The bags are packed.

I have six cameras ready.

I've packed the Good clothes, and casual stuff for our road trip after the event…..and I have an air of expectancy as I get ready to leave for the Australasian Quilt Festival in Melbourne Australia.

How on earth can I have two 50 lb bags… well, most of it is camera gear. I'm going to film and photograph as much as I can.

Mr Qantas is nice to me because I'm a good customer and its a novelty being able to take the fancy stuff with me.

It's just been a busy day… a cold, clear Autumn day. I almost froze having my nails done, Those assistants sat around in their small skirts and polyester tops and I felt cold just looking at them. Then again they were busy.

I shared a podium chair with a 82 year old man having his first pedicure. I told him I think he needs to paint his nails next time.!!! It was the funniest thing seeing him burst into peels of laughter as he had the soles of his feet rubbed.

I had lunch with a dear friend and then we spent time organizing an event to raise money for

Eliminate Maternal/Neonatal tetanus.   later on this year.

The Eliminate Project

With The Eliminate Project, Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. This deadly disease steals the lives of nearly 60,000 innocent babies and a significant number of women each year. The effects of the disease are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.

To eliminate MNT from the Earth, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies must be immunized. This requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation, thousands of skilled staff and more. It will take US$110 million — and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every member of the Kiwanis family.

Kiwanis and UNICEF joined forces to tackle iodine deficiency disorders, achieving one of the most significant public health successes of the 20th century. Now, they are eliminating MNT from the face of the Earth. And in doing so, the project will reach the poorest, most neglected mothers and babies with additional lifesaving health care. The end of this one disease means the beginning of better health for so many families.

I'm leaving my work behind, but I have to complete an assignment on the road.

I hope you can all share my art, photography and bumbling words as I travel.