Tagged: obnoxious owl experience

10/03/2013

to the beach!

The end of summer has dawned upon us over here in the Southern Hemisphere and whilst the weather Gods reckon it ended on the 28th February, the actual Gods have turned up the volume on the sun and I sit here on March 10th looking out of my window at the glorious blue sky and waiting for my bikini to dry from the rinse after yesterdays swim in the sea so that I may wear it again today for another baptism.

Yes, I said baptism as this is what it feels like. After going swimming in something that is larger than life, larger than comprehension, so insatiable and uncontrollable as the ocean you feel renewed and cleansed from the inside out.

Not to get all religious about it, but I'm going to quote the Bible. Actually, I don't think it gets more religious than that but there you go. This is a verse from the book of Romans and is as popular at church baptisms as the funky chicken is at weddings and it goes like this:

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I often ponder whether the ocean was gifted to us as a tool to obtain clarity and focus. From the moment we are conceived, the moment daddy's tadpole hits mummy's egg (ew) we live in water for 9 months. It is our first natural state. We are then born perfect. Free of insecurity, of fear, of corrupt thoughts and opinion as we take our first breath of air.

And then, like a fish out of water, we are immediately vulnerable to the ways of this world. Our parents, our teachers, our friends, our siblings, the creepy man next door, a selfish boss, the masses who love shit music, the people who break our heart, our best friends, our enemies, the colleagues who we spend more time with than our own families, the way we lost our virginity or the way we found out that Santa wasn't real (same thing)..all these people, all these things and experiences begin to mould and shape our mind. They distract us from the very core of who we really are and how we really think. We have the power to influence therefore we are easily influenced. We become a link in the pattern of this world and they way we think is not really the way we think...if you know what I mean.

The ocean, the huge majestic and unfathomably bottomless body of undrinkable water will help to wash away excess thoughts leaving you with only the ones you know to be true. An angry sea with relentless waves is best for a relentless mind. Calm waters are good for contemplation and an evening swim with a sunset is the best setting for reflection. But whatever condition your waters are in, they will all make you feel vulnerable again as well as the best feeling of all...insignificant.

It is that feeling of insignificance that will enable you to see the bigger picture in whatever situation you have found yourself in. It reminds us how big the world is and how small we are in it. It helps to wash away hurtful thoughts and intentions towards yourself and others and if your mind and eyes are open wide enough, you will discover that the answer to everything lies inside of you and has yet to be corrupted and with the result, the world becomes a more enticing place to be and that, my dear readers, is what being grateful is all about.

15/01/2013

The Obnoxious Owl experience: Perth for Christmas

I went to Perth for the holidays because my parents, sisters and dogs live there and also, my family from Cape Town came over for an Australian holiday and I haven't seen them in years. I went from living alone to living with ten people and I loved every minute of it! Of course I fought with my mother, burnt my nose despite using sunscreen and ate too much but through all that I fell in love with the city that has a population of five. It was my first landing when I arrived in Aus and whilst it might not have as much to offer in the way of nightlife, restaurants and um, anything reasonably priced. It has a lifestyle that our Northern Hemisphere mates only dream of! Which is probably why they are all bloody there.

I am really happy in Melbourne but I am not against the idea of eventually ending up in a little cottage beside the sea in the most isolated city in the world. I have been a little depressed over the last two years, I won't lie. I have put it down to not enough sun and not being near the ocean enough. My grandad has been cursed with Parkinsons disease and while he is not very old he can hardly walk or talk as the disease is slowly ripping through him. My dad, brother-in-law and cousin carried him into the sea at sunset the night before I left and he swam with all of us, his family, for ages.

That night he had a spring in his step and a glow about him that none of us had seen in ages. The sea can do that to a person. When you are out there you feel so insignificant. Your problems seem to evaporate and seem petty as you struggle against the waves and battle to comprehend the sheer vastness of that body of water. You practically feel like you have been baptised when you eventually get out. It seems to wash away doubt and make you feel almost brand new.

Yes I'm a hippy now.

