Welcome Rekaya Gibson...

Hi Rekaya -

And welcome to Sydney, Australia - albeit it via cyberspace. And a special welcome to Gadigal country (Gadigal is the Aboriginal clan group who are traditional owners of the land around the city of Sydney).

I'm looking forward to hearing more about THE FOOD TEMPTRESS today and your writing process. But the burning questions for me right now are...

How much of the character 'Ambrosia' is you?

and

How did you 'research' the stories? Did you actually try out each dish on a man?

Brunching with the boys plus more...

What I'm grateful for Saturday January 30th:

1. BRUNCH WITH THE BOYS: I’m grateful for the invitation I received to ‘do brunch’ with my brother and his friends at Cafe Congo, Coogee this morning. Apparently they meet there most weekends. Let me introduce you to Mark, Paul, Andy & Andrew - yes they are different men. Two teachers, one uni lecturer and one sales rep. All nearing 30. All in board shorts and tee-shirts. One wearing pink underwear. Two wore baseball caps at the table –yes this did bother me – one cap emblazoned with ‘Budgie Smugglers’. It was interesting for me to just listen to the range of conversation - from how to motivate school students, the corruption of ‘bands’ in the education system (these have nothing to do with music apparently), sporting injuries, whether or not real men eat raisin toast, one fella’s inability to consume caffeine, another’s ability to drink two cans of Coke with breakfast and the various sponsors of Mr Pink Undies cricket team. There was informed discussion about the best mobile range / service available and the relocation of one lad from Lavender Bay to somewhere unknown. Amongst the chatter there was also some kind of code language about where they were going out tonight. I don’t know why? I mean, I wasn’t remotely interested in going with them. Three ‘brunchers’ had been to uni together and laughed about gently heckling Mark while presenting a lecture as an undergrad. The story was fantastic, however, mid-sentence Mark paused – the entire table stopped moving, eating, almost breathing and I waited with anticipation to hear the next line, imagining it must be a corker of an ending. Nothing. I looked at all four boys, and followed their gaze which followed a pink bikini walking by. As soon as the young lady past, the conversation continued, but unfortunately there was no corker of a punch line. But that’s fine, the whole experience was a pleasant way to kick-start the weekend. The conversation was as varied as the menu and it left me impressed at such inspired and inspiring young men. Next weekend I might go see who’s sitting at another table.
2. MANTRAS: I’m grateful for positive affirmations and I use them every day. The one I’ve lived by for the last 20 years is, ‘Don’t worry about failure, worry about the opportunities you miss when you don’t even try.’ [author unknown’] Today’s mantra was shared by my brother and is one he has on his wall at home and he used it to inspire his Year 12 class on day one of term one - ‘If not me, then who? If not now, then when?’ [a quick Google to find the author of this quote had everyone from Albert Einstein to Oprah to Winston Churchill – any ideas?]
3. MY COOKING: I’m not grateful for my cooking because it’s good, but because it was interesting enough to have the Melbourne Age run and article on today. If you missed it you can read it here: Hop, skip, jump into the pot.
4. SIMONE PERELE: Not only does she make attractive (and supportive) bras for the ‘fuller bust’, her change rooms have the right lighting to make us look beautiful and big enough curtains to cover the change-room doorway, to allow us to remain modest. There’s nothing worse than fighting with a change-room curtain that is too short on either side!
5. MY MUM: She’s wonderful, really she is. And you can read about her shortly, because as soon as I finish writing this blog I’m going to write a story about her, well us, for Marie Claire. I’ll let you know when it runs.

Finding Mr Right through food with Rekaya Gibson

I'm excited - Rekaya Gibson, author of THE FOOD TEMPTRESS is going to kick off her virtual book tour here on Monday Feb 1st! And YOU lucky reader, will have the first opportunity to ask Rekaya anything you want.

WHAT IS 'THE FOOD TEMPTRESS ABOUT?'
The main character, Ambrosia Bourgeois, uses food to seduce men in hopes of creating Mister Right. Paralleling southern cuisine, each short story captures the hearts and minds of different men. When she discovers that her meals fall short of converting the men to her specifications, she moves on to the next one—a total of 16 ranging from the local sheriff to a Bourbon Street musician. “The Food Temptress” serves up a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia’s continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection.

WHAT INSPIRED REKAYA TO WRITE 'THE FOOD TEMPTRESS'?
I developed the concept from the adage, “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I took my interpretation and expanded upon it, using my creativity. As result, I birth “The Food Temptress.”

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF 'AMBROSIA'S' NAME?
The name “Ambrosia” means food or drink of the Gods. If consumed, one will become immortal. In “The Food Temptress,” Ambrosia’s grandmother named her so that she would have immortality.

HOW DOES EACH SHORT STORY PARALLEL SOUTHERN CUISINE?
I use a hint in the chapter title to signify the food Ambrosia will use next. For example in the “Cat Got Your Tongue” chapter, Ambrosia uses catfish as the main dish. In “Green with Envy,” she serves up collard greens. In “The Power of the Pudding,” she makes bread pudding.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ABROSIA TO FIND HER PERFECT MAN?
Ambrosia wants to find the perfect man for her, not necessarily “a perfect man,” so that she can get married. However, she is not willing to compromise on some things. She struggles to create the dish that will transform a man into her lifelong partner that she craves.

WHICH DISH HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT ON A MAN
The pineapple upside down cake has the greatest impact on a man because it converts a gay man into a straight lover.

WHAT HAPPENS TO WOMEN WHEN THEY EAT AMBROSIA'S FOOD?
When women eat Ambrosia’s food, nothing happens to them. However, a colleague of mine, John Williams, gave me the idea to create a book about men using food to seduce women. It might happen one day soon.

