Lincoln's Place - Yesteryear echoes and Timeless memories.

Old Lincoln’s Place - a Historical Farm in Portarlington On The Bellarine Peninsula. 

Sadly this old Australian Pioneer farm has now been demolished, but the photos and memories will live on! It was a true example and reminder of living history, and humble yet challenging farm life before the increasingly evident progress and development that we see now in modern times.

Lincoln's Place carries with it a great story! A story of  an incredible woman - a strong survivor!

Mrs Lincoln arrived on the Bellarine when she was just fifteen years old, and later married at the age of twenty-two. A while later, Lincoln's Place became their home, and they were blessed with six children. It was truly unfortunate that her husband died young and she was left to look after their six children and maintain the massive daily tasks of Lincoln's Place. So much hardship was endured, including living through The Great Depression which brought a burden of longer hours, less rewards, and desperate times.  Indeed it was a mammoth burden for a widow. 

 

The farm remained a fully functioning dairy farm until the 1950’s. Sadly, it stood through time in ruins and could only be viewed from the road.

Driving past on regular occasions, and seizing available opportunities to take photos had me highly intrigued to say the least! Upon internet perusal, I was delighted to find that a book had been written about this intriguing property, and a copy for myself was hard to come by. It was certainly joyous ordering and receiving my own copy of the book: "Lincoln's Place - The Story of an Australian Pioneer Farm" by Colin Thiele, and the paintings of Robert Ingpen.

I would like to share with you a paragraph I have selected from the book which shares the warmth of what once was...

Sunshine and shadow work strangely at Lincoln's Place. In spring and early summer the light fairly dances. Gables and edges gleam, the ochre face of the loft lifts and glows, the yellow lichen on the old mulberry tree turns to gold, the rusty remnants of tools and odd lengths of ancient chain hanging from hooks or branches take on vigour and clarity of form. In sheds and stables the doorways and dark apertures seem to deepen against the glow outside. Niches and crevices retreat. The world shines.

 

After hearing whispers that the Old Lincoln Farm was being demolished, I knew I had to go and see for myself, as I was feeling somewhat shocked and in disbelief. Upon arrival, I witnessed it with my own eyes and captured many images. I had feelings of sadness, and disappointment as I stood there photographing, witnessing an end to a part of local history.

A short video that I put together on Lincoln's Place.        

Thank-you for stopping by and reading my latest Blog.
Until next time...

Esther - Life on The Bellarine 

The Fig Tree Store - a taste of The Mediterranean at St Leonards

The Fig Tree Store boasts a Mediterranean charm in both its ambience and menu. What better location than seaside St Leonards, where you can certainly view the water and pier from its front door, or perhaps inhale the fresh air with its outdoor street seating, and feel the seaside vibe.

After seeing a few tantalising photos shared on social media by The Fig Tree Store, I knew that I wanted to make the time to stop in to try it for myself. On this particular day we were meeting up with a couple of friends, so I it was the perfect opportunity to head over there.

Upon entering, you could feel the sense of an inviting, and relaxing atmosphere, with its homely touches and decor. As this was my first time here, I was drawn to walk around the café and look at their decorative items and of course their delicious food display. Oh the deliberation... to sit on a comfy looking couch, or table and chairs...

Ordering was easy, I knew what I was going to indulge in, even before coming here. I opted for Greek traditional and ordered the Spanakopita along with a medium-sweet Frappe. When the waitress brought my selection to the table, they looked perfect! How did they taste?
Even though for me personally, I would have liked the spanakopita to be a bit warmer, it tasted wonderful. Very authentic in it's texture and flavours, just like my mama would make at home. As for the frappe, it was perfect! It took me back to my last visit to Greece just over three years ago, where ordering frappe became a daily ritual, whilst out and about visiting cafes, eateries, and exploring the majestic ruins and scenery... Aaaah the memories!

The Staff were indeed welcoming, hospitable and friendly. We were treated to a taste of their baklava, which was a lovely touch and much appreciated.

Overall I definitely recommend The Fig Tree Store, and will be visiting again as I am keen to try more of their delicious array of sweets and traditional menu items.

The Fig Tree Store is located at 1370 Murradoc Road, St Leonards Victoria

Click here to visit The Fig Tree Store facebook page.

Metamorphosis Exhibition by local Artist Michelle Boland

The Bellarine Peninsula boasts a plethora of many talented local artists, and it is always a pleasure for me to meet many of them in my travels.
On this wonderful occasion I was invited to visit the Artisans of Australia Gallery in Drysdale for Local Artist Michelle Boland's Debut Solo Exhibition: Metamorphosis.

 

Michelle in her 30's, is a Bellarine Local and has lived here all her life.
She is a single mother with 5 children and diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) but has not let this stop her in the pursuit of her dreams.
Even during her most challenging times, and moments of self-doubt, she pushes through and takes her own advice to keep going.

Michelle, a painter of just two and a half years, dug deep for her inspiration to start. As a teenager, she always liked to sketch, and enjoyed being creative.
After separating, she took Art Classes and went from there, growing her experience and education. Michelle has completed a Diploma of Visual Arts and was excited to share her news with me that she has been accepted into Deakin University to complete 3 years of full time study for her Bachelor of Creative Arts.

Michelle came across the Artisans of Australia Gallery when she saw a post on Facebook by Gallery owner Helen Meikle. She messaged Helen and after discussions it was evident that Michelle aligned with Helen's vision for her great hub for creative minds, and thus had no hesitation in booking a permanent bay at the Gallery.
To take it a step further, Michelle approached Helen Meikle to conduct a solo exhibition.
She wanted to increase momentum in the hope of people attending to enjoy her Art, which is a Celebration of years of study, portraying a snapshot and evolvement of all her learning, and thus her Metamorphosis Exhibition came into fruition.

