Finding little moments to savour

 

It’s been an odd week, this one. A dear friend asked me, ‘How’s your head, Kath?’ and to be honest it’s been a little muddled lately but last evening, as I chatted to a very nervous 38-year-old, who, along with myself was serving canapes at the art gallery opening, it cleared nicely.

So, what’s been going on – I think the familiarity we have with the campground and our volunteering roles had left me feeling at a loss, wondering when I was going to start exploring new places and adventures. Without a vehicle to drive, my spontaneity of popping off to do my own thing added to my sense of ‘What am I doing here?’ But how quickly things change. Speaking to Elk last night reminded me to savour the small moments.

So, in the last week my new experiences include:

·        Meeting the crew of ‘Blokes World’ and being filmed (probably will be cut, but who knows) as they prepared a show, to be filmed in about 4 weeks, featuring the Road Transport Hall of Fame.

·        Chatting to an embalmer who moved here from Victoria, but was born in Zimbabwe – you just never know who you will strike a conversation with as you wait to watch the hotted-up cars in the Red Centre Nat Parade

·        Driving home from the Centre Nat Parade and being mistaken for an exhibitor – Bill’s favourite moment

·        Serving drinks at the event hosted by the NT Administrator (equivalent to Victoria’s Governor-General) and learning about the protocols and formalities that are involved in such an event, including a toast to the now deceased Queen. This event and my noticings and wonderings brought about a conversation regarding Welcome to Country and how Acknowledgement of Country differs in NT to Victoria. It was great to get the head thinking and pondering.

·        Working for the caterer (Reality Bites - the NT version of Brent Sinclair for Meeniyan locals) at the artists BBQ for the Desert Mob 2022 artists at Araluen Art Centre. This allowed me to be a part of a gathering of indigenous people, hearing their varied languages and interacting with them. I so wished I had my camera, some of their faces were just so beautiful and interesting – I’m hoping when I go to the market on Saturday that it might be OK to take some shots.

·        Seeing the kitchen and working with women (of at least 3 different nationalities) who pack lunches for the Ghan and for the international pilots, in a small, but obviously very efficient kitchen in a portable building

·        Serving canapes at the Art Gallery Opening, explaining to one of the well-known artists what tofu is – she really wasn’t sure she wanted to try a vegan rice paper roll, but happily took two chicken and almond parcels with mango chutney

There have also been some more familiar events which are special too:

·        Morning tea with Jen and Wes

·        Drinks around the campfire and one of Timmy’s famous curries

·        Volunteering and getting my teeth into preparing the information for signs in the Buntine Shed as a follow up to Noelene’s work

·        Farewelling other travelers

·        Filling in my 4^th Tax Declaration paperwork for my 4^th employee for this financial year

·        Paying bills (like the overdue Tipper Registration – eek!) 

        Mopping the Kenworth floor

        Playing with my camera

·        Chats with the family – Congrats Jade on your appointment next year at Meeniyan Primary School, Best of luck for the Grand final Kyle – I’m looking forward to watching it on YouTube

·        Cooking in our outdoor kitchen

So, this week has been busy and next is looking just as good – starting in about 30 minutes when Vonda and I head into town for a girl’s day including art galleries, coffee and the beginning events of DesertSong2022.

I hope you’re all well and have had something special happen in your week. Take care, Kath