Pollen range now at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery shop

Photo courtesy of Hawkesbury Regional Gallery

I’m excited to announce that my Pollen earrings are now stocked at the Hawkesbury Regional Gallery shop. This gallery is located on the fringes of Great Western Sydney. Think Windsor, Richmond and a bit further afield the Blue Mountains. It’s a great driving holiday if you are thinking of a little getaway that takes you through some fabulous places with history, cider and of course art galleries! I wrote a story about our driving itinerary which can be read here. The pollen range comes in stud or drop as well as sterling sliver or rose plated gold meaning you can positively bloom day and night, Anne x

Perth – sandstone, sunsets and very laid back

Well, it’s 5.18pm on a balmy winter’s night in Perth. While Canberra drops to -5 in temps, Perth remains in double figures till evening closes in. It’s been so relaxing and I don’t think I’ve ever visited a city where everyone seems so chilled and laid back. Well, Portland, Oregon was the closest and admittedly I’ve spotted a fair share of hipsters, bicycles, beards, barista’s and ‘forage’ dining places that Perth is not far behind becoming the next ‘cool capital’ to visit (after Canberra of course!).

“$$$ Forget New York, Tokyo or London – the highest population of self made millionaires in the world per capita hail from Perth”.

Mmm…what we have discovered that drinking or eating here is really expensive. It is a town of boom or bust and its economy clearly props the wealthy. I’ve been lucky and managed to find a few cute and affordable places for lunch but dinner proves to be very expensive. So what do I recommend? Moore & Moore located in Fremantle is housed in a historic building and a fave for Notre Dame uni students. Food is fresh and the homemade lemonade refreshing. Source Foods located on crn of Brisbane and Beaufort Street serves the best coffee and none of this little glass business! It’s a proper size Alice cup that seems never ending. Adam’s fave is The Royal and when he first came here, as part of his contract, he ate there 11 nights running!! I limited it to two nights as I like variety…

image
Arthouse – one of many sandstone buildings in Fremantle, Perth

So, what have I done while Adam was working…I’ve been pounding the pavement as I always do when I visit a new city. Perth is pretty much flat with a few hills. They have free transport in the city and luckily our apartment is on the fringe so I can get on and off whenever. So, sandstone. The city is built on sand. You can see it creeping through pavers, the garden beds and at building sites. Most of the older/heritage architecture are built from sandstone and in immaculate condition.

Architecture from different decades and well preserved
Architecture from different decades and well preserved

Even the art deco style buildings look like they have just been painted. I can’t get over how clean the city is and all the public gardens are manicured within a inch of perfection.

Queens Garden, Perth
Queens Garden, Perth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun. Sunrise and Sunsets – this city sure knows how to put on a show. We’ve seen some stunning weather and who needs TV when you can look out the window and soak up the colours of orange/pinks/golds. While we’ve had a few showers, they come and go and the sun keeps the winter feel at bay.

Shopping – oh! my! I’ve managed to do a little shopping – 3 tops (Morgan & Morgan, Method), a pair of earrings, a set of hair clips , three gifts (Beau Est Mien in Northbridge, Ware, Mt Lawley) and resisting the urge to keep on spending. It’s only been four days and I’ve been very conservative. Well, maybe not. I totally indulged yesterday and had a few treatments at Djurra Day Spa. I’ve never treated myself to something like this.

image
Pampering on my tootsies!

I felt the need as I’ve been working flat out since Boxing Day and have had two weekends off. It was crazy but all for good causes – an up and coming exhibition I’ll be in (3 July 15 opening at Nishi Gallery, Canberra) and my newest venture – an online shop showcasing my porcelain earrings. I’m very excited as this will be launched 14 July on Bastille Day. Why Bastille Day? Because my earrings are chic and I’d like think my range is as fashionable as the women are in France.

