Tina, Turkey, Features and Sal

That about sums up my Sydney life at the moment. Well, that and Manacle, of course. Work's been great. Fun and busy. Vibrant crowds without too much trouble. Many a friend popping in, smiles and winks and sillly gestures, cheeky banter; hugs to remind me that I have skin, and skin loves to be touched.

Sal has been a companion. A comrade. A partner in crime and in various ventures, and our friendship deepens slowly with the spending of time together. We see that our values intercept. We treat each other as we'd like to be treated. And there is comfort in support and company - that comes loaded with invisible treasures, and light on judgement.

In times that I have been stupid, lost all my money, depressed and broke, a mountain of debts ahead, and me just a few steps up it, I have turned to Sal and said "This is rock bottom, No cash, no cigarettes, I am so sorry." But Sal, only Sal turned to me and said what mattered: That none of that defined me. This is a just a time of life. I know who I am, and I will grow stronger in that day by day. Money is nothing. My life and my soul are moving forward. My spirit is alive and well beneath the heartache and bad habits. I can laugh and dance and be happy with nothing. Because I have it all in me already.

Life at home is calmer and the mountain of debts shrinks every fortnight. I am getting somewhere! Really getting somewhere!

Thesis six week plan next. And for now - weekends in Sydney. Self-funding orgies of hard-work, mending hurts and estrangements, learning to control the beast, and enjoy the music. Domestic bliss in the gong. Chemical Palace. Melissa Hardie. Debt repayments and family life.

Then there's the summer to look forward to!!!!!!!!!