The Lismore Turf Club Loo! Northern New South Wales |
On a fine and sunny non-race-day
Saturday morning, the Lismore Turf Club's sensational sub-tropical
setting is generally race-horse-and-people-free.
And the Lismore Turf Club Loo is
generally unused and unappreciated with an uninteresting view!
But last Saturday morning the sunny
serenity of the Lismore Turf Club Loo was disturbed by a sight never
before seen anywhere in the WORLD. On that day, the view from the
loo – beamed all around Australia – will be forever remembered
(at least by ONE person) as Red Nomad OZ's first appearance on
National TV!
The View from the Lismore Turf Club Loo!* |
If you were lucky/unlucky enough to
view it (strike out that which is not applicable), you'll no doubt
agree it's quite probably the last!!
So why was a Weekend Sunrise TV program
guest lurking outside a loo at the Lismore Turf Club, over 700 km
from Channel 7's heartland in Sydney?
Does that sound equipment make my bum look big?* |
That's what I was asking myself as the Rainbow Region's morning fog melted into a clear sunny day and cameramen
Peter and Ben wired me up for sound, fixed the light (dang, those
glasses were tricky!) and calmed those last minute nerves.
My awesome publicist, Jenny had rung a
couple of days earlier. Yes, she knew I was on the road. Yes, she
knew the publication date (1 July!) of my book “Aussie Loos with
Views!” was still a way off. Yes, she knew I'd be nervous.
But
this was WEEKEND SUNRISE!
Yes, THAT book!! |
And they could do a live cross from
anywhere with a race course!!
A race course? Go figure!!
In my defence, a live cross isn't an
ideal situation despite the calming cameramen, pacifying producer
(thank you, Kate!), or welcoming Weekend hosts!
To the onlooker (ie
Pilchard) I was just a dazed redhead, standing in the middle of an
empty Turf Club surrounded by lighting equipment and cameras, an
earpiece taped to my neck channelling my imaginary friends and
randomly speaking!
Camera and lighting equipment aside, perhaps not that different to my normal state?!
The View from the Lismore Turf Club |
The absence of visual cues made it all
a bit unreal (I'm on National TV? Yeah … whatever!) so I didn't
feel nervous at all.
Weekend Sunrise Live Cross at the Lismore Turf Club!* |
On the other hand, the producer and crew have
probably already rewritten the old showbiz adage, vowing never again
to work with children, animals OR redheads who've written toilet
books and never been on TV before!
Being the Aussie Scenic Public Toilets
poster girl is a double-edged sword – I got to write a book about
my special subject AND have it published (thank you ExploreAustralia!).
BUT I DID get the chance to make a fool of myself on National TV!
BUT I DID get the chance to make a fool of myself on National TV!
Even if I discovered a new scenic loo
while I was doing it!
Will the fun ever stop?
Random sign from the Lismore Turf Club |
The Lismore Turf Club Loo isn't
Australia's most scenic, and it doesn't have the most spectacular
setting or staggering view.
But it's the most
memorable! For me, at least!!
Take a look at what the dunny saw that
day on the Dunnies
Downunder Video Clip from Weekend Sunrise!
Read MORE:
*Pics with an * by Pilchard
Watching morning television was a first for me. R, look Red Nomad is on tv, and while he seemed interested, my internet friends are never real people until he meets them. You certainly brightened my Saturday morning.
ReplyDeleteHAha, I'm sure both the blogosphere and TV are equally 'unreal'!! I'm honoured that you broke your lifelong drought and watched me on morning TV! I DO hope it was worth it!! Thank you so much for your kind words and emails!!
DeleteRed, you did us proud. You also had a chance and blew it [i.e. the chance to make yourself look like a fool]. I bet they were relieved to have something interesting to talk about on their show.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're WAY too kind!!! I still can't believe I actually look/sound like that - but that could explain why I haven't yet been accosted in the street for autographs!!!!! I think we'll be able to gauge the effectiveness of my appearance by the number of subsequent invitations to appear on other shows. So far, it's NIL!!!!
Deletewoo hoo! you are on the tellie talking about loos! well done Red! I am looking forward to seeing the book, and seeing if any of my favourite loos with views are included. It was great to "see" and "hear" you in the clip. Happy travels.
ReplyDeleteOne day, when you ACTUALLY see and hear me you'll be able to tell whether or not television distorts one's appearance! I know I've missed a LOT of great loos - I look forward to catching up with many more as my travels continue! Have a great day!!
DeleteRed Oz, your interview on TV was great. Now you are a TV star and ready for your next film. Fine that you found another loo with a view. Perhaps your book could become a TV series? I ordered your book pre-publication and now only have to wait a few weeks for its arrival. While I will know some of the photos, I still am waiting in high anticipation for the mailman to bring my copy. Best luck.
ReplyDeleteWell, TFG, you have made my day! I'm SO honoured that you have ordered my book - but panicking that it doesn't live up to your expectations! So far, I'm still waiting for the TV and film offers to pour in - maybe there's too much mail for Australia Post to deliver??!!
