#i love you miss brissy

[spotfurfan]

can you draw a bristlefrost maybe ... :3

duvet by bôa starts playing

[ziggy-and-lady-stardust]

The Brissy, Jonica and Domtay Hotlist!

Hello! Sorry for the slight delay in this one, I'm half way through moving back to Stirling and doing exams, so it's been a bugger to find the time, but hopefully people enjoy this, and complete apologies for not being able to add my own descriptions, I've only had a couple of hours for this compared to the usual 8-9 to read though them all properly. And please tell me if I've fucked up the creditation, I can fix it/ add ones that are missing

Also, if you feel like there's anything missing from this list, by all means either dm me and I'll add it, or drop it in a reblog.

Brissy

Through Chrissie's eyes by andywblackstorn, "the story of Queen band told from the point of view of Brian May's wife", (part of a very long, but very good series)

Doing Alright by Elli-Green95, "Chrissie isn’t excited when her friend Jo takes her to her boyfriends concert but when the band begins to play she realizes that there is nowhere else in the world she would rather be." (completed multi-chapter)

Evaluating the Worth of Honesty by newsoftheworld, "Consciousness is a blurred spectrum, and Brian May finds himself navigating its extremes in a most circuitous fashion." (completed one shot)

leave your stuff by the door (at least we can speak) by @sammyspreadyourwings, "Brian comes home to find his things in boxes out in the hallway, he also finds Freddie laying in the contents of said boxes. No one ever said bonding had to make sense." (completed one shot)

Everyone's favorite frocked fantasy by luna65, "Clothes make the man...and help create a legend. (aka: Brian tries to be a model and hilarity ensues.)" (completed one shot)

In the year of '74 by newsoftheworld, "Consciousness is a blurred spectrum, and Brian May finds himself navigating its extremes in a most circuitous fashion." (incomplete multi-chapter)

Bohemian Blade Runner (Queen au) by officialdaddymaylor, "the story of a smog-choked dystopian city of Los Angeles where former bounty hunter, turned guitarist and Astrophysicist, Brian May is called out of retirement to hunt down a group of NEXUS 39 Replicants" (completed multi-chapter)

Funny how love is by @sweetestsight, "Things change over the years. Outtakes of four people, their shifting relationships and what they mean to each other." (completed one shot)

Jonica

Lily of the Valley by @kinole009x, "Ronnie Tetzlaff, a roadie for Queen, was not expecting to become pregnant. Freddie, Brian, Roger, and John have zero experience with pregnancy and childbirth." (completed multi-chapter)

Papa Don't Preach by @talkingismylifewrites, "Veronica had been feeling rather like life had kicked her in the crotch when she wasn't looking, and wanted nothing more than to pull the covers over her head and sleep it all away." (completed one shot)

Don't you Misfire by wetmisfire, "John and Veronica are a young couple dating for a while now and have decided to move forward and finally have sex for the first time. What could possibly go wrong?" (Completed multi-chapter)

You're my best friend by @nothingelsematterswrites, "Veronica wakes to the sound of John creating." (completed one shot)

There's a cottage in the woods (witches X monsters au) by @eileen-crys, "A weird quartet of travellers, made by a Witch boy, a curly Vampire and two Werewolf brothers, accidentally met a trio of Witches while wandering in the woods the night of Hallow's Eve. They found out the Witches live in a cozy cottage protected by an ancient creature and the travellers will soon be able to call it home." (unfinished multi-chapter)

When I'm in your arms (the rest of the world can wait) by @yasmamamercury, "All those nights you told me how much you missed me, missed being inside me, filling me up. Remember how needy you were when you promised you’d fuck a load into me when you got home" (completed one shot)

Johnica Request fills by @bambirexwrites, "Compilation of requests about Johnica" (compilation fic - fem)

Angel by @peachydeacon, "veronica pegs john, who is an actual angel" (completed one shot)

My heart's jittering by @blossom-melina-burnickel, "In the summer of 1977, John Deacon decides to have his long, wavy auburn locks cut short. What prompted this decision, and what will his wife Veronica think?" (completed multi chapter)

Into every life a little rain must fall by @stormtrooper-in-clogs, "When Veronica tells John that he's going to be a father, he doesn't know what to do next." (completed one shot)

Domtay

Domtay Request fills by @bambirexwrites, "Compilation of requests about Domtay" (compilation fem)

Pet by @emmaandorlando, "Touring takes an enormous toll on Roger. Luckily, Dominique knows exactly how to take care of him when he gets back home." (completed one shot)

Good boy by @peachydeacon, "dominique takes good care of her pet", (completed one shot)

how roger learned to stop worrying about the bomb and embrace rope bondage by @rock-it-tonight, "Roger's having nightmares about the nuclear holocaust. Dominique wants to help him unwind by sharing a private hobby." (completed one shot)

pegging lil dickie roger by roggieboy, "Roger and Dom spend the morning together." (completed one shot)

One perfect night by rogersdrums, "Looking back, Dominique never expected that someone like Roger Taylor would fall for a simple girl like her." (completed multi chapter)

Just us two by @aboutthatmelancholystorm, "A rewrite of the Twilight Zone episode Two. In another world, in another time, a war has disrupted what might have been. It's left Roger and Dom not lovers or partners, but soldiers of different factions." (completed one shot)

Roles by @emmaandorlando, "For most of his girlfriends, Roger has been forced to take the traditional role of the man in the bedroom. Dominique shows him something different." (completed one shot)

Underneath the pale moonlight by @anotherhystericalqueen, "Dominique is the head of a coven that takes in Regina after she is banished from her extremely devout (re:cultish) Christian family." (completed one shot)

Learning Curve by @yasmamamercury, "Roger wants to learn some French, so Dominique employs her own methods of teaching." (completed one shot)

Suggested!

Time Enough by @aboutthatmelancholystorm, "But they are not here, no. Here alone, is Roger, seeking to survive this nightmare in the world that remains. All that is left...in the Twilight Zone." All three ships.

