All That I Call Bali

I'm not covering our Australian holiday chronologically or punctually - the trip ended yesterday and I've not gotten to week 3 - but I'm covering it all gradually, in the order and at the pace I'm inspired to. After all, this blog revolves around inspiration.

In week 4 of the trip we spent 5 days in Bali. I was advised to stay in Legian but to be more specific I would personally advise the north side of Legian, further from Kuta. It is quieter, more quaint and quite a bit cheaper.

I'm not going to say a great deal about Bali but rather let the photos and the poem do the talking. I will just say, to preface the poem, that there are lot of streets that look the same in Bali. You need to be careful how you pick your landmarks as there are the same stores on every street, the same things being sold, the same invitational lines being said, the same signs and sounds. It's quite the labyrinth. But an enjoyable one.

As often is the case in South-East Asia I also got a kick out of their slightly phonetic English spelling. The sign and menu below are a couple of my favourites from this trip.

My favourite on this one is "pried".

I will also add that I did surf for the first time and according to Sam I did pretty well. So I'm feeling like I'm more Australian than ever. I should probably take it up on a regular basis, even just to clear my sinuses.

Click on the mp3 player below and listen to me reading my poem while you look at the rest of the photos.

All That I Call Bali

What are you lookin' at you dirty monkey?!

The tongue on this one cracks me up!

I think the toddler on the ground in the distance is an interesting comparison...

Nice wave!

The "ute" of Bali (for US people a "ute" is like an El Camino)

Another shop with pretty much exactly the same thing in it.

Our favourite little restaurant - Warung Bamboo. Bamboo was the street name I think but the place was also largely made of bamboo it seemed like!

Me next to our hotel pool.

Yes - this is a petrol station!!

Arrival at the beach should always be made an auspicious moment with the presence of ornate columns at the entrance

All That I Call Bali

We've seen this shop before
And that guy - no, that's a different guy I'm sure
But not totally sure at all
'Cause I know that ornate wall
With that old carved wooden door
And I know we've passed this store
But wait, this sign I saw
Just yesterday behind this sagging stall's front awning
Hung from a concrete coloured wall
Not a wooden post with wires crawling all
Around it like it might just fall straight to the floor
If not for its wiry life support
What was I looking for?
That restaurant with woven wicker walls
And soup with wontons and fish balls
It was small and hot but why pay more
If we can find our way back to it before it shuts
'Cause though we'll walk a whole lot more and make our feet real sore
We'll be just around the corner
From that cheap massage spa with whole body rubs for
Little more than fourteen dollars for us both and that's what I call value!
Push ahead and just ignore
That young guy at the glasses stall
But oh yeah, he also changes money and at his rate we'll get 4000 more
Than that rip off joint around the corner
On second thoughts let's change more than that
What for?
Well, you know we'll spend it all
Sure, we're spending more than planned
But I'm sick of talking about what we can afford
We didn't ride four planes, two boats, a train and more
To holiday as if we're poor
My lord - This is not the street I thought
Yes, it is. Wait - I'm just not sure
We must be close by now after all this time that we've been walking for
I thought we'd turn left then right then forward
Round the next corner then turn once more before
That hotel walled with palms galore
Watch out - a wayward tennis ball
We should probably give in and call our hotel or
Ask that slightly balding man how to get to where we're looking for
I'm not so sure he speaks good English or at least not for
The purpose of directing all the idiotic Aussies
Who couldn't keep their kids quiet in a candy store
Oh, here's that place with wood carvings on the walls
And the one with night lamps shaped like balls covered with shells all over
We must be where I thought
I'm sure we're close at least
In the ball park - maybe - sure
But if we're more then what's most important
Is we enjoy each moment - ordinary or awesome
And not make an ordeal, torture, or worse, boredom of it then brawl
And curse and call each other all the worst words we can recall
when if we just be here and now we'll see past the crowd
And wow at all the sights we've found
And we'll always know our way home somehow
For this is why I love all you are and will fall in love each day once more
With a romantic repetition some would call ad nauseum
You're the most awesome girl I've met in all my life and when you're my wife
I'll still long for what the next day has in store
No matter what wars must be fought, what duties call or
Where the next open door leads us towards
I'll always love you more - of that I'm sure
Now lets keep walking
This corner?
You sure?
I thought it was one street more...

Let's go back...all the way to Mother's Day.

