This and That 2023

Monday, 4 December 

Seville Writers X-mas 2023

end of year celebration

I started this year with Tom’s rowing journey from Peru to Australia. Much has happened in the meantime - too much to remember if not recorded and now part of history.

Coming to the end of 2023, Saturday’s X-mas get-together of Seville Writers is an excellent way to celebrate. We have two new members: Kylie, a promising young writer, and Yvonne, a published author. As usual, Nancy, so very ably assisted by Robyn, led us through a morning of fantastic recitations, a lame game (lame since I only knew one answer out of 15; I blame it on my non-Oz background), general cheer, and goodwill. Linda delivered her excellent story that, for me, had all the connotations of an Orwellean tale. I’m currently re-reading his writing and Anna Funder’s ‘Wifedom’.

I look forward to seeing Linda’s collected short stories in a book. They are brilliant.

By way of this mode, I hope Shirley and Wendy are in good spirits, and I extend all of the Seville members’ best wishes to both. You are in our fondest thoughts. 

Friday, 24 March

As Barry Otto’s character of Roy in the comedy-drama Cosi somewhat proclaimed from the bed sheets under which he was hiding, ‘I’m back.’ 

Ron in Cosi

The reason for my hiatus is my darling friend Deborah. She lent me Kirstie Clements’ book Why Did I Buy That? So? What is the connection, you may ask? 

the book that started it all

Well, after reading the book, I took a deep and meaningful look at my wardrobes. Note the plural here. I managed to haute down down quite a few items that, due to too many gourmet delights over the years, particularly during Covid, and topped by Geoff’s purchase of cheap washing powder, no longer represented my actual size.

Feeling good about the purge, I looked at my bookcases, and I do have a few. Since I found numerous books in duplicate, I was satisfied that at least my taste was consistent. Nonetheless, I downsized and, as a bonus, found things I didn’t know I had. Now that I do, I recognise their useful purpose and can’t live without them.

Then I sorted box upon box of papers containing research material going back to my undergrad days. Amongst all these ridding and sorting book activities, I outlined the rim of my bookcases in the living room in black paint. Why? Because I felt it would enhance them. Tricky when you are lying on the floor, the bookshelf being 1 cm above ground, trying to keep a steady hand. I have a whole new appreciation of Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. 

1 cm off the floor...

Whilst at it, I continued the black outlining on the white bedroom furniture. As I cast my eyes around, there are numerous objects in black and white; indeed, three little ceramic angels are looking at me right now, one in silver, one in white, and, you got it, one in black.

my little cherubs

Thanks, Deborah, my house is tidier, my wardrobe up to date, and I feel good about it all. 

I have read many books and seen a few movies since last year, and I shall endeavour to write about them. Stay tuned.

Sunday, 1 January

Rowing solo in a self-built boat from Peru to Brisbane

Tom in his rowing boat

You are reading correctly. This is the story of a young man, Tom. He built a boat and has now rowed solo almost halfway across from Peru to his hometown of Brisbane.

home...still a little while

        It is such a fantastic story that I must share it with you. For me, it all began with an annual lunch. Thirty years ago, a group of ladies worked in the Faculty of Business of a Brisbane university. Eventually, we all left but still keep in touch regularly by way of lunching. During one of those, a few years ago, Veronica casually mentioned that her son was doing an apprenticeship in boat building. ‘That’s nice, different,’ I thought.

Then after our last luncheon this year, Karen mentioned to me that this son, Tom, is now rowing across the ocean. ‘What?’ exclaimed I, ‘across the ocean in a boat, rowing? With his hands?’

‘No, with his oars. But yes, google it: 'Tom Robinson Boats'. I follow him.’  

So google it, I did. As I am sure you will also. And what I read blew my mind. As I write this, you realise I know nothing about boating but that I can hardly contain my enthusiasm. Here is a young man, who had a vision to cross the ocean like a mariner years ago. For this to materialise, he learnt the trade. Overcoming obstacles that would have deterred many others, Tom ingeniously sought ways and means to follow his ambitious dream. He designed and built the boat by hand and named it Maiwar, which is the name used by some Aboriginal people for the Brisbane River. He tracked a sailor who taught him how to use a Sextant. Unsurprisingly a friendship ensued. How could you not support the efforts of such a driven young human being. Another attestation is reading about the Peruvian locals helping Tom get his supplies on board. Tom’s website is incredibly professional and very interesting, even for my terrestrial-based tastes.

Every day we hear about mayhem in the news; this is an inspiring, feel-good, positive, and goal-driven story, and Tom is from Brisbane. I am so happy to partake in his adventures by following his website and starting 2023 by sharing this uplifting story with you.

 

rowing solo more than 8,000 nautical miles