Through the Giant Smile We Go

There’s something timeless about walking through the giant smiling face of Luna Park Melbourne. Though it may seem scary it is just such a fun place to be. I am linking this to: Becky’s Simply Red Debbie’s Six Word Saturday

Back in Cloudehill Gardens

I’ve been to Cloudehill Gardens & Nursery in Olinda more times than I can count— with my sister on holiday, after brunch with hubby, and even with my two besties. This time, it was my brother-in-law’s turn while he’s visiting from the Philippines. I almost forgot to post about this walk which was already about…

Tuesday Streetart – 96

Twen One or mikeyxxi is a Melbourne-based street artist known for bold, vibrant murals that often blend graffiti with abstract forms. The faces he paints often follow a similar mold—stylised, expressive, and instantly recognisable, adding a signature touch to his vibrant street murals. Simply Red

Into the Dandenongs

BACK STORY: “Into the Woods” isn’t a phrase used much here in Australia. People are more likely to say something like “a walk through the bush,” “a hike in the forest,” or just “a wander in the trees.” It’s been a while since I had walked in the forest—my knees haven’t been too kind lately….

Paint the town (and windows) red

The Cardrona Hotel is one of New Zealand’s most beloved historic landmarks. With its vintage character, mountain backdrop, and deep roots in local history, it’s a place that captures both the eye and the imagination. Next to it is a red vintage petrol pump, windows of a red phone booth and charming old cottages. I…

Knocking on Red Doors

Every time Jack and I visit Pat at her place, it feels like we become tourists all over again. We explore new neighborhoods, try different restaurants, spot fresh murals — and yes, you guessed it… I end up photographing red doors, but through a whole new set of eyes.

Tuesday Streetart: Hosier Lane – 95

Came across this piece in Hosier Lane by @anamillas — a skull with a single red rose beneath the words “Not the flowers we want.” It made me pause. In a laneway full of vibrant murals, this one felt quieter — but heavier. It’s a tribute to the many women still living under the weight…

Palais Theatre Window

The Palais Theatre in St Kilda has been a Melbourne icon since it opened in 1927. Originally built as a cinema, it replaced an earlier venue that burned down. With its grand Art Deco style and seaside location, it quickly became a favourite spot for live shows and concerts. Today, it’s still one of the…

Red Floral Friday – 7

Looking back to my trip to Akaroa. This is a field of red flowers at the Giants House. I am linking this to: Floral Friday Cee’s FOTD Becky’s Simply Red

Tuesday Streetart: Swan Street – 93

Visually, this mural is very eye catching. The mural was created by Danny Awes and is located on the side of the Feast of Merit Restaurant in Swan Street, Richmond. The mural illustrates the Feast of Merit tradition from Nagaland, where a person of means provides feasts for the community over an extended period, earning…

Curvy Benches

These curved benches are not only unique—they’re also wonderfully versatile. People can sit together and chat, or turn slightly away to enjoy a quiet moment on their own. It’s a playful yet thoughtful design that invites both connection and reflection. I am linking this to Jude’s Bench Challenge and for Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat…

Floral Friday – 6

I’m no expert in flowers—what I share in my posts simply reflects what I was feeling at the moment I took the photo. So here I am posting photos every Friday for Floral Friday and for FOTD. This Wild Iris and Crimson Bottlebrush caught my eye during a Sketchmeet at Fitzroy Gardens a few years…

Tuesday Streetart: Bronik – 91

I first discovered Bronik’s work on the streets of Barcelona in 2023 and was immediately captivated by her bold, vibrant style. Since then, I’ve been on the lookout for her murals closer to home—I’ve seen several in St Kilda, though I’ve yet to explore Elwood, where many more of her works light up the streets….

Floral Friday – 3

I’m no expert in flowers—what I share in my posts simply reflects what I was feeling at the moment I took the photo. So here I am posting photos every Friday for Floral Friday and for FOTD. Here are sunflowers which I saw at the Veg OutCommunity Gardens in St Kilda last February.

