Category Archives: Spare

Jean Stewart: That One Word

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams points to the power of certain groups who controlled what was included or excluded in the compilation of the Oxford Dictionary. The book is a novel but is well researched. The focus on gender equality, or lack of it, is fascinating. Word usage changes with time. GenerationalContinue reading “Jean Stewart: That One Word”

Don Sinnott: Enough is Enough

I was just out of university and my new bride and I had moved to South Australia for my first full-time job. We lived from one payday to the next, with essentially no accumulated savings—hardly an unusual situation for newly-weds in the 1960s. On mid-winter nights the uninsulated rental house was icy; we lusted afterContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Enough is Enough”

Donatella Galluccio: The Beauty of Sharp Sight

The plane had landed earlier than scheduled and my guest was ready to be picked up.  I hastily made my way to the electric car, gathered its charger left lying on the ground, unplugged the other end from the car, shoved it in the boot and drove to the airport. It was dark when weContinue reading “Donatella Galluccio: The Beauty of Sharp Sight”

Robert Schmidt: The Eye Test

Yesterday starts very well. I receive a letter from the Department of Transport. ‘You can retain your existing licence. No further action is required. Your cooperation in this matter has been appreciated.’ Wow, this could be my lucky day. I have an ophthalmology appointment with Dr Abdemalchamer in Dulwich that day. The name’s quite aContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: The Eye Test”

Robert Schmidt: Alternative Reality

I was 15 in 1968 and in Intermediate at Concordia College in Malvern. My eldest brother, Peter, who was almost 11 years older than me, came to teach at the school. First, he taught mathematics, then music. He also coached me in football. I could not get away from him. He was music master untilContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Alternative Reality”

Edie Eicas: Dangerous Weapons

It’s a beautiful day, and I’m parked at the Torrens Parade Ground waiting to pick up my Japanese student and her friends to take them to a party. I’m early and I’ve opened my windows to enjoy the warm breeze. Spring has sprung, the lawn is green, the trees are flush with new growth, andContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Dangerous Weapons”

Edie Eicas: Getting Older

I thought getting older would be a breeze. Wrong! In the fantasy of youth I believed wisdom would be the gift of ageing. Wrong! I had no idea wisdom would depend on attitude, curiosity and the ability to accept mistakes with humility. I watched my parents age but somehow refused to accept that I tooContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Getting Older”

Nell Holland: Shame

When Sammy awoke the room was still dark and Jenny was wrapped in his arms. She’d crawled in beside him at some point in the night and, as always, she’d wet the bed. They were both sodden and he was so tired. The loud music, laughter and shouting had gone on for a long-time lastContinue reading “Nell Holland: Shame”

Fran Collins: Gertrud

Gertrud at seventeen years was a year shy of ending compulsory membership to Hitler’s female Youth League, the Bund Deutscher Mädel. Soon she would be free of the repetitive marching practice and the stupid domestic classes that aimed to turn her into a diligent Aryan wife and mother. Neither matched her self-image of adventurer andContinue reading “Fran Collins: Gertrud”

Prem Dwivedi: Samosa and Chai – A Taste of India

In India, afternoons often come alive with the vibrant tradition of indulging in samosas and chai. Imagine a lively street scene, where colourful stalls and vendors are surrounded by a rich aroma of spices. The air is thick with the scent of cumin, coriander, and sizzling oil. At the heart of this bustling atmosphere isContinue reading “Prem Dwivedi: Samosa and Chai – A Taste of India”

Jean Stewart: Bush Telegraph

The other day a neighbour fronted me. ‘Do you know who the new family is in our street?’ ‘Haven’t a clue,’ I replied. ‘Members of the Moran family. Remember Melbourne’s gangland Underbelly killings?’ I vaguely recalled the incidents. My neighbour persevered. ‘Trish Moran has moved in with her sons and their kids. One is wearingContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Bush Telegraph”

David Hope: A Fork in the Road

About twenty years ago I went on a road trip with two friends to Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Three drivers, three weeks – this should be a seamless trip!  Lots of things to do and places to visit. As we re-entered the Great Northern Highway after visiting Exmouth, on our first Friday ofContinue reading “David Hope: A Fork in the Road”

Jean Stewart: Pie Face

My first experience of feeling shame was at the age of twelve. My friend Nina and I were cycling home, when a raucous group of boys rode in front of us, halting our trip. Nina was an emotionally and physically advanced girl, fascinated by the opposite sex. I was young for my age, enjoying theContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Pie Face”

David Hope: Breathtakingly Ordinary?

Across the red sand, dotted with small green bushes, a tree line marking a likely riverbed on the western edge of the view, the horizon seems to go on forever. There is just a hint of blue hills in the far distance – our destination. It seems as if we have been driving for hoursContinue reading “David Hope: Breathtakingly Ordinary?”

Fran Collins: Flashback

Bendt had joined the local chapter of the underground in Köln shortly after Manuel. The lengthy briefing done for the night, the anti-fascist resistance team cajoled Bendt into playing music before their circuitous journeys home. Bendt’s fingers struck the keys of his accordion with a flourish. So deeply immersed was he in music-making he closedContinue reading “Fran Collins: Flashback”

Nell Holland: The Best Years of Our Lives

When asked about schooldays, she’ll only say, ‘Finding myself took time.’ *** The invitation to the fifty-year reunion languished in a drawer until Martin discovered it and Olivia admitted she was disinclined to go. He usually avoided events that weren’t job-related, but misinterpreting her reluctance, said encouragingly. ‘I’ll come, then you won’t be alone.’ She’dContinue reading “Nell Holland: The Best Years of Our Lives”

Prem Dwivedi: Covid Period –  Social Dynamics in Burnside and Beyond

The Covid era brought challenges nothing like we had faced before, but it also reminded us of a fundamental truth: humans are deeply social beings. Despite the world closing in around us, the need for connection sparkled brightly, guiding us through the uncertainty. In those threatening days of the pandemic when the entire world wasContinue reading “Prem Dwivedi: Covid Period –  Social Dynamics in Burnside and Beyond”

Jean Stewart: Connecting

Adjusting to your partner’s children can be challenging. Is it easier to bond when they are young—say, three to ten—or when they are adolescents? Adults? What works for some, may not work for others. I have found young children trusting, more receptive. When I met my first partner’s daughter, she was almost four. She’d spendContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Connecting”

