THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE BLACK AND WHITE

I've dreamt of seeing the 'aurora borealis' many times. It's a rare, natural phenomenon where the sky turns into a full intergalactic rainbow.

I'm taking a different sort of northern mission and moving up to Sydney to work at a film festival, which takes place north of Newcastle. Filmmakers and friends Allanah and Stavros bought a property in Dungog on their return to Australia from London and were inspired by the creative community up there. So they started a festival. This year will be the 4th Dungog Film Festival (May 27-31) and I am excited to be part of it.

Having not lived in Sydney for a long, long time (last time was only for a handful of months), I'm very much looking forward to getting to know the city again. I'm going to continue to pursue my own projects, whilst helping to source and exhibit Aussie films at Dungog. Allanah and Stav are huge go-getters, they set up a distribution company and are pursuing their own film projects as well. I can't wait to be around that sort of energy.

Now it's taken me a while to re-find my voice here. I had a busy January with my various missions. But I also had a disaster and stopped talking to myself for a while. I was so angry that I could be so stupid.

This may sound like something less than momentous to some, but Collingwood football fans may want to skin me alive. And we all know that Pies supporters are the most committed of all!

Whilst on a Christmas clear up at the back sheds at my parents' home in Flinders, I found something I'd been dreaming of. Longing for. Wishing to see again. I unpacked an old suitcase and there it was - my long sleeved, VFL Collingwood football jumper from when Dad was President in the early 80s. It was signed by everyone in the team. All my old favourites were there - Tony Shaw, Peter Daicos, David Cloke, Mark Williams, Mike Richardson..... - and some that I didn't quite remember.



I hugged the jumper with glee. I was reunited with my very own, precious piece of footie history. I skipped across the lawn, with the detritus of my past lives littered everywhere and felt as though I was dancing on air. Seriously. A link to a past almost forgotten until my return to Melbourne last year.

For those of you who don't know, my brother's nickname for me is 'Joffette'. A rather snaggle-toothed, bleached blonde ruffian named Joffa heads up the Collingwood Fan Club and Hame is convinced that I'm destined to be his right hand 'man'! I have embraced all things black and white so much, that when offered the job in Sydney, the fact that I won't be in Melbs for the season almost made me turn the job down. Almost.

I hope to make enough money to fly back regularly for games. I will go and watch the ones I can't be at on the big screen somewhere in Sydney. I'll sniff out the best place to watch them.

So back to my old jumper. I packed it and other things I wanted to keep handy in an old trunk and forgot about them for a few weeks. Christmas, my birthday and new years eve all raced past at a galloping pace. It was the first Macdonald Christmas that we'd ever spent just the four of us (parents, brother, sister) that I can remember. We ate lobster, cleaned out the pond (Hamish of course threw me in the scum when there was one inch left) and played some golf. It was blissful.


Instead of celebrating my birthday on the annoying date of 30th December, I decided to have a gathering at the Balnarring picnic races on Sunday the 3rd of January. Dad took me out seriously early to nab a space (I am always rather grumpy at that time of the morning) and Mum cooked her heart out to make it a wonderful day. Friends and relations travelled from afar to have a bet, a sanger and a bevvie or three. It was a wonderfully relaxed, rural, delectable day.

So, the day after, I was feeling rather worse for wear. I was immersed in a film project all day and Mum insisted it was time to empty the trunk and air the clothes. Fair enough. She kindly offered to put them out for me. That night, as I was heading to bed, I simply couldn't muster the energy to bring them in. I though, oh well, the dew will do those musty clothes good. I'll grab them in the morning.

Ohmybloodygod NO! I woke up with a gasp at 6am with only one thought. 'Was my Collingwood jumper in that trunk? Oh god no. Please. NO!!!!! I have never got out of bed as fast as that morning. I moved like lightening and found two very surprised parents watering the garden. They hadn't seen me up that early for a long time. When I saw the black and white stripes, and the smudged signatures I cried like a baby. For hours. How could I be so lazy and stupid and idiotic and sloth-like not to have simply brought the clothes inside? A hangover is not a good excuse.

I have almost forgiven myself. Not really. But I'm trying to.

All those years in London, living next to Stanford Bridge in Chelsea and Emirates Stadium in the Arsenal, I could utterly empathise with the faces of jubilation and bitter defeat, dependent on the outcome of each game, as I watched the fans from my window. One of the highlights of 2009, has to be when Jack Anthony kicked that winning goal against the Crows. One of the bitterest pills was being beaten by Geelong in the semi-finals, yet again.

Our first preliminary season match is again the mighty Sainters, so it'll be a toughie, but we'll have Luke Ball and Darren Jolly. Two top, brand spanking new players. But St. Kilda will be out for blood after losing to Geelong in the Grand Final. It was an amazing match, but Geelong were simply too good.

