LIFE
Has been a busy couple of weeks. Went on the photographic workshop in the northwest of Tasmania for 6 days. There were only four of us , so a nice number. The Tarkine region is full of beautiful rainforest and we hunted fungi and photographed waterfalls also. We got drenched a few times with rain coming in from the west. We just covered up and kept clicking those cameras. I’ll share these photos a few at a time over the coming weeks.
BOOK
Have not read much but did finish Orbital.
Orbital is a 2023 novel by British author Samantha Harvey that won the 2024 Booker Prize. Set aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the novel unfolds over a single 24-hour period, chronicling the experiences of six astronauts from different nations as they orbit Earth 16 times.
Overview
The narrative centers on the astronauts’ daily routines—conducting experiments, maintaining the station, and observing Earth. However, the novel delves deeper, exploring their introspections on humanity, existence, and the planet’s fragility. Each chapter corresponds to one 90-minute orbit, providing a rhythmic structure that mirrors the station’s journey around Earth.
Themes and Style
Harvey’s prose is noted for its lyrical and meditative quality, blending scientific precision with philosophical inquiry. The novel contemplates themes such as the interconnectedness of life, the impact of human activity on Earth, and the search for meaning in the vastness of space. It draws inspiration from Carl Sagan’s “Cosmic Calendar,” situating human history within a broader cosmic context. (Wikipedia)
Thoughts on Orbital
I appreciated all of the technical aspects, cleverness and creativity but I must say I was bored by it. Another Booker prize winner that has a lot of interesting structures and techniques but I never felt anything for the characters. It jumps around over the 16 chapters. Sleep, eat, do experiments, no interesting conversations very often, inner thoughts, past experiences. What I did enjoy was the mentioning of the countries below as the ISS passed over them. They observed a hurricane near the Phillipines and discussed the colours of the continents as they passed over them so often in 24 hrs. But I’m glad it was short. Will be interesting to see what others think at our next book club.
Then again I have been busy with photography, walks, gym, etc. Our weather has not been bad lately, unlike the horrible floods on the mainland in northern New South Wales.
BOUGHT SOMETHING FUN
We have had only one car for quite awhile as we are both retired. But Mr P goes out to the gym almost five times a week and I’m either on the bus or stuck at home. His arthritis is very bad so he needs to keep moving as much as possible. I wanted to get out much more with the dogs and camera so we agreed to get a second car. I got a little 2022 hybrid, candy red Toyota Corolla and I just love it. It gets over 800 kms per tank of petrol, has all the safety stuff and driving assistance and talks to me regularly. Mostly about upcoming speed cameras, school zones and even warned me of a high accident intersection. In the last week I took it to a big dog park and a beach with Ollie and Peanny. I did a photography afternoon locally at a reserve and into town a few times. I will get to travel a bit more as winter photography is good. It will be nice to get out more with the dogs in other places too.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
I went to a play one night. A good political comedy with friends. Then Irish author Marion Keyes was also here in conversation with local author Danielle Wood at the Theatre Royal hosted by Fullers book store. That was an hour of hilarious conversation. Her book of the Irish family she writes about is going to be filmed and streamed on STAN next year. The Walsh family. It was a very Irish night and the event sold out in a couple of days. We love getting well known International authors here.
That about sums it up. I have another photography workshop next month on Bruny Island for three days. Then we have some photo events coming up in the near future.
So- I’ll leave you with some autumn fungi photos and I hope you enjoy them.
I hope you all get out this week and do something that is fun and be kind.
Travellin' Penguin 