Monday 25 June 2012

Lady Ophelia and a fine filly.

Week 25 of Darcy's Postcard Challenge takes Lady Ophelia to AUSTRALIA
"My dearest Lillian,
Having a lovely time in Australia. We are staying in a town called Melbourne, which has the most fabulous Horse Racing stadium. Miss Francesca and I had a little wager on the Melbourne Cup race. One had such a pretty name "AURARIA", so I chose her, and she won! Do you think that would be a pretty name for a little girl? "LADY AURARIA PENDLETON", sounds awfully grand don't you think?
Richard has been watching cricket again. We just missed the England Team tour, who play here regularly. It is apparently becoming a bit of a tradition between England and Australia.
We also had time to visit the latest exhibition by a Mr Tom Roberts. I may use my "winnings" to acquire a piece of his work. Very earthy and realistic. The light here is so different to ours...yet it is the same sun. Science really does baffle me.
The plant I am sending you is the Golden Wattle (pronounced like bottle not battle). It will grow into quite a beautiful tree, though my painting barely does justice to how golden it is.
Your affectionate friend, Ophelia xxx"

"My darling Ophelia,
How wonderful that you are getting to see such marvellous works of art in real life. One of my favourite pieces by Tom Roberts is "Golden Fleece", which depicts the sheep shearers at work. I believe any of his works would be well worth acquiring.
Mr Harrup enjoys a "little flutter" as he calls it, and says well done. Though this is a practice I shall endeavour to discourage in both of you. Auraria is a pretty name, but maybe the shorter form "Aria" would be more suitable than naming your child directly after a horse?
It is rumoured here that the Australians have written themselves an unofficial national anthem...a Waltz, about a Lady named Matilda. We have yet to hear a rendition, but I believe it is being played by orchestras there already. Do let me know if you have heard it. I love a good rousing anthem. 
Your devoted friend , Lillian xxx"

Images on my page: Tom Roberts and his painting exhibited 1895, the Melbourne Cup race day circa 1895, the horse pictured on my page is Aurum, brother to Auraria(I printed wrong pic:S)

This is a pic of Auraria, that should have been on my page :D
Postcard on page
Now off to do this weeks U.S.A card :D
Enjoy :D XXX
Photobucket

10 comments:

  1. Lol! I was like, isn't there a song Waltzing Matilda. :) And then I remembered this is happening in different times. Love it!

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    1. Haha...it's is the song Waltzing Matilda :D It was first played by an orchestra in 1895, though it was a folk song already :D

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  2. Love the Golden Wattle postcard, it positively glows.
    Jen x

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  3. gorgeous card,never heard of the Golden Wattle. loving the name Auraria.

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  4. what a great postcard. I love reading them..interesting story, clever how you fit everything into the story....

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  5. Wonderful story as always. I do find your postcards so interesting and beautifully illustrated.

    Janet xx

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  6. Auraria what a beauty she is!! love your page and your card!

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  7. I never knew that about Waltzing Matilda! I love the name! I wouldn't shorten it! ;o) Love the art and the pages!

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  8. :) We have dollar bets every Melbourne Cup day. Stunning card. I love where you go on the postcard challenges.

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