Donatella Galluccio: Eddies and Whirlpools

Packed and ready to push off. Chan in his kayak was to scout out the river ahead. Tim and Francois were to paddle and I, not being a water person, was to cook and prepare camp. When on the raft, our balsa, I was to look out for eddies, whirlpools, rapids, rocks and tree trunksContinue reading “Donatella Galluccio: Eddies and Whirlpools”

Jean Stewart: Of Mice and Women

We have looked after my sister’s Melbourne home many times while they have been overseas. A crucial part of this house-sitting has been Maddie the cat. Loved by all—nervy, contrary, needing much attention some of the time, not at all at others—Maddie was an innate hunter. Intermittently she would bring a mouse inside after herContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Of Mice and Women”

Edie Eicas: Getting Older

I thought getting older would be a breeze. Wrong! In the fantasy of youth, I believed wisdom would be the gift of ageing. Wrong! I had no idea wisdom would depend on attitude, curiosity and the ability to accept mistakes with humility. I watched my parents age but somehow refused to accept that I would beContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Getting Older”

Edie Eicas: Spooked

Perhaps it was the fairy tales where the prince rode a horse or maybe it was my subconscious need to feel powerful through the agency of the animal that sent me in pursuit of ridinginstructions. A gentle horse that walks around an enclosure is a lovely experience and can fool an enamoured teenage girl aboutContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Spooked”

David Hope: The Sagacity of John Bannon

In 1983 Radio 5DN advised the SATAB it intended to ceasebroadcasting horse racing. Approaches were made to the other Adelaide radiostations to take on the role, but none of them had the least interest.Shortly after that Radio Station 5AA came onto the marketand the TAB saw an opportunity to acquire it to broadcast the races.Continue reading “David Hope: The Sagacity of John Bannon”

Don Sinnott: Secrets

Samantha was bubbling. The bridge-climb was just what she and her husband Dennis needed. She’d seen the daily tourist processions across the arch while taking a break from the Sydney conference. Why not? She called and booked tickets for the following day. Dennis was to fly over from Adelaide, to share an indulgent weekend. TheContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Secrets”

Nell Holland: Lucy Anstruther’s Mother

She’d never been out of the confines of her parent’s farm before, and Lucy was silent, overwhelmed by every new thing she saw. She was wearing a coat, with a matching bonnet tied under her chin, and her mother held her hand tightly. She kept Lucy so close to her side that Lucy’s hat rubbedContinue reading “Nell Holland: Lucy Anstruther’s Mother”

Jean Stewart: That Good Old Gut Feeling

How often have we said to ourselves and others: ‘I always rely on my intuition…it never lets me down!’ Our memories are selective. Those times we’ve been completely inaccurate fade like clouds melted by sun. When we’ve been spot-on, we recall these moments at length, re-telling and embedding them into our thoughts. Conversely, how manyContinue reading “Jean Stewart: That Good Old Gut Feeling”

Fran Collins: Missed It By Minutes

Gertrud had a small bundle of her pamphlets left to deliver.  It was nearing 7pm and a shroud of darkness was descending upon the city. She knew she should have started earlier, but it couldn’t be helped. An icy wind was flapping at her coat and whipping her hair about. A rumble of thunder rakedContinue reading “Fran Collins: Missed It By Minutes”

Donatella Gallucio: We Missed It By Minutes

The water was rough and I felt nervous.  Crispen steered the boat while his two leery companions joked and laughed at us. How could they let our balsa raft, made of 10 logs strapped together, float freely down this stretch of the river? Tim in his kayak was hopelessly trying to control the raft, butContinue reading “Donatella Gallucio: We Missed It By Minutes”

Karen Agutter: We Missed It By Minutes

Coming in to land at Heathrow my mind was full of ideas for the days to come. Five days to catch up with friends, visit the latest exhibitions, re-walk my favourite stomping grounds around Hamstead Heath. So many ideas, so little time. Such a pity that Wayne would have to work for two of thoseContinue reading “Karen Agutter: We Missed It By Minutes”

Don Sinnott: A Warning

The sound from the engine-house was varying—‘hunting’ he called it—the note of the big diesel rising and falling on a cycle of about 20 seconds. A hundred metres from the engine-house and inside the well-insulated living quarters Dave was normally only subliminally aware of the faint throb. Until the note changed. Damn, why does thisContinue reading “Don Sinnott: A Warning”

Jean Stewart: Double Trouble

He watched the group of tearaways move stealthily along the supermarket aisles. The retired policeman in him was sorely tempted to act. It was not hard for an experienced eye to spot their pilfering. Perhaps a creative outlet was needed for these kids. Surely some community program would be out there? Maybe he should becomeContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Double Trouble”

Donata Galluccio: Leaving Italy

I am so excited! Papa’ is leaving for America this morning. My older sister, Cristina, and I race ahead to the fountain intersection where the bus will take him and two other men to Naples to board their ship. At the fountain we look back at them walking abreast, each carrying a small suitcase. IContinue reading “Donata Galluccio: Leaving Italy”

Robert Schmidt: Moon Landing – Truth or Myth

My father, Johannes Carl Schmidt—yes, that was his full name—was head patent attorney at Collison and Co in the 1960s and 1970s.             With his scientific background it seemed only natural that he would become focussed on the television and saw all the moon landings between1969 and 1971. He was particularly riveted watching Neil ArmstrongContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Moon Landing – Truth or Myth”

Nell Holland: The Watchers

Everyone watches. But who really sees? Two women animatedly talk about their charity shop purchases as they walk towards the café. Buoyed with the delight of the bargains contained in the bags swinging from their hands, they’re looking forward to sitting down. Their gossip and laughter last as long as the coffee and sugary cakesContinue reading “Nell Holland: The Watchers”

Don Sinnott: An Audience with Elysus

Jason stepped with infinite care. He had waited at the threshold of the tomb, hoping his eyes would adapt to the darkness. But in vain: he could make out nothing. Only the sensation from the tentative sliding of his bare feet revealed anything about his surroundings. Sand, no obstacles; his outstretched hands encountered only air.Continue reading “Don Sinnott: An Audience with Elysus”

Jean Stewart: Tackies

People have been using footwear for over 30,000 years. Prior to this, humans walked and ran barefoot. Fashionable footwear that altered the foot’s shape developed over ten centuries ago. In China around that time for example, foot binding was common among women of status, stunting and deforming their feet. In medieval Europe, extremely narrow pointedContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Tackies”

