Concerts and exhaustion

Put on two concerts this week, these images are from Judy Baileys Jazz Connection, a rather toe tapping affair. I think if I was going to do this again I would make it a tea dance.

Next up was Compass, fabulous tango music.

Very happy now to be a couch potato for a day.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Pop princess

Well we braved the screaming crowds to see Taylor Swift, toss her hair and strut her stuff at the Factory Theatre.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Adelaide

We spent the weekend in Adelaide for the Childrens fringe festival and to celebrate Arran's birthday.

Womad had been on the agenda, but we didn't make it. Probably just as well, I hear that they sold out of ticket for Sunday so they were selling weekend festival tickets on the Sunday at full price. If that is true that is horrific price gouging.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Scouts

Spent the day on Sydney harbour as part of an activity with the Scouts/Cubs. Its a great thing to have this kind of opportunity.

I was trying real hard with the canoeing, but have to admit my best moment was when we got a tow back in. The wind really picked up and we were struggline to get back to base.

I am amazed at how chuffed Arran is with the badge.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cheap eats

The local Indian Tandoori restaurant has a secret side entrance and a separate takeaway section where it is possible to buy some good food, for what we reckon are bargain prices.





Just off Glebe Point Road, with the entrance on Bridge road, great value, the non-vege Thali was $14 for this huge plate.

We have decided our friend Diane needs to start a cheap eats blog site, so in our quest to help out we are aiming at budget meals.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pleasures of spending a day with an 8 year old

So nice to spend a day with Arran, just hanging out and having a really great time together.

It was nothing out of the usual we did, just having a sushi train and browsing in shops, but just great to spend time together enjoying each others company.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Year of the Ox

What a busy week, so much work. Not improved by my husband saying why are you still working, the answer being obvious, because I have to.

On the plus side, Joh kindly gave us her VIP tix to the Chinese New Year Parade, which was great fun.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Back to school

First week back to school and good mother that I am I bundled Arran up and took her, wondering as we went why it was so easy to park - simple answer - pupil free day!

Managed to get it right the next day.

Quite nerve for Arran to be going back after what feels like such a long break.

All good now and wondering what class she will be in next week.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Not so fabulous Melbourne

Docklands I must admit was rather a disappointment, they advertised sand sculpture and there was one sculpture. It was good, but boy do they misrepresent it.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Melbourne

Had such a fun time in Melbourne with Arran where we went for the long weekend.

Did lots of tourist and other activities from markets to Angelina Ballerina, to jazz to shopping. Not to mention a fantastic meal at Guiseppi and Aldos. Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

The Nargun and the Stars

Knowing the work of ERTH and the fact that they have a tiny team, it is just so wonderful that Scott is able to pull off the work he does. How such s small arts company manage to put on such large scale works is a mystery, but its fantastic that they are doing this. Not to mention that it is a great piece of theatre.

A beautiful show, of Australian mythical tales. The puppetry and the stage settings are a joy to see. It is particularly wonderful to see another ERTH fabulous big bodied production.

The special effects and the large scale puppets, which are ERTH's trademark were a joy to watch. Not to mention some fine acting by the three human performers.

It all came together to produce a magical effect. My critical 8 year old, was very taken by the Nargun and despite the cold of the air conditioning and ice blocks for feet, was riveted.

Currently showing as part of the Sydney Festival definitely worth a trip to Parramatta. It is recommended for 8 and over, and is also a treat for adults of any ages.

From the novel by Patricia Wrightson
Adapted by Verity Laughton
Directed by Scott Wright & Wesley Enoch
Produced by Performing Lines.

The adaptation is informed by ERTH’s on-going consultation with the original story owners, the Gunai/Kurnai, Monaro and Boon Wurrung communities of East Gippsland.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
January 17-18, 20-21 at 7pm, January 18 at 3pm
Sydney Festival Event
All tix $25

End of the Chinese year

It was down to the Joss House today for the end of year devotions to the ancestors and prayers for a good New Year.

It was incredibly busy and smoky, in fact I can still smell the smoke on my hair.

