The Street Party and the Sullen Calf

Yesterday was the day of the annual Moore Street street party. Leichhardt Municipal Council kindly closed off a section of the road, a barbecue was fired up, corks were popped and young children took to the tarmac, for once devoid of cars, in a variety of ride-on vehicles.

Then they took to it with chalk.

In the midst of all of this mischief-making and love-thy-neighbouring, Austin made the most of the art table set up by the mum across the street and painted a picture I call The Sullen Calf.

I wouldn't read too much into this, though. There's not much point. Depending on its orientation, it could also easily be either The Galloping Grasshopper or Noah's Technicolor Ark.










Regardless, it's certainly a big milestone. Though not his first painting - that came at last Tuesday's playgroup - it is the first to be painted on a surface I could bring home.

Most of his debut work was done on the table. Some also fell across a doyley. The rest on a wee lad called Charlie.

A wee lad who thankfully has a very understanding mother.

But now I know what to expect. And, after his street party success, there's every reason to expect he'll make a beeline for the paint station when we return to playgroup tomorrow.

Until last week he hadn't even noticed it was there, so it will definitely make a welcome change. I just hope the roller coaster isn't offended.

And that Charlie is better prepared.