I usually run with a theme. Last Thursday I went in to do my shift at Lifeline (which was busy). It was a public holiday. Australia Day or Invasion Day depending on your perspective. As in many other cities across Australia there were protests. I went in to town too early for the protestors and they had moved on by the time I finished.
So I focused on street art and beauty.
I really like the way the mirrored windows of this impersonal office block reflect the trees in the park across the street.
I was thrilled to see that The Big Swoop by Yanni Pounartzis has been repaired and returned to the city. When it was first installed it was attacked by vandals within hours. It was fenced off but attacked again. So far the oxygen thieves have left it alone this time, and I hope they stay well away. I think it is a beautiful addition to the city.
Walking on (and it was a very hot day) I smiled to see that a local tavern was misting their outside patrons with a cool spray. What a lovely idea. I stopped long enough to benefit.
On the Batty front we continue to watch and wait. He went back to the vet this week (and I suggested he should attract frequent flyer points). She agreed with us that he is better, but also agreed that he is not right yet. His anti inflamatories will run out in the next few days. We have instructions to ring her in a fortnight or earlier if his condition deteriorates to discuss next steps. Surgery may be on the cards. Poor Batty. I should add that we seem to be much more worried about his condition than he is.
I do hope that your week is packed with beauty and health.
Ah Batty, poor fellow but he isn't the one paying the bills. The Oxygen Thieves, maybe they grew up and matured in mind or are on long term jail confinement currently.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: Batty would be perfectly happy if we never went to the vet again. Tough, if we need to we will.
DeleteIt is only a couple of months since The Big Swoop was first installed and attacked. Who knows where the vandals are - but I hope they never come back.
Senseless vandalism is a scourge in every major city, Sue. It makes me very sad.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Sad, and angry too.
DeleteThose responsible for the vandal have cream cheese for brain.
ReplyDeleteI read up on Magpies and they are bold, intelligent and smart. Unfortunately we don't have any magpies in our province of New Brunswick but we do have magpies in Canada.
Those glass buildings are impressive. I love the reflection of the trees too but I wonder if they are a hazard for the birds.
It's good to know that the kitties are starting to improve. Lets hope it will continue and there will be no need for surgery.
I hope it will cool down a bit for you this week. Have a great week. Hugs.
Julia
Julia: Our magpies are different to yours (which I believe are the North American magpies). Both are different to those found in the UK. There has been a sad lack of imagination in the bird naming group. Ours are also intelligent and I delight in them.
DeleteI share your worry about the birds but I once worked in a similar building and never saw any bird strikes. Fingers are tightly crossed for poor Batty.
Thank you for sharing some interesting urban scenes. Love that huge Magpie! (Gini says I can't put one in the back yard.)
ReplyDeleteElectrify the artwork so the moronic vandals get the shock they deserve.
Hope your summer temps give you a break soon.
All here is good and we hope Batty feels better soon. A new week is almost here and Gini and I hope it is a good one for you.
Wally Jones: I love the huge magpie too but will settle for his smaller relatives. It says nothing good about me but I like the idea of electrifying public artwork.
DeleteI hope you and Gini have a great week - I know it will be nature filled.
Poor kitty. He can't catch a break.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo - a man crawling up or down the building? But where's his head?
Alex J. Cavanaugh: You are right about poor Batty. I wondered about that sculpture's head too - and couldn't see it from any angle.
DeleteAs much as I don't like magpies (mainly for keeping me awake far too early) I like vandals even less! But such oxygen thieves (that's a harsh term, I think) do seem to thrive anywhere somebody tries to make anything a lillte less ugly and boring.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl). Our magpies are different and I delight in their song - even early. Oxygen thieves IS a harsh term, but sums up how I feel about vandals. They sadden and infuriate me.
DeleteMy positive thoughts are with dear little Batty. I do so hope all goes well for him, and he beats all of this. Cuddles to him and to Odie from me and snuggles from Shama.
ReplyDeleteI hope the coming week treats you kindly, EC...in every way. Take care. :)
I don't know why blogger has suddenly decided I'm "Anonymous"!!! This is Lee!!!