SO WHO IS THIS DEADLY COOK AND WRITER - REKAYA GIBSON???
Rekaya Gibson’s love for food is evident throughout her fiction work, “The Food Temptress,” and her children’s book, “Are There French Fries in Heaven?” Some of her nonfiction articles have appeared in the Cabo Living Magazine, Desert Saints Magazine, and Lake of the Ozarks Second Home Living Magazine. In 2006, she self-published an e-Book, “Wow Them With Your Grant Proposal” under her own e-publishing company, Gibson Girl Publishing Company. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Orleans. Rekaya resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can reach her at www.foodtemptress.com

The baby has been born...

What I'm grateful for today... Thursday January 28:

1. MANHATTAN DREAMING: I am grateful my baby has finally been born, somewhat prematurely, arriving by courier this afternoon. She’s beautiful. She is full of colour like her mother. I am going to keep her to myself for a few weeks but you can visit her here every day if you like. Or read more about her on my website You’ll be able to visit her nationally as of March in independent bookstores, Dymocks, Angus & Robertson, Borders, Kmart and Big W. I’m pleased to say Mother and baby are doing well (see pic above)
2. SADLY MOANING HAROLD: Have you read the Sadly Moaning Harold: by Simon Luckhurst. It’s a witty and concise daily digest of all the news and current affairs you need. It takes the pith (and no that’s not said with a lisp) out of each edition of the Sydney Morning Herald - one day at a time... Surely this fella should be writing for Good News Week or the 7pm Project. Check it out and be grateful for the entertainment value of this site – his site, not mine!
3. POSITIVE FEEDBACK: Ok, we all like a little positive affirmation from strangers. We like it from those we love of course, but we expect it from them. It’s their duty right? But when a stranger says something nice about our work not knowing whether we’ll hear about it or not, well, shucks, that’s just something to be grateful for. My little Google alert thingy sent me this link today, a review of Not Meeting Mr Right by Adelheid.
4. CAFFEINE: I’m grateful for it in all its forms right now. It’s the only thing keeping me sane without chocolate in my life right now.
5. WEBSITE REVAMP: I’m grateful for the soft new pink look of the ‘Anita Heiss’ website, designed by Simon Luckhurst , he really is multi-talented.

What I'm grateful for January 26:

January 25th:
1. LIFE SAVERS: Although I’ve never had to be rescued by a life saver, I’m grateful they are around for those who need them. They are the unsung, unpaid heroes of the Australian summer along our coastlines. And, as a bonus they are generally very, very good looking with great bodies to perve on! I am grateful for that also. I was very proud this morning to witness my baby brother Mark receive a Community Service Award for his efforts as a life saver at Maroubra Beach for what I believe is over a decade. See pic above of Mark with the Mayor of Randwick John Procopiadis.
2. YABUN: I am grateful to all those artists, entertainers, political voices, stall-holders, volunteers, organisers and media who pull together and cover this wonderful event in Victoria Park each year. Many Australians – black and white- do not ‘celebrate’ January 26 as a mark or respect for Aboriginal Australia and an understanding of the true history of Australia. The day in fact is a reminder of the harsh realities of invasion and the ongoing attempted cultural genocide and struggle for survival since January 26, 1788. As Aboriginal people we celebrate our survival and our thriving cultures. And today at Yabun, I spent time at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence stall alongside the staff and role models from the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy. I had the fire in my belly re-ignited by speakers talking about the NT Intervention, Black Deaths in Custody and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. I listened to Indigenous writers – Lorraine McGee-Sippell and Elizabeth Wymarra – talk about the literary journeys. And I saw families enjoying all that Indigenous society has to offer today... arts, crafts, music, dance, ideas and visions. Congratulations to Gadigal Information Services for another deadly event! Pics above of the NASCA staff at Yabun!
3. TRAVEL WRITING: I like travel writing because I like to travel and I like to write. Seriously, since I started doing travel articles last August I’ve noticed how much more ‘observant’ I’ve become when visiting new cities, and even cities I’ve once lived in. And that’s saying something for someone who makes their living based on ‘observations’! My latest travel article appeared in papers nationally on the weekend and it was on Canberra. I’d lived in our nation’s capital 20 years ago and have visited there three or four times a year since. And yet, even after doing research for my new book Manhattan Dreaming I still found new things to get excited about when I was researching this story. If you missed it in the paper, then you can click on here: The only thing they edited for space was a line about a moment I had at Kingston Bus Depot Markets. And so, I want to include those words here... ‘I sit and chat to a local artist, Margaret, and we both devour croquet monsieur ($4.50) from the French Crepes stall, vowing never to eat homemade cheese on toast again!’ The next you’ll read is on Palma, Mallorca – now that was a fun trip!
4. KOORI TIME: Why is it that when a blackfella is late it’s called ‘Koori Time’ but when a whitefella is late their ‘Fashionably late’? I’m grateful for my own realisation that in fact, Koori’s must’ve invented the concept of ‘fashionably late’!
5. WILLPOWER: I’m grateful for my willpower. I’m on day 22 of no alcoholic beverages and day 2 of no chocolate. And I’m also grateful for the strawberry ice-cream filling the voids!

