with apologies to the cat
I just got some news that made me squeal – and I’m not a squealer. A growler, definitely, and sometimes even a hisser, when the mood is right….but this has knocked me sideways and made noises emanate from my mouth that I hadn’t actually heard before. Even the neighbour’s cat looked alarmed.
Last week I had a short story performed on Radio National, as described in my last journal. They hired actors to perform it, and several other stories, in an hour long show, and it was so beautifully produced and recorded that they’re trying to keep the project alive.
I just got an email from the producer, telling me that she’s applying for funding to get it turned into a theatre performance. That made me grin and grin, but when I read that ‘The Studio at the Sydney Opera House is very keen to present it’ my coffee flew out my nose.
This is where the squealing began. The. Sydney. Opera. House. Yes, I know, it doesn’t mean it’s definitely going to happen – she still needs to get funding – but sweet jesus, I’m squirming with excitement at the prospect.
I’m in the middle of a health scare at the moment, combining stressful trips to hospital with spiralling circles of panic and calm, so I’m clinging to any lifelines of hope that the universe cares to fling my way lately. This, absolutely, is one.
So….anyone up for a trip to Sydney in the near future?!
Jessica Tremp
Holy shit!!! x
darling, look at you go! I take this as a sign you know
bellmusker replied
I’m trying to look at it that way too…thanks darling x x
jacqleen
OMG….....THIS IS BIGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG and YOU sooooooo deserve all this :))))
wow….........U must keep us up to DATE :)))
MY BIGGEST CONGRADS To YOU hun :) Woooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooo i need to start packing :))
bellmusker replied
Don’t worry, I’ll keep you up to date – as if I could keep quiet on this!!
Lisa Jewell
count me in…..
I am beyond excited for you my darling…..
bellmusker replied
The little gif is entirely appropriate….this is exactly what I was doing when I rang you last night, hehe x x
Lisa Jewell
oh sorry for the little gif, could not help myself ;) xxxx
Sticky Flower
even my cats are squealing about this! Thrilled for you! :-) Sometimes I think amazing things are thrown our way in the hardest times to give us strength and hope.Best of luck with everything xo
bellmusker replied
Tell your kitties I’m sorry, but it’s worth it! I know, I do need something to keep my head above water this week, and the universe provided….as I know it tends to. Thanks for your lovely words x x
Jared D White
OH wow!!
I’m so excited for you!
You’re awesome!
bellmusker replied
I’m over the moon about this and it hasn’t even happened yet…..but it’s definitely made me grin and grin today. Thanks Jared!
mstrace
ME ME ME ME ME I AM I AM I AM I AM…..
FUCKING HELL HOW FUCKING AMAZINGLY FUCKING FANFUCKINGTASTIC WOULD THAT BE!!!???
bellmusker replied
Wouldn’t it be something if it coincided with your trip to Oz, hey my love? I wouldn’t be surprised if the Piper and Jujubee picked up on my squealings from all the way over there…...x
Jessica Tremp
p.s. Lisa’s little gif made me roll my eyes and laugh at the same time
bellmusker replied
It’s a touch too accurate, I have to say, because this is almost exactly what I was doing last night when I got the news…...
gretchen .
AAAAAAAH!!!!! yes yes yes!! holy hell Bell!!! hooray for inventing new sounds of glee!! your words on stage? field trip to sydney? uuumm… YES!! xox
bellmusker replied
Hehe, writers’ meeting in Sydney?! Who’s up for it? x x
Franka Zaumseil
Hurray! go girl!
bellmusker replied
Thanks so much! I’d like to pretend I’m all calm and collected but really, I’m grinning like a maniac and can’t hide it :-)
Adrian Carmody
Holy Crap Sauce!
Thoroughly deserved!
bellmusker replied
Thank you, kind sir! It’s a ray of light in an otherwise shitty week, and I’m basking in its glow :-)
Michael Alesich
Wowwwweeeee miss.
Screaming is happening from this side of Melbourne.
bellmusker replied
See what happens when you go away? All hell breaks loose!! Tell Doug I’m sorry for his poor little ears, but it’s well worth it!
Priya ...
I’m smug because I am in Sydney! So happy for you! Yes yes yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dancing around in joy for you fair lady!
bellmusker replied
I know it’s far too soon to start booking tickets up there….but surely a browse around airline websites shouldn’t be out of the question?!
AmandaWitt
Amazing stuff!
bellmusker replied
Thanks Amanda! I know getting funding is the hard part, but my fingers are crossed :-)
jtaft
hooray!! fantastic news! dont worry what happens, every opportunity is a step forward
bellmusker replied
Ah, I’ve been worrying a lot this week….but finally, a ray of light!
roybarry
Count me in!
even if I have to sell a kidney...........................
bellmusker replied
I might have to sell a kidney to help with funding…but technically I only need one, right?
natapee
about time some redbubblers visited my neck of the woods. BRING IT!!!!!!
bellmusker replied
Let’s hope it gets to that stage!!
