The week before Christmas.

The kids' long vacation started on Thursday. They don't go back to school until mid Feb now!
Andrea's got herself a job at a coffee shop near her boyfriend's place. I guess I won't be seeing too much of her over the holidays. Chris comes home on Wednesday and returns to the group home on the 5th Jan.

I'm into my last week at work before I take some leave. I'm only taking the three days between Christmas and New Year, which when combined with public holidays and weekends will give me about a 10 day break when I go back on the 4th. .... and I really will get out into the garden and get that weeding done.

The car and the floors are still clamouring for some attention. But there is the reading - and the writing that call out even louder.

Sighhh

I am SUCH a bad housekeeper!

I think I've finally got the last of the Chrissie shopping done today. Woo hooo!
Now we have to start the cooking frenzy.

Andrea is going to make some White Christmas and some Rumballs - like we need such rich foods in the middle of Summer, As a concession to the weather, we will have an ice cream Plum Pdding and our family favourite - Trifle. yum with our roast dinner. ( Crazy I know - but delicious.)

I've had my new glasses for nearly two weeks now. I have really struggled with the multifocal aspect of them this time around. I think I'm finally getting the hang of them now. Things don't waver or swim in and out of focus quite so much. I still struggle with looking down at the floor or stairs - and reading in bed with them simply doesn't work.

On the other hand, they do look quite nice IMHO that is.

Now - on another subject. I discovered the hard way - as I was dressing for a work social function on Friday - that I seriously have hardly anything fit to wear. It is either too old, too small or too goddam awful to leave the house in.

It seems that my very worthy goal of losing some weight before buying any new stuff has come back to bite me on the bum. At this rate I'll be in rags before I buy anything new.

The thing is I HATE going to buy clothes. I always come away from the fluoro lit changing rooms ready to slash my wrists! Every saggy bit, every lump and bump is shown in vivid detail, and have you noticed that when the stores have the mirrors front and back - well isn't that just so much better for your ego?

And here we have Christmas around the corner. ... the natural enemy of the dieter.

sigghh.

Have a safe Christmas.

The end of a looong week

I don't know why it dragged so, but this week was one of the longest, most drawn out weeks I've endured for years. It's been mighty quiet at work and I didn't like it one bit. Now anyone who works in a hospital knows that using the Q word is frowned upon. But it has been quiet... too quiet...and I've hated it. No doubt we'll pay for it next week and we'll be inundated.

This week sucked because even though it was quiet, I got bugger all done. There was the single routine report that took me three days to write because I spent ages designing a template to make reports like this one easier to write in future. Uhhh, if you know what I mean.
I nearly cheered when I finally posted it off.

Other staff ( not in our dept thankfully) seem to be trying to outdo themselves on the 'Stupid Meter' and we are wondering if it is called the Silly Season for some other reason than Christmas.

Actually I was totally over it all by Thursday afternoon and I'd convinced myself it was Friday. Boy, was I peed off when they told me I had to come back to work today.

Well it's Friday afternoon now - and I have the whole weekend ahead of me! Whoo hoo!

I'm treely rully going to get into the back yard and poison those damned weeds - or reef them out by the roots, I'm going to pay my bills over the net and I might ( just might) wash the floor... or the car. I can't decide which.

Oh and I really am going to get that next chapter done this weekend. If only I could decide where it needs to start. I've started in three different places already and I'm not sure I've picked it right yet. Should AJ start on the stairs, at the door or in conversation inside the door? I dunno.

The thing is that this is a fast forward and there are some new players coming into the story. I don't want to get bogged down in too much back story, but neither do I want to have an 'As you know Bob' dialogue either.

I'm going to keep noodling along with it and see what comes out. Sometimes that's the best way - to just see where the characters take you and not worry about the niceties.

I know that Carolyn would agree that over-thinking the writing part is counter productive and soul destroying, so I'm going to just blunder on and see if I can get over this block.

I was reading Lori and Lea's recent Blogs and I'm totally in awe of Lori's discipline in writing 50k words last month and envious of Lea's literary inspiration in the shower. If I thought it would do me any good, I'd hop under one right now.







Before I go, there's two things I want to share.
On Tuesday my driver's licence expired and I really didn't want my photo taken with my old glasses. However the lovely folk at the optometrists suggested I borrow the new empty frames I'm buying and have my Driver's Licence photo taken wearing them. What a good idea!

