Unfortunately I've even been guilty of it in the past. Not so much these days because I've become more conscious of what I'm putting out there. I find myself starting to write comments on Facebook only to stop half way and delete it. It's unnecessary. My words were about to burst someone's bubble for no good reason. Why? There is already enough negativity out there, I certainly don't want to add to it. This isn't to say you shouldn't express your opinion, disagree with someone or point out information to them that they possibly weren't aware of. But there's no need to bring other people down or be mean about it. That's just bringing the ugly onto you.

 

Sometimes even the most throw away remarks can be telling. Your friend just posted about OMG how excited they are because their limited edition book just arrived in the mail and it is their most prized possession. You comment about how cool it was the time you met the author and he signed your copy. You have just burst their little bubble of happiness for nothing more than a bit of one upmanship. It's plainly obvious to everyone else what you've just done and it's nasty. Unless you're actually offering something constructive (such as OMG I think I could get a signed copy for you!) just let them have their moment. It's not about you. Don't bring them down with your need to feel better than them.

 

I see a lot of whinging lately as well, about what people post. Guess what? It's their page, they can do what they like! Don't like it? Hide the post or unfriend them! That's what those functions are there for. I've actually been doing this a fair bit lately. Whether it's something that I find offensive, something that is completely outside my realm of interest or someone else's negativity affecting me, if it makes me feel negative when I see it, I don't want any part of it. But that's ok, that's just what you have to do sometimes.

 

If I can't say anything nice about something, I'll generally keep my opinion to myself. After all, that's all it is - MY opinion. It doesn't mean that the whole world has to agree with me. I'm not going to get into an argument about it. I'll just keep on scrolling and fawn all over the doggie pictures. Your time is too precious to waste on bad thoughts, poor behaviour or nasty vitriol. The whole THINK rule is absolutely spot on, if isn't True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary or Kind why bother? Nastiness and negativity doesn't make anyone feel good.

 

These days I just can't stand to see it, feel it or have any part in it. Instead, I'm choosing to contribute rather than take away. Do nice things for people without expecting praise or anything else back, smile at strangers, open the door for someone, tell that person you think they look great. Why hold back on that? Above all, treat yourself as kindly. Really focus on the negativity you dish out to yourself and how to stop it, however that may be. Look at pictures of kittens, watch fail compilations on YouTube, listen to music, go for a walk, compile a long list of reasons you are awesome.

You may remember a few weeks ago that I won a tattoo voucher at Frankie & Ivy's Benefit Auction? Well a couple of weeks ago I went and saw Mark AKA Suicide at Voodoo Tattoo at Loganholme to cash it in. I had a few ideas floating around including finishing off my left sleeve but given that what it needs is mostly filler, I thought Mark would have more fun doing something else. There's something I've been wanting for a little while now, the beginnings of which were inspired a while ago by artwork that used to hang in Mark's old shop. When I walked into his new shop and saw that very same artwork hanging behind him, I knew that's what I had to get. I present to you, a rockabilly-fied big bad wolf...arooooooo!

 

 

Red Hot Riding Hood (1943) MGM by andythebeagle

I love this cartoon! It's an absolute hoot and you may notice similarities between it and the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit or even more recently, the 1994 film The Mask. It's certainly an enduring theme and The Wolf himself has been a highly referenced character in popular culture ever since. Sadly Tex Avery is no longer with us but with the anniversary of his death in just 6 days, this tattoo is a rather timely tribute to his amazing legacy that has continued to live on in generation after generation of childhoods. And with that, I'll leave you with one of my favourite songs by 60s rock n roll group Sam the Sham and The Pharaohs.

 

Well this year’s GreazeFest was an absolute corker! I’m glad I took the Monday off work to recover because it was a huge weekend and I must admit, by Sunday night when it was all over I’ve never been happier to see my PJs! Still it was definitely worth it, as always, and I can only count down til the next one! Lucky there’s a few great shows in between to keep my going. But enough of that, what happened at GreazeFest!?

Friday Night

Just some of the lovely ladies I am lucky to call my friends

We arrived to the Rocklea Showgrounds for the first night of Australia’s most awaited Rockabilly and Kustom Kulture festival just as The Hi Boys were finishing up their set. Immediately we were set upon by lots of excited friends who were dressed to the nines and we grabbed a drink and caught up while The Satellites pumped out some fantastic tunes. Before we knew it our favourite space men, Men Into Space, had taken to the stage for their out of this world set featuring favourite covers like Planet Claire, their own original tracks (one of my faves is My Girlfriend’s Hot For Spock) with the unmistakable sound of the theremin and a guest appearance by The Boobettes!!

