Somewhere in my study there is a bunch of papers titled Penciled with Pride. Run off on something like a Roneo machine and held together with a well-rusted staple or two, Penciled with Pride was the ‘magazine’ of my Year 2 class. I was listed as one of the editors and included my first published poem – a simple one-liner capturing a pretty big moment in my life that year.

Sadness is being kicked by a horse.

Jo Merrey, 1976

As far back as I can remember, reading and writing gave me joy. All these years later, the written word is still integral to my life. I’m also still doing a lot of editing. I’d have to say that, more often than not, editing gives me joy as well.

At heart, this is a miscellany of my reflections on and explorations of what I’ve been reading and writing. The archive suggests flurries of activity and then stretches of silence. Sometimes the writing happens here, sometimes it falls into other places. If you read on, I hope you enjoy what is here.

Recent posts

• Best laid plans – the challenge of rethinking projectsApril 24, 2016
  I dream of a cupboard with patchwork quilts in neatly folded rainbows. There is the scent of lemon myrtle and bay leaves. I have the beginning of this dream, it’s just that I haven’t made a contribution to the stack. What is there is because of the endeavours of my mum. (Thanks, madre!) From time to time I have another go. I buy fabrics – gorgeous, colourful textiles. I buy quilting books and look at them on rainy afternoons. Sometimes… Read more: Best laid plans – the challenge of rethinking projects
• Poetry in film – a quick updateMarch 30, 2016
  I finally caught up with watching O Brother, Where Art Thou and loved it. I was blessed that a friend volunteered to watch it with me. She cooked chicken, I bought salad. (It is generally understood and accepted that if I’m bringing something for the table I’ll be picking it up on the way.) Sharing the viewing wasn’t something I had planned when I thought of this project. With all the other reading I’ve had on the go lately, I… Read more: Poetry in film – a quick update
• Recharging – working hard while taking a breakMarch 21, 2016
  I’ve just had a week’s break. Annual leave is a beautiful thing, an upside to having my day job. That’s something I need to remember when I’m railing against my workday routine of 9-5 (so to speak). Earlier this year, I was fretting that I wouldn’t be able to string the days together and dedicate a week to relaxing. There is always so much to be done. What I needed to do was just book the time. My initial plan… Read more: Recharging – working hard while taking a break

Acknowledgement of country

I live, write and work on Whadjuk Noongar boodjar.

I acknowledge the original custodians of the land, the Whadjuk Noongar people, and offer my respects to their elders past and present.