Edie Eicas: Lithuania Teutonic Knights

She knew they were coming. It was gossip from Vilnius. Some listened while others ignored. Her village prayed, hoping Deivas protected them. Fear swept through Kaunas as news of the Teutonic Knights’ massacres reached them. Stories of carnage arrived with fleeing villagers, and many began to worry. These murderers were stomping through Lithuania from PrussiaContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Lithuania Teutonic Knights”

Don Sinnott: The Best of Times: The Worst of Times

Is it the good times or the bad times that stay with us? Is the mental glue stronger for joy or for sorrow? For me, Grade 4 is doubly anchored by that glue. My teacher that year was a disciplinarian with an emphasis on rote learning. Memory has never been my strong point; I developedContinue reading “Don Sinnott: The Best of Times: The Worst of Times”

David Hope: Nightmare

Eyes. Blink open. Mistake! Sun. Blindingly bright! Unbearable. Tight shut eyes. Great pain. Whole body pain. Last memory. Walking. Mountain track. Falling. Tumbling over rocks. Big rocks. Water. Rocks. River. Pain. Cold. Glacier cold. Move body. Bad idea. Sit up. Black out! Wake up. More pain. More cold. Must move. Agony to move. No blackContinue reading “David Hope: Nightmare”

Jean Stewart: Doing What Comes Naturally

Doing What Comes Naturally I turned into Gulf Parade, driving well below the stipulated 50kmh.  I was used to keeping the speed down, as Saturdays were always frenetic around the oval and community barbeque area. A still, sunny day. Dogs on leads, wet and panting from their beach romp. Children sprinting across the oval, returningContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Doing What Comes Naturally”

Anne McKenzie: Kangaroo Island

We’d planned a 3 day ‘plonk’ holiday on Kangaroo Island. You know, the kind of holiday where you book into some pleasant accommodation with great views and spend most of your time reading and gazing at the natural beauty of the spot. After a tranquil ferry trip to Penneshaw and a 45-minute drive to Kingscote,Continue reading “Anne McKenzie: Kangaroo Island”

Nell Holland: We Are One Aren’t We?

In Australia, we are bombarded by folk telling us about all the wrongs committed by previous generations, for which we must apologise. Well, I haven’t heard any apologies from the people of Rome about their invasion and take-over of my homeland in AD 43, when they took some Britons as slaves. Or even from theContinue reading “Nell Holland: We Are One Aren’t We?”

Robert Schmidt: Is That a Blueberry Flan?

Is that a blueberry flan? After an appointment, my wife and I decided to have a light lunch at Utzi Café at the Burnside Village. We both ordered rolls. Jane also ordered a skinny mugachino. I ordered a pot of English Breakfast tea. You are given a number for the food; and a buzzer forContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Is That a Blueberry Flan?”

Jean Stewart: A Search for Night Tranquility

Those fortunate enough to have nights of deep uninterrupted sleep are a select group I have envied for a long time. There was a time when I could be counted among such a group. My childhood and adolescent years brought nights of feather-quilt comfort and the security of knowing my parents and boxer dogs wouldContinue reading “Jean Stewart: A Search for Night Tranquility”

David Hope: E-Book or Hard Copy

Many of my friends and, I suspect, some among you, express a marked antipathy towards eBooks. Their most frequent expressions in the discussion are: ‘I like the touch and feel of a physical book.’ ‘I like to turn the pages.’ ‘I like the smell of a book, especially a new one.’ ‘I love to beContinue reading “David Hope: E-Book or Hard Copy”

Rossana Mora: The Bridge II

At this new property a similar pattern developed. As men came and went, neighbours gracefully turned a blind eye. The less they look, the better. Some did it for their own sake, not to be tempted; some others because they simply didn’t approve and preferred to pretend they didn’t know what was going on behindContinue reading “Rossana Mora: The Bridge II”

Jean Stewart: Monkey on Her Back

No-one could say she’d not tried to tame her struggle early. After that devastating evening when she’d lost $1,000 in an hour, and continued playing her favourite machine into the night, she knew something was wrong. Those nights after her husband’s death had been so excruciatingly lonely. Their much-loved pub was around the corner fromContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Monkey on Her Back”

Edie Eicas: Shopping Adelaide Arcade

I like to think my humour comes from my parents, particularly my mum who had a wicked, sarcastic, confrontational sense of humour. When the kids were little, I played a lot of jokes on them, that part of me contained an element of my family’s wickedness. When the kids were in primary school, I wasContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Shopping Adelaide Arcade”

Don Sinnott: A Holiday with a Difference: Part 1

October 2004. With funding for me to attend a three-day conference in Toulouse, in the south of France, my wife and I opted to build this into a shared four-week French holiday, including a week cycling. Cycling? What were we thinking? Neither of us was more than a very occasional cyclist but we committed toContinue reading “Don Sinnott: A Holiday with a Difference: Part 1”

Jean Stewart: Food Glorious Food

Good food, like deep sleep and unpolluted air, is one of life’s great pleasures. Yet many of us have such an ambivalent relationship with it. ‘There is nothing more delicious than hot buttered toast,’ my mother once said. Experimenting with what we’d put on top was even better: mashed banana with cinnamon sugar; peanut butterContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Food Glorious Food”

Anne McKenzie: Lemon Meringue Pie

Guests for dinner, no worries. Barbecue followed by my go-to favourite dessert – lemon meringue pie. It’s a bit fiddly to make, involving three stages: pastry crust, lemon curd filling and meringue top — but it’s never let me down. Marie offers to help but I say I have it all under control. First, youContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Lemon Meringue Pie”

Karen Agutter: An Accident on the Stairs

I sat, transfixed, barely aware of the tread of the stair, the polished wood, cold and hard against my thighs. Bizarrely fascinated, I examined the scene below. Surely the angles were all wrong. Did legs really bend that way? Where was his left arm? And the blood. So much blood. Spreading slowly across the floorboards,Continue reading “Karen Agutter: An Accident on the Stairs”

Lawrie Stanford: The Apple Story

On an aimless stroll down Rundle Mall one Sunday, I come across it—the Apple Store. Yes! I thought, I can sort out that confounded iCloud issue on my phone! So I enter. Looking around, I see a crowded hall and cheerful Apple consultants chatting to customers. In the crowd, there was a consultant waving atContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: The Apple Story”

