PASSING THOUGHT: I must get out for a walk in the early morning...(It's supposed to be sunny)... This 'glued' to a computer for hours on end each day from 7am re remote learning must be very unhealthy... I'm feeling like a zombified robot...Let's see if I go through with this...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 31, 2020
Friday 31 July 2020
must walk...
a sign of ?...
Wednesday, it's said, owns a hump.— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 29, 2020
Yet when I spoke to my friend Tina Turner about this, she said, "Tim,
it's simply a crest."
Yes it is Tina, it's simply a crest.
Upon reflecting about my Wednesday tweet, in which I conversed with my friend Tina Turner, I am of the view that I must have been feeling melancholy.— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 29, 2020
When I explained this to Tina, she said, "Tim, you're simply depressed."
Upon grasping the truth that Tina possesses zest, I undertook to understand her further.— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 30, 2020
I asked if I could perhaps take up lodgings with her and Ike?
She graciously replied, "Tim, you are simply my guest!"
I'm simply obsessed!🤦♂️— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 30, 2020
It would appear that my relationship with Tina Turner has, regrettably, soured. My curiosity and questions seem to have become a source of irritation to Tina and she has demanded I desist from tweeting about her again. She said, "Tim, you're simply a pest!"— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 31, 2020
So, farewell Tina...
Thursday 30 July 2020
surviving Zoom P/T interviews tonight...
PASSING THOUGHT: Finally done for the day... Last Zoom parent-teacher interview (I had 14 for just my Year 10's) + all written up on the school database as required. I think I just may seek a glass of wine... smile at successfully surviving... and then crash...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 30, 2020
empathy...
I relate completely...My focus, my emotions, my sense of sensibility...all on a rollercoaster... So many many demands with remote learning that it is hard to sift through effectively... I am simply not myself... Not sure who I am right now... Trying to focus on my happy places...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 30, 2020
Wednesday 29 July 2020
anything is possible...
NOTE: To my knowledge, this student had not written haiku before.PASSING THOUGHT: A memory...Teenage student with apparent learning challenges...autistic...rarely spoke...We studied WWII...He seemed intrigued...constantly wide-eyed...Gave students a creative challenge...haiku on war...The student wrote 10 'wow' haiku...Anything is possible...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
I demonstrated how to write haiku to all students before they attempted this challenge...
add some rock and roll to 2020...
A little 2.2 rock and roll has been added to Melbourne's 2020 mix. It is 5 years since the last quake in the same area - Pakenham - magnitude 2.7. https://t.co/wlNoUOLBly. https://t.co/irGwKUZjZZ— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
However, the report below says the earthquake registered 2.5
This magnitude 2.5 earthquake in Melbourne’s east has been widely felt in the local area. pic.twitter.com/pdwBSWjFZD— Seismology Centre (@AusQuake) July 29, 2020
UPDATE: And now, 30.7, 4.2 earthquake in Los Angeles
2km from San Fernando, California.
A magnitude 4.2 earthquake was reported Thursday morning at 4:29 a.m. Pacific time in San Fernando, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred less than a mile from Los Angeles at a depth of 5.6 miles. In the past 10 days, there has been one earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or greater centred nearby.
Source: Los Angeles Times
hills and a valley...
The photo has been taken in the Johanna Beach region - Great Ocean Road and The Otways...Glorious landscape of gently rolling greens. And love the snaking gullies in the valley... https://t.co/22CY5R49jV— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
bright joy...
Such a stunning design and glowing colours...There is a feeling of bright joy in this winged beauty... https://t.co/fcSWLLWRZR
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
mini beach landscape...
Mini landscape at Rye Back Beach on the Mornington Peninsula
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
(Click to enlarge)
Image taken 23rd October 2011 pic.twitter.com/ZaTRx3LqTw
rocky green shapes...
Love these rocky green shapes touched with rolling sea mist at Rye Back Beach.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
Image taken 23rd October, 2011 pic.twitter.com/aOTXEbOPhm
More eerie rocky shapes... pic.twitter.com/1iADHEd661
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
pain and the new...
And we must lower our barriers, our doubts and be receptive to the new; believe that the new is possible. Sometimes, the pain is a sign that something new needs to be born... https://t.co/A8S6Ws3g3T— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 29, 2020
Tuesday 28 July 2020
surreal Art Deco...
Like an Art Deco revival...the same but not the same...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
Slava Fokk 'After the Rain Arum Rosa de Monte Banana' pic.twitter.com/J5XXxmtZIs
who are you?
I am a lone feather drifting on the sea winds...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
Twitter whirlpools...
In the midst of Twitter whirlpools, I try to post sea views, animals, quirky events+moments + poetry... something aside from mainstream mania. I try to dilute dark fears and panic...My selection of Tweeters...not so many... follow similar pathways...I'll still walk here -for now.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
glorious rain...and mud...
While most Australians huddle near winter fires, (mainly in the southern states), some prefer to celebrate a much-needed event in style...Glorious rain... And it was a mere 8 degrees C at Young in NSW, but who cares...https://t.co/DMpeeGWdx7 pic.twitter.com/n5ldaZqOKZ— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
a scrap metal koala...
Such a novel idea... A scrap metal koala...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
The local Rotary Club at Mooroopna in Victoria will put it in a 'Community Tree'.
A dozen other critters and symbols of the community will feature in the tree as well.https://t.co/pWCUIfs8uk pic.twitter.com/XMLQM9D4xN
creamy foam...