Well that's exactly what I did. Sure I couldn't see the camera and just grinned myopically in the general direction, but it the photo should be ok. The guy behind the counter didn't bat an eyelid when I swapped frames, merely saying he didn't care what I did just so long as the glasses worked when I was driving.

Now would this happen in a big city? I doubt it somehow.

The second thing that happened this week was quite bizarre. On Wednesday I got home from work to find an Express Post padded parcel in the mail. Nothing odd about that except it was from The Hawthorn Football Club, which is a company I'd bought something from last year. Nothing odd about that, you say. That's right, except I hadn't ordered anything ...and the pack was empty!

Let me put this another way. I ordered nothing - which was exactly what I received. But I got it in a padded post bag by Express Post!

I rang the club straight away and they were baffled too. So, in the spirit of wanting to get to the bottom of a mystery, I scanned the handwritten label on the package and emailed it to them. Maybe they can work out who is sending empty parcels around the country on the HFC's dollar!

It's no skin off my nose, but how weird is that?

New glasses and reading

So not a lot has changed since I last wrote here. It was work as usual this week, the housework still beckons - but I steadfastly ignore it - and the weeds I mentioned last time are winning the war (my fingernails are the main casualty).

On the accomplishment side of the ledger, I have however made another hundred cards for Giant Steps, I've had an eye test and am awaiting my new glasses and I read six books from Christina Dodd's Governess series this week- which took some doing. But more about her later.

I feel great about the cards; they are a nice little fundraiser for the school. Needing new glasses didn't surprise me. My long vision seems to be a little worse each time I see the optometrist, but I'm looking forward to getting my new trendy frames in about ten days. Unfortunately my drivers licence expires this week and I'm going to have to take my renewal photo wearing the old frames. Sighhh. And we all know how the Driver's licence photo is such a keeper!

But back to my reading blitz this week.

I feel kinda let down by this author. I lurve connected books and I was looking forward to reading the first six in her Governess series on the strength of her earlier Medieval novels.

The medievals are very good, but I have to say I've found this series and her other historicals quite a let down.

Often she'll start off very strongly and I'm filled with optimism, and then either the characters do an unexpected about- face in behaviour or the plot becomes derailed with poorly executed plot twists and rushed/unbelievable endings.
And don't get me started on the use of modern language in these latter books! Grr.

Give me Loretta Chase or Liz Carlyle any day. Their plotting is always good and her characters totally believable and engaging. But I've already read all of their books.

It's all happening this weekend

The first week of February is going to be great. Sue and her husband Dave are coming downunder to join a Cruise and we are going to meet up in Sydney and do some touristy thingsbefore they sail.
The Taronga Park Zoo is on our must- see list


When I talked about taking a few days off work to meet her, my boss told me that the Beach Boys will be there that weekend playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Operal House!

I asked Sue and David, plus my Sydney-based concert Diva mate, Jen to come along.
There were some excellent seats left for the Saturday, which I was tempted to book, but didn't.

I didn't want to get stuck with them. so held off. Of course they were gone by this morning, but I managed to get four very reasonable seats in the stalls a few rows further back.

I've never seen a show at the Opera House before. This is something for the bucket list. I think it will be awesome with a capital A.


I have to thank Michael, my boss, for the heads up. Brilliant timing for us, eh? Roll on Feb. I say.


On the other hand, this weekend is not going to be long enough for me to do everything I want (or need to do)

The weeds in the garden have reached new heights of juicy lushness. I must kill them (or at least maim them severely) or pay for a man to come around and do it for me.

I have to finish off making some hand made Christmas Cards I'm doing for Giant Steps to sell. There's about a hundred or so.

The rush of blood to my head that produced my last chapter has waned. Plus I lost the first draft somewhere - and have already wasted too much time trying to find it. Sighh... will have to start again.

Then as if I didn't have enough on, Miss Snark's FV has a new comp. 51 first 250 words to critique. I try to do a bunch, because I learn so much from the exercise. I will make an effort to do a few at least

I guess I'm going to have to prioritize.

Housework? What's that?

I spoke to Andrea today. She popped into work to say Hi. She's been at her boyfriend's all week. I can't say I'm happy about that, but what can I say. She's almost 18 and a putting down of the foot will not end well - if I know my daughter.

Anyway, she's feeling pretty pleased with herself because she's been offered two waitressing jobs and has an interview for a third on Monday. Now if she can just get her driver's licence underway, she'll be set.

