Music festivals. There’s just something about them, hey. They all have some grand, magical allure that draws you in, time and time again, and before you know it you’re all starry-eyed and dutifully dusting off your old pair of dancing boots for another mission in the dirt/mud/grass.
I must say that compared to last year, this year has definitely been more quiet on the live music front. But I’m probably only saying that because it’s November and my next scheduled gig isn’t until January (sometimes, adult responsibilities suck!). I can’t complain though, because I’ve seen some amazing artists and had some even more amazinger times, and MMVAF back in September was no different.
If y’all are wondering what the heck MMVAF stands for, well it’s the Maroochy Music and Visual Arts Fest, held on a cute little golf on the Sunshine Coast. This year was only the festival’s second year, but I can already assure you that I will be making the trip down the coast again next year for another round.
I went down with my friend Tayla, who is always up for an adventure (one of the many reasons why I love her) and it was definitely one of the best weekends of the year. Before we even left the caravan park we’d made friends with our groovy neighbours from Melbs (miss ya Tina and Shiv), taken a shit tonne of Boomerangs, applied copious amounts of glitter and had high spirits for the day.
Now, you know I’m rubbish when it comes to writing about live music, so I think I’ll just let the photos do the talking. Props definitely need to be given to Allday, George Maple, Peking Duk and of course, Client Liaison, who supplied the tunes whilst we danced our last hour of the night away in freezing rain and mud. It may not sound very glamourous, but holy shit it was fun. I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face, even though my white dress had turned brown and the water had weaselled its way into my previously dry socks.
So yeah, I hope you enjoy these cute little snaps, because they only show approximately 1/10 of the good times and the laughs we had that day.
Inspired by a post written by Emma Mercury on The Messy Heads, check it out here 🙂
It’s 6pm on a Thursday night and I’ve got a rare day off at home tomorrow. Out of the entire year, I’ve only had a handful on days off spent at home – alone. I’m constantly travelling, driving back and forth between work and home and James’ and my parents’ and jetting off to whatever festival I can afford to go to.
Things are almost the same as last year, and then they are not. I have a new baby brother now, who I love like he’s my own, and can easily spend hours holding him and lugging him around despite how big he’s grown. I have James too, for real this time, and living an hour apart has limited our time together, but every day away is worth the ones I get with him.
I recently changed my room around; bought a new desk, strung up some more fairy lights. I’m contemplating lining the whole ceiling with them – an urge that has no doubt arisen from watching Stranger Things. My lovely collection of film cameras now sits proudly under the window, and has actually inspired me to start using them more and is a constant reminder to fix that damned winding mechanism on my Olympus Trip 35.
What else is new? I did another wardrobe clean out – I think that’s the third this year. I still have far too many clothes. I’m trying to be disciplined; only buying things that I’m really in love with, asking myself how many wears the item will receive. My t-shirt collection triumphs all other categories, and my overalls collection now houses enough to dress me for a week. I wear my new black high top Converse at every chance I can get, happily neglecting all other shoes unless it’s absolutely necessary. My style is still the same as last year: men’s t-shirt tucked into high waisted denim shorts, a pair of sparkly glitter socks (new) and my Chucks. I still hate dressing for Cairns, and still don’t feel completely comfortable being free with my personal style here. Until I go on holidays, that is…
I’m still perpetually lazy when it comes to cooking, and it’s not because I don’t enjoy it, but because cooking for one has absolutely ZERO appeal to me. I’ve finally started hunting down acai bowls in the city, and have vowed to try every one I can find before I eventually move away.
I recently started a new diploma course, one that I genuinely enjoy and that I should be studying for now (oops). Graphic Design is something I’ve always loved the idea of, but never knew what it actually involved; and to be honest I was a little scared that I wouldn’t be good enough to succeed in the field. But now I’m beginning to learn all of the tools and the tricks…there is hope.
I still want to write, but I have no real interest in studying it at university, which is, of course, kind of a deal breaker to most magazines and digital publications. I’ve always said that the only way I’m going to get better is through practice, and I’m finally doing that through this blog. My posting has been more consistent than ever, and it doesn’t feel like a chore either. I genuinely enjoy taking time out to write posts and come up with ideas, even if only 3 or 4 people actually read the finished product.
After many months of contemplation, I finally bit the bullet and got a fringe cut. And on most days, I really love it. It feels right. And my hair is now the longest it has been since December 2014, which is a pretty big deal, but also not that big at all.
I’ve made some really great friends this year, but none of them happen to live in Cairns. It definitely sucks, knowing all these amazing people and only getting to hang out with them in snippets. But again, the distance is worth it.
Music wise, it’s been a pretty darn good year. I only went to 2 festivals and a handful of gigs, but it’s been consistent and have been some of the best nights of the year. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the magic that live music has. It has this whimsical power that bonds strangers and makes you feel alive and feel completely at home dancing in the mud and rain at 10pm to a band you’d never listened to before that moment.