Seafoam creates a special art... those creamy folds and whipped bubbles...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
Image at Dromana beach near Anthony's Nose
2nd August 2014 pic.twitter.com/oyzDhgxBUD
small beach beauty...
I am constantly drawn to the little things easily overlooked...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
If a shadow shape is attached...bonus...
This was on Dromana beach, 2nd August 2014. pic.twitter.com/6X4ckaatDI
resting duckling...
Resting duckling at the Enchanted Adventure Garden, Arthurs Seat— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
2nd November 2014
(Please enlarge) pic.twitter.com/3TMJqHWPb4
ragged seas...
Ragged seas beneath restless skies create exciting drama...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
My Image 27th May 2015
A view of Dromana pier on Port Phillip Bay pic.twitter.com/BGUamqNGi2
key to calm...
the key to calm— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 28, 2020
glide in
softly
folding
mirrors#tanka
My image 11th July 2017
Duck at Hillview Community Reserve, Dromana pic.twitter.com/hTyNWEFGUz
Monday 27 July 2020
Yawa...
At last! For a new aquatic centre! A beautiful aboriginal name streaks ahead of others. The name means 'to swim' + celebrates local indigenous language and culture.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 27, 2020
Yawa tops public pool poll https://t.co/9agPqE1kWf
Bring on more Aboriginal names to the Mornington Peninsula. 'Wominjeka' - on the sign at the entrance to Hillview Community Reserve in Dromana - means 'welcome'. pic.twitter.com/SG8C57tVpq— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 27, 2020
magical world...
So far this year I have not visited at all...The magical world of the Enchanted Adventure Garden at Arthurs Seat, Victoria... Usually visit about 3 times a year... always something new to see...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 27, 2020
This particular photo was taken there in October, 2014...
(Please enlarge) pic.twitter.com/tWAaVeIsca
But at least I have a vast range of photos...
cloud memories...
Cloud memories... Amazing clouds at Arthurs Seat, Victoria - September, 2008...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 27, 2020
Love me strange cloud patterns... I have never seen this particular cloud formation since... pic.twitter.com/IGWVTGXchk
take a little time out...
Take a little time out for a sea view... on a cliff... enjoy the big sky... the rush of waves ... and the salts of the air...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 27, 2020
Take a little time to breathe... and refresh...
Thinking of you both... You are amazing...@CathLAndrews @DanielAndrewsMP pic.twitter.com/VqAsOEd75N
PLEASE NOTE: This photo was taken on the southern coast - Flinders cliff - of the Mornington Peninsula, 22nd April 2019.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 27, 2020
Thank you, that’s exactly what we need! ❤️❤️— Catherine Andrews (@CathLAndrews) July 27, 2020
Sunday 26 July 2020
a view of wetlands...
Hillview Community Reserve wetlands, Dromana... pic.twitter.com/QzrB9F0eJe
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
grooming duck...
A grooming duck at Hillview Community Reserve wetlands, Dromana... pic.twitter.com/93xxZcCNdp
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
poised wattlebird...
Wattlebird on my verandah railing in the Dromana Hills... pic.twitter.com/21V0L3AAkD— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
This image was taken in December, 2017...
I love the upward flick of the tail feathers...
shopping adjustments...
Adjusted lockdown conditions - little Dromana Hub Shopping Mall now directs shoppers to enter at one door and exit the other. That ensures people do not pass /face one another.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
(In the image below, the mall's on the left of the carpark...It = a Ritchies IGA + 6 other shops) pic.twitter.com/skiyGIXyEu
if cats could...
I beg to differ a little... My little furball would choose to text back... and have plenty to text in the process... That is, she would text by her choice (what, when, where and why)...not mine... https://t.co/uE3xfkJlQv— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
love me the grace of boats...
The Norwegian Jewel was launched in 2005...Love me the grace of boats - afloat and even weathering and abandoned...But this one has a rather special colourful presence...afloat... Delightful photo... https://t.co/wrVnJwEeob— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
Herbsttage...
NOTE: 'Herbsttage', the title of this image, means 'autumn days'...The centre of our own peace is where the light pools best... https://t.co/igRGbIukcF— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
quietly live my truth...
Victorian news today, of more rising covid cases, in spite of lockdown -trying not to fuel fire further. Crying 'not fair' to+arguing with anti-maskers+the belligerent self-righteous achieves nothing, not even self-satisfaction...I'll keep my social/political truth quietly close.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 26, 2020
quiet, reflective drama...
Quiet, reflective drama in this beautiful landscape... and not a drop of blue sky or sun to be seen... https://t.co/rNJyRt7bi1— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
more 'Sarum'...
More Edward Rutherfurd's 'Sarum' today. I'm still wandering Old Sarum chapters. I've taken the 1st Journey to Sarum, 'when the world was a colder and darker place', (the last Ice Age was retreating), passed The Barrow 3,500 years later + now venturing through 2,000B.C. The Henge— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
beyond the prickly clutter...
The Sunday rain on my tin roof, insists that I lay in bed and think.— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 25, 2020
So I do...
And here is old Amos before me, on the ceiling:
out there in the gumtree hills,
drinking tea from a bush mug, held ironbark hands.
His pale eyes cast to the ridgeline, to back then...
Here is an enigmatic rising above the prickly clutter of social and political climates...
Always Tim implies that it is best to befriend those moments close and lingering...
The constants...
The soul mates...
