Optimism

Its funny how things feel better at the moment. I am not sure how kevvy will go but I’ just feel a sense of relief that the previous thinking has been turned on its head. I dont know whether its because of Work Choices or for higher values reasons. Probably a bit of everything. We always like to break things down to one thing that made the difference but the reality is its usually alot of little things. So maybe we’ve got a chance to think a bit differently about a whole lot of little things.

There is great sense of optimism and relief with the people I speak with in the Territory. We had a huge party at Clare Woods place on saturday night. I didnt realise there were so many young cool a groovy people in Alice Springs. Great fun.

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In the Game

Its been big week for me. As you know I have been struggling with my job. It is my responsibility to develop directions for this place i am working at ‘Desert Peoples Centre’. I have struggled to understand the issues let alone know what to do. Felt like a bit of an imposter. Anyway between my angst I have tried to remind myself that I didnt trick them to get this job (Ryan helped me with that strategy). They knew I didnt know nuthin before I started and so I just have to do the best I can. Anyway after talking with many people and 7 drafts of a strategic plan I had the first part of it accepted with great enthusiasm at a joint meeting of 3 boards who all work together at the Desert Knowledge Precinct where I work. Even Fred Chaney was there so how neat is that. I was very happy and feel for the first time that I am now in the game. The hard work starts now in moving forward but its great to be in the game. I like games.

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Friday Night in Alice

I really like Friday nights in Alice. After work I go for a swim in the local pool and it is always quieter on Fridays and I sometimes even get a lane to myself. Then I meet Keith after work in a bar. He’s usually late. Last night we went for dinner in the local Chinese - the Oriental Gourmet. It wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. Then we join a small group on the lawn in front of the Uniting Church which is in the middle of town on Todd Mall. The group is called “Linking Hearts in Difficult Times”. It was recently started by David Woods and a couple of other people from different faith traditons. We sit in a circle around a bunch of candles and sing and share stories and pray or meditate or whatever. The reason for the gathering is to express our concern about the federal government’s intervention into indigenous affairs in Central Australia and pray for more respectful treatment. Last night there was an older Bahai guy with us who chanted and it was really powerful and moving. I think it works better for me when it is another language so I just tune into the spirit of things. Words are ususally more divisive. People look on curiously and sometimes join us or ask a questions. In the background is a lot of life. There are aboriginal people talking loudly and heatedly. Soemtimes they are arguing but I think they are sometimes just like Italians in that they like to talk loudly to each other. A lot of aboriginal people are deaf from so many ear infections and so forth. The women near us last night were loud but seemed happy. Also, in the background is Story Wall. The Uniting Church project these documentaries onto the side of a local building so people walking along the mall can see and can sit on the grass and watch. They are screening stuff about local issues - the environment, indigenous issues, art stuff, social issues. It’s pretty good. Also in the background was a big opening of an exhibiiton. A local gallery on the  mall (Pupunya Tula) had a bunch of important pictures come in and apparently people were queuing up all day for the opening and all the pictures were sold within minutes of the doors opening. Aboriginal art is big here in ALice. After we had linked hearts, we wandered over for a look. They were wonderful paintings. Alice sure is the place to be on a Fri night. And let’s pray that today we get a new government and that they will go through a different process negotiating with indigenous people what changes need to happen, rather than impose  racist laws in a  disrespectful way.

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2 weddings and a funeral

Just returned from a week that feels like its been ten. You city people just live so fast and long i dont know if us country folk know how to keep up. Every day full of special beloved people and already wondering why one can spend so much time driving. Still i like driving and I like Sydney. So many highlights weddings, funerals, mums, family, friends, coffee, running, indigo, food, stories and connections. All of that yet at the same time feeling like you are gliding at a different altitude or something. Coming back from having moved away is quite strange. A new and odd experience.

It was great to get home (Alice) to just stop. It feels half like home now but not fully yet. And i miss everyone i just saw all over again.

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