http://www.andreabarnett.com.au en-gb andreabarnett.com.au 2012-4-6T00:00:00Z andreabarnett.com.au http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#115208 My recent birthday present from the inlaws was a commercially successful cleaning manual and its sequel. Dont take it the wrong way said my partner. We had a giggle then I started to read and couldnt turn away from the housework porn. As well gleaning helpful advice on longstanding domestic issues bicarb vinegar combats grime whitens whites and saves marriages and learning to be a bit greener apparently there is no need to pour a bottle of bleach down the toilet every now and then I chortled like a kookaburra wondering who cleans their oven EVERY TIME THEY USE IT wipes down the kitchen cupboards EVERY DAY and tips their couch upside down to vacuum the base and RUB CLOVE OIL ON ITS FEET EVERY FREAKING WEEK aside from this hilarious obscene and deranged authoress More mirthful tips scrub your walls with a slice of brown bread. Distil female urine in sunlight to wipe on paintings sorry guys your pee wont suffice. Next time the inlaws visit I will hand him a loaf of stale wholemeal t... 2012-3-24 04:00:35 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#113817 As the mum of a yungun I dont get 2 the cinema so I keep a list of movies I want 2 C when they R released on videoTV. Milk the biopic of American gay activist Harvey Milk was shown on SBS late the other night thankfully I spotted it in the guide and recorded it. I dont tend to read biographies preferring fiction but I love a good true story movie and Milk was no exception infact it moved me more than I can recall a film doing I loved Walk The Line with Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash but that was entertaining where Milk was utterly inspiring. Sean Penn swoon plays Harvey Milk an openly gay man in his 40s living in 1970s San Francisco who decides to run for public office and fails four times before eventually succeeding passing a gay rights ordinance and helping block proposed homophobic legislation of the day before tragically being assasinated alongside his progressive Mayor George Moscone 11 months into his service. What would have become of Harvey Milk had he lived would he h... 2012-3-4 10:04:16 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#111345 I adopted Poppy from my mother in 2002 when she was 7 Poppy not my mother. Thereafter she was my Angel On The Ground. The first 2 years were tumultous as she accompanied me through a relationship breakdown her dad had visiting rights various dating adventures a job change and a variety of oddball housemates until we made our family of 3. Her new dad was a camper so she became rather outdoorsy for a couchlover and despite enduring a severe paralysis tick episode 1 tick can kill a large dog she had 4 sucking the life from her 7kg frame and was shaved all over and nuked 2 buggery at the vet hospital before miraculously recovering she maintained her love of tents dirt and open fires alongside the port melbourne penthouse stays with her other dad. When I fell pregnant she became increasingly unable to keep food down due to her sensitive nature we assumed it was mental until she got on the right meds for a digestive disorder. Baby made 4 and we took a bumpy roadtrip along the Oodnadatt... 2011-12-24 04:10:00 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#92660 If U were born amp bred or not born but definitely bred in Melbourne I recommend a spesh trip in2 the city preferably by train 2 C the new Myer. This iconic department store has recently undergone a facelift amp the results R stunning. Having ventured in2 Myers as it was known on occasion throughout my childhood amp beyond amp always regarding it a treat I was gobsmacked by the fresh openness. Why didnt someone think of windows sooner The ceiling is also transparent. amp from the atrium U can watch the escalators up up upping 2 the top a fairy path 2 Father Christmas. There is the obscenity of rampant consumerism 2 contend with but U dont have 2 buy anything 2 visit this creaming gleaming palace of nostalgia amp excess history amp commerce Christmas amp Misses Universe amp Cebrano. Except mayB a glass of champas the swish bar perfectly perched 2 people watch as U imbibe bubbles amp atmos. 