And it is then that you gather the strength
To wage a stand against the more vicious intrusions in your world...
See them for what they are...
Hollow shadows...
Hollow
Aimless
Variable
Wanderers...
Rise above...
And see other blots as
Passing
Insubstantial shapes
Very very small
Aliens...
Saturday 25 July 2020
Light Sower...
NOTE: The artist's name should be 'Chmilar'...Interesting that a female figure has been selected as the sower...in the pose of leaning, suggesting 'going forward'...And the light seems to be in the form of a pool...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
Exquisite image... https://t.co/jC4hqhhPcS
And the title of the painting should be 'Light Sower'...- an oil painting on aluminium...
Colmenar de Oreja...
Love the lighting dimensions...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
Colmenar de Oreja, Madrid, Spain.
Photographer - Miguel Cabezas pic.twitter.com/GlzMiXQVfn
is she OK?...
Just wondering... Janice Petersen... usually a delightful, regular newsreader for SBS... seems to be very quiet round the media traps lately? Is she OK? pic.twitter.com/1ODWBZwERD— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
UPDATE?: Monday 27.7.20
I hope you have better luck than me. I spent 10 HOURS discussing my wifi issues via online chat last week.Problem wasn’t fixed but my “case” was marked ‘resolved’. I’ve only just finished shaking 😖— Janice Petersen (@JaniceKPetersen) July 27, 2020
UPDATE: Finally, Sunday 2nd August...6:30pm News - Janice is the newsreader...
almost wild quiet...
Almost like wild quiet... or quiet wildness... This stunning scene begs for an oxymoron to get close to an apt description... Beauty dusky tones... https://t.co/Mk0YahH0v0— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
new traffic...
Just heard a strange whirring outside... It seems that with no cars on the road, there is a new kind of 'traffic'... skateboarding 😗... (Sorry - not a great photo... this rider was whizzing by my driveway... 😒) pic.twitter.com/E2wQZRtwkO— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
no wings...
Look Mum... No wings... or parachute... https://t.co/2NKCdtxZwp
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
in a huff...
UPDATE: (an hour later) ... She is now happy to have rumpled my bedMy little furball has just had one of her 'I want more attention' yowling + tearing round the house at breakneck speed sessions...right after being fed...I clapped my hands...She went to the kitchen pantry cupboard, opened the door and yowled in there...Now outside...huffing... pic.twitter.com/NgHiqSECME— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
and is snoring peacefully there...
some whimsical art...
'Poppy fields back home' - Whimsical art from Jodie B Art Studio aka Dusty Road Art Studio, Temora NSW in the Riverina district. Her work features on the walls of Temora Hotel. pic.twitter.com/fERVIjicq9— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
And this is a recent work by Jodie, now hanging at Temora Hotel. pic.twitter.com/rnLbSLDdaa— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 25, 2020
Her art is not only featured at Temora Hotel
but also hangs at Deb's Jeweller's, Temora and the Pak Gallery Cafe and Restaurant, Coolamon.
'Sarum' begins...
Beginning a little 'Sarum'- Edward Rutherford for daily sanity...Sarum is a name that describes the area of Salisbury. Imaginative families are set amongst people and events that did exist. pic.twitter.com/NrH5UQJCHF— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 24, 2020
A beautiful couple of hours in winter sun on the verandah reading this delightful book today...
What a journey it is going to be...
Friday 24 July 2020
Babe...
Friday is an optimistic day.— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 24, 2020
She offers up the promise of something else, something ineffable...
And here's to you all...https://t.co/3YGAdfPEiK
Memory jolt when I saw this posting...
Never did see the film...no particular reason why not except that when a film is popular,
I usually wait to till the hue and cry dies down and then view...
This one I forgot to re-visit...
However, the memory relates to where Babe was filmed...
It was filmed in Robertson, in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
Robertson was a scenic, short drive from Camden...where I lived in the 1990's.
Robertson itself has stunning countryside...often wandered there at weekends.
Used to be signs around the town that Babe was filmed there, but not sure if the signs still exist.
Established in the 1860s, Robertson was known as “Yarrawa”,
from the “Yarrawa Brush”,
a generic term used by the early settlers for the local rainforest
which they had set out to clear.
The clearing of the dense rainforest was necessary
to enable farming of the rich red basalt soil which lay beneath the Yarrawa Brush.
Further...another memory of Robertson,
spent a long weekend there at Ranelagh House - on a professional development spree...
(but the current website states that it was called originally Hotel Ranelagh
- in fact, Ranelagh has had a number of name tweakings)
Brilliant old rambling building...built in 1924...with peacocks outside.
The peacocks loved getting on the tin roof in the mornings
and gifting us all with a loud wake-up call...
There were overgrown tennis courts to explore outside
(pre-refurbishment)
Rambling rocky gardens
Animal cages
And a brilliant view of the coast
from the top of the escarpment
where Ranelagh was sited...
In its original heyday, Ranelagh boasted a nine-hole golf course,
two tennis courts, croquet, lawn bowls, billiards, fishing, hunting, horseback riding,
and an onsite mechanic who looked after guest's cars during their stay.
The hotel won the 'Most luxurious hotel in the Commonwealth' award in 1925,
and was the first hotel in Australia to have phone lines to every room.
It is a 3 storey brick building with 80 or more rooms...
The long weekend wasn't all workshops...
There were some fun times too...
I remember a lively pillow fight (4 of us to a room)
In-depth and quirky dialogue with other teachers after dinner
(complete with a glass of wine of course)
But one night...the last night...
