I woke to cloudy skies, strong loving hugs and happy birthday texts. I arrived at work to a rendition of Happy Birthday started by Di and Vina, who were quickly joined by the other 30 or so volunteers. On wandering into the Kenworth shed Mr Kenworth himself sang happy birthday, gave me a kiss and asked if I would mind having the morning off as trucks would still be moved so no sense starting any more cleaning. What a gift, a little me time. When I returned after lunch to be greeted with the same news it became a wonderful gift - a whole day off. Shopping and organising in the morning, quiet think time and new sights in the afternoon. What a lucky lady!
As I headed out to find the Alice Springs cultural precinct I was compelled to stop and take a photo of the once empty paddock. Vans, campers, trucks and tractors are now vying for top spot. And in amongst them all I spotted a native flower I hadn't noticed here previously. And instead of the angst I'd felt from fellow volunteers I felt the excitement of a festival about to begin. The strawberry and cream van is set up, the fish and chip van is ready to cook, the band has arrived and is camped at Birdsville, the restorers are constantly polishing and preening, the sightseers are stopping and photographing it all. A big party is set to begin!
And then, within 20 minutes, I was in the pristine world of the museum and art gallery. What a contrast to what I'd just left. The outdoor sculpture was stunning, the dust- what dust? There was stillness and quiet, and so many contrasts. Albert Namatjira's pale landscapes of areas we've travelled hung closely by strong coloured dot paintings and beautifully crafted weaving. The courtyard holding their sculptures was still and the ground red. The ladies sacred mountain was slightly hidden by the soon to be built cafe work zone. And in amongst the stillness, out of the blue, came a message to me from one of the mum's at school. She was telling me about a recent movie where Joy needs Sadness, because without it how would we recognise joy or happiness? The thought made me smile, would I be appreciating this beauty, this treasured experience if everything that had gone before it had been easy and simple? Maybe, maybe not. My grandfather wrote in my autograph book many, many years ago - May there be just enough clouds on your horizon to form a beautiful sunset. Maybe last years clouds have helped this years sunsets.
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