DeleteA great big congratulations on the book! That really is fantastic. I watched your interview and I think you did very well. That must have been fun even if it was a bit unnerving. I hope your books sells like crazy and goes into a second printing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! I probably would have been mortified at how I looked 20 years ago - now it's just another great new experience!! I'll be hitting the book shops on 1 July to see who has - and who hasn't (!) - stocked my book!!
DeleteOh how exciting
ReplyDeleteIt IS exciting! But a little bit unreal as well!!
DeleteI watched! I saw you!
ReplyDeleteYou were great. I switched on in plenty of time, just to be sure I didn't miss you.
Thank you River! I still can't believe the whole thing wasn't just a dream ... or a horrible nightmare!!!! Thanks also for your emails - much appreciated!
DeleteOrdered the book too.
ReplyDeleteI'm honoured! Maybe we can catch up one day so I can autograph it for you?? If that doesn't sound too egotistical ...
DeleteNice to see and hear you on TV - a lot more interesting than some of the stuff they put on.
ReplyDeleteThank you John! I'd like to HOPE it was interesting - to people other than me, of course! But I'm betting it'll probably be my last appearance, so glad you enjoyed it!!!
Deleteja zo beleef je nog eens wat.
ReplyDeleteIt WAS a different experience, my friend! Have a great day!
DeleteG'day Red! Congratulations! Aw, I didn't see it, but I have a great imagination through your post anyhow.
ReplyDeleteLots and lots of good wishes for the book's success and happy travels oh famous one! ;)
Thank you Rose!! So great to hear from you and thank you for your good wishes! Just between us, you didn't miss much - I guess that's why the other networks haven't immediately jumped on the bandwagon!!! Have a great day!
DeleteCongrats on the book an TV appearance and all! I feel like I can say 'i knew her when ..." I'm sure it's a great read. Your posts on scenic loos have always made me happy
ReplyDeleteHAhaha! Remind me to send you an autograph one day!!!! Weird how my scenic loo posts are my most popular???!!!
DeleteCongratulations on your book. Didn't see you on the TV....because I don't watch it during the day, & not much at night. Will watch your video :)
ReplyDeleteJust between us, I don't watch daytime TV either!! And I didn't get to watch my own 'performance' until I googled it - now I'm scarred for life!! Thanks for your kind comment!!
DeleteCongratulations!! I had never known anyone who appeared on TV DIRECTLY.
ReplyDeleteYou encouraged me. You gave us dreams. I keep blogging and other activities on the Internet. Thanks!!
Thank you, Kozue!! I hope it works out for you too - I didn't start blogging with a view to being on TV, it just came about because I was doing what I loved! Good luck!!
DeleteHooray! An author AND a TV star...who knew? I cannot wait for July 1st!
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend!! Although 'star' is a bit of a stretch :D Check out the 'My Book' page for a pic of the proud author at her first in-store book sighting!!!!
DeleteHow many times have I said you would be a TV star one day. Well here your are!! Congratulations. And remember who was one of your first international purchasers of the now famous "Amazing Aussie Loos with Awesome Scenic Views - 2013" calendar. That would be this guy right here in the good old USA. Very proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, I'm not exactly a 'star' yet!!!! One TV appearance and NO MORE OFFERS!! Maybe they know something we don't know!! I am so grateful for my blog (or is that 'bog') buddies support! Hang on to that calendar - it'll probably become a collectors item!! Thank you so much for your kind comment!!
DeleteWell done Red! Awesome interview and a great book. I'll be looking out for it in the book stores.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane!! If you can't find it instore, SHAME them into ordering it in!!! Have a great day!!
DeleteGreat interwiev, Red - very brave, I´d be a nervous wreck! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIs shipping possible to Germany via the link?
Thank you Iris!! You're too kind!! I wasn't brave at all - it came up so quickly I didn't have time to be nervous, and because I couldn't see myself, I didn't care!! I believe it can be shipped anywhere from the link - please let me know if that is not the case and I will find another supplier for you!
DeleteSeemed to have worked, Red :-) Another surprise for the Hubs!
DeleteOh, mind you, I always find the time to be nervous! And it´s not only my hair that is red then, sadly! ;-)
Oh come on you know you were FABULOUS! As Andrew said I wouldn't watch morning telly for anyone but you :) I'll be ordering my copy too.. nice work Red!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, I guess that explains why the offers from rival channels HAVEN'T been rolling in!!!! I was on the road when the interview happened so didn't really get to see it properly until I got home - and now I'm scarred for life!!!!
DeleteHey! You are famous! If they post your pics in the loo, everyone will be forced to reckon with the face staring back at them:) Congratulations! I think it is rather exciting:)
ReplyDeleteFamous?? Yes, it's a heavy burden being the 'go-to' girl for scenic loos!!! Thank you - I think it's exciting too!!!
DeleteRed, your book has arrived today! Great work, I´m off to the balcony for a read! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see my fav one is in there, too :-)
Hi Iris! SO glad the book made it across the ocean!! I LOVE the Sun Pictures loo too - it was one of the highlights of our trip to WA!! Hope the weather stays fine for you!
Delete