Northbridge

A sunny day and I suggested we all go to Northbridge for a drive.
So I hoped in the car and put on my seat belt.

We had a coffee at Bond's corner, people stopped to say how lovely I was.
And afterwards, we all wandered down to the water.

We saw the old pool, full of oysters now...

and I had a little wander on the sand.

I was thinking of my family, so many miles away,

and sent my love across the waves.

Not many sleeps now till I see you again.
That was some of my day, hope yours has been great too.

The old Clive Park tidal pool at Northbridge

Georgia On My Mind

Come with us on an artist date today...

I'd heard about the Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit at the Art Gallery of NSW, and was delighted if not a bit surprised to see Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith being shown as well in this exhibit.

“Preston and Cossington Smith, like O’Keeffe in America, have long been recognised for their central role in the development of modern art in Australia. The three artists are connected by their choice of subject, their experimentation with light, colour and form, and their commitment to presenting alternative ways of seeing the world,” says Dr Michael Brand, director, Art Gallery of NSW.

A lovely if chilly walk through The Royal Botanical gardens,

to discover nature was putting on an art show of it's own.

Ah memories of Versailles this time last year.

I wouldn't mind this sculpture in my backyard.

Make a wish at the I Wish sculpture by Arthur Fleishmann

One of my favourite sculptors, Henry Moore. Another one I'd like in my yard.

Remember, the greater the opportunity,
the fewer are those who see it. ~ Captain James Cook

"Larger than life and created from highly polished steel, Michael Parekowhai’s The English Channel is an arresting sculptural presence. The figure, with flowing topcoat and ponytail, is the British navigator Captain James Cook. But this is not Cook as he is seen in the many historical monuments that bear his name – or in the famous 1776 portrait painting by Nathaniel Dance which is one inspiration for this sculpture. Resting on a sculptor’s working table with his feet suspended above ground, this Cook seems to be reflecting on his legacy in the contemporary world."

Visit the gallery to learn more - click here

This stainless steel? sculpture of Captain Cook stole my heart that day.

Then on to view the O’Keeffe, Preston, Cossington Smith: Making Modernism exhibit... if you have a chance to see it, do visit.

Margaret Preston's work...

Georgia O'Keeffe - Ram's Head Blue Morning Glory 1938

Visit - The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Black Place, Grey and Pink.

"It is surprising to me to see how many people separate the objective from the abstract. Objective painting is not good painting unless it is good in the abstract sense. A hill or a tree cannot make a good painting just because it is a hill or a tree. It is lines and colors put together so that they say something. For me that is the very basis of painting. The abstraction is often the most definite form for the intangible thing in myself that I can only clarify in paint." Georgia O'Keeffe.

After winding our way around the gallery it was time for a lunch break...

"Give me the sugar and no one gets hurt."

These cheeky little sausages were addicted to the sugar packets and kept trying to steal them from the lunch tables. Kevin pulled one back from it, and it nipped him! Can you see that look in it's eye? They were funny as a circus to watch.

A final wander through the gallery and a stop off to see Brett Whiteley's work... again, this could come and live at my house.

And before it gets too cold a meander back through The Botanical Gardens,

along the shores of Sydney Harbour to catch the ferry back.

Secret Cafe - Flying Bear - Milson Park

Wandering around the foreshores of Sydney Harbour we discovered some beautiful views and a little secret cafe, that I think only the locals know about... so whatever you do, don't tell anyone.

Hmmm and what is that we spy over there?

Looks like a delightful little place to break the walk.
And a dog park as well... heaven.

Image above from... Sydney Flying Squadron Website

And it's dog friendly

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a cheerier world." J.R.R. Tolkien.

And if you visit on a Sunday, you'll be able to hear some delightful tunes from the restaurant above.

Some Flying Bear Wisdom

Links: Facebook Foys Kirribilli Flying Bear

Find out more... Sydney Flying Squadron Restaurant and Cafe

Whatever you do, keep this a secret, it's a great place to have first or second breakfast, elevensies, lunch or afternoon tea, drink coffee, keep the spirits up, soak up some winter sun, and delight in the view of Neutral Bay. In case you'd like to visit, hop on a ferry get off at North Sydney or Kirribilli Wharf and head towards The Ensemble Theatre - it's right next door. If you are driving point your directions towards McDougall Street Kirribilli.

Thank you Google Maps.