For the second year in a row we headed off to catch Dan Zanes and Friends at the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Wow! It lived up to all my expectations! We’ve been listening to the back catalogue of CD’s all year and the whole family has fallen in love with them.

My folks came down from Sydney to join us and we attended 3 shows in total. (The photos are from the final show on Sunday October 14th). The first event was the opening night at Federation Square, which was unfortunately accompanied by lovely rainy Melbourne weather. Eloise enjoyed the afternoon soundcheck and then dancing in the rain at the 6pm show. My Dad was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to hear Dan’s rendition of Boonaroo.

For the weekend shows The Arts House Meat Market proved to be an awesome venue. I was a little apprehensive as the venue last year was so small and intimate, but my fears were quickly rested. It is an impressive space and the ambiance was immediate. As always Eloise enjoyed herself immensely. She insisted she take her uke (which Dan kindly signed after the show) and was adamant she wear her DZ Tee…..a Christmas pressie last year.

Dan was joined on stage by Father Goose (much to Miss E’s delight!), Sonia De Los Santos, Colin Brooks, John Foti, Saskia Sunshine Lane and Elena Moon Park. Such a formidable lineup of talented musicians, a real thrill to hear live. Like last year, Dan and the rest of the band were extremely generous with their time and stayed after the shows to chat to the audience and sign CDs.

It was an enjoyable and memorable experience for the entire family!

(photos © Rohan Durrant)

Featured Gem 14
Real Photo Postcard
‘Non Stop Run From Yarmouth’

Date: Unspecified
People pictured: Unidentified
Postcard Back: blank

Notes: I am loving these prop photos at the moment. Some of the painted prop sets are wonderfully detailed. They’re in the same vein as the paper moon images I have been collecting.

I purchased the image from the UK so I am presuming it is referring to ‘Yarmouth’ in the UK. Is it possible it was taken at a photo booth/studio at the Yarmouth Carnival? I’ll keep digging for info!

Boo! Thought I had better post as I have had a few lovely people email me checking I am ok. Sorry for being so quiet! All is well and I am feeling very happily pregnant (exhausted, heartburn, yuck taste, feeling like a whale!!). We’re very excited about the upcoming arrival but a little nervous as to how quickly this pregnancy has flown! So much to do! (*breath* don’t panic) I am 26weeks this week. 26 weeks already!!!! I am HUGE! From about 20 weeks people have been asking me when I am due and I see the look on their face when I say ‘January’ like they were expecting me to say ‘next week’! Yup I am going for the 10pounder this time. Hmmm.

It’s been a particularly difficult and strange few months and I’ve been a bit lost for words and tongue tied whenever I have come on here. Shortly after my last post we received the awful news that my dear Nanna had passed away. We traveled to Sydney the following week to spend some time with my family and attend her service. We’re quite a small family. Mum is an only child so it’s been very tough for her and I hate being so far away.

I am so pleased Nan got to meet Eloise. There are many things in Eloise that are so very Nanna (the red hair is just for starters!). I am also grateful I got to tell her about our little girl arriving early next year. She was delighted. I want to post more about my lovely Nan, but I just don’t have the words right now to fully describe how dear she and my Pa were to me, so I will leave that until another day. I’ve done a lot of thinking these past few months and things seem different. Nan was my last remaining grandparent so it really feels like my childhood has slipped away. That sounds crazy coming from someone of thirty three. I wish I could describe the feeling more eloquently. There’s something special about grandparents that keeps that spark of childhood alive — I am very lucky to have such a plethora of fond memories and a wonderful family to share them with!