Little church

I love this little church - nestled under large trees, right in the middle of a residential area. It's not used on Sundays, and I know that sometimes counsellors work out of there during the week. It's a pity it's not better used, though - such an excellent location. It has a feeling of being embedded in the community, even if it has very few (if any?) connections to the local area.

Brunswick houses

I often notice this house with its enormous dish in the front yard as I ride past on my bike. I've mentally noted that it's somewhat incongruous and counter-cultural for the area, until I stopped today to take a photo. And noticed the solar panels all over the roof, huge water tank and solid sun blinds for carbon-neutral climate control.

I love the appearance of this house - very natural tones, slightly arty design, neatly presented, native garden. This kind of look is increasingly popular in the area - I wouldn't be surprised if there was lots of wooden floors, exposed beams, light and airy.

I doubt I'll ever afford that kind of thing, though, and although I love it, I'm not sure I'd spend the money on my house even if I had it.

Signs of Brunswick's cultural diversity - I don't think this is the house of a young Anglo professional.

History of street names

Recently, lots of these green signs have been appearing next to street signs around Brunswick, providing a few historical details about the streets the people were named after.

It's interesting to read about which people and positions were considered important, and when the streets around here were mapped out (or named, anyway). There seems to be a desire in Brunswick to remain connected to the history of the place - it's part of the identity.

I'm not sure this is something that all suburbs value - sometimes it seems like the 'new' steamrolls over the 'old' and after a few years, you can't even tell what used to be there. There's plenty of Brunswick's history that has been lost, but I like this move to retain at least some connection to the past.

Why "Urban Daughter"?

"Urban" because:

• I live in the inner city, and specificially in Brunswick;  
• I love this area and particularly love thinking about what makes it unique and what defines it;
• This blog is partly (mainly?) about what it looks like to follow Jesus in this place, rather than any other.

"Daughter" because:

• It's my identity - first and foremost, before anything else, I am God's daughter;
• It's relational - and I think relationships are the most important things in our lives, and also key to lots of what drives how I live;
• It's communal - being God's daughter means being part of his family and getting involved with the other members of his family.

Brunswick photo: fence weaving

Along the Upfield Bike Trail, near Safeway.

Brunswick photos: Free speech monument

Outside the Mechanics Institute on Sydney Road. Historically a significant site for freedom of speech protests.

The resurgence of craft

Craft seems to be experiencing a new wave of popularity, especially around my area. I've been pondering why this is.

I think there's a number of features of craft that align with urban culture. Craft is:

• Unique - moving away from mass-produced items to hand-made, one-of-a-kind, with all the associated quirks;
• Creative - art and self-expression are so highly valued in this culture;
• Self-sufficient - being able to sew, knit, crochet, mend clothes, etc, means that you're not as reliant on others;
• Eco-friendly - if you are crafty, there's so much more potential to re-fashion old items of clothes, or recycle vintage bedsheets or op-shop finds;
• Genuine - that is, a hand-crafted present takes a lot more thought and time than a purchased one - it reflects an added level of investment;
• Productive - a way of resting that is still useful and has something to show - this can be problematic, if we think that rest is only justified by what is produces - but also fun and can bring a nice satisfaction in completing something;
• Fostering of community - lots of my craft enthusiasm has been inspired by others. Friends have taught me to knit and crochet, given me hand-crafted presents, shown bags, talked about sewing projects, and I've spent many enjoyable hours sitting around casually with friends while crafting. It facilitates casual, low intensity time together.

There's probably other things, too, but that's what I thought of while hanging out the washing. This scarf is my latest craft project, which I finished this morning.

Brunswick photo: Rest peacefully

A side street off Sydney Road.

Brunswick photo: "I thought of you"

Art from RMIT? At the train crossing near Brunswick Baths.

Brunswick photo: Garage birds

Near Jewell Station, along the train line.