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| View from the 'luxury' unit |
Yes, we, that's the retired nursery man (RNM) and I, agreed we needed it. Just for a few days. Just to get away. Recharge batteries. Where to? Not too far, somewhere near the beach, and aren’t we spoilt for choices. After all, we live in a State renowned for that magnificence.
Well, from Noosa to the southern Sunshine Coast, nothing was suitable for the immediate days we wanted. Bribie? We always go there and love it. But this time - something different for a change.
What about the Gold Coast? Haven’t been there for ages. Yes, Surfers Paradise. Not schoolies week yet. Let’s do it.
RNM keyed in the destination and trusted Ellie (short for elephant) took us there. Got there without a hitch. Settled into the unit, luxury, as reception emphasised ever so subtly, not once, not twice, but at least thrice, to make sure we understood the privilege during check-in. Overlooking the glorious beach, lovely. Stress level sinking below zero.
Unpacking was easy since we travelled lightly. So lightly that, to my horror, I realised that I had not packed my hard contact lens suction remover device (HCLSR).
I had packed everything I needed; alas, the aforementioned device was crucial. I can buy clothes, toothpaste, dental floss, undies, contact lens cleansing solution, contact lens storing solution, and saline to rinse contacts, but, as we found out painfully, no HCLSR. We trudged to every chemist and optical shop from Surfers to Paradise Point (travelling on the super-duper light rail) to no avail.
Despite the helpful phone numbers for opticians open the next day (Monday) and various other caring suggestions (rub your eyelids between the lenses so they can pop out – and try, I did), there was only one solution.
Travel back to Brisbane. Thus far, we had managed to avoid the wrath of the downpour, but now it was pouring buckets.
So, through the storm, we drove. Stress level threatened to break through Ellie's roof. Home
to pick up my most important item when travelling. And how did we spend our brief
getaway? Making Ellie feel very appreciated.
ps
I am already the proud private collector of some of Eva’s magnificent works. Here is my latest; I thought I must get it; otherwise, it would be gone, and while my house is overcrowded with artwork, I simply had to have the exquisite 3D Desert Bloom. This work is made of black translucent glass, opalescent glass, and beads on marine ply substrate.
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| Desert Bloom by Eva Turek-Jewkes |
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| Creative Conversation at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre |
I provided some insight into my motivation for writing sepia.
The event was expertly hosted by journalist and author of Kooky Cat Books, Rita Maclean. Audience members listened attentively and participated by asking stimulating questions, leading to lively discussions and an inspiring literary afternoon on the island.
25 May
Local Author Expo - Burpengary
Yesterday, my Bribie Island Gary Crew Writing Group buddies, Beverley Young, Peter Schinkel, and I had a fun day at the Burpengary Library Inaugural Local Author Expo, wooing our captive audiences with elevator pitches about our books: Bev’s ‘The Long Road into Hell’, ConversationPeter’s ‘Twister Planet Book One: An anthology of science fiction short stories’, and my ‘sepia’.
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| Beverley Young 'The Long Road Into Hell' |
The library distributed sheets showing each author’s photo and biography, an image of their book, and a comment column. There were fifteen authors; we were given a number ranging from 1 to 15. I was number 15.
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| Peter Schinkel 'Twisted Plant Book One', me 'sepia' |
This
interactive element made the expo a truly dynamic experience. My buddies and I
certainly had a blast.
The library’s catering was excellent. It offered fresh scones with cream and jam, gourmet sandwiches, small-sized pizzas, and vegan offerings. The range of teas provided for every taste. All in all, it was a truly inspiring experience.
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| mingling before speed-dating |
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20 May 2024
Burpengary Library, 121 Station Road, Burpengary, 4505
The Bribie Islander and Districts Community Magazine
https://thebribieislander.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/208_BIS_FEB8_2024.pdf
Here is mine:
There I was, overcome by a wave of ennui.
Any messages on my phone? No. Can’t be bothered anyway. Ah, what’s that, Ringtones? I wonder what they do.
And then, it happens. The strangest sound I've ever heard. It's coming from the kitchen, a constant harping that refuses to stop. I'm puzzled, until I realize-it's my phone. A new ringtone. Wasn’t that a surprise?
77 words
8 April 2024
Save Victoria Park
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| Three former Lord Mayors unite. |
How often do you see political opponents unite on one issue? The proposal to build an Olympic Stadium on Brisbane's Victoria/Barrambin Park brought together five former Lord Mayors from opposing political parties.
Campbell Newman, Sallyanne Atkinson, Jim Soorley, Tim Quinn, and Bryan Walsh, who combined held office from 1975 to 2011, united for the first time in Brisbane's history to fight the proposal to build a 55,000-seat stadium in Victoria Park. All agreed that the city's green lungs must be preserved for future generations and as a recreational space for its citizens.
Located in the Turrbal and Yugara country, this pristine parkland has always been a place of learning, research and engagement.
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| peace and tranquillity close to the city |
Let's hope this spiritual and pristine community space will be preserved and its existence celebrated.
More info is available from
Save Victoria Park, Victoria Park Barrambin Residents Action Group.
30 March 2024
I feel inspired to become part of a wider group of not only Australians, but people from around the world, to actively work to have Julian released from Britain’s notorious maximum-security Belmarsh Prison. The charges raised against him should be dropped, and he should be returned home. Enough is enough.
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