It kind of made me wonder with the celebrations about how removed we are now, four generations later from what the hell is exactly happening? We burnt joss sticks, burnt money, threw stones and donated money, bowed three times etc. Now I am not exactly sure what all that ritual stands for?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney Festival Launch

As part of the kids day we visited Hyde Park and helped flesh out the Tasmanian Devil.

We watched a bit of hip hop, but I don't think the age demographic was right. It didn't have the atmosphere of a real hip hop comp.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gerroa

Lazy couple of days on the beach at Gerroa. Mini summer holiday.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

xmas in Sydney

Queuing for chocolate - the chocolate shop with a bouncer!



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cabbage

More on the new bunny from Sunshine bunnies.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

were cabbage

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cavolo Nero

Have managed to waste many hours bunny shopping, finding bunny, researching all the work having a bunny involes and buying bunny paraphenalia.

Oh yes, and silly me thought a mini lop meant that the bunny wouldn't grow too big. Obviously my understanding of mini and the rabbit world definition is different!

How much bugging can a small child do? Finally gave in to a pet, hope I don't regret the hours of work I am going to put into this!

Bunny not yet arrived, awaiting hutch.

Not to mention Arran being on a good behaviour bond for the next 2 weeks.

Oh yes, bunnies name is Cavolo Nero, cabbage for short.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Back to normal

Thankfully, household back to normal, with chicken pox over, and now just a little bit of green throat.

Had a busy week weeing Phil Slater quartet, Way out West and Booka Shade. Had planned to go to Jazz in the Gardens at Vaucluse House, but I think it is a tad too wet.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Latest get up campaign

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't like to find myself innocent without recourse to a fair legal process.

Anti-Terrible Laws

History will remember the Bush-Howard era of national security as one marked by draconian anti-terrorism laws that did little to protect us but created a climate of fear. With the end of that era, we now have a chance to write a new chapter of history.

An independent review and watchdog can weed out the most abhorrent features of the system while ensuring a more robust and accountable system that keeps us safe.

Have your say on how you want the new era to look by signing this petition.9,989 have joined this campaign - help us get to 15,000.

Visit https://www.getup.org.au/campaigns/campaign.php?alias=WereAfraidNot&id=435

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Chicken pox

It is so hard to remember whether or not I had chicken pox, so the pyscho symatic effect comes into play.

Arran with spots, me with paranoia.

On the positive side, some of those treatments they have now are really good at controlling itching and Arran is now back at school.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Barack wins!

How exciting, its just been called, a new President for the future.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wangaratta, Beechworth, Glenrowan

What a tragic little town is Glenrowan, where everything revolves around Ned Kelly in a slightly dusty, run down, Japanese tour bus kind of way.

In comparison Beechworth has lots of charming sandstone buildings, wide streets, a little city slicker in the country, but nice.

At the Farmhouse we stayed at in Oxley, my daughter walking in barefeet was asked by her Dad to be careful of snakes, she responded "but this is private property!"

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Australian Idol

Here's us at a found of Australian Idol, all the thrill of being on a TV set! not

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tasmanian Devil launch

Check out the Tasmanian Devil appeal.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Arran as a drag

This is what too much make up can do for you.

Joanne

viva la gong

A fun festival in Wollongong.

We saw Ihos, Pray Bells, which was part of the Sound Travellers program. Arran was on her best behaviour, I got her to go to sleep.

Then it was the fun of the circus with a cabaret in the big tent with Circus Monoxide, Elana Kats Chernin and others. Packed out and really good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

red centre

Decided to take a visit to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Went on a day bus trip from Alice, rather gruelling, leaving at 6.00 and back after midnight.

Pretty gruelling but worth it. Uluru, rock is the same, but the level of tourist services is much slicker now.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alice Springs

Just been to Alice Springs for a regional conference Art at the Heart. This is an image from the opening ceremony.

Interesting how you can be at the centre of Australia, where english is not necessarily the common language.

Lots of indigenous culture in Alice, it seems that there is no other kind there?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Seaside

So nice to get away to the South Coast for a few days and visit my good friend Perrie.

Arran and I headed off, chilled out, wandered off to the beach, watched videos and generally had a good time.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Training band

Well, a week of action, from mini fete to training band's first public performance at the Inner West Festival.

