The recurrent theme about three weeks after the last post is similar, yet evolving. Our days open with an invigorating adventure into the outdoors from our little beachside abode, an idyll that shows no sign of wear, in fact, with Cassy's new mantra of discovering "tiny spots of beauty" each time we step out, it's become fresh and exciting. She read somewhere that happy people tend to discover beauty in small spots of their usual lives and we realised that we already do this. We've just become a bit more intentional about it. Some of the photos above are a testament to this discovering (clouds, buildings, rocks and even gaily-striped umbrellas!)
Digital marketplaces have been a space for discovery and learning this week. When we left Taipei, in a bit more of a hurry than originally intended due to flight bring-forwards, we didn't negotiate the labyrinth of online classifieds such as Facebook Marketplace, Ebay or others. Language was not an insurmountable barrier, (it would have been challenging), yet the main reason we demurred was one of expediency due to time and the sad fact that most of our goods were not only unworthy of sale, but mostly in such a state of disrepair that they were embarrassingly unfit for donation to charities! The recycling depot received much of our detritus, a saga I've outlined previously on these pages.
A peculiarly Australian iteration of these platforms is "Gumtree", so we thought we'd give that a go for Chris and Val's treasures which won't fit in their new apartment: they were in inverse proportional value to our rags and junk! It's been an eye-opener, to say the least. Chesterfield lounges seem to be back on trend briefly, so these lounges and wing chairs and ottomans were snapped up, but the exquisite cabinetry by famous makers, in perfect condition have been languishing on the platform for days with nary a nibble. A few scammers have leapt on to ply their evil trade, but after getting rid of them, it's been "crickets"!
Even modern, more practical items are left to wither on the online vine ("onvine"?). Brand name sumptuous leather lounges, glass top tables with sets of chairs are yet to be noticed and other more valuable items are similarly ignored (an antique chaise longue and elegant English dinner sets for example) despite a ridiculously low asking price. It seems if it's not on the latest edition of "The Block", it's passé. It's an awful indictment on our modern throw-away society and makes one want to weep in despair! I'll live in hope: I continue to check for messages many times a day, but alas...
We're still negotiating our own slight mess, but are slowly whittling away at the jobs to be done. In fact, as we speak, I'm waiting for the Lifeline truck to pick up some bedside tables (2 sets that we had for renters) and a Chinese rosewood cabinet. Despite the excellent condition of these items, I've been warned that the driver will inspect the items for "saleability" before accepting them. I felt ridiculous, but Cass and I cleaned them all thoroughly and now I've arranged them "showroom" style in our garage (after moving the car), to show them in their best light to influence the driver to take them: seriously?!
On another note, its been exciting to follow the footy finals live and in situ for the first time in a couple of decades. I will miss our annual get-together for the AFL Grand Final, however. By long tradition, we gathered at 11 a.m. on grand final day at the Green Bar, then Patio 84, then The Patio to watch the game and yell at each other. Wal and I have been waiting for 19 years for Richmond (my team) to play Geelong (his team) in the big one, and, of course, it has finally happened this year! Oh well, I'll be there in spirit and I'll be able to revel in the NRL GF in all its glory this year, rather than having it relegated to an afterthought by my Tasmanian and Victorian mates!
Cass is deep into the sequel to Wolf Hall and continues to dissect 16th century English politics and intrigue. I've been reading another Braggett history book by the prolific Eddie Braggett, hot off the press, sent to Mum by Eddie, and in my hands for a quick first read. It's quite fascinating and I've been excited to trace our generation's exact lineage from the present all the way back to and beyond convict William. I've got it now thanks to Eddie!
Photos: our beautiful moments, plus a BBQ hosted by Wayne, and pancakes with Nutella and strawberries cooked by Cass!