So as I set off on the road again, almost exactly a year after my return to Oz, I promise once more to keep you closely posted.

Here's to Aussie film and to Aussie rules. Two great reasons (apart from my family and friends of course!!!) to be back in this wonderful country. We are truly blessed.

C'arn the Pies!
2010 is ours.
Lxxxx

SUDDENLY, THE SILLY SEASON

Today, I realised that I've been woefully neglectful.

I was planning to write all about my time in London town when I was in Thailand, but I was so behind with my script re-write that was my only focus. Thailand was as gorgeous as ever, but after India it felt empty and rather colourless. Though the Thais are wonderful and the food is extraordinary. I am not complaining, but every place seems to pale in comparison to India.

After a seriously hectic few weeks in London, Thailand was the perfect place to catch our breath. Mum and I had three nights at the Hyatt in Hua Hin. It was divinely quiet and the spa was absolutely blissful. Despite the most heavenly treatments, (how bloody lucky am I?), I was unable to sleep. This does happen a lot to me in the lead up to a transition. My mind simply refuses to shut up. It almost feels like I short circuit, or maybe I re-boot. Whatever the correct technical term is, my brain whirs like a dervish.

It was truly lovely to have some time away from everyone. To not talk, which I do far too much of. Mum and I had some 'quality time' and the General Manager and his gorgeous Aussie wife Jamie, made us feel welcome. A great friend of Hame's, Carly Adler, is old mates with them and went to the trouble of introducing us. We found a corner cafe called, bizarrely McFarlane House (after a previous resident) that made incredible fresh juices and salads that sat almost on the beach. It felt like it was there just for us, until some chain smoking French ladies discovered it!

Mum was keen to go to Chiva Som, but the prices have gone way up since she was last there, so we decided to give the Hyatt a try. CS looked amazing when we walked past it on the beach one evening (dodging the gelatinous jelly fish bodies), but the Hyatt was understated and quiet. We had a great few days in limbo-land.

Mum then flew off to Melbourne and I travelled further south. Via a local recommendation, I found a quiet beach called Khao Kolak which is in the province of Pranburi. It was a beautiful drive there, past fields bursting with pineapples. I felt utterly spoiled and ready to tear into the script.

I allowed myself a plate of fruit for breakie (unbelievably delicious array, some I'd never seen before in my life), one swim and walk per day and then a meal in the evening. The rest of the time I wrote and wrote and wrote. Luckily I was the only guest at the Orchid Guest House, run by a nice Brit called Tim and his lovely Thai wife Nat. Their two little boys rolled around happily and it was quiet enough for me to really concentrate. It was cheap and set back from the beach, which got infiltrated with Bangkokians (no idea if that's right!) at the weekend.

The seafood was seriously fresh and delish. But the best thing - I simply adored not having to speak and being able to shut the door and immerse myself in my writing. It felt like the best sort of retreat. Of my very own. One member only.

I had spent most of my trip thinking about the changes that I wanted to make to the previous draft. I had attempted to write when in London. But I was staying first with Mellie in Miranda's lovely flat in Maida Vale and I was on a (very comfy) pull out bed in her living room. Mel runs Choi Time from there, so it was tricky to find much space. Though I absolutely adored being there with her. I've missed her SO much. She's had a tough year, like so many people in London in particular. For anyone who loves tea, you must go to choitime.com and order some of her incredible tea for Chrissie. Her divine teas make the best presents ever.

Mellie and I did manage to squeeze in some lovely missions. One of them was a special screening of Terry Gilliam's new film THE IMAGINATION OF DR. PARNASSUS, which was incredible. Despite Heath Ledger dying in the middle of filming, they managed to make the film work and it's an amazing achievement. I adored it. I always adore Gilliam, as at his worst he's so far and above most directors. He has a truly unique voice, in a similar vein to Tim Burton, who's another of my faves.

So, London town. It was Spring like my first week there and I had a bit of time to catch up with various friends and their new babies. I met a lot of babies. All absolutely sweet mind you. It's just such a momentous change in people's lives and so all consuming. I understand that you need to go to them, but I was tearing across town at such a rate. Thank you Shiv for making the effort to bring Noah to Jenny's - he's a peach! Luckily I managed to go on some lovely walks in Hyde Park to clear away the cobwebs. I arrived pretty (seriously) broken from NYC.

The rest of my time in London is a bit of a blur, as there were so many family lunches and dinners and get togethers in the lead up to and over the wedding. My first weekend was spent at Pinhills (where Mum's bro Anthony lives on the Bowood estate near Charlie - the Marquis of Lansdowne, an old friend of the family - and his wonderful wife Fiona) with my cousins, which was great fun. We rarely get proper time together, so it was most welcome. Ed and Nina are loving married life and despite the tough year economically, Ed is doing very well in property and Tor is starting her own jewellery business. So brave!