The love of parents as they listen to the farting noises of the school band. Actually they didn't sound too bad, only a few little squeaks.




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pinata and Fathers Day

We went shopping for Fathers Day on Saturday, ending up with many goodies that my 8 year old found as special for Dad. So we bought a rocking horse pinata, but I knew from before the purchase that it was going to be hard to do the actual bashing dead. So we have a pinata, saved from desk.

Plus we have a "para-olympic" pig and a cow. Cannot be returned to the shop because they are mute, as they are now in a new loving home.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Highland flings

Arran bonding with her Uncle Tam, who returned from the UK this week. They certainly seemed to hit it off.

Today we headed out to the Highland Fling at Elizabeth Bay House.

On the way we had lunch at a newish Cafe, on 368 Crown Street, Coffee Cup on Crown, totally delicious food. In fact it was sooo good we took home a piece of the apple crumble for later.

The Highland fling was full of things Scottish, though I don't think the skittles were supposed to be used like a baseball bat.

Joanne Kee

Billycarts and bears

Billy cart - this is the creation created by Sandy and decorated by Arran and Roshan for the races at Forest Lodge Primary school.

I did have flashing disco lights as a go faster look - but they weren't allowed to turn these on during the races as nothing except grunt power was allowed. Much to my dismay the flashing lights have now disappeared with my rechargable batteries as my daughter gave them away.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

A few rocky moments

Arran playing the saxaphone - not that well!


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Another performance

Three performances left to go for the factory series.

Alcohotlicks and Alister Spence Trio was a good night.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Places + spaces presents Alister Spence Trio + the Alcohotlicks

Alister Spence Trio.

This is the sound of the hammer striking the nail right on the head, sweetly, every time’ Australian Financial Review

This trio brings together three of the most exciting, innovative and experienced musicians in original, contemporary Australian jazz music.

‘Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played … alwaysguaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ SMH.

Joining them will be the wonderful moving image artist, Louise Curham.

When these three long time collaborators get together, a bewitching musical world unfolds, full of excitement, surprise and beauty.The wealth of experience that the band has, both separately and together, allows the music to ebb and flow seemingly effortlessly, as they move through highly original compositions and free passages.From shadowy insistent funk, to racing swing, or trance-like ambient echoes, this is contemporary jazz and improvised music of the highest order.

The trio’s last two CD’s Flux and Mercury both received ARIA nominations, and they are now beginning to attract attention overseas.This performance at the factory comes on the eve of their first tour of Japan.Also appearing - the Alcohotlicks! Check them out here

The Alcohotlicks

Arne Hanna Composer (The Honourable Wally Norman, New York Times Critic’s Pick 03’) ‘I am firmly of the opinion that the Alcohotlicks are the finest, most inventive musical group working within the jazz idiom in Sydney.’

John Shand wrote ‘…Flower, Hauptmann and Mannell may just be on to something rather wonderful.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)aaron flower-guitarben hauptmann-guitarevan mannell-drums

The Alcohotlicks are a Sydney based band formed in the later part of 2002. The instrumentation of the band is unique comprising of two electric guitars and drums. The first two years were spent writing and performing in the local Sydney Jazz scene. As a band The Alcohotlicks have over thirty compositions registerd with A.P.R.A. and have released two self produced live recordings. Performance highlights include: the Jazz:Now festival - Sydney Opera House, Stonington Jazz festival, and Wangarratta Festival of Jazz.

In 2007 Aaron Flower won the prestigious Wangaratta National Jazz award, with Ben Hauptmann a close second.

From late 2005 The Alcohotlicks began featuring artists in their live performances, which most recently included incorporating Cesar and Steve Marin, both leading exponents of traditional South American music.

Other featured artists include:
ARIA and Mo. award winner James Muller ‘I believe Evan, Ben and Aaron have created music that is not only fresh and brilliant, but uniquely Australian.’
Art Orcehstra of Australia guitarist and composer Carl Dewhurst ‘(I) believe TheAlcohotlicks to be one of most original and captivating groups in Australia today.’
Melbourne based National Jazz Award winner Steve Magnusson ‘Their compositional approach, architecture and arrangements are unique to their sound.’