Here are my instagramz from my trip back to Western Australia. Instagram in my camera! I should think about getting an actual camera but really...I don't see much point. I have a little Mini Diana which I have been using as well. Either way, I have been capturing my moments.

Follow me on the gram: obnoxiousowl (obviously)

16692_10151344474681422_2084295403_n — My old street in Northbridge

15390_10151352936851422_1638448597_n — Windy day at Mullaloo

62115_10151345585666422_412672082_n — The best house on the street in Carramar

75920_10151352581916422_1464136015_n — Palm trees in Mount Lawley

150681_10151347410866422_1818072901_n — Penny from Peggy Sue's Hair Salon

44998_10151357650781422_1356210912_n — My new do thanks to Peggy Sue

224823_10151359317516422_1647368447_n — Sunset at Mullaloo - look at those rays!

148901_10151370939846422_2139660103_n — My best friend and I at Summerdayz

309685_10151370946336422_2136177586_n — M.I.A at Summerdayz

423234_10151364158266422_1630590931_n — Tanning and reading at Scarborough

525044_10151344775386422_450736134_n — Biscuit! She belongs to my sister

537208_10151370938831422_2092118810_n — Amplifier Bar! A Perth institution

541832_10151344774716422_1942325381_n — Pillows at Neon Pony on William Street in Northbridge

photo-3 — Sandy feet! Towel by Pendleton

734643_10151370945136422_238237281_n — Dancing up a storm

photo-1 — One Piece by Pulp Kitchen Clothing

25048_10151372390351422_284645396_n — Frangipanis in Mum's garden

photo-6 — In Dad's hammock listening to Ella Fitzgerald

photo-5 — A beautiful end to a beautiful day at Mullaloo

03/10/2012

‘tings on my radar

Babes on Grill

Alicia Twohill has been killing it for quite some time now and then I tasted her Japanese inspired burgers at the Retro Markets in Melbourne 2 weeks ago and I can see why! Yes, she is Melbourne based. Hey buddy, I used to live in Perth! I KNOW how bloody annoying it is to hear 'Melbourne this' and 'Sydney that' when you live anywhere else but these two cities but hey, such is life. Check out the Babes on Grill write up in Broadsheet this week. Woop! I do love seeing girls on the hustle! Except prostitutes obviously.

Learning to roll a joint

I can't front...I have no idea how to roll a joint. This is mainly because I hardly ever buy my own weed. I'm more of a 'I'll have a toke if it's going around at a gathering' kinda person. I never actually keep any in the house. Until now! Last Friday night I was having a very pensive and very self indulgent lone night in listening to er, Moby and decided to skin up. Well what a fucking disaster that was. How I actually managed to get blazed from that piece of shit joint is beyond me. I intend to learn though, it is my mission. The only reason why I could even roll something that was sort of ok to spark up is because I searched youtube for a 'how to roll a joint' video and landed on this gem by Wiz Khalifa.

Vans

Unoriginal, I know, but they look cute! Especially with dresses and they are also reasonably priced. Even more reasonably for me because I need to wear children's sized ones.

I went to the Vans party last week and was given these customised beauties. Pretty fly huh? I luz them.

Then I got sent these leopard ones! I have seen these all over the 'gram and I know every asshole has a pair but I don't care! Tammy (check) Leopard Print (check) Vans (check) - it's a no brainer really.

Ah. Then there are THESE. Kenzo for Vans and I got them sent from Paris to my friend in Portugal who sent them to me in Melbourne and I tried them on and guess what? They are too small. This is crazy because shoes are NEVER too small for me. These are a Ladies size 6 and I need a 6.5 apparently. So guess what? I am selling them. $100 and they are yours! Just hit me in the comments. $100 - brand new - Size 6 - and they are sold out on Opening Ceremony where they are $125 so this, my Owlies, is a bargain. Plus it is breaking my heart having to flog them so if you hate me a bit you get some added satisfaction.