I don’t really know what else to say. I got new glasses this year, and now wonder how I ever lived without owning such an eccentric pair. My favourite band released a new album, and I fell in love with them all over again. James bought me a BB8 cookie jar. I went to the Sunshine Coast but never actually saw the beach. I finally went to the museums I’ve meaning to see. I ticked Melbourne off my bucket list, and already can’t wait to go back. I drink a lot of tea for a 21 year old.
I feel content, but restless at the same time. I’m tired of not having consistent hours at work, and therefore constantly having to budget my money. I know I’m still lucky, to have a job and be able to afford luxuries, but I can only make plans on a week by week roster basis and then that always depends on money. I look at all the girls my age I follow living in exciting places like Melbourne or Byron or New York and wonder how they are funding their lifestyles. Is it rude to ask? I don’t think so. I’d tell anyone who asked about my finances, and start with “I’d rather save for an adventure than save for a car” which has consequently now bitten me on the ass.
It’s time for another adventure, but then again, it always is. I’m always thinking about my next trip and how soon I can get away, and not because I’m unhappy with my life and where I live, but because travel is one of my biggest passions and probably always will be. New York is calling my name now more than ever and I don’t know how long I can resist.
I have reached the age bracket where so many of the girls I know are having babies or getting engaged or finishing their uni degree and packing up to travel the world. And I still sit somewhere in between, where I’ll probably always be. Which is good, I think, because at least it means I’ll always be doing my own thing, and what I want to do, and not trying follow the crowd.
So last year I travelled a LOT. Maybe not a lot compared to some, and definitely nowhere as much as those who seem to have limitless bank accounts, but it was a lot for me.
I was never at home for more than two months at a time, and even when I was technically “home”, I spent my days off running between Cairns, Babinda and the Tablelands. There was this running joke at work where everyone would ask me “when’s you’re next holiday, Viv?”, not expecting to get a solid answer, but every time, without a doubt I would have something lined up or in the works. And that was still whilst studying!
Image via Pinterest
This year, things have slowed down briefly – and by that I mean I’m currently on a two month break of no holidays or gigs or festivals (R.I.P. Splendour this year), with my next adventure being in August to see The Amity Affliction in Brisbane (so much excitement for that one!).
After my little Brissie stint, I have a killer holiday lined up for September which includes a music festival and a gig, as well as travelling to the Sunny Coast, Melbourne, Byron, Brisbane, and finishing off all the craziness at the family beach house back in Cairns. All over a quaint 10 days! Yes, I’m going to be absolutely exhausted and will need to perfect my plane skincare routine before then, but I wanted to see all of those places this year so I figured, why not wrap it up all in one go? Whether it’s actually genius or pure mental, I’m thrilled either way. It will be a primarily solo expedition, with a couple of days here and there staying with friends or family, but Melbs and I will have an entire 3 days all to ourselves!
Anyway, the point of this post wasn’t to gloat or give you guys an in-depth update of what I am getting up to over the next few months, but rather to inspire more of you to do the same! A lot of people are initially intimidated by the thought of solo travel (especially some of us ladies), or are unsure of how to organise a trip without your parents dealing with everything and sending you the itinerary in a treasured email (that you are somehow sure to lose).
So here are some realistic tips for how average Everyday Gals (and Guys) can inject more adventure into their lives and do so in an affordable way that doesn’t take YEARS to save for 🙂
Tip #1: Start Small
Image via Pinterest
This may seem kinda obvious, but if you’ve grown up without the travel bug rattling around in your system then the idea of travelling can seem kinda daunting and HUGE. Before you go booking any flights to Paris, do some research on what cool things are around your local area. Whether you have to catch a bus, or train, or rely on Google Maps to drive there, it will be a great experience to get you out of your comfort zone and go somewhere new. If you’ve got some time on your hands, bring a book or a film camera and enjoy just wandering around the town/suburb/rainforest (wherever you may end up) to take in all of the foreign elements of the place. Who knows, it soon might become your safe haven!
Tip #2: Go for a Reason
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Sometimes it’s hard to see the point of going to a place you’re not familiar with, just for the sake of going. It could be the most magical oasis in the world, but our mean girl (aka that nagging, negative little voice in your head) will come up with an abundance of reasons why it’s simply not worth bothering with. That’s why it’s brilliant when there’s an event being held there. Truthfully, I’ve never flown to Brisbane just for the sake of a holiday. There’s always a concert or festival on that I’ve booked tickets for. But that’s okay, because I then will make sure I stick around for a couple of extra days post-gig to relax and explore and soak up the city. Because there’s ALWAYS new stuff to discover, trust me.
Most capital cities are thriving with events and music gigs, so a lot of the time you won’t even have to fly out of the state to have a rad time. Keep an eye out on your city’s gig guide and even the city council social media pages, as they will often advertise for major events or activities happening in the area.