Doors @ 7pm, Performance begins at 8pm

places and spaces presents music @ the factory series.
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Din Tai Fung

My friend Diane had raved about the dumplings and we decided to give it a go and I have to say we are now hooked.

The experience is fun, as there is a process to how you eat these dumplings, the fragance, the broth inside them etc. Plus of course there is the production line process outside so you can see how they are assembled.

Probably just as well to have some entertainment as there is a pretty good chance you will have to queue.

The dessert is I have to say one of the best I have had in an Asian restaurant, mango, icecream and shaved ice, refreshing and delicate.

We'll be back!

Arran ready to dig into her dessert.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Back to School

After a weekend break in Terrigal it was back to school this week.

Have to admit, Terrigal holiday was really refreshing. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza, pool downstairs, beach just outside, enough attractions to be interesting, room comfortable. Definitely would like to go back there.


Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Tashi - afternoon tea

Occassionally the Four Seasons Hotel has afternoon tea and book readings for children. This Saturday it was Tashi with Anna Fienberg, promoting Tashi and the Phoenix.

It is incredible the patience of the children as they queued up afterwards for a book signing. It took us an hour and a half to get our book signed. However saying this, Anna was really good with the kids and took time to chat with everyone. My daugher really enjoyed the outing.

As for the afternoon tea concept, great but it felt totally random. The hotel has a side room set up with a kid's afternoon tea, cute little jelly cups, swan cakes, fairybread, sausage rolls etc.

However, if you arrived just a little before the advertised start time of 2pm, it was extremely chaotic, the tables were practically all taken and I had to work really hard to get two seats together at a table. It wasn't particularly clear that this ws the children's afternoon tea and that there were cushions on the floor for the kids to listen to the book reading, with the adults having tea outside.

I have to wonder if the Four Seasons staff have any real understanding of children as there definitely didn't seem to be enough table seating for everyone in the room, or maybe parents weren't supposed to sit down. This probably being a little unrealistic for some of the younger children. You can't imagine a parent wanting to wander off to another part of the hotel for afternoon tea to leave behind a five year old!

As for the adult's afternoon tea, not sure why this just didn't happen with clockwork precision, as they had catering numbers beforehand and it was after all a set meal. Whilst a very pleasant concept there was a bit of waiting around and I know that the tea couldn't have been prepared fresh (hence the waiting time) as the bread on two of my sandwiches was hard. However on the bright side I did get to read the Saturday papers and the staff were very friendly.

Would I do it again, perhaps, now that I know the procedure.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Time flies

Can't believe how long it has taken us to visit Ross and Selina. Time flies by when children are involved.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Thank God its Friday and I don't feel compelled to hand out in a bar!

OK so its a new, upmarket'ish piano bar, aptly named the piano bar. Under the Coca Cola sign at the cross.

Packed to the rafters with wannabees and after work continuations, it wasn't really very glamorous inside at all.

I thought to myself, did I really used to do this every weekend plus? So glad I don't feel any compunction to head out into the bar/singles/clubbing scene, just for a drink.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Singing

Hi a great creative mind in action!

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Highlight of the week - Orangutans

This week I was lucky enough to have a behind the scenes tour with Orangutans, what fabulous creatures.

I did get in trouble for playing with one of them with a blade of ginger, but they are so approachable. It hardly seems as though they could do damage, but I guess it is more a case of not necessarily knowing their own strength.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Rollercoaster week

Rather a week of ups and downs.

With miserable weather the places + spaces gig was tricky, as we rely on walk ups. However considering the weather and the fact that I personally wouldn't have gone out in that weather, it was OK.

The best thing was being able to hear Adrian and Band of 5 Names live.

Worst things was the piano sponsor being upset with the usage of the piano.

Plus other bad things were being told my contract is ending for one of my jobs. Panic for 1/2 an hour, but now I am thinking this is a good thing as I'll have time to think about what next.

Also on the plus side, lots of work offers.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Men of Steel

Took the drive out to Casula Powerhouse to see Men of Steel. What a fun show. My 8 year old gave it a 10 out of 10.

However, I am very grateful that we were in the third row!

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Quite an inspiring week

This week was a small business week and it was good to go along to the seminars.