 

That would be the dynamic duo made up of myself and the lovely Elisse, for a lend of our most capable lungs for some B-movie screaming during a song. It was lots of fun and is becoming a bit of a regular spot for us at their gigs. We didn’t have much time to catch our breaths before one of my favourite Aussie rockabilly bands took to the stage to bring the house down. The Detonators are one of the bands that I was most eager to see over the weekend and as the final act on Friday night they certainly didn’t disappoint, playing all the crowd favourites including Time Machine, Hot Rod Tip Truck, Jason You’re a Lout and many more. By the end of the night I’d almost lost my voice from screaming, I had such a great time!

Saturday Day

A comfy outfit and cheating with a bandana so I didn't have to do my hair

Awake bright and early on Saturday we headed for the showgrounds, eager to see what the first Saturday daytime hot rod show would be like. It was less busy than the Sunday usually is, so it was a great chance to get around some of the cars and stalls without the crowds. We did just this, whipping around all our favourites and enjoying the sounds of A Band Called Twang before we headed off for our official duties in the Fashions of the Fest fashion parade. The Man was once again one of Bernie’s Cowpunkabillies while I got to model some beautiful Freddie’s of Pinewood threads for Western Wac along with Mz Vicki, Billie Bossanova, Juanita and Kimmy D – Miss Western Wac herself.
It was lots of fun and by the time we were done we’d worked up a real appetite. Stopping for some DELICIOUS Brazilian food, we fuelled up for the rest of the afternoon, heading inside to catch the last few songs of Matt Dwyer’s Little Big Band and making sure we were in prime position for Doubleblack. I first saw these guys open for The Reverend Horton Heat a few months ago so I was really looking forward to seeing them again. I still thoroughly enjoyed their set but unfortunately the crowd wasn’t there in numbers or enthusiasm and I think the later timing of their set was the cause, as many people had gone home to prepare for the night ahead.

Saturday Night

Not me though! A stayer til the end, I took a wardrobe change in the car and got my hair and make up done so that I wouldn’t have to leave. Now that’s planning ahead! While the crew prepared the venue for the transition into night, DJs kept the tunes spinning and I was transformed. By the time I was ready and we got inside, Hanks Jalopy Demons were tearing it up. I love these guys and have unfortunately only seen them live once before so was a little disappointed that I’d missed most of their set but that was just my bad timing. While The Flattrakkers played their revved up brand of rockabilly we grabbed some drinks and said hello to some friends who hadn’t made it the night before. Next up was the Pat Capocci Combo and they were the perfect soundtrack to the many silly photos taken that night. I was keen for a dance but having been on my feet all day ended up needing to sit down more than I would have liked.

How is it that I know so many good looking ladies??

But I was saving myself for the moment of the festival, when The Paladins took to the stage. Their only Australian show and their first in about 8 years, they played a HUGE extended set packed with all their most loved tracks including Daddy Yar. For older guys, they sure can ROCK and their playing was amazing! They were pouring sweat and played for AGES and the crowd just ate it up. I remember looking around the dancefloor (which was PACKED) and seeing SO many grinning faces. I also really enjoyed seeing so many muso’s down there and taking it all in. You could see the awe in their faces and the crowd were more than appreciative by the time The Paladins wrapped up their set. By now I was definitely hoarse.

Sunday

Sadly the only full length photo of my outfit all day

Another early morning and slightly hungover, we headed back to the showgrounds for the final instalment of the GreazeFest Kustom Kulture rockabilly weekender. We spent a lot of time wandering around catching up with a few more people, taking a second look at some of the stalls and combing our way through the cars. USA pin up photographer Susanna Vestige also used The Tank for some shoots in the afternoon so we spent a little bit of time making sure she was all set up for that. By now it was feeling like a rather long weekend and my poor little tootsies needed a rest so I spent a while sitting down and just chatting with friends having a drink and enjoying the music.

Again with the good looking friends

However when it was time for The Chop Tops to come on I was straight down the front. Having already seen these guys once at Morningside I knew we were in for a treat and there was no way I was going to miss it. A fantastic blend of traditional rockabilly and more modern psychobilly, this trio pack a punch! With a sound and guitar work that’s reminiscent of early Reverend Horton Heat and the Stray Cats, these guys played their hearts out with a hugely energetic set that was just what I needed to get me back into the mood. With a set that could only be described as manic, The Chop Tops drew a crowd with Shelby’s fast-fingered guitar work, Sinner’s crazed stand up drumming and Brett’s string-slapping skills.



