Category Archives: Uncategorized

Why buy a new book when the suburbs and town streets are littered (not literally) with quirky, statement, hand-constructed, welcoming book boxes full of old, once-loved books? The publishing industry has already taken a huge hit with our ever-growing need to devour what’s happening on our screens and smart TVs. And now there is aContinue reading “Do community book boxes devalue books?”

We’re breeding a generation of elbow sneezers. It’s the fashion and latest medical advice in order that hands are kept free of the gunk that sprays from the mouth and nasal cavities. A whole new etiquette around public (and hopefully private) behaviour. When we buried my father nearly 15 years ago, my brothers and IContinue reading “A generation of elbow sneezers”

It’s seen as a bad thing – burning the candle at both ends. Not useful. Exhausting. But see it as this. You’re creating two flames, two sources of light, making progress, getting things done. Throwing yourself into work and then more work, or family time and more family time. Running between appointments and activities isContinue reading “Why burning the candle at both ends actually makes more light.”

Recently, I’ve found myself contemplating not much. Sitting quietly. Looking out. And sometimes in. Allowing everything to stop or pause without a particular topic to focus on. Empathy, emptiness, evenness and equality join the silence and sit comfortably. They are the silent ‘e’ in silence. They demand nothing and yet leave behind a much neededContinue reading “The silent ‘e’ in silence”

When you know that saying the word ‘sorry’ isn’t really believed by the listener. When you know that they can’t move on from the action that led to the apology. When there’s nothing that can be done that won’t be perceived as too late or not enough or just a waste of everyone’s time. ButContinue reading “When ‘sorry’ is not enough”

Step aside warm milk and lettuce sandwiches (yes, really!). There’s are other ways to drop off to sleep. Mostly, it involves mind over matter and a focus on the senses. So, you’re dropping off to sleep, dragging your lids across your eyeballs, sinking further back into the sofa pillows, then you turn off the TVContinue reading “5 Ways To Get To Sleep (without filling your stomach with a mug of hot milk)”

“I’m so flat out!” “Flat out!” Merriam Webster give the definition as “being or going at maximum effort or speed”. However, this term is not always used literally (as many terms in Australia are not!). Most likely, the speaker is trying to show that they are more important, more in demand, more popular, as thoughContinue reading “What people really mean when they say “I’m flat out!””

I’ve travelled to a colder climate – for a short time (and I’m very grateful I’m able to – travel, that is). Here, the air is crisp, floor tiles cold, and door handles cool to the touch. But mostly, I’m noticing the clothes against my skin. Jeans cocoon my legs. Socks warm my toes. AContinue reading “Clothes against my skin”

Sometimes that sigh you take (literally) takes up your entire chest and feeds into your soul. Being overwhelmed is one thing, but feeling exhausted, over-powered, and insignificant is too much to carry. Stop. For a minute. Take stock. You are a unique and special person. You have a place here. Your internal world is strongContinue reading “Tiny steps, Big moves”

Mask-wearing once had more positive connotations (to the non-medical person). Putting on a mask meant hanging with girlfriends (or boyfriends), slapping on soft, cold clay or colourful cream and letting it dry until you started cracking up. And just when you wanted to laugh or smile – your face would set like an ancient RomanContinue reading “The psychology of mask-wearing”