Sunday, June 1, 2014

WEEKEND THOUGHTS


I came across this quote from Maya Angelou a couple of years ago -
it affected me deeply, and I have never forgotten it.


Dr Angelou passed away on May 28, and will be sadly missed.
Poet, author, activist, singer, dancer, actor...
and incredibly insightful.


As a beautiful young woman, she appeared in Porgy and Bess...

Amy, of Love made my home, has written a wonderful post in tribute.
She shares five of Maya Angelou's best known quotations.
I'm sure you'll enjoy reading them.



If life had gone according to plan, we would be in Italy now....
but we did the next best thing and went to the movies -
 The Trip to Italy, with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.
They were funny, eating their way through a series of gourmet restaurants, impersonating Hugh Grant, Al Pacino, and other stars, and finding ever more outrageous ways to insult one another.




We didn't see any of the famous sights, but I laughed more than I expected...


In other news from Europe, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco are expecting their first child.


Congratulations, and good luck to them both.


These beautiful sculptural forms are Aboriginal fish traps, woven from vines and pandanus palm leaves in a twining technique which is also used for baskets and mats.  
Though made as sculptural objects, they would function effectively as traps;  there is a funnel in the mouth of the trap to hold the captured fish.  
They were made by artists from Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory of Australia.


Happy Days!
xxx



28 comments:

  1. Dear Patricia,
    A first , i would say. We both published posts as you said at the same time.
    I wonder, if it was because i was thinking of you.
    I was taklking to a close friend in S.A ..we talk about our lives and times spent in Australia.. many times.
    I do hope that you are well!!
    You will get to Rome .. our dear lord will answer your prayers.
    I can just hear Maya Angelou's voice.. such a distinct voice. A sad loss.
    Very interesting fish traps. The aborigines can teach us a lot.!!
    Thank you for your comment and visit to my blog.. always so appreciated Patricia.
    love , wishing you a wonderful happy Sunday.
    val xx

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    1. Dear Val, I think we are Sunday Bloggers! I am well, thank you, and working on the insurance claim for the cancelled trip. Maybe after that is sorted we can start again, and I so hope you are right about getting to Rome. I loved Maya Angelou's voice, which was wonderful when she recited her poetry. love from Patricia xx

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  2. I read and enjoyed that post of Amy's when she first put it up. I'm sorry you aren't in Italy right now. I hope you are at the beginning stages of planning your postponed trip there. The Aboriginal fish traps are fascinating. Beauty and function combined!

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    1. Hi Kristie, Amy's post was excellent, wasn't it?
      Hoping to travel later in the year, and working on dates plus the insurance claim for the cancellation, which is a bit complicated.
      I like that description: beauty and function combined - that might end up in my guided tour chat!

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  3. The quote / M.A. touched me, as I realized how true it is. Wonderful.
    Perhaps, next year, you´ll be in Italy.. It´s the planning and waiting which gives you half of the satisfaction of the whole trip?
    So another Royal baby on the way.. I expect Albert being on his best behavior.
    The art by the Aboriginals looks beautiful, as its best finding it´s homeland Australia ( the colors, the history ).
    Thank you for an interesting post once again.

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    1. It is a wonderful quote, Mette, and I am glad it touched you too.
      Planning our trip again is good, although I am a little anxious about it too. Good comment re Albert - yes, best behaviour is most important now :) Have a lovely week.

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  4. That quote touched me too and it is so true. x

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    1. Hi Suzy, it is a wonderful quote, I think. xx

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  5. Maya Angelou was an inspirational woman. I'll click over to the link to read her quotes. I always enjoy your Aboriginal art posts, something I don't have a chance to see here. Keep thinking Italy, it will happen one day.

    Darla

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    1. OK - keep thinking Italy is the key!! Your nation must be very proud of Maya Angelou, certainly an inspirational and wonderfully gifted lady. Glad you liked the fish traps - easier than throwing in a line!