Slightly mad by @kinole009x, "It's 1993. After a terrible fight with John over his depression, Veronica encounters Freddie's spirit, who sends her back in time to find a way to help John emotionally." Jonica

Nevermore by @kinole009x, "In the land of Nevermore, the vengeful god Trident curses John Deacon with uncontrollable powers, transforming him into the feared, hated, and exiled Black Queen. The curse can only be broken by the love and trust of the White Queen, a young village schoolteacher named Ronnie." Jonica

In only seven days by @kinole009x, "It's 1978. John gets down on one knee and proposes to Veronica, but it's not in the way you're thinking." jonica

You're still the one by @eileen-crys, "After the Magic Tour and a rough patch in their relationship, John and Veronica decided to work on them and took extended vacations in Biarritz with the family. To John, it seems like his life has been shattered in a million pieces, but he's determined to glue them back together. Healing takes time, but he's not alone..." Jonica

All that I've been yearning for by anon, "Omega Roger Taylor goes on a gap year to explore the world. On the way he meets three alphas; Freddie, Dominique and Crystal and well, you can guess what happens from there." Domtay

Break down the door by theheartofthestar, ""Remember, love-" Crystal barely heard Dominique over the rush in his ears. She bit him hard in the back, painful, just as he liked. He felt his member throb at the sharp sting. "-you promised to obey me"" Domtay/ Taytay

Quick reminder that the April fic list is coming up on the 28th if you wanna send in your recs, feel free to self recommend or be on anon or get a mate to do it!

[sterekficrecs]

Trope Preference Meme

Tagged by my Brissy @princecharmingwinks !!

Rules: look at each set of tropes and bold the one you prefer out of each pair. Some may be easy, but I bet others will be nigh on impossible! Just go with your gut. Then tag some others to join the fun.

1. Slowburn or Love at First Sight

2. Fake Dating or Secretly Dating

3. Enemies to Lovers or Best Friends to Lovers

4. “Oh no, there’s Only One Bed,” or Long Distance Correspondence

5. Hurt/Comfort or Amnesia

6. Fantasy AU or Modern AU

7. Mutual Pining or Domestic Bliss

8. Smut or Fluff

9. Canon-Compliant/Missing Scenes or Fix-It

10. Alternate Universe or Future Fic

11. One Shot or Multi-chapter

12. Kid Fic or Road trip Fic

13. Reincarnation or Character Death

14. Arranged Marriage or Accidental Marriage

15. High School Romance or Middle-Aged Romance

16. Time Travel or Isolated Together

17. Neighbours or Roommates

18. Sci Fi AU or Magic AU

19. Body swap or Genderbend

20. Angst or Crack (unless it’s angst with a happy ending-and then in that case I prefer angst!)

21. Apocalyptic or Mundane

This was sooooo hard!! The first few I really wanted to pick both options! I tag whoever I wants to do this plus @dylinski @kcfriedchicken and @evanesdust

[essiekoneill]

What are your favourite vegan restaurants in Brissy? I love Green Edge but haven’t found any other goodies 🤗

I haven’t been to Green Edge in years woah!

Omg okay so Greenhouse Canteen + Bar in west end... during their 5-6pm happy hour you can get all their phenomenal “healthy” cocktails for $10! The food is pretty expensive but definitely luxury worth it!

I really don’t leave west end often 😂 and have been budgeting a lot cause we wanna move out of here, so don’t spend much on food at all... but over the past couple years, I luved Blackstar Coffee, Grown (woah), Sol Bakery (get the onion bread), Miss Bliss is cute, adore the vegan taco Dominos pizza anddd the vegan mushroom Parma from Grilled.

[isaactothistaylor]

Please read this!!!: Hi everyone! I just want to let everyone know that on the 3rd of June, I will be going on a 1 month school camp! I will have no music or technology for the month so I will be very Taylor deprived. Because of this I won’t be active until the 29th of July (when I get home)! I’m going to miss everyone and can’t wait to see and talk to you all again soon! The only way of communication to get to me are letters! So if you want to send me a letter, please ask for the address by the 2nd of June! If not please ask someone from the Brissy gang and they will give it to you! I love you all and will miss you while I’m gone! It’s going to be a very tough month and without any family or you guys, or Taylor and music it’s going to be so hard but I’ll be back soon! If you have gotten this far it would mean so much to me if you could please reblog to make sure everyone knows I’ll be gone! Love you and miss you all! Talk soon!

@taylorswift @taylornation

[hhjs]

hi lovely !! <333 ive missed u sm ive just been so busy with life but everything’s sm calmer so i can talk to you <3 i see that you’ve moved !!! how are you liking it so far ?? — sweetheart anon

HI!1 omg long time so speak!!!!!!!!!! calmer? :o how come! hahahah yea i did and it's been...an adventure ngl, with the brissy floods, avalanche of exams and assignments and having had to balance it all with wanting to go clubbing every other weekend 😁😌✌🏽but i love it here, the sun is fantastic and i've made a bunch of friends hahahahahah

wbyy

[mudg3t]

And now for the personal reflection of the year that was 2017. It started off with an incredible adventure. Mum and I set off to find our Hobbit roots in New Zealand with @redcarpettoursnz and what an adventure it was! I've made so many amazing and beautiful friends from that journey, had so many wonderful experiences, seen some remarkable places. I got new ink to mark my journey, designed by the incredible Daniel Reeve (calligrapher/artist on LotR and The Hobbit). I was spoiled enough to be visit the Marvel exhibit at GoMA for my birthday, and graciously taken care of by @morgana_pendragon whilst in Brissie. Mum and I (mostly) survived the Fernwood Foxy midway challenge too lol. I also lost both my grandad, and Loki this year. I hope you're at rest now, grandad. Loki, thank you for all the love you gave us. I miss you so much, even your mischief. I've grown so much this past year; I've been enriched by all my experiences, and even during the shitty times, the sadness, the depression, I have many fond and wonderful memories to help get me through. I am so blessed to have wonderful, loving friends and family and honestly you have helped me more than I could ever say. Here's to all that shaped us in 2017; the good, the bad, the loss and wonder. Come at me, 2018!