Now that you've all read about Sam and I's engagement it's about time I caught up on a few things. This will include catching up on a little of the creativity that this blog is supposed to be about and taking you back to the start of this Land of Oz trip that I'm currently partway through.

We're actually in Bali (Indonesia) right now and I'm planning to get some surfing lessons today but for now let's go back to the start of the trip. Sydney.

Every time I'm in Sydney I marvel at the seemingly endless waterways that flow off in every direction from Sydney Harbour. (That's how we spell Harbor, US people. Same with flavor (flavour), color (colour) or favorite (favourite) - just so you know I can actually spell)

Our friends Nigel (who I've been friends with literally my entire life) and Jenny (and their very cute daughter Leila) were very generous in letting us stay with them while we were there and we really enjoyed our time with them in their lovely suburb of Putney.



We took the ferry from the end of their street into Sydney CBD a few times which is a lovely trip. Apart from viewing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from every angle we went to Darling Harbour and the serene Japanese Garden nearby, the Botanical Gardens, the Sydney Art Gallery, Manly Beach and much more. Nige and Jen's neighbours very kindly took us out on the Harbour on their boat which was a really special day.

The magnificent Sydney Harbour!

Nigel, Jenny and Leila. Thanks so much guys!!

Leila really liked Sam (which I can understand) and was by her side at every opportunity (which I can also understand) so it was with some fat bottom lips that we left for Cairns in Queensland. This was a bit of an education into the Great Barrier Reef. Firstly, Cairns itself is surrounded by mangroves. You have to go a long way out to get to the reef and we had to do it in a very big swell and strong winds. I think we were some of only a small percentage not throwing up. The reef was amazing nonetheless, with highlights being seeing "Nemo" (clown fish) and some of his similar cousins wiggling around in big sea anemones, giant clams, fish and coral of all colours and descriptions and even a reef shark, which got the heart rate up even more than the swimming around in the rough waters had already done. We also went up to Port Douglas and the surrounding rainforest. We have footage of me swimming in the picturesque (but very cold) pool below but I'm going to have to leave videos until the next post.

A natural pool in the rainforest. It was pretty darn cold though.

Next destination was Perth, my home town, and to see my family - for Sam this meant meeting my parents for the first time. It's been nice for my parents and friends to meet Sam and see that all my raving and gushing about her is actually warranted. We also got to meet my new Nephew, Zephan, for the first time - my brother Caleb and sister-in-law Catherine's first child! Here he is with us just after we got off the plane.

Uncle Josh's first hold of little Zephan Southey Jones

Our second morning in Perth we did the HBF Run For A Reason - a 14km run around Perth's CBD. It was the farthest I've ever run (I'd never jogged a mile in my life until January this year) but I'm proud to say it wasn't too hard and I felt right as rain the next day. Sam did the LA Marathon last year so for her this was a casual scenic jog. ;~)

Caleb walked Zephan down to the Northbridge Tunnel entry so he could take a snap of us. Thanks!

Having seen the city by foot we then saw it by air an hour or so later, thanks to my step-Dad, George, who has his Private Pilot's License. We saw some amazing views but I love this one, which shows Fremantle Harbour and the mouth of the Swan River, then its winding path down to Perth city.

We had a late lunch at Cicerello's in Fremantle Boat Harbour (which I loved going to as a boy due to its mass of fish tanks), just near the group of Norfolk pines you can see to the left of the wing's edge, after we went to Penguin Island (photos further below).

The next morning it was off to Rottnest and to propose...




On our return from a lovely few days on Rottnest we arrived at Barrack Street Jetty in Perth and this view of the city.

The end of that week provided a rare opportunity to do some sightseeing with both my parents. This included a trip to my old haunt of Mandurah, south of the Perth Metro Area, which is now much more built up with a Marina and apartment buildings. It was a trip down memory lane to the houses I'd owned, lived in and kicked a number of non-paying tenants out of. On the way back north we went to Penguin Island, the charming Rockingham industrial coast, the new Coogee Marina and Fremantle.

My Dad, Sam, Myself and Mum

We soon found out that the Penguin in front was the oldest of the clan and was standing in that spot to be at the front of the line for food. Again - I have video but you'll have to check back in a few days for that.

