Fluctuations in the cosmos

Well, the Libs are in, Sniffer Buswell is Treasurer and Ripper is the leader of the Labor party (the Opposition). There's a sense of foreboding caused by all of this that I just cannot shake. Still, chin up, stiff upper lip and all that. Life goes on...

The PIP group seems to have endured yet another major controversy, sparked by what was perceived as a "splinter" group forming. What surprised me about all of this was how passionate people felt about "their" group and what has occurred as a result of the formation of the other group. I think it's a hallmark of a mature group when its members feel so strongly about its future. What I dislike, though, is that this passion has converted into rather biting comments being made (I assume on both sides of the divide), mostly said in jest, but still with the potential to hurt. I spoke to B about this today (he called to offer some ideas on how to manage the divergent expectations of the group from different sections of its membership) - and basically said that, at the end of the day, I felt that PIP exerted a great deal of positive influence on its membership. Where else will members happily loan one another $2000 lenses without having met the other party? Or offer to assist other members in recovering digital photographs which had been deleted from the memory card? There is a lot of generosity and kindness in the group and we shouldn't lose sight of this just because of a bit of a spat and disagreement. Case in point: Brett D came over on Saturday and helped me frame the exhibition prints. Absolute generosity! Woods for the trees. Woods for the trees.

An update on the part-time position: I am loving it. I'm keeping very busy as there have been many things I've had to organise for Chaos and Drama (bought two cases of wine for the Opening Reception today: pinot noir and verdelho), but not being bogged down 5 days a week in the office has certainly made me feel lighter, brighter and more energised. I've also stopped feeling guilty about not being at work on my non-office days, which probably helps.

Sunday's bombings in Delhi gave me second thoughts about going to India, but I have decided to proceed with this trip - I think I will regret too much if I did not go, and I would still like to travel in that country. India has had a tumultuous history and there have been frequent episodes of such violence - bombings in Ahmedabad in July, in Jaipur in May, bombs detonated in Delhi in 2005, the Mumbai bombings... if we gave such acts of terrorism credence, then we would never travel to India.

On a happier not, I'm going to Rotto with Brett D for an overnighter in early October. I hope the weather will be fine - warm even, as I'm hankering for some beach time and snorkelling!