Zoe and I had caught up in New York but it was rather brief, so it was lovely to hear all her news and help her with her book proposal a bit. She's found a top agent who is moulding her TV idea into a book. She's now in LA moving it all forward. She does manage to get around, as she's appearing here next week.

This weekend Ed, Tor and Nina all arrive. I don't remember the last time we had so many of them on Aussie soil. They've got Olivia Milne's wedding up in Myrtleford next weekend.

There's so much else that happened in London but Charlie and Katie's wedding was the focal point and it was pretty magical. I can honestly say that they are wonderfully in love and suited. It was held at the family home in Sandwich, (Kent), which is a beautiful part of England. The marquee was huge and so pretty incorporating parts of their garden. I caught up with SO many relations and met some lovely people. It was well worth the visit. Charlie gave a moving speech and his best man Ed Tollemache had everyone in tears, when he talked about their Mum. Dale was definitely there in spirit. She would have been so proud of her children.

The day after I went to stay with my old friend Maddy Baillieu and it was such fun to hang out with my goddaughter, her first born Charlotte. Her younger daughter Claudia is also very sweet. It's rather gobsmacking that her hubby Harry has managed, amidst such a tricky time, to become a partner at Allen Overy and move them all back to the UK. It's definitely for the best. They've bought a house in Godalming in Surrey and I stayed on their second night there, so boxes were abounding but it has a homey feel to it. I know they'll be happy.

On my return to London I moved North, back to my old hood. I stayed with my gorgeous friend Jenny in Tufnell Park and it was like coming home. Her house on Dalmeny Rd has been the setting for a plethora of great nights and lazy movie/footy watching sessions. I just adored being back there and spending time with her son Jamie and his lady Checky. They are a special pair. A special family.

My final week was a whir of meetings and catch ups. I hardly had time to scratch myself. Then Jenny kindly hosted a farewell soiree at Dalmeny Towers and it was very civilised. A lovely cross section of people I know in London came by and I felt very loved and missed. The weather turned pretty cold and I must admit, knowing that summer was waiting for me in the southern hemisphere made it bearable getting on the plane. Though it was very hard to leave the people I adore there. Luckily so many of them will be visiting Oz in the next year - Bron and Clive are having an Aussie celebration of their wedding, Mel is planning a February visit, Amber in January and the list goes on.....

So here I am, back in Hame's spare room juggling all sorts of random jobs. It's weird, after being so focussed on my career and survival in London for so many years, that I am now able to reconnect with what really matters to me. I found so many people in London were in dark or troubled places, and some in the States. I know it's been a tough year, but that city in particular does drain you and when Winter stretches out in front like a swamp, it's hard to imagine having to knuckle down and see it through. Life is not perfect in Oz, is it anywhere? - but it's healthy and positive and beautiful. I am resolute to give it more time, to see where it leads.

And I need to finish that final act of the script.
Wish me luck.
Lxxxx

BACK IN THE HOOD

Ahhh Brooklyn. I adore New York City and am a late convert to it's outer borough, but I have to say that to fall into the loving arms of my mates there was pure bliss.

The conditions were arctic. I left LA with flash floods and arrived to full blown winter. It was rather depressing after Melbourne's long winter.

Samantha and Suzanne's flat in Carroll Gardens is big, but they have a big dog too. Whitman was rescued by Suzanne when found chained to a fence in Walt Whitman park. He's now a healthy, happy, very vocal member of the clan. He is most protective of both the ladies and barks like crazy when anyone comes near. There are some quite funny anecdotes about suitors who have been scared off the premesis.

So I challenged my gals to go dancing. I am sick of this getting older and not dancing enough malarkey.

For my first night, we had a gorgeous dinner with aforementioned ladies and my old mucker Elizabeth Stewart (who has mutated into a super fabulously coiffed Creative Director) at a local restaurant called Jamie. We were fussed over by super cute waiters in plaid shirts. The food was delicious and we drank bubbles and caught up in style.

I forced Samantha to see FAME with me the next day. I was just laughed at when I suggested that in LA. With good reason. It was pretty crap, but still great fun. The original movie was much better. This caused a lot of singing in the street with various friends throughout the trip, so I guess that was worth it. That night Sammy and I ended up out a bit late.

The next day was Liz's birthday but noone was allowed to say anything, as she has always strenuously avoided celebrating. Strangely we met uptown at a party on the Upper West Side at a lovely girl called Maureen's place for pulled pork, mac & cheese and other deliciousness.

