Bookclub 20th Year Celebrations

I know there are many, many bookclubs in existence these days, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that there are not too many bookclubs in the elite category which mine achieved yesterday. We celebrated 20 years of the "BBOTC - (Mothers are the) Backbone of the Community- Bookclub" yesterday with a beautiful day on Tamborine Mountain.

Of the current 12 members, 7 have been members since the bookclub's inaugural meeting 20 years ago. I think this is a pretty amazing effort. It shows a commitment to and passion for books, of course, but it goes far beyond this with the friendship, trust and support shared by members. We reflected a lot yesterday - on our favourite books, our memorable moments and the uniqueness of each member and what she brings to our bookclub. One of our members, Margaret, had gone to the trouble of compiling a folio for each of us which contained a listing of all books which have been read over the 20 years along with who had been discussion leader - a mammoth undertaking! My mother, Judy, gave a lovely report of the 20 years, just as she had done at the 5 and 10 year anniversaries. A tear or two were shed by most at various points of the report as she charted events in our lives which have impacted upon bookclub discussions, as well as remembering one special founding member in particular who passed away just before the 10 year anniversary.

We had a beautiful high tea at 'Tea and Niceties' at Tamborine Mountain, then moved onto Witches' Chase Cheese Factory for some tastings and purchases, followed by a leisurely stroll along Gallery Walk. It was a gorgeous day and one that we will all remember I'm sure. How lucky are we to be part of something so precious and how wonderful it is that books have played such a special role in our lives.

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Scooter Boy

My son is currently obsessed by all things scooter-related. He has my husband trawling the Gold Coast each weekend checking out skateparks and giving them a road-test. The result is that the whole family is becoming familiarised with a whole new world of terminology - half pipes, quarter pipes, sketchy drops, yak wheels and trolley bars - to name a few.

The latest angle to his obsession came in the form of a question he asked me earlier this evening. I was telling the kids about the family pet dog we had growing up. Her name was 'Half-pint' (because she was smaller than a pint of milk). Anyway, my son had to double-check with me that my memory wasn't 'sketchy' and that her name might have been 'Half Pipe' instead!
I think he secretly hoped that the family scooter fascination had kicked in a generation or two ago!

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Junky Junk Mail

If we had a set of scales, I would weigh the junk mail we have received since last weekend. Since we don't, I'll have to try to estimate the weight of it at around 5 kgs. Put it this way, I can't lift it all with one hand (then again, I am a bit of a weakling!).

Nevertheless, the point I'm making is that the volume of junk mail we are receiving is out-of-control. We are seeing an environmental disaster occur on a daily basis and before our very eyes. When the amount of paper, ink, printing and distributing is considered, this has a massive environmental impact. Add to this that the normal next stop for the junk mail after it has made its way into the home is the household bin (with perhaps a few detours around the house if a good breeze picks up unexpectedly). I, for one, hate the mess junk mail creates and can't wait to get it out of the house and into the bin. Of course, this then needs to be collected and disposed of by our councils. Fingers crossed that householders put their junk mail into the recycling bin when they are finished with it, at the very least! There's no denying, though, that junk mail is posing a serious environmental issue.

Secondly, in amongst today's junk mail, I found a particularly large and glossy flyer from a company offering me the opportunity to have my business's flyer produced and distributed by them, so there is a very active and quite convincing campaign to potentially increase the junk mail factor. Well, I'm not interested and I sincerely hope that there are many likeminded others. I have horror visions of households across Australia drowning in their junk mail.

Lastly, since so many are able to enjoy access to the internet and growing numbers are attaching a polite 'Australia Post Mail only' label to their letterboxes without seeming to be too deprived of crucial information to be able to function in their lives, why not let people make a choice to seek the service or good they need via the internet? If we don't like to be bothered by telemarketers or door-to-door salespeople, how is it that we are allowing so much other unsolicited material to make its way into our letterboxes and then into our home? If I want a product or service, I'm going to go looking for it and the first place I'm likely to do that is on the internet. A quick google search usually provides the information I'm seeking. It's saving the environment, it's neat and tidy and I find information I need rather than being besieged by information I have little (and usually no) interest in knowing.

Now that I've had my rant, I had better put my plan into action and get our letterbox its special message to future junk mail deliverers. While it feels like we've received junkmail for every possible service or product known to humankind, from tree lopping to beauty salons to tax return preparation (sound familiar?), I doubt there's ever been a single piece distributed offering 'Polite Letterbox Signage'!

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Wedding MC Jitters

This Saturday, my little brother is getting married to his lovely fiance. I'm sure they are both feeling a few pre-wedding jitters, which will increase as the day draws nearer. However, I would like everyone to spare a thought for me as we lead up to the wedding, as I've been asked to act as Master of Ceremonies for the reception. Am I nervous? The answer is 'yes'. Am I excited? Once again, 'yes'.

