilla!

This is my mug. It’s fairly obvious, because it says “Leonie’s Mug” in Sharpie. I thought I’d scribble that on to prevent any mixups because I’m currently living in a hostel, where mugs are a hot commodity. Despite that, my mug was stolen after Day 1! I wonder who’s currently sipping tea from a mug with someone else’s name on it. It seems a little awkward to me.

Not to be deterred - after months of drinking tea from plastic cups the mug experience was too good to pass up - I bought another mug at Woolworth’s today for the pricely sum of AU$0.98. It’s been marked again, although it doesn’t clarify that this is the second incarnation of Leonie’s Mug. Tea, chocolate, a beautiful garden - it’s a decent way to spend an afternoon. It seemed like a good way to kick of this month of creativity. I’m thinking of using “things that make me feel good” as a theme throughout, but I reserve the right to change my mind at any stage. That’s the whole point after all!

Here’s a photo I took just now. This is the shedded skin of a python. It was found by an electrician in the roof of the hostel at which I’m currently staying. In all likelihood, the python is still living it up up there. Awesome! (Don’t worry Mum, it’s not going to come down and eat me in my sleep - it didn’t even show up to the electrician, so it’s a shy little snake.) As always, click on the photo to go to the Flickr photo page where you can see a much bigger version.

This was a stop on a tour from Byron Bay to Nimbin. I will have to devote a proper post to the weirdness that is the village of Nimbin, but until then, here’s a nice waterfall! (click on the photo to see the full-sized version)

The tour guide made us space out before we’d even got to Nimbin (which is known as the weed and hippie capital of Australia). “Look at the waterfall,” she said. “Look at the water, but look through it, like you are trying to see the rock behind the wall of water. Keep staring. Stare intently and don’t stop staring.” After about thirty seconds she made us look over to the rock wall to our left, which seemed to be moving. Cool little optical effect, that!