The Sunflower Trail

There is something about sunflowers. A giant golden flower, waving its head in the breeze and following the sun as it tracks across the sky, evokes a sense of happiness. It is a simple flower in some ways, yellow petals surrounding a dark, seed filled centre, and yet so striking against a blue summer sky. …

Country Miniatures at the Warwick Art Gallery

I am not particularly gifted when it comes to artistic pursuits. I enjoy a variety of craft activities like card making, scrapbooking and needlework but I cannot draw to save my life. If I recall correctly, I think my high school art teacher said my artistic ability was limited. However I do admire those who …

Travel Photo Challenge Review

Now that the Travel Photo Challenge is finished I thought it would be good to review the photos, identify the place and time, and give a quick summary of the trip. Are you familiar with any of these places? Day 1 - Wedge Island, Western Australia  This photo was taken in December 2004 at Wedge …

Lest We Forget

On the 25th of April 1915 troops of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landed at a place future generations would known as Anzac Cove. They were part of the campaign to recapture the Gallipoli peninsula during World War One. Facing fierce resistance, the campaign dragged on for eight months until they were finally …

From Fire to Flood

Sometimes it doesn’t take too long for things to turn around.  At New Year, barely six weeks ago, we were struggling to muster any enthusiasm to welcome in a new year. Instead we were watching our country burn. Coupled with a crippling drought, we were looking to the skies, wondering when it would rain again …

Australia Day

Today is January 26. Australia Day. According to the Australia Day website, “Australia Day, 26 January, is the day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and acknowledge our history.” This National Day is also controversial. It marks the day, Jan 26, 1788, when the British arrived to colonise …

#BookSnapSunday – Bliss

This week's book snap is Peter Carey's debut novel, Bliss, first published in 1981 and winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award. Carey is one of my favourite Australian authors, and while Bliss is proving to be an interesting read, it is probably not for every reader. Awaking after heart surgery, Harry Joy, is convinced …

Waiting for the Train

  Australians have a pretty good sense of humour. It is somewhat dry, irreverent, ironic and a little quirky. We love to take the mickey out of people, especially our not so illustrious leaders, and ourselves, but it may be a little puzzling for those outside our borders. I  once heard someone describe Australians as …

#BookSnapSunday – The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

I am joining in again with Sharon for #Book Snap Sunday and it seems that we both had the same idea; taking inspiration from our natural environment. As you can see from the picture above, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, by Holly Ringland, is perched somewhat precariously on a branch in what I think is …

#BookSnapSunday – Mrs M

Sharon at Gum trees and Galaxies has started a new meme called Book Snap Sunday. It is a project aimed to encourage a little bit of creativity while chronicling the books we have read, are reading or want to read. You can read more about Sharon's Book Snap Sunday here. The photo above is my …