Pip Gerard
First off.. I’m so sorry to hear that youre experiencing a health scare at the moment… I hope youre finding strength you thought you never had & support coming from all angles from those that love you.
And now… Sydney 7ucking opera house (it just deserves the good ol’ F word doesnt it) :) that’s so bloody marvellous… but again… I must tell you I’m not surprised. Your work is honestly that good. So glad to hear I’m not alone with those thoughts.
Id be happy to send you a copy of the Gits to help keep your mind off your worries even more?
bellmusker replied
Thanks so much, Pip…..I’m actually going into hospital on Tuesday for a biopsy, a word that makes my mouth go dry. I’ve decided not to let my fear take over, but at times it’s a struggle, I have to say. Thinking of the Opera House puts me back on my rails :-)
Mel Brackstone
How huge a compliment is that!!!!!!! Not surprised you’re jumping up and down! Congratulations Bell, lets hope it can go ahead, and soon! Good luck with the hospital thing too!
bellmusker replied
Thanks Mel! I know it may not happen, but still, a happy dance never hurt anyone, right?
roybarry
One Kidley is more than enough-let’s have ourselves a spare organathon and make this thing happen!
bellmusker replied
Consider it done!
Katrina De'Vries
This is this so awesome I don’t think the word awesome can quite cover it! Wow! If there ever was a reason to make an 18 hour flight this sure is it! Sydney Opera House! Damn!
Maybe this is just the boost needed to help chase off whatever is ailing you.
bellmusker replied
Katrina, I sure as hell hope so…..thanks for your lovely words :-)
natapee
Yes let’s hope and wish and pray, why the hell not : ) I’m also not surprised either, echoing other people’s comments. And there’s no coincidence this possibility is coming round at a time when it sounds like you need a distraction and maybe even an anchor. I’ll put a whole bunch of wishing stones out tonight for you my dear. What a wonderful opportunity for you. x
bellmusker replied
Thanks so much, Nat…I’m a little freaked out about my health issues, but am trying to keep on an even keel. The wishing stones will definitely help! x
Mel Brackstone
Happy dances are good :)
lianne
OH Bell – that is the most wonderful news!!! Damn – if I could afford it, I’d fly out for that in a second – lol. I’m just dancing a jig here for you – and then I’ll light candles or keep my fingers crossed or send out good vibrations to make it happen. What a joy to hear this!! Congratulations on all of it Bell – it’s so deserved.
bellmusker replied
Lianne, I’ll take those lit candles any day of the week, to send me some light at this point, regardless of the story! Keeping dancing that happy jig; the thought of it’s making me smile and smile :-)
lianne
And prayers for the health issue too Bell – I know how scary that can be.
aglaia b
wow
best news bell.
positive thinking babe, much love to you and i’m def. in a gif. mood too.
you’re such a
YIPEE
and my favourite
;-) xox
bellmusker replied
How cool is that last one in particular?! Thanks babe, and for the bmail too. I think it’ll all work out x x
transmute
I’ll raise a glass of Drambuie to that…
bellmusker replied
If it actually happens, Chris, I’ll raise a Drambuie too :-)
jemimalovesbigted
You really are amazing chick! So well deserved all of your successes. xxx Hope your feeling betterer soon and if you need a country escape, there is always room in Newstead for you =D
bellmusker replied
Thanks babe, I love when you peek into my work. I just may land on your doorstep one of these days! x x
Natsky
All will go well next week Bell and then you can start counting down the days ‘til your opening night! Front row will be full of smiley red bubblers no doubt! So excited for you…happy, healthy hugz to you.
bellmusker replied
I’ll take the hugs, thanks – they definitely help at this point! I’m sure things will work out, I feel this in my heart, but health is such a fragile thing…..thanks for your lovely words.
LittleHelen
YES! Count me in for Sydney :) Congrats babe xx Love!!
ps…I was scared to open this if it was actually about cats..ha!