I missed out on getting a CD at their last gig (they sold out – that should tell you something!) so I was definitely going to get one this time! And I did, although since listening to it I’ve noticed that the album lacks the rawness that I love so much about their lives shows. There’s still plenty of great tracks on there, just expect the sound to be a little more polished than the out-of-control good times of their live sets. After all that excitement I needed another sit down so we took the opportunity to hang out in the Hula Lounge and once again admire the amazing artwork on display in the Lowbrow Art Show. Determined to see the festival out with a bang, we made sure we were down by the dancefloor for the final act of the weekend – Paulie & His Crazy Rhythm Boys.

Heh

Once again, it was a cracker of a festival. I know I say it every year but it really does get bigger and better each time, particularly with the new addition of the Saturday Hot Rod Show and trading. Although I did miss the car cruise out to Goodna just a little bit, I can certainly see how another day of the car show really has the opportunity to take the festival above and beyond. It’s an absolutely huge job to pull it all off and yet every year Lori Lee and the Robot crew manage to pull it off without a hitch.

It is hands down my absolute favourite Australian rockabilly festival and I look forward to it so much every year so for that I am grateful.

Well there’s just one more sleep until GreazeFest and I am just SO excited! I thought I’d check in for a little update before things get a bit hectic around here for the next few days. I’m getting my hair done tonight and I’m doing something different, yet again! I just can’t help myself, but this time it’s something I’ve done before…something I loved for a long time…something I can’t wait to have back. It’s funny though, all this time I’ve been changing things around trying to find a colour and style that I can stick with and yet I can’t seem to. I have the urge to change frequently. I never feel satisfied for long. So what’s a girl to do? Go all the way back to the start. Something tried and tested. Can you guess what I’m doing? Won’t be long til you find out I guess.
 

Lite n Easy is going really well! I’ve lost 5kgs in about 5 weeks so I’m pretty darn happy with that! I’m only about 7kgs off my goal weight and I’m very pleased to say that quite a few people have noticed the change in me. People who didn’t even know I was trying to lose weight. But best of all, I can notice a difference in myself and sometimes that’s the hardest battle, particularly when we can all be our own worst critics. So yay! I had a fitting with Kimmy Dee from Western Wac the other night. I’m lucky enough to be modelling Freddies of Pinewood for her this Saturday at the GreazeFest fashion parade and you know what? I actually can’t wait to get out there and strut my stuff! The ladies I’m modelling with are gorgeous and I know it’ll be a hoot. But I’m also really happy with how I look in the clothes. 

The last few days this week I’m been beautifying myself in preparation for the weekend. I’ve had my eyebrows waxed (and they’ll be getting tinted tonight to match my new hair colour), I’ve had my nails done (fakies unfortunately as my natural nails didn’t grow long enough in time) they’re the best set I’ve ever had and I’m really happy with them! Shiny red shimmer? Yes please! Last night I also got a clay face mask which has left my skin looking and feeling lovely, I got a divine Indian head massage (which is surprisingly a lot more than just a head massage) and I also got my legs waxed. I’ve had my legs sugared before and my leg hair wasn’t too long so the leg wax was ok. But I also got my armpits waxed.

I’ve never had my underarms done before. I was a bit scared and wasn’t sure what to expect. It didn’t really hurt as much as I thought it would but it was still a bit of a strange process to me. I was also surprised to find out that you usually get a bit of blood spotting. Egads! It looks and sounds like a bit of a violent process but it actually doesn’t hurt that much. It can just feel a bit surprising when they first rip the wax off. Apparently it will be better for my underarms, they’ll look much nicer and should stay hair-free for longer. I will have to wait for the real results before I completely make up my mind. At this stage I don’t think I’d get it done again but if my pits look amazing and the hair doesn’t grow back for ages, well I might just have to re-think that decision. I’ll definitely go back and my legs done again though. The thought that eventually the hair might never grow back is just too tempting not to give a go. Imagine that! Never having to shave your legs again! Yes please!

Anyway, I look forward to catching up with everyone at GreazeFest
and if you see me out and about please do come and say hello!

Otherwise, I’ll see ya on the flipside with all the goss!