Beforehand I met up with both the Kaplan sisters. Claude and Kristina were so wonderful to me when I was living in NYC and we've managed to stay in touch. Whenever I race through town I now visit their incredible downtown houses and see their beautiful girls. Kristina is now pregnant with number 3 and Claude is contemplating another. Unfortunately Kristina's lawyer husband, Jeremy, is always working too late for me to meet him but I met his lovely Mum this time and Claude's British hubby Michael came back in time for a quick catch up. The Kaplans are a fascinating family and are very close. I was sad to miss seeing their parents and John who is now back in The City and having a baby.

Mein godt! Babies, babies, babies. They are everywhere.

Anyhoo, uptown I went for a civilised session of munchies and wine. Meanwhile, Suzanne had managed to get us on the list at Pacha. A ridiculous super/uber club of gargantuan proportions.

When we tried to leave Mo's party, she insisted that we go with her to a club around the corner. On the Upper West Side. Hmmm. It was hideous. Frat boys and sports filled screens on every wall and chicks dancing on the bar to the worst sort of R&B tunes possible.

We lasted for a bit and then I insisted on Pacha. We met a couple of well oiled guys on the way who dubbed us the "Sex and the Shitty" gals. This stuck for the rest of the trip.

By the time we hit the front of the queue, Liz was pointing out that it was her birthday in no uncertain terms to the bouncer, Suzanne was one big smile and Samantha was ready to dance. We had no idea what was waiting for us inside.

When did straight men start shaving their chests, putting their t-shirts around their shoulders like shrugs and oiling themselves up like beach babes? The place was PACKED and we did lots of dancing. It got messy - it always felt like someone was going missing and we had to race off to find them with all our coats and bags. Finally I got sick of that and just stayed put with all the guys that I sincerely assumed were gay. They were great dancers and lots of fun but after a bit I thought I should go find my girls. But my coat and bag were missing and I had NO idea where they were.

Finally, after much searching I found them in a heap outside and we happily made our way back to Brooklyn. The next day I spent at my gorgeous friend Amy's watching her prepare amazing food for dinner that night. I was no help at all. But despite the late night, I made it by 2pm and it was wonderful to catch some quiet time with her and new new husband Alex. After four long years of Alex commuting to Princeton, they are finally living together and it's clear that they are happy.

All my New York buddies are so special and that night, Amy and Alex hosted the most wonderful dinner party in my and Liz's honour. We ate so well and caught up on so much. It was a gorgeous bunch of people, mostly Americans but my cousin Zoe was in town so she came along and it was perfect. It made me a touch sad that I'm not more a part of their lives.

A group of us met up for a lovely brunch the next day and all of a sudden Sunday night was upon us. I had quite a few people still to see the next day which was very sadly my last. I had a heavenly Japanese feast with my old mate Mark 'The Rabbi' Rabinowitz for lunch, who has moved out to East Hampton and came in specially. I then visited the Washington Square Park apartment of an Aussie editor called Kate and her lovely family. Her mother is one of my Mum's great friends, so it was lovely to connect with her again.

Then I spent the evening crossing paths with more lovely friends and the night went on much longer than anticipated. I managed to pack and get in a taxi at 6am by the skin of my teeth and felt a heavy heart as I boarded the plane and left my favourite city. Sigh!

But what a welcome I was given in London this week. I'm currently staying with my friend Mel in Maida Vale and she is spoiling me rotten. We've been catching up on everything and it's divine. We went to a screening of Terry Gilliam's new film THE IMAGINATION OF DR PARNASSUS and it was incredible. I've always been a huge fan of Gilliam's films, but this had such expectation as Heath Ledger's final film and the fact that Colin Farrel, Johnny Depp and Jude Law all stepped in to finish the film after he died. The film is magnificent, a true feat of courage and conviction.

I was so sideways from all the flying and carrying bags and fun I've been having that I took some time and went to the Porchester Spa. Magical Moira scrubbed and massaged me to within an inch of my life and I left feeling a gazillion bucks. She told me incredible stories about her life and her partner's and I had the most wonderful afternoon possible. I love a good sweat to rejuvenate the soul.

That night was my welcome back drinks, all organised by Mellie. The most gorgeous faces showed up and I felt once again welcomed back to the fold. London town. I left in such a whirlwind and was so exhaustepated that I was a shadow of my former self. How lovely to be here as a tourist. Walking around Hyde Park, eating at Frescos, dealing with the public transport, everything feels so different.

Now I'm in Wiltshire with my cousins whom I adore. Zoe, Tor and I drove down together, while Ed and Nina followed an hour behind. Then today Tor's new man Karim caught a train down - he's lovely! We've been planning this catch up weekend for months and I'm currently sitting in the most comfortable bed known to man. I had a monster sleep last night, one to rival all previous sleeps. I was just so shattered and happy to be here. Charlie's wedding is going to be very special. It's on Halloween and he is marrying a beautiful doctor called Katie. Mum has just arrived in town and it's all hotting up for next weekend. I look forward to all the family missions ahead. I just hope I can find the time to do everything else I need to do in London.

