New beginnings

Big morning in our house. T1 and T2 began their first day in secondary school. They are excited and apprehensive, in equal measure I believe. Although if you ask them, they'll say they're fine. It's been a tricky month. The January school holidays are always long, hot and confining—in this family anyway—but this year, we've…

Advertisement

The Job

Gillian pushed through the crowd, desperate to find him. She checked her watch. Ten minutes to go. Where is he? She stomped her foot in exasperation. A waiter passed by, so close his jacket brushed her arm; Gillian snatched a glass of white wine from the tray and nodded her thanks. The waiter slightly bowed…

Lara Gets Lost

I look up, past her knees, past her waist. Her head is bowed, lit gently by her phone's screen. I tap her leg. 'Mummy.' 'Just a sec, honey child,' she murmurs. Her eyes don't look at me, but her fingers stop tapping the screen and briefly touch my cheek. It feels warm. I like it…

Let’s celebrate this wide, grand land

Here's a post I wrote two years ago, about our nation and Australia Day. I still think changing the date to celebrate this great country is no solution. The past can never be changed. But we can strive harder to embrace all people, regardless of ethnicity, skin colour and religious views. Choose kindness, in other…

To the promised land

'Increase your profile. Build your brand. It's the only way to market,' says the woman on stage. I roll my eyes and slump in my seat. My hands are crossed over my chest. My friend, Rose, who brought me here is next to me, lapping up every word, her glasses pinching her nose. She's even…