Edgar F Roberts and Chiharu Shiota?
Photograph ♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Author: ThoughtsBecomeWords
Reader Writer Miscellaneous Blogger
Astounding Craft and Quilt Fair 2022
I attended the Craft and Quilt Fair 2022 in Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and was amazed at the quality, imagination, colour and creativity of the work on display. There was also an array of crafting accessories for a wide range of artistic hobbies. The atmosphere was busy yet calm and the wide isles made it comfortable to stroll between stalls, browse the displays and take a peek at the workshops in progress.
- Story Basket
- Beeswax Wraps
- Alcohol Ink
- Linocut Printmaking
- Pottery Play
- Resin Jewellery
- Watercolour Lettering
- and more!
Visitors had ‘Viewers Choice’, the chance to vote for their favourite quilt (out of many categories and themes) and I voted for Scrap Attack shown above. So different from the patchwork squares of my childhood.
My friends and I were heading towards a coffee and cake break when my inner Goth spied the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Mad Masquerade fabric pictured below. Love the artwork and just had to have – although I am not too sure what I will do with it…
ABOUT THE GUILD
Queensland Quilters Inc is a not-for-profit organisation with the objectives of promoting the art and craft of patchwork and quilting, bringing together people interested in patchwork and quilting, encouraging and maintaining high standards of workmanship and design in both traditional and contemporary work, and organising exhibitions and workshops.
To find out more, visit their fascinating website www.qldquilters.com
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
You may prefer—
THE AUSTRALASIAN EMBROIDERY CONVENTION
17 – 19 February, 2023
Brisbane Convention Centre
Cnr Merivale & Glenelg Streets
South Bank
https://www.embroideryconvention.com.au/
Chiharu Shiota ‘The Soul Trembles’
The Soul Trembles highlights twenty-five years of Chiharu Shiota’s artistic practice. She is renowned internationally for her transformative, large-scale installations constructed from millions of fine threads (mainly black or red) which cluster in space or form complex webs which spill from wall to floor to ceiling, supporting and encompassing all they meet.
I attended the QAGOMA Brisbane 2022 exhibition with friends for my birthday and afterwards my thoughts came up with three words – overwhelming, disconcerting and very memorable!
Shiota’s beautiful and disquieting works express the intangible: memories, dreams, anxiety and silence.
The desk and flying papers reminded me of office work before air-conditioning when someone opened the window…
Place https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibition/chiharu-shiota
Artist https://www.chiharu-shiota.com/
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Which City Has The Most Trees?
Which Australian city has the most trees?
Brisbane has more tree cover than any other Australian capital city as shown by aerial imagery 12 Dec 2021.
Planners in Australia now realise residential temperatures can be reduced by planting or keeping trees that can also cut power bills by reducing air-conditioning in well-planned areas.
Brisbane homes in suburbs with good tree canopies are seven degrees cooler than areas without trees, according to Brisbane City Council research.
Read more—
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/sustainability/brisbane-has-more-tree-cover-than-any-other-australian-capital-new-aerial-imagery-shows-20211208-p59fyc.html
some more—
How do trees survive in concrete environments?
The roots grow underneath the pavement. The concrete cover acts as a mulch and protects the tree roots from being compacted too badly while providing some protection and climate-control. Sunshine and rain help to promote healthy branches and leaves.
Still, I think it’s a strong brave tree which survives inner city surroundings. This coastal one seems quite happy.
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
John Cleese Creativity and 100 Book Reviews
I wish to thank English actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer John Cleese for this mind-expanding, succinct and humorous book ‘Creativity’ which has helped me in two ways. First, to celebrate my blog Thoughts Become Words 100 Book Reviews milestone and, second, to give me an insight into the creative mind – a mind which we all have, yet use and abuse in many different ways.
Happily, I listened as Mr Cleese read his book to me. It only took an hour.
Also I am going on the assumption that you know John Cleese work because he does refer to it. Do I have to say Monty Python? The new edition is 2020 so he’s in his 80s now.
Originally published: 1972 (re-released 2020)
Genres: Humour, Self-help book
The standout for me is how our brain keeps working on things whether we are conscious of it or not, thus “sleep on it” theory. But you are the one who has to put it into practice. It works for me!
- Creativity
- A Short and Cheerful Guide
- By: John Cleese
- Narrated by: John Cleese
- Length: 58 mins
- Unabridged audio book
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
My Goodreads Book Review
A truly delightful little book which lives up to its title! By accident, I listened to the audio version and was so glad I did because one hour just flew by. The inimitable John Cleese, actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, talked to me about his past, his creativity and how our brain is always working even while we sleep. It is ready to come up with great ideas and answers to questions puzzled over during daylight hours. Hence ‘I’ve got it!’ inspirational moments on waking. Call it pseudo-science or a clever comedy skit, nuggets of truth gleam through the wise words of Mr Cleese. For example, if you are getting nowhere with your work, put it aside and look at it later, next day, next week. Nothing new but the way he describes and elaborates on the process heightened my awareness in an enjoyable way. If you listen to this guide on the bus, you may not laugh embarrassingly out loud but you may smile and nod at the sense of it. I can recommend for all ages and talents. GBW. Heaps more of my book reviews on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/gretchenbernetward | Sep 2022 |
‘The Empty Glass’ by Henry Lawson
The Empty Glass
by Henry Lawson, 1906
—
There are three lank bards in a borrowed room —
Ah! The number is one too few —
They have deemed their home and the bars unfit
For the thing that they have to do.