This weekend to recharge our batteries is much needed. We just ate a massive dinner at a pub nearby and I think I must melt into the bed covers. I hope the sun is shining again tomorrow. I've had more sunshine since arriving in the UK than I had the whole time in the US. Go figure!

LA-LA LAND

It is cheesy and vacuum packed, but I really love LA. There are some truly wonderful people here and I always have such a blast with them. It's always the people that enrich one's life and I am wealthy beyond my wildest dreams in that regard.

I'm staying with a seriously kind friend in West Hollywood called Andre Fabrizio, (or as The Mullighan, our mutual friend, calls his old mate, Fabs) an Italian-Aussie whose been living here for over a decade and has finally got his green card (in the mail the day before yesterday). He lives in a great building tucked behind Hollywood Blvd, with lovely neighbours and a swimming pool!!! I've been in it every single day washing off the Melbourne winter and feeling less like a pudgy white worm with each swim.

Fabs is a screenwriter who has finally been able to give up his day job producing movie trailers to write full time. He's in the midst of projects for studios and big directors and is doing well. I'm rather nervous, as he's currently reading my script and we've got a business lunch on the morrow where I'll get his advice. We're going to my fave Japanese restaurant - Iroha - where the spicy tuna tartare on rice cakes is to die for.

To go back a bit, I was so overtired (as usual) I hardly slept a wink on the flight. I watched so many movies and started off laughing happily at comedies (THE PROPOSAL) and ended up blubbing my heart out to Aussie films (finally got to see BEAUTIFUL KATE and BLESSED - both are tough but brilliant flicks - and the end to AUSTRALIA). I hardly ate and this time avoided alcohol, as I knew the drive would freak me out at the other end. Getting straight off the plane into a hire car is a truly surreal experience, it feels like you're in a video game.

I abhor driving in LA. The highways terrify me as people seem to switch lanes without warning and I always feel like I'm lucky to make it to my destination alive. I was proud to make it to Fabs' abode in one piece. After a rest and swim I took to the streets and ended up on Hollywood Blvd where I mingled with the Michael Jackson impersonators and inexplicably, loads of Jack Sparrows pirates.

I pounded the pavements for quite a while doing various errands and by the time I got back, I was shattered. I had a monster sleep and was off again the next day with missions before meeting my old boss Simon Kelton and some of his friends for a drink and going to see the doc ANVIL at a BAFTA screening. The film is a mixture between THIS IS SPINAL TAP and STILL CRAZY - a good combination and a tale about a Canadian heavy metal group who never quite made it, despite influencing some of the best metal bands who went on to make fortunes. They are still giving it their all in their fifties.

The Director, a Brit called Sacha Gervasi (friend of Simon's) directed the film and the crowd just loved it. We had a bit of a natter afterwards and my favourite story is that his cameraman thought the guys were actors and on the second day of the shoot, he took Sacha aside and said "Come on, you've got to tell me. They're actors right?". He thought it really was Spinal Tap. Classic.

Afterwards I had a frolic with some old girlfriends and a lovely mate of theirs (Patrick). Nickers and Jodi were in fine form and we had a ball catching up. Jodi even gave me the keys to her flat in Mulberry St in NYC for me to use when I'm there next week. Bless her! People are so incredibly kind. Though I'll be staying with Samantha and Suzanne in Brooklyn, as I'd get in so much trouble if I didn't, it will be great to have somewhere to bolt to if I need to when I'm in Manhattan.

Saturday was a day of lovely sun filled missions in Silverlake. I had to ask directions to a cafe and realised half way through that I was asking Shirley Manson from Garbage the way to Stella!!

At brunch, it turned out that Patrick used to work for an old producer friend of mine from New York, so I'm hoping to catch up with him. I had been wondering how to reconnect with him. Such a tiny, wee world.

Time just slips away so quickly. I can't believe I only have 2 more days here.

I took Fabs out with me last night to the awards night for my cousin Andrew Bossom's polo club, which he's President of. We had a drink at he and his delicious wife Amza's incredible mansion in Glendale, Bette Davis' old house. I had such fun hanging out with their two little boys - Bayne and Piers. Soooo cute. I met some of their horses and chased after them as they ran wild and happily around the property with dogs yapping at their heels.

Dinner was at a true blue Italian restaurant and it was a delicious meal with lots of colourful characters. The awards were fun and Andrew gave a running commentary, while a lady did a good job of keeping things on track. It was raucous and great fun. I had a very unexpected proposal from a gay guy at a neighbouring table and ate far too many profiteroles.

Afterwards we went to a bar where a friend of Fabs' was having a party. I hadn't had any Mexican food (which I adore) so decided to get a burrito while Fabs found his friends. Bad decision. We checked out another sleazy bar around the corner which was hilarious, but decided it was time to head out and I loved watching CHILDREN OF MEN when we got home. Such a good film. Though I'm told the book is better.

