week 14 notes (2026)
I don't usually do these but there's so much I want to share about my week in case it brings illumination or inspiration for people reading this. It's nice to yell things into the void, too 🙃.
voice of hind rajab
The Voice of Hind Rajabwas screening again. I had missed seeing it last year. The entire cinema cried, almost like a collective. This was a very hard way to start Sunday but I felt compelled to feel the pain and strengthen my empathy. It seemed like the least I could do for the people suffering in Gaza. I was further emotional thinking about the role women play in minimising suffering throughout the world. I saw this with a friend; there's a certain comfort to crying together with someone else.
We chatted about this for a while afterwards and then decided to get some lunch. Away from the hustle and bustle of a buzzing public holiday Sydney, we retreated underground and ate some momos. We then got some bubble tea, walked around darling harbour and took join street photos on a Lomo LC-A+ and talked about our anxieties.
drive your plow over the bones of the dead
A close friend and I saw Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead (Belvoir St Theatre) on Saturday. It was one of those things I get a feeling for knowing that this will be interesting (if not, excellent). And the way I usually determine this is the most random characteristics. A friend introduced me to seeing plays years ago. They taught me to sit at the front. And so now, I try to find interesting things to watch together with them. And this ticked a lot of boxes. Polish influence (friend I went with is Polish!)? Check. Mysterious? Check. Deals with themes of nature and feminism? Check. Ambitious production? Check. It was w o n d e r f u l. It made me think about a lot, gave me hope, and also as my friend put it - something like reverse nostalgia. Longest play I've seen yet! My biggest takeaway was the affirmation that nature is worth saving, and to care is to take everything on one's shoulder and find your people that will help you through your mission.
oatley wetlands
N organised a Easter Friday bird walk at Lime Kiln Bay Circuit in Oatley. The bird walk was dedicated to Leo who we'd lost last month and to the first nation people who were caretakers of this land for thousands of years. As we progressed through the wetlands, someone shared a memory of sitting on on the bench with Leo at this very place, talking about life. That memory and being in this place in time felt comforting. Almost like he was still here with us, observing us. I hope he can see that the birdwatching group continues to thrive.
One of the highlights was finding a tall tree where all the birds were congregating to on this crisp autumnal morning. It was a eucalyptus gum tree that was in full flower. There must have been something about these flowers that was the talk of the town for the birdfolk.
Some highlights included:
- Royal Spoonbill in a very precarious looking wetland pond
- 2 cute Chestnut Teal ducklings living their best life with a group of duck adults around them
- Brown Thornbills fluffing themselves up intensely
- Being greeted by an Olive-backed Oriole as we started the walk. I love the intense patience on trying to locate a bird and the suddenly, happiness when someone finally spots it in the canopy.
- As we finished up the walk, a flash of yellow - finally the Golden Whistler right in front of our eyes. Almost as a way to bid us bon voyage.
freshwater beach
I hadn't swam in the beach all this summer. Instead of lamenting over it, I decided to fix this feeling and did a drive down to Freshiebeach. It was quiet and the waves were serene. I feel so small and alive knowing that when I am in the ocean, behind me is the small world I've created, and ahead of me is the vast planet that my mind cannot comprehend.