Front fence in an ad?

One of the most unattractive parts of the Sow's Ear may be in a print advertisement - our dilapidated front fence.

Front fence  under the lychee tree

Termite eaten and rotting front fence.
Wood straight into dirt is a recipe for termites

Nat Duncan from Queensland Film Locations called me this morning to give me the heads up that we are on the short list for the print ad.

We'll find out in the next hour or so whether we get the gig. I don't know all the details about the ad but the premise of the photo shoot is a family painting our front fence. Let's hope they do a good job...Maybe I'll get them to finish the sunroom while they're at it!

I'm going to have to warn them not to paint too hard or else the fence may fall down. As Mr Rooney, our wise builder, usually says about dodgy structures, "All that's keeping that together is paint and habit."

It is so funny that Jason works and slaves to make this house look fantastic, but clearly it's the crappy parts of the Sow's Ear which are most in demand in the advertising world.

Not that I'm complaining, because the extra cash from the ad would be very handy and we can put it towards the renovations. Or maybe Jason can treat himself to a new suit?

I'll keep you posted.

The iittala collection is growing

The iittala textured glass collection is growing steadily.

I added two of the four ring Festivo candleholders to the growing 'family' in January. They were an 'inexpensive for ebay' purchase to celebrate my birthday. Any excuse, really.

Finnish glass collection

Last week my Ipswich booty from Jo included one small Ultima Thule dessert bowl, a small cream jug, sugar bowl and the Arnica vase, all designed by Tapio Wirkkala. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement!

Iittala Ultima Thule bowls

And on the weekend I bought a large Ultima Thule bowl from my regular supplier of all things vintage.

It feels like 1969 at my place as the kitchen shelf glistens and sparkles in Finnish style.

Reno Hard

I've scrapped the original Arthouse theme for the Fun and VJs movie.

Apologies to the Die Hard franchise.

Inspired by a comment from Jo here.

Fun and VJs: The movie

Today I went to Boolarong Press, which is a small publishing house in Brisbane, with a friend who is thinking about self-publishing a book.

It was just a general presentation about what is involved in publishing and how to get your manuscript 'out there'. The talk touched upon book distribution, contracts, the printing process and about epublishing - a very interesting seminar for my friend.

Since I was just an imposter, I had prepared a story if anyone questioned me about my presence at the seminar. Being there for moral support wouldn't be a terribly exciting thing to say.

So, I said I was working on Fun and VJs: The Book. Yeah, I did.

I worked out the storyline - youngish couple renovating an architectural treasure that is the Sow's Ear.  You know... the drama, the conflict, the elation and the heartbreak. Of course, there would have to be an alternating historical flashback story with the original owner Zoila Stables.

The publisher talked about never signing away the movie rights if you had a small run of your work published. Movie rights? That made me think of Fun and VJs: The Movie.

When I came home this afternoon, I told Jason all about it. He's such a wannabe celebrity. As quick as a flash, he said that Jason Statham should play him.

I said, "Who?" And then I googled this mysterious actor.

Jason driving to work in the new car

Quite frankly, the only thing Jason shares with Jason Statham, apart from the first name, is the hair line. And maybe the suit...unless we use the shirtless shot below.

Jason just about to punch a nail in

Jason said that Catherine Zeta-Jones would play me. What the?

Hmmm...me?

A generous cleavage would be the only thing that Catherine and I have in common. Oh and the dark hair. Now I know who Jason thinks about when he is with me...

Mr Rooney

Hugh Laurie was my inspired choice to play Mr Rooney, our favourite builder, but without the facial growth as Mr Rooney is always immaculately clean-shaven. Like Hugh in the image below.

Clean-shaven Mr Rooney

Hugh is tall and lanky like Mr Rooney and has an acerbic wit which is essential for the role.

A young Judi Dench would play our generous patron of mid-century homewares, Jo from Desire to Inspire. Actually the similarities are quite uncanny...and they both have beautiful voices.

Jo wondering if she needs to keep the iittala collection

Katherine, from theoldboathouse, was very hard to cast. I thought Meryl Streep would be the only one to capture the complexities of the woman whom we know as Katherine.

Katherine at an estate sale

And Zoila Stables must be played by Helena Bonham Carter.

What I imagine Zoila would've looked like

Now, my dear readers, since you are the main reason why I am still blogging, you all get a walk-in role! Which actor would play you in my future blockbuster movie?


P.S I have a feeling Fun and VJs will go straight to DVD if it were ever made.

Two thirds of the sunroom is white

The sunroom: a work in progress

Seriously, I feel like you guys are watching paint dry when I post images of the agonisingly slow progress in the sunroom.

But this is real time DIY painting/renovating while living in the Sow's Ear with a young family. We are no Speedy Gonzales', that's for sure.

At least you know what we are up to this fine weekend in Brisbane...

Retro Parker dining chairs from the early 70s

I took a photograph of some of our green Parker chairs against the white walls. The original wool fabric and 'teaky' goodness literally jump out at you when you see them.

It gives us a taste of how our retro furniture will look when the room is finished.