My muse, she went missing

My muse was MIA for weeks and it was giving me the absolute shits. I'd sit down at the computer and nothing was coming. I felt as though I was pulling teeth with every word.

I don't know if she went missing because I was doing a lot of reading, preferring to read others' words than churning out my own; that the story has hit that saggy middle section all aspiring authors dread, or perhaps I am simply over the FF trope?

When I wrote my last story I could write four or five chapters a week - every week. I wish I could say the same about this story. It's not that I dislike it, but it hasn't quite hit the same chord with me as that earlier one.

Let me just say, it took me three weeks to write a recent chapter and another week to write the one after that. But then, late last night my muse came back and in three hours I had a workable chapter.

Whoo hoo!

I felt like smiling all day. It's that kind of thing that keeps me going with this writing caper.

Panic at the Drive through

Have you ever noticed that the writing on the menus at your McDonalds Drive through is getting smaller?

Or is it just that my eyesight is getting worse?

I suspect it's the latter.

We decided that we were going to have one of those new Angus burgers that have been advertised on the Telly, so I drove down to our local Maccas. But do you think that I could damn well read the board before the disembodied voice emerges from the loudspeaker and demands my order. Not on your life!

It's panic stations! I can't see the tiny writing and I have to give an order - like right now.
What size meal do I want? What kind of drink? Ahh the pressure is getting to me. I can't cope.

And the only reason we were having Maccas is because I couldn't decide what to cook for tea. Gahhh! Decisions Decisions.

So, do you think I could remember which Angus burger I wanted? Is it the the Grand or the Mighty that comes with the salad? Shit, how am I supposed to remember when I can't even see that tiny writing on the board two cars ahead of us? And the queue behind us is growing by the minute.

Oh it's all too much.

So I end up ordering the first thing that popped into my mind... the Mighty and I really wanted the one with the salad. yeah, the other one.

That'll teach me.

Next time I'll bloody ask, and hang the queue behind me.

Checking out

While on the dual subject of traveling and Divos, I wrote this piece of nonsense a while ago.

Checking out

As Cosmo, the most junior Bell Boy employed at this most prestigious four star hotel arrived for work early one morning, he was given a job sheet with detailed instructions on bringing down the luggage for the VIP Il Divo party in time for their early morning flight.

For some reason – known only to his supervisor - Cosmo was directed to go to the man in room 507 first ….and to the one in 508 last.
It seemed odd to do it that way, thought Cosmo. These rooms were next to each other after all. But he didn't have enough seniority to start questioning his boss’ wisdom on such matters.

Cosmo took the empty trolley up in the lift to room 507. He knocked twice, stepped back from the door and self consciously tugged at his snug, dress-military style jacket as he waited for the door to open.

‘Ah you’re here.’ said the occupant, a man dressed in denims.

‘Must be one of the support crew.’ thought Cosmo as he stepped into the room.

‘Your luggage, Sir?' he asked politely, wondering how much luggage he would be taking from here.

‘Of course.’ said the man, gesturing to the young man to follow him into the room.

‘I’ll just zip up my suitcase.’ said Urs. ‘If you could give me a moment to check I’ve got everything.’

Then in an orderly fashion, Urs methodically checked under the bed, on and in the bedside table, in the drawers and cupboards. Declaring himself satisfied, he closed the suitcase lid and fastened it … but not before Cosmo had noticed that everything was extraordinarily neatly folded and organised to the extent that shoes were in plastic bags and his T shirts – of which there seemed to be many - were arranged by colour.

Cosmo took the black suitcase he’d been handed and put it on the trolley. Next he was passed a guitar case, which he put next to the case and then raised his eyebrows as if to ask … ‘Is there anything else?’

Urs indicated there was only his small leather and canvas carry on bag that lay on the chair – and dropping his i-pod and sunglasses into it, declared himself good to go.
His final act was to give Cosmo a tip and ushering Cosmo out of the room ahead of him and saying he would see him downstairs, he picked up his room card and walked down the hallway.

Remembering his instructions, Cosmo pushed on and only stopped when he reached room 510.
________________________________________

When Cosmo knocked on Carlos’ door he heard a voice bellow out ‘Si! Momento.’
Cosmo stood back from the door and waited obediently, wondering what this next pick-up would be like. He hoped it would be as smooth as the first one. He was a little surprised at the sight that greeted him when the door opened.

