TRAVEL DIARY

A weblog regularly updated by Jodi Rose.

Monday, December 12, 2005

10:46 PM
Posted by jodi rose

In an attempt to develop self-discipline, am not allowed to go into Bratislava and buy trashy dvd's and books until
1. printer installed
2. project proposals updated and sent
3. bridge guard logbook updated
4. novel synopsis written and first two chapters typed
So, I've got the printer/scanner/copier running (hp 1510 very sleek control panel came in slovakian, czech or magyar but managed to work it out anyway) and the novel synopsis and chapter outline written, first two chapters still in notebook - am really going to have to try and write directly into the computer. The problem is, I'm so used to writing the blog now, that it all comes out stream of consciousness - random thoughts - poetic fragments - minimal grammar. In the more structured writing I have a tendency to be over-formal, so this is my chance to freeform avante jazz play with words. The typing process adds another layer of editing, which really isn't my strongest point, being in the generation that skipped grammar entirely. The school board just took it out of the curriculum, although luckily it's back there now. Still, word grammar check picks me up on all the fragments and floating unattached signifiers.
Since it's (almost) christmas, if I can just do those two public art project proposals tonight, then will go crazy in the city tomorrow.

Although thanks to Kirsty, I don't have to look for Sandra - what a fab xmas present, it's very much appreciated!

In other news, Helsinki is full of trolls and starmaps.

Appreciate the sunny days as I never did before, Sunday magnificent although still only 2 degrees, and the fog has settled in again today.

Woke up to a world crisp with ice particles - all the surfaces, from tree branches to fencewire and benches are covered in spiky ice crystals, like a science experiment gone mad. They stayed all day, don't think it snowed last night, more like any moisture in the air was magnetically attracted to the nearest surface and stuck there forming these strange and beautiful ice thorns. That or it was an ice storm.
And I know, it's only frozen water, but it just doesn't take that form in Sydney. Where apparently there have been riots again this weekend - really must look at a news site one of these days. Check out a range of views on this comprehensive group politics blogs. Sadly, it's happening all over the world - a young man was killed by skinheads under the novy most bridge in bratislava a few weeks ago, he was targeted because 'he looked different' - ie had long hair and was playing a guitar. Most of the eyewitnesses have been reluctant to come forward, as they were also beaten by the gang - but a huge demonstration against the violence took place the next week. What does it take for people to accept that we all have to live with each other? vive la difference!

Having achieved not much, it's back to tender bridges for me.