It is refreshing and stimulating to hear new ideas, ways of thinking and working.

One of the tricky things with working on your own is having access to new ideas.

So thanks to the people who put on small business week!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Art Gallery NSW

Wednesday night at the Art Gallery is so busy these days.

This is Matt Keegan and Stu Hunter playing in the cafe.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Places + spaces presents James Muller trio

This is one from my concert series places + spaces. We did this performance at the Metro on George Street.

The room looked really good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Real or fake

Can you spot the real koala?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Western Plains Zoo

Western Plains Zoo is a great place to visit. We stayed overnight at the Zoofari.

I don't think there are too many other places you can go and feed a rhino, the giraffes etc


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Being an older Mum makes you live longer!

Its official being an older Mum makes you live longer!

"Coupled with recent research that suggests having children later could be key to improved longevity, it looks like this trend is here to stay. The New England Centenarian Study found that women who gave birth after 40 were four times more likely to live to be 100 or more than women in the general population."

Info at: http://lifesignsnetwork.net/newsview.aspx?id=395

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

What is music

So I had a headache, but I figured I still wanted to check out What is Music. Which for those of you who are into sound/pushing the boundaries kind of music is a very brave move.

Surpisingly I managed to last well into the second set, but sadly the music didn't help my headache go away and sadly I had to pike out on what looked like some really interesting stuff.

Definitely worth a look, a real mixed bag and I managed to ignore the headache for quite a lot of the performances.

http://www.whatismusic.com/HOME.html

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pop stars

I actually enjoyed this more than I thought. Good show.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Easter show

This was pretty gruesome at the Easter show. The kind of thing that makes your toes curl!



Joanne Kee www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gorillas and the charm of babies

This is the latest addition to the Gorilla family at Taronga Zoo.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Adelaide Festival

It was seriously hot, the kind of weather where you really don't want to go outside.


Added to that it didn't really cool down in the evening, but it was certainly worth a look at the buildings on display. It seemed it was a very popular thing to do.



It was very majestic with the whole row of buildings being lit up. the most effective display I have seen of this kind of lighting.

The North Terrace lent itself to this kind of visual display.


A sound track or some live music and more ice cream for sale would make good additions for the future.


Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

Build a bear

This time it was the birthday party at Build a bear. It was short, but sweet, everyone took home a furry animal. We had pizza, cake and it was all good.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Lunar Park

Well I didn't fancy going on the rides, so I invited along a few friends for my daughter and away we went to Lunar Park.

I have to admit that watching some of the rides made me feel quite ill.

Arran, whilst a thrill seeker was terrified by the flying saucer and when I saw her on the next ride going upside down my heart sank!

This is one of the tamer rides.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Adelaide

Down in Adelaide this week for the Performing Arts Market, a gathering of arts people from around the country and some from around the world.

Highlight for me was seeing Tom Tom club at the fringe. A hip hop version fo Stomp, much rawer around the edges, but great fun.

This was something totally different, a tiny little house, with a man inside.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

A piano, music and a gallery

A really beautiful setting for a piano performance at the Damien Minton gallery. A gorgeous Stuart piano and and of course great music by Chris Abrahams.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Year of the Rat and Year of the Frog

This Chinese New Year is the year of the Rat, which is my year. So bring on the good fortune please.

Its also year of the Frog around the world, looking at saving many of the species which are becoming extinct. This is rather troubling as frogs are indicators of what is going on in the environment and in some places it is not looking good.

Its really interesting working at the Zoo and finding out about the environment. Very curious ways of collecting research material for whales and other large animals.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Back to School

So it was back to school this week and I wondered if it was as traumatic for me when I was young, or are there more pressures on young kids today.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I have an extra sensitive daughter. I think being really sensitive is overrated. It just gives you the capacity to be slighted or hurt about things that other people move on about in 5 minutes.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bears or bulls

Well after this week's recent erratic movements in the stock exchange it is obvious that no-one knows what is going to happen.

So why do we hang off every word from these financial journalists?

It appears that anyone can make an educated guess, what a wonderful profession to be able to make tips, but not to really have to back them up. Signs say this, reality say this, but of course we don't know for certain because of human emotions. Aaahh yes, the similiarity to horseracing and other forms of gambling is very real.