[cinderellaconsulting-blog]

Photo sourced from: https://www.google.com/search?safe=active&biw=780&bih=357&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ACYBGNSO0zKDKTR5ywRHxPuQT1a0gFJrEg%3A1575238425530&sa=1&ei=GTvkXYaDIObG4-EPvuWJ0A4&q=labyrinth+junk+lady&oq=labyrinth+junk+lady&gs_l=img.3..0l4j0i8i30l3j0i24.14121.15890..17029...0.0..0.281.2347.0j2j9......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......35i39j0i30.6GlfV9NKlw8&ved=0ahUKEwjG86i2vJXmAhVm4zgGHb5yAuoQ4dUDCAc&uact=5#imgrc=bH8AaieSRxENlM: 

Ever feel like the Junk Lady from the Labyrinth? Sometimes I do. So, I’m minimising eeeeeeeeeeee, man this is a wild ride!! Like a roller-coaster through time. End of life scenes flashing before your eyes. I’ve done it personally two or three times before and I professionally assist people to minimise in my business. The process is hard work, physically and emotionally, but I gotta say the end result is brilliant! On the surface your home will be tidy, clean and clear, but psychologically you will feel like you’ve bathed in a crystal waterfall-ed mountain stream. 

I grew up poor (which the majority of the world does) so the luxury of discretionary spending money and the buzz of shopping, especially nabbing a bargain is almost orgasmic!! Presents, reminders of people, times and places combines psychological situations inducing a tiny bit of hording in us. My home is a renovation construction zone, around which I live, so I can’t confess to hording, but I still have stuff that is superfluous, hey I love beautiful things.

When minimising, we separate things that bring us joy (sparkle sparkle – thank you Konmari) from the things we can release for others to appreciate. This can be a terrifying prospect!

I worked (pass tense) in a horrible place with horrible people to get the money to purchase my things, giving them up is intolerable! Those who lose loved ones or experience disasters, need the freedom from physical reminders minimising gives. This is a hard but immensely worthwhile process. Please contact me if I can assist or support you in any way, it would be my honour.

 So I decided to do the Markets, the Suitcase Rummage in Brissy in the square between the Library and the Casino (https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/suitcaserummage/). It was a truly beautiful QLD day and it was so fun to interact with all these creative people and I did sell a little bit but I was $32.50 in the red after everything.  FYI that afternoon we enjoyed rain! Ah rain, we’ve missed you! Do it again

I am in dual minds about this situation. I want people to buy all my stuff, but I don’t want to encourage shopping so what to do, what to do?? Konmari says to let things go so they can be loved by others. Almost like a break-up. Am I breaking up with my stuff? Did I have to pay for my things to be with me? Am I a John? Ok let’s not go down this rabbit hole right now! So, donate everything hey? Wow that’s hard!

I just found a charity that assists victims of domestic violence to start a new life. Having walked that path myself, I would be so happy for my things to go to these ladies.

 One of my goals is to become waste-free, so the very first thing I do is produce massive waste? In the future I will build the cost of an item’s disposal into the purchase price, like some (ecologically minded) companies do with products they produce. The thing is to not buy anything more in the future, just live the French way, only get classic, timeless things that can fit into a teeny tiny closet (something in, something out) and do experiences and photos.

Life aspiration, no more Junk Lady:

[getseriouser]

20 THOUGHTS: Bugger

FAR too many assumed we’d be having the biggest grand final in over 30 years this time last week 

Half-time Friday night we all thought we’d got it wrong but alas regular programming prevailed and they then expected Saturday to be the breezier of the two prelims .

Yeah nah.

Now we have third playing sixth in a Grand Final no-one saw pre-season, mid-season, to start the finals or even last week when it was a one in four chance.

Expect the unexpected they say. And they are usually right on that.

 1.       Tigers just win, by five goals plus. As soon as that siren went Saturday, and thousands of male Collingwood supporters suddenly sprouted innies, thousands of Richmond fans grew really firmly in the trouser knowing it was only the expansion kids ahead of them next week now. Giants have won two games by under a kick in the dying minutes, once lucky, twice you’re kidding yourself, three times though, yeah nah.

2.       Actually, lets knock out some Brownlow before getting back to the on field. Interesting year, probably the greatest field of live chances going in for some time. So much analysis available these days that someone out there will get it right but about a dozen others, whilst looking super schmick with their spreadsheets and formulas, will be way off. This column has no idea although liked Fyfe for a while. Gets 2 or 3 votes in each Dockers win. Nice platform.

3.       Otherwise, three randoms to watch – Boak, Yeo and Treloar, could easily podium. And a real smokey from the clouds? James Worpel. One for the exotics.

4.       Back to on field, let’s go back to Friday. Cats missed a Scott Selwood type in the midfield. Getting ahead was one thing, and they did that well to their credit. But when it got tough in the second half, when the Tigs were coming, they lacked grunt and determination like the Giants showed in the final term Saturday, to get the job done. And to be honest its plagued them since the bye too. Can look flashy, can score, but when it needs to get ugly for 15-20 mins, think back to the first half of the first final too, no dice. Kinda like when its past 2am on a Bucks night, usually phantom, usually pass out, usually Ryan Babel.

5.       Alrighty, Saturday. Yikes. Wet weather clearly didn’t favour the Pies. No excuse but it mattered. Why? Well would you like to know who trained in a down pour midweek? The Giants, in their main session. Probably the best training session in that football history given the conditions that eventuated.

6.       So – and thanks to Rohan Connolly for this, who I’m shamelessly stealing from – between 2008 and 2015 only one Qualifying Final winner of 18 lost a prelim final. The last four years where we’ve had a pre-Finals bye, it’s a 4-4 record. Look at the Pies, didn’t turn up until three quarter time, the Tigers at least turned up after half time. Plus last year, the Pies had no right in their matchup with the Tiges and jumped them something shocking in that first half. Might be something to it. Might not be wrong, but there’s something to it.

7.       If you look at the Pies, Tigers and Giants, on balance this all looks about right. Richmond since 2017 probably deserve at least one flag and a go this weekend at a second. The Giants these last four years probably deserve a Grand Final appearance for their body of work. And Collingwood these last 18 months, a toss of the coin Grand Final result probably sits about right for them too.

8.       Difference between Richmond and Collingwood? One covered their injuries a lot better and was better set up for the pointy end as a result. Injuries aren’t the reason the Pies lost Saturday or that they would have been underdogs to Richmond had they won, but it’s the reason Richmond has a better list and is likely to win a second flag in three. Case in point – Richmond’s reserves win the Grand Final a week before their Seniors probably win as well, the Collingwood reserves didn’t even make the VFL Finals.

