Caz - On the Journey

I enjoyed listening to Mark Vernon being interviewed about his new book ‘The Philosophy of Friendship’ on Radio Nationals ‘The Book Show’ today.This London-based writer and former Church of England priest takes his questions about friendship to philosophy’s great thinkers from Plato to Neitzsche, in a search for the things that thwart friendship and-or help it thrive.

The fantastic thing is that while looking up the correct title for the book on the net I found I could download the whole interview and listen to the audio again at my leisure. I also came across other featured shows that I had missed and would like to download. If you can’t listen to the radio in the daytime or work shiftwork as I do, this is a great way to hear some interesting broadcasts.  Radio National - http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ or http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/default.htm for The Book Show page.

Yesterday I came accross this large article in my morning paper that touched my heart. It came complete with a Leunig drawing.
How pleasant to find something so positive among all the stories of suffering and fighting.
The inspiration was from the phrase ‘practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty’.
Smiling at strangers, donating blood, visiting a lonely person in an aged care home, letting someone go in front of you in a shopping queue if they only have a few items, send a card to a relative or friend you have not heard of for a while, leaving some coins for someone (children?) to find, go to the assistance of anyone in trouble, stop and take a lost animal to an animal shelter…. Many more suggestions made, all simple and easy.
This made me smile.

Just opened last week around the corner from me in Swan Street Richmond is a shop selling great pieces of furniture for really good low prices. I don’t really want to share this as you will go and get the things I have my eye on. Couches, chairs, tables, lamps - all seem very carefully chosen. The shop is not overcrowded and has a good ‘feel’. It is not really listed anywhere yet - so I took a business card.

They also accept pieces on consignment - not just anything though - no junk - they choose carefully and negotiate a sale price . [They take 40% I think]

Well worth a look if you like nice used pieces - I think they are bargains.

Find ‘GREAT FINDS’ at 267 Swan Street Richmond - (between Church and Coppin Streets - nearer Coppin)   Phone 9429 2955 or call Rick Bolton 0415 351 984 or rick@greatfinds.com.au 

 Wanting to spend a few hours walking, talking and looking at art or at great places?

I have just been on my second singles gallery walk - I find it a great way to meet people and see new places. Yesterday the walk was around the interesting shops and art galleries of  South Yarra.

It is easy to meet up with the friendly guide at the designated spot and to then stroll around with others - chatting and observing.

I really enjoyed being out -  and the walk was slower and more interesting than the first one I went on - the art was worth seeing too.
Many more women than men came to both the walks I have attended.

Why is this the usual mix? 

 I don’t really mind - as the women I met came from different backgrounds and all were really pleasant and easy to talk to.

At 3pm we finished with a coffee and a snack -  in the chocolate shop in the Como building.

We were able to share our responses to Barry Humphries paintings, a great Japanese gift shop, some fantastic hand crafted [and expensive] oak tables, a newly opened photoghraphic exhibition, a wonderful Margaret Olley painting, plus lots more…..

These walks cost $15 and are usually advertised in ‘The Age’.

There is a website and members are sent details of all the up-and-coming walks.

I think next weeks walk is through the Carlton galleries on Saturday.

On Sunday there is another at Emerald Hill.

If you would like some company it might be worth checking out the website.

Very clear instructions and times and dates given.

More people coming will make them better - I believe. [That’s why I am posting this information.]

Look up - SinglesMelbourne.com

http://www.singlesmelbourne.com/events.html

The Dalai Lama will be back in Melbourne in June 2007.He will visit Bendigo, Melbourne and Geelong between the 7th and 11th of June. Free public talks will be held in Melbourne and Geelong.   For details see website http://www.dalailama.org.au