What I'm grateful for this weekend:

January 24th:
1. SONIA’S GREEN THUMB: I’m grateful today for Sonia’s green thumb. She is a gem with gardening. Me? I pretty much have NO thumbs when it comes to gardening. Let’s just say I’m probably the only person on the planet who can kill cactus / cacti. Today we created a mini-garden on my balcony. I now have orchids, gerberas, roses, gardenias, mint, thyme, Italian parsley, basil and something else that has stripy petals. Oh, and two cacti that I’m going to try and keep alive. See before and after shots above and Sonia.
2. SONIA’S COOKING SKILLS: I’ve had a productive weekend. I also managed to cook my first roast chicken. Yes, I am 41 and haven’t done it before. And I only just realised it’s so easy. Buy organic chicken. Shove lemon up butt, thyme under skin. Stick in oven with Pontiac potatoes. 25 mins per 500 gm. And voila. It was delicious. I feel like I achieved something great - all with Sonia's supervision. Next year I might try doing a leg of lamb.
3. PAVILION CAFE: I have a lot of my business meetings at the Pavilion Cafe at Maroubra Beach. I don’t plug in my lap top or anything, but I meet clients etc there as opposed to my rather bland office space. It’s a stunning place to start the day, for work or play. Today I had brekkie there as the rain drizzled and the little Nippers were running on the sand. I thought they’d call Nippers off, but as Sonia pointed out – if they’re going to be lifesavers of course they’ll be lifesaving in the rain one day. As I sat there eating my chilli eggs I was overcome with a sense of how grateful I am generally for my life. And how there was no better way to start Sunday than at my favourite beach in the whole world with a friend of 18 years.
4. BUNNINGS: I love Bunnings. I loitered around the building supplies and dreamed, checked out all the boys doing the same, and sucked in the smell of the BBQ out the front. Oh, I also bought my plants for the challenge mentioned above. I was grateful for the incredibly helpful / knowledgeable Bunning’s staffer who helped me choose some colour for my balcony.
5. BRAN NUE DAE : I saw the musical in Sydney and Canberra back in the early 1990s and loved the soundtrack then. Tonight I saw the film. It is a gem! Truly. It must be the feel-good film of 2010. Loved the humour, and am grateful for its uplifting ability. Special appreciation for our newest star Rocky McKenzie – GORGEOUS!!!

What I'm grateful for today:

1. MY ‘FOLLOWERS’: I am grateful to YOU, my 11 followers who choose to read my blog. Let’s face it Jesus only had 12 disciples so I’m only one friend behind him!
2. MY FRINGE: I’m grateful to my hairdresser Paul for giving me a fringe. It was pointed out to me today that my face doesn’t look as fat now my forehead is covered! I’m also grateful to the unnecessarily honest woman at the library who told me that. Thanks love!
3. HUNGRY BUMS: I have to admit that I haven’t seen it, but I’m going to watch now, and that is Rafael Nadal fishing his undies out of his hungry bum on the tennis court. My ever observant neighbour Kim - who is by no means a pervert, but an avid tennis fan - pointed out the activity to me. I then Googled ‘Rafael Nadal undies’ and found the hilarious article ‘Rafael Nadal seeks comfie undies’ and it seems his bum has been hungry at least since 2007! I’m grateful for the laugh both Kim and the Raf’s butt has provided today.
4. O – Oprah’s Magazine : I love it. I admire Oprah, as you know. So, I was grateful to my cousin Bernardine who was about to gift me a bundle of hers. However, when I went to pick them up this morning, they’d been pinched from outside B’s front door. Ouch! I just hope those who took them are ‘grateful’ also!
5. SEXY DREAMS: Well, I’d like to say the sexy dream I had included ME in it. However, it was a dream about a friend of mine and some arty looking fella with a hanky on his head. Ok, it was probably a bandana. This point is really about my friend who tells me that she is grateful for at least having some form of sex, albeit it in someone else’s dreams, because she is celibate.

Invitation to the baby shower for MANHATTAN DREAMING

Dear followers, friends and family of followers and all those who equally share in enabling me every day. I'd love to see you in Brisbane on February 9 if you happen to be in the region of West End and feel like doing some New York New York high kicks!

Please send an email or call to register your attendance for the purpose of catering.

Much peace,

Anita

What I'm grateful for January 21st:

1. BLACK RUSSIANS ON ICE: No, I don’t mean the drink. I mean the Russian world figure skating champions Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin who attempted to do an ''Aboriginal dance’’ as part of their plan for the Olympic Games. Truly, I thought they looked like a bush version of Ken Done on Ice (the rink, not the drug). Of course they needed something more ‘traditional’ than the jingle that was all the rage in the 70s that I sang in primary school: ‘Moscow, Moscow, see the Russian teddy bear, dancing in his underwear...’ Did anyone else sing that as a kid? In case you haven’t seen the video, you can check it out here. I’m grateful today that I am proud of my culture and heritage and that I needn’t appropriate (badly) someone else’s to make my mark in the public arena. [BlackRussiansonice poached from Leesa Watego on Twitter!]
2. BRITISH BOB-SPLITTERS: Clearly I’m not the only one on the planet grateful for the laugh from British bobsleigher Gillian Cooke splitting her pants as she boarded (is that the terminology) her bobsleigh at the world championships in St Moritz. Whoa! I had to – like most other viewers – watch it more than once. She was wearing a thong, wasn’t she? I’m truly grateful for the reminder to always, always, always wear decent knickers under my lycra from now on!
3. I HATE UNDERWIRE BRAS SUPPORT GROUP: The tales kept coming today re the underwire bra issue. I’m grateful for the stories, they make me laugh. The latest from Ms G: ‘I had an underwire bra incident today! The wire popped out as I got into the office this morning. Being 8am and thinking no-one was about I pulled my top down a bit and tried to push it back in...just as the IT guy came in to upgrade a computer. I just laughed but poor guy didn't know where to look.’ Ms G – I have no doubt Mr IT knew EXACTLY where to look! I’m pleased to report (thanks Jill B) there is an ‘I hate underwire bras’ support group on Facebook.
4. LITERARY STAMPS: Australia Post has announced stamps to honour Australian authors I’m happy about that, really. And I respect most of the authors chosen - Peter Carey, Thomas Keneally, David Malouf, and Tim Winton, Bryce Courtenay and Colleen McCullough. But I’m gobsmacked out of the six there’s only one woman and none of my most admired writers: David Unaipon, Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Jack Davis. In other words, no writers ‘of colour’. And no, before you say it, I don’t want to be on a stamp. Really, the thought of strangers licking the back of my head and sticking my on an envelope freaks me out a little. Which writers would you like to see on a stamp?
5. PARIS DREAMING: I’m grateful for the opportunity to write today. I love working on my novel. Escaping to Paris, playing tourist, eating delicious food. Today we had a view of the Eiffel Tower from the musee du quai branly and went shopping on the Champs-Elysee where we bought a gorgeous Furla Bag. Ah, the joys of fiction writing! I am grateful for the writerly life.

