To get to the vantage of today’s painting, after dropping Lil at dancing class in Darlinghurst, I would walk past the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf and Marina, where rich people live and play. It was here, at one of the restaurants, that I had my first taste of Dom Pérignon.
I was working on a film and the American lead and his wife took me to dinner to thank me and also to offer me a job. I really liked this duo, but I couldn’t see a career path from being an assistant to an actor. They were gracious and kind, and the champagne was delicious! I forget which year they chose; I do remember them talking about their favourite vintage, imagine that! And I didn’t see the price tag, but no matter what vintage, I feel certain it would have made my eyes water!
The point of view of today’s painting is similar to yesterday’s, but from the other side of the Domain/Royal Botanic Garden Sydney peninsula, looking toward Garden Island.
Garden Island is home to a major Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base, and on this day, the great grey ship gleamed like silver, and the water was blindingly bright.
My Uncle Doug was in the Navy. He was only about five years older than my eldest brother, so he felt like a big brother to us all. I remember exploring the rock pools at Mullaway with him when we were little; the best fun!
My cousin Joe was in the Navy, too. Joe was the youngest cousin for a long time. Our young cousins were all so cute, gorgeous little sun-kissed beach angels. Those are treasured Woolgoolga memories, when we still had Nan. All of those memories, in my mind’s eye, are bright, golden, overexposed. Filled with laughter, I can hear Nan’s laugh; she would laugh with her tummy, her whole body. We are the luckiest people on earth to have her. This memory lane is a well-trodden favourite: sitting on the sunbathed verandah with her. Uncle Horrie is there, too. And Dog. The warmth of the sun, the scent of salt air, sunscreen, and hot chips! Beyond a doubt, we are the luckiest.
We have a song in our choir’s Christmas concert this year called I Wonder as I Wander. I do, and boy, I love wondering as I wander!
Sparkling like Dom
Acrylic on canvas 30.5cm x 30.5cm (12×12 inches) by Arwen Munro, April 2024. Painted at The Music Box, Ambleside, West Vancouver, Canada.
I can’t say I love this painting, I do like parts of it, but the memories are precious, which makes the painting precious to me.
Have a wonderful day! ✨
The beauty of the walk along the water and the symbol of military might poking its nose into the tranquility ( or keeping a watchful eye). It says volumes either way that make the painting especially interesting. Xx
I love that, tranquility and being protected. Thank you, Michal ❤️xx
I can still hear your Nan’s deliicious laugh too, partly why I always called in at Woolgoolga. Great memories of my Aunty Lorna… and Uncle Horrie… X
Doesn’t it put a smile on your face thinking about them on the little sun-drenched verandah! Both of them, so cheeky and beloved! Thank you for your message, Sharyn ❤️xx
Yes I also have lovely memories of Aunty Lorna and Uncle Horrie on that Woolgoolga verandah. Always looked forward to visiting them when heading south or north.
Love reading your posts xx
Aren’t we so lucky to have our memories! Do you remember the Strawberry Patch? Thank you for your message, Frankie 🍓xx