What I do know, is that even with billions of losses, the world is such a different place then when it was in the great depression. We have many more billionaires, who if they chose could probably prop up just about any economy in the world, without Government assistance.

How far will Government's let economies slide? That is another question. As we move towards an American election, recession/depression would be a definite vote loser.

There is also the emotive side of the equation, when people panic, even though the recommendations all stay stick in for the long haul, it is interesting to watch the capitulation.

For the record, I have shares and a margin call, so I would love to have a crystal ball as well.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.womenandwealth.com.au

Holidays

I had forgotten how nice it is not to do anything and how blissful to sleep in!

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Listening to the radio

Very funny feeling listening to the radio and hearing your friends being interviewed. Hearing stories about people you know.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney Festival Launch

Well my phone self destructed just before Christmas. 14 months into a 24 month contract, with guarantee on phone finished, an excess charge from the insurance company and the likelihood that they wouldn't pay out, just remember that a phone that stops working is not usually going to be covered by insurance. It is much better to drop it, loose it or maybe even drown it.

So now I have my new object of desire, the phone I really wanted and I am just testing out the video quality. So here is a video from the Children's part of the Sydney Festival launch yesterday.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas

The indulgent parent strikes again.

Thinking this may well be the last time Arran believes in Santa Claus, note left out to Santa, and the doubt creeping in as to whether it really is Mum or Dad. With lots of "Is it really you Mum?" being asked.

Anyway, presents were in abundance.

Joanne Kee

http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Christmas carols

Well this year we have been very Chistmassey, with the tree and some carols on the CD player. Shocking what they sell you from those cheap compilation disks. But Arran is happy with them.

We also went a little upmarket with the Opera Australia Christmas carols. A little highbrow, but we did recognise most of the tunes!

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Next stop school assembly

Yet another milestone, the final school assembly of the year.

Plus an award for outstanding reading and writing.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Swim school

After what seems like an interminable amount of swimming lessons, we were back at Cook and Phillip for a test to restart classes. Swim school with the public school system definitely seems to have given Arran a lot more confidence in the water and she charged away.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas train

My little girl is still clinging on to her belief in Santa Claus and I say good for her.

I reckon this is her last year at the Myer's Christmas display, can you pick the child who is not really fitting in the train anymore.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Goodbye Johnnie

Yes, what a fantastic night.

The end, finally. Now here is a You tube clip that my friend Adrian put together.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

King Farook - Glebe Fair

Well, it seems true to tradition, it was hot on the Glebe Fair Day. We braved the heat and sunstroke to see King Farook.

Such a great band to see live, lots of energy, good sound.

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sculpture by the Sea

Great way to spend a day out.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Where does all this data go?

With so many blogs, websites, myspace, Facebooks, wikipedias etc etc, where is all this information going? where is it all being stored? Who is ever going to read it all?

Is the history of humanity floating around in space? What about all those images? Will it stay there until the end of humanity as we know it?

Who is going to be the ultimate archiver?

The world is speeding up, but the content isn't slowing down. Who is there to read it?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Music @ the Factory

Pilot of new music series

Well it was really stressful putting on a new jazz series of mainly local Sydney talent, on a week when all the heavy hitters of the International jazz world were on their way to Wangaratta, and doing extra gigs in Sydney on their way through.

However, all considered we did OK and actually managed to attract a larger audience then most nights at JG and of course more than SIMA which has a limited capacity. Not bad for a new venture, in a location that people aren't used to. So I am optimistic about the future.

Image is of the Pascal Schumacher quartet, a band with musicians from Brussels, Germany and of course Luxembourg. They were fabulous, if you get a chance to see them, don't miss them.

Mothership sounded good, they all fit on this stage.





Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Another hectic week

Rushing around from Cat Empire all ages, down to melbourne for some "culture" and lots of sitting down concerts, then onto my first meeting for Sound Travellers and a kiddies swim party today.