Tip #3: Plan in Advance
Image via Fierce Little Studyblr
Yes, it completely takes out the “spontaneity” of the whole thing, but if you’re like me and can be quite the obsessive planner/overthinker at times, then having things organised with weeks to spare will help ease your mind a lot! Of course, if you feel like a spur of the moment trip to Sydney for the weekend (and have the funds to make that happen), then go for gold! But when it comes to booking flights I like to have as much notice as I can, mostly because I’m a cheapskate but also because you have more options with times and airlines. The “spontaneous” part of my trips usually comes when the initial idea sparks in my head. Usually, I will hear that one of my favourite bands are coming to Brisbane, I immediately decide “Yes, I’m bloody well going” or think about it for a few days until the tickets are released. In most cases, it will be the first one, and in a matter of minutes you go from having a casual Wednesday morning off to feverishly browsing on ticket and airline sites.
Tip #4: Don’t be Afraid to be Alone
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It doesn’t matter how flipping fantastic the trip is going to be, the reality is that sometimes your friends aren’t going to be able to go with you. That’s something you need to make peace with early on, because everyone has different shit going on in their lives and simply may not be able to take the time off/afford it/already have plans, etc. etc. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your mates entirely. Recently, I’ve started buying two tickets for all of the gigs and concerts that I’m going to, so that if one of my friends does decide that they want to come (or are simply unorganised as hell), they can just buy the ticket off me and we are all good to go! And if at the end of it you still end up going solo, then head to the event page on Facebook and sell your spare.
Anyway, doing things alone is liberating as fuck. Sure, it may seem scary at first and you will be paranoid that everyone is staring and laughing at you for not having any friends, but once you get over that initial fear and just don’t give a shit you will have the BEST time. And dude, no one is laughing at you! If anything they are admiring you or thinking how much of a freaking badass you are for not needing a human life vest to do the things you love.
Tip #5: Take Advantage of Travel Agents
Image via Go Abroad
If you’re booking a pretty straight forward trip or going by car, then there’s no real need for this step, but if you’re ready to jump into the unknown and possibly broaden your horizon overseas, then finding a rad travel agent will be your saving grace. I had the loveliest TA from Student Flights, Erika, who was a total gift from the universe when it came to organising my Bali trip. I went into the store for a solid session with her, where we researched and organised all of my accomodation, private vehicle transfers and activities months in advance. And the best thing is that I was able to pay it all off over 6 or so months! Which, if you’re like me and are absolutely crap at saving in bulk, is the most glorious thing EVER. Erika was super attentive, and went above and beyond what I expected a TA to do, and even gave me some extra goodies that Flight Centre should’ve provided when I booked my flights but didn’t. So if you’re a student or under 26, I would 100% recommend seeing a Student Flights TA to organise any of your big adventures. *Not sponsored, just fricking grateful.*
Tip #6: Forget What the Adults Told You
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Let’s be real guys, the adults in our lives grew up in a different world. Yes, they live in ours now, but they haven’t grown up with the exposure to technology and access to information about other countries that we have. We are not only extremely lucky, but are such an open-minded generation who is not afraid to challenge the social norms and go after what we love.
When I was told everyone I was going to Bali solo, the initial reaction was shock or a not-so-hilarious comment about locking my suitcase so I didn’t get framed for drug smuggling. I laughed it off at first, but by the time I was ready to go, I couldn’t help but shut those ignorant comments down and tell them about what Bali was really going to be like. I had done my research. I had done plenty of solo interstate trips before. I was almost 21. I wasn’t an idiot. But suddenly all of these people who had never even BEEN to this country were experts on it and what I should and shouldn’t do. Sure, travel advice can be brilliant and an absolute lifesaver if you’re getting it from SOMEONE WHO HAS ACTUALLY BEEN THERE. Or has read up indepthly on other peoples’ firsthand experiences.
I’m sure they all meant well and good, but usually when you tell someone about an exciting adventure you’re about to embark on, you don’t want to hear how shit this is or how scary it was there 10 years ago. So MY advice? Read articles by people who have actually visited the place. Scroll through the hashtags on instagram. Talk to your travel agent (because they’ve probably been there at one point or another). Ignore the negative noise and look after yourself, because you’re going to have an absolutely rad time and no one back home will be able to stop you!
I could probably go on. And on. And on. But this post is already giant enough, and I think you get the gist of where I was going. Being spontaneous and adventurous doesn’t mean dropping your shit and ditching your job at the drop of a hat. It means following your passions and going to those ‘dream destinations’. Sure, you might not get to New York by next Tuesday, but the fact that you’re committed to going and are researching and booking stuff is the first step! And it’s a helluva lot more than most people will do. So don’t be scared and don’t worry about saving for that house just yet. You’re young and you have the world at your fingertips, so live now and deal with all of those pesky HECS fees later.
The Everyday Gal's Blog 