What I'm grateful for January 20:

1. UNDERWIRE BRA STORIES: thanks to those who emailed me their own underwire bra stories, especially this one from Ms G: ‘I too used to love the underwire bra, until the wire popped out of one once, mid-exercise, and stabbed me in the side-boob! Once a bra has impaled you it really loses its appeal...’ Indeed it does! I also appreciate the email from Ms B in regards to her control top pantyhose. And the one about Nancy Ganz Pants... ok girls, you can stop helping me now.
2. FOR BEING A WOMAN: In a fleeting misguided moment, I wrote on Facebook today that I was going to come back as a man in my next life. I was quickly reminded that men have nasal hair and ugly dangly bits that act inappropriately without warning. Of course, there was a long list of ‘sweeping generalisations’ that I wouldn’t dream about publishing here.
3. CHOCOLATE: simply because it solves every single unpleasant emotional moment. Today’s chocolate of choice: Mint Intense by Lindt.
4. MUSCLES: I’m grateful for the muscles I’m finally getting. Most of them however are still buried under flesh, just waiting to come out. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the opportunity to look at other people’s muscles.
5. CONTROLLED BLADDER: I’m grateful – as is one of my readers who shall remain nameless – for not having peed myself in front of 20,000 people. I feel sorry for the young ball boy who wet himself during the match between Belgian Christophe Rochus and American Donald Young.

What I'm grateful for January 19...

1. RHYMING SLANG: I’m grateful to my neighbour who entertains me with fascinating stories and new words. Kim – yes the one who gave me the word blurge – today used slang that I couldn’t remember hearing before. In the middle of a story she let ‘lickety split’ slip and I needed the translation. Apparently it means ‘really fast’. It reminded me of ‘Aussie rhyming slang’ like Pat Malone (alone), Johnny Raper (paper), trouble and strife (wife), frog and toad (road) and of course Reg Grundies (undies). What’s your favourite rhyming slang phrase? Of course, a very popular (well not so popular with me for obvious reasons) is Captain Cook (take a look). Apropos of that, you know our mob say ‘Captain-Came-And-Took’!
2. WIRELESS: It only took me an hour on the phone to Mumbai but finally I managed to set up my Netgear wireless router this morning and finally be ‘on-line’. I’m grateful to the poor fella on the other end of the phone at 1.45am in India who maintained a sense of professionalism and humour as I cursed and almost cried.
3. UNDERWIRE BRAS: I’m grateful for underwire bras. And I still laugh to myself at the memory of my first boyfriend suggesting I get a push-up bra. I said, ‘I already have cleavage!’ The jury seems to be out on whether or not underwire bras can contribute to breast cancer... so it’s no joking matter.
4. RATIONAL THOUGHT: I’m grateful for rational thought today but boy life would be a helluva lot easier if everyone else thought rationally also!
5. BOOKINGS FOR SYDNEY LAUNCH: I’m grateful that bookings are already being taken for the launch of Manhattan Dreaming in Sydney on March 12. I’ve got my frock hanging on my bedroom door just waiting to make its debut. Yes, it’s a big deal for an author, the launch of their book into the world. It’s my version of giving birth – I don’t have, you know, real children. I breed books! If you’d like to come to the launch – i.e. birth – of my book at Gleebooks just book online here.

What I'm grateful for this weekend...

Sunday January 16:
1. MEN: I am lucky to be surrounded by strong, respectful, intelligent, reliable men. Some are family, some are friends, and some are colleagues. I don’t expect them to flirt with me, obviously. So, it was a nice treat to have two men flirt with me at the petrol station this morning. I thought the first fella who winked, smiled and eyeballed me may have been to the early opener at Botany, so just let it pass without a second thought. But when a second did something similar I thought, well maybe I brushed up all right for a Sunday morning. Unless of course, they’d both been to the early opener!
2. KIRSTEN: I had brekkie with an old friend this morning. Kirsten was my ‘on the ground’ researcher in Canberra for my new book Manhattan Dreaming. In fact, the character Kirsten in the book is in honour of her friendship, but any naughty behaviour of the character does not reflect my lovely friend. I simply stole her name for the character in New York. Kirsten also helped me research a travel story on the Capital that’ll be published in the Sunday Telegraph soonish.
3. FRENCH HOUSE: Today Kirsten and I we went to the French House in Danks St, Waterloo to reminisce about our time in Paris. Oolaalaa, it was délicieux! The pic above is of Kirsten and I atop the Tour Montparnasse in October 2008.
4. LUNCH @ THE CLOEY: yes, it does seem like all I do is eat! It’s true. I do. I like food. And I like good company and today I had both for lunch at the Clovelly Hotel. The pub was my old stomping ground back in the late 80’s early 90s when the Broken Watch Band used to play there Sunday nights. Now I’m an older boiler I’m only there in daylight hours. Today I had lunch with someone I admire greatly. Ms Georgia Blain , author of one of my favourite novels Closed for Winter. Check it out this summer. I read it lying on Maroubra Beach in 2005.
5. SKYPE: how good is this technology? I often Skype friends in WA, Spain, the USA and the UK. Ok, I also Skype a friend in Narrabeen. Yes, we could use the phone but it’s nice to see the person you’re talking to isn’t it? Although, one must actually put something respectable on when doing that. Sometimes I even get dressed up – full face of makeup and tiara! A girl likes to feel nice, right?

