I love my part time job, travelling to festivals to perform and entertain. The work is erratic though, so every gig is a financial bonus, rather than my bread-and-butter income. I enjoy the adventure of being on the road, staying in weird and wonderful rooms, or sometimes a billet with a friendly local.
Last weekend, my employer/very dear friend ‘W’ and I drove almost 6 hours west of the most easterly point of Australia, over the mountainous dividing range to Bingara, ‘The Gem on the Gwydir’. We were performing at their iconic ‘Orange Festival’, based around the annual harvesting of the orange fruit planted to commemorate the dead local soldiers from WW1 and 2.
‘W’ and I hadn’t seen each other properly for a while, so we talked non-stop almost the whole way there. The road got very winding up through the ranges, with sharp corners slowing us down to 45 or 35kms at times.
If I hadn’t been driving, I’d have thrown up for sure.
We checked in to our [shared] room at the local pub, and that’s when I recognised my official ‘low status’ more clearly than ever before.
Here’s our room: I automatically took the squeaky lower bunk rather than the double bed.
Actually, I wanted the top bunk, so I could pretend I was a pre-teen on an exciting sleepover, but seriously that thing wobbled so much I couldn’t even get up the ladder.
Then we unpacked the car, and again, I found myself unwittingly on the lowest bar of the status scale; in fact, so low, I was just on the dirty carpet, in the corner, awkwardly needing to step around the bed to actually get there.
*sighs
Still, the art deco architecture of the one-main-street town totally made up for it (population 1,300),
and I found the vintage dress jackpot strung up on a dusty wall in one of those hoarding junk shops:
It seriously fits like it was made for me, and is going to look so good with my black leather boots and jacket, now that Winter is truly upon us in Australia.
In fact, it made all my ‘low status’ experiences worthwhile (there were more, but ‘W’ reads my blog sometimes, and I don’t want to get sacked); we drove home listening to bad emotional 90s songs she could sing along with to keep herself awakeΒ in companionable silence.
So who wears the trousers in your relationship? Do tell!
In gratitude for adventures with dearest friends, who lift you up yet also pull you back down, G xO
tough bunking with the boss. Nice dress, though. Look forward to seeing it modeled. Hard to fathom it being winter. heading to 100 (38) around here today.
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The whole weather difference is so weird isn’t it? I’ve been reading about everyone so hot in the States and the U.K.- quite frankly, it’s a relief to feel cold here. Except that the dress is polyester, so will be strictly Winter-only π
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Its easier to add more clothes if you’re cold. Once you’re naked, you’re still hot, and now at risk for a horrible sunburn!
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Absolutely- I hate summer I must confess π
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In my light cottons myself today. Polyester winter only, I agree.
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Omg I am IN LOVE with that dress!! ππ
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I know right?? Only $25, and in perfect condition- will have to post a pic of me actually in it π
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Oooo awesome bargain!! And yes you must post a picture!
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I totally wear the pants…..π
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I suspect most women will comment as such… π
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ππππ
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Nell and I have a single pair we divide between us…which calls to mind a three-legged sack race at the fair.
Never mind. Carry on.
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Haha- I’m glad that works for you two so well (except at the fair) π
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Always a little give and take as long as there is balance.
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Yes indeed… not so much with the boss though… I think she enjoys the break from compromising at home… π
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This is one of the things that bugs me about employment but as long as there’s money to be made, I’m in
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I reckon I’ve got one of the best jobs in the world, and the best boss; I’m super lucky π
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Sounds like a good drive. Glad the winter is keeping things warm below the ground for you… metaphorically speaking.
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Thanks Coyote π
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We take turns. π
‘…I automatically took the squeaky lower bunk rather than the double bed…’ – we each have a roll to play! π
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Haha, thanks Widds- I’m glad you’re so even over there ππΌπ
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This is very funny! I love the shot of the room with the bunk beds π Sorry you didn’t get to sleep in one. Your gigs sound really fun, Gabrielle.
I’ve been traveling more for #ForgivingFridays – really enjoy being on the road.
Blessings to you, Gabrielle. Debbie
ps – great dress!!!
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Those bunk beds were so squeaky!
And yes, the dress is fab- will have to snap a pic of it on and write a post about original 70s fashion or something… π
Enjoy your travels Debbie- you deserve much success & connection ππΌβ€
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Thank you so much, Gabrielle! π You too.
Love Debbie
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I smiled at this. Thanks for telling it like it is, and for the wonnderful photos.
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You’re welcome Rachel π
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