Jean Stewart: Stalked

He is leaning on someone’s letterbox when she opens her gate to walk past him. Cross-legged and smoking, his gaze penetrates. Her voice is breezy and carefree. ‘Just moved in? Welcome!’ His half-closed eyes survey her. With a strong Middle Eastern accent, he replies:  ‘I’ve seen you already; your unit is in front of mine’.Continue reading “Jean Stewart: Stalked”

David Hope: Mistaken Identity

It’s a dark night in Whitechapel in August 1888. Through the gloom, an observer watched the two figures struggling. Martha Tabram was fighting for her life on a staircase in George Yard. A fight she was losing as her assailant stabbed her again and again. The knife rose and fell, rose and fell, on andContinue reading “David Hope: Mistaken Identity”

Rossana Mora: The Bridge

It was 6 am when the alarm went off. She opened her eyes and automatically jumped out of bed. In no time, she was walking around the neighbourhood. Two blocks away from her house she came across a small pedestrian bridge. Underneath there was a running creek. She started crossing the bridge but stood inContinue reading “Rossana Mora: The Bridge”

Jean Stewart: Ambition

‘Pull tighter while I hold my breath, Macy!’ The maid blushed as she strained the corset strings; this girl would surely faint. Cressida had sipped only a cup of morning tea and a bowl of soup at midday.  It was the eve of the most important ball of her young life.                                                            In the spring ofContinue reading “Jean Stewart: Ambition”

Nell Holland: The Journey

This fictitious journal was inspired by Malen Rumbelow, passenger on the former convict ship. His diary was partially reproduced in the 1977 “Chronicle Cameos” publication The houses and people were smaller each time I turned my head to look, until all that remained was a curlicue twixt sea and sky. The shore receded, but ourContinue reading “Nell Holland: The Journey”

Don Sinnott: The Birdsville Track: 1978. What Could Possibly Go Wrong

The bitumen stopped at Maree. We had driven our Holden Kingswood sedan, towing our camper trailer, to the only fuel outlet in town. Our friends, in their borrowed much-travelled Land Cruiser, waited behind us for their turn at the pump. We drew some comfort from travelling in company with a four-wheel drive vehicle as weContinue reading “Don Sinnott: The Birdsville Track: 1978. What Could Possibly Go Wrong”

Robert Schmidt: Poor Robert

I rang the Fullarton Lutheran Homes for a visit with my sister Pauline. ‘That will be fine,’ the secretary said. ‘No RAT test or appointment?’ ‘Just put on a mask and head visor when you get here.’ Half an hour later, I cheerfully arrive at the front door. There is a certain amount of redContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Poor Robert”

Humble Pie: Jean Stewart

     I hobbled to the pounding at the front door. ‘Elsa from the agency!’ A portly, pony-tailed woman breathed heavily. ‘I use all me own equipment and cleaning materials. Don’t worry showing me around. Bath and vac mainly is it?’     ‘Pardon? Oh, yes,’ I replied meekly. Already I was regretting this request for help.Continue reading “Humble Pie: Jean Stewart”

David Hope: Memory and Loss

‘Hi, David, it’s Karl. Sadly, I have bad news. Ian Willis died last night, probably from complications from serious surgery.’ There is a little moment when things seem to stop, and belief is suspended. Then reality is back. ’I just spoke to him three of four weeks ago, Karl, and was organising to catch upContinue reading “David Hope: Memory and Loss”

Edie Eicas: Ticket to Ride

When I was very young and the urge to be someplace else was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. They lied. There’ve been many times when I wished the floor would open up and I would disappear, preferably to some beach in Hawaii. When I was younger,Continue reading “Edie Eicas: Ticket to Ride”

Jean Stewart: Luck of a Green-Eyed Cat

Who could be thoughtless enough to knock on her door at 7 am? The entire street knew she worked early shifts. Billy next door, holding a black cat with green eyes, glared. ‘Judy’s died and it’ll be put down if no-one takes it. You’re the only one in the street without any dogs or cats.’Continue reading “Jean Stewart: Luck of a Green-Eyed Cat”

Nell Holland: Time Travelling

I see me with Dad, both of us squinting into sunlight, as Mum pushed the button on the Brownie. I was five years old and on my first seaside holiday. He sits on the beach wearing his weekend trousers and a sleeveless vest; I wear knickers and a hair bow. We just had clothes.  No-oneContinue reading “Nell Holland: Time Travelling”

Karen Agutter: Walking Home

As she approached the bottom of the hill she stopped, placed her bag of shopping on the ground, took a deep breath and readied herself. ‘Come on old girl, nearly there’ she chaffed, in a half-hearted attempt to jolly herself on, but this was the worst part. Trudging slowly upward, she noticed that the fogContinue reading “Karen Agutter: Walking Home”

Fran Collins: Obsession

It’s interesting how a singular activity can become an obsession. Sometimes with good outcomes. Sometimes not. My particular obsession provided all things positive. It was born in 1988 and was a personal challenge to reduce the time it took me to reach the top waterfall of Edith Falls, south of Darwin. After four years ofContinue reading “Fran Collins: Obsession”

Lawrie Stanford: News From Home

(Day 4 of COVID isolation in a caravan, July 2022) Being confined to a caravan 24/7 gives you time to reflect. Receiving a piece of news from home during this time certainly gave me cause.  The news came from Melody, my daughter. She said in an email… Last Friday, I was picking up Rory fromContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: News From Home”

Edie Eicas: Armchair Traveller

I’m an armchair traveller. I once did a great deal of travelling on my own, but found that without the company of another, some pleasures were denied. I’m also not good on water, I get seasick. I suffer with vertigo and tinnitus and a moving ship that rolls from side to side or up andContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Armchair Traveller”

David Hope: Donna

Donna was late. As she walked into the office, appearing slightly breathless, heads turned towards her. Slowly at first, then more rapidly. Normally, she was well-groomed and confident. Today she seemed to be slightly deshabille. Not dishevelled, but just looking as if she had dressed in a great hurry.  She was flushed, as if fromContinue reading “David Hope: Donna”

Nell Holland: I Was Just Thinking…

Quote by John Steinbeck;- When I was very young and the urge to be someplace was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. Why is it called an itch? I experienced it as a painful, unnamed ache, too deep to be eradicated, and a source of irritation toContinue reading “Nell Holland: I Was Just Thinking…”