Blueberries

These blue bastards are like $23 for a punnet during winter! I know I shouldn't be shopping in supermarkets and should be heading to the grocers and what not with my wicker basket on the weekend with the rest of this fucking city but in my life, convenience often trumps most things which, I will admit, has probably been my fate since I can remember. Anyway! As I type this it is 22 degrees outside even though it is 10pm, I have mozzies biting me on the ass and all the windows are open i.e. summer is upon us which means the cost of blueberries go down! I have read in several places that they fight ageing so between eating kilos of these and my Oil of Olay I am gonna look 21 for the rest of my life. Hoorah!

Cynthia Richards

This song soothes the pain.

16/09/2012

The Obnoxious Owl Experience

Wait hold up, I need to put on some hand cream..................thats better! God my skin is dry as Hell. WHERE IS SUMMER!? Winter was cool and all but it played serious havoc with my skin. I hate to be one of those moaning people going on and on and on about how much they miss summer like 2 weeks into winter but we've paid our dues so it's time for that sun to show us who is boss and restore my hide to it's lustrous, tanned, non-dry self!

About 2 weeks ago we did have a particularly good weekend and I decided to haul ass to Bunnings and get some of that Jasmine that smells so wonderful. I also bought a yellow watering can that is pretty shit but it looks cool and thats what counts and yes that is a camo broom. It looks like I am spending money willy nilly but I assure you I am not! Broom = $2 from Victoria Street, Watering Can = $5 and Jasmine + $10 for two pots....great courtyard = priceless. I have put myself on a serious budget actually because I have decided to become a grown up and actually stay put for once and invest in furniture and maybe even a house....eek. Just typing that made me bust out into hives.

I have taken this budget to new heights by purchasing a box of wine. $14.00 for 4 litres yo! And it doesn't taste like balsamic one little bit! I am not going to sit here and pretend that I know my wine because I don't. I just know what tastes good and what doesn't and this tastes just fine for 15 bones. Plus how can you turn down the extremely sophisticated aesthetic of it perched on top of your fridge guarded by Posh Spice? I know, you can't.

This is my living room from the same weekend I copped the Jasmine. Yeah I know I went on about how shit the weather is but this weekend was a complete fluke! Eurgh, I've spoken about the weather for like 10 minutes now, where the fuck do I think I am? England?!

This was me today changing my sheets and pretending it was warm outside. How good are clean sheets? How boring is this post so far? How good is that skirt? I bought it in 2001 in Leicester, UK from the Indian markets and its still going strong! Look at Elvis peeking over my shoulder...oh hai boo!

This is my little monochrome collage I started in my living room. When I used to travel heaps I used to buy black and white postcards. I bought the John Lennon one in New York in 2002, the lady putting on her stockings is from Paris, the man on top of the Empire State Building from New York obvs, the weird black and white line thingo from Auckland Art Gallery in New Zealand only a few months ago and the bottom right is the bridge in Lisbon. In the middle is a photograph of my nan and her dad on her wedding day. I love black and white. I always dream of an all white errrthang house with lots of clean lines and a big white fluffy sofa and bed to match but then the little 'ol thing called my personality comes into play and bursts of colour make their way into everything.

Such as this outfit. Wait! That is actually predominately black and white...oh well, you know what I mean. The other day someone wrote about me on their blog and they called me 'visually bonkers' haha! Lord, I hope she was talking about my clothes and not my face. I have worn these low black chucks to death but Converse is the little black dress of the shoe world. Converse All Star till I die.

Look at this rose I saw two Sundays ago! It is so near perfection it doesn't even look real. It looks like it should be on top of a wedding cake. There is probably a tiny fairy sleeping inside it. Ah, I was in such a joyous mood when I took this photo. I think I have put all my emotional eggs in one persons basket lately. When that person is nice to me I am on top of the world like the queen of the castle! But when that person is not so nice, I feel like a bird did a poo on my head and then I slipped on a banana peel and everything loses its shine and I feel so heavy, you know? Do you guys get like that? It's not even the other persons fault that you care so much so there is nothing much you can do other than drink 4 litres of $14.99 wine and paint your toes neon pink.

