For Christmas I received a beautiful bicycle. It is a work of art in fact, and I could look at it for hours. The best thing about it is the shopping basket attached to the front, and I also like that it looks retro but not in a wanky way; it doesn't scream "I'm a cool retro bike" rather it oozes a natural confidence. It's ever so slightly glamorous.
My first and only outing went well. I cruised along figuring out local bicycle etiquette, and felt a little smug tinkling my bell to let pedestrians know they should move out of my way on the cycle path. The only problem I encounted was my outfit. As I dashed out of the house leaving tetchy, tired babies with their father I didn't have time to consider what one should wear on a casual bike ride. It was a hot day, I happened to be wearing the world's shortest mini skirt and flimsy tank top. I realised this was a mistake the minute I swung my leg of the cross bar. Not only were my knickers on display the entire time, but my flimsy summer top didn't do much to cover my bra. I managed to tie a knot in my shirt to help the situation up top, but the mini skirt was a lost cause. Luckily this is Australia, bodies are everywhere. I've seen people in their bikinis waiting in doctors surgeries.
Lesson learnt.
I do love my bike.
Poppy, I have just read your blog for the first time. May I congratulate you on it. Not only is cleverly written - observant, witty and lyrical - it is also deeply honest, touching and heartfelt. I found myself going from laughing out loud to feeling a genuine pang in my gut (you know that feeling in your tummy, hard to describe but a sadness, wistfulness, sense of compassion, empathy, nostalgia all rolled into one...you know the one I mean, like you heart is hurting a bit but not necessarily in a bad way) all in the space of a few sentences, sometimes even words. I also loved that it was not introverted - and although you write about your own experiences (even self obsession as you describe it, which we all experience), you also relate them to the wider world whether that be old mags or old prime ministers...hence actually revealing your lack of self obsession and interest in and connection to the world around you. Loved the punctuations of poetry and art...it reflects all my favourite things about you in one blog. You have a genuine talent - thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI want to see the bike!
ReplyDeletejust lovely to read some words. keep it coming and let it all out. makes me feel not so far away.. especially the sleep one. loved that. i have some poems to post and lots of things.. but as always i'm flummoxed and stretched by so many must do's...you really are doing amazing pop. i have trouble looking after myself let alone a whole familia... miss you guapa x
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