I have spent some time lately contemplating my approach to the MC role. This has included research via the internet, where I have learned the following - use some humour, keep it clean and classy, and don't write everything out word for word to avoid sounding very rehearsed and stilted. Fortunately, I am limited to about a 5 minute time frame for my introduction and, while I have threatened my family with dramatic skits, interpretive dance and a retelling of my own personal love journey, I feel like I have come up with a reasonable approach to the evening. At this stage, I can't divulge what that approach is - it will be a secret until the night - but I'll keep you posted with how it goes.

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A Secret Place...

First of all, my apologies for my blog black hole of late. I've been away taking a little break. We went camping to a very special place where there is no electricity or mobile phone coverage, hence a place of great relaxation. I can't tell you where though as it's so quiet and unspoiled that I don't want to share it. Sorry for being so selfish.

Here are some clues though:
* we stopped for supplies at Beaudesert
* it was cold
* it took less than 90 mins to reach from our home on the Gold Coast
* we were surrounded by cattle paddocks
* the nearest town was only 8 kms away

If you guess correctly, I'll tell you. If not, it will remain my secret camping spot for a while longer.

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Burn the Floor!

This afternoon, my daughter and I went to see the amazing dance show by Jason Gilkerson, 'Burn the Floor', on at the Gold Coast Arts Centre at present. It was awesome, incredible, energetic and captivating. Each couple had been chosen from around the world, with countries represented including Russia, New Zealand and England, to name a few. A special surprise was seeing Henry from 'So You Think You Can Dance - Season 1' representing Australia. He is something else! Not only were the dancers fabulous, but they were accompanied by the two most skilled drummers I have ever seen - I can still feel the beat pumping! Then, there were the two singers, who were, once again, just wonderful.

I think you can gather that we were both blown away and so glad we were able to see the show. The only disappointment of the afternoon was that the theatre was not booked out. The performers deserved a full audience and testament to this was the resounding standing ovation they received at the finale. Talk about passion! The floor was on fire!

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Monday Mutter

Here I go -
* leftover washing from the weekend still needs folding (at least my ironing lady doesn't pick up until tomorrow!)
* didn't arrive home until dark (good excuse for takeaway though!)
* still cold (but not as cold as last week)
* lots of paperwork to read, sign, return, rsvp to (but no bills - touch wood!)
* only half a glass of wine left in the bottle (better than none at all)
* tired (but not too tired to keep reading my book)

Who am I kidding? If I categorise this as a bad Monday, I haven't got much to complain about, have I?

I hope you had a good Monday!

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Laugh out loud

I'm reading a really funny book at the moment. In fact, this post is by necessity going to be quite short, so that I can get back to it as quickly as possible.

Writers who can make you laugh out loud as you read their book have a very special talent. British comedian, Peter Kay, has achieved this for me with his appropriately titled book, 'The Sound of Laughter'. His stories are so down-to-earth, often self-deprecating and about everyday life. It reached a point a couple of nights ago where I was laughing so much as I was reading that I started to wheeze. It was at about this point also that my husband stopped enjoying my mirth and threatened to send me into another room to continue reading.

It's been quite a while since I've been so entertained by a book. Another writer who had this effect on me was Nick Earls with '48 Shades of Brown'. I can remember my husband coming to check on me when he heard strange noises coming from our bedroom - it was me trying not to laugh too loudly so as not to wake our sleeping children.

I've said it before, I'm not a book snob, and this post proves it. If you want to read a really clever book, this one isn't it. However, if you feel like a laugh, try to get your hands on a copy of 'The Sound of Laughter'.

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Car Conversations

Last night, a friend recounted to me a conversation she'd had with her son earlier that day. Actually, it was more of a 'deep and meaningful' discussion related to the big ticket items in life - love, family and work - rather than a run-of-the-mill conversation. Her son wanted to talk to her about some really big decisions he had made. I wonder if you are surprised to hear where he chose to begin the conversation? Yes, it was while they were travelling together in their family car.

This made me stop and think about how many conversations I have had with my husband, my children and other car passengers over the years and the nature of these conversations. Because our family lived out west for a number of years, we have spent quite a number of hours travelling together over long distances and we always looked forward to these opportunities to 'be' with one another. Then, there were the times 'pre-children' where my husband and I carpooled each day, which meant a 30 minute trip morning and afternoon together, a chance to debrief and regroup in a way, and a clear delineation between our home and our working lives.