9.       Bucks getting questioned a bit in the media, ‘oh, that’s 22 years now without a flag, ho hum indeed’. Relax. On that basis we should give Bob Skilton a call, interrupt his midday movie to let him know despite his three Brownlows and everything else he means to South, his Hall of Fame Legend status is getting revoked coz he never won a flag. And that his spot will be taken by Tom Barrass instead, because he has actually won one. That Buckley hasn’t got a flag isn’t news, it might be factual but its not a story. The idea that obviously would clearly yearn for one is also factual, but not a story. Please be serious.

10.   Matt De Boer was excellent on Saturday but then again the Collingwood mids weren’t requiring a tag to be kept quiet. Does he got to Dusty and try and ruffle him again like he successfully achieved last time in Sydney? Won’t matter, Martin goes forward and kicks four on him in that case. Whether Martin gets shut down in the midfield by De Boer or not won’t prevent a Tigers’ flag anyway, lets not bother about that discussion all week.

11.   Norm Smith tip – no Tiger is in better nick than Shane Edwards, otherwise Bachar Houli for a little value with you preferred corporate bookmaker. But Titch onball will be as dangerous for Leon Cameron as nailing your Tinder date in Bali. You better put a clamp on that otherwise you’re in big trouble.

12.   Marlion Pickett was BOG in the VFL GF yesterday. We know that the Tigs have held over Jack Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh in lieu of the incredibly-stiff Jack Graham being doubtful to get up for Saturday. But back on May 28th we said this lad, who was playing for South Fremantle four months ago “would be best 22 by year’s end”. We’ve left it late but whilst McIntosh might be the safer play, Dimma will go very close to debuting the Western-Australian in the hope his mercurial style might just be perfect for an occasion like Saturday. If he’s picked, remember where you heard it first. Or read it first, even.

13.   Presume Kevin Sheedy is on standby to present the cup to Phil Davis and Leon Cameron should the Giants salute, the link to Richmond notwithstanding. The GWS best and fairest is the Kevin Sheedy medal, and unless you’re looking to Chad Cornes or Izzy Folau it has to be Sheeds. On the Tigers side, I think about Dale Weightman, otherwise Matty Knights or even Chris Newman if you want to go more recent.

14.   So yes, Richmond has been the pick for a while and it remains the pick. They are beatable though. Last four games their opponents all had strong chances they didn’t take. Eagles down here, in the wet, stuffed it and lost by a kick. Brisbane the week after got spooked but did a lot right but too late. First final, Brissy again, they kick straight they’re in it up to their eyeballs and then Geelong was leading by 21 points at half time, kick straighter its over five goals and the Tigs are staring down a repeat of last year. They’re not invincible, but it was only ever going to be a hot Essendon or hot Collingwood who stood a chance this finals series. Yet the Bombers lasted as long in September as Saturday Night Rove and then the Pies made a mess of it like The Veronicas on a Qantas flight.

15.   This column gets it right far more often than most and has banged on about the Clarkson-assistants theory for some time. This week’s Grand Final coaches, both ex-Hawthorn assistants. It will mean that after this weekend the last seven premierships will have been coached by Al Clarkson or one of his ex-assistants. Incredible. By this column, that is.

16.   More people in Sydney watched the Giants on free to air Saturday afternoon than people in Melbourne watched the Storm on free to air that night. What do we make of that?

 I love Victorian footy as much as the next Ted Whitten. This column still lapses occasionally and refers to Fitzroy instead of Brisbane, and it’s only been 20+ years. And whilst this column’s position on the Gold Coast experiment is well documented, the idea of a team in Western Sydney has always made sense to me. The population out there alone is more than Perth, Adelaide and Geelong combined.

 So to see GWS successful, largely on their own merit now (Gold Coast with the same concessions stuffed it, and you didn’t see Toby Greene playing on Saturday did we), is a good thing for the comp. Leave Gold Coast and Tassie aside, mind you.

17.   Speaking of Victorian footy, can we just kick the AFL reserves team out of the VFL into a legit reserves comp, and let Williamstown and Port Melbourne and Werribee actualy duke it out for a proper VFL title? Williamstown are long-storied VFA club who were looking for their 15th flag in 155 years of history. They lost to a team who sat out two of their players because they might be needed this coming weekend in a different comp. Don’t like it. Split the AFL reserves from the VFL. And the SANFL…

18.   Great to see Glenelg, another historic club in this country, win its first flag in 33 years. And yes they were playing Port Adelaide, their biggest rival, but half the opposition Sunday were Port Adelaide’s reserves, not SANFL players, so it’s a similar story. Great for the Bays to get up, but let the SANFL Magpies be just that, and then Port and the Crows can have separate reserves teams playing reserves footy.

19.   Speaking of Williamstown, feel for Willie Wheeler. Just a knockabout VFL footballer who had the win on his boot twice in the last term, so to lose by under a kick is devastating.

20.   Still not bothered by trade chatter. It’s all glorified brainstorming and suggestion permeating from the Herald Sun lunch room. When something remotely close to an actual story emerges I’ll get interested. Until then I’ll pass on Ralphy and Sammy and Jay-Z getting far too eggplant about what boils down to guesswork or stuff they dreamt about the night before when their partner slept at her friend’s house once again.

[matilda-australia]

MATILDA STAR MOBBED - AND LOVING IT

“THEY mob her after every show but musical theatre star Elise McCann is not complaining. Being hugged and adored by lots of little kids is a treat and has made her time in Brisbane special. She’s been starring as Miss Honey (the nice teacher) in Matilda The Musical all summer and after each show at QPAC she is mobbed at stage door. It’s impossible for her to slip out unnoticed and, frankly, she doesn’t want to.

“It’s one of the wonderful things that’s happened to me here,” McCann says. “I get out the stage door and there they are and they all come up to me and hug me while their parents say - do you mind? I don’t of course. It’s lovely. They all inherently trust and love Miss Honey and I love that the kids feel that way. Photos are taken and it’s been a lovely part of being in Brisbane,” McCann says.

The 31 year-old star is no stranger to local audiences. We have seen her (and loved her) in shows such as Everybody Loves Lucy, South Pacific and Doctor Zhivago, among others.