Saturday January 16:
1. THE STEPPER: A personal trainer said that doing the stepper at the gym was the best thing to improve my derrière, so I stepped this morning. I’ve been stepping for months, but I don’t think its working. But I’m grateful for the ability to step and step and step and yet not really climb anywhere!
2. YOGA MAT: Well, I’m not doing yoga but it’s nice to lie on the mat on my lounge room floor watching telly. Ok, so I do a couple of girly push-ups occasionally. And the odd crunch.
3. DETOXING: I have been doing the annual detox and haven’t had an alcoholic bevy since January 4th. I was grateful to wake up feeling clear headed this morning, if not still a little full from the dinner party last night.
4. BROOME STREET: it’s a massive hill I climbed with my sis Sonia tonight. I hope it helps a little more than the stepper! Not to worry, the inspirational yarn was a good workout for the mind, and that’s just as important –if not more!
5. CONTROLLED ANGER: I bought a wireless modem – Netgear G – which at first glance appeared to be quite simple to set up. It wasn’t though. I don’t know why. I am IT illiterate, and so I did what I usually do and called my provider (iinet) but there was a 40 minute wait. Did I want a ‘call back’? No. I was angry, very angry. And yet, I didn’t throw the modem anywhere or into anything. I am grateful for my ability to simply sigh and walk away (until the next attempt I make to set it up).

What I'm grateful for Friday January 15:

1. Flowers: The flowers above were given to me by Sue and David. They didn’t know what they were when they bought them. Apparently the florist didn’t know either, but they are cool aren’t they? Like little furry lanterns on long stems in my lounge room. I love how flowers change the whole mood of a room. They bring my whole place to life. Which sounds like I’m walking around ‘death’ when I don’t have flowers, which of course isn’t the case? But, a few blooms certainly make the difference. The stems were a kind gesture; especially given the meal I cooked for them was very average... See next gratefulness entry.
2. Polite friends: it’s fair to say tonight’s effort in the kitchen wasn’t my best. I’m glad I filled my guests up first on hors d'œuvres and garlic foccaccia, because the main event, well it wasn’t as it usually is. And there wasn’t a drop of alcohol had by anyone to make it seem just slightly better. And yet, S&D left my apartment having said it was wonderful. I am grateful for unconditional friendship that allows such minor mishaps to go unrecorded.
3. Barcelona: I love Barcelona! Today I wrote up some notes about Barcelona from my visit there in October last year. I've a chapter in my next book Paris Dreaming. The writerly escape today made me want to go back there. I like the banter with the charming waiters at Can Lluís, and the cakes from Bubó. Oh, the cakes. And the coffee. And the shopping. Of course the shopping. I love writing; it lets me escape the office and carries me to exciting places around the world, every day, without security checks, baggage carousels or long haul flights.
4. Website development: I’m in the process of having the Anita Heiss website revamped. A nice soft pink, kinda like, well I’m not sure. But it’s nice, it’s soft and it’s pink. And I just got the links to check over so I’m grateful and excited. Stay tuned for when it’s live... and all the updates are complete.
5. Lindt chocolate: milk chocolate Lindor balls. Need I say more?

Oh, if you know what the flowers in today's pic are please let me know. Ta.

What I'm grateful for Thursday January 14:

1. Gleebooks : today we confirmed that the Sydney-city launch of Manhattan Dreaming will be at Australia’s #1 Independent Bookstore Gleebooks. The date is March 12, so get your frocks out ladies and be ready to do some New York high kicks from 6pm onwards. All welcome.
2. Terri Janke: I’m a huge fan as you know. Terri and I have known each other for 20 years. I want to be her when I grow up. She’s agreed to launch my book on March 12, having done an extraordinary job launching Not Meeting Mr Right and Avoiding Mr Right. The problem is TJ is so effortlessly glamorous I’ve asked her to wear a tracksuit on the night so she doesn’t outshine me!
3. The artist R E A : who features in my novel Manhattan Dreaming agreed to launch it at the University of Western Sydney on March 5. I am so excited!
4. Creative flow: it’s all happening with the new project Paris Dreaming. The characters are coming together, scenes are flowing off the pen. I’m reminiscing about the fabulous meals I had during research and having fun writing dialogue and plenty of oolaalaa sex. The joys of writing fiction. The new character- Libby – will be working at the musée du quai Branly
Today’s pic is taken at the Longchamp Races in Paris where I had to do some research last October. The duties of a writer... :)
5. Recycled clothes: I wore a skirt today that I bought years ago for a date. Let’s just say the skirt was a better option than the choice of date  I put it on today and it looked better than it did the night I wore it. I’m grateful for digging deeper into my wardrobe and finding it this morning.

Writing Up Indigenous researching: authorship plus more

I received another book in the mail this week mentioning the author had worked in three Aboriginal communities to develop the material for the book. There was nothing sacred in the work, but still, it appeared that the marketing department made sure everyone knew there was Indigenous involvement, without any recognition of joint authorship, substantial attribution or any evidence of shared royalties.