Sometimes the conversation topics have been mundane, even inane, while there have been other times when the matter being discussed has been significant, even life-altering, similar to the conversation between my friend and her son yesterday. Each day, I spend time in the car with my children driving them to and from school, and we talk about all manner of topics, from lunch box contents through to the classroom 'scandals' of the day. They're at an age now where they will also enquire as to how my day has been and I really enjoy my own chance to share stories of special or funny moments with them. I must also admit that it's true that I have deliberately chosen at times to raise topics for discussion while I have a 'captive audience'.

Without the distractions which exist in our modern homes - television, computers, phones and various family members and others coming and going - perhaps the car is today's equivalent of the dinner table? It's a place to be together, for a defined period of time and in familiar surrounds, cocooned from the rest of the world. When you think about it like that, it's really not surprising at all that it's such a perfect place to talk.

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Monday Mutter

I know I set this up last Monday and you may be expecting an appropriately brief and miserable post today, but the fact is, I'm feeling really good (for a Monday!). Here are my reasons:

* I had a lovely weekend, including a whole day out on Sunday at the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival
* My work is not swamping me in the same way it was this time last week
* I have had two good walks in the past three days
* I made 'Winter Chicken' soup for dinner and everyone asked for seconds
* My son's headcold is almost better

All in all, there hasn't been too much to mutter about today. If only every Monday could be so bearable!

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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this blog. I know Mother's Day happened in England back in March, but for us in Australia, today is our special day. I hope it has been special for you and that you have been spoilt. My beautiful daughter brought me breakfast in bed, then my family took me to lunch. Tonight, we're having a bbq dinner, so I won't have had to go into the kitchen all day! Lucky me!

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The Gift of Sight

Today, I had a moment which made me stop and really appreciate the gift of sight.

As I was racing through the supermarket to grab a couple of quick items from the dairy aisle, I passed an elderly man, hunched in concentration. I realised he was holding a six pack of small yoghurts in one hand and a magnification device in the other, examining the yoghurt label very closely. After I had the items I needed, I came back past him and saw he was still in the same place intently concentrating. I paused and asked him if he needed some help to see something, and he asked me to tell him what amount was in each of the yoghurts in the pack. I was easily able to see the labelling as 200ml, and advised him of the size. He thanked me and we each moved on.

As I walked away, however, I paused, not only the wonder at the challenge that man must face every time he goes to the supermarket and to be glad of my tiny part in helping him, but also to appreciate the precious gift of sight. To me, the text on the label was distinct and sufficiently large, and as I try to imagine how differently the man and others like him must see the world, I am so grateful for this valuable sense.

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Dawn Service at Currumbin's Elephant Rock

This morning we almost didn't make it to the dawn service for ANZAC Day. We had arranged with my parents for them to come to our house at 3.15am, so we could drive in convoy down to Currumbin's Elephant Rock for the dawn service which began at 5am.

At 3.15am, when my father's knock came at our front door, instead of having been up and ready, everyone in the house was still soundly asleep. My husband had been in charge of setting the alarm, but, because he was sleep-deprived from several early starts and late finishes during this week, he had inadvertently set it for an hour later (ie. 4am). If we hadn't organised for my parents to come here, we probably wouldn't have made it at all! As it was, we did a mad dash around throwing on the nearest clothes and were out the front door by 3.30am.

The opportunity to be present for this occasion is awesome, and, once again, today's dawn service did not disappoint. This year, just as the sun was rising over the horizon, the Currumbin Surf Lifesaving Club, the Vikings, rowed out in their surf boats and did a traditional viking salute with oars upraised in honour of those lost at sea. This was in addition to the release of doves, a flyover, a gun salute and a Scottish piper.

The service was hosted by the Currumbin RSL and the master of ceremonies was so dignified. Each year he has the difficult task of reading out the names of Currumbin RSL members who have died in the last year to honour them, and this year the list was longer than ever. His comment at the conclusion of the list, "You've got no idea how hard that was", as he took a moment to regain his perfect composure, said it all. The sad reality is that each year, numbers of veterans are dwindling. If it is any comfort at all, though, to their families, comrades and friends, the numbers turning out to honour the veterans of all wars is definitely growing. We estimate numbers at this morning's service to have been around 20 000 of all ages. The respect and honour displayed by all was testament to the fact that the sacrifice made by all involved in war will never be forgotten.

So, thank you Dad, for the wake up knock this morning. This was an occasion we would have been very upset to have missed.

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A Blessing for Stripeycat

Today is a very exciting one for our family and cause for a shameless plug from me on this blog. My mother has written a book for children, titled, "A Blessing for Stripeycat", and today we have seen, for the first time, the form for customers to use when ordering the book. It is being published by St Paul's Publications in Sydney and will be available from September of this year. Pre-orders are being taken now!