She wasn’t supposed to come to Brisbane with Matilda The Musical. In fact she was about to hand over the role of Miss Honey to her friend Lucy Maunder when Maunder fell pregnant. But McCann, trooper that she is, kicked on and did an extra season and will now hand the role back to Maunder when the show hits Perth after closing in Brisbane on February 12.

Matilda The Musical, based on the Roald Dahl book, has been a huge hit here and everywhere thanks in large part to the brilliant music and lyrics of Tim Minchin.

Working in this Royal Shakespeare Company production has been the experience of a lifetime for McCann who was inspired to record an album of songs based on musical adaptations of Dahl’s work.

In fact, on her day off yesterday, she flew to Melbourne to record some material for the new album, Dahlesque, which will be out midyear. It features songs arranged by her pal, music director Stephen Amos and will contain other music shows such as Matilda The Musical and the film James and the Giant Peach.

McCann has been a Dahl fan since childhood and says she is so grateful to have been a part of the show. But now she has other things to do, including finishing her album and producing the one person play I Am My Own Wife, written by Doug Wright and starring Ben Gerrard.

The play is based on his conversations with German Charlotte von Mahlsdorf and is a engrossing, touching and thought-provoking piece of theatre that deals with queer history and celebrates queer spirit in incredible times of repression.

It comes to the Brisbane Powerhouse in April and is a good excuse for McCann to come back to Brissie.

But right now she’s still got a few weeks of Matilda The Musical to go and has many more hugs to get.”

[james-aspey]

Hi James, I am sure you think im completely stalker-ish by now.. 😂 but i would really love to find out if possible please when you think you may possibly be back in or around Brissy at all? Because i missed you on the wknd in Byron and would really love to watch one of your talks live. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my msg and im really hoping you will reply!! Peace, love and respect..👌👊✌ Cheers Sam Gow.

No talks planned in brissy but I’ll be around doing street outreach on the goldy in Jan

[vannidajoaneblog]

Brisbane 2018

DAY 1

The first time I went to Australia it was solo backpacking in Sydney. It was a short trip that even if I was able to go around to a lot of different places, I still missed on doing other things like ride a ferry; see other beaches; try Vegemite; go to the countryside; see kangaroos and koala bears, etc. Well, the next time I went to AU, it all kinda came true - in Brisbane. Thanks for my dear host Stephen. I was very happy that he agreed to tour me around in his hometown. And because he grew up there, I got to know the city in a different level.   

Different way of flying to Aussie this time. It was not direct like when when I went to Sydney via Cebu Pac. This time it’s via Qantas Air.  And I have to experience an “amazing race” connecting flights in different countries. I actually like checking different airlines and airports so I really don’t mind. I am starting to have some favorites actually.

After spending almost a day of connecting flights and stopping-over. I was back in Australia. I arrived during midnight. My gracious host fetched me up from the airport. I told him it’s okay to be in his pyjamas.

DAY 2

From there, I started to get to know Brisbane (and Stephen) as we started passing by different places after the airport. We stopped by first, at a convenient store to grab a midnight snack and off to his place. I noticed that the streets are broader in Brisbane than in Sydney.

Kangaroo Point

The next day, I was ready to see Brisbane. Well, I do not have to go any further to enjoy the fabulous view of the city because from his balcony you’ll get to see the gorgeous City District Buildings, the Brisbane river and the Story Bridge. The highways and roads are also easily accessible and proximity to shops, restaurants, and the city ferry terminals as well. I find myself taking panoramic shots whenever I can from his balcony.

Story Bridge Deli & Cafe

Off to have breakfast first. I told about the Story Bridge - well, under it, there is a suburb. And in that suburb, is an old-style delicatessen called Story Bridge Deli & Cafe. It is the place to come for everything from breakfast or lunch as well as morning coffee. You will just happen to hear lots of cars whizzing up the bridge when you sit outside but, it is a part of its charm.

Lone Pine attempt

After breakfast, we went to the first stop - to see the koalas and kangaroos. Just a short distance from Brisbane City is the Lone Pine Sanctuary. The place is pretty popular to tourists. We happen to arrive late from sleeping-in so, a lot of people have piled up already excited to see the cute animals. So, we switched plans and went to Mt. Cootha instead.

Mt. Coot-tha

Brisbane Lookout at scenic Mt. Coot-tha is a ‘must see’ for all visitors to Brisbane. It offers spectacular panoramic views over the CBD all the way to Moreton Bay. On the mountain, there are also cafés and restaurants to cater to all visitors.

Nice to see the whole city from a bird’s eye view. It definitely is stunning in the day, but I’ve heard it’s also a wonderland of lights at night.

Vine Restaurant Bar

Looking forward to seeing Brisbane in the evening. So, we decided to go for dinner that night. Italian it is at Vine Restaurant Bar.

Not just the traditional Italian dishes. Seeing the menu, it was very interesting to decide on what to have. I believe I ordered a bird dish but it was really delicious. Soup + the dish left me stuffed. But I made room for some dessert and of course wine to go along with it.

Nice ambiance in that place. It just went pretty warm inside because of the heater. Nonetheless, the staff were very nice going from one table to another, making sure that customers are having a nice food experience.  

DAY 3

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Back at Lone Pine to catch the koalas and the kangaroos. We made it a point to really come early this time before the influx of the people. It was pretty successful the second time around. Lone Pine is popular to tourists, to save yourself from lining up, you have to get there early.  

We were able to go around the whole place and see most of the animals. I was able hold the koalas, hand feed kangaroos and see a large variety of Australian wildlife like Tasmanian devil, bats, parrots, etc. within the natural settings of the sanctuary. Yes, I was a kid for today but it’s all good. It’s fun engaging with animals. I got my 2019 calendar with this cute ball of fur.

Citycat Ferry

I’ve seen Brisbane from a bird’s eye view at Mt. Cootha, also by the road by a Benz now it’s time to see Brisbane from a  duck’s point of view from the river itself via CityCat ferry.  The Citycat ferry is a pleasurable way to travel in Brissy. It carries Brisbane passengers each day along the inner-city. It has 15 stops and if you go from one end to another, will take you almost an hour.