2011-4-28 02:44:46 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#92023 Ive caught the live music bug again thankfully. My immunity strong thanks 2 motherhood began 2 wear down after attendance at 2 stand out gigs last year veterans Lyle Lovett amp Leonard Cohen happy sniffles were detected during Clare Bowditchs earthhour concert the zoo amp a heady fever beset me the Apollo Bay festival last weekend where I thanks to winning a songwriting comp via ABC Victoria was part of the show as well as the audience. Now I want 2 see more do more. Family friendly gigs R the best my little 1 can come amp 4 fuddy duddy yaws trooly a civilized hour is preferred. But a lot of exciting stuff happens in dark venues adult hours yo nanna cummin spend some quality time with your fav grandson mummys gotta take a sickie httpwww.abc.net.aulocalstories201102233146816.htmhttpwww.apollobaymusicfestival.com 2011-4-15 04:13:33 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#89513 Apologize if this has been done before I just thought of it yesterday when I was closing a word document and it asked if I wanted to save the changes. This is a highly unusual scenario as I am a save n close person ie I press save before I press close. So much so it is a small wonder the floppy disc icon on my word software has not faded over time coz I press it once twice often three times before daring to press the x. Clearly I have trust security and OCD issues which will only be ameliorated by daily close n save workouts. Perhaps practise on documents I dont care about before moving on to the as yet unpublished work of staggering genius I have been working on for 20 years. 2011-3-19 04:50:56 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#89512 I have endeavoured but failed to set the world alight with song and at 41 I may never. Regardless I have tried. Many want to be rock stars sometimes it is more about luck than talent or hard yakka or guts or nouse that brings success especially when thrust into the industry at a young age andor being genetically gifted with beauty andor connections but most often the stayers use a combination of the more inspiring attributes listed to attract luck. Meanwhile the rest of us love our music dream our dreams and potter away in our homes and on dingy open night stages lacking something. I didnt start singing till my 20s I was too old for idol when it began but I dont blame being a late bloomer on not getting that elusive break. I have devoted the major portion of an adult life to perfecting my craft and achieved enough kudos along the way to soldier on but of the aforementioned success prerequisites nouse remains unticked ie knowing how to further ones career aside from being good a... 2011-3-5 04:38:55 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#87281 U me amp shirazA cosy m233nage 224 trois We both love HeathcoteLets use the bubble glassesEven though they tend 2 crack Cradled in our palmsA cheap gift from us 2 usWell spend more next timeOr go on a treasure huntAntique markets amp op shopsU me hand in hand 4 more odes 2 love ... httpwww.theage.com.auentertainmentthesundayagereaderslovepoems201102111apif.html SEND ME YOUR LOVE POEM 4 A FREE CD 2011-2-14 03:50:58 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#87280 B4 I joined their smug club parents and grandparents regularly referred to oddly named characters from childrens TV shows I was proudly unable to put faces to does something called Po even have a face. I was warned that 1 day I too would be au fait with this silly subculture and when I did become pregnant slightly dreaded the thought of wasting precious life hours being subjected to such nonsense. I didnt want to be someone that knew whowhat iggle piggle was I liked literary fiction and intelligent debate on current affairs arthouse movies that expanded my mind and a pinch of political andor adult humor for dessert Ted Balleiu celebrates Premiership with 4 day swim he he he Judith Lucy drank herself a new arsehole hilarious. Aside from a diversionary dose of clever smut my life was for learning and growing not shrinking into a world of balletdancing piglets Olivia or mice Angelina. Two years into parenthood I am proclaiming an aboutface. It started small with music. When Beau was... 2011-1-26 03:49:50 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#87279 On this particular chilly early Winter Saturday I arose B4 the cock put on my face amp finery amp drove thru the deserted Melbourne streets 2 audition 4 a TV singing competition. Amongst the queue of mainly teenage wannabee popstars practising their R amp B licks I hummed my audition tunes 2 originals amp a KC Chambers cover 2 mix it up. Unlike the internet paperwork the xtra page we were handed 2 sign said no originals if at all possible KC would have 2 suffice. The TV cameras swooped on us from all angles as we were encouraged 2 wave amp cheer loudly with the threat U wont get on TV unless U do. I opted 4 dignity a tough choice as I was constantly swimming against the crowd tide 2 avoid boom mikes amp Matthew Newton. Ushered into a panic room I sheepishly handed my paperwork 2 2 men sitting at a desk with a shy hello the advice given minutes B4 2 enter with all the pizazz I could muster unheeded. I was directed 2 stand on 2 strips of masking tape making an x some distance fr... 2010-6-5 03:47:27 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#62665 Lyle Lovetts gig Hamer Hall was awesome in the true sense of the word. His songs were heartfelt and technically perfect his manner was personable funny amp respectable his band was understated brilliance they all looked fantastic in suits amp created harmony amp beauty not only musically but by the way they positioned themselves and interacted these men R performers of the utmost professionalism amp showmanship. KC Chambers was good 2. Shes right what a lucky woman 2 B touring with this legendary outfit. 