I’ve just had the most amazing few days in Melbourne with two of my dearest family friends, Lina and Ian and their boys Charlie and Josh.
Although I was physically running on empty – this was my last hit out/trip away before treatment. We shared some beautiful time together talking about life and enjoying the most fabulous food and wine.
My cousin-in-law/friend/creative collaborator Jodie arrived so we could attend the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition, which just completely satisfied every element of creative design, garment construction and was just all ’round extraordinary!
We were on cloud nine and although had paid to go to a formal ‘Q&A’ with the man himself (which was nice enough), we busted our way into a VIP event and were treated to second row seats, a more candid designer and many laughs. It topped off a truly wonderful experience.
Paul arrived and Lina and Ian’s amazing hospitality continued for us and Jodie – gourmet delicacies, spectacular wine and seriously great conversations. We talked about our journalism and news histories as well as personal/family memories – not only has Lina known me since I was born – she was one of the first people to hold me as a baby. We also touched on what’s happened health-wise since we last spent time together, almost in disbelief.
I was caught off guard at airport when tears came from nowhere – my love and gratitude for friends such as Lina and Ian was completely overwhelming. As was the realisiation that this may be the last time like this.
On the flight home, I was seated at the opposite end of the plane from Paul. I found myself next to a fascinating man – who just turned out to be an Orthopaedic Surgeon (along with fellow JPG exhibition atendee and fine furniture/interior design lover), so we had great energetic conversation about being in isolation, the power of the mind, yoga and meditation, music, keeping connected, all of that. Despite having asked to be seated next to Paul if it was possible, I really enjoyed this connection with Dr Steve and was very happy chatting with this new friend. I was in the middle seat and at some stage mentioned Pink Polar and the man sitting to my other side happened to be a vet and also knew all about Geoff and the Boobsled crossing Antarctica. We shared lots of laughs between the three of us. It was the quickest flight home courtesy of this cool seating arrangement!
Spending time just savouring the friends, family and being open to new acquaintances in my life – courtesy of this hand, is a positive I hadn’t predicted. Although not pleased about the difficult weeks and months ahead I have to face this reality. No escape is what reinforces the meaning of ‘reality’.
Life is all about ‘climbing the highest peaks and navigating the deepest valleys…’
Encore Performances 