Heres to the sun shining and not letting the buggers get us down! Have a good week Owlies...keep in touch x

15/08/2012

The Obnoxious Owl Gold Coast Experience

As you can see I was really hating it. Three days, four girls and some sunshine in the middle of August. It wasn't exactly scorching but it was sunny enough to cop a speckle of a tan. The gold Coast is as tacky as pink neon flamingoes which is probably why I loved it.

Very similar to the Melbourne view in August from a sun bed...not. I bloody love palm trees. Not even that sure why, its not like they actually provide any shade and they're not ideal for climbing (I'm a tree climber) but it's what they represent!

The view of the pool from our hotel balcony. I really enjoyed all the pastel colours of the place. I felt the only thing lacking from this picture were two old ladies in boiler suits playing bridge wearing visors.

Like this hotel opposite ours! All peaches and cream and 1950's fabulousness.

Speaking of fabulous, we hit the hotel Palazzo Versace for some high tea and vulgarity. The logo is on errrr thang...

Look at that foyer! So decadent and indulgent yet still very rough around the edges...which is how I would describe the Gold Coast in general. The Versace hotel is probably not where you would stay if you actually had any taste, you would probably stay there to say that you did or if you were one of those third generation Italians who wear Lonsdale and only have an Italian accent when you order Cafe Lattes.

This was the fabric of the sofas we were perched on. I didn't hate it in fact, I the opposite of hated it. although it is dying for some black and white abstract print cushions to bring it into 2012.

The high tea was a lot of fun and pretty delicious. It's not often you get to wash down itty bitty salmon sandwiches with a glass of sparkling now is it?

Or eat blue macaroons! Seriously, what is the fuss over these fucking things? It's like a My Little Pony farted in my mouth.

I just loved the colours! I felt like I was living in a different time! It was like the movie 'Caccoon' you know that movie? The one when the old people go live with the aliens? No? Check it out yo! I'm making the Gold Coast sound all romantic and nostalgic but believe me, it turns into an abortion of a place at night. Look at the dress code for the fine establishment we visited on the Saturday night...

When a venue has a dress code it is the number one indicator that it is full of winners but when it has a dress code to this extent well...there are no words. I'm not even hating, I knew what I was getting myself in for. I thought I could be ironic! But now that I am 31 it appears I have said goodbye to some of my irony and my socially retarded people tolerance.

That is someones daughter.

A car outside our hotel. Man I'm a sucker for powder blue. It is one of my favourite colours of all time. I've always wanted a powder blue vintage car with cream interior since i lived next door to a guy that had one in London. I would need an entire new wardrobe to match but it would be so worth it.

Me and the ladiezzz. We wined, we dined, we dutty wined and we got drunk. What a bunch of Bettys.

The 10th floor of the QT Hotel. I had to nab this shot, its like something out of The Shining. I know its not an original love but I love hotels. It's like you're not in the real world! What happens there, stays there. Someone turns your room every morning, there is room service, you can throw televisions out of the window or if you're like me and you're too scared to do that, then you can just steal the pen. Although the room service at this joint was disappointing to say the least! I've never eaten a Caesar Salad with my hands before!

Where the QT Hotel lacked in cutlery they made up for in pineapples.

I was obviously in my element.

Me being a tourist. Cute no? I swear to God the sign says 'Surfers Paradise' but I kinda like that Alex couldn't fit it all in, at least it has an element of cool about it. Nah fuck it, its lame.

Time to check out and return to Melbourne! Man, you know you live in a good city when you're happy to return after a holiday.

And I'm back with another addition for the fridge. I've been collecting fridge magnets since I started travelling back in 1999. Kitch and nostalgic....that is I. Queensland is the 4th place I have visited in this great country, where to next? Drop your suggestions in the box below!

20/07/2012

The Obnoxious Owl Experience

I'll get straight to it...remember this anti Mac post I wrote about 2 years ago when I copped a new PC?

