'Important News'

I was given two bits of 'important news' today on my walk to the shops and back.

The first was from the lady serving me at the butchers* - she told me that Michael Jackson had died. It's interesting to see that she considered the news of the death worth passing on to a stranger (although I suppose they are used to making conversation with customers).

The second bit of 'news' came as I was walking home. A lady stopped me in the street and asked if she could tell me something really important. I had a hunch what was coming next: "God really loves you!"

I interrupted her at that point to explain that I had already heard that particular news and was in fact a Christian. She asked if I was a 'born-again' Christian, and I agreed that I was after checked her definition of born again! (Having received God's Holy Spirit).

We then went our separate ways. I've got to say, despite the fact that I suspect her and I would differ on a few theological points, I was impressed by her boldness in proclaiming the good news of God's love.

* Incidentally, it was quite funny at the butchers because I requested a lamb pie, and they thought I asked for lamb's fry! I noticed them bagging up a massive livery looking thing and realised the mistake. We had a bit of a chuckle about it...

A Speedy Trip to the Art Gallery

I went to town yesterday to see some friends, and I thought I'd make a day of it by going to the Art Gallery first to see the Monet exhibition.

Because I had Hamish with me, I rocketed through the exhibition in record time - there were lots of people there and I didn't want him to crack it and make a fuss which he tends to do if the stroller stops moving for more than 30 seconds. So I made my way through the rooms pretty quickly - in fact I think I was in there for less than 10 minutes. At $18 to get in, I reckon that makes it a $2 per minute experience.

It was good - the paintings were nice although not as impressive as I'd expected, I think because they are so familiar owing to their fame. Also they were mostly smaller than I'd expected. I went and had a look at the Australian impressionist stuff which I like more than the European paintings - it felt like I was visiting old friends and it was interesting to compare the two styles.

It was great to go to the art gallery, and more importantly the art gallery shop! I love it - bought some postcards and a magnet and glanced wistfully at all the other stuff that I didn't have the money for, or the means of getting home.

All in all I spent around half an hour there and it was lovely.

Lusting after Stationery

I am a sucker for buying stationery. I've been browsing www.kikki-k.com.au for a while now, would love to buy stuff but don't actually need it! I'm thinking of getting a day to a page diary for 2009 - I need to see them in the shop though because I am quite picky about diaries.

The thing is, I really really enjoy the shopping bit, but always end up using the diary much, much less than I planned. I think I like the idea of one more than the reality.