blamebrampton

The Australian Financial Services Minister looks as though he has had very bad botox. Alas, I cannot find any video of him anywhere, but I am watching him on Lateline at the moment and only his eyelids and mouth move. It's scary! He makes Nicole Kidman look animated!

In other news, February is the cruellest month. It is also the shortest and I hope that life is calmer and less chaotic by the end of it. I am in total headless chicken land, though obviously not as busy as those of you with and having babies and foals (yes, there is another party involved in the foal part of that).

The chocolate bar that is meant to be opening locally is still under construction, though I received a nice letter in the post today, as the owner is applying for a licence and needs to notify the locals. In it, he mentions they will be selling macarons!

shezan , I feel certain that somehow your influence over the universe has come to bear here, and I thank you for it!

Another real life friend friended me the other day: I am never sure if it's a good idea for my RL friends to follow me here as I do different things here than there. Although I suppose the ranting on politics and bad journalism are constant to both. And bad puns.

There is also some fandom stuff here, though, which is not like me in RL. I fangirl Elizabethan playwrights a bit, but no fic or cosplay. But Harry Potter fic is both fun and fascinating, so, RL friends, just roll with it. My theory is that it's a postmodern investigation of hidden stories within the canonical text. I think that's actually the whole reason why I write in HP, as JKR provided a fantastic framework which is largely underwritten, giving immense scope for other storytelling.

Though in fact, I should confess I am being dragged to my first fandom con by

treacle_tartlet and

pseudicide . Come April, you will see me in Melbourne, gadding about in something steampunk and almost certainly failing to recognise any of the actors who will be there. Which will still not be as embarrassing as the time I failed to recognise the then-Australian Prime Minister, who was graciously allowing me to share a lift with him and his burly sidekicks.

I am in an annoying place with work where I still have loads of freelance gigs, but am not finding it satisfying. I do, however, like the freedom to pick up and leave at any time. There is an option for a senior gig where I could whip a newish mag into shape, but it would involve at least a pretend willingness to work full days five days a week without taking months off. Or I have enough money in the bank to spend the rest of the year writing original fiction. Staying where I am is sort of a mid option, it is less career focussed, but does allow some writing time with an income. Might be time for some coin tossing.

Anyway, let's end with cheery news, HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday to the very lovely

old_enough I hope you had a wonderful day! And to darling

anthimaeria , my very first fandom friend. I am sure the twins planned to get you something lovely, but they may have been a bit stymied by having no credit cards to order with over the internet.

And a very happy birthday today to

frankkincense , you utter darling of a person! How can you be so young? I hope the present fairies are having a good old nap after exhausting themselves delivering piles of much-deserved swag! XXX!!