Melbourne Update

Just a little update ...

I left Alpacaland last month and came back to Melbourne. We never did figure out what happened with the missing alpaca. I guess it will forever remain a mystery. It was nice being on the farm, but I was happy to get back home to Melbourne and see my peoples!

Melbourne is getting cold. No, it is cold. I would say it generally hovers between 5-15C (41-60F). Sometimes there's a freak warm day, and others I sniffle and wish I'd remembered to bring my hat when I went out. I've borrowed a variety of long underwear, sweaters, hats, etc from various people, so am managing to stay warm most of the time. And I realize it's not Siberia cold, but hey, I am from Florida, give me a break.

I've noticed that Melbourne is being taken over by Emo kids and people who don't know how to wear skinny jeans properly. Is this a phenomenon everywhere? I have a feeling it is, but I am not sure.

The emo kids and their dark clothing, black make-up, piercings, etc, are everywhere. It's like revenge of The Cure all over again. Heads down, pouty faces, get over it man, be happy! And since all trends seem to be repeating themselves, I predict the next fad will be a reworking of Nirvana grunge.

But in the mean time, it's the skinny jeans phenomenon that perplexes me. I thought the whole silly skinny jeans with ballet flats was just a Melbourne thing, but much to my chagrin I've discovered it's global. The thing I don't get is when some people, especially males, wear skinny jeans, they let them droop a foot down their ass. If you are going to wear baggy, wear baggy. But if you are going to wear skinny jeans, for goodness sake, they are meant to show off your ass, not to droop off your ass. They look like they've done a big poo! People! Goodness!

Other than that, Melbourne is wonderful. We went to see Wicked a few weeks ago, and it was, really, one of the best shows I have seen in years. The music, singing, acting, sets, storyline, everything, was just fantastic. I highly recommend it. I hear the Broadway and London waiting lists are quite long, but it's worth it!

I am about 80% finished with my book. There are more than 70,000 words or 150 pages, so that is really exciting. I never thought I would get such a good chunk of time to get it all done. So I am very happy. Next I have to find an agent or a publisher, so if anyone has any brilliant suggestions (or contacts) I am all ears!

Next month I will go to New Zealand with some friends, and then will be able to come back for one more lot of three months, during which time I will finish up the book and see what on earth to do next ...

I hope everyone, wherever you are, are well. I'd love to hear what you all are up to...