The occupant appeared to have just finished dressing and was wearing a black polo shirt that had not yet been tucked in. He was however wearing a pair of well cut jeans and looked as though he took great pride in his appearance the way he was smoothing his shirt now. His hair was still wet, the black curls glistening in the room light and he'd been trying to put on his watch as he let Cosmo in. He also looked a little flustered.

Cosmo looked past him into the room. His suitcase was still open and appeared to be only three quarters full. There were still objects lying on the bed waiting to be packed.

Carlos gestured for Cosmo to come in and wait. ‘I only have my toiletries to pack.’ he explained.
He hastily disappeared into the bathroom and Cosmo heard clanking and clattering going on for some time, and wondered how many products this man used each day.

Carlos emerged from the bathroom, his arms laden with pots and potions and he proceeded to carefully place them into a large waterproof carry all. He then stowed that equally carefully into the top of his luggage. He zipped up the bag, then turned to Cosmo, and directed him to be very careful with this bag. He indicated that there had been an unfortunate breakage at an earlier stop and it had taken forever to get the smell out of his other things, wrinkling his nose in distaste at the memory.

Cosmo warily loaded the navy blue suitcase onto his trolley, assuring its owner that he would indeed be careful. Carlos handed him a gratuity and said 'Gracias'.

_________________________________________

Consulting his written instructions, Cosmo rolled the trolley back to room 509 door and knocked on Mr Miller’s door. A whirlwind on legs greeted him and Cosmo entered the room, looking dazedly around him.

A large blue suitcase lay on the bed – quite empty - and lying all around were small electrical appliances, some still plugged in to power outlets. Keeping up a steady stream of conversation, David proceeded to quickly and efficiently turn off his computer and put it into its case, unplug his battery charger, untangling it from his phone charger and stowed them all into a side pocket. A handi-cam had lain next the computer and David proceeded to pack it into its zip-up case.
Once all of these items were safely stowed in his overnight bag, David stood back, looking quite satisfied at his handiwork.

Cosmo coughed discreetly. David looked over at him – he had almost forgotten Cosmo was there.
‘Ahem … clothes.’ said Cosmo indicating the empty suitcase.

David rolled his eyes and laughed. ‘Yeah, trust me to forget something important.’ and he went to the drawers and simply picked up the contents of the drawer in his arms in one fell swoop - and dropped it into the suitcase.

Three drawers later, David was packed.

‘Oh no. hang on.’ exclaimed David and then raced into the bathroom and emerged zipping up a small toiletry bag.

‘Can’t forget these.’ he grinned disarmingly and chucked it into the case.

Then without any further ado, he closed the lid and zipped it shut.
‘Here you go, Buddy,’ he said and passed Cosmo his hastily packed bags and a tip.

___________________________________

Feeling more than intrigued by now, Cosmo arrived at the last member’s room, wondering what the fourth man of this troupe might be doing. He was greeted by a genial looking Frenchman, who had a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. He looked relaxed and unhurried by the presence of the Bell Boy, even though Cosmo knew he had to get this luggage downstairs in less than five minutes.

Looking past him, Cosmo suddenly thought he understood why. Standing next to the bed, was the first guest he’d seen, patiently folding clothing and packing for the Frenchman.

‘Seb! Get your toiletries, mon ami.’ directed Urs, and Seb obediently went into the bathroom and emerged a few moments later with his shaving kit and toiletries in a bag.

‘Is that everything?’ asked Urs.

Sebastien shrugged and said, ‘I think so.’ and Urs fixed him with a hard look.

Sebastien said ‘I’ll go back and check, shall I?’

Urs nodded and continued packing the bag.

‘It’s all there.’ said Seb triumphantly and Urs closed the bag and passed it over to Cosmo, shaking his head and murmuring ‘Don’t ask. It’s just easier this way.’

______________________________________

His pockets newly lined with generous tips from his VIP guests this morning, Cosmo trundled the luggage down the hallway and took the lift to the ground floor. He wondered how four such different men, with such varied personalities could possibly get along - and it was clear that they did - when he arrived downstairs and saw Urs and Sebastien cheerfully greet the other two men.

But it was nothing to do to with him he figured, and he busied himself loading the luggage into the waiting minivan.

It was just another day in the life of a bell boy....

Flying sucks

I've decided that flying really sucks - and it's not just because I live on an island miles from anywhere.