I was hoping for a slow down after next week and keep on dreaming of holidays

It was fun seeing cabaret artist Meow Meow.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Silver shovels

Well, it was a work party in October? The Silver Shovel awards. I have to admit that I haven't seen alcohol that free flowing at a work function for quite some time. The house band was singing that night, and Fran whose team I work with is featuring in this track.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Babylove, Buzz and catapults

Rabbit is based on the Alice story, re-interpreted into a playful dance/movement piece by Buzz Theatre from WA.

Very cute puppets, bunnies have lots of "aaah" value. Some great movement and use of props. Moves at a good pace, so entertaining for the whole family.

Currently performing at the Opera House. Image courtesy of Buzz website.

The other great way to spend some time was a visit to Carriageworks where I saw Babylove.

Actually an art installation, but with enough excitement to make it a viable ride.

These battery powered babies are fun.

We also saw Stalker playing around with their Catapults. Have a look at the video, it was fascinating watching David and Max, float and hover through the air. Sadly we didn't manage to catch the Erth "petting zoo", but hopefully there will be another chance during another holiday.



Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

Australian Citizenship test

The current Australian Government thinks we should have a citizen test, this one is a bit of a laugh and to top it off you can listen to "True Blue" while you are doing it.


2007 Australian Citizenship test

1. Do you understand the meaning, but are unable to explain the origin of, the term "died in the arse"?

2. What is a 'bloody little beauty'?

3. Are these terms related: chuck a sickie; chuck a spaz; chuck a U-ey?

4. Explain the following passage:
"In the arvo last Chrissy the relos rocked up for a barbie, some bevvies and a few snags. After a bit of a Bex and a lie down we opened the pressies, scoffed all the chockies, bickies and lollies. Then we drained a few tinnies and Mum did her block after Dad and Steve had a barney and a bit of biffo."

5. Macca, Chooka and Wanger are driving to Surfers in their Torana. If they are travelling at 100 km/h while listening to Barnsey, Farnsey and Acca Dacca, how many slabs will each person on average consume between flashing a brown eye and having a slash?

6. Complete the following sentences:
a) "If the van's rockin' don't bother...." ?
b) You're going home in the back of a..... ?
c) Fair crack of the.... ?

7. I've had a gutful and I can't be fagged. Discuss

8. Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a wedgie?

9. Do you have a friend or relative who has a car in their front yard "up on blocks"? Is his name Bruce and does he have a wife called Cheryl?

10. Does your family regularly eat a dish involving mincemeat, cabbage, curry powder and a packet of chicken noodle soup called either chow mein, chop suey or kai see ming?

11. What are the ingredients in a rissole?

12. Demonstrate the correct procedure for eating a Tim Tam.

13. Do you have an Aunty Irene who smokes 30 cigarettes a day and sounds like a bloke?

14. In any two-hour period have you ever eaten three-bean salad, a chop and two serves of pav washed down with someone else's beer that has been flogged from a bath full of ice?

15. When you go to a bring- your-own-meat barbie can you eat other people's meat or are you only allowed to eat your own?

16. What purple root vegetable beginning with the letter "b" is required by law to be included in a hamburger with the lot?

17. Do you own or have you ever owned a lawn mower, a pair of thongs, an Esky or Ugg boots?

18. Is it possible to "prang a car" while doing "circle work"?

19. Who would you like to crack on to?

20. Who is the most Australian: Kevin "Bloody" Wilson, John "True Blue" Williamson, Kylie Minogue or Warnie?

21. Is there someone you are only mates with because they own a trailer or have a pool?

22. What does 'sinkin piss at a mates joint and getten para' mean?

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Brisbane and Barbie

Hi two really unrelated events, just spent a few days in Brisbane, hot days I might add. The kind when you don't really want to walk the streets.

That must pose a serious issue for the water shortage, which is dire up their, as one feels the need for more showers, as being sweaty is not really an attractive choice.

Back to Sydney for Barbie at Taronga Park Zoo. They have really hit on a formula, with the newest offering being the Island Princess, complete with cute animals that translate well to product.

We also saw some of the real animals.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

School artshow, Electrofringe and more

So I won one of the silent auction prizes at my daugher's fundraiser. This year it was an art auction. Plus my daughter had over 6 artworks on display, costing $5 each. However after buying 3, we figured that we might well see the others return home to us at some stage. Good guess. I just hope we don't have to hang all of them on our walls!