Three glasses they fill with the Land’s own wine,
And the bread of life they pass.
Their glasses they take, which they slowly raise —
And they drink to an empty glass.
—
(There’s a greater glare in the street to-night,
And a louder rush and roar,
There’s a mad crowd yelling the winner’s name,
And howling the cricket score:
Oh! The bright moonlight on the angels white,
And the tombs and the monuments grand —
And down by the water at Waverley
There’s a little lone mound of sand.)
—
Oh, the drinkers would deem them drunk or mad,
And the barmaid stare and frown —
Each lays a hand on the empty glass
Ere they turn it upside down.
There’s a name they know, in a hand they know,
Was scratched with a diamond there —
And they place it in sight — turn on more light —
And they fill their glasses fair.
—
There’s a widow that weeps by the Hornsby line,
And she stood by him long and true —
But the widow should think by the Hornsby line
That others have loved him too,
‘Twas a peaceful end, and his work was done,
When called with the year away;
And the greatest lady in all the land
Is working for her to-day.
—
If the widow should fear for her children’s fate,
Or brood on a future lot,
In a frivolous land with her widowed state
In a short twelve months forgot.
She can lay her down for a peaceful rest
And forget her grief in sleep,
For his brothers have taken an oath to-night,
An oath that their hearts can keep.
—
They have taken an oath to his memory,
A pledge they cannot recall,
To stand by the woman that stood by him,
Through poverty, illness and all.
They are young men yet, or the prime of life,
And as each lays down his trust,
May the world be kind to the left behind,
And their native land be just.
—
(Silence of death in town to-night,
And the streets seem strangely clear —
Have the pitiful slaves of the gambling curse
Fled home for a strange new fear?
Oh, the soft moonlight on the angels white,
Where the beautiful marbles stand —
And down by the rollers at Waverley
There’s a mound of the golden sand.)
—
Henry Lawson, 1906, Australian poet
Source:
http://www.ironbarkresources.com/henrylawson/EmptyGlass.html
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henry-Lawson
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Ageism Awareness Day 2022 Every Age Counts!
Ageism Awareness Day creates the opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impacts of ageism in Australia. EveryAGE Counts is an advocacy campaign aimed at tackling ageism against older Australians.
It is an important step towards changing community attitudes and building a world where all people of all ages are valued, respected, and their contributions acknowledged.
Information from EveryAGE Counts
Don’t call me an old dinosaur – this campaign is important!
EveryAGE Counts advise “Ageism can have a profound impact on our job prospects, confidence, health, quality of life and control over life decisions”.
I know from my own experience that “it can limit us from participating in our communities as full citizens and has proven impacts on our physical health and longevity”.
Watch the video, share your story!
Legendary Aussie actor Bryan Brown narrates the video.
“Negative attitudes and beliefs about ageing and older people underpin and drive age discrimination in places like the workplace or the healthcare system”.
In my case I have been asked a number of times, in a condescending manner based on my age, if I have an email address/mobile phone, or can I drive a car. In each instance I reply that I have taught computer classes, use a mobile phone, and been driving safely for many years.
Do the quiz, take the pledge!
Show your support, visit the official website to quiz yourself and Take The Pledge.
I have taken the Pledge. I stand for a world without ageism.
From every avenue of life, mature people experience ageism. Please “Commit to speaking out and take action to ensure older people can participate on equal terms with others in all aspects of life”.
Ageism Awareness Day will be held on Friday 7 October 2022 (centred around the UN’s International Day of Older Persons which occurs on 1 October every year) and will be launched at 10am (AEDT) with an online event.
EveryAGE Counts are excited to announce that Ita Buttrose AC, OBE, will be the special guest for their Ageism Awareness Day panel discussion. Ita Buttrose is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman and best-selling author.
Source https://www.everyagecounts.org.au/aad_2022
I may have wrinkles but my eye still twinkles.
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Pink Cockatoo Variant
Love at first sight when I saw Will Hazzard’s adorable cockatoo with plumage which goes against nature to dramatic effect!
My photograph was taken in Maryborough and this 81.3cm x 81.3cm painting was exhibited at the 38th Hervey Bay Annual Competitive Art Exhibition by Gallery 5 – Hervey Bay Art Society in July 2022.
Established in 1983, this annual art exhibition hosts seven award categories with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Will Hazzard’s striking work won Second Prize in the Australian Flora & Fauna Section.
Will is 21 years old and autistic. Art became a form of therapy with his autism diagnosis at age 9. His paintings aim for a connection with animals, the environment and the land on which he lives.
Click below to visit his website of wildlife art.
