That Happy Feeling

All Quiet Down Here

Nothing much going on socially at the moment.  I've been flat out like a lizard drinking at work, induction training for new staff etc, and that's meant not much time to socialise.   The weekend after next (7-9) is the APEC 2007 conference in Sydney, and choir is also scheduled to perform at a farewell service for Bishop Spong in Sydney's northern suburbs.   The one may impact on travel arrangements for the other, but we'll just have to wait and see.

A blood moon at about 8.30pm Sydney local (GMT +10) last night.   Saw the first part of the eclipse, during my meal break, but had to go back to work before it was at its most dramatic and spectacular (the eclipse, not my meal break).   

      

Song for Spong at Common Dreams

For the last couple of months choir has been rehearsing for our participation in the Common Dreams Conference at the Pitt Stree Uniting Church, in the heart of Sydney, NSW, Australia (or as we call it here - town). The conference has been "presented by a collection of progressive religious groups" including the Centre for Progressive Religious Thought. SGLC has been fortunate enough to to have linked with the Sydney CPRT on a previous occasion when we were invited to sing at the launch of a progressive book of hymns ("old music - modern words") and that itself was a wonderful occasion.

This confernce was fortunate enough to have among its speakers, the retired Bishop of Newark NJ, the Right Reverend John Shelby Spong, Minister Emeritus the Reverend Dr Dorothy McRae-Mchahon, formerly of the Pitt Street Uniting Church, the Reverend Stephanie Dowrick.and many oher wonderful people. Last night we performed a bracket of numbers which were chosen as a tribute to the work, life and sense of humour of Bishop Spong. He seemed to enjoy himself and we sure did. Then we got to hear him speak. He spoke again this morning at the 10am service at Pitt Street Uniting, and the choir were invited back to sing a couple of songs, and assist with the hymn singing (progressive religious hymns of course - old music, new words). The Bishop is keen student of religious studies, a powerful speaker, a man with the courage of his convictions not afraid to lift his head above the parapets, and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to him speak this weekend.

Occasionally one's faith is tested because of one's sexuality, beliefs, mores etc and it is refreshing to hear from people who are prepared to strip away the dogma, the prejudice, the mysogony and the homophobia that is so rife in the so called major Christian religions (Protestant and Catholic), particular, and sadly in my own otherwise fair city.

We get to farewell Bishop Spong and his lovely wife in two weeks, and we're all looking forward to that.

So the weekend of love and fulfilment almost makes going back to work worthwhile. Almost.

A Little Bit Lost

A great weekend is gradually coming to a close. Last Thursday and Friday were remarkably mild for the middle of winter, but the chill returned over the weekend, particularly at dusk and in the early morning. Saturday was volunteering at genieswhich is always fun, particularly because of the people; other volunteers and those who do research. Intelligent conversation, some tricky problems, helping individuals get started and providing a look from a step-back point of view all makes for a great day. Didn't stay in town yesterday afternoon for my usual cleansing ale, but came back home and went over my preparation for today's choir planning meeting. That also went very well. No real disagreements, no egos to massage, but occasionally alternative viewpoints, not to mention a wonderful lunch (thanks Prez) all made for a great day.

I was a bit spooked on the way there, because I'd bussed from home, having read the street directory the night before, I thought I knew where I'd be heading when I got off the bus. It seemed straight forward enough to get there last night, but today, I seemed to run out of street as I was walking to our meeting after alighting the bus. The street sign seemed to have the name of another street on it. A little confusing, but I found a couple out walking their dog, and they pointed me in the right direction. The kindness of strangers. If the worst came to the worst I'd have used my mobile and said, "Where am I, or where are you" but no need to do that in the end.

Working afternoons this week (Mon-Friday) so I get to sleep in and do a few things around the house before having to get myself ready for work.

Have a great week folks.

Made It

Busy, busy, training at work, and planning for various things means I haven't really had much time for the blog, or socialising. Sorry about that. So how are you anyway. I'm really sorry I haven't been paying much attention to you lately. That doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about how you are. Hope you're healthy, and happy.

Work is about to take on a new phase. Going back to full rotational shiftwork, but this time its going to be a little different, a few more people around to share the load. Yay!

Genies volunteering tomorrow then choir duties on Sunday. Makes for a full weekend. I've got a bottle of red in the cupboard, and am just about to cook dinner, watch the news, kick off the shoes, and relax for the evening (at least).

Enjoy your weekend folks.