So might I suggest that if you are researching and writing in /about Aboriginal communities, then you get a hold of Terri Janke’s paper on ‘Writing Up Indigenous research: Are you writing down the results of Indigenous research?’ so you can get it right.

Writing and recording Indigenous knowledge systems creates copyright. Knowledge systems are integral to the living cultures of Indigenous people. If traditional knowledge is included it is important to follow protocols of informed consent, attribution, integrity and sharing of benefits of research. In this paper Terri explains copyright, old knowledge, authorship, sacred and secret material and the implications of research methods on Indigenous knowledge systems. The paper outlines the importance of considering authorship in academic research when writing up Indigenous traditional knowledge. Indigenous knowledge holders and their communities are entitled to be attributed and have their knowledge rights respected. The shortfalls of copyright and Intellectual Property laws are discussed and Indigenous cultural protocols and University IP policies are examined as a means of developing modern research methods and acknowledging knowledge holders. Copies are available for $22 (including GST). Please contact Lan Pham at Terri Janke & Company: Ph: (02) 9693 2577, Email: lan@terrijanke.com.au

What I'm grateful for Jan 12/13...

Wednesday 13:
1. Mudgee Festival: I’ve been invited to the Mudgee Festival and I already know that on April 29 there will be no other place on the planet that I’d rather be, than in Mudgee!
2. Salt’n’pepper squid: OK, so I know I’ve probably already mentioned this, but it’s my favourite dish and I’m searching out the best in the world. Had my first in China Town, Montreal in 1995. It is up there with the best still. Also had sensational squid at Paris Café, La Perouse, and in Fremantle recently. Tonight’s version at Thai Riffic pretty good I must say. Always grateful for good food.
3. It’s Complicated - hilarious movie, highly recommended and left me grateful for never having been married, therefore, never divorced! ☺
4. Make-up artists: I am grateful for their skill in taking my face as a canvas and turning it into something more publicly palatable!
5. Michelle W: My friend Michelle and I met at the photocopy at the OzCo back in 2001. She taught me how to print double-side and then how to mail merge – well I never did get it right and so she always did it for me. We have been Princess Sistas ever since and I am grateful to her for her unconditional friendship, and princess ways.

Tuesday 12th January:
1. V before working out: seems I had it all back to front. I used to have my ‘pick me up’ after I worked out. Today I had my Sugar-free V before my workout and never had I moved so fast on the stepper! I have a new ritual. If I only I could move that fast without assistance!
2. Writing talisman: I had a lucky necklace when I wrote Manhattan Dreaming . It was a pendant I bought at The Met in New York and features in the novel. The cover of the next book I am writing – Paris Dreaming – is going to be egg shell blue. So when I was in Paris I bought myself a dress ring in that colour to be my writing talisman. I wore it today and powered through the chapter breakdowns. It is my lucky writing ring for this project.
3. My enablers: I’ve been advised that I have a lot of ‘enablers’ in my life and I just want to express publicly my gratitude to you for ‘enabling’ me on a daily basis. Thank you!
4.Oprah quotes: they are positive affirmations that make me think – as if I didn’t think enough already – and give me perspective on life on which to focus each day.
5. Wall planners: how did I ever live without one? Now I can coordinate my life with red, pink, green, blue, brown, purple and black pens so I know where I am supposed to be and when, and whether or not its a meeting, conference, festival, media interview or holiday. Love it. Love Office Words Alexandria!

Today's pic - with the lovely Michelle, Christmas 2007!

So, you want to be a writer...

So, you want to be a writer… some tips to get you started

I am often asked, "What's the one tip you can give me because I want to be a writer?" I wish there was just one magic tip or phrase or clue I could give, but there's not. There are many ideas that work for me, and others that work for other poets, and playwrights and literary writers. But generally, there are a couple of basic steps I can suggest to help you on your way…

1. START WRITING
My brother sent me a text message late one night saying he'd just written the first chapter of his first book. I was so excited for him.
"Can I read it?" I asked.
"I wrote it in the shower." He responded.
"How did you get the computer in the shower?"
"I wrote it in my head."
"No one can read a book that's in your head!"
The messaging ended.

The point is, if you want to be a writer, you must start writing, on paper, or on the computer or into a Dictaphone. But not in your head. You can't publish the book in your head.

Many of my students don't start writing because they are worried about grammar and spelling. But I'll tell you what I tell them. Don't worry in the first instance because in reality it doesn't matter if you are the best writer in the world, if you haven't got a STORY your grammar and spelling is irrelevant. So, 'just start writing the story' is the best tip I can give you. (Actually, HAVING a story is probably the first tip!)

2. READ WIDELY
You MUST read books if you ever intend writing one. You should read across genre, geography, gender, culture and age. Reading widely will expose you to different voices and styles and will help you develop your own style.

3. JOIN A WRITERS CENTRE
I hear so many writers talk about how they suffer the isolation of a writer's life. I find that weird. I don't 'suffer' anything of the kind. Perhaps that's because I like my own company. Seriously, if you want to be connected to other writers then you should join a writer's centre. In Australia there is at least one in every major city and in NSW we also have them in regional centres on the South Coast, Hunter Region and western NSW. Becoming a member of a writers centre will open up opportunities to attend workshops, become aware of awards, competitions and writers grants, and also join writers groups across genres and abilities. For a list of writers centres in Australia go to: Australian Society of Authors

If there isn't a writers' centre located in your area, why not create a writers' group yourself. I created one in Sydney and once a month for 12 months we met at the local library once a month. We did some creative writing exercises, shared some of our writing with each other, and on occasion we had well-known Australian authors come and share their writing experiences with us. They included Rosie Scott (novelist), Jeff McMullen (non-fiction writer and journalist), Pearlie McNeill (autobioprapher), Romaine Moreton (performance poet) and Janet Hutchinson (editor). The group doesn't exist now but we are all still writing.