At 1:00am
A lone violinist
played quietly in the hallway
at the base of the stairs...
Ranelagh is surrounded by 14 acres of gardens and includes a quaint little gift shop...
Ranelagh has now been re-named The Robertson Hotel...
P.S. Just found out an addition to this grand old lady (on the above website)
One of the most charming and unique features of The Robertson Hotel is that it has its own railway platform on the Moss Vale to Unanderra Line, one of the most scenic train lines in NSW.
The route you take is called the Cockatoo Line.
The heritage train runs from different locations (Sydney to Wollongong),
but stops right in Ranelagh grounds.
The Cockatoo Run
For s.thing different...perhaps try 'Babe' - filmed in the Southern Highlands, Robertson, Australia. It is a comedy-drama. A pig is raised by sheepdogs and learns to herd sheep with a little help from Farmer Hoggett.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 24, 2020
Reckless Paper Birds...
Reckless Paper Birds by John McCulloughMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reckless Paper Birds by John McCullough grips the poetic microscope tightly and closes into the deepest recesses of body and soul in action... together, not separate. The body is no longer the frame, the encasing for the soul, but is the reality of the soul... McCullough's poems are a heaving sea of past and present pieces - colours, scenes, objects and people - all washed into tides of cresting and crashing waves riddled with sensual shock after sensual shock.
The 'I' figure emerges and fades and re-emerges through the poems, ensuring that all the physical experiences are overlaid with soulful introspection.
Varying poetic formats ensure that no one poem is quite the same as the last; no one wave can ever be the same in the sea that is life.
The energy in the poems is palpable, generated by a lively selection of verbs and tightly paralleled images e.g. Outside, the weather bludgeons photo ops... So many images are crunched together and overlaid, creating a richly mesmerising poetic experience.
This collection of poems dares to portray rarely visited (or even recognised or known) human experiences. And the impact is a pleasant surprise.
MY POETIC REVIEW: Songlines on the Winds
View all my reviews
winter evening skies...
There was a lovely hush in the air at this time...Beautiful winter evening skies tonight over the Dromana Hills... pic.twitter.com/9HbqyxeXMP— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 24, 2020
birds had gone home to nests...
and in too short a time,
this pause of colour was gone...
rainbows on the wing...
So much like rainbows on the wing... Magical... ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/yxbTKKi9Eq
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 24, 2020
Day 5 remote learning...
Day 5 remote learning-A-day. Fixed disgruntled wireless mouse (cantankerous keypad on school PC); fixed glitches in Zoom prep for P/T interviews next week; first 'no panic' when grocery shopping (https://t.co/TrRRrQf3Ui had masks); arvo-slept 3 hrs; catch-up school work tomorrow.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 24, 2020
Feel very guilty about how I have spent asynchronous learning day.
It is meant for catch-up...students and teachers catching up on work required.
I did attend a meeting at 8:15am for student wellbeing...
Then launched into fixing problems with school stuff...
And just had to get some more sleep...exhausted already and haven't slept well all week...
Intend to use tomorrow to 'make up for it'...
Thursday 23 July 2020
War of the Worlds landscape?...
The TV series was released in 2019. The film is set in contemporary France.I am currently watching Howard Overman's adaptation of 'War of the Worlds' - Thursday night series on SBS, Australia. Somehow your landscape in this scene seems the perfect setting for a dystopian sci-fi. Fantastic.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 23, 2020
love-in-a-mist...
If ever a plant lives up to an alternative name...love-in-a-mist... this one does... Such a mystical view of the flower...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 23, 2020
Just lovely... https://t.co/WCle7V7Vcp
human library...
DID YOU KNOW in some countries there are libraries where you can ′′ borrow ′′ a person, instead of a book.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 23, 2020
Launched in Denmark, you can borrow a person for half an hour and hear their story. Tasmania has a permanent human library.https://t.co/PXkXSnWUxh pic.twitter.com/h6LLBVkOge
Again in Tasmania, the Hobart human library delivers diversity education workshops in schools and workplaces to address discrimination and bullying through the power of personal storytelling. https://t.co/FXH8JXgiK0— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 23, 2020
The human library in Launceston has been operating for 12 years.
City of Launceston community development and safety officer
Nathalie Servant is responsible for bringing the program to Tasmania.
More details in The Examiner - May 20, 2018
lavender and oats cake...
In the midst of my never-ending stressDay 4 - remote learning...busy again...But one beautiful moment began the day...1 student said she would take a break from studies by making a lavender+oats cake, go to creek nearby, meditate+give the cake to Nature in thanks for helping her stay calm at this strange time. ❤️❤️— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 23, 2020
(school wanting more and more immediate data on struggling students),
I have to keep a focus on some beautiful moments...such as this one...
storm starlings...
There's a wonderful, vibrant energy, a sense of movement in this linocut. Swirls and waves and shadows... Stunning. https://t.co/12zmKPMzaJ— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 22, 2020
Wednesday 22 July 2020
The Little Red Caboose? and masks...
This is priceless...Someone read 'The Little Red Caboose' (Marian Potter) who always comes last + nobody cares... But hey...He made it up that damn hill...and stopped the train slipping backwards... https://t.co/ubLMdXCAeR— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 22, 2020
Day 3 remote learning...