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  6. I'm sorry you're not in Italy right now, Patricia. It sounds like you're making your own fun anyway. That sounds like a funny movie, I will have to see if we can watch it here.

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    1. Thank you Jennifer. We always try to make our own fun, and have a date night each weekend. I'm sure the movie will turn up in your area at some stage.

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  7. You may not be in Italy now Patricia, but you still have it all to look forward to. Maya Angelou was an inspiring women - I know why the caged bird sings.

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  8. The Caged Bird is a wonderful poem, but I have not read the book. Must remedy that now - I suppose all copies will disappear over the next few weeks! Fingers crossed for Rome!

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  9. I shall have to read some Maya Angelou. She sounds wonderful, Patricial. Thank you for introducing her to me. The opening quote here is one of those eternal truths isn't it? So sorry you are not in Italy now, but I'm sure you will get there…and yes, I'll watch out for you too in Rotterdam one of these days!

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    1. I want to read Why the Caged Bird Sings - suddenly when someone is gone, there is more interest. Maybe Italy in the Autumn this year, we hope. Who knows, maybe next year Rotterdam? There were many Dutch immigrants in the town of my childhood, and I have always been interested in going there.

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  10. A very inspirational quote Patricia, and thank you for the mention, I am glad that you enjoyed my post as much as I have enjoyed this one.

    The fish traps are amazing, they look like the most wonderful sculptures, not something that would actually be used, so it is very interesting to know that they could actually catch fish. Great to see these.

    I am so sorry that you are not in Italy, but I hope that you will make it there at sometime in the future as I know that you will love it. xx

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    1. Thank you Amy. Glad you like the post, and the fish traps. Don't they look great in a Gallery. Fingers crossed a few things can be sorted, then I'll be off to Italy. xx

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  11. This quote is so very meaningful. I'm absolutely sure you will get to Italy sometime soon Patricia, your dream will come true. We've just watched the serialised version of A Trip to Italy on the TV and I loved it. Hugs.
    Patricia x

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    1. Thank you P, sometimes I get discouraged about the Italy thing...
      I didn't know the movie had been serialised, which could be fun, probably with more detail in it. hugs to you too x

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  12. What a wonderful quote - one I had not heard before but it will stay in my mind. Truly sorry you have had to cancel the Italian trip, but at least you will have the pleasure of anticipating it for longer.

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    1. Thank you Jenny, I will be so excited if/when I get the all clear to travel. Then it will be 'all systems go to Italy'!

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  13. A memorable quotation from a very fine woman. I read Know Why The Caged Bird Sings many years ago now and have always had the deepest respect for Maya Angelou ever since. She leaves a wonderful legacy of work and memories behind her.

    It's hard for you to know that you would have been in Italy just now, but like Patricia, I'm sure you'll get there before long and will appreciate it even more because of the delay.

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    1. I haven't read The Caged Bird, but now I really want to! Maya Angelou has always impressed by her presence and poetry.
      Mr C swears I am dreaming about Italy :)

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  14. Patricia,
    You know, Maya Angelou was my absolute favorite! Her kindness, wisdom, inspiration, and love made the world a better place. She will be remembered for her unique style and grace.

    It is getting hotter here every day and summer is on its way.

    love,
    ~Sheri

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    1. Maya Angelou was so inspirational, Sheri. Your country has lost a treasure. Enjoy the Summer! xx

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  15. Hello Patricia, trying to get caught up reading blog posts today. I'll have to read back for details of your postponed trip to Italy. I loved Maya Angelou's voice, so strong and purposeful. She will be missed. Have a joyful week, Patricia.

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    1. Hello Sanda, I was thinking about you over the weekend.... The story on Italy is that we were to go May/June, but I needed surgery so we had to cancel. Maya Angelou was an amazing woman, I always was impressed when I saw her on Oprah and at the Presidential inaugurations. Happy week to you too!

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