Years ago I found this at a Haberdashery supplier in Collingwood, Melbourne when they were closing down. The buckles are on heavy card, backed with felt … on closer inspection I find it hard to guess what they were used for. Women’s apparel? Hmmmm maybe not. Men’s wear? Hmmmm not sure about that. Kids clothes,…
The Golden Triangle Hill Tribes in 1984
Last night I opened my diary from my travels in 1984 at Chaing Mai, 21st of June. I had forgotten all about the motor bike trip into the hills to visit the local indigenous tribe. Have you ever had that feeling when you are excited that you just want to do a little clap? That…
‘Weedy’ Sea Dragons….
Coming from a childhood which included an almost PhD level of education from my father in all things re nature, I was floored to discover that the Weedy Sea Dragon is the Marine Faunal Emblem of Victoria, Australia. At the beginning of the Summer of 2005/06 I was invited by my talented friend from Global…
The Thai Silk Bridesmaid
Being a bridesmaid to my aunty was a highlight in my childhood and the experience left me with a few lasting memories. Thai Silk, the scent of Tuber roses and the nail biting wait for special permission from the parish priest to be allowed to go into a church of another denomination … (what do…
Everyone has a Hobby….Don’t they?
When I was a child everyone had a hobby. We were sewers, knitters, embroiderers, musicians, gardeners, cake decorators, handymen and readers. But MY family had a few unusual hobbies. Apart from the smelly teenage boys having their equally smelly ferrets, my uncle who lived over the road had a stable of horses he trained as…
Married to a Bedouin
In 1989 I married into a very large family. At last count my three kids have 63 first cousins on their father’s side. …. three on the other. My husband is a Bedouin from the Negev Desert in Israel who arrived in Australia in 1986, a few months after the death of this father. We…
Backpacking in the 80’s – Diary Quote.
I was in the Philippines from July the 25th to October the 19th 1984. Most of the time was spent in Manilla and Northern Luzon following the indigenous textile trail and on Borocay, an island paradise. In my diary I reminded myself never to forget the back strap weaving, the terraces, touring with the military,…
1960’s Glamour
I was poking through some slides that my mother had left at my house after her last shift and decided to convert them to images as a gift. I have always loved 1960’s fashion and fabrics and was delighted when I found these shots of her on a ‘country outing’. The frocks were beautiful, although…
Back of the Bottom Drawer 