Newtown, Hillsong, Lights, Wines, oh my.

It's the simple things that make me happy, really.

I woke up on Friday morning with no classes, and the burning sensation to be outside whilst it was so beautiful and warm, but I also had a deep-heart desire to bake a lovely dessert: pumpkin/ginger/chocolate brownies. So I did both. I put on my strange five-finger shoes that people often make fun of, and went on a walk to the local fruit/veg market and asian shop. The best way to go is through the Botanic Gardens, so that's what I did. Slow and steady, and stopping to do some sit-ups and core work along the way. I was just really craving it okay? Then I went into the fruit/vege shop for pumpkin, and I cannot hardly describe to you how adorable the owner was. Oh, well, luckily I took a sneaky photo of him with my iphone! He was wearing a Thomas the Train sweater, and talking about how he didn't understand technology and the need for texting n such, and this old woman and I were standing there agreeing with him. She kept getting this attitude face on, like she was gonna tell those youngsters how it ought to be, and I reminded her that I was different than everyone else and didn't need the lecture on how obnoxiously invasive and impersonal texting and cell phones are. Then I went and got some Asian snacks, which were a mystery until I opened and tried them. Everytime I buy Asian things it feels like I'm getting a surprise present, one that I really don't know about. It's so fun!

Then I came home and spent the day baking. Bliss.

Next morning, bright n early, I headed up to Sydney (again, I know, I just can't get enough of it), but this time I went up with Ellesha, Minnie, and Jordy (their lovely friend). Minnie used to live in Newtown, and Ellesha is just really freakin cool. Our first stop? Baxter Street Bakery, where there was a line looping around the street corner, and the smell of fresh bread and coffee wafting out it's front doors. We enjoyed the most amazing lattes and quiches and chocolate pastries. Oh my. Then, after I bought an alphabet stamp collection from the stationary shop nearby, we headed to Glebe Markets, which hold all of the world's vintage treasures in a mere few stalls. It was cheap and beautiful, and luckily I had little to no cash, otherwise I would have bought many unnecessary, yet treasureful things. I did, however, buy some homemade lavender lotion. And I watched some sweet street dancers. And took a-many photos of random passer-byers.

After that, we went to the mainstreet of Newtown, and perused through a few vintage shops, whilst dancing to 80s music, trying on big red top hats, ballrooming in a record shop, and eating strawberry/watermelon/rose-cream cake. Then we parted ways, and I went to go meet my beautiful friend, Fyona, to go to Hillsong Church, while the girls headed home.

Hillsong was beautiful, the music was amazing, and the message was powerful. There was a guest speaker, by the name of Ray somethin-or-other, from Wales so he had the cutest accent (in an old-man-cute kinda way). I felt pretty shook up, spiritually-- like I know that God is really pushing me to the limits of my faith in Him. And I'm so pumped about it! Just gotta stand firm, even when the battle seems an improbable one.

After church, we went to The Rocks by the Sydney Harbour, which is one of the oldest areas in Australia. Lots of cobblestone roads, tiny alleyways, old buildings. Love it! Annnd there just so happened to be this Vivid Light show going on as well. So we wandered around twinkling, dancing, flashing, and burning lights, while enjoying some Asian Noodles and tea. We walked across the Harbour Bridge, as it is completely necessary to do, as a tourist and as one who appreciates the simple things in life. It was a beautiful evening with a beautiful date! Who needs a man? haha

Next day, Sunday, I actually went on another date though... an early-morning date with Jesus at Diggies Breakfast Cafe. Ordered my soy latte and a poached pear/fruitcake/homemade muesli meal. Fannntastic. And read Isaiah 35-37, which just really knocked me off my feet, as God confirmed that I can and should trust in Him. Okay okay! Then I went to church, and heard nearly the same message, just with different scripture again. Yep, Someone's trying to teach me a lil somethin, ey? hehe it was a wonderful day.

Fast forward a few days to Tuesday...
I went wine-tasting through the south coast countryside of New South Wales with the lovely, Sally Guest! It was raining, but a really nice, cozy, warmish kinda rain that makes you want to cuddle up by a fire and.. well, drink wine. Which is basically what we did, just at numerous places. All of the winery owners were so friendly, they made us feel like a part of the family. And there wasn't anyone else there when we were tasting, so it felt like our own little tour. I've never tasted so many amazing wines before. All so unique! And I could tell that these wine-makers were all truly passionate about their wine, which was beautiful and made me love them all the more. I think that I've determined that Cabernet Sauvignon are my favorite, but I also found a Chardonney that I really liked and this wine called 'Squid Ink' which was suuuuper intense, dark, bold, red, and heavy in alcohol, but would be real yummy with a comfort meal. My favorite wine that I got was called a Chaumbourcin, and it smells and taste of winter and comfort... hints of vanilla, oak, licorice, chocolate, spices, and cherries. Yumm! I'm gonna bring it to our camping trip this weekend.

Yeah, the day was so fun! I loved the rain, and I mostly loved the wonderful company of being with Sally. And I loved meeting the husky named Cody, seeing chickens greeting us to Two Figs Winery, being asked about our love lives by John from Silos, enjoying an amazing spinach quiche at Hedgehogs, and driving through rolling, richly green hills. Country, I love country.

I can confidently say that I am content and so thankful.