It’s now Wednesday 10 June and I have a slight hangover. We caught up with friends the night before and enjoyed a drop or two..or three…I worked with Naomi in the AFP and we realised its been nearly five years since we’ve seen each other. In the meantime she studied law, got married and moved to perth. So lots to catch up on. I took it easy yesterday as the walking is taking its toll on my little toe. I spent the day working on my marketing plan, content for the website and liasing back and forth on emails.

City Farm Cafe, Perth
City Farm Cafe, Perth

It was hard work as I sat in the gardens of City Farm Cafe eating Chickpea, roasted carrot and zucchini dill salad and later a guilt free (my phrase for gluten free) coconut, pistachio lime cake! Our final night (well my last night as Adam goes back to Perth in a week’s time to continue his work) was an all out meal at Lallah Rookah – a semi-fine dining restaurant/bar in the business district where the meals were just divine.

So, if you are thinking of visiting Perth, I highly recommend it and if you get the chance go to Vasse Felix in the Margaret River as they have the best cabernet’s. Cheers, Anne

 

Chicago – David Bowie, architecture, shopping and luxe cafes

97 days ago according to my notes in my iPhone…that was our first day in Chicago and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write this posting! We were having such a good time and totally immersed in all that Chicago had to offer. We’ve both decided that we’d move there in an instant despite the cold winters. This exciting city is efficient, easy to get around on foot, and there is always something to do. We stayed in two places and can highly recommend Magnolia Studios in Andersonville and Longman & Eagle in Logan Square. The latter is only for those that can cope with noise as its above an inn but the location is fantastic for hipster style cafes, shops and only a 15 min train ride to the city.

Navy Pier, Chicago
Navy Pier, Chicago

We visited Navy Pier and couldn’t believe our luck as the Smith Museum of Stained Glass was open and permanently closed a week after we left. So we timed it well and I got some great ideas for future ceramic exhibition works.

Stained glass museum, Navy Pier, Chicago
Stained glass museum, Navy Pier, Chicago

We headed to the Magnificent Mile which was 13 blocks of beautiful shops and stunning architecture.

Adam near Magnificent Mile, Chicago
Adam near Magnificent Mile, Chicago

We were so lucky as we had blue skies which made everything look buttery soft and hence us falling in love so quickly with the city. We bought tickets to the David Bowie exhibition which came out from the V&A London. For 3 and 1/2 hours Adam and I soaked up the atmosphere of a very talented artist through his music, art notes, theater set designs, costumes and personal details which showed another side. I had no idea just how creative, intellectual and gorgeous he was. As for Bowie’s costumes…move over Kylie Minogue. While he may have been taller he rivaled you when it came to the tiniest waist I’ve ever seen in rock fashion.

Anne at David Bowie Exhibition, Chicago
Anne at David Bowie Exhibition, Chicago

Pastoral deli - artisan cheeses galore!
Pastoral deli – artisan cheeses galore!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it came to eating, we weren’t short on choices. Chicago has everything from French cafes to Italian Deli’s and we feasted well – when you are notching up 20000 points daily on a pedometer – trust me regional cheeses, pinot noir wine from Ohio, Italian ice-creams and Lulu’s coffee made us very happie chappies!

Fabcakes cafe in River North - gorgeous and a much needed change to industrial fit-outs!
Cafe in River North – gorgeous and a change to industrial fit-outs!

So, more places to visit. We headed to Printer’s Row where I read this had been the industrial end of town of printers and publishers. It’s now home to trendy book shops, letterpress designers, cafes and all things boutique.

The Rookery and Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are worth the visit especially Robie House as we ventured into the suburbs and also got to see University of Chicago which was Hogwarts on steroids! I’ve never seen such large buildings and extensive gardens. I could write a another posting on Robie House as we went on a curated guided tour. They won’t let the public roam the house due to the significant restoration efforts on preserving it as close to the original conditions @ 1908. So, all I can say, it’s worth the 2hr train ride to go and visit both institutions.

University of Chicago
University of Chicago

Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago
Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Chicago

 

 

 

 

 

No trip to Chicago can not involve going to Millennium Park to see the infamous bean by Indian born British artist Anish Kapoor. Adam and I had lots of fun taking ‘daggy’ shots along with everyone else!