bellmusker replied
Ah babe, you bonded so much with the wonderful talking Jujubee that I thought it eradicated your dislike of cats! Helen…..look behind you, Helen…. What say we stay at the same hotel in Sydney? So much love to you x x x
fleece
apology accepted :-P
congratulations that’s pretty amazing and speaks volumes about the quailty of your work & its appeal
bellmusker replied
Ha – the cat did wear pretty much the same expression as your avatar! It’s never pleasant to have a grown woman in heels dancing around your tail…thanks, much appreciated :-)
awdigitaldreams
woohoo! congratulations! xoxox
bellmusker replied
Thank you! There were a few too many gingerbread martinis last night to celebrate, so the happy dances are being kept to a minimum, hehe x x
KathO
How cool is that!!!! Happy dances happening on the side of the world for you too:-) (they’re renowned for keeping the gremlins away you know) x
bellmusker replied
Thanks Kath…anything to keep the gremlins away would be very much appreciated at this point. And you know, a huge grin seems to work wonders x x
msdebbie
Happy happy news Bellmusker. Good vibes and wishes re the health scare too – light and laughter for you lovely woman xoxo
bellmusker replied
Thanks sweetheart, and for the wonderful wishes for my health too; much appreciated. x x
Natalie Tyler
Wow! Incredible news. Well done Bellmusker :)
bellmusker replied
Thanks Nat!! :-)
Holly Ringland
holy shizzle cakes my darling girl… look at the flip side of this week, would you? a little lift, a gentle finger under your chin to lift your glorious face up to the light. and what light it is beautiful woman, your words illuminated. congratulations you splendid brilliant thing. i’m with trempy; a sign of things to come. you know, you’re starting to make a fool of me and my declarations, i keep saying, i couldn’t be prouder and you keep raising the bar with your brilliant talent. nevertheless, how fluffed my feathers are with pride love, how absolutely chuffed, double-clutch, i am for you. p.s. what to do about epic manchester – sydney distances? i’m putting on my floaties and flippers and starting to swim as we speak in preparation…xxx
bellmusker replied
Baby, this is why I was ringing on Thursday, so you could hear my squeals – and I think I went beyond a trot and actually pranced around my living room…you would have been so proud!! Yes, this is indeed a gentle finger under my chin and lord how I need it, now more than ever.
Those flippers sound like a perfect solution to have you by my side if the curtain ever goes up on this…...fingers crossed, my violet Babette x x
Holly Ringland
p.s. i guess squealing falls under the same category as trotting hey honey? only acceptable for a girl of bells under extra special circumstances ;D xo
Leith O'Malley
Dear Shakespears sister,
Do you have more details on the short story on ABC?
They repeat some of their programs and many can be downloaded via their site. What was the name of the program they performed your piece on?
Oh and what was the name of the story?
Hang on, maybe I should read your last journal entry.. I knew it was coming up but sadly missed it.. bummer.
Extremely excited for you though. Just reading the above comments tells me how well liked and eagerly anticipated your writing is by everyone. You already know how I feel about it. There’s a real buzz around your word play and we all want in :)
I’m hoping the Opera House gig comes off. How surreal is that? It’s only a matter of time.. you must be besides yourself!
You know, self belief is a pretty underrated force Bell and from what I have learnt if you focus really hard, dream big and put the right things in place.. everything is possible. This goes for your writing and your health.
Be positive, think positive and let the squealing begin I say..
Who knows, you may even find some interesting fodder or characters in those trips to hospital. Just as long as you don’t go writing scripts for “All Saints”..
bellmusker replied
I’m hoping the Opera House gig comes off.
You and me both!! It all depends on funding, but the producer is applying for a grant to get it going, which all takes time. Fingers crossed!
Your words on my health fears really struck a chord. I’ve decided not to let my panic rule me, and focus on the positives instead – all the places my writing is taking me, and all the love that surrounds me. That’ll help me stride in for the biopsy next week with my heart strong…thanks for the reminder, Leith. :-)
PS There’s a seduction scene in my story – isn’t there always?! – and Leith, they used the Velvet Underground in the background…I just about swooned. Not bad, hey?!
Enivea
Congratulations Bell, it’s wonderful to see you on your upward flight ♥
bellmusker replied
I’m testing my wings Enivea, but I hope to get the hang of them soon! Thanks so much for your lovely words, I really appreciate them x
LittleHelen
That cat totally freaked me out :|
Omg…I wouldn’t stay anywhere else but in the same Hotel…can’t wait :)
Much love xxx
psimonic
Congratulations Bell! Everyone here already knew that your words had wings, and see how far they flew. Seriously, wishing you the best of luck.
Cheers, Simon
bellmusker replied
Thanks so much, Simon – good to hear from you! It’s very exciting indeed, and my fingers are crossed that it actually happens. Thanks!
friartuck
I’m gettin’ in late – but let me join in the congrat’s. It’s a well deserved opportunity and I very much hope something comes of it! It’s a rare talent you have.
bellmusker replied
Cheers Kloose! It’s early days yet with the funding, but my fingers are still crossed. Hope all is well with you :-)
David Spencer
fantastic news… not surprising though because your talent is more than worthy… ps finally got a new camera
bellmusker replied
Danke schön, Dave…much appreciated! If it does eventuate, it might even delay my moving to Berlin…well, by a month or two anyway.
So happy to hear about your camera….looking forward to seeing the results!
friartuck
Hey, just to have someone WANT to do this with your work is pretty chuffing. I am well thanks – in fact, after a miserable entry a few weeks ago, my mood has improved considerably . I hope your health is getting less scary as time goes by too. Take care eh?
Damian
Hope you’re still happy dancing, and the good news is outnumbering the bad :)
drpepper73
That’s amazing love!!! So excited for you!!!! xoox ( worried about you too though) hugs