So sad to see a student leave just when they are making commendable progress in a subject...But it is what it is...Loved this surprise today...Day 3 - remote learning...busy, busy all day yet again...but it flowed...ex-student dropped into 10English Google Meet - (bit naughty)...Said he missed my lessons (he had improved significantly this year)...Stayed minutes then left... I didn't report it... A precious thrill...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 22, 2020
Tuesday 21 July 2020
Day 2 remote learning...
Still trying to eat some lunch during PD after school today...Nothing seemed to work properly during the practice run...No one knew why... Some could hear and see the screen...others not...Some couldn't get into the meeting...I (as a practice parent) managed to get in and could hear and see the practice 'teacher interviewer', but lasted a couple of minutes and mysteriously booted out...Practice teacher could not hear or see me...Re-entered...booted out immediately...several times...So frustrating (I was getting upset about it...probably just tiredness) after a heavy day of remote learning... Found out afterwards, other teachers had similar problems...Maybe it will all right itself tomorrow...There goes lunch...again...Day 2-remote learning 2nd wave...ongoing online all day...literally...from 7:00am till 5:30pm...Students kept pace...That was good...but marking online Google doc workbooks =draining...+ PD after school re PT interviews...didn't work well...another go tomorrow at lunch...sighhh pic.twitter.com/V8KetfTwN5— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 21, 2020
Monday 20 July 2020
flowers on fences...
What a wonderful, thoughtful idea... Perhaps a child? going by the flowers selected?— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 20, 2020
Day 1 - remote learning...again...
Day 1 - Remote learning again...non-stop Google Meets...finished lunch@3pm...Very stressful...But many students said they were glad to see me again... so thrilled...Even complimented me on tasks set - even Year 10 English... By day's end, my spirit exhausted but feeling sunny... pic.twitter.com/dvjMaG9WoE— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 20, 2020
Sunday 19 July 2020
another easy mask to make...
Too easy... Another one great for those not into sewing...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 19, 2020
How to Make Your Own Face Covering https://t.co/qaxPaI6JCx via @YouTube
mask...sock it to me...
A quick fix if you are not a sewer (me) and finding masks expensive or difficult to obtain... Sock it to me... https://t.co/TPVnKQLUeM
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 19, 2020
masks mandatory...
#Breaking People who are out of the house and not wearing a mask can be fined $200 by police. https://t.co/HL2POx29cJ— SBS News (@SBSNews) July 19, 2020
country landscape...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
Bruce Cascia creates photo-realistic paintings of landscapes, motorcycles, dogs and roadsides
welcome Sunday morning...
Welcome Sunday morning... To all Melburnians especially, walk slowly through your day; once in a while look to the skies and dream; be kind to the very special person you are...We can do this... pic.twitter.com/oV4GDOIxHh— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
Saturday 18 July 2020
a charming urban area?...
Dragør is on the beautiful island of Amager.I never thought I would say that an urban setting is pretty... But this one is beyond pretty...It is charming...like a community nesting... And I see no cars? buses? trains? That minus MUST be a plus... https://t.co/ZYquDomglp— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
Houses are from the 1700's.
The town's economy depends mostly on fishing...
missing...
Pls RT to help us locate missing Cranbourne West teen, Patrick Shields. The 16-yo's disappearance is out of character.Known to frequent the Melbourne CBD, Frankston, Cranbourne and Narre Warren areas.— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) July 18, 2020
Cranbourne Police Station 📞 (03) 5991 0600
🔗https://t.co/TNqoQXfwAf pic.twitter.com/diFQbye6Yx
As if there are not pressures right now,
for a local teenager to be missing adds an extra layer of sadness...
May he be OK...
Dan's North Face jacket...
While all the hype about Dan's dress code can be fun, I feel it just comes down to one answer. Dan is so embroiled in getting his job done effectively and regularly that 'dressing up' for the public takes far down 2nd place. His North Face Jacket=his comfort in troubled times.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
Dan's wife Catherine also said a couple of days ago that Dan only has the one North Face jacket...
And now, a few hours ago...
Nope. Just one.— Catherine Andrews (@CathLAndrews) July 18, 2020
aboriginal place names...
I would so love to see current place names in Australia return to aboriginal names...That is putting the 'sorry' into action....So many aboriginal names have a musical lilt in them...so unique to Australia...e.g. Uluru + Kirribilli https://t.co/M9cw5RdEAv https://t.co/fBKob7RLHL— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
podcast in lockdown...
How cupboards, pillows and a car were vital ingredients to continue recording in lockdown... Amazing ingenuity... https://t.co/KA4ptLC9KX pic.twitter.com/D9jVGmcsUC— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
quirky responses to covid-19...
Inspired by @yumichild’s Zero Fucks Cooking cookbook, my zero fucks cauliflower soup:— Benjamin Law 羅旭能 (@mrbenjaminlaw) May 23, 2018
• Sautee garlic/onions
• Chuck in chopped cauliflower
• Cover in stock
• Add tsp Vegetime
• Simmer the shit out if it
• Blend the shit out of it
• Garnish. Or don’t. Who cares. Eat. pic.twitter.com/pREvAnhwJj
I have one commissioned article to write today. It’s going well. pic.twitter.com/7FTHWZmBR2— anna dontgo-outside (@annaspargoryan) July 14, 2020
I have now bought 100 books in lockdown.— anna dontgo-outside (@annaspargoryan) July 14, 2020
Just love it... Who knows... This could be a global society of friendship... https://t.co/3StrTguXY4— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
Ain't that the truth... I think I've found a twin spirit... https://t.co/HDQFChPpuF— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
Anna Spargo-Ryan is the Melbourne author of The Gulf and The Paper House, both from Picador. She won the 2016 Horne Prize and writes widely on mental health, loss, love, and breakfast.