We occupied the padded seating outside (don’t forget to bring your jumper during winter). Definitely a great view of the Brisbane River and you’ll get past Brisbane icons, such as the Story Bridge and South Bank Parklands. It was a plus to see the the lovely sunset from the river for we rode the ferry during that time.

Eat Street Markets

After cruising along the river to the last terminal, we had an eight-minute walk and we were in Eat Street. Eat Street is a container food village that is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

It was quite overwhelming when you get there the first time. The sights, smells, tastes and sounds. Oh the food! So many to choose from! You better get a game plan as they say so you can choose the best food you would like to eat. You can check out all the stalls first before making any food decisions. You really have to! And have a snack while at it ;)

After you’ve wandered around and spotted lots of great food choices. For sure you are ready to order your main meal. They have a great way to order so while you wait, you can still check out the other stalls and finally get your food.

When you are ready to sit down and devour, you can choose from the so many colorful alleys,where there are so many tables and chairs in. There are bands playing to keep you entertained. Eat Street is definitely a feast in every sense.

DAY 4

Queensland

Heading out to a beach on the Coast and to other beautiful places like Montville, Melany in Queensland. From Brisbane, it’s a two hour drive getting there, I believe. The road getting there has a bit of surprise so, if you feel like dozing off during the trip… hold it! At least get passed the Glasshouse Mountains.

Glasshouse Mountains

There's a total of 8 of them. The Range, as it is locally known, was created by 200 million years of constant interaction by volcanoes and water which left behind a mass of hills, valleys and waterfalls.

I was half asleep and half peeping during the trip. I thought I saw a big rock formation beneath some tall trees, it was a view of one of the Glasshouse Mountains up close. Stephen thought I missed it. I hope I was not dreaming.

Montville

After less than an hour or so, we arrived in a charming little village called Montville. It is nice to walk around here in this village. You will feel the winter cold at the same time - sun striking on your face for Montville is quite elevated in location.

It is home to unique restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries and specialty shops which maintain their own special blend of character and individual style.

Montville is quaint and romantic in a sense, certainly worth a visit.

Baroon Pocket Dam

Next, near Montville is a picturesque lake called the Baroon Pocket Dam. Pretty quiet and relaxing when we got there. Perhaps it was a Monday and there’s not much people. I am pretty sure there are lots of activities you can do if you walk around the lake, shoreline and some sort of forest in there.

There are picnic tables, places for barbecues and playgrounds for the kids making it the ideal spot for a get together with family or friends.

Caloundra Beach

Last stop before we head back is the Caloundra beach. Yes, it is still winter but, you would not want to miss on the fine sand beaches in Queensland. Nonetheless, still can’t sunbathe in that cold. But, it's still pretty nice to hangout and just talk about anything under the sun while eating fish and chips.

Movie Night

Nice to just chill  and watch some movies indoors at the end of the day. Especially if my host has a wide collection of movies from CD’s to anything new that is already downloadable.

A sure nice way to relax before a long trip back to Manila the next day. All snugged up in a blanket and munching some salted caramel popcorn from Eat Street with some nice warm drink. #Hygge

DAY 5

One last breakfast at the Story Bridge Deli & Cafe before I pack my bags.

As we headed to the airport, we dropped by the grocery store to buy pasalubong - famous Timtams & Vegemites :) I’d like to thank my host for filling half of my baggage with it. He got the concept of “pasalubong.” So, if you guys took a piece from the fridge, you now know who to thank.

Back to the airport. Flying Qantas Air from Brisbane to Sydney then to Singapore. I had a six hour stop over in Changi. Initially I was planning to go around and check the whole place but just chilled in the lounge instead. Three hours more via Jetstar, I was back to the Philippines.

A 5-day holiday is never enough. Nonetheless, it’s a great weekend trip. I had the best companion who despite having an injury - toured me around Brissy and made sure I felt at home.

[259queencommunity-blog]

Equiem Travel Diaries: It's ya boiii, George (and Brendan)!

Ain't it grand to see an international Equiem reunion?

27 July 2018

Ahoy hoy! Brendan here - one part of the dynamic and dreamy duo (humble too) at the helm of Investa QLD at 259 Queen Street - y'all remember that awesome Avengers photo?  I recently escaped the winter blues for a month's vacay in Europe. It was a welcome reprieve from the bitey June/July Brisbane mornings - I'm sure not as chilly as the AM down in Melbs, but it's been brisk by the Sunshine State's standards!

So to ease my melancholy and post-holiday blues (or perhaps augment them), come with me as I recount, review and regale to you my terrific time-out tales!

During my getaway, I met up with one of Equiem's Best & Fairest, George Longman. You might remember him from such roles as Casual Support NSW and Casual Support QLD. With George residing an hour or two outside of London and having departed our shores in September last year, I thought it would be an opportunity missed not to queue up a rendezvous - and what a rendezvous we queued!

Europe being Europe, a bubbling cultural hotpot, we decided to venture out to sunny and sprightly Croatia. We had two destinations on the bucket list: Plitvice Lakes National Park a little outside Zagreb, and Dubrovnik - one of the film sets of a little TV show called "Game of Thrones" - perhaps you've heard of it?

Our first stop was Plitvice Lakes - a place subject to many an Instagram post by those travel accounts with unreal photos from where you'd rather be. You'll catch a nasty case of wanderlust from those Insta accounts, I tell ya! Naturally, our expectations were high, and I'm sorry to say that the photos don't do justice to the lakes vis-a-vis.  Apologies also to TLC because we were indeed chasing waterfalls. We weren't even used to rivers and lakes, to begin with! The water was all too inviting (though, sadly, swimming is strictly prohibited) and its hue varied from the brightest blue (I daresay azure, with my pinkie up and nose in the air) to the deepest green (uhh... viridian?). An honourable mention to local hostel doggo, Ozzie, who loved pats and loved lounging in the shade under his favourite bush - bless 'im!

We then jumped on a plane and headed down to Dubrovnik. I think it's worth mentioning that our vacay was smack bang in the middle of the Fifa World Cup. We boarded the plane as Croatia and Russia were in their penalty shootout and were delayed leaving Zagreb, I'm sure to the chagrin of most passengers and cabin crew (can you tell I'm being facetious?). Everyone was glued to their phones watching the match and the cabin was abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The pilot made an announcement over the speakers and raucous applause erupted from the crowd as Croatia had progressed to the semifinals. What a way to fly! After a gastronomical rollercoaster of aeroplane food including dubiously dry sandwiches, delectable danishes and delightful crisps aptly named "salty pillows with Dalmatian spices", we touched down in Dubrovnik.