Established writers and those serious about writing, should join the Australian Society of Authors, which is the peak professional association for Australia's literary creators. ASA members are biographers, illustrators, academics, cartoonists, scientists, food and wine writers, children's writers, ghost writers, librettists, travel writers, romance writers, translators, computer programmers, journalists, poets and novelists.

The ASA sets basic rates and conditions for writers, offers a contract advisory service, runs mentorship programs, publishes resources on writing and publishing, and lobbies the government to protect the rights of Australian writers. The ASA set up the Copyright Agency Ltd which distributes monies to writers who's works are photocopied. The ASA also lobbied the government for Educational Lending Rights and Public Lending Rights, which are schemes designed to compensate authors for books borrowed from libraries as opposed to being bought.

For more information go to: Australian Society of Authors

4. WRITING BUDDY
I have a writing buddy. We meet at the food court of the local Westfield Shopping Centre, or down the beach, or at the library. We order a coffee have a quick yarn and then write. We used to do it fortnightly for just an hour. It's about routine, like going for a walk every morning with a friend. How committed are you to getting fit, or in this case, to practicing your craft?

5. MAKE LISTS
I'm constantly making lists of what I want to write about and everything related to the topic. I write questions to myself that I think someone might ask me about a character or setting. And of course I don't need to tell you to have a pen and notepad with you at all times for those inane observations you will make on the bus, in the doctor's waiting room, in line at the bank and so on. Because writers are born and obsessive observers.

6. PROTOCOLS
If you're working within the genre of Indigenous literature I recommend reading the Australia Council protocols - Writing Cultures: producing Indigenous literature- which is downloadable from the Australia Council for the Arts

There are also guides for song, visual arts, performance and new media.


7. RESOURCES for WRITERS
Do you have proper shoes for running, or for playing sports? Do you have goggles for swimming and so on? Well, books on writing are like the shoes for running. You need to invest in some support for your craft. What will make you run / write better?

I recommend:
The Writing Book by Kate Grenville (Allen & Unwin, 1998)
"This is a how to write book without a single "rule" about writing. Rather than giving abstract advice about how to write, the book takes you step-by-step through the actual process. It begins with many ideas for getting started, works through how these starts can be structured towards a story, and then shows how character, point of view, dialogue etc can build a sketchy early draft into a rich piece of fiction.
Each chapter covers an aspect of fiction - character, point of view, etc - and has three parts:
1. An overview of the aspect being explored
2. Short excerpts from published fiction to show the wide range of approaches open to a writer
3. Exercises that build progressively on each other. The task of each exercise is quite specific and designed to let the writer always work from the basis of what they already know.
The Writing Book starts with the belief that each of us has a unique and valuable voice that can be heard - but only if we can find ways to allow it to speak." (From Kate Grenville's website

* Another book I use a lot is Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way: a course in Discovering and Recovering your Creative Self. This is a book I can pick and do an exercise in just to get the creative juices flowing.

* You might also want to check out Aboriginal Studies Press' Information Kit for Indigenous Authors which is downloadable from: Aboriginal Studies Press

8. THINK ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO WRITE
Considering why you want to write and for whom you are writing should inspire you to write more consistently and passionately. For me I look at the benefits to telling the stories I do, whether they are about the Stolen Generations or life as an urban Koori woman living in Sydney. Either way, if I consider the four key benefits of writing for me, then I am motivated to create.
1. Reaching audiences around the world and educating them on Aboriginal issues / rights
2. Giving Aboriginal kids books to read
3. Providing curriculum materials for all ages – primary to tertiary
4. Breaking down stereotypes about Aboriginal Australians in the 21st century

9. LOVE WHAT YOU DO
Of course, at the end of the day I LOVE writing, so it is also about doing something that brings me joy. I thrive on writing creatively, I work well to deadlines, and I function quite capably alone for hours and hours and hours on end – which is what the writing life is like. The more you love what you do, the better you will be at it – well that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

PS A copy editor is also a good thing to have around. I don't so I apologise for any typos…


PPS Today's pic by Wayne Quilliam taken at the MWF, 2008

What I'm grateful for on Sunday 10th January:

1. Working out in the heat: simply because you sweat faster and look like you’re working harder! I even impressed myself today with minimal effort. Josef, if you are reading this, then I worked by butt off, ok!
2. Dad’s memorabilia: we finally cleaned out my Dad’s wardrobe – he passed away in November 2005. It’s taken us all that long to feel OK about the process. It was actually a ‘remember when’ session as we remembered different places my father wore the same shirt or jacket. I found at least six t-shirts / sweat shirts I had bought him while travelling in Canada and the USA that had never been worn, tags still attached. My Dad believed in wearing something to the death before buying something new. And clearly he was waiting to kill some other pieces of clothing off before he wore mine. The ‘Vinnie’s pile’ went without a few items that we just couldn’t part with. But the memories really are more important than the tangible items though, right?
3. Green Acres: with Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor, because I know that’s what I’d be like living on a farm, and wanting desperately to be back in Manhattan. And I also have Lisa’s ‘flair’ in the kitchen!
4. COPS – the TV show: because it always reminds me of how glad I am that I am not on drugs!
5. Spinach: because it is good for me. But I want to know two things: firstly, how can a huge bunch almost disappear to nothing when cooked in my wok? Secondly, do I still get the same nutritional value even though there’s almost nothing on my plate at the end of the cooking process compared to the start?

