photo album - 1997
A lot happened to me in 1997. The man I thought was going to be the love of my life left, I traveled and I found out what and who is really important to me. The breakup with Stephen left me battered and bloody and as a result I stood on a few toes. To all of those people who end up here by chance, not least of all Steve, I will say sorry for being a pain. At the end of it however I was with friends and had found a level of peace with myself. I had also learnt some valuable lessons about the "smart set" and what little value there is in that sort of life.
I recall that it was a bad year, but looking back at the photos, its seems that wonderful times were had. Thanks that year go to in particular to John who was a life raft, Chris & Kellie for being in love, Michael who is sensible and taught me "don't hit, don't spit" as rules to live by, Scott, Cath (OF COURSE) and Guy who has always stood by me. The other person that was important that year was Marianne Williamson, even though I have never met her.
 In
April 1997 Chris Stephen's, who I worked for at Optus,
and Kellie Brazier were married. This is the bride looking radiant. The
groom neatly managed to avoid the camera when I was around, probably wise
- you never know what I might have done. |
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A holiday romance that lasted a a couple months while he flew around Australia with Sydney (and me) as his base. John and I dated for the time he was in AU, but didn't try to turn it into something more long term This was taken on the pool desk of the Hyde Park Plaza. |
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Bart was a host for the party weekend and made sure that I was on time and in the right place for all of the best fun. When I met Bart, I suspected that my friends back home had hired a spy. Hanging around with him was like being with my pals from home. If you ever get the chance, go to Atlanta. Its a little off the beaten track for Australians, but the locals are warm and friendly. The boys at Hotlanta are great, but if you visit their site, please forgive them - for web page producers - they run an FANTASTIC party. |
 Another
high light of the Atlanta trip was Ricky. This was taken at Six
Flags over Atlanta which is a theme park - and isn't Disney world. But
I didn't care. |
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| Tim and Guys excellent adventure. I am not sure I recall how I got in that position, but there you go. Guy had just gotten off the plane from Sydney in LA and was rearing to go. |
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My pal Guy and I in Los Angeles at the Sunset Junction Fair. Guy had flown over from Sydney a couple of days prior. Please note the matching Gucci sunglasses and my visible abs. Its amazing what a 6 week holiday made up of mostly gym going and night clubbing can do for you. And yes, Guy is that short. I am not standing on a box. |
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New years eve 97-98 was much quieter than some of the previous years. I went to Noosa to stay with my friend Brian who has a house up there. Brian had invited a group of people for the week including Michael (above). He had just started seeing a new man, Jason, who couldn't be there. Result - most of the time he was glued to his mobile. The holiday was FANTASTIC, just what I needed after a long year. Brian is a great guy and a wonderful host. Michael is an angel. |
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| The entire group from New Years Eve. |
1997
had its share of ups and downs - but a definite up was meeting John. An
American from San Francisco in Sydney on holiday he was EXACTLY what the
Doctor ordered (pardon the pun).
In
August 1997 I went to the US. I had a few stops on the way including San
Francisco to visit John. Next stop on the tour was in Atlanta for 