2010-4-10 05:42:50 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#60950 Well we made it. The Loose Ends Launch was finally held after several years of brain fermentation. A good natured crowd of 100 family friends friends of family family of friends family of family amp friends of friends amp kids belonging 2 all of the aforementioned enjoyed the show put on by our 4 piece band AB on pianovocalsder Mark McSherry on guitar Mario Iacobaccio on bass amp vocal harmonies amp Nick Merisch on drums. We played all 10 songs from the album then I autographed 21 CDs 4 eager purchasers amp donated all dosh 2 the RSPCA. As I slurped my post performance sparkling I also quietly celebrated a significant 0 birthday which shall remain nameless suffice 2 say apparently it is the new 30 1 tiny regret after an otherwise brilliant occassion I didnt take any photos of the crowd. So I have plenty of the band performing but little of the wonderful people who made it an event. If U attended please dont B alarmed if U suddenly encounter me amp my camera during my journey ar... 2010-3-20 04:44:07 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#56491 On January 22nd 2009 I became a mother. My son Beau will celebrate his 1st birthday this coming weekend amp 2 weeks later I will celebrate my own significant biological milestone with another longawaited event the belated launch of Loose Ends. Its gunna B huge people. 2010-1-19 12:46:31 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#30254 Brainstorming re the plausibility of performing a CD launch 4 Loose Ends preggers PROS Get it done 2 fully concentrate on motherhood in 2009 Give me a project 2 get my mind off the perils of pregnancy Can take leave from dayjob 2 plan practise prepare With the CD now available will a later launch pack as much punch If not now when CONS Will B substantially pregnant ie 3rd trimester by the time it is organised Stress of organisation amp performing pregnant Would enjoy the launch more not pregnant eg concern about growing baby would limit my ability 2 throw myself completely in2 the show eg no celebratorynerve settling drinx prepost show Not enough time 2 do make it a salubrious event eg notifying industrymedia a suitable venue an attractive stage setup catering Extra curricular energies would B better focused on baby preparations The most important thing in my life is a healthy pregnancy amp a healthy baby in January. Anything compromising this is not worth attempting 4 ... 2008-9-28 05:07:46 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#69638 Pregnancy is a warzone. Battles rage between you amp your body between your body amp what nourishes it. Its not enough that my body is not my own any longer. Always one 2 maintain a regular if unremarkable exercise plan a weekly power walk amp some yoga stretching suddenly I cant work up a healthy sweat without pulling a stomach muscle or cramping down there. Always one 2 stick 2 fruit and caffeine beverages in the morning suddenly I cant leave the house without a belly full of cereal and no coffee thanks unless U want 2 clean up my chuck. Always 1 2 have regular planned meals during the day perhaps a chocolate or icecream treat when day is done suddenly I have 2 have dessert after every meal and after every dessert And as 4 booze well the shiraz I usually get so much enjoyment from has been replaced by a few tall frosty glasses of ...milk. Yes thats right I drink milk 4 kicks these days like a kiddy. Thus far its a hassle but yeah I will deal with the coffee booze powerwalk ba... 2008-9-14 06:22:01 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#29369 The 2.4 of us me Adrian amp 19 week foetus made the mad dash 2 Sydney 4 the nite 2 attend The Easys my first songwriting awards ceremony. I was on stage 3 times with fellow nominees amp accepted 2 awards I did not win the prestigious Rudy Brandsma award 4 songwriting excellence but IT WAS AN HONOUR 2 B NOMINATED o Loose Ends came 7th in the Country category and Fire in my Mind 9th in the ContemporaryDance press alert. Fire In My Mind not my usual genre so nice surprise 4 that song. Loose Ends 2 judges complimented me on a highly original entry worthy of 1st place amp requested a copy of my CD. So despite not being able 2 take advantage of the open bar amp eat as I pleased from the delicious platters baby baby I love U growing in me but ROLL ON JANUARY so U R out of my belly amp in my arms our journey was a worthwhile experience. 