It is a lovely story, in which Stripeycat's owner, Grace (my daughter's name - no coincidence!), tries to take Stripeycat to church for a special blessing on St Francis Day, but the cat has other plans. Children will love this book for its focus on animals and the chaos created by Stripeycat. It is lots of fun (and based on the real pet my mother had as a child!).

The book is in hardcover and retails at $17.95. Don't forget - it is being published by St Paul's Publications and pre-orders are being taken now - go to http://www.stpauls.com.au/ and happy reading to the children in your life!

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A Dog with Nine Lives

We have just returned from having our pet dog, Raspberry, a Jack Russell terrier, microchipped, after what have been the most worrying couple of days of our experience as pet owners.

About 48 hours ago, sometime between about 10pm on Saturday night and 7am Sunday morning, when there had been some storm activity, Raspberry went missing. When we realised she was missing on Sunday morning, we didn't know if she was stuck somewhere in the house or downstairs in the garden shed, and we hunted high and low. High because this is the dog who has been known to climb up shelves in a storm and low because her favourite spot to sleep is under our bed. It was all to no avail - she was nowhere to be found.

By mid-morning Sunday, having searched the perimeter of the property, we decided she must have absconded. Still, there was no obvious sign of her breaking through fence lines, so we were completely mystified. I'm not ashamed to say I was starting to consider alien abduction as a real possibility. This theory was debunked, however, when a boy who lives a few houses down from us came and told us at about lunchtime on Sunday that Raspberry had presented herself at their house sometime around 11pm on Saturday night and he had brought her back to our front door, knocked and received no reply, so left her there. While she was still missing, at least this was a positive sighting and gave us reason to hope.

Meanwhile, we put up 'Lost Dog' posters around the neighbourhood and various parties had conducted foot, bicycle and car searches, without success. As soon as we realised she had gone missing, we had telephoned the pound, and, about mid-afternoon, we took a drive out there. There was several very cute dogs waiting to be collected by their owners, but sadly, not our little dog. The pound staff told us that a lot of 'found' dogs aren't reported until Monday because people don't realise the pound is open on a Sunday, which gave us more reason to hope. I must admit, though, by last night, we were all feeling pretty sad. Not knowing where she was or whether she was even alive was the worst part.

This morning delivered the miracle we'd been praying for. I heard a few shouts from out on the street, looked out and saw my son's friend, his dad and a little white dog heading towards our house. It was our little white dog, Raspberry! They had spotted her sniffing around one of their cars in their driveway. No need to say it was a very happy reunion!

If only dogs could talk, we would love to know where she spent the 30 hours or so that she was missing. It's a complete mystery! She was in pretty good condition, too - a few cobblers' pegs and dirty paws only. Considering she could have been hit by a car or mauled in a dog fight, she is so very lucky.

Hence our theory that this dog really is part cat, in that she must have nine lives. She's given us a few scares before, but nothing like this. Today, we have been out to have a new tag engraved with my mobile number and, as previously mentioned, taken her to the vet to be microchipped. Ideally, neither of these precautions will be needed, but, knowing Raspberry, we have not seen the last of the antics.

Did I mention the anxiety medication the vet also prescribed? I must check the label as to whether it's meant for the dog or its owner - after our ordeal, I don't know who needs it most!

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Paper Caper

Yesterday, my daughter and I had a day at the shops, specifically driven by her current obsession with Smiggle stationery and the sale the store was having.

Upon our arrival at the shopping centre, we made a beeline for the Smiggle store, where she spent quite a while browsing and making very important decisions about her purchases. I passed the time looking at their range of folders and cards. A colourfully striped pack of manilla folders caught my eye and I picked them up to check the price. I had to have a little giggle to myself as the pricing label stated - foolscrap folders. The tiny spelling error, an unnecessary "r" in foolscap, certainly altered my perception of the possible quality of the folders.

Do I need to say that I walked out of the store without having purchased that particular item?

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Towel Talk (Again!)

Strangely enough, I have another towel story to share. I wonder if it is possible to have a special kind of obsessive/compulsive condition specific to towels only? If so, I may be a sufferer!

Anyway, on the weekend we visited White Water World at Dreamworld. At one point, I was lounging on a deckchair (I know, what was I thinking being so unproductive?). Nearby, a father and his two daughters had come back from the slides to dry off and pack up for the day. I happened to overhear one of the teenage girls comment, "This towel is so observant", as she wrapped the towel around herself. Her father paused for a moment, not quite sure what she had said. The penny dropped a few seconds later, and he replied, "I think you might mean 'absorbent'." Unfazed, his daughter, shrugged her shoulders and laughed, happy enough to be corrected, but not overly concerned by her malaproprism.

It was a cute moment and, as they wandered off, I had a quiet chuckle to myself.

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