531666_10151070901906422_228525435_n — Well well wellity. I bit the dang bullet didn't I? Look at that pathetic smile on my face, I need a good slap. Yes I converted and I couldn't be happier. Look, I'm not going to go into and try and justify my decisions because I have had 8 or 9 I-told-you-so's over the last 2 weeks and I get it! Mac is rad. But I swear to GOD if this thing dies on me in under 12 months heads will fucking roll. Ooooooh look how the keyboard lights up! I'll say one thing though, new macs are stressful! I 'synched' my iPhone to the damn thing and lost every single one of my phone numbers and photographs and messages! Boo! If you guys have my number send me a texty so I got yours. If you don't want to then thats cool, one less Christmas card for me to write so suits me just fine.

396731_10151060050626422_1359194839_n — Au revoir mon cheri! haha look at it! IF THAT MONITOR COULD TALK! Well, it wouldn't really say much because its busted. You served me well PC but you really pissed me off at the end I won't lie to ya. It didn't really help that I messed coffee on you twice and dropped you at the airport that one time. *sigh* new computer = new life! Nothing else matters up until this point!

484296_10151013830526422_279500558_n — Did I tell you about my goldfish Neneh Cherry? I can't remember. I may have...well, if I did then you will be happy to know that she is still alive. In fact, I will go as far as saying she is doing swimmingly! (sorry) Despite the fact she has to put up with 3 million dogs and an air conditioner that is driving me into extremely premature menopause. Thats her having a stare down with Molly by the way. Lord knows how I have become surrounded by animals on a day to day basis but you know what? I don't hate it.

554862_10151030323726422_1674904410_n — Evidently I am not involved with Dry July whatsoever. It's winter! Red wine is compulsory! Plus the doctors say its good for the heart! Hmmm probably not an entire bottle in one sitting though but God damn, it's easy to drink! And its so sexy! (she says as she takes a sip wearing a leopard print onesie)

487233_10151082242506422_1857474513_n — Speaking of sexy, how do you like these apples? Blue suede heels baby. I couldn't resist! And yes, I am watching The Kardashians. I know I know I KNOW. It goes against my every grain! But I refuse to front and say I hate it and don't watch it when I absolutely do and I am obsessed with Kim and Kanye's relationship and I borderline hate myself for it. Ah fuck it, judge me! See if I care! (please don't)

599873_10151073221096422_1824261072_n — More shoes! New Balance 574's baby and what a colour way! New Balance sent these my way last week and if you look carefully you will see sample blazed on the inside because these are next seasons! I am *this* close to giving up Nike for NB's. Hell, I already have! New Balance is the new sneaker black in my opinion. Oh God. I said 'sneaker' .... get me out of this country!

599731_10151059585066422_367757065_n — Oh hai Neneh! what you doin gurl?

224818_10151036383736422_261058024_n — I was going through my memento boxes the other day looking at letters and photos and school reports....don't ask. Old photos are so lol. Look at that face! I remember this photo being taken like it were yesterday. This was at my Nan's house after a ballet concert where I was one of Mrs Hubbards children who lived in a shoe or some shit. I fucking screamed the house down because I did not want to go on stage. I was literally wrapped around my dads leg and he was having to drag me across the floor. So eventually I got on stage and then I became little miss actress and screamed the house down again when it was all over and my dad had to come onto the stage and drag me off it. So hear I am reading my little book after all the drama looking like butter wouldn't melt. Jesus. I should phone my parents and tell them how much I love them. Poor sods.

481202_10151036384681422_150349710_n — Here is another one that made me happy of me and Dad. As you can see I have kept a consistent haircut over the years. Haha look at Rockys hair! God bless the eighties.

581087_10151036372861422_765820565_n — This was a letter my uncle wrote my mum from the air force in 1986.

Well I have a new computer now which is really conducive to writing and blogging so look out! I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Peace out homies x

10/07/2012

1 KILOGRAM OF CHEESE.

25/05/2012

THE OBNOXIOUS OWL EXPERIENCE

Hi! What's happening? Yeah I'm good thanks for asking. It's Friday night and I am blogging so things are going well. Actually, there is no where I'd rather be than home right now because it is raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock outside. The Heavens have opened and it dun look like they're closing any time soon. Well the weather dude says Monday but he's usually a liar. Right. My life. In 500 x 500 instagram pictures.

