Well, my long awaited trip to Australia has now come and gone. Leaving the snow for mid-summer down under was not that bad since I am quite temperamental of the heat, until a few heat waves cruised through. But I did enjoy the sun on my skin! Queensland was so beautiful and tropical. I met up with my beautiful, talented friend Jo Harrison and her fella Matt. Seriously, the sweetest couple ever! Surf n’ Ink was new for me, and everyone down there was so welcoming and helpful. Even though it was heavy on everyone’s minds of the horrible flooding that was happening just north of us. Queensland had been hit with so many storms, and the floods were horrendous. Before I even arrived and it is still occurring since a cyclone hit the same areas the day after my departure. Artists from around the world and myself, came together to do a few art fusion pieces, that were auctioned off and all proceeds of sales went to the victims of the Queensland floods. I hope the sun shines on them soon.
The second leg of my trip brought me down to the Rites of Passage Fest in Melbourne. This was held in the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building. I was able to do a walk through Thursday before, thanks to event coordinator Claire Reid… and I was in awe of the interior. “Carpe Diem” The Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens were completed in 1880 for Melbourne’s first international exhibition, a product of the optimism, enthusiasm and energy of the people of Melbourne in the late-19th century. It felt all so perfect in Melbourne’s hip city, full of ethnic foods, arts, music and architecture. I did a few really fun tattoos, met so many new wonderful faces and had a chance to catch up with old ones. I can’t wait to visit again, and again. Thanks to Kim for a home away from home! Misses and kisses until next year.
For now February and March I will be here in Colorado. April I maybe making a trip to AZ before heading to NJ…. so stay tuned for updates…see you soon xoxo p.s. here’s a neat link http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/01/21/285295_gossip-news.html