Regardless of the length of the trip, I've found I spend way too much time in transit, I forever seem to be waiting in queues, in lounges, on aircraft and buses. You can just about write off the whole day when flying. I find the whole thing tedious in the extreme.

But I have learned some useful things from this last trip.

1 Get a morning flight if you can, no later than midday anyway. There will be fewer delays (since delays tend to accumulate over the day) and with hotel checkouts at 10 or 11, there's less faffing around, stowing luggage etc.

2 Use luggage with wheels - including your hand luggage if you can, or reduce it down to the barest minimum. I'm thinking a small backpack might be the way to go.

3 Get yourself a lairy label or something to make your luggage stand out from all of the other black fabric suitcase on the carousel. My current bag has a bunch of multi-coloured metallic curling ribbon. It looks like it's been to a wild party.


Since my return to Launceston, I lashed out on a new piece of luggage. It's a real hybrid duffle/suitcase and backpack. It's not too heavy unladen and has a reasonable capacity. I have high hopes for it; it will be just the thing for traveling on my own - as I plan to do some day.... one day.

I may dislike flying, but it will be a necessary evil if I am ever to meet the people or see some of the places my writing has led me.

In the meantime, it's back to work tomorrow. Nose to the grindstone and all

Part 3 of my Divo trip

Here is the the last part of my Divo adventures in Oz.

There were three of us going to the Melbourne show on Monday. Sue, a friend from Launceston joined us in our city motel that morning. Let me say at this point that three women getting glammed up in one motel room at the one time is a major logistical exercise, what with only two mirrors and limited floor space. But we scrubbed up pretty well all things considered, grabbed a bite to eat from Subway (making sure we didn’t choose anything sloppy) then took a cab to the Rod Laver Arena. It was packed. We ended up walking all the way around the entire stadium looking for gate number 17, not realising that there were only 18 gates and that a right turn at gate 1 instead of a left would have had us there in no time.

We knew we were in Row CCC, but we had no idea where that would place us relative to the stage. We were trying to work it out as we made our way gingerly down from the nose-bleed section. Both Sue and Jen were wearing heels that made taking the stairs rather precarious. My heels were a little more manageable and I reached the floor area first. When the usher told me that our seats were in the doughnut itself, I could hardly believe our luck. But the looks on the others’ faces were truly priceless when I told them how close we would be sitting.

Jen could hardly believe that we’d scored such good seats twice in a row - and Sue declared that Jen was to be in charge of ticket booking from now on!

I have to admit that I enjoyed this show even more. I was less distracted this time and managed to ignore the backdrops and focused my attention more on the performances

Some highlights for me were:

Urs telling a joke about Melbourne’s changeable weather. (It might have been an old gag, but he told it well, bless his cotton socks.)

Seb bashfully telling us how much Melbourne and Tim Tams mean to him. Then he persuaded the crowd to join him in to an Oz rallying cheer and then pushed the envelope a little further to sing a John Farnham chorus with him. The crowd lapped it up – and he looked delighted. It was a pity he forgot the words of the song though.

Carlos somehow managing to tell every woman in the audience that he’d missed us, which he followed up by asking if he could ask us a question. ‘Yes!’ screamed back one fan without missing a beat. David and Seb cracked up before Carlos could deliver the punchline ‘Did you miss me too?’

Of course since it was his birthday the next day, they couldn’t let that pass unmarked. Urs appeared carrying balloons and a banner and they all sang an operatic version of Happy Birthday to him. Then they all did the manly hug thing.

Seb then wandered down stage joking, ‘The single will be out in two weeks.’
Urs walked away scratching the back of his head and dryly quipped something like ‘I thought you were talking about his marital status...’ and David nearly swallowed his mike.

I noticed that the encores have been handled differently this tour and they seem to work a lot better now. Instead of sitting on the edge of the stage as they did last time, the men stroll up and down the catwalk; touching hands, shaking other hands, signing autographs and accepting gifts, all while singing their hearts out.

The crowd ate it up – and the guys just kept on smiling and singing for the next two songs.

Honestly, I don’t know how they do it: David in particular is bent over near double, they are singing and managing to stay in tune, keeping their harmonies straight and still remember their cues.

After the first encore Urs had to call back David, who had made his way almost to the start of the catwalk. In fact, he almost missed his last cue and had to run to the front for the final chorus. I figured it’s just as well he’s got long legs.

