Dear Ingrid...
So.. Where do I begin? At the beginning right, right, right?
I’ve just come back from a three week break up north. To sum it up in one word or even three is really hard, but I’ll make a valid attempt.. Open.. Huh? Open right? Well, there were a lot of open spaces, open roads, it opened my mind and eyes to new things and
I feel more open. Especially on returning to Sydney. The North Coast has this amazing power to crumble any anxiety that I have about myself. Not entirely, however somewhat. There my people there, I gain a real sense of belonging every time I go there. You know, I have a history there and I guess it’s natural to feel that way. Even so, I romanticize with the notion that everyone there are one big family. A big HAPPY family, like we are all in this thing called life together. Once back in Sydney I went to see my phycologist to chat with her about my path and whether I should think about moving back there if I felt that strongly about the place. In the end we came to the conclusion that it wouldn’t be a good idea for me just yet. Maybe at some point in the future, but she feels I wouldn’t be challenged enough. Most likely end up being the poster girl for the drug culture that exists there. She went on to explain that, while being one big happy family has it’s pros there are definite con’s too. Like, while everyone is on the same level there, in Sydney I know people from all walks of life and all are at different stages in their lives. This adds to my life experience and knowledge of life as well and challenging my mind. Sorry, a bit of a rant about my feelings about the prospect of moving back to the North Coast. I mean I’m not really it out for ever, I guess just until I have developed in the many facets of my life.
Now, lets get into some juicy tales. I dropped acid on the Hamlet the first night I was there. One of the most splendid nights of my life. My friends Deb and Drew own a property up on a hill and when you look out over the ranges you see Mt. Warning while looking east. It looks rather different. I lit a cigarette while taking in the view. Then, I swung on a swing that swung out over a valley. I was soaring the sky, until, I felt a sudden rush of butterflies in my stomach with what can only be described as idiosyncratic enjoyment. A rush of blood to the head, how wonderful. Tales of ones own philosophy were shared that night and love was free. Pretty hippy huh? Yes..
The next day I went to and chilled out at my friends place in Coolangatta.I was left with conflicting idea’s about what I should make of the night before. Should I put thought into it? Or, maybe it does not require much thought at all. I opted for the later of the two. However, I did conclude that I had never being higher.. EVER! I slept, went for a walk on the beach and made dinner for my friends that night. [those burritos] yep! Those ones. It has become my signature dish. Thank you for showing me how to make it.
That weekend ventured down to Murwillumbah around midday. Meet up with friends and we went driving from one place to another. I forgot how many kilometers you can clock up when driving around those parts. It was wonderful. I sat and stared out the window for hours. So green, so lush, so much space!
Oh man, I’ve being playing the same Elliott Smith album for four hours now. Switched to Coldplay. I recently got a compilation CD off a friend and I’ve really gotten into them. Then.. roll a cigarette. Oh yes, discovered how good rollies are about two months ago and there is no turning back now.
One night I went to a party in ‘The Pocket’ it was a night full of wonder and well, you know all those magical things typical of the North Coast. I sat by the fire for hours and hours. Was introduced to Algernon aka Positive Thought and painted on one man’s plastered leg. Also, that night, while standing by the larger of two fires near the D floor aka dance floor I heard someone calling my name. It was Darcy! I’m not sure whether or not i’ve told you about him. Anyway, to be brief, I met Darcy at Woodford the first night I was there. We Shared the most amazing night together, dancing and sitting on a hill chatting and drinking chai. Then, ran into each other on a dirt road while traveling to the Mardi GraSS and then again at the party in ‘The Pocket’. Turns out he lives in the pocket and we have mutual friends. We both talked about how weird it is to run into each other in strange places. Asking each other tough questions about theology and philosophy. Turns out, kids from Byron REally know how to cut the bullshit and get straight to the point. Not my only experience chatting to Byron kinds about theology and philosophy on my travels. Maybe the fact that we were indeed stoned may of played a part too.
I went quad biking on my friends property in Stokers Siding at night too. Cold, but well worth it. So much fun!
Went to a party in Coorabell, just down the road from the hall with the most amazing view of the Tweed and Byron coast lines. Once again, found myself chatting with others by the fire. It was pretty cold at night while in the bush. Went driving with Algernon and Yarren (another new found friend) to Federal up past the Crystal Castle, through forests of green and spectacular views.
The food, oh boy the food. Loads of fresh produce. Went to Uki Markets one Sunday and bought a couple of rings and incense.
Back at Ellies peace was in the air. Largely spent my time sitting in the garden drinking cups of tea and listening to Pink Floyd on repeat. My favourite song is ‘Us and Them’.
Played with Ella and Asha a bunch, Jake and Rhys were away with Andrew and Co. for a month traveling the coast of Queensland in a camper van. Sounds nice, huh?! Ellie is really well, as is Winter Rune. Rode a trike down her hill a bunch of times until I ran into a fence ( it had no brakes ) and banged up my knee. Not too bad, but I got a pretty decent bruise. Sam enjoyed gardening and lighting fires at night. One night we lit a fire in the garden and BBQ kebabs. Free range chicken kebabs. Yummy! Gus enjoyed spending time alone in the hut up the back of the garden. It was fine by everyone. Went driving in the hippie bus around Stokers Siding and Uki. Oh! one day we went out to Couchie Creek out past Chillingham up into the forest. We collected a fair bit of ‘wait awhile’ ( a vine ) to make plenty of dream catchers. Went looking for crystals, I picked up a few good rocks that day. Had a crrafternoon and all. It was brilliant. Mum made a few REALLY good cakes and once I woke only to eat cake then return to slumber. Sam later points out that I looked like I was sleep walking and eating. I wasn’t, I kind of remember it. HA! We both think it’s quite funny.
Saw plenty of people from high school. Saw trolley man, he has ditched the trolley and opted for a three wheeled bicycle. It’s a sight to behold, it’s red too. It’s hilarious and intriguing all at the same time.
Spent a day out at ‘The Stone House’ which, if you’re unfamiliar with it, is a hippie hut Michael and fellow trippers of the day built back in the seventies. The Creek literally flows at the back door! My friends Lee and Randall live there with their mum. Their father has passed away. I spoke at length with their mum Kerry about what life was like back in the day and what Michael was like. MMmmmm, interesting stuff. While I was out there, drove around Cedar Creek and the Hamlet ( it’s inspired me to get my license, which I’m going for on Friday ). We had a party there that night. The next morning, climbed an 800 year old tree deep in the rainforest. It was the most beautiful thing i’ve ever seen. It was so big, so grand and I became entranced by the shear wonder of it all.
As I sit here in my room back in Sydney I really miss the place. I’ve never loved it more than I do right now. I miss the beauty and sense of belonging. One day, there will be no need to miss it anymore.
I hope you are safe on your travels.
Much Love
Leah xx
P.S. you will be pleased to hear that I have gone vego too. I feel better already. It’s rather amazing!
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Alias
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