DeleteLee: I knew it was you. Sometimes blogger demands that you sign in to Google before it will allow you to identify yourself. Which gets old very quickly. Fingers crossed that Batty keeps on improving though the vet was strongly hinting that surgery might be the anaser. Hugs to you and Shama.
DeleteDear Batty. Yes, they teach us to worry less. Glad you're keeping an eye on him though. I love swoop! Can't imagine why anyone else was angry enough to vandalize it. Thank you for sharing my friend. You bring a beautiful element to my life every day
ReplyDeleteCloudia: The Big Swoop is lovely isn't it, and thank you.
DeleteThat raven is surely a giant size statue installation. That crawling sculpture is wicked like an alien of some sort
ReplyDeleteroentare: The Big Swoop is a magpie rather than a raven and it is big. It stands over 2 metres tall and weighs half a ton. I will have to find more out about the crawling sculpture. It intrigues me.
DeleteThis will be a wonderful week, our family from Switzerland are coming to visit! The raven is amazing! And the skeleton ? climbing up the wall is excellent but creepy.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Enjoy your family time - as I know you will. I love the magpie too, and didn't think the clambering figure was creepy.
DeleteI don't know what the vandals did but it's sounds like they were destructive and uninspired. A pile of white stuff on the sidewalk under the magpies butt would have been funny.
ReplyDeleteMike: When it was first installed vandals broke his beak, his feet and damaged the chip he is eating. I am smiling at the white stuff.
DeleteI've got my fingers crossed for Batty as well! At least he seems content.
ReplyDeleteI'll also throw in a vote for electrical vandalism measures. :)
I wonder if the climbing headless sculpture is lit up at night? It's rather sinister if he's supposed to be climbing onto a balcony...
Hugs to you and wishes for an okayish week ahead.
River Fairchild: Our fingers are tightly crossed for Batty - and for Odie who is sneezing again. I have no idea whether that climbing sculpture is lit up at night but have to be in town again the week after next after dark and will see. Hugs to you too.
DeleteI did not know that about magpies. I assumed the grey colour was because they were immature. I love The Big Swoop. How sad that it was vandalised. Why.
ReplyDeleteWe first encountered the people misters in Penang and they are very helpful.
An alien climbing a building. I have seen that in film or two.
What a rough start to life for your new chums.
Andrew: I love the Big Swoop too and have no idea why it was targeted. The poor kittens have indeed had a very rough start to life with us.
DeleteDestructiveness seems "in" these days.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Spiderman to solve the problem?
Sean Jeating: How I wish that destructiveness was permanently out of fashion...
DeleteThe magpie statue is impressive as is its impersonator! The misting is a great idea. I haven’t heard of that being done for patrons! Employees would benefit for sure.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week, EC.
Marie Smith: I do love our magpies - and The Big Swoop. The misting was lovely. You are right the staff would benefit too.
DeletePoor Batty, and poor you! We definitely need to get to work on those magic wands. I really like the magpie sculpture and am interested in the 'climbing character' - it'll be good to learn more about that one.
ReplyDeleteKim: Our magic wands would get a work out wouldn't they? I am not certain how I will find out about that climbing sculpture but will certainly explore.
DeleteI really like the reflections of the trees in the office block! The magpies are great, too; I have heard of people being attacked when they are out walking or on bikes, but I've never had any problems of that kind.
ReplyDeletePoor Batty - I do hope that he continues to get better. I laughed at your taking advantage of the cool misty spray - good thinking! I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable week... and that your kittens get better every day.
Alexia: Male magpies do indeed swoop people (and cyclists) during nesting season, if they think that people are too close to the nest. They recognise people though and only swoop strangers and those they think of as a threat.
DeleteThat cool misty spray was very welcome. Fingers and toes are tightly crossed for Batty.
I should look it up, but does the holiday celebrate/protest when the British prisoners came to live in Australia?
ReplyDeleteSandi: January 26 marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove. Sadly neither our first people nor the convicts that arrived on that fleet were treated well. On a personal level I would like to see the date for Australia Day changed to something that is more inclusive and doesn't celebrate colonisation.
DeleteThat's a very big, big brother! like Andrew, I thought the grey indicated a youngster of either gender, with full adults being black and white, as I see here daily. I agree with electrifying the art, but then small children might get hurt when they try to pat the maggie.