Despite my hatred of driving here, I managed to make it to Santa Barbara today. I'm spending the night with the Keltons as Simon and Heather kindly invited me to join them for dinner. Simon and I had a big session talking about my script and he had a lot of suggestions about how to improve it and make it commercial. It will mean a lot of changes, but if I can pull off a great next draft then we could be onto something.

I'm shattered now. We had a lovely dinner and Jasper, their 2 year old boy, is the most divine creature in the whole world. He is a real peach. Heather has been going through a tough time following the death of her beloved Mum, so it was really nice to have a proper catch up. They are so happy out here. She works for some big Hollywood players, who are local and Jasper adores it too. I'm looking forward to taking a walk in the morning. The coastline was amazing on the drive up here but it got dark almost as I arrived.

Really wish I could keep on driving to San Francisco, where one of my great mates lives but hey ho. You can't do everything at once. But you can try.

Must get some sleep as the next two days will be jam packed.
Wish me luck.
Lxxx

DALI RAVE ENTICES ALL

Bloody brilliant.

After a week of battling a lurking lurgie, following a rather large Grand Final weekend, (by the way, Geelong were triumphant and it was deliciously hard won - a proper wet, dirty rough and tumble), I have been struggling to prepare for my trip. I had a gazillion emails to send and so much to sort that I think I just shut down.

By the time Friday rolled around, I was looking forward to getting the hell out of the house and helping Amanda at her new store on Gertrude St in Fitzroy. She is the most brilliant designer (http://www.leonardstreet.com.au) and old school friend. She is seriously preggers and has taken on too much - opening two new stores at once - so I've been helping her out when possible.

Living South, I don't get North as much as I'd like and I have to say, there are some serious crazies up there but mostly the people are divine. And the shops (and food) are unbelievable. It's danger zone for me. Big time. I bought the most ridiculously divine 80s jump suit on Friday, luckily Amanda gave me her blessing (kind of) and I can't wait to rock around LA and NYC in it. Think it might be a little too chilly in London town.

At the end of the day, Mum arrived and whipped me off to the most amazing contemporary jewellery store called Ingot where they were having a do. We drank bubbles and shopped and it was a feast for the eyes. She bought me the funkiest black leather necklace to go with my new Leona Edminston frock (cherries and spots galore) for my cuz Charlie's wedding on Halloween (back in Blighty) to the gorgeous Katie. Divine.

I booked us into a restaurant that I'd heard so much about. The Panama Dining Room is top floor above a dance school on Smith St in Collingwood (hear the crowd roar!). We had a gorgeous dinner of deliciousness. The view was great, the food delish and the company perfect. We had some great chats. The sort of chats it's hard to have when you're living half a world away and each meeting has too much expectation.

Without going on about the life style and how lovely people are back in Oz, there's no doubt that the best thing is spending time with my family here.

That said, I can't wait to get on that aeorplane in a few short days. I love to be in motion.

Back to Saturday. In one word, it was a monster. I worked at the gallery (Mossgreen) where I've loved helping out in the last few months. They run a fascinating operation there and with Sotheby's now selling out here (to a far from reputable man) they're in a great possie. I've just spent the day packing boxes of a fascinating collector's estate in Kew with the owners Paul and Amanda who are good people. They work incredibly hard and deal in a wide variety of artifacts.

So after finishing at the gallery, I went over to my lovely friend Stellar's place. Strangely she lives on the same street I grew up on and where my junior school is, even in the same block of flats where Hamish and I lived when we first left school. It's always a strange mix of emotions when I walk up the street under the plane trees, it feels rather like time is standing still.

I spent a few fun hours at Stell's where she and her little sis Clea were having a back to back session of 'Bold & The Beautiful'. It was yet another flash back as most of the old characters are still on the show and 20 years later (we used to wag school to watch it back in the day) it's kinda scary to watch but bloody funny.

I made my way to The Supper Club where I've been exploring Melbourne's night life scene since my return. And meeting new people who actually like to go out (as opposed to most of my friends back here due to the serious child factor) where I worked the door. It was a full moon and daylight savings hit after midnight. And something was in the air.

I had heard that the Dali exhibition at the National gallery was trialing a new idea - staying open for 24 hours on it's last day. People poured through the door at Supper Club and kept on coming. It was nuts. There were rumours of the queue at Dali going back over the bridge to Flinders St (quite a way) and being four people deep. Parklife festival was pouring happy punters out straight to Dali, so when people at work started talking about going, I was in. Like Flynn.