Once it was over, we filed out slowly, inching our way out of the stadium. I suggested cocktails at the Hilton Hotel and we decided that would be a very pleasant way to debrief.

Jen the intrepid led the way into the Hilton’s revolving door but Sue and I mistimed our entry and we stepped into in the same segment, and had to shuffle around wedged together until we were spat out on the other side giggling fit to bust. I’m afraid that rather set the tone for the rest of the night.

I hadn’t been there for many years. The padded bar I recall from my student days was long gone, but we found a quiet table at the rear where we could check out our photos and vids and ‘ooh and ahh’ to our hearts’ content.

But things picked up when we checked out the cocktail list. I was still reeling at the price of the cocktails when Jen announced we should have an ‘Orgasm.’ and Sue decided that a ‘Sloe Comfortable Screw against the Wall’ was more her speed.

Apparently I heard just enough to look up at the wrong moment and register what they were saying and we promptly fell apart again. All I’ll say is that it was just as well that Jen had tissues in her bag and we were wearing non-run mascara.

We had a leisurely start to the next day, rehashing the show and packing our bags. As a final salute to Melbourne, we popped into a store in Royal Arcade which has the most divine hot chocolate (going on the must-visit-again-soon list), then went our separate ways with promises all around come a Divoing again ( with Jen getting the tickets of course.)

Unfortunately, my mid afternoon flight was delayed in half hour increments for three and a half hours, so I didn’t get home until after eight. I’m not sure how Jen fared getting back to Sydney, but Sue’s 8 pm flight with another airline didn’t leave until close to midnight. It did take the edge off a terrific trip just a bit.

But in the end I was happy with my beautiful program, leather CD ID case, a spiffy gold coloured lanyard, three large format B&W photos and a big swag of top memories.

All I can add now is, bring on the next tour.

PART 2

Our seats were astonishingly good for that first show. We were right next to the catwalk on the left side with only 3 or four rows ( if you can call them that) in front of us.
The only drawback – and I’m being really picky here - was that when they walked down to the front of the horseshoe shaped catwalk to sing, we had to choose whether to swivel around in our seats to watch their rear ends or gaze at the big screen to see their faces.

It was a bit of a toss up at times, but I have to admit that their rear ends are eminently watchable.

As I mentioned, I was still a little shell shocked by our Meet and Greet experience and found myself reliving it several times over, feeling alternately exhilarated and aghast at my cheek at giving him my story.

My state of mind wasn’t helped by the sight of the guys walking along the catwalk beaming out at the audience and making eye contact willy nilly – and when I scored a smile or two – that was enough to make me come over ‘all a doo-dah’ again.

I was further distracted by the choice of watching one or more of the three TV screens in front of us – or the performers themselves. I had to keep reminding myself to watch THEM. I can see film of them anytime.

The images on the middle screen were interesting to say the least. I have NO idea what they meant – and if anything, they were a little hypnotic. They had a kind of black and white movie, Greta Garbo vibe going on – and everything happened in slow motion. For example there was an image of a woman that didn’t move a muscle. I mean, any muscle – until she blinked. It was freaky! The burning dresses in the background of La Promessa were particularly baffling and Jen, the ladies in the row behind us and I spent some time talking about it in the interval.

These ladies were hard core fans and had memorised the entire running order of the show thanks to the ID forum. They were quite vocal in their appreciation – and hooted and hollered between songs. I’m sure my ear was still ringing the next day.

We had a drink afterwards with these ladies as the queue for cabs was ridiculous. We learned they had come from Sydney especially for the show. But then we discovered how small a world it can be. One had worked with Jen in Sydney and another works only two blocks from where Jen works now. Since they and Jen are also going to the Sydney shows, they plan to catch up again there.

But back to the show.
Once I decided not to look at the back drop any more, I managed to focus on the men themselves.
I enjoyed the song selections, the banter between songs was far less cheesy than before – and that was a good thing.

The first thing I noticed about the singing was how much stronger David’s and Seb’s voices had become since we last saw them.
But more than that, I was taken by how much David puts out on stage. I’m not suggesting that the others coast along at all. In fact, the strength of Carlos voice is astonishing (even when he’s not using the claw) But David pushes himself SO hard. There were times he was belting out the top notes with all of his strength and almost bending over to push out the last few ounces of air in his lungs. It made me realise what hard work it must be. I swear the man must be exhausted after every show show.