ReplyDeleteI love the window reflections, but dislike them intensely when they are reflecting sun right into my eyes.
I really like the idea of misting the patrons on a hot day.
River: Electrifying the sculptures isn't going to happen but I can see the charm. I like those mirrored refections too (but not in my eyes) and I loved that cooling mist.
DeletePS; fingers still crossed for Batty.
ReplyDeleteRiver: Thank you.
DeleteI enjoyed your selections and hope the art continues to be left alone for all to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Batty isn't worried about his condition is a good sign he's not feeling that terrible, may he keep getting better and get over whatever-it-is.
messymimi: Batty not being worried either indicates that it isn't too uncomfortable - or that he is used to it. I do hope that his knees stop dislocating and that his hips and hock get stronger.
DeleteFirst, my heart goes out to Batty. Let's hope he improves without surgery. Second, I love your beautiful art and Swoop. Everyone sees a headless image and I see Spiderman. Now fingers crossed for Batty.
ReplyDeleteBleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. The Big Swoop is charming and I obviously need to find out more about the other sculpture.
DeleteOur magpies make me smile-- But I only see them in the eastern (dry) side of the state.
ReplyDeleteBill: I see and hear our magpies almost every day. They delight me.
DeleteI like the magpie pictures and the statue, they look as wearing a tuxedo and actually looks like my cat Rosie. The steal a lot of glittering things and are dangerous for cats !
ReplyDeleteThe climbing drawing looks like spiderman to me !
Gattina: Your magpies are different. I don't think ours are dangerous to cats and I don't know whether they are collectors of shiny things either. That said, my father (who was German) often told me that I was a magpie because of my love of small shiny things.
DeleteEl arte callejero, es un tema muy bueno para sacar fotografías.
ReplyDeleteFeliz domingo.
Miradas desde mi lente: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteAs always, I enjoyed your post very much. I do hope Batty will not require surgery. You have uplifted my day in many ways, dear friend. Thank you. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. We hope Batty will not need surgery too, but if that is what it takes... Have a bright and beautiful day dear friend.
DeleteI love the magpies! Wishing you a good week and sending good thoughts for Batty.
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. I hope you and Lukas have a lovely day.
DeleteThe magpie!
ReplyDeleteJenn Jilks: It is great isn't it? I am so glad it is back.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThat last sculpture is certainly intriguing - it reminded me of the climbing thing that Dracula becomes in the book! The Big Swoop is great - sorry to hear that it was targeted by vandals. Some people just can't leave anything alone and spoil things for others.
My heart goes out to you about Batty - what a horrible and worrying time for you. I do hope he can be helped or that he will improve as he grows. Poor little chap!
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I don't think I have read (or perhaps remembered) that book. A climbing Dracula would certainly be scary. The Big Swoop is a joy and I was very glad to see it back (and unvandalised). Fingers crossed for Batty. It is early here (not yet five) but he is doing well this morning.
DeleteHi EC - poor Batty indeed - poor you two, too! The climber reminded me of Spiderman (rightly or wrongly!) ... while the two magpies - I agree the sculpture is lovely I hope it stays safe and in situ for many a year. You take care ... with thoughts - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Lots of people have said that the last sculpture makes them think of Spiderman. I haven't seen the movie or read the comics so I am clueless. Poor Batty indeed. This morning he is a very happy chappy which is lovely.
DeleteGood morning and thanks for such an engaging and high spirited jaunt around your town. How wonderful that The Big Swoop is all better now, we've had a few of those need of repair statues and when vandals. are responsible it's so disheartening, how some people can be so cruel. I find it so rewarding to see these gifts of art and especially when there are stories attached to them. Take good care of you and those around you.
ReplyDelete21 Wits: For some reason our vandals seem to target particular statues and leave other ones alone. One was eventually removed after it was hit so many times. I am very glad that so far the Big Swoop has escaped destructive attention this time. Have a wonderful week.
DeleteThese great photos make me miss living in the large city. Our little nearby town doesn't have any exciting sites.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: I preferred living away from the city but it does, as you say, have some advantages.