Robert Schmidt: What Happened to The Kia

I had agreed with Allianz to return my free Commodore car to Budget Car Rentals on Marion Road by 10am. After this date, I would pay for my own rental. On Wednesday afternoon, I contacted Alliance. They were going to contact Budget to get a cheap rental. “No worries” they say. Within minutes Budget ringsContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: What Happened to The Kia”

Rossana Mora: The Shack

The family trip started late in the morning. It was going to be a long drive before arriving at a waterfall that promised to be just spectacular. Excitement was in the air; the whole family was singing, playing games while sharing snacks. Landscape after landscape—it seemed that mother nature had just more and more toContinue reading “Rossana Mora: The Shack”

Don Sinnott: Anchored in Thames Estuary – September 1843

The story so far… John, the carpenter on a ship leaving London bound for Adelaide, has noticed an attractive young woman, Bess, on deck among the steerage passengers who boarded the day before. He’s approached her and tried to impress by referring to their route, with apparent knowledge, to the colony of South Australia. SheContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Anchored in Thames Estuary – September 1843”

David Hope: Cabal of Cats

It was a dark and stormy night. The cabal of cats was meeting to plot their various schemes against the humans who attempted to enslave them and limit their freedom. A number of them had slunk into the meeting bedraggled and infuriated with the terrible storm. Oscar, who was hosting the meeting, smugly enjoying theContinue reading “David Hope: Cabal of Cats”

Edie Eicas: Surprise

I’m a tabbie given to Andrew and Robbie by their mum when they were going through a hard time. They saw me when they visited a school friend and he showed them my mothrer and the litter she’d just birthed in his cupboard. I was the runt, the last one left and would be deliveredContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Surprise”

Nell Holland: Heidi

It was a warm and dreamy, summer afternoon when even the flies hovering around the cattle seemed dazed by the balmy air.   Heidi watched from the shaded area under a tree as four-legged blobs, like dirty cotton wool, moved methodically across the English meadow. The sheep moved in unison with heads bent, cropping grassContinue reading “Nell Holland: Heidi”

Robert Schmidt: UFO’s Humbug

Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) have fascinated me all my life. We often would talk about them around the dinner table. We talked about life on billions of planets, numerous sightings through to the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico, ‘flying saucer’ claims and conspiracy theories.My Dad was a brilliant patent attorney with the full name Johannes CarlContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: UFO’s Humbug”

Georgette Gerdes: Camellia

pink ‘n prettywith your delicate petalsso exactsymmetricalflouncing with the morning dewyou bask in the sun or dappled shadeoh how you tease Madam Japanese princesshow I have worshipped yousung your praisesgiven you wateryet you deny me brown buds ladyit ain’t fair yet a single bloomin all these months is worth the wait

Anne Mckenzie: Ghosts

‘Do you believe in ghosts, Anne?’ Jan says. We’ve just seen a rerun of the ‘Ghostbusters’ movie at our local theatre so it’s not a wholly unexpected segue. ‘You do?’ I say. ‘Well, not so much ghosts but rather spirits. Yes, I do. For instance, I believe my mother is still very much with meContinue reading “Anne Mckenzie: Ghosts”

Don Sinnott: The Boss

Charles swivelled from his screen, his face a mix of irritation at the interruption and resignation about his open-door management policy. Edmond Brice stood in the doorway. ‘Sorry to interrupt you, boss, but I need to talk. If it’s convenient. Maybe it isn’t…’ He had read the look on Charles’s face. ‘Sure, come in Ed.Continue reading “Don Sinnott: The Boss”

Rossana Mora: Darkness

‘You must walk one hundred steps now, don’t do anything stupid like turn around, run, or scream,’ he said. ‘Or, a bullet would perforate the back of your head.’ As he spoke, he gave me back my briefcase by pushing it against my chest while pointing in the direction of the darkest street anyone canContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Darkness”

Robert Schmitt: The Guest of Honour

My birthday on the 24th March 2022 was planned to be low key. It was to be in the Honeypot Café at Fullarton Lutheran Homes. Only my two elderly aunties, Wilma and Lotte, cousin, Karen, sister Pauline and my wife Jane were invited. The party was set for 2.30pm. It’s only a few minute driveContinue reading “Robert Schmitt: The Guest of Honour”

Don Sinnott: Houseboat Holiday

It ticked all our boxes: an indulgent few days on a luxury Murray River houseboat, with guided walks each day over sections of the cliffs and floodplain, restaurant-quality meals and a comfortable bed. We found ourselves a generation removed from the other seven guests (and two generations from the two guides and the boat manager)Continue reading “Don Sinnott: Houseboat Holiday”

Anne McKenzie: Scooter

Denise and I had been finger training our young pet budgerigar, Scooter, for several weeks. Now he stepped onto the proffered fingers quickly and confidently. Such is trust. And it was a thrill to feel his little warm feet gripping our outstretched fingers. But now the time had come to take him out of theContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Scooter”

Nell Holland: Patient 41

2022 The nurse changed my bed linen at lunchtime. It should have happened hours before, but a patient had demanded to be discharged and then changed his mind. This had doubled her paperwork and she found herself hopelessly behind schedule.  She’d sighed an explanation, ’Paperwork is the worst thing, ever, for a nurse.’ Paperwork? Really?Continue reading “Nell Holland: Patient 41”

Robert Schmidt: Poor Robert

I rang the Fullarton Lutheran Homes for a follow-up visit with my sister Pauline. ‘That will be fine,’ the secretary says to me over the phone. ‘No RATS or appointment. Just put a mask on and then a visor when you get here.’ Half an hour later I cheerfully arrive at the front door. ThereContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Poor Robert”

Anne McKenzie: Noodling

‘Noodling,’ not to be confused with canoodling, is a must on a visit to Coober Pedy. It involves fossicking on the mullock heaps for opal the original miners missed. Mind you, canoodling under those vast Outback desert night skies has its appeal too – but I had no taker! We’d done all the other touristContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Noodling”

Edie Eicas: The Coils of the Serpent

It was just after Christmas twenty years ago and one of my friends was extolling the benefits of a small handheld electrical device that denuded the body of hair. Listening to her praise the virtues of the machine, and caught by her enthusiasm, I decided an investment might prove an advantage. Excited with my purchase,Continue reading “Edie Eicas: The Coils of the Serpent”

