Artists Blog

From the land of Buddha, my best friend in the whole world is flying home to me tonight. Thousands of miles to be crossed, but he was never really far away.

I asked for him to bring me back a reclining Buddha, it’s one that I don’t have in my collection. I light candles near my Buddhas, casting a serene glow over all.

Today was day of firsts.

First time I’ve used a Mac (Very impressive new Mac lab it was too).

First time I’ve used the Adobe CS3 suite.

First time I spoke frankly and openly with my senior lecturer - where do I really want to go? I’ve only just discovered my full marks and ranking from first semester’s subjects.

First time I bought a passionfruit cheesecake slice and enjoyed it’s creamy deliciousness without a shred of guilt.

I think I like Firsts. I should try more of them.

On Saturday night we were privileged to be asked to have “Dinner on the house” at a brand new Cairns fine dining restaurant. It hasn’t opened to the public yet, so we were the first to sit at the tables, read the menus and soak up the sumptuous atmosphere.

We had a table by the new gardens and waterfall pool, all beautifully lit with inground uplights. But the most beautiful light was rising a huge golden yellow behind the pyramid of Earl Hill in the distance. I did take several  photos, but as I had the antique 2megapixel camera, they are hardly worth even mentioning, let alone showing you. The other diners around us “oohed and ahhed” and all had their camers out. The glowing Full Moon cast a very special ambience that not even the brand new designer furnishings could match.

The menu was rather special as well, such choices!  For starters Plump Oysters of course.

 Two shot glasses, one of lime juice, the other chilli.

For mains did I go with the eye fillet of Wagyu Beef or Wild Barramundi?  I’d never had wild barra before, too tempting!

It was crusted with a fine layer of crunchy toasted sesame seeds - just delicious!

For sweeties (for me the most important part of the meal), I chose the mango cheescake covered in crushed berries. Heaven in a ramekin. So good there wasn’t even time for a photo to be taken. It demanded immediate eating!

Later we walked back to the car under the light of that lovely moon. It was such a balmy summer-like evening. The palm trees overhead cast wavy lines over everything, even way too full bellies! A delicious night.

PS. I’ve just come from another gorgeous dinner on the beachfront (interstate visitors provide a good excuse to eat out). First time I’ve forgotten to take the camera. I tried a whole roast Flounder tonight, another fish to cross off the list. PLUS a sampling of 3 decadent deserts. I’ll have to start exercising again at this rate….