As sure as death and taxes I just saw a guy riding a penny farthing in North Fitzroy. Don’t go changing 3068. #northside #CovidVic
— Emma Race (@Emsyanna) July 18, 2020
Out at my local oval & noticed two little girls keenly watching us have a kick. They started copying what we were doing. A quick few tips (at a distance 😉) & a little chat lit up their faces! 😁 Think seeing their joy brought me more happiness than they realise! #girlsinsport
— Chantella Perera (@chantellap) July 17, 2020
We go into a second lockdown and the Mr Whippy vans suddenly reappear. I never anticipated that the soundtrack to the pandemic would be Greensleeves.— Sean Dooley (@Twitchathon) July 18, 2020
a beautiful spirit...
Such a beautiful public offer... So hope many who are in need see this... May you be blessed... ❤️🙏❤️— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
I am in the 'older category', but still have work... stressful, but work... This generous offer is so inspiring... There are some good people out there... ❤️🙏❤️ https://t.co/0LVUvsJGaF— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
to do or not to do...
to do
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
or not to do
momentum slurring #haiku pic.twitter.com/S1JaNzEGGD
a broken spear...
Such a moving, surprise story... the symbolism of a broken spear and a connection with James Cook...Indeed, it is a story that MUST be told... https://t.co/GjYn0wRNN5 pic.twitter.com/OpC6cBDDqw— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
weekend...after a week of RM prep...
Your time spent sounds so much better than mine...I've been cleaning out the cat litter box and cleaning the driveway and carport of yet more leaves...Thought it would all take about 20 min...Here it is after 10am and began before 9:00am... At least a couple of weekend tasks done— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 18, 2020
no need to travel far --around thr block 💕💕💕 pic.twitter.com/ZjXd6XrIP5— Rob Cairns (@robbiepoet) July 17, 2020
playing with the winter sun pic.twitter.com/psSIQsBdKd— Rob Cairns (@robbiepoet) July 17, 2020
I definitely agree with Rob...2 lockdowns nows in Melbournerow of dragonflies pic.twitter.com/d19i7gHET4— Rob Cairns (@robbiepoet) July 17, 2020
+ I feel closer and closer to appreciating the little things around me
+ my imagination is going wild...
'dragonflies' indeed...
Maybe tomorrow I morning walk...Today is all about domestic organisation
for the first week of remote learning next week...
+ some reading (beginning Sarum - Edward Rutherfurd - 1344 pages) for relief...maybe escape...
(the latter is my 'project' to balance projected remote learning stresses)
Tomorrow polish off strands of work for remote learning too...
Simply could not face doing any more yesterday...Felt gutted...
secret message?...
I think that there is a secret message here... https://t.co/jLffbD57WG— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 17, 2020
Friday 17 July 2020
Day 5 reflection on 2nd round of remote learning...
day 15— Rob Cairns (@robbiepoet) July 17, 2020
of our second lockdown --
3rd covid test
and 3 new face masks
with birds flying
across them --free--
the 7th daffodil
opened today--
the morning
hidden by fog--
the afternoon sun
made everything feel normal
our little dog's tail
always happy
All staff at my workplace totally felt the same way --toughest week ever--you have described so well. Such a fragility, stress and sense of overwhelm all week --so difficult , we also had to learn new platforms and changes in direction to RL so fast. Incredibly challenging. ❤ https://t.co/KgT4CtyaAQ— Rob Cairns (@robbiepoet) July 17, 2020
article on Dan Andrews...
A beautifully penned article. I especially loved the connection with Shakespeare's Henry...That added extra philosophical dimension to your statements. I also liked how you did not sugar-coat Andrews. But instead, demonstrated how/why to prize him as an 'honest' politician.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 17, 2020
thoughts on trees...
For me, trees have always been the most penetrating preachers. I revere them when they live in tribes and families, in forests and groves. And even more I revere them when they stand alone. They are like lonely persons.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 17, 2020
― Herman Hesse
Image: https://t.co/0g6tOROHo7 pic.twitter.com/2UcYxJUB9u
Whoever has learned how to listen to trees no longer wants to be a tree. He wants to be nothing except what he is. That is home. That is happiness.”— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 17, 2020
― Herman Hesse, Bäume. Betrachtungen und Gedichte
Image: https://t.co/u80lqLCRLZ pic.twitter.com/cJmJECGzZL
voice of wind chimes...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 17, 2020
Love the deep and gentle tones of these wind chimes on my front entrance archway...
a nest...
It is a cold Friday night.— Tim Mallon (@PatMalo85776814) July 17, 2020
I have gathered the clothes from the line and placed them on the lounge.
They make a lovely nest to sleep in.
When I was young, I loved to lay in the dried clothes and dream.
My mother would drink tea and talk the sun across the sky... pic.twitter.com/jDcRiGcvRv
There is something so calming...
so settling...
about this scene...
especially at the close of
a very strange, unnerving working week...
There's a gentle reminder here...
nest in the place that matters...
there is really nowhere else
of any lasting importance...
Just Dropped In...
No real idea why these lyrics resonated with me today...
- The First Edition - 'Just Dropped In' [Kenny Rogers (1938-2020)]
Maybe just the feeling that today is the last day of remote planning for remote learning...