Time just slips away and with my hellish months ahead, also thinking how to proceed with Women & Wealth. We are still in the design stages, though the site is live, it is not yet "finished" and we are still refining the design. However, I am thinking it is going to look good and thank god, we are getting to the end of that stage.

Spent the Saturday of the long weekend attending Electrofringe, a sound art/electronic music Festival in Newcastle. Very fringe in nature and content, but interesting to see different worlds.

Couldn't believe the number of burnt out disused buildings in Newcastle.

Train ride there and back was good for staring out the window and being amazed with how much music I have on my MP3 and how much longer the battery works than the old days with the walkman.

Next stop is the mountains of work involved in my numerous projects, which should be keeping me very busy.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Ridiculously busy

So in the life of a Consultant I have hedged my bets and when the last tender came through I realised that September/October are/were going to be busy months.

What with launching and setting up a framework for a new touring program called Sound Travellers to fundraising at the Zoo, not to mention my own concert series Places & Spaces and the Jazz:Now Festival.

So it was a mixed week of performances at the Opera House seeing jazz, interspersed with a penguin talk at the zoo. Having the chance to have a snake fun its tongue over my hand, amazing soft, sensitive quality and surpisingly snake skin is also nearly velvety soft.

Then it was running all the way to a music assembly for the Music Council of Australia, where as a bystander it was interesting to hear what is going on in their world.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

A Busy week

Life if very busy at the moment, with lots of juggling trying to get projects moving forwards.

I am very absorbed by the Sound Travellers project which is to tour sound art/electronica, improvised jazz and contemporary classical music. There are so many possibilities, the question is how to source the money to fund it.

Then there is Places & Spaces with my Music @ the factory being launched on 1 November. It has been great because I have found all sorts of possible support from my colleagues at the Zoo!
Great how things connect.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

The Chaser

There was a great version of the Chaser at the Zoo and of course the Canadian stunt was rather a good indication of how poor the security actually was vs how much posturing the police did this weekend.

http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/chaser_mp4.xml

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Fine dining, music and fathers day

So a beautiful spring day for Father's day. Well I have to say my husband scored better than I do, he got waffles, strawberries and maple syrup, whereas I got some sad croissants I bought myself and had served without jam, just butter - not good for someone with high cholestral. Our daughter did a sterling job of chopping strawberries.

Saw my friend Joh Puglisi's first choreographic piece as part of Bodylines at NIDA. It was great to see her work, and even better that we liked it, so we could be honest when we said we liked it! That is something that always stresses me out when I see friends work.

Also saw the amazing Katie Noonan, what a voice, what a talent. If you can catch her on her current tour, make the effort. She is really special.

On the lighter side of life, this is a incredibly silly video, courtesy of surfing Youtube with my daugher!




Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au
www.womenandwealth.com.au

Animal Adventures

So this time I managed to have my own animal adventure with a seal at Taronga Zoo.

As part of their activities they offer an opportunity to get up close and personal with a seal and to have your photo taken.

You can also ask as many questions as you like from the trainer. A great thing to do. Definitely recommended.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Giraffes

There is something I find so appealing about giraffes.

They look like no other creature with their long necks. It is hard to imagine how they can balance, yet they have an awkward elegance.


It seems as though they are from another time and place.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/
http://www.placesandspaces.com.au/

A ferry trip to the office

One of the great things about living in Sydney is the beautiful harbour.

I am working at the Zoo at the moment and it is rather a pleasant thing to be able to catch a ferry to work, take in the harbour view. When work becomes a fog, it is great to be able to walk around, look at the animals, have some fresh air.

This must be one of the best situated zoos in the world.

Joanne Kee
http://www.ceressolutions.com.au/

Flu

So, the school flu finally hit at home with Arran feeling wobbly after swimming class on Saturday. Amazing that she made it through the class.

After an early night we managed to nurse her to enough strength to do a new workshop with Australian Theatre for Young People, which she really enjoyed. However, I reckon going to the movies with her Dad later in the day ensured a day off school on the Monday.

The dilema is, is she really sick enough to have a day off, or has she worked out how to pull a fake sicky? Well we gave her the benefit of the doubt.


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au