A stroll in Northcote

Pat just moved into her new place—still renting, but no more share house for her! She was super excited to show us around her neighbourhood so we could pick a spot to eat next time we visited. We wandered through a few nearby streets, and I noticed some cool front doors, mosaic public art, and…

First or Second thing I thought of…

This week in Lens Artist Photo Challenge, Tina leads us with the topic of – First thing I thought of… “All my moods in one screen.” Or on second thought it can also be “Group Therapy Session?” How about you what was your first thought when you saw this vintage TV set? I saw this…

Advanced Happy Mother’s Day to Me

Nothing extravagant or over-the-top—just a quiet, early Mother’s Day celebration with Jack and Pat. Simple, but special. Got some gifts too from the kids. Though I haven’t heard from Tim yet, but that’s not unusual with the time difference in London. Heading to bed now with a full heart. It was a lovely day. Did…

Yellow Window

A yellow window that I found in Cloudehill Garden & Nursery. Love the bright, vibrant hue contributing to its aesthetic appeal.

Pirianda Garden

Jack and I figured autumn was almost over, so we wanted to catch the last of the leaves before they all dropped. I found Pirianda Garden in the Dandenong Mountains on Google—we hadn’t been before, so we thought we’d check it out. But when we got there, I hesitated. The walk looked seriously steep. And…

Tuesday StreetArt – 80

Created on November 24, 2024, this is a collaboration from DLP and Camilo Delgado (Refuz) and it now occupies the wall on the corner of Campbell and Johnston St, Collingwood.

Back to London

My son just left yesterday after a wonderful month-long visit, and my heart is full of cherished memories. From long brunches at cafés and enjoying his delicious home-cooked meals to taking trips up the mountains and engaging in fun family Jenga battles (which I lost three times by the way)—but redeeming myself with a win…

Tuesday StreetArt – 79

This is one of Chris Dyer’s murals that I happened to capture in a quick drive-by shot in Melbourne. Chris is a Peruvian-Canadian street artist, muralist, and visionary creator known for his vibrant, psychedelic mandala-inspired creatures. I am also linking this to Jez’s Fan of Challenge and for Johnbo’s Cellpic Sunday

Looking in and out through the window

My son and daughter-in-law stayed at this beautiful Airbnb for two weeks—doesn’t it look lovely? It’s in Fitzroy, a perfect spot for catching up with their friends. Now, he’s back at Mum and Dad’s home in the southeast of Melbourne for another two weeks before they fly back to London! ❤️❤️❤️ Looking out of the…

Streetart Doors in Collingwood

Another blog about Streetart doors, but this time from another suburb – Collingwood. This has long been a hub for Melbourne’s street art scene, with its laneways, warehouses, and even shopfronts transformed into open-air galleries. But among the sprawling murals and bold graffiti pieces, one detail often goes unnoticed—the doors. These next ones are kind…

Wordless Wednesday – 26

GARDEN WORLD, SPRINGVALE I am linking this to Wordless Wednesday and to Cee’s Flower of the Day Challenge

Easy’s Train Windows

Whenever my extended family goes out for lunch or dinner, we like to explore different cuisines. This time, we opted for something simple yet classic—the humble burger, but with a twist. We dined at Easy’s, an American-style diner with a retro, graffiti-covered aesthetic, uniquely set inside a converted train. Pretty cool, right? Here are some…

Veg Out … a walk in the community garden

We visited this place a few years ago, but as we passed the wire gates of Veg Out Community Gardens this time, we noticed countless new things to discover. Curiosity got the best of us, so we decided to step inside and explore once again. Veg Out Community Garden is an organic, chemical-free oasis in…

Tuesday Streetart: Tram – 77

Melbourne’s trams have undergone a vibrant transformation from their traditional green and white colour to dynamic canvases showcasing diverse artworks. This is Tram#217 by Kait James, which is part of the 2024 First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams. Kait James is a Wadawurrung artist living and working on Wurundjeri country. In her practice James explores her…

… Still in St Kilda

This is a continuation of my walk in St Kilda. We are now in Acland Street, a vibrant and foodie area. From the Pier, we walked past the Palais Theatre and Luna Park. … then passed by the Australian Bicentennial Project which was created in 1988 to celebrate 200 years since the arrival of the…