View from the Ranges

Much rain at the moment here at “Gang Gang”. Cold too! Oh for tropical climes. This new week will meet with Defence and Dept of Foreign Affairs. They ARE interested!? Bougainville here I come..next month? Fingers crossed. CITIGROUP kindly purchased some work…now just a little more finance and I will be able to continue my project ona wing and a prayer. I’m optimistic.Above my morning walk in the bush.

The stuggle continues. Koudelka ends all correspondence with “Keep Dancing” (which I’ve just been doing here in the ranges) Architect/Artist and Teacher “Sambo” Mockbee says GOODNESS is more importent than GREATNESS, and COMPASSION is more important than PASSION!! Time to think.
I’m struggling to return to Bougainville before the Peace Keepers are pulled out.(June 30th) No money or support as yet. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Things not looking good there, and people are afraid, without the international eyes and ears of the Peace Keepers the country could revert to war(s) again.Would love one more chance at it, to complete my work there. Not looking good. I’ve just turned 53 and with my whole adult life devoted to photography, still fail to be accepted and taken seriously here in Australia. I must believe the work will have a “home” somewhere, somehow, sometime?! HA!!!

Much has happened since my last post weeks ago. I became a finalist in the 50 Crows International Fund for Photography!(only $250 US ) CLOSE..but no cigar!! Simon Pentanu, the Provincial Administrator (and Bougainville’s own black Rip Van Winkle) came and slept a nite.(and most of the day) The Reagans too have been visiting Canberra. This Monday Prez Kabui will attend a series of meetings in the Capital, putting forward the case for further Peace Keepers.They need em THERE! I gave a talk at the AGNSW/Citigroup dinner, about my work, and East Timor and Bougainville specifically.The Bitch from Burradoo is proving bothersome. This coming week Defence Dept and War Memorial will be deciding my proposals, AND Sir Peter Barter is interested in the Bougainville work. Nothin dull about this life.