Robert Schmidt: It’s All Part of the Act

I welcome my guests at the entrance of the Burnside Ballroom for our Words, Wine and World Music event on the 10th November 2021. I sit down with them, fairly close to the stage. At about 6.55pm Sharon, Anne, Georgette and I go and sit on chairs on the left of the stage. I feelContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: It’s All Part of the Act”

Nell Holland: Post-Christmas

How many more cards with Christmas greetings will keep arriving? They were posted last year in the UK, and it’s now the end of January. Some cards are even postmarked from the end of November. When I look at the postage-price Louisa paid for her card picturing a classic Nativity scene, I’m horrified to seeContinue reading “Nell Holland: Post-Christmas”

Don Sinnott: A Tale of Three Couples—Saturday arvo flicks, late 1950s

He wore his school pants—the only pair of longs he owned—and she wore her fourteenth birthday dress, a less comfortable fit than it was a year ago. They slid into their ticketed seats for the Saturday afternoon film, the girl clutching the gifted box of Jaffas, and self-consciously linked hands.   As the Val MorganContinue reading “Don Sinnott: A Tale of Three Couples—Saturday arvo flicks, late 1950s”

Fran Collins: An Invitation

Sitting in a café in Broome in the monsoonal heat of the Kimberley, I struck up a conversation with an American woman. She introduced me to an unconventional way of living. ‘How would I like to volunteer on a station out of Derby in an exciting new enterprise? It’s a unique project. It uses ecology-basedContinue reading “Fran Collins: An Invitation”

Rossana Mora: Roots

Memories of some chats I had with my father revolve in my head from time to time. Back when I was little, moving houses seemed to be our lifestyle. My parents were teachers and they were sent to a remote rural town at the beginning of their careers. Their wish was to move back toContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Roots”

Anne McKenzie: A Few Drinks

‘I think I’ll just walk down to the local pub for a few drinks,’ he says, smiling and looking directly at me. We’ve just got back from the airport and we’re having a cup of tea at my home.  It’s the first time I’ve seen them face to face for seven years, as they’ve beenContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: A Few Drinks”

Lawrie Stanford: Conversations with Mary—When the chips are down

I eyed the bowl of chips carefully and selected the smallest, crispiest chip. Hmmmm, I thought, just how I like them—the crunchy feel, the fluffy cooked potato, the tang of salt and the moist, smoothness of cooking oil. I dived in for another.  ‘When did you order them!’ Mary exclaimed, ‘You must have done itContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: Conversations with Mary—When the chips are down”

Don Sinnott: Amateur car repairs, 1970s

Just a minor collision. A lady shopper reversing in the car park didn’t notice my wife, Wendy, driving past behind her. There was a crunch of deforming metal as her car’s rear end embedded itself in the passenger-side door of our car. The post-collision discussions lacked any heat—it was clear who was at fault andContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Amateur car repairs, 1970s”

Edie Eicas: Shared Memories

The 11th of February is my mother’s birth-day, and I realise there are memories that only she and I shared, and while I can still tell stories of our lives together, her input is no-longer available to me. In 1987 I was pregnant, and my eldest was crawling. Busy getting dinner ready for a party,Continue reading “Edie Eicas: Shared Memories”

Nell Holland: The Bargain

Chocolates and sticky cakes usually hold little temptation for me. But once one is sampled, although the brain says ‘stop’ my mouth takes no heed. Unfortunately, I must confess I’ve got pitiful willpower. On a recent shopping trip I saw a bag of chocolate caramels on sale for five dollars instead of the usual ten.Continue reading “Nell Holland: The Bargain”

Anne McKenzie: Skin Cancer

‘I’ve got the results of your biopsy and it’s an unusual result,’ he tells us. Marie and I look at one another, faces grim. I’ve been on this skin cancer journey long enough to know that ‘unusual’ is not good. It’s going to be as bad as ‘medically interesting’ was the last time. ‘So it’sContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Skin Cancer”

Lawrie Stanford: Timeless Tales Told in Verse—The Pirate

I went down to the pub one day, at the bar there was a pirate— at least he had the gear I’d say, so I asked him, had he hired it. ‘Oi’m a pirate, aye me ‘earty, that oi be—aye, well and truly, oi’m not dress’d up for no party, oi be a pirate—quite unruly.’Continue reading “Lawrie Stanford: Timeless Tales Told in Verse—The Pirate”

Sharon Apold: The Centurion And The Butterfly

You who are good, strong and whole you hold me as though I am a butterfly delicate, flighty, fleeting You who are solid, and calm and reliable you have your hands just outside my wings protecting, shielding, guarding You who are wise, kind and stable you look at me and watch my attempts at flightContinue reading “Sharon Apold: The Centurion And The Butterfly”

Fran Collins: Then I Fixed It

What a scorcher was that Melbourne summer of December, 1967. The Bureau of Meteorology had predicted bush fires for the Dandenong Ranges and fire bans were in place in early October. Residents perched on ladders were zealously clearing their guttering of dried leaves and other combustibles. Blinds drawn, windows closed, and where no blinds protectedContinue reading “Fran Collins: Then I Fixed It”

Robert Schmidt: The long, long, long weekend

Last Friday afternoon I needed to contact Helping Hand to stop a contractor coming on Wednesday afternoon 6th October to deliver tall boys and tables and collecting our old ones. I wanted to reschedule. Wednesdays I go on my Heart Foundation walk and once a month to an important lunch at the Glynde Hotel withContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: The long, long, long weekend”

Edie Eicas: AI, Artificial Intelligence

I wasn’t sure why they asked me to do a psychology test before I bought that new fangled high-end, super-dooper fridge with voice activation, and the ability to predict what I needed. But, I was impressed by the salesman who sold the thing to me. Well, more than impressed. He was good. He worked meContinue reading “Edie Eicas: AI, Artificial Intelligence”

Don Sinnott: Recollections of the Heysen Trail, South Australia

We’re loggers. Not the timber-cutting kind, but the kind who log their notable events in a journal. For years we’ve recorded recollections of journeys that bring a warm inner glow, peaks of joy and depths of gloom. We don’t intend to have others read our journals—although perhaps a later generation might skim them after we’veContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Recollections of the Heysen Trail, South Australia”

Rossana Mora: Stevens-Johnson

The baby girls were born into a lovely family after a hard pregnancy for their mum, who had a massive belly that looked like it was going to be torn apart at any time. The baby born first is always claimed to be the strongest. The second one was born half an hour after theContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Stevens-Johnson”