2008-9-7 03:48:00 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#28658 I have not blogged nor plugged my CD Loose Ends 4 6 months due 2 various health issues amp will elaborate on 2 of the physical impairments 2 my musical journey. 1 caused recurring pins and needles down the left side of my body 4 several months. I underwent a brain CT 2 rule out strokeblood clotting extensive neck and back xrays a neck CT and an MRI Brain 2 rule out MS 2 thankfully confirm the only culprit was a cervical rib an extra bit of tissue sticking out of my neck bone impinging on a nerve. Apparently a lucky 2 of us R born with this affliction. There is no cure however it is not lifethreatening amp certain good habits ie healthy sleeping position amp posture can modify its impact. In May my producer Mark my bassplaying friend Mario amp I were preparing 4 a CD launch in July. our second rehearsal I postponed the launch until August amp in July postponed it again indefinitely. Why Now 18 weeks in2 it I will confirm my pregnancy online. Juggling fulltime work morning sic... 2008-8-23 03:47:29 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#19200 The past few months have been well stressful. I have certainly faced pressureschanges in various areas of life however they were intensified exponentially by my tendency to worrypanicfretstewcontrol etc. In fact no tragedy has befallen me or mine the threat of it only existing in my troubled mind apart from the weather we need 2 do something and someone with a less type A approach wouldve sailed through this time if not unscathed way less scathed. Yes I know psychology 101 basic self awareness common sense etc but anxiety can carry U 2 the dark side amp leave U floundering. new years resolution CHILL Anywaze Im over the hectic time amp Loose Ends is on the production line as I type. Looking 4ward 2 bringing my music 2 the people this year o 2008-1-26 23:38:57 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#14361 Due 2 a looming significant amp daunting dayjob commitment amp an impending house move I will B unable 2 website or music as usual 4 the rest of 2007. Thankfully I recently scored a couple of unexpected home days during which I laboured 2 update aforesaid 2 my satisfaction. Please enjoy the result amp U will hear from me when the CD is done. verb 2007-9-8 08:38:13 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#14140 I was happily surprised reading a recent blog by my UKbased mate about me. Belly gaffawing ensued when I read how she perceived me 1 doesnt often ask others how they appear 2 them amp others dont often voluntarily profer their perceptions so when 1 gets the lowdown on 1self thru the observers eye B they stranger acquaintance friend or soul mate it can B fascinating amp insightful. Like most of us unfamous plebs reading about 1self is a novelty akin 2 being in a changeroom where wall 2 wall mirrors enable 1 2 check out angles of 1self unfamiliar 2 1ie derriere that others C every day well not everyone sees my derriere everyday but they C more of it than me. Even in that instance 1 is still the narrator of 1self whereas in Kellys blog I am a character in her book grinning like a cheshire cat with a minor but managable drinking issue o thanx Kel PS Spelt derriere good hope I. httpmelbournedreaming.blogspot.com200708inwhichistopmoaningandtalkabout.html 2007-8-31 09:12:19 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#13592 Hmmm just read the scariest possibility ever. The emminent scientist Stephen Hawking reckons that rising temperatures may trigger an unstoppable ecological reaction that transforms Earth into another Venus ie a hot dead planet. I had believed that global warming may wipe most of us out but that once we were gone or sufficiently depleted Earth would eventually recover. Nice legacy human race the mainstream daily current affairs shows should widen their definition of tenants from hell to include us all What a ratings grabber o 2007-8-12 03:36:10 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#13241 A recent dayjob personality test confirmed that I am a raving introvert ergo I have no grand desire 2 B famous. But I wanna get my music out there so people have the opportunity 2 listen amp derive enjoyment from it. There are many singerswriterssongs whothat light up my world amp I believe this is how I would best contribute 2 society. I like my current office job. amp I am but 1 of an uncountable number of creatives who must settle in2 less selffulfilling occupations 2 live well. Im not resentful. Choosing 2 surrender the life of unrelenting soulbearing shabby gigs man troubles paltry pay insecurity unfulfilled promises rejection booze etc in favour of hubby home amp hearth regularity stability financial security booze etc made me a happier person