The frontline begins on Monday...
I woke up this morning with the sundown shining in
I found my mind in a brown paper bag within
I tripped on a cloud and fell-a eight miles high
I tore my mind on a jagged sky
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
Yeah, yeah, oh-yeah, what condition my condition was in
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in
I watched myself crawling out as I was a-crawling in
I got up so tight I couldn't unwind
I saw so much I broke my mind
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
Male Wheatear...
The fine detail on the inner wing feathers is amazing... https://t.co/rP02jgIUPn— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 17, 2020
Thursday 16 July 2020
house martin...
Rarely is a bird in flight captured with wings down like this...In fact, I don't think I have ever seen a close-up of a bird like this in flight... Stunning... https://t.co/IqIoGeaNTH— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
roofline by night...
View of a neighbour's roofline by night...Somehow the tree looks a bit like a stick moth... pic.twitter.com/6WzGgdtZ51
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
winter silhouettes...
- a little rosella enjoying a walk in winter twig land in my back garden...winter silhouettes... pic.twitter.com/Z3MUho3rcZ— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
nature's winter bling...
Nature's bling on my wintering liquidamber... pic.twitter.com/wW4DgAwaaM— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
nearby dreaming space...
I simply MUST work at home near a big window looking out...It is essential to have a nearby dreaming space...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
Orient Express...
Watching SBS 'Inside the Orient Express'...Fascinating...30 locomotives involved...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
Googled revival...One from London to Venice + the other from Zurich to Istanbul...
A REVIVED ORIENT EXPRESS WILL ROLL EAST IN MAY https://t.co/wW4fXLPBNl
Introduced in 1883 as 'Express d'Orient'.running twice a week.
1891 - renamed Orient Express.
In the 1930s, the Orient Express itself ran three times a week
from Paris Gare de l'Est - Munich - Vienna - Budapest - Belgrade - Istanbul.
More history details (including associated trains) HERE
James Sherwood: Shipping executive who revived the Orient Express https://t.co/2MGb1Pa3ME
— Bruce (@ILoveEccentrics) July 16, 2020
Your chance to win a trip on the @orientexpress with @omaze - your chance to give back to communities and win something too! https://t.co/yFNIjBZUJL
— JourneyHero Travel (@JourneyHeroApp) July 10, 2020
Lake Benalla sunset...
The clouds in these scenes seem to will themselves in close contact with the earth below...Magical colours... https://t.co/opTfoAbiiw— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
flag on a castle...
And thereby could begin a wonderful, everlasting story...perhaps 'Wind in the Willows' style... New episode on each walk?— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
Greater Glider...
Instantly I thought of mini fluffy koalas...Those 'ears' are awesome...But koalas can't glide...well...not intentionally or gracefully... https://t.co/D65VnxmNEN
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
my working day...
Currently spending one-third of my working day thinking of positive tweets to post, two-thirds panicking about all the remote learning programming to be done (and some is done) and one-third trying to get away from (but usu. fail) the latest covid-19 tweet.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
Day 4 prep for remote learning...
Day 4 preparing remote learning - Not so headachy. Terms 3 + 4 English programmes and assessments completed +approved. History to complete by end tomorrow. Lined up essential learning with 4 synchronous + 1 asynchronous learning days each week. Feeling slightly more in control. pic.twitter.com/y4ZFfNwusG— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 16, 2020
Meanwhile, somewhere I have to do professional development hours by the end of September 2020 to complete/satisfy my annual teacher registration. No whole day conferences to attend. No school PD's to help.
All PD has to be driven by an individual online search for possibilities.
20 hours of PD are needed. I have recorded 10 so far.
Planning for remote learning in the spike of a pandemic onsite at work has been such an exhausting intensity. One which is hard to describe. Lots of tears around the place today, stress levels high. Teachers are amazing . Victoria— Rob Cairns (@robbiepoet) July 16, 2020
Rob teaches on the Bellarine Peninsula
- on the other side of Port Phillip Bay from my Mornington Peninsula
Wednesday 15 July 2020
stress headache...
Yes...We are certainly going through a great deal of stress...So many changes in what the school wants to do...new ways of doing programmes...online parent-teacher interviews...on a new platform...All has to be learnt...I sympathasise and empathise... I too have a headache...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
ferry train...
I love bizarre and this is definitely on my bizarre list...You leave the train while on the 50min ferry ride...Service ended December 2019???— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
On board the Ferry Train between Copenhagen and Hamburg - Wandering Aramean https://t.co/6Fy63QcJTK
accidental art...
This accidental art certainly adds some sparks in the imagination...like searching for faces in clouds... https://t.co/8mx9gpKqlv— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
mystical hush...
There is a mystical hush in this beautiful scene... https://t.co/kuA0nCe03h— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
heart-wrenching...
Heart-wrenching but beautiful moment... In our 'civilised' world, the man's clothing may belie all we think is civilised, but the man's action demonstrates that a 'civilised' heart keeps beating on... Thank goodness... https://t.co/83p5NiLMSm— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
almost deer antlers?...
Stunning tree icicles...almost like deer antlers...almost Christmasy... https://t.co/HkIu6LWENJ— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
snow sculpture?...
If it wasn't so sad for the owner of the vehicle, this could represent a wonderful snow sculpture... https://t.co/0ToABAYKxB
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 15, 2020
Tuesday 14 July 2020
5 finger breathing...
