Astarte Mind & Body

18/02/2026

I've always been a believer.

17/02/2026

Today's subject matter was the rainbow lorikeet, a very tricky bird to paint with so many different vibrant colours and textures. We explored the technique of scratching in and also how to integrate watercolour pencils to help create texture and tone.
Thank you to John Alessi for allowing us to use your photograph as a reference.

14/02/2026

I think Chat GPT has ADHD.

ChatGPT just lost a chess match to a 1977 Atari console.
Even on beginner mode, it struggled against the decades-old AI engine.
ChatGPT hit a humbling roadblock—losing badly in a game of chess to an Atari 2600 from 1977.
In a now-viral LinkedIn post, Citrix software engineer Robert Caruso recounted how the modern AI chatbot was "absolutely wrecked" by Atari Chess, a primitive game engine that only thinks one to two moves ahead.
Even on beginner mode, ChatGPT fumbled its way through the match, confusing pieces, misreading moves, and losing track of the board state entirely—blunders that would embarrass even a novice.
The irony?
While ChatGPT floundered with abstract visuals and insisted it could win with a restart, the Atari’s rudimentary 8-bit system calmly calculated its next moves, delivering a crushing defeat with no frills or fanfare.
The showdown highlights a striking contrast between brute-force logic and generative language intelligence—suggesting that even cutting-edge AI can be outplayed by decades-old tech when it steps out of its comfort zone.
Chalk one up for retro resilience.

14/02/2026

Shopping receipts are typically coated with thermal chemicals that react to heat to display text without ink. The primary chemicals used are Bisphenol A (BPA) or its common replacement, Bisphenol S (BPS). These compounds act as developers and are easily absorbed through the skin upon contact. 

Key Details About Receipt Chemicals:

BPA and BPS: Both are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) linked to health issues like hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and diabetes.

"BPA-Free" Misconception: Many retailers have replaced BPA with BPS, which research suggests is equally, if not more, problematic and poses similar, if not worse, health risks.

Exposure Level: Research indicates that just 10 seconds of holding a receipt can result in chemical absorption exceeding safe, regulated limits, particularly for those handling them frequently.

Alternatives: Some companies are moving toward safer, non-bisphenol alternatives, though many still use these chemicals. 

To minimize exposure, experts recommend asking for digital receipts, avoiding handling receipts with wet hands, and washing hands after contact. 

There is another big issue when it comes to receipts, and that is the disposal of them. Thermal receipts cannot be recycled, and the chemicals leach into our environment and waterways.

13/02/2026

Today my husband and I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with my mother in law Olga for her 87th birthday.
The climb consisted of over 1000 stairs as well as a series of steep ladders and narrow passageways to get to the summit and back. Olga handled it with relative ease, inspiring some of the younger older adults on the climb.
How does she keep so spritely? Through continuing the good exercise habits I instilled in her 20 years ago when I first cajoled her into going to a gym.
l also encouraged Olga to begin Pilates classes with me. She was still a 67 year old spring chicken then, but had tremendous trouble with her back. Pilates, in addition to more regular exercise transformed Olga from a woman who's bad back would result in her lying on the floor for days in pain, into a fit woman who is incredibly spritely for her years.
She still attends Pilates classes, walks almost every day, and takes the train to Sydney once a week for a 6-10km walk with her walking group.
I can only hope that I am as spritely as the years pass!

10/02/2026

My next mini series is Nature Studies. Join me to explore a series of different and fun techniques as well as how to integrate mixed media.
A great series to learn new techniques while challenging you to reach new creative levels.

10/02/2026

Today's subject was the superb Fairy Wren. Such a bright and energetic little bird. They always make me smile.
We built on the lifting out techniques we explored last week as well as the technique of dropping colour in to wet areas of the paper.
I love all of these little paintings so much. They make me smile just as much as those little birds.

08/02/2026

When was the last time you took a leap of faith or stepped out of your comfort zone and tried something new or scary?

It's very easy to stay within our zones of comfort and safety, and sometimes we need to for our own mental wellbeing.

However, true growth never occurs in a state of comfort. It's like having a plant growing in a pot. As long as it stays in that pot it's roots are bound and its growth is restricted.

When we repot a plant to a bigger pot there is initially a bit of shock as the plant adjusts to the new space. However, soon the roots find new pathways and new nutrients to feed growth and create new vitality.

By expanding our own zone of comfort or self containment by trying something new, we too open new pathways to feed our personal growth and vitality.

Grow forth and prosper. 🖖🌱

05/02/2026

It's been a while since I posted up a clip on my public page, so here's a preview of a nice, gentle one to kick start your year.
For those unfamiliar with my delivery style there may be some bad puns, random references, and sometimes I even toss in some witty prose, song, or poetry amongst the movement. You never know what you're going to get! 🤓

04/02/2026

Need to get re-acquainted with your body? Here's a gentle re-introduction with Barre Flow. :)

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

03/02/2026

Look at these fabulous works in progress from today's watercolour workshop. 😍
Working with black and using lifting techniques isn't easy, but everyone did a fantastic job with getting the look of the feathers. They also did a fabulous job with the leaves.
I am looking forward to seeing what everyone produces next week.

03/02/2026

I eased back into this terms classes yesterday with two Pilates Fusion classes and Barre Flow. I can definitely feel like I've done something with my body ... in a good way.
My cat Crystal got some exercise in too between cat naps. 😸