The Penguins were very cute, with their many funny sounds and behaviors but the nesting seagulls weren't so fun. They were squawking constantly - either at us, to warn us away from their nests, or at each other, as they always like to do, particularly when they think there's food to be had. It was a lovely day aside from the squawking though.

A seagull chick and eggs we came across. The mother squawked in defense of the nest, until we got really close at which point she decided it was every seagull for themsleves.

The day before heading up to Lancelin and The Pinnacles to do some Four-Wheel-Driving with some good mates - the subject of a future post - we went to Cottesloe Beach for some sun and afternoon tea at the Indiana Tea House (the big building on the beach.) It has to be said that Perth has the best beaches in the world.

Sam and I at Cottesloe Beach.

That's about enough for this entry, except for the following poem, which I wrote in my Mum's Mother's Day card and it was meant to be posted on Mother's Day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all that's she done, on this trip and in every single year of my life, to help me and care for me with all her love and support. There are very few people in the world as unselfish, loving, giving and forgiving as my Mum. If you are lucky enough to know her then you know this to be very true. Thank-you for everything Mum. I love you so much.


There are many mothers in the world
But only one is mine
And I think that she's much better than
Most others that you'd find

But I don't mean to compare
I'm sure your mother's earnt some praise
And this is what they all deserve
To get on Mother's Day

For it seems to me there'll never be
A way to overstate
How much our mothers do for us
To help make our lives great

So you may say you love them
And say thanks from time to time
But on Mother's Day simply must
Get treatment so sublime

So I write this poem for my Mum
For she's given me so much
For changing sheets to drying teary cheeks
With her loving touch

She gives unselfishly
And never asks much in return
So all I want to say on Mother's Day
Is "it's your turn!"

Plus, I love you Mum, and no words
Could ever match the praise you earn


Feel free to forward this to your Mum. It doesn't need to be Mother's Day to show them you love them!

A Villa Called Love

It's been a while since my last post as there's been a lot going on. But the most important thing that's gone on is... Sam and I are engaged! This blog has quite frequently been like a shrine to our love I guess and in some ways this may seem like the "end" of a little love story. But in truth it is just the start. Maybe the end of chapter one. But I think it continues to get more interesting and exciting.

I'm sure you'd all like to know the details of how I popped the question so here's the basics. I bought a pretty heart cockle shell, sewed myself some padded velvet lining and sealed the ring inside the shell with a little superglue. I say "a little" but it was a bit more than planned. But we'll get back to that.

This gives you some idea what the shell looked like.

If you don't already know Sam and I are in Australia so she can "meet the Fockers" so to speak. A couple of days after our arrival in Perth we went over to Rottnest Island, a small quaint island just off the Perth coast. I had planned to ask her later in the day at a remote location but when we arrived an opportunity presented itself so when coupled with my consideration to the time difference to the USA (for her to call family and friends) and my general anticipation of the moment I decided to seize this opportunity. We had dropped our bags at our villa but couldn't yet get the key so Sam suggested we walk the 10 meters to the beach and enjoy the beautiful view and some sunshine. She headed off and this is when I realised I should take my opportunity. So I headed down with guitar in hand and shell (containing the ring) in pocket. I dropped the shell while she wasn't looking and pretended to find it (how sly) and then sat down and tried to open it with a little pocket knife. I soon realised I'd used a little too much superglue. In the process of me chipping the lips off the shell and getting nervous Sam started to get wise to the situation, knowing that this shell was a little too perfect for just finding on the beach.

I soon got it open though and started to very casually say the following little poem and presented her the ring.

I know that I could travel
All the world and never find
A girl nearly as beautiful
In body and in mind

For us I'm sure that happiness
Will flourish endlessly
For this and so much more
I ask you Sammy B

Will you marry me?


And the answer was "Yes, yes, yes!!!"

I then sang her some of my songs on the beach. You may be wondering about the ring. But I felt putting a photo of it up was a bit of a poser thing to do.

I've written Sam many poems and songs and if you look back over this blog you can presume that anything about love, or even anything similar, is written for and about Sam. She is without question that greatest gift I've ever been given. She surprises me every day with another amazing and unique facet to herself which makes me love her even more. I could go on endlessly, but luckily I've done (and will continue to do) all the going on in this blog so just revise for more on how incredible she is.

