G'day Mate

I am currently very far from home on the other side of the world where the sun shines brightly in perfect cerulean blue skies with puffy white cottonball clouds. I am quickly getting used to the wilderness and awakening to the strange but interesting screeches of birds that sound like prehistoric pteradactyls mixed with babies' hysterical laughter. Everything is bigger down under, from the bright green dragonflies and the huge cockatoos to the holiday homes here along the western coast of Margaret River just a few hours south of the city of Perth. There are over 120 wineries that generate about 5% of total Australian wine production but over 20% of their premium wines. Very few of these wines actually make it off these shores which is quite unfortunate for many of us wine enthusiasts. So after just a few days here, I would already highly recommend a visit for anyone who enjoys New World wines as well as the beauty of the crystal blue sea and pristine beaches. And there's nothing bigger than the friendliness of the locals - it's so refreshing to be greeted by everyone from shoppers on the street, men fishing off the coast and random kids at the café. Smiles all around. Beautiful.

My Funny Valentine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_A9xX_CVFA

I love this version of the Chet Baker / Frank Sinatra classic (yes, it is Matt Damon singing in one of his best roles).  And after all these years, I am still in love with this film.  Maybe it's because of the brilliant cinematography and beautiful locations in Italy...  or maybe it's the intense, romantic yet disturbing story and characters...  or the stellar cast (one of very few films where I am not annoyed by Gwynnie)...  or perhaps it's due to the perfectly styled, artful direction of a genius (Anthony Minghella RIP).  It's probably all of the above.  This song especially, like the film, is so sexy and haunting at the same time.  I just cannot stop listening to it....spooky..ky..ky..ky...ky..ky..ky...