We were thrilled with our night and it took an age to come down off our Divo cloud


We spent Sunday morning in Adelaide, but decided to head off to the airport a little earlier than necessary. Adelaide struck us as a very long airport for its size and while we were walking along the concourse to get to our gate, Jen spotted a casually dressed Urs, carrying his guitar and chatting with a female tour member. There were no fans around; in fact the concourse was virtually empty. I could even hear his voice from a distance (but not what he was saying.)

Then – moments later, the aircraft started boarding for Melbourne and the moment was gone.

At the time I knew I could have taken a photo of him, but it all just seemed too intrusive really – and I couldn’t bring myself to do it. So we let the chance pass – and settled down to wait for our flight, feeling like we’d ‘missed him by THAT much’

Ahh well.

Next stop Melbourne.

When the Divos came to town and the Divas hit the tiles

I guess this blog needs to start somewhere. Here's the most exciting thing that's happened to me in a while.

My Divo experiences in Adelaide and Melbourne October 2009. Part 1

___________________

My fellow Diva, Jen won the Adelaide Meet and Greet upgrade - and I was lucky enough to be her invited guest! This meant we met the guys before the show along with all of the others who had paid for the privilege.

We were told we could give them gifts but that they were not giving out autographs. No kissing or hugging was allowed either, since they were dressed and ready to go on stage. Then we were told we weren't allowed to jumble up their order for the photos (might have confused the poor lambs y'see).

I needed a stiff drink at this point just to keep all of that straight in my head, so I grabbed a glass of champagne and spent my time in the queue trying to think of something terribly clever to say. Unfortunately the champers didn't help one bit - and all I was was a little too flushed for my own good.

When they made their entrance, they were utterly charming to the crowd. They even smiled as though they meant it. Personally, I couldn't think of a worse way to spend the last hour before going on stage. Anyway, they received gifts and beamed for the camera - and each person had about 20 seconds to shake hands and make an everlasting impression ( yeah right).

It was quite amusing to watch the way some fans refused to let go of the outer two's hands for their photos- much to the inner two's chagrin.

Now, as I waited in line and watched them being given gifts such as flags of their own countries (in case they forget where they're from yanno), I stowed my copy of their book that I had hoped they might sign in my bag and brought out a copy of a long, short story that I'd written last year when I was having radiotherapy, which I packed on a whim.

It had been inspired by Sebastien. Even though it had been written about my illness, it is quite a funny story. It had been un-Divoed by now, but I thought it he might enjoy it.

So now I've really got something to be nervous about and I watch the queue speed up (or is it just my imagination? ) and I know my face is at least as red as my cherry coloured top.

'Dammitall - it's too late to panic now! Get a grip, woman!' I take a big breath... and move forward - into the breach as it were.

David was first up and I shook his hand. I did have a faint hope that he might have recalled our Brisbane airport meeting from two and half years ago, but wasn't too surprised that he didn't show any sign of recognition. I proceeded to get half a sentence out before my brain totally froze.

'Hello' I said. It's nice to see you someplace other than a ......OMG I can't think!'

I managed to stumble out the rest of the sentence and quickly shake the others' hands. I have NO idea what I said to them at this point.

Then, knowing this was now or never, I turned back to Sebastien, held out my folded sheaf of paper to him and as he took it, I told him that it was a short story I'd written and that it had been inspired by him.

He looked quite chuffed at that. Smug even!

I added that I hoped he might enjoy reading it, making sure I said it casually. I mean I didn't want to sound needy or anything. LOL

Then I told him I'd had a rough year last year and why. Bless him, he looked instantly sympathetic. I'm reliably told that at this point, the others are listening in too, but I'm not paying attention to them. I have Sebastien's undivided attention.

Then I told him the important part. 'It was your music, your website and writing that helped me get through that time.'

He seemed really touched by that and he looked me straight in the eye and said. 'I will most definitely read it then.' and then he looked really concerned and said. 'I hope you enjoy the show.' with the emphasis most definitely on the 'hope'.

I was totally charmed. This guy is a sweetheart (and I'm not even a particular Siren!)

I think I said, 'I'm sure I shall' and then turned to face the camera. But I honestly felt too shaken to even smile properly.

I was whisked outside and waited for Jen to have her moment. We then headed for our seats and blow me down, they are right next to the catwalk.
They were brilliant seats; we know we'll never get better.

But we were wrong, our Melbourne seats were inside the catwalk!



Next, I'll tell you about the actual shows