My wish is that everyone could have the amazing love, connection, chemistry and support I have with Sam. I know that not all do though, unfortunately few, and for this reason I will always be thankful. If you are someone reading this and wishing you had this sort of love the only thing I can assure you is that true, honest, pure, beautiful and unconditional love does exist. I have no question of that now. And I am so happy to know this is true because of first hand experience.

But enough gushing. Below are some photos of Rottnest. I will post more photos of our trip to Australia soon. I will also post some of the other things I've written recently that I've not had an opportunity to post due to our limited net access here and I will fill you in on what's happening with my solo EP's.

So - again - I'm very happy to announce that I will be living in a beachside villa called "love" for all my life. Thanks to Sam. I love you Sammy B and shall forever!

Can you believe our villa was named "Love"?! It's even more amazing when you know stupid names of other villas...

Deserted beaches everywhere we went...

I know..."Awwwwww..."

I had a little of my Photoshop fun with some of these photos...

This was taken at the eastern tip of Rottnest. That's the CBD of Perth off in the distance.

One of Rottnest's many salt lakes at dusk. Stunning...

Sam. Stunning...

This little guys descendents are how Rottnest got its name. The Dutch captain who first found the island thought these Quokkas were rats, hence "Rott"- Dutch for rat - "nest". It was nice of it to smile for the camera.

"This is my olive buster. I advise you keep your distance..."

A piece of coral washed up on the beach. I got really lucky with my timing to catch the water at this moment.

Love leaves a memory no-one can steal...

A few weeks ago a long time friend of mine had her husband die suddenly and unexpectedly. He was a REALLY wonderful guy, and she has always been such a great person and great friend, so supportive of me and my music and my music career, through all its stages back to my first regular gig and right back further to when we studied music together in high school. They were such a great couple and so in love. Plus they have a beautiful little girl. So the news broke my heart. When I sent her a card and gift (2 kits to make flowers by hand with her daughter) I wrote this poem in the card.

Before that though I will also share the quote in the card.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~ from a head stone in Ireland.

That is a very touching statement, and more true than ever in this case.

Most of my friends have said that this circumstance has made them appreciate what really matters in life. I think it's a pity that we require such tragedies to appreciate what we have and focus on the great people around us that add so much to our daily lives.

Today is the ideal day to show someone you love them and make them feel special. Not just on certain days of the year or certain occasions.


For My Dear Friend

This love so great as any known

Makes such a loss hurt to the bone

The pillar of this happy home

No greater loss could there be

By no means could these words express

The pain that's felt or make it less

But to describe this man requires excess

Superlatives indeed

Still many knew him much better than I

But I knew well the size of his dear wife's smile

A happiness no money could buy

So plain for all to see

I wish with all my heart and soul

That he may have lived til he was old

That there should be no need for these word's console

But this is not how it will be

Yet as long as those that loved him breathe

He'll live on in their memories

Of countless happy times, so please

Don't be swallowed by sorrow's sea

Keep sharing that beautiful smile

That he so loved to see

My Focused Face

It's time you saw my focused face. More to the point, it's time I really got on my focused face. It's 9 days until I leave for Australia and there's still a lot to do to get my EP finished. Just to add to the pressure (biting off more than I can chew again - as those of you who are regular visitors here have read about before) I've decided to do 2 EP's, one for my upbeat tunes and one for my more serious, laid back tunes. To give you a stronger idea I'll say, one for my Bob Marley/Jack Johnson side one for my Bon Iver/Fleet Foxes side.

So although I've been working hard for a long while now it's time to get back to that "3-4 hours sleep, all work and then more work" mode that tends to result in me wearing my focused face a lot.

And here it is...




That was courtesy of Sam who surprised me by filming me while trying to finish some EP artwork photo edits in Starbucks.

Here's why I was doing the edits - I present to you my finished EP artwork. Very simple, just a front and a back, and I know you can hardly read my writing but it's OK, the song titles will also be on the disk. I just thought it had more character with my own writing. You will find it'll be more legible when you're looking at it in person, which you will all soon be as I'm sure you're dying to buy copies!

Calienteza EP - Front




Calienteza EP -Rear




Riqueza EP - Front




Riqueza EP -Rear
 



So I hope you like. It was a lot harder than it looks. Finding a Polaroid camera is really hard these days for one! ;-)

I've got to try to get some sleep so buy for now. I'll leave to you to ponder the titles meaning. I will just say though that "Riqueza" is said Ri-kay-za, for those not so acquainted with Spanish.