I was finally knocked off after 5am and the drinks were on. It was a fabulous final night, everyone stuck around and I drank an incredible cocktail called The Botanical (thanks Nick). Eventually, a small gang of us wandered down to the gallery. The dawn had arrived and we ambled through the quiet city with bottles clinking in our bags and arms linked. We arrived at the gallery around 7am to find no queue but loads of people.

What followed was the most blissful night/morning. I had already been to the exhibition twice and Tara, our hostess with the mostest, whose right ankle is tattooed in fabulous Dali, had been three times. For the boys (Josh and Louis) it was mostly their first time, though Alex had been before. Inside there was the normal slow moving line of people going from one painting to the next, but we ran around in between jumping to what took our fancy - pure bliss. We watched my favourite part of the exhibition, 'Destino' (the cartoon Dali made with Disney but was never released) twice in a row and I could have watched it three more times at least but we wandered on to be mesmerised by a wide variety of Dali's intense visions. It was such a heady mix. The crowd was of all ages and pretty soon, those of us who had been up all night were drawn to each other. Those who were clearly just up were yawning differently to us, and everyone was having a bit of a giggle at each other.

We ended the trip by climbing up a tree opposite the gallery and watching the world go by. Then we made it on to Vic Markets, where we enjoyed making our way through the most delectable wares and munched on some. Finally, back at Josh's place we sat on his roof and as he and Tara finally wilted, I ventured out into the stark day and ran a bunch of errands with my sunnies firmly placed on my nose.

Melting into bed at midday was the most blissful feeling in the world. Now I've got a pile of things to sort before I get on that plane in a few short days, so forgive me....

More from the road.
Lxxx

WIN, LOSE OR DRAW - NO DEFECTIONS ALLOWED, EVER

Footy fever reaches its highest pitch on the morrow - The Grand Final (Aussie Rules).

Today there was a parade for Geelong and St. Kilda in the rain - lots of fans turned out despite the inclement conditions. St. Kilda have had a towering season and Geelong kicked Collingwood out of the finals last weekend in scary style - we looked like little boys next to their hairy grit. That said, Gary Ablett doesn't have a hair on his head and quite rightly took the Brownlow medal home on Monday eve.

You might be asking, who the hell cares? A lot of Aussies feel the same, but if you've got the footy bug, Winter (particularly in Melbourne) is much more enjoyable. If your team is winning mind you. Don't even talk about the depression that hits if you lose, particularly if you get pulverised which Collingwood has quite a bit. Though we were always a wild card. All the Macdonalds left the MCG half way through the final quarter last Saturday evening, (and we NEVER leave a game early), as it was quite clear our whipping was causing us all excessive pain.

In the words of my new friend Roachie, who coaches with the Hawks, "You're born into a footy team. Win, lose or draw, you stick with 'em." St. Kilda fans have been loyal since their last flag in 1966. Something tells me they deserve it tomorrow, but it's lucky number 3 Grannies in a row for the Cats - having lost the last two. Both teams will be dogged tomorrow.

Anyway the Grand Final (the Grannie!) will see barbies firing up and eskies filled all over Australia. Beers will be opened from an early hour. Two mighty Victorian teams will awaken to a Clash of the Titans. They have both led the whole season and were undefeated half way through - until they played each other, and St. Kilda just scraped a victory. It will hopefully be a great battle, worthy of them both.

'Nuff said.

I've finally booked all my tickets to head off around the world again - the other way this time. I'm boarding a jet plane in a few short weeks and cannot wait to get back out amongst it. It's been a fabulous return to Oz the past 6 months, but it's time I reconnect having been almost a year since I left London for India. I cannot believe that time has flown by. It's been pretty damn incredible I must say. Bring on Summer though, I forgot that Melbourne winters could be pretty harsh. But thankfully somewhat shortlived.

I say that when it's been pissing down with hideous big, fat rain the past few days mercilessly. It's great for our reservoirs after the droughts, but everyone is antsy for Spring and the racing carnival is just around the corner. Sadly I'll miss all the pastels and hats. Champagne and chicken and avocado sandwiches abound us all I remember of past carnivals.

Gotta run to Hamish's work party - XYZ Studios have a new home in South Melb and we're christening it tonight.

Toodles.
Lxxx

DOWNLOAD FROM THE DARK SIDE

I am so angry that my stomach is in knots. Every single time I call any institution in the UK (my bank, HRMC, estate agents.....) I end up in such a rage I hang up the phone on some poor sod. Before I call, I tell myself to keep calm, to be nice and to tell them what they want. Every time a flipping, fucking coconut I end up incandescent with rage. Why is it SO hard to get anything done there? Why can I never give them enough numbers or details or jump through their hoops to get things done?

Australia is not perfect, but customer service and understanding still exists here. Some of the time. What shocked me after I first got back, is how friendly people are. Clearly not everyone, but most people say hello to you and take a minute to ask a question and actually listen to your response. I was freaked out by it at first.