K_Woq6tayw — I'm not sure what landed on your desk at approximately 2pm on Thursday afternoon but I hope it was as sweet as the new NIKE FREE RUN +3's! Hot damn these are fresh. It's like you're not wearing anything except that you are! Similar to a g-string but for your feet. Kinda. And the colour! Oh my God THE COLOUR. About as subtle as a baseball bat to the face but hey, that is how we do round these parts. I have declined in my er, 'training' over the last week or so because I have been pretty work focused. And I've been reading more. And on Wednesday night I got drunk by myself on red wine in my underwear listening to Nick Cave, so you know, I've been busy. But if these aren't a nudge from the sneaker Gods that I need to get my Size 12 ass back on the treadmill then I don't know what is.

K_umbaNa_f — You looked past the Nike's and saw the kewpie dolls didn't you? Of course you did! Feeling nostalgic? Well, you to can decorate your workspace with these naked and borderline pedo cherubs if you take your pretty little fingers over to www.vintagenostalgia.com.au and go nuts. I literally spent 48 minutes on there it is so awesome. I bought 4 kewpie dolls and I luz them. Look! They hold pencils and everything! Don't be jealous, buy your own.

K9RNNhNawN — In other exciting news I got a pet. Her name is Neneh Cherry. At first it was Bob (original) but then I realized she was a girl based on the fact that she threw up her dinner on the second day I had her. It could have been because of the car ride from home to work but that is neither here nor there. She is probably bulimic. At least she will always look thin compared to Buddha right? That's a great tip actually...feeling fat? Hang out with someone fatter. Win! Anyway, there are sceptics that Neneh will survive under my care but they're just haters. Hopefully this will train me for the day that I inevitably become mother to a chihauhau.

K9EjE9Na7p — Roses Roses Roses *sigh* I never get sick of them. I want a big fat rose garden one day. Anyway, boring. Next!

K9cbXjtay2 — Look! It's a dog in a hat! Next...

LANrKVNa3e — Live in Melbourne? Like burgers? Hit up St Edmunds on Greville Street in Prahan on Thursday nights because they do this SWEET burger, fries, wine deal for 20 smackers. Lord knows it takes a deal like this to get me over to that side of town. That and my friends new store that just opened called LUNAR STORE. She doesn't have a website because she hates the internet but she loves amazing things and she sells them all in her store. I met her on Thursday and gobbled up the above. Yikes, I am SO taking those Free Run+3's for a test drive around the gym tomorrow. Oh and Jules store is on Greville as well. Near the record store. Tell her I sent ya.

tumblr_m4evowI1SJ1qdqxujo1_500 — Hey did I tell you I work for an online store now? www.notemaker.com.au - you all will find youself getting excited over stationery again just like you did in grade school. Some of you are already crazy about it AND I SHOULD KNOW. I have always been a journal girl and I've enjoyed my Moleskine's and Lamy pens as much as the next discerning (yes discerning) consumer but this website is like a stationery wonderland. I even used some of our marker pens to colour in my tattoo...the possibilities are endless! Also, I completely forgot how ridiculously good it feels to sharpen a pencil. PS - copy my tattoo and I will hunt you down and give you a Chinese burn.

542925_10150936477141422_691186421_11952506_9968084_n — Standard nail photo. Shorter, less hoochie, less art. Nail art is exploding huh? That's cool. I just like to go east when others go west. I almost ALMOST got rid of them last weekend. But after an hour with them off I was like, 'I want to have acrylic on me and I want it now!' I just could not do it guys. So they are here to stay and you will just have to carry on pretending to care whenever I've had them did.

NOTEMAKER.COM.AU

NIKE FREE RUN +3

VINTAGENOSTALGIA.COM.AU

LUNAR STORE

12/05/2012

WHOLE EGG

19/04/2012

The Obnoxious Owl Experience

For some reason I get a trillion emails asking me to do these O.OWL experience posts. What the heck is wrong with you people? Don't you follow me on instagram? Now I have to talk you through everything and shit? I guess it's 'cause my life is so interesting. Wish you could see me now in my dressing gown and a face mask...ROCK N ROLL TILL I DIE. Anyway, you asked for it and here it is. My experience.