full stop. Sure the ocassional crumb of recognition was thrown appreciative listeners were heartwarming but they did not pay the rent. I do not want 2 dedicate my life 2 art the expense of everything else. But I continue my qu... 2007-7-30 05:31:28 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#69639 I love reading but havent used a library 4 a decade because finding books 2 suit my taste was hit amp miss. If I heard about a book that might appeal particularly a new release it was often easier 2 buy it as the process of borrowing it when it wasnt on the shelf amp it usually wasnt often involved months of waiting for my snail mail letter stating the book was finally mine 4 a miserly 2 weeks amp could I please collect it by last Wednesday week amp return it by yesterday otherwise it would go 2 the next holdee. Now happily ensconsed in my outerwestern suburban bliss I thought Id give the local library a shot amp the technology of the last 10 years has certainly va va voomed searching 4 amp obtaining any book you want including latest releases. Online U can search 4 any book at any library in Australia and within a week its awaiting collection at your local library with a prompt email notification 2 let U know all this completely free of charge. Lately I have been getting reacquai... 2007-6-6 06:23:19 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#11016 I remember loving hot weather a few years ago. Bright sunny days and balmy nites rocked household chores were effortless when washing and floors dried in 10 minutes being confined 2 an office 95 was unbearable during summer etc. Now I dont know whether its because I am afraid of global warming and drought or that I spent my sunworshipping years in a dark dampish house amp since the move have had no biological imperative 2 top up my vitamin D the natural way any opportunity but I am sure loving our descent into Winter. Red winequaffing on chesterfields in dimly lit bars beats beerguzzling on banana lounges bayside no contest between salad vs steaming bowls of hearty soup or spag bol jumperwearing overcast skies bonechilling breezes RAIN PLEASE MORE RAIN BRING IT ON is wot gets my juices flowing. 3 years ago a move 2 Queensland or WA was appetising. Now the south island of NZ looks good or mayB Finland. 2007-5-19 05:19:12 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#10112 I am really happy 2 B performing again. Years ago I was on stage regularly either doing the lucrative but souldestroying thing wedding band singer or the soulbaringhard yakkaart is its own reward thing lugging my HEAVY electric piano around Melbourne 2 strut my original stuff. There was a substantial hiatus 2 seeksortregroup. Now sought sorted amp regrouped Ive found a nice outlet 2 once again put my 2 cents in2 the muso stratosphere. Once a month a nice amount of performing 4 a dayjob girl I get 2 Wax Lyrical at Hardimans or the Old Hepburn. This time round Im settled amp confident amp with the important addition of my own personal roadie amp groupie combined in2 one very attractive package its gr8 2 B back see gigz 4 dates 2007-4-14 04:01:43 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#9735 I havent written a song 4 3 years odd which is how long my current stable relationship has been going strong. Recently due 2 the rapup of the CD I have revisited song ideas that have been churning in id since i last put down my quill and my what a struggle its been I was never a prolific songwriter averaging 12 a dozen or so songs a year my peak but they used 2 come easy often involuntarily why I got in2 this caper. Now my quest 4 fresh material is relatively forced. Which led me 2 the question does my domestic bliss equal creative meltdown In short NO Its TIME Lack thereof. The words R aflowing when they get a chance long weekends R helpful. In the good old miserable days I had enforced rumination. Now with full time work amp a relationship 2 nourish there is little energy 4 quality introspection. Thankfully my natural motivator GUILT has intervened and ensured the production line is now operational amp 1 shiny newy dropped off the conveyer belt yesterday. I am rewardin... 2007-3-31 03:54:46 http://www.andreabarnett.com.au/page13.htm#8200 Some people hate the yearly reminder that they R growing old. I love my birthday. 1 day when the niceness and kindness in my family friends colleagues etc is truly on display 4 me U get coffee in bed. U can get 2 work late amp take a long lunch. U can take personal calls all day. amp U can drink B4 5pm guiltfree. Giftwise U get what U want unlike Christmas when everyone is stressed by the shoppingfamily gathering issues amp presents R often bought in haste. Living is also an achievement in itself in this wonderous wild world so congratulations R in order 4 reaching the next chronological marker. Happy Birthday everybody o 2007-2-10 00:18:14