DeleteI'm kind of glad birds don't come in Big Swoop size, but I love the statue. Is that a French fry he is eating? True to life, I would guess :) I'm glad Batty doesn't seem to be minding his condition. I'm sure you are carrying enough worry about it for both of you, but it would be even worse if he seemed to be having a lot of discomfort. I'm glad you have a followup scheduled. I find it much easier to wait out a problem if I know I can check in at a certain time - or earlier if needed.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to enjoy that cool mist provided by the tavern. That is such a great idea and I bet they attract and keep more customers that way.
Thank you for sharing the beauty and the whimsy again this week, EC. I hope the coming week is less stressful than the ones you've been having. Hugs, my friend.
jenny_o: It is indeed a french fry (known here as a chip because of its size and width).
DeleteYou are right about the worry front. Worrying is one of my talents and I have been worrying up a storm. Batty seems happy this morning (but his patellas are still dislocating).
Beauty and whimsy sustain me. Huge hugs oh sister across the seas.
I'm glad the Big Swoop has been reinstalled - love it! The sculpture on the building reminds me of Spiderman, but probably the artist had an entirely different idea. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Batty doesn't seem to be suffering - here's hoping you'll soon get him put right. He's such a handsome fellow!
Diane Henders: I love Big Swoop too and was very glad to welcome it back to the city. I hope it doesn't take surgery to fix poor Batty, but fear it will. In my usual habit of crossing the bridge before I am sure there is a river I am already worrying about how to keep him still during recuperation...
DeleteI hope Batty continues to improve. Poor little thing.
ReplyDeleteThe large Magpie sculpture is great. I hope vandals don't mess with it again.
Mary Kirkland: Thank you. Isn't Big Swoop wonderful?
DeleteNo kidding big brother magpie, Sue! It's a wonderful statue, and I can't fathom why some people can vandalize art or other things. Vandals should have to spend time refurbishing public spaces. Restaurants and taverns in Las Vegas often have misters going. It can really make a difference in very hot weather. I really like buildings that mirror their surroundings, especially the sky. I hop Batty gets better and soon! I'm glad to see that you feel well enough to be up and about! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteFundy Blue: Thank you. I cannot understand the mindset of vandals either, and don't want to. I loved the misters and hadn't seen them here before. They made a huge difference to me as I walked by.
DeleteTheres something reassuring about birds. The magpie almost has a dinasaur knowing look to it. Birds have the luxury of flying high in the sky to survey the kingdom before choosing a nice spot to land and nest. I love birds.
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy: I love birds too - and their dinosaur heritage is sometimes very evident (pelicans are one bird that always makes me think of dinosaurs).
DeleteThere is a YouTube channel called Peggy and Mollie about a dog and magpie best friends. The videos are so cute
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/@peggyandmolly8847
The Blog Fodder: Those videos are amazing. Thank you.
DeleteI'm so glad to see the statue back in place. Let's hope it gets a better run this time!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have good news at the vets this week
kylie: So far so good. It didn't last a day before being hit last time and has been in place since December. Fingers crossed - as they continue to be for the cats.
DeleteThat's one big magpie! I'd love to meet her in person. Looks like a fun day out.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: The big magpie is a boy, and I was delighted to visit him now he has been repaired.
DeleteI love those magpies, both of them. Hope the vandals stay away.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: So do I.
DeleteLoved the photos especially the real magpie and that very big magpie. I hope you have a great new week.
ReplyDeleteRasma Sandra: The magpies are great aren't they?
DeleteThey are amazing.
DeleteLovely photos. I wonder if my neighbors would mind if I put a large magpie in my garden.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
T. Powell Coltrin: How nice to see that you can comment as yourself rather than as anonymous today. I would love to have that giant magpie in my garden. Its smaller relatives visit often.
DeleteI'm sad that i still can't comment through my Google acct. As long as the URL option works, I can speak! :)
DeleteSeeing the sculpture on the building, my first thought was Spiderman!
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping my fingers crossed that Batty keeps on improving.
Enjoy this last day of January, this month has zoomed by.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Lots of people see Spiderman in that sculpture. Fingers crossed for Batty. Tightly.
DeleteMy first thought on the building climber was spiderman also! I hope Batty keeps being unbothered and his humans also are able to join him soonest in his unbothered state as his health improves.
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone want to vandalise public art?? It's depresses me - the levels of senseless aggression and blind ignorance in the world everywhere.