The 'Bean' officially known as the 'Cloud Gate', Millennium Park, Chicago
The ‘Bean’ officially known as the ‘Cloud Gate’, Millennium Park, Chicago

Shopping – oh! my! I could have shopped till I dropped but had to pace myself as this was the first city in four we were visiting over five weeks. I had the chance to meet this wonderful artist Winifred Grace who had been a graphic designer 11 years ago but needed a change. Luckily she became a goldsmith jeweller and opened a gorgeous shop in May this year. I bought a beautiful pendant with birthday monies from my parents and chose what letters I wish to be imprinted. I chose AM – for Anne Masters as I use the same style lettering as my Potter’s mark in my ceramics. It now means even more as the M stands for Miami. I wear this pendant almost every day.

Inside Winifred Grace's shop which was bespoke and outfitted by an industrial designer.
Inside Winifred Grace’s shop which was bespoke and outfitted by an industrial designer.

Okay, we did travel to the USA for a reason…a very good friend of ours, Miss Amanda Small in her words ‘was getting hitched!’ to a lovely musician called Paul. We heard lots of lovely things about him and even better when we met Paul for the first time at the wedding. Adam and Paul hit it off from the word go and wise words were exchanged on the morning of the wedding. Adam: “Mate, don’t worry about anything and go on the walk (planned event for wedding goers)”. Paul: Mmmm….not sure if that’s the done thing to do, I should be setting up things…”. Adam: “Mate, trust me – escaping for a few hours will be the best thing to do!”. As it was they had a swim in freezing Lake Michigan, a fantastic walk with his family over the dunes and Paul returned one very relaxed groom ready for the day! As for Amanda she just radiated sunshine in her glittering dress.

Groom Paul with family, Lake Michigan
Groom Paul with family, Lake Michigan

Amanda and Paul, Watervale, Michigan
Amanda and Paul, Watervale, Michigan

On the boardwalk the 'hitched couple'
On the boardwalk the ‘hitched couple’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, I took so many photos that it’s hard to include them all and do a little write up. So here are a few more to look at and enjoy.

Finally, this last photo sums it all up…one day this will be Adam and I – still visiting art galleries but needing a bit more assistance 😉

Upwardly mobile at any age!
Upwardly mobile at any age!

New York – gourmet food, museums and divine weather!

One of my drawings from a sculpture in Madison Park, NY
One of my drawings from a sculpture in Madison Park, NY

Well, New York has turned out to be this amazing city and provided 10 days of gourmet delis/bakeries, dining in romantic restaurants/bars, exploring alleyways and finding unexpected shops of all kinds, beautiful parks to sit and people watch and draw amazing sculptures and basically keep our hearts beating an extra beat every second with all the sirens and car horns bleeping loudly. Whether you are in a cab or crossing a pedestrian it is a hair-raising experience!

Gosh! I don’t even know where to start…we’ve been pounding the pavement and walking everywhere averaging 7hrs and 20,000 steps according to my pedometer. I’m keeping slim and trim and don’t feel so bad when I eat a pastry from the french patisserie, drink my lattes and wines and nibble on gourmet cheeses from the local delis. If New York could be described as one word…it would be food! I’ve never seen so many options and the big thing over here is chop! chop! salads. It’s like theater or pulling teeth eventually when they finally hand over your salad which has been chopped to death but oh! my! tastes fantastic!

yummy salads on a warm Autumn day - 30 degrees!
yummy salads on a warm Autumn day – 30 degrees!

After our 2 hour walk through Central Park, we bought dinner and bagels from Dean & Deluca – a well known Italian deli on Madison Avenue and figured its the one thing we can afford as we walked past the beautiful shops with the beautiful people and their children dressed to the max! Even the dogs were matching the kids….mmmm…that is a worry!! There was one restaurant we would pass every night and it was like a scene out of a fashion shoot for Ralph Lauren. No joke. Only the beautiful All American chiseled and blonde could wine/dine at this ‘popular – LOOK AT ME’ spot.