Robert Schmidt: My Mask Day Blues

Jane and I drove to South Terrace to pick up an admission form for St Andrews hospital where Jane was to have a medical procedure. After hastily parking my Suzuki, I walk towards the entrance of the hospital. While walking, I fiddle in my jacket pocket for my mask. My mobile phone must have wrappedContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: My Mask Day Blues”

Georgette Gerdes: ‘It’s not easy bein’ green’

  – a homage to Kermit the frog ‘Its not easy bein’ green’ Kermit sings with skinny limbs and felty fingers strumming the god given banjo he says it’s boring blending in with things chlorophyll leaves grass vegetables mountains of green the greenback lucky green green with envy green behind the ears green when you’reContinue reading “Georgette Gerdes: ‘It’s not easy bein’ green’”

Sharon Apold: The Wine Dinner

The Duke and the Baroness I enjoy these evenings of food and wine pairing. Hearing a wine maker lead me into their work of art. Sure, you can teach a human to make wine, in a similar way you can teach them to cook, but it’s an art to curate raw fruits of the earthContinue reading “Sharon Apold: The Wine Dinner”

Fran Collins: An Adventure into Nature

An impulse to bend rules and indulge in some ‘risky business’, along with a big injection of hormonal lust, saw me accompany the sexy, blond-haired Sven on a trip to Banias Falls. Nineteen seventy-three. We were volunteers on Kibbutz[i] Amiad, in the Golan Heights, a stone’s throw from the Sea of Galilee and 40 kilometresContinue reading “Fran Collins: An Adventure into Nature”

Georgette Gerdes: Dances with Covid

lockdown appliances are friends I can hear the chatter Auntie ABC in the kitchen PK, Phillip and Norman Swann information updates doomsday whirring, twirling spinning sheets splashing, whooshing dirty plates cars drive by humming in tune LG – nascence of expanding waistlines bathed in fluorescent light yogurt, milk and mouldy left overs the main eventContinue reading “Georgette Gerdes: Dances with Covid”

Nell Holland: Iolaire-The Gaelic Eagle

The most venerated date for all Scots is Hogmanay, the last day of December. It’s the night to feast the old year out and welcome in the new one, and in no place is it more celebrated than the Outer Hebrides. By the end of the Great War, the Isle of Lewis had lost overContinue reading “Nell Holland: Iolaire-The Gaelic Eagle”

Lawrie Stanford: Saintly Deeds

It was a long time ago, back in university days. There were long hours in the Barr Smith Library and frequent attempts to break the drudgery of study. It was time for another coffee. I left the library passing Mary, my steady friend who had a more disciplined approach to study. I knew she wouldn’tContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: Saintly Deeds”

Robert Schmidt: The Friendly Reminder

Normally I pay my bills on the day I receive an account. I have a perfect credit rating. My wife and I have a Home Care package from the government, which pays for certain work in our house. Mind you, not $10,000 for a fancy bed for my wife that we were talked into buyingContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: The Friendly Reminder”

David Hope: Travels in Queensland

Ian and I arrived in Croydon after a very pleasant five-hour train journey on the weekly Gulflander service from Normanton. It runs every Wednesday, returning to Normanton on Thursday. The line, 151 kilometres long, is not connected to any other line. It was built to cater for the gold finds in the Croydon area inContinue reading “David Hope: Travels in Queensland”

Fran Collins: After The Storm

Nineteen seventy-three. Another missing person. Close to home. Home was the Al Akbar Apartment House, West Bank, Jerusalem. It was a thirty-minute walk along a dusty goat track to the Jaffa Gate in the Old City, where I worked. Sitting here in Adelaide, in my kitchen in 2021, I celebrate the forty-eighth anniversary of ourContinue reading “Fran Collins: After The Storm”

Edie Eicas: Through The Wire

The flush of excitement about the army had long lost its appeal and been replaced with familiarity and security. The group had seen parts of Australia none would have experienced had they not joined, and now they had friends. Mates they believed were solid, with whom they hoped they would step through life, who wouldContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Through The Wire”

Don Sinnott: Murphy’s Law

Of course he was familiar with Murphy’s Law: ‘If anything can go wrong, it will.’ And its corollary, ‘If something can go wrong in multiple ways, it will go wrong in the worst possible way.’ Brett found these thoughts unsettling as he ruefully surveyed his crumpled car. Both Murphy’s law and its corollary seemed toContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Murphy’s Law”

Rossana Mora: José

Life is a journey they say, but I guess you only realise that it is an actual journey when the friends that used to be sitting next to you, watching your back, are no longer there. I have been fortunate enough to find good and honest people along my path. Today, I want to rememberContinue reading “Rossana Mora: José”

Anne McKenzie: Just a Small Garden Project

‘I think we should’ve started this when we were 10 bloody years younger!’ she says, brandishing the sledgehammer and chisel she’s been using for hours to chip away at the bricked wall of the in-ground fishpond in the back yard. ‘You’re not wrong there,’ I say. ‘Clearly we built it to last. We’d have noContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Just a Small Garden Project”

Nell Holland: Shadow Man

You Think You Know Me?                                                                      No-one really knows me, including Camille. My wife, the diplomat’s daughter, erroneously believes I’m something like her successful father. She absorbed the training in her mother’s milk to become the perfect wife and hostess for me.  I’m fortunate. And so is she.  We entertain often with an eclectic mix ofContinue reading “Nell Holland: Shadow Man”

Lawrie Stanford: Fire Alarm

‘No, you won’t!’ Mary’s outburst was angry and insistent. ‘You’ve spent so little time with me and the kids because of your bloody devotion to work. The kids are on holidays and I’ve hired this beach shack, so you’ll damn-well stay with us.’ That was it, Mary’s outburst was compelling and there was no wayContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: Fire Alarm”

Don Sinnott: January 1844*

A sailing ship, the Augustus, leaving Adelaide under a captain Duff and scratch crew has grounded off Encounter Bay and the captain has returned to shore in a rowboat to seek more crew members. The previous captain, Hart, and his crew have left belongings aboard which now must be retrieved. The two captains rent aContinue reading “Don Sinnott: January 1844*”

David Hope: ‘Do I know you?’

