Our family road trip out west gave us a little bit of everything: art, wide-open landscapes, old friends and special moments with the kids. Now we're back home in Boorowa, with new additions to the farm and plenty of inspiration to carry into the weeks ahead.
Our recent family road trip out west of NSW was one of those adventures that leaves you feeling full in all the right ways. We travelled through Cobar, Broken Hill, Silverton, Menindee Lakes, Griffith and beyond, discovering sculptures, art, extraordinary landscapes and plenty of little places worth remembering.
One of the most special moments was catching up with our dear friend Thelma Wade in Cobar. Thelma and I served together on the Cobar Arts Council from 2004 to 2013, so it was lovely to spend some time together again. She’s now living at Lilliane Brady Village, and we're hoping to send her some drawing supplies to help her get back into art.
We also explored White Cliffs, stayed in an underground motel and travelled through Menindee Lakes on our way home to Boorowa. The biggest surprise was when I visited the bathroom at 3am and nearly stepped on a centipede! Heart stopping! The Australian outback never seems to run out of surprises, and I came home with a head full of ideas and inspiration for future artworks.
Of course, there's never a dull moment back on the farm either. We've recently rescued two little lambs, and we've welcomed some new chickens into the family. There's always something happening around here, and the kids are never short of something to discover. Now we're back home, settling into our usual routines as the school term has gotten underway. The suitcases are unpacked, everyday life is finding its rhythm again, and we're carrying plenty of lovely memories with us.
My soul feels full after this special time with the kids, family and friends, surrounded by art and outback adventures. I'm looking forward to seeing what finds its way onto the canvas next.
