This exhibition – the culmination of a series exploring the landscape up and down the Yarra – showcases landscapes traditional, formal and spiritual, and I must say I found it simply fascinating. I’m a Melbourne lad, born and bred, raised by the river all my life – and, in particular, I was struck by the images of the area around that fascinatingly spooky landmark Willsmere, and of the southwest, where my volunteer work has taken me, and its melange of industry and ornament. Katie’s collected depiction of the natural and built environments cements, for me, the unity of the two; all our power and progress is, after all, a product of, and addresses the needs dictated by, universal natural laws. Nature so defines all we know and all we possibly could know – the transcendental force, to which all other knowledge is a path. That’s my take on it, anyhow.

The Yarra Story is on display until the end of January, and I’d highly recommend a visit. Incidentally, I’d not been to Montsalvat before – I’m told it’s popular among the goth crowd for its, well, gothic Great Hall, but what we found most charming were the barns, the cottages and outbuildings – still beautiful, with fountains and statuary, but less imposing, more organic. And, naturally, with the farm comes the creatures – ducks, geese, chickens and a number of peafowl. We met two cocks, showing off their finery, and two hens taking a tiny wee baby for a walk around the grounds! So. Adorable. Never take peacocks as a symbol of empty vanity – scientifically, their display is entirely justified by their strength; they are life generating beauty. Ah, and to layer the serendipity on yet thicker, there was a couple getting married there that very day – best of luck to you both, whoever you were!

Oh, speaking of serendipity – a fun moment was meeting some of Katie’s friends… and bumping into my own cousin Ms Helle, not seen for… more than five years! ’twas great to see you!

(As you might have guessed, we have moved – more or less – and I hope to resume regular FrillyShirt operation as best as the season permits. Cheers, all!)

Greetings from Condesa, Mexico City! Yea, Ms Merah and I are abroad; each intercontinental for the first time. Our inspiration, primarily, is artistic – we have two weeks in Mexico to take in the bountiful museums and galleries; the works of Kahlo, Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros; the beautiful architecture and design. We’re just in time for the Day of the Dead, of course – our charming hosts have set up a touching altar, and marigolds have appeared everywhere through the city. Condesa is quite indescribable at night – the streets surrounding the Parque Mexico are filled with lampposts, fountains and fairy lights.

After Mexico, we head north to Houston, Texas, to visit (among other things) the Rothko Chapel and the university’s Jung collection. Texas has a fascinating mystical intellectualism which I’m keen to experience. Then, we’re off to Anaheim, California, to meet Melanthios & Hanford, and to take in the city! Travelling has been… well, a period of rapid instruction. Certainly, everyone we’ve met has been perfectly polite, and we’re steadily transnavigating the language barrier – today we succeeded in catching the Metro (the subway, the underground, the rail, the tube, the train, the burrowing iron horse) into the Zócalo and touring the Palacio Nacional, and also in failing to find a hat in the city’s centremost hattery to fit my freakishly large head.

Historically speaking, incidentally, the Diego Rivera murals which line the interior courtyard of the palace – depicting Mexican civilisations from the Pre-Columbian nations to his Communist vision of Mexican class revolution – is fantastically well-done. I can’t verify every detail, naturally – though the tour did bring all my studies flooding back, “Ah, yes! Maximillian, Pancho Villa!” – but the focus on great political events and statements but, just as much if not moreso, on the practicalities of everyday life – of pre-invasion practices of cooking, mining, smelting, medicine, ecology, literature, government – is an excellent way of bringing home the universality of human experience. Ms Merah pointed out to me that such an artwork could never find so grand and prominent a place in a centre of Australian government – where most people are unaware that the indigenous population even had permanent settlements before colonisation. “Black armband,” my argyle-clad foot.

Anyhow, I really ought to try to sleep through the lively Halloween party dominating the street’s soundscape. Cheers much for your patience, all!

First up, Love Vintage: A Passion For Collection Fashion’s Melbourne launch has a date attached: October 21st. It’s also available or pre-order!

Second, locals with a dab hand for the needle, the jeweller’s pliers, the sculptor’s gimlet… or any other artisinal tool… may well be interested in the Melbourne Alternative Crafters group! It’s crafty and steampunky and it looks like fun.

As I say, I’ve a longer post up my sleeve – bit of a history one, this time! Shall have it ready for you to read as soon as I’m able.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering, “what’s this nonsense about lacing up a pair of thimbles and going into town?” And you’re quite right, of course. It is nonsense. Completely bonkers. I wouldn’t blame you if you went and read something else. But if you do, I shall recommend any of several fantastic reading opportunities which little do you know are available to you!

First up is a thought-provoking article by my old chum Whim Boyle – you might have seen his stretchwear wizardry referenced elsewhere on FrillyShirt. The Awakening of Dark Gods is a study of a Jungian dark and fleshly God as expressed in modern horror writing. Fantastic, mystical stuff.

Speaking of fleshpots, next up is longtime FrillyShirt favourite Faye L. Booth’s new novel, Trades of the Flesh. I’m assured it’s perfectly scandalous, and if there’s one thing I like, it’s a piping hot scandal. Check it out.

Finally, the indispensably nifty Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing is soon to release her companion to vintage fashion, Love Vintage, with launches in Sydney and Melbourne. Knowing Nicole, I have no doubt that this tome will be laden with verified wisdom – the gal knows her clothes like few others. Keep an eye on her blog for the Melbourne launch dates, folks.

Well, that’s all from me. I’ve got some very important silly songs to sing at my wife. Ciao, amigos!