This town has all sorts – tall, skinny, fat, short, joggers (some in tracky dacks and others in the latest nike flouro slim runners and matching their partners outfits of course!), dogs in prams, freshly clipped poodles on steroids and a naked old lady in Times Square – save for a few twirly stars/stripes sequined bits to cover the gravity defied components which I won’t go into! and so much more.

With lovely Laura on top of the MET drinking champagne on the rooftop garden watching the sun set over this beautiful city...(Adam behind the camera xx)
With lovely Laura on top of the MET drinking champagne on the rooftop garden watching the sun set over this beautiful city…(Adam behind the camera xx)

One of the many foyers in the MET
One of the many foyers in the MET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went to the MET yesterday and spent 8 and 1/2 hours exploring this super huge museum along with 2000 others. It was 3 levels and covered 3 city blocks hence the reason we stayed all the day. We think the trick is to break up the day and with 2 solid breaks it made it so much easier to take it all in. We went to one floor which was a storage room and it went on and on and on – ceramics, glass, silverware, furniture, paintings and so on. There were levels where they recreated a room from a palace or villa from Europe which allowed people the chance to still experience renaissance France without having to fly out of the country. I sat and drew in part of the American Wing and for an hour listened to people’s conversations without them knowing and soaked up the atmosphere – another nice way of experiencing a museum. However, my feet started to tap and it was time to check out more galleries…ceramics, glass, American Art, photography and it just kept going. Thankfully, we took a break @ 4.30pm and headed to the Balcony Bar when a quartet (minus 1) played the most beautiful classical music with a contemporary edge while we drank our wine and chilled till just after 6pm. We did a bit more gallery looking and then finally checked out the MET shop. But it was all books…too heavy to bring home as Adam has already bought a couple of heavy catalogues…but we did manage an anniversary present for moi! A beautiful necklace which has lapis blue and gold settings based on the art deco period. A perfect end to a perfect day xx

Listening to classical music at the MET.
Listening to classical music at the MET.

Brooklyn Bridge, NY
Brooklyn Bridge, NY

We walked the Brooklyn Bridge from end to end and return and started with stormy cold weather which quickly changed to steamy, hot weather. We’ve been so lucky with the weather as we’ve had a late summer burst and only one day of rain and a drizzly day – but nothing to stop us from checking out the culture and vibe of each neighborhood.

Boys toys for Adam!
Boys toys for Adam!

While Laura and I shopped/sipped champagne and talked non-stop in Brooklyn and Williamsburg, Adam did entertain himself at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. He spent a couple of hours checking out a big great war canoe (built in WWII, which also saw action in Vietnam). On the deck, Adam was excited to see a Harrier jump jet, tomcat – a lah Tom Cruise in Top Gun, a Leggo scale model of the ship, an SR71 blackbird, an Avenger from WWII, a Seaking helicopter and many more big boy’s toys!

Murray's cheeses in West Village on Bleaker Street
Murray’s cheeses in West Village on Bleaker Street

Ooh! and I must tell this story..I bought lunch at Murray’s Cheeses – an institution of it’s own. They have communal tables and this older Italian guy sits next to me and says “Can you look after my balls?”. I double-look at him and say “Sure!”.  He disappears and I check his balls – 2 x risotto balls!! Heh! Heh! He comes back and with a quick wink and flick of my hair I say “I didn’t touch your balls but they are safe!!”. We end up having a great conversation and flirt away. He has a wedding ring and so do I and it’s all quite innocent. Gotta love New York.

Miss Liberty
Miss Liberty

Ooh! Miss Liberty…I can’t remember if I mentioned her in last blog? So here she is. On a stormy, overcast day which fits in well with the day being the same when she was opened in October 1886. Finally, we will always remember New York especially to celebrate our 6th Wedding Anniversary – may we always travel and photograph our way through the cities while still loving each other (even if we have a few tiffs along the way!!).

Traveling and photographing with each other! Gotta love this life.
Traveling and photographing with each other! Gotta love this life.