5 finger breathing...Who would believe such a simple 'do anywhere' action can calm the racing mind and the attached anxiety... ❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/QPLZy1i9XZ pic.twitter.com/bWe5CGhjZX— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
Randolph Stow lost?...
Adore Randolph Stow's work...Read 'To the Islands' + 'Merry-Go-Round in the Sea' + 'Midnite' + finally 'To the Girl Green as Elderflower'. Poetry - 'Ishmael' + 'The Land's Meaning'. His work today seems to be a lost treasure...at least as far as school curriculum is concerned. https://t.co/I2a124BBEV— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
From 'Ishmael'
The hawks wheel in the
dawnlight, the dawn breeze
blows
from the heart of drought, from
the hungry waiting country –
and what have I to leave, but
this encumbering
tenderness, like gear for ever
unclaimed.
P.S. Currently popular Western Australian novelist Tim Winton influenced by Stow's outback descriptions of Western Australian outback landscapes and people? (In particular, this comment seems connected to Stow's novel 'Tourmaline'.)
P.P.S. It seems that the Sydney Morning Herald agrees with me...
article on Stow published June 2, 2010
Randolph Stow quotes:
Ishmael -'Oasis. Discovered homeland. My eyes drink at your eyes.'
The Embarkation-'Winds in the harbour hiss'
At Sandalwood-'The love of time, and the grief of time: the harmony'
The Land's Meaning-'The love of man is a weed of the waste places.'
snow tracks and a bird...
Snow tracks on soft snowy mounds+ bird on the wing...magical winter world... https://t.co/NHYaXgSrcW— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
child and snow patterns...
Perhaps this may be a tough gig for the young one...But look at all the wonderful, artistic patterns in the snow. Gorgeous photo. https://t.co/LaK6jMso4u— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
Australian lighthouses...
I checked the website...staggered how much literature is out there involving Australian lighthouses...both fiction and non-fiction... My 'to read' list is getting longer very quickly...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
Thanks @AuraGem, yes there is quite a substantial body of writing around this topic and setting. The idea is the project will keep growing with new books published and ones we might have missed. We'd love to know which ones you read and enjoy most! 📚
— AustLit (@AustLit) July 14, 2020
like eerie skeleton arms...
like eerie skeleton arms reaching for somewhere... https://t.co/co9O8V6htj— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
pebble legend...
pebble legend— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020
the cosmic
eggshell gifts
painted symbols of
earth and sky #tanka https://t.co/HLh6vEBZkY
alone...
— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 14, 2020Kiyochika Kobayashi (1847-1915), born into a samurai family, is regarded as an important artist of the Japanese Meiji period who paved the way for following generations of Japanese printmakers from the traditional ukiyo-e to the new shin hanga art movement.
More details of his life from the Meiji period and the Tokugawa shogunate to his life as a ronin - a lordless samurai HERE
Monday 13 July 2020
spherical boulders...
The height and diameter (about 2m) of the sphere is extraordinary...Apparently, such boulders are also in Russia, Costa Rica and even in Bosnia. https://t.co/tEZDk8J56C— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
snow chaos in N.S.W....
It seems that chaos is extensive. Kosciuszko Road: Multiple car accidents + fallen trees due to heavy snowfall. Guthega Road: Multiple car accidents + fallen trees due to heavy snowfall. Alpine Way: Multiple car accidents + fallen trees due to heavy snowfall. All 3 roads closed. https://t.co/ropjBJF3Ur— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
pleasure in the pathless woods...
From these our interviews, in which I steal— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
From all I may be, or have been before,
To mingle with the Universe, and feel
What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.”
(Continuing Lord Byron's quote below from 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' https://t.co/FiCN2ao0BF pic.twitter.com/CyZxXs6SUA
combatting covid reactions...
My local IGA has multiple blocks of Cadbury's Rum and Raisin chocolate...Clearly, I'm not the only one who includes at least 3 blocks of this on my weekly shopping list...Apart from chocolate...I've read 10 books in the last 4 weeks...trying to vary the genres...+writing+Tweeting— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
an illusion or two...
An illusion or two is happening here...— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
These tawny frogmouths were blending in at Glengarry in northern Tasmania.
Image: Angela Roachhttps://t.co/RMQW3xVBju pic.twitter.com/iyyzOJcbuf
passionfruit vine and exotic flower...
This is the most extraordinary passionfruit vine I have ever seen... Such an exotic flower...It's called 'sweet Lilikoi passiflora alata'. It creates an ornamental climbing vine and produces deliciously sweet fruit.— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
Image: by via Gardening Australia https://t.co/4JvrbbEk3Y pic.twitter.com/R7KH7dCc2O
emu problem...
I think I've lost it... Seeking news as a distraction, and found this 'emu problem'... The result... I actually laughed... Perhaps I shouldn't laugh...I guess for the townsfolk it really is an issue... https://t.co/EMKMjXRxcB pic.twitter.com/FhciEu2TBh— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
So, it seems that in a sense, the emus are holding this town hostage?
elusive poetry...
Any sense of poetry seems elusive tonight... Battling a few rounds of dark fears... In defense, trying to dive into and get absorbed in some interesting news... pic.twitter.com/eVIVSvHx39— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
living wall...
A living wall, in the midst of all the current gloom, is still travelling on...Begun in 2007, when leaders from 11 African countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal) signed on...The wall's over 15% complete... https://t.co/lrT9WB02tL— Gemma Wiseman (@AuraGem) July 13, 2020
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