Enough ranting. The film festival was really impressive. It finished on Sunday and my, what a marathon. In fact a lot of the films I saw really blew me away, taking me to places I never expected all over the world. Though why do so many films have to be dark in tone and content? I know life is no picnic, but I longed for a HAPPY GO LUCKY moment in the fest, but ended up with THE BASTARDS. I needed to chug red wine after that one. Sheesh.

My friend Nichole, who I met in India, is living in Melbs (she's moved into a fab house in West Brunswick with a friend from London called Jane) and I suggested she volunteer at the festival. We had such a blast meeting up and going over what we'd seen, often going to films together or showing up at the events that the other was working. It was such fun to share the fest with someone on a regular basis throughout. I'm used to attending festivals all over the world and meeting up with all sorts of colleagues but Melbourne has been very different.

Instead of being in a foreign city, where you're only there for meetings and the festival, I was trying to work and juggle my life here, so it was not my usual festival experience. At first I felt displaced and out of the loop, but quickly I met people and saw films that inspired me. In one day, I went from from Russia (Iranian director) to Korea and the Philippines (Korean director) to Algeria and the Western Sahara (Aussie & Bolivian Co-Directors) and ended up in London thanks to an Argentinean director.

All the films were worthwhile, but the documentary STOLEN which confronted slavery in the refugee camps of Algeria was explosive. In fact, I saw some incredible docs at the fest. The one on Rebiya Kadeer, the Uighar leader, (10 CONDITIONS OF LOVE) that has caused all the uproar was definitely a highlight. Not because it was the best doc I've ever seen, but due to the Chinese kicking up such a fuss, a small little doc became such a sensation - they had to move the screening to the town hall to fit everyone.

Mrs Kadeer has sacrificed so much for her people, (some of her children are in prison simply for being hers), and she spoke beautifully, with such passion before and after the screening. It's sad that 7 Chinese films were pulled from the fest because they refused to cancel this doc. And that the festival site was constantly attacked by hackers, simply for supporting freedom of speech. It makes you realise how incredibly lucky we are to take it for granted as a fact of life. As well as fundamental human rights, which STOLEN explores with its journey in Algeria and Western Sahara.

Irrelevant of how strong one might feel the actual films are, and there are some important failings though they give good viewing, they are both stories by passionate, committed filmmakers who did their utmost in very tricky circumstances to tell stories they felt should be told. It was fascinating to hear the audience at each session (I love a good Q&A) and to see how the filmmakers handled their questions. Being a filmmaker is tough, being a documentary filmmaker is even tougher. There is such little money and you have to fight so hard to get the film completed and then actually just get it out there to audiences.

I ask you how Jeff Daniels, the director of the doc about Rebiya Kadeer's life, managed to hold down a teaching job and spend 7 years of his life on this one piece of film? It's impossible for us mortals to imagine the pressure that's been put on him during this time and since the political explosion that erupted when MIFF programmed his film. The ramifications have been huge. But he's clearly drawn so much inspiration from his subject, that he's had the strength to go on. I salute them all.

I'd love to go into all the feature films that I adored, but two really stick out in my mind (apart from the fantastic Aussie film BALIBO) and those are the Icelandic film THE WHITE WEDDING and the British film UNMADE BEDS. They transported me completely and utterly to their destinations. And I ached for London after seeing the latter. It captured the freedom and eccentricities of that maddening city so well.

ANTICHRIST was an utterly nutty experience, but I have to say that I love Lars Von Trier for his truly unique vision. I can see why Charlotte Gainsbourg got Best Actress in Cannes. Bloody hell. It's all it's cracked up to be in the sadistic, artistic stakes. Gulp!

Now, I'm letting all those movies flow through me and I'm re-writing the feature that I've been working on a lot of this year. Hamish and I have got some industry people interested in reading it so the pressure is on. I've kidnapped Minnie (Hame's dog) and absconded to the coast, where I'm alone at our parent's place (except for Min!) and it's heaven. They're off in the Kimberleys (Western Oz) seeing the astounding Bradshaw rock paintings with their new best friends the Frasers. Gosh life is funny. I just have to laugh out loud sometimes at the absurdity of my existence.

I pray that over the next few days, I can reach deep down inside and find the strength to do this script justice. I am so grateful to all my heavenly mates who keep sending me such encouragement, as I can't tell you how much I need your prayers. I am terrified to finally put this script out there and can't believe that next week it will be in the ether. I saw the most incredible speech on TED's site today thanks to Miranda Barber, who sent me the link. It was by an author of a book I didn't much like, but the way she described the creative process and some fascinating issues surrounding it was really inspiring.

Mellie and Kiko, you made me laugh so much. Thank you.
And Pip your feedback has been invaulable. As always.
More soon. Lxxxxx