Friday 1 March 2013

I'm On Holidays..............

Where do I start? Last night brought out the inner rock chick (should I say boiler?) at a Deep Purple concert in Melbourne.  I've got to admit that I've never been a real hard core fan, (that's Kevin in this household and he's passed it on to his children), but I really enjoyed myself (and knew quite a few of the songs so clearly somethings rubbed off).  I couldn't help myself, I indulged in a little dancing, clapping and singing along and had a thoroughly great night. 

In the words of Natalie Bochenski from Brisbanetimes.com.au "Seeing Smoke on the Water played live is one of those bucket list moments; that riff is so ingrained in our collective music consciousness, I can’t even imagine a world before it existed. It’s like the chords were always in the wind; Deep Purple just wrote them down".  So what next for the holiday?

Today it's back to Ballarat where we've based ourselves over the past week, before we move on tomorrow to travel the Great Ocean Road.  I've fallen in love with Ballarat and the area around here - stately old buildings, wonderful rolling hills, trees and vegetation so incredibly beautiful large and profuse! Fortunately, because I'm told it's not always like this, the weather has been very co-operative for a Queensland such as I and mostly has been quite warm!  The Art Gallery is amazing and I've visited a few times now - currently on display  is Next Gen 2013 - the annual review of VCE artworks and I can only say I just can't believe the talent in this area and the support they are given through this.  If you happen to be visiting this area before 24 March it is well worth a visit.

Entrance to Ballarat Botancial Gardens
Importantly, however you wouldn't believe just how many patchwork shops there are around here and I've visited them all.  What can I say Ballarat Patchwork, Mill Rose Quilting - and their wonderful restaurant next door, Eureka Patchwork, Gails Patchwork Emporium, Threadbear at Castlemaine, the delightful Button shop at Buninyong I've visited them all (some more than once) and am leaving lighter in the pocket but thrilled with what I've gained.  Gorgeous fabrics & patterns and most importantly I've met some genuinely friendly, lovely ladies and gentlemen only too happy to share and help in any way they can.

Since attending a couple of classes with Margaret McDonald at AQC a few years ago, I've kept an eye out for any mention of her work.  I couldn't believe it when I visited Threadbear and she had two lovely quilts on display (where she teaches).


Sadly, I must return to the real world (which enables me to take holidays) sometime and can't do the classes!

Another huge highlight of my trip to date was being able to see the Golden Textures Art Quilt Exhibition at Maryborough.  Sadly I wasn't allowed to take photos.  It included works from Margaret McDonald, Brenda Gael Smith, Alison Schwabe, Diane Firth, Susan Mathews and more!  Their work is truly inspiring, so again if you have a chance be sure to get to see it. Not to mention it's a delightful drive passing through Creswick & Clunes to get there.  Incidentally there's a to die for lolly shop at Clunes (to help pass the time travelling).

Enough for now, I've got some exploring to do, I'll post in a few days.  Hope everyone's doing well at home.  Bev