I used to be able to leave this part blank.

Thanks to the sun setting later, it isn’t until after I leave work that I realize just how late I’ve stayed.

So cheers, springtime. Thanks for being so misleading.

8:52PM AEDT 21 November 2012

She and I met today. In a world where beauty products and fashion join forces, it was pretty much destined that I’d stumble upon her.

On the quest for some satisfying retail therapy, I entered the ground floor of David Jones and made my way to the Shu Uemura counter with a cleansing oil in mind. Not really thinking that she’d be here early.

Just my luck, a beauty week event placed the majority of the collection on sale early.

Plus: Free case for purchasing 3 items from the collection. Can you guess what I picked up?

Minus: They wouldn’t let me purchase the Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura premium false eye lashes. I was told they wouldn’t be on sale until November 1st. A minor set back but a bit… “But they’re right there in front of me!” I behaved. No tantrum. 

Retail therapy - Check

9:42PM AEDT 25 October 2012

Dear, Australia,

Who would have thought we’d last this long?

I certainly had my doubts.

While year 3 is still uncertain, I just wanted you to know that so far, it’s been an interesting but pretty cool ride.

Sincerely,

Me, who was really only supposed to be here for 8 weeks.

8:38 a.m. AEDT 17 October 2012 

There’s something about the 1st of the month that makes me feel it’s not too late to turn things around.

Hooray.

10:23 p.m. 1 October 2012 Granville, NSW, Australia

I had such a nice time in Melbourne this weekend. The weather was as nice as it could be for a winter’s day in August and the city wonderful as usual. Now that I’m back in Sydney, all I can think about is my next trip down there. Thankfully, it’s very very soon.

Oh, and there were elephants all over the city.

50 to be exact.

Fibreglass models of elephant calf Mali have been placed throughout the city to celebrate Melbourne Zoo’s 150th birthday. Mali in the City! The event’s Art Patron, three time Archibald Prize finalist made painted this one:

Bromley One - Fed Square

Bromley Onewas probably the 5th elephant I came across during my scavenger hunt. The style of painting gives the children playing a very nostalgic look.

Unfortunately, I was unable to track down all 50 elephants during this past weekend’s visit. Thankfully, the elephants will be around until September 21st and since I’ll be back soon, I’m determined to capture the rest on the scavenger hunt iPhone app available for this exhibit.

The Mali’s I did find…

Ranee - Treasury Building, Lotus - Gordon Reserve, Jimbo - Fed Square

Wooly Mali - Fed Square, Mali’s Winter Wonderland - Melbourne Central, Spot - Treasury Gardens

When I came across Spotwhile strolling in the gardens, a man in his 20s raced towards the elephant. Huge smile on his face; clearly thrilled and ready to take a picture and add to his count of elephants. In fact, many of the people I saw frequently throughout the city as chanced upon each other with each elephant we found, were men on their own. Perhaps it’s wrong to be pleasantly surprised by this or wondering if it’s because they prefer to experience these things on their own and maybe they didn’t have anyone else to enjoy them with, but it does prove that an exhibit like this can appeal to everyone. Not just small children and women who believe all animals are cuddly.

Mali’s Crimson Song - Fitzroy Gardens, Stripes - Lincoln Square, Botani - Argyle Square

Mali Dreams - Argyle Square

On the way to brunch, this colorful piece of work caught my eye. There was a small child sitting on its back, pretending to ride it for a picture. That’s one of the great things about Mali in the City. It’s a great opportunity for families to bring their kids out into the city and learn to appreciate it along with gaining an affection for elephants and wildlife in general.

Mali Turns the City Pink and Night & Day - St. Paul’s Cathedral

Baroque Baby - Bourke St Mall, Endangered Asia - Melbourne Town Hall, City in Mali - City Square

Rusty Mali - Chinatown

I fell in love with this piece the second I saw it. I love the idea of recycling materials and giving them a second life. In this instance, the materials have been used to create such a beautiful animal, allowing metal and rust to feel warm and sweet.

Harmony - Melbourne Mariott Hotel, Enceladus - Melbourne Central, Neo Composite - Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

Mali, Protector of All Animals - Melbourne Town Hall

Holy bling this caught my eye while I was on a tram going past Town Hall. I love how Mali’s eye is such a large proportion of the face. Mali is watching us, friends. We better behave.

Can’t wait to find the next 29.

10:58pm 27 August 2012 Granville, NSW, Australia