Yesterday I went to Strathalbyn to catch up with some friends. Ian, Marilyn and I met in Alice Springs in 1971 (yes, 50 years ago). We were all working for the Commonwealth Government in different agencies. Young and single we were housed in a hostel where there was a fair amount of propinquity at work.Continue reading “David Hope: ‘Do I know you?’”

Edie Eicas: Chelsea Troubadours

Black boys walk the sunny streets sub-culture’s clothes black and white t-shirts and tight jogging pants, sneakers on trend, a motza’s worth, stylish hair: boy braids, cornrows, top knots creativity announces identity. A mob loud, demands space, leaves white walkers paranoid; distance divides as wary white faces look over shoulders, stop. A gang, it’s London’sContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Chelsea Troubadours”

Anne McKenzie: Unbelievable

It’s a balmy evening the first night of our week in Port Elliott and it’s time for a beach walk. Denise and I cross the road from the unit where we are staying and head down the cliff. To reach the beach we have to first follow a narrow sloping dirt path, then go downContinue reading “Anne McKenzie: Unbelievable”

Georgette Gerdes: Island Life

caught she wants to fly far, across the horizon to the island the island of safety hurt no more the logs flatten on fractured wings struggling in dirt pain, hot scorching beak open no sound gagged by distress gasping struggling to survive squashed helpless, ignored, discarded expendable but the Island is beautiful soft breezes turquoiseContinue reading “Georgette Gerdes: Island Life”

Rossana Mora: Numbers

The Fields is the name of the nursing home that lies in the middle of the one of the nicest suburbs in Adelaide. Almost 80 percent of the residents are women, the oldest being 103 years old. They live within the four areas that are named after grains: oats, rice, barley and rye. Rye isContinue reading “Rossana Mora: Numbers”

Sharon Apold: Again

Not again! the floor drops beneath me I feel it go my body suspended mid-air the head in front of me still talking mouths moving words don’t match the shape they make sounds garbled echoing taunting my feet hang momentarily unaware of their vulnerability life moves around me I am not a part of itContinue reading “Sharon Apold: Again”

Robert Schmidt: Remember Me

I was sharing a pot of tea with my wife Jane at the Utzi Cafe in the Burnside Village ̶ next thing a former friend, well I think I’ll call him that, from my evenings at the Wildwood Gallery in Grenfell Street, comes up to the table. Wildwood Gallery had art on display but wasContinue reading “Robert Schmidt: Remember Me”

Lawrie Stanford: To Sled Or To Bed

With snow upon the ground outside, the boy leapt headlong on his sled, and down the hill at pace a-crackin’, delinquently, he quickly sped. He felt the wind as it blew by, there were no thoughts of fear or dread, but in his haste, he lost control, and crashed his cart into the shed. ThoseContinue reading “Lawrie Stanford: To Sled Or To Bed”

Fran Collins: Lost In Translation

‘I promise you it won’t be difficult or dangerous, really Fran.’ A simple request of deep friendship from my friend, Sinead. Belfast, 1973, a city besieged, with search checkpoints located strategically at turnstiles at the entrances to the CBD. Skeletal remains of buildings partially blown away, walls plastered with graffiti, evidence of a city atContinue reading “Fran Collins: Lost In Translation”

David Hope: The Fires Burn

The fires burn, the smoke thickens. Hotter still, the day quickens. Pushed by the wind, flames abscond. Sirens sound, firies respond. At the fire, hot work beckons. The fires burn, the smoke thickens. A wall of fire, massive front. Are we able to bear the brunt? The fires power, all consuming. Deal with this? We’reContinue reading “David Hope: The Fires Burn”

Don Sinnott: Memories of Mongolia

‘Let’s go somewhere different this year.’ Back in 2013, with international travel an expectation of our retirement plan, and a border-closing pandemic unthinkable, I had set my wife a challenge. An hour spent surfing travel sites and she emerged from the office triumphant. ‘How does a yak trek in Mongolia sound?’ Mongolia? My blank stareContinue reading “Don Sinnott: Memories of Mongolia”

Anne McKenzie: On The Bus

‘The Department is a bus about to set out on a long journey, and I’m driving’, says our new Chief Executive Officer. We’re at mandatory leadership training for Supervisors and Managers—for middle management. She’s been with us for about two weeks and this is the first time we’ve met her. ‘Let me put this simply’,Continue reading “Anne McKenzie: On The Bus”

Edie Eicas: Aurora

Aurora, basket in hand and smelling of Brasso, had just finished her weekly clean of the golden plate that announced the house name, Hendun. It was a meditative job, the polishing, the day’s early ritual before summer’s heat overpowered. The weather prediction for the coming school holidays was storms, a release from the building humidity.Continue reading “Edie Eicas: Aurora”

Nell Holland – The Book Launch

She was dressed completely in black leather. Black blouse open at the neck and a short, tight jacket straining at the bust. An equally tight mini skirt struggled to control her stomach, and the spike-heeled boots were thigh high. From behind, she appeared a young woman with red tresses falling below her shoulders. Then sheContinue reading “Nell Holland – The Book Launch”

Edie Eicas: Long-Range Weather Forecast

A Short Story Lennox Walker’s long-range weather forecast held no joy. The Miller family looked despondently at one another recognising the reality they prayed for would not materialize. No rescue for the farm in the grip of drought, Walker’s predictions promised more of the same: the El Nino weather pattern had set in and thingsContinue reading “Edie Eicas: Long-Range Weather Forecast”

Sharon Apold: The First Walk Home

The small girl walked along the long dusty track. Newspaper clutched to her chest and small brown school case held by her side. To a stranger, it would have appeared to be something she did daily. The determination on her face was deliberate. Fear and doubt were welling but she did not want to letContinue reading “Sharon Apold: The First Walk Home”

Sharon Apold: Dark Secrets

The woman sat down heavily on the time worn bench. It felt hard and cold beneath her thin skirt but somehow reliable, comforting. The day had been challenging. Neither young, nor old, on a good day, she could be beautiful. More from what shone in her eyes than the physical. On a bad day theContinue reading “Sharon Apold: Dark Secrets”

Sharon Apold: Dance with Dad

Beneath my hand I feel your shoulder bone Your smile is broad, careless, sweet I’m reminded of home Your step is neat Under my feet the floor feels grounding Your joy is open, blatant, obvious I’m almost crying Your dance oblivious Around my waist your arm holds tight Your eyes shine bright, clear, pale I’mContinue reading “Sharon Apold: Dance with Dad”