Oh, my lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Dubrovnik is a beauty! Catching a cab from the airport, we arrived in the old market town, alive and kicking (if you'll pardon the pun) after Croatia's football victory. Traffic at a standstill, the streets filled with people celebrating without inhibition, car horns honking for minutes on end, it was like all these different claxons going off in our heads at once. After brekky the next morning overlooking Blackwater Bay (sadly no wildfire in sight), we made our way to a guided Game of Thrones tour showcasing the rest of King's Landing a.k.a. Old Town Dubrovnik. It was satisfying enough to tide us over 'til the final season premiere next year!

With this much summer sun, we hit the beach each day, sunscreen in hand, the water crystal clear but still freezing for this Brissy boy, and wandered around town, stopping in at small boulangeries, cafes and restaurants for lunch and dinner. Dubrovnik is a place like no other - traditional architecture frozen in time and placed in a modern world of selfie sticks and raging nightlife. Sharing a few quiet ales on a cobblestoned street overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with the hubbub of chatter and laughter in the background was a dynamite way to spend a Sunday evening, I reckon.

And all too soon we were on our way back to London town, our short Croatian sojourn done and dusted. But wouldn't you know, your boy got a bit of a tan in that European sun. And as a true blue freckled ginger, that ain't nothing to sneeze at.

Until next time, cheerio then!

Righto, where to next? Anyone have any suggestions?

[dutifullytoocloud]

Melbourne overload

Really feels like i’ve been on cloud 9 and slowly coming down.  Always wondered why cloud 9 refers to euphoria that doesn’t last.  Sometimes coming down from cloud 9 isn’t a bad thing in terms of getting some needed rest but its not quite over yet as there is another 2 big days of “Celebrating” here in Brissie.  There is always that sense of nostalgic pride when it comes to your hometown (city).   Wow Melbourne what can I say.  Sydney is OK, but my affections for Melbourne are greater. Sydney is just too big, gorgeous landmarks, fabulous harbour, but just too busy and sometimes lacking that friendly shine.  I know that Melbourne is equally busy. Don’t know whether I have been just very lucky but those I have came into contact in Melbourne have been lovely.                                                                                                 Day One- weather was just such a fabulous change to the heat here at home.  It was divine.  After a fab small dinner at Time Out, and two glasses of wine we made our merry way to the pavilion for the concert.  Ran into Lorriane, who I met in Melbourne last time I visited in 2010, had a brilliant chat that we missed the beginning of the B52′s.   So in Brisbane determined to catch the full performance.  Great fun as expected and so very quirky!  Quirky is so good in my books.

Simple Minds well they are like a well oiled machine.  So experienced, really have nailed it when it comes to a professional performance.  It takes quite some kind of magic for any band to come up to such a standard.  As soon as they take charge with Waterfront its really the beginning of such a fabulous experience, a shining example of what live music in all of its grand form is all about.  Not only excellent musicians but the entire package as the sound and lighting really created fabulous momentum and heighten emotion.

An excellent example of this was during Let it all come down, the single blue light travelling down towards the back of the audience just was sensational.  It was 1989 that I first heard it live in Brisbane and it had more impact now than then.  2016 was a difficult year especially in regards to my son’s health, so it was sort of a release from that.  Did my hardest not to shed tears but very close to those somewhat embarrassing waterworks.  Saved by Santify!  Quick happy joyful energy song that really celebrates life.

 Book of Brilliant things- it was 3 stages awesomeness for me.  Sarah Brown what a voice, beautiful, stunning can’t wait to hear this again.  She looked utterly beautiful and sounded like an Angel.  The bloke beside me made the comment,”when is Jim going to sing” and I did reply that she was pretty darn good.

 Then Jim’s turn,  I just can’t get over how people question that he is losing is vocal capacity...no fault.  I could hear him clearly his voice is in excellent form, and singing style is probably even better than his very early early performances.  Stage 3 Mel on drums- wow.  Just shaking my head wishing that my son was there too.  My son finally checked out some Mel Gaynor solos on youtube and gave his mum a quick terminology lesson on techniques he was using.  As with most things it isn’t until you start to understand how involved something is that you really appreciate it. 

Happy to hear Hunter its the keyboard solo and the bass in this that I love.  I know that this was an odd one for the causal fans at the concert, so happy for its inclusion, waited a very long time to hear this one.

The truncated songs a bit of an issue, it really places an emphasis on lets fit in as much as possible.  I just love singing to Once Upon a time,its that kind of a song, and move on so quickly is cutting something you enjoy somewhat short.  Its lack of time and keep the pace going I guess.

  Possibly the biggest problem a band with a huge sway of material has to face, setlist and how to get that favourite song in to please everyone.  Don’t you was fun and a song that engages everyone, its not my favourite but there is so much pleasure seeing how much joy it gives people on mass.  Its a special thing to see so many people caught up in the moment and really enjoying themselves.  Think I will leave it all at this point and make this blog part one...get back to part 2 next time.  Have all the Brissie adventures to live through coming up....slowing down seems good but I’m sure I will miss all of this too.

[getseriouser]

20 THOUGHTS: GoFundYourself

THE Cricket World Cup is feeling a lot like an NBA game. 

With the basketball you needn’t pay any attention at the start – providing you tune in with two minutes remaining you’ll catch all the exciting and relevant action.

This World Cup, there’s a whole bunch of musical chairs pantomime going on but in reality wake me up when the semi-finals are on. The group stage is just foreplay dragging its heels.

Easy to say as an Aussie however. You’d be very hot under the collar if you’re the host nation after last night’s latest disappointment though.

 1.       Before we jump into some cricket, a serious one if I may, and bear with.

Monday Triple M is conducting 'No Talk Day', I won't spend column inches on details, please Google it if you're unaware, but what an amazing, sobering initiative.

Suicide is essentially the biggest killer in this country. Not cancer. And 100% of its deaths can be prevented.

