Queens Park, Toowoomba

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter. Rachel Carson There is an old Chinese proverb that says the three greatest physicians in life are nature, time and patience. I think it is interesting that nature is listed first. It …

Glengallan Homestead

In December Bec and I took a drive down to Warwick chasing sunflowers, but we made time to call in to Glengallan Homestead. The homestead has an interesting history as well as demonstrating a unique approach to restoration. Originally built by pastoralist John Deuchar in 1867, it boasted marble mantlepieces, crystal chandeliers and a curving …

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 …

P. L. Travers Park, Allora, QLD

P. L. Travers Park, Allora, QLD Before Christmas Bec and I took a drive down to Warwick, about 70km from Toowoomba. Bec was keen to photograph some sunflowers but we also visited a few other places of interest in the area, including the P. L. Travers Park in Allora. P. L Travers was the creator …

#BookSnapSunday – Remembering Babylon

More and more now he was haunted by those sheets, seven in all, he had not forgotten the number, that Mr Frazer had folded and put into his pocket, and which he had never seen again; till he was convinced that the only way to save himself from so much racking, and despair and sweat, …

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 …

Cruising the Whitsundays

    Last week, Dan and some of his friends from Yellow Bridge boarded the P & O cruise ship, the Aria, and headed up to the Whitsunday Islands for a four night cruise. The Whitsundays are a group of islands 900km north of Brisbane in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. They are …

Carnival of Flowers – Celebrating 70 Years

It’s the first weekend of the September School Holidays, the flowers are out in full bloom and the local parks and gardens are crowded with visitors and tour buses. It must be Carnival time. The Carnival of Flowers is Toowoomba’s premiere event of the year, a festival that celebrates flowers, local wine and food, and …

Laurel Bank Park

 Increasingly we are becoming a nation of city dwellers. The migration from the bush to the coast in search of study and employment opportunities expands the urban sprawl of our major cities and empties our once thriving rural towns. But the city can be a busy, noisy and polluted place, especially in its heart - …