Michelle loves bringing her surrounds to life, and the majority of these scenes come from photographs she has taken herself. She brings emotions and feelings of the day into her work, with the use of colour, light and movement into the paintings.
She can never keep up with her endless flow of ideas. Her passion for what she does is always evolving and even though she has not found her niche yet, her strengths are Acrylic paintings, specifically seascapes and landscapes.

Michelle's advice for all who are thinking about starting or pursuing a direction in art: 

"Give it a go - everyone is artistic in their own mind. Use your creativity to keep expanding, and associate with other Creatives. Stick with it, all good things take time, and your abilities will catch up with your mind, as you continue to evolve."

Michelle's hope for the future is to exhibit more and establish herself as an artist whilst she continues to evolve her work.

Click here to visit Michelle Boland's "Arty Chelle's Corner" Facebook page.

Artisans of Australia Gallery is located at 40 Murradoc Road Drysdale.
Click here to visit Artisans of Austalia Facebook page.

Life On the Bellarine Bushfires Fundraiser

What a heartbreaking time for all Australians with the uncontrollable bushfires massively blazing across our Country.

We have all been impacted by one way or another, and our hearts have been crushed by the devastation that has preceded. 

Feeling helpless, I wanted to find a way that I could personally contribute, and hence decided to run a fundraising Auction via my "Life On The Bellarine" Facebook page.

It was an incredibly massive feat, but I was determined to follow through -  albeit whilst suffering with chronic pain.

I knew that the best way for me to contribute was via an online auction. I wanted to make sure that EVERY single dollar was donated to this important cause.

An album was quickly created with items to be auctioned.
Initially it was only going to be items from my photography collection.
It wasn't long before members of our wonderful community also wanted to contribute.
Many expressed that this was exactly what they were looking for as they too wanted to do something important and heartfelt as a community.
The Facebook and Instagram messages were a surprising welcome.
I was completely blown away by the amount of contributors, quality works of art, handmade items and incredibly generous local businesses. 

Massive Heartfelt thank-you 

to all the individuals and businesses who came together to support our online Fundraiser.
The payments flowed in smoothly and without delay and all items have now been finalised.
After tallying up the final bids, the total amount raised from our Online Bushfires Fundraising Auction was an

INCREDIBLE

 $2905. 

All Money raised from this Auction was donated via the Bushfire Disaster Appeal At Bendigo Bank. (Receipt of $2935 shown).

Congratulations to all on a wonderful result.

"Amidst all the chaos and misfortune in our personal lives and happening all around us, it’s good to just pause and reflect. Sending light and love to anyone going through difficult times." - E.M.

Click here to visit Life On The Bellarine Facebook page.

Art 16 - Art Gallery. A Hidden Gem in Drysdale.

Hidden away in Drysdale is a warehouse building which looks like any other.
Once you step inside, you are transported to an inviting and welcoming atmosphere inside this beautifully presented gallery which contains a plethora of unique local art.

Art 16 is the perfect place to browse over 2 levels, with its diversity featuring stunning works from H. Doc Art and several local Artists from the Bellarine Peninsula. I found myself intrigued to look at all the exhibited items, and even went back a second time to view it all as it deserved a closer look. 

Proud and very dedicated owner Jules Derrick opened this hidden gem in March 2019, along with her husband who is extremely talented and has many of his extraordinary items on display. 

Jules stated that she was extremely excited to be a part of the recent Northern Bellarine Arts Trail and to be listed in their tourist promotional brochure. Her goal is to promote Arts and Local Artists in the area, and for the gallery to be easily recognised amongst the "places to visit" on The Bellarine.

Here at the Art 16 - Art Gallery / Studio you can peruse and enjoy local art items on exhibit and for sale:

- Glassworks

- Steel Art / Sculpture

- Paintings (Acrylics, Pastels, Oils)

- Furniture

- Wooden creations

- Photography

- Limestone and fibre clay sculptures

- cards by artists

- candles and diffusers

And so much more...

I do highly recommend that you add this to your "places to go" list, as it is well worth a visit.

Artworks do change, even though there is some regularity, so be sure to stop by and see for yourself all that is on offer here for your enjoyment.

Art 16 - Art Gallery / Studio is located at 16/34 Murradoc Road Drysdale, Victoria.

Click here to visit Art 16 - Art Gallery Facebook page  to stay up to date with opening hours, exhibitions, and items featured or added to the gallery.

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Until next time...

Esther

Life On The Bellarine

Picturesque Scenic Views at Basils Farm

Having driven past Basils Farm so many times en route to Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, I was quite intrigued and curious as to what it was actually like, as not much could be seen from the main road driving by.

On this particular day, some friends wanted to meet for brunch and it was the perfect opportunity to finally visit this popular Bellarine destination that I kept seeing and following on social media.

Upon arrival, we were surrounded by nature. Lovely lush gardens, native coastal birds, organic produce garden, calming and serene ambience, and panoramic views across Swan Bay with Queenscliff also in the distant background. Indeed blissful that's for sure!

When we visited, it was unfortunate that there was only a temporary menu at the time, as there was a new menu commencing in the coming days.

Regardless of the menu, it was evident the food was fresh, using natural ingredients that are grown on the premises in the lovely, well maintained on-site herbs and vegetable garden. We even caught a glimpse of the chef walking by with a gathering of fresh herbs that he had just picked, taking them back to the kitchen.

Overall a scenic and serene location for all ages, which I highly recommend that you make the time to stop by, even for just a glimpse, or to enjoy some coffee, wine, breakfast, brunch or lunch and make the most of absorbing the natural views in this corner of the Bellarine.

Click here to visit Basils Farm Facebook page.

Visit Basils Farm Website.

Life On The Bellarine FB page.