We managed to get away and took Clever Girl for a long walk along the beach. While we were there, we saw a little seal pup. As we walked, we saw a big black lump on the sand, and I wondered if it was a dead seal. Mainly because we’ve met dead seals on the […]
Too Late Now!
I admit it – now and again; I get annoyed with Clever Girl and want to send her back. But I recently realised it’s too late now. We can’t let her go. Where I live, pet regulation leans heavily toward desexing. Not that everyone does it, but that it’s more common than not. Clever Girl’s […]
Leaving a Legacy
Just recently, the notion of leaving a legacy keeps coming up again and again as I research and write blog posts and stories. For example, during research for a recent story, I discovered a large oak tree near here (which I’m particularly fond of) was planted sometime around 1870. Planted specifically to shade the house […]
Dance of Death
When you die far from home An abandoned Australian outback town. Pulled by four skeletal horses, the ghost of a Cobb & Co carriage careens down the street. A light breeze blows red dust from one side of the road to the other. Li Quan is far from home. The last person in town. Grows […]
Dingo Hunting
Find your own pack Poor pretty, dark-haired Katie belonged to Steve. But kids are kids, and Steve was Steve, and Katie didn’t really have a choice in the matter. Until she takes matters into her own hands, and gets more than she bargained for. A story about fitting in, standing out, and finding the courage […]
In Case of Doubt
I recently came across an emergency alarm – “in case of emergency, break glass”. A clear and simple instruction, along with a clear and simple action – break the glass. I’m assuming the action triggers an alarm to sound, providing the opportunity to do something to help the situation. Which in turn, would make you […]
Dream House
Home is where the heart is A big block halfway up a hill in a quiet cul-de-sac. White weatherboard cottage with a heritage red steel roof. Fragrant yellow roses in the front garden. Gum trees out the back. White picket fence. Bill the postman knows exactly where his forever home is. But can he ever […]
The Greatest Ever Haiku
I wrote the Greatest Ever Haiku this morning, and I was so excited to share it with you. But there is a thing that sometimes happens to writers. It’s distraction. I’m sure it happens to other kinds of people too. When they’re doing whatever it is they do. But for a writer, it can be […]
When Enough is Enough
Recently, I’ve been a bit short tempered and snappy. Prone to watering eyes at the oddest of occaisions. Thinking enough is enough! But not long ago I read an article by Peggy Kern, that made sense of it all. According to Kern, tears are an outer reflection of out internal state, triggering when we feel […]
World Day for Bees!
I recently discovered there is a day for bees. World Bee Day was created by Slovenia and endorsed by 115 UN members. It aims to create awareness of the “significance of bees and other pollinators for our survival.” You can what Australia’s Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) has to […]
Signature Wardrobe Warm Outfit
In the midst of energy price increases, we’ve had a cold snap, and my thoughts are turning to the kind of warm outfit you can wear when working from home on your own. While not turning the heating on. In the old days, people wore layers. Lots of layers. Their homes weren’t always windproof, and […]
The Second Son Squad
Danger within. Danger without. Abby Fisher wakes in the body of a girl masquerading as a boy at an Elite Military Academy. She must figure out why she’s there before she can get back home. But first, there’s the small matter of the rebellion to deal with. And who’s side is she on? The Princess […]