7.00 am, walkies time, and Frankie spots a Rabbit
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8.00 am Breakfast, then a short nap before we go
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9.00 am In the car, ready to go, and the local magpie waves us goodbye
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9.30 am, We are at our Market stall. Frankie is helping me set up shop.
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10.00 am, and we are all set and ready for market opening time
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Frankie seems to have everything under control
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Ivor Steven (c) December 2025
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the vibrant celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Creative Geelong Group. Hosted at the Makers Hub — the beating heart of Geelong’s creative community, nestled in the Centrepoint Arcade on Little Malop Street — the event brought together artists, innovators, and supporters in a joyful gathering of shared vision and local pride.
Jen Cromarty, our dynamic and dedicated chairperson, welcomed guests with heartfelt reflections on the group’s journey, from its grassroots beginnings to its current role as a catalyst for creativity across the region. The evening buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the hum of possibility, as members mingled among storefronts and installations that showcased the diversity and depth of Geelong’s creative talent.
As the evening unfolded, the celebrations were punctuated by moments of surprise and delight — including a raffle draw that added a splash of serendipity to the night. I was fortunate enough to win one of the prizes: a captivating painting that now rests in my care. Its expressive strokes and vibrant hues seem to echo the energy of the event itself — a reminder of the artistry and generosity that define our community.
Ivor Steven (c) November 2025
I didn’t set out to chase wattlebirds — they found me, mid-flight, mid-thought. These photos are fragments of that encounter: wings flared, feathers streaked, sky split open. What’ll I do with them? Share them, I suppose — with wonder.
And there’s more …
So what’ll I do with my wattlebird photos? I’ll let them speak — of flight and freedom, of fleeting beauty and quiet persistence. In each frame, a story hovers: not just of the bird, but of the moment I paused to notice. May these images carry a little of that stillness to you, too.
Ivor Steven (c) November 2025
Summer will be here soon, and Frankie was well overdue for a haircut
Frankie, before and after his groom this morning
Ivor Steven (c) November 2025
Ye’ old ‘Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
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My sister and I were up in front of the stage just before the show began
The Animals – Final Curtain Tour at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
Last night, my sister and I had the pleasure of attending The Animals at the grand old Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat. First opened in 1875, Her Majesty’s remains Australia’s best-preserved theatre building — a living monument to Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage. It has served as the city’s home of live performance for nearly 150 years, and its ornate charm made the perfect setting for a night of rock nostalgia.
The Animals have thrilled audiences across generations, and we couldn’t miss their Final Curtain Tour. The current lineup features original member John Steel — now 84 and still commanding the stage — alongside Danny Handley, Bobby Ruiz, and Barney “Boogie” Williams. Together, they delivered a powerhouse performance that had the crowd on their feet, singing along and soaking in every note.
From gritty blues to timeless rock anthems, the band’s energy was infectious. It was more than a concert — it felt like a farewell embrace from legends who’ve shaped the soundtrack of so many lives.
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Their finale song …
Ivor Steven (c) November 2025
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“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.” ~ Laurence Binyon
Let We Forget
Ivor Steven (c) 11th November 2025
“Like the wattlebird, I dare to break the shell— to sing loud in the wind, to rise with the light.”
Ivor Steven (c) October 2025
Frankie enjoyed his walkies along the banks of the Barwon River yesterday.
Ivor Steven (c) October 2025
Before going over to Gabriola Island, we (me, Penny & Dave) had lunch with Dave’s sister, Sandra, and husband Jordon, at the charming Gina’s Mexican Cafe in Nanaimo
The inviting Gina’s Mexican Cafe
My scrumptious lunch
Left to Right, me, Jordon, Sandra (Dave’s sister), Dave, and Penny. Then Sandra and Dave
And a great time was had by all.
Ivor, Sandra, Jordon, Penny, and Dave
Ivor Steven (c) September 2025
On this day, my cousins, Penny & Dave, took me to a local Maple Bay pub for lunch to meet their friends, Joan and Darcy.
After lunch, we went for a scenic tour around the Maple Bay and Genoa Cove area.
The Lion Rampant Scottish Pub. Lunch with Dave, Penny, Joan, and Darcy
The Balcony
The picturesque views from the pub’s balcony
Maple Bay Marina
Ivor Steven (c) September 2025
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 