Too many cancer diagnoses are terminal. Neale Daniher, future Australian of the Year, his fate has been sadly sealed.

But all future suicide deaths can be turned around. And it all starts with a circuit breaker, a chance, a conversation.

We don't do enough for suicide and mental health. Because we're cowards, because we are scared, because we can't relate?

Because it’s humanely quite difficult, and that's ok.

So I challenge you, if nothing else find the time, the gumption, the impetus to break that circuit, talk to that person you're care about, maybe you make that difference. Remember - 100% are preventable.

  2.       Onto a lighter note, England’s batting is as brittle as your Nan’s arthritic hip. Said as much pre-tournament in this column: they go hard and it either works, they make 450, or they go all out for bugger all way too soon. Any good bowling attack’s more than half a chance to skittle them cheaply so their World Cup hopes rest on a game of Russian roulette essentially. Will do well to make the semi’s now after previously giving themselves love bites in the mirror over their world no.1 status.

3.       This one will polarise – Lord’s is a trash ground. Oh, it’s the home of cricket, oh, it’s so historic, yeah but it’s got a dirty big slope going across the ground where one square boundary is like a million storeys higher than the other side, it’s ridiculous. Oh but it just gives it character they say, yeah nah, if you’re girlfriend likes to stay up and binge watch Play School episodes in a cold sweat, you don’t write that off as adding to her character, you split up with that freak immediately. Lord’s a piece of shit, I’m sorry.

4.       Go Fund Me Australia, well played to you friends.

5.       Ash Barty, well played you as well legend.

6.       FFA. You are still morons and that penalty shootout loss is your fault. Don’t tell me sacking a well-liked coach in that leadup didn’t have even a tiny bit of influence in the Matildas’ early exit. They don’t sack Stajcic they progress past Norway, simple.

7.       Craig Foster wants to keep Sam Kerr in Australia, against the idea she might consider a lucrative move to England or France. What a fool. Reckons it helps the standard here. No chance. It’s like keeping your kid in Grade Six year after year because it helps each new class of students. Don’t worry about how it holds back Sam Kerr from being even better, Craig…

8.       Last one before some footy – Lewis Hamilton, said he understands if fans now think F1 is boring. You don’t say Lewis. F1 executives, even the runaway leader can see how boring this now is, do something clowns.

9.       Ok, some Aussie Rules. St Kilda. Richo might not be ‘the guy’ but you’re not calling stumps on a guy in June who is 6-7, don’t care if he is a rookie coach or in his sixth year. When he is 8-12 or something in a couple months’ time, sure, but they’re one win away from squaring the ledger with a decent injury list. Settle.

10.   No Paddy McCartin, hardly any Jack Steven, hardly any Jarryn Geary, no Dylan Roberton, one game of Dan Hannebery and hardly any Jack Carlisle. One win out of the eight. You wouldn’t but you could argue a case of giving him two more years and hope he does a 2018 Nathan Buckley.

11.   David King, esteemed football pundit, reckons it would be a shock if Brad Scott isn’t at Moorabbin next year. How so? Because you’ve sacked Richardson in your mind already and Scott’s the only really available coach-in-waiting out there? But in what world do St Kilda go “yes, Brad Scott, that’s a huge upgrade/difference to Alan, let’s make that swap yesterday!”. Yeah nah.

12.   Robbo, we’ve missed him, led his Monday column stating Victorian teams are in crisis. Ah, what?! This wouldn’t be another attention seeking headline mutually exclusive from reality, much like when Port Adelaide was in irreparable crisis putting covers on seats at Footy Park, or how we should shut down Queensland footy because the Brisbane Lions were in turmoil? Port and Brissy look pretty good now, Mark, so forgive me for waiting and seeing on your outlandish remark.

13.   Hawthorn had the oldest team on the park last round, and looked woeful. This column still trusts in Al Clarkson, no question, but they’re in a weird spot right now, being the oldest and amongst the crappest. Could go anywhere this mob next year, stone last, prelim final, it’s bizarre.

14.   Brisbane could dead set be the 2018 Collingwood this year. Huge jump compared to the previous season, looks well ahead of schedule, but if it clicks, its working and its putting in performances worthy of competing at the top of the ladder, when it comes to finals and its 22 on 22 don’t discount them. Could make a prelim and I wouldn’t be shocked one bit.

15.   If you had someone who was really good right, and say won a best and fairest at his first club before heading to a new club in his home state, and had some ‘significant off field habits’ starting to distract him on and off the field, you reckon he might get ‘omitted’ from time to time for seemingly no reason? Few really bad financial issues for this player it seems, and it’s starting to get uglier before getting better, allegedly...

16.   So North would make John Longmire the most well paid coach in the land. Big money didn’t help lure Dustin Martin or Jordan De Goey, but neither of those two were a premiership player attending a flag reunion where a whole lot of Shinboner romance was swirling around and who knows how persuasive the pull was that night to return to his former club. I had North as very little chance, but now they’d be half a smokey, all based on a whole bunch of Shiraz consumption and “Hearts to Hearts and Hands to Hands” renditions.

17.   Steve Coniglio stays in Sydney or goes home to Perth. Money will be good anywhere so it’s either loyalty or go home – a Melbourne club is neither. This isn’t Adam Treloar or Dylan Shiel wanting to come home, or Josh Kelly weighing up a return home. Coniglio was a nark Eagles fan growing up, so if the Eagles can’t land Tim Kelly and think the Giants’ star is gettable, that’s the only trade plausible me thinks.

18.   I know Nick Blakey is a ripper, but gee if Jordan Dawson doesn’t become the Swans’ most importantly player in the coming months. Absolute jet. Great overhead mark, and even better kick. The epitome of the modern footballer with a bit of toughness about him too. A ‘Buy’.

19.   Port’s next month – Dogs at home, Crows, Lions at home, Tigers in Melbourne. Could win one, could win all four. Win three and they should make finals from here.

20.   Travis Boak, paying $15 for the Brownlow, but gee after 14 rounds, Tim Kelly is probably ahead of him but for anyone else though, confidently, I’d be struggling. Would go close to the three votes last weekend against Geelong, and could have five or six best on grounds to date by now. Worst case is on 12-13 votes I’d say, and even that’s well in the race if Kelly is on 17 or so.