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Will Hazzard
https://willhazzard.com.au/2022/07/30/hervey-bay/
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Ann Cleeves Author Talk Exposé
A balmy Friday night with a nip in the air because it’s still winter, and it seemed everyone wanted to head in the same direction we were going. The bus was late, the traffic was jammed and lunch seemed a long time ago. Worst of all, we were most certainly going to arrive late for the author talk. And what a prestigious author!
The bus finally got us into town (or more accurately the Central Business District) to attend a Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Writers in Residence Series author talk in City Hall.
Ready to race… off the bus, through the ornate vestibule, up in the lift, straight through the door…
And there she was—Ann Cleeves author of Vera and Perez fame. She sat in a relaxed pose on the stage, speaking calmly, eloquently and humorously to the 300-plus audience seated in the ancient Ithaca Room. On such uncomfortable chairs with bad sightlines. But we were enthralled.
The host may have read Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope crime novels but his inept questions did nothing to ruffle her calm and considered replies. Such aplomb! Especially when the floor was opened for general question time. Needless to say she held the audience of besotted readers in the palm of her authorial hand.
It was fascinating to learn how book-Vera came into being, based on real women the author had known, and also the rapport she has with ITV actor Brenda Blethyn aka Vera. Later I discovered Ann was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year Honours List “for services to Reading and Libraries.”
When the event drew to a close, people filed out into the foyer, clutching their favourite book for signing or to buy the latest book for a signature on the pristine flyleaf. The book signing queue was jam-packed with readers nattering about their favourite characters.
I purchased two books The Rising Tide and Raven Black (see photos) but the line was too long and too slow for me to consider waiting while my stomach grumbled so loudly.
Across mosaic hand-cut floor tiles, through the huge doors and outside into King George Square where the city was an evening fairyland of lights presenting countless alluring restaurants and eateries. My companion and I compared notes as we ate dinner, having purchased different books from the series. Then it was time to return to the suburbs.
Standout book quote so far, page 40, Joe Ashworth says of the deceased “They didn’t find a note. He was a writer. You’d think he’d want to leave a few words for his friends.”
“The Rising Tide” by Ann Cleeves
Two accidental milestones: As of August 2022, the number of my blog posts is 499, one digit off the magic marker of 500. This post will click it over to 500 posts. Ironically, and surprisingly for me, I am also one number off my current Book Reviews tally of 99. This will click over to 100 book reviews when I read and review Ann Cleeves latest novel The Rising Tide and discover what crimes DCI Vera Stanhope has sorted out this time.
❤ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Cat Circumnavigates World: True Story of Trim
A small book containing a big story. Matthew Flinders, British navigator and cartographer, sailed to and from Australia between 1795 to 1803 for various reasons including mapping the entire coastline. On these precarious, dangerous and adventurous journeys, Flinders was accompanied by Trim, his black cat with white paws.
Written in conjunction with Flinders biographical tribute, this book “Trim The Cartographer’s Cat” or “The Ship’s Cat Who Helped Flinders Map Australia” shows a new and fascinating insight into the man who was the world’s most accomplished navigator and cartographer.
Matthew Flinders RN was the first to circumnavigate Australia and also instrumental in giving our continent its name. Trim accompanied Flinders through good times and bad, including a shipwreck, and this small volume has exciting chapters on their 19th century nautical experiences.
Trim was a seafaring daredevil, surviving fur-raising adventures. When he wasn’t climbing rigging or cadging food, he caught his own ocean-fresh flying fish suppers.
I like to think Trim’s name relates to a ship being “trim” as in desirable weight distribution for better handling at sea. Certainly he was a neat and ship-shape cat! However, you may find that Trim was named after a character in a 1759 novel by Laurence Sterne.
MAIN CONTENTS (but plenty more topics)
- “A Biographical Tribute in the Memory of Trim” by Matthew Flinders.
- “Matthew Flinders Trim’s Shipmate and Bedfellow” according to Dr Gillian Dooley PhD.
- “My Seafurring Adventures with Matt Flinders” from Trim himself, assisted by Philippa Sandall.
- Timeline: The Voyages of Matthew Flinders and Trim.
The book illustrations are wonderful, research is thorough, the format is highly readable. A great read for those who are interested in factual exploration history. I feel as if I got to know Flinders and his life skills. Of course, Trim’s rodent catch-and-clean-up service is another skill altogether! This book has given me more than I learned at school – and is suitable reading for a family or feline friend.
By all accounts, both Flinders and Trim were exceptional characters.
“Not many ships cats have one memorial statue, let alone six. But Trim does, including one outside Euston Station in London.”
Trim The Cartographer’s Cat
Without venturing into the politics of what happened to Matthew Flinders (or Trim, or indeed First Nations People) after he sailed from Terra Australis, I enjoyed reading this publication and will go so far as to say every library should own a copy.
Meow! 😸
❤ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Book: “Trim The Cartographer’s Cat”
Format: Hardback
Edition: 1st
Pages: 128
ISBN 9781472967220
Imprint: Adlard Coles
Illustrated: Beautiful maps, historical artwork, quirky original illustrations
Dimensions: 182 x 129 mm
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Booktopia Online
Thoughts Become Words 