Have a stress-free, healthful and beautiful February. Can't believe January is gone!
Nilanjana Bose: I am so with you about vandalising public art. My city has a lot of it. Some of it I love, some of it I don't understand and some is not to my taste. Just the same I am very, very grateful that it is there.
DeleteThanks for your all encompassing wishes. And to you.
I looked at the sculpture on the building the thought it must be some medical office. It looks like a body with the muscles identified to me. (with my lack of skill in art interpretation it might well turn out to be a praying mantis in humanoid form)
ReplyDeleteFlowers are beginning to emerge here. It is too early and an unfortunate freeze will kill them, but they are really pretty right now
Anne in the kitchen: That is a nice change from seeing Spiderman on the building. No medical practice nearby though...
DeleteEnjoy your harbingers of Spring.
That Big Swoop is stunning as is that sculpture. I hope you solve the mystery of it.
ReplyDeleteLovely to get a tour of your city.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: I am not having any luck with the climbing sculpture yet, but will keep trying. I am glad that so many of you love The Big Swoop as much as I do.
DeleteOh gosh poor little Batty, continued prayers of healing sent your way! ♥ The Big Swoop is AMAZING. I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteRain: Poor little Batty indeed. We continue to watch, wait and worry. Isn't the Big Swoop great?
DeleteI'm so glad Batty perseveres and makes the most of a bad situation. BIG Brother is very apropos. And oxygen villains sum up vandalism nicely As always, thinking of you. Hugs
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: Magpies are always present in the city centre and I love that they have been joined by their big (and he is very big) brother. Thank you.
DeleteI love the Big Swoop and I really hope it doesn't get vandalised again.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am in Arizona in the summer every shop and restaurant has the water misters. They really do cool you down, and makes my hair curl. Lol.
LL Cool Joe: Misters are new to me, and I loved them. I hope they take off here (and my hair is curly anyway).
DeleteThe Big Swoop is a wonderful addition to the public art in the city. Like you, I hope the vandals stay well away this time.
That's one huge maggie x
Deleteaussie aNNie: It is - and so realistic too.
DeleteSending you and Batty {{hugs}}
ReplyDeleteLove that giant magpie!
Deniz Bevan: Thank you.
DeleteI will have to look up Australia Day or Invasion day. I don’t know much about your holidays and I should rectify that. Great Sunday selections! I enjoy glass city buildings, and the reflections of the trees are lovely. Both real Magpie and Sculpture Magpie, very interesting, beautiful statue to brighten our day. I’m glad it’s been left alone and never quite understand why people feel the need to destroy things. Great idea on the misting. We could do with that on hot, humid days here, but that’s aways off yet. It would be interesting to talk to the artist of the other sculpture, to figure out what message he is projecting. So sorry that Batty is not out of the woods yet, sending lots of healing thoughts his way.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. The date chosen to celebrate our country is (I believe) disrespectful to our First Peoples who see it as invasion day - a day when their lives were changed in many ways. And not for the better. I would be happy if we could chose another more inclusive date. The Big Swoop is a gem, and I am very fond of our magpies. Sadly I don't know who the artist is of the other sculpture...
DeleteThank you for your kind words/thoughts for Batty.
Sending hugs to Batty!!! I hope that magpie sculpture remains untarnished - it's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: Thank you - on both counts.
DeleteHow is Batty today.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: His patella is still dislocating - but not quite as often. Watch and wait. He is not happy with us though because the vet has put him on a restricted diet (any weight impacts on his patellas). He hates/loathes/despises the new food. And tell us so.
DeleteGlad it's not dislocating as often. Sounds like the cat food doesn't make life any easier. They tend to be very vocal about food dislikes, don't they?
DeleteSandra Cox: Cats can indeed make their food preferences VERY clear. How I wish that Batty's dislocations were over. They tug at my heart.
DeleteSo good to see your summery photos on this cold icy day here in Texas.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: I would swap temperatures in a heart beat.
DeleteGracias, amiga, por compartir tu paseo con nosotros, donde nos muestras imágenes muy curiosas de esa ciudad.
ReplyDeleteY espero y deseo que Batty se recupere pronto.
Un abrazo.
Manuel: Thank you for enjoying the walk through my city - and for your good wishes for Batty.
Delete