What I'm grateful for January 9:

Saturday January 9:

1.Wylies Baths: It’s amazing what some wooden planks, a massage-by-the-sea service, a coffee shop and a rock pool can do for an otherwise back-packer infested suburb. I love Wylie’s Baths and the fact they serve coffee in REAL cups to save the environment. Clearly the $3 entrance fees keeps the backpackers down on the sand... and away from me, yay! Click the link above and see how stunning the place is... really.
2. Bernardine: My cousin Bernardine is the funniest woman I know – next to me that is. Spending time with her is like having front row at the comedy store. I really want her to write a book, but instead she just wants to gift me some of her best material. What am I to say to such an offer other than, ‘Thank you!’ [Pic of B and I above from my Sydney launch of Avoiding Mr Right in 2008]
3. Black Arm Band : Opening night of the Sydney Festival was kicked off in the Domain by the extraordinary talents of the Black Arm Band – made up of Jimmy Little, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Shellie Morris, Emma Donovan, Lou Bennett, Dan Sultan and a cast of other stars. There must have been over 100,000 people there and my guess is that they could all sing better than I can, and that was the only downer!
4. Leg-work @ the gym: I love doing leg work at the gym, because for the most part, it means I am sitting down (on machines!).
5. Hanging with my bro: OK, I’m not an idiot, I do know that my 28 year old brother is only hanging out with me two nights in a row – and on the weekend – because his mates and girlfriend are away. But I’m grateful for the time we get to yarn also. Not sure who ironed his clothes tonight.

What I'm grateful for January 8:

Friday January 8:
1. Cone of silence meetings: clearly I can’t say anything here... it all happened in the ‘cone of silence.’ Fair to say these meetings are usually about exciting news bound by an embargo date, or it’s nasty gossip - pleased to say it’s the former.
2. Coffee @ Surfing Ramps: I exist in an office by myself a lot of the time, and it gets a bit boring having a one-sided conversation. Needless to say I win every argument. I’m always grateful then for the invitation to have morning tea with the mob across the hall. I talk non-stop and they nod politely, and today I didn’t have to put anything in the swear jar, so that’s a bonus! 
3. My ability to iron: You may think I’m odd, but I like to iron. At least you see results for your labour. And no, I’m not doing your ironing! I’ve been ironing since I was a teenager at school. My brothers never had to iron though, and I could never get a get a straight answer from my parents as to why they didn’t have to. Of course, you and I both know why. I remember when I lived on the Gold Coast in 1998 and Mum came to visit. My brother called on the third day and said, ‘Mum has to come home. It took Dad and I an hour to iron my school shirt.’ She got a flight home that night.
4. Coastal drive with brother: My brother bought a new vehicle. He seems so grown up in it. And I’m sure he irons occasionally now too. Anyways, we cruised the eastern beaches and I liked being a passenger for a change.
5. Wax strips: as with the cone of silence – can’t say any more, but happy for you to be creative.

What I'm grateful for today:

January 7:
1. Mallorca: OK, who wouldn’t be grateful for a trip to Mallorca – all expenses paid! But, it was more than the trip itself back in September. Rather, it was the people - wonderful women - I met while there. We talked literature, Aboriginal studies, local culture. But we also talked about shopping, shoes, and boys too. I’m grateful today for a beautiful card I received from the women I met while at the EASA Conference in Palma. They were apparently out shopping before Christmas, sat for a coffee and signed a card to me. Too precious. There is mounting pressure for me to return this year… there’s at least one shop I didn’t go into. For tips on where to go and what to see in Palma keep your eye on the Sunday Telegraph as I have a travel story in soonish! The pic today is of yours truly with Dr Eva Perez and Dr Paloma Fresno from the University of the Balearic Islands.
2. Coffee in the park: Terri and I sat in the part across from our offices and had a break this arvo. I’m grateful for the simple things like twenty-minutes of talking storylines, reminiscing about conversations during our uni days - OK, so I can’t really remember much but Terri assures me I said certain things and they sound like the words I would use!
3. Old dresses that still fit: It was good to get into a dress that I’d bought for the Tranby Graduation Dinner back in 1999 – yes, 1999. It still fit, or perhaps I was larger then. Funny that the evening wear I used to don back then now gets worn to the office! It’s good to get dressed up to sit in a room alone and write! ☺
4. Roo stir-fry: it’s one of the few things I cook, so I’m grateful for the wok that I use to make myself something healthy for dinner. It’s low in fat, high in protein and then I bounce all over the place.
5. Email: It truly is a revolution in communication isn’t it? How did we ever live without it? In fact, how did we ever live without microwave ovens, where I do most of my cooking? Sorry, I digress. Yesterday I received emails from friends in far away places: Shanghai, Hawaii and Asturias. Personal emails really are separate to Facebook broadcasts aren’t they? Then again, what ever happened to the more personal handwritten letter that we would hold up and smell and read over and over again?? I need to get back into that. I used to be the world’s greatest pen pal.

What I'm grateful for today:

1. Sleep: I was grateful for sleep this morning, when it finally arrived about 2am. Is it possible to get jetlag simply from Perth to Sydney?
2. Yoga mats: I don’t do yoga, but they gave me a yoga mat at the gym this morning to replace the boxing gloves I bought for Frane for Christmas Day. When she opened the pressie there were two left handed gloves. I thought maybe she had two left thumbs, but it appears not. So I bought her another pair while over west where people have thumbs on each hand it seems, and then took the lefties back today. Perhaps they will fit someone else. Oh, I’m going to start doing yoga, apparently. 
3. Invitation to the Sydney Writers’ Festival: waiting for me in my inbox this morning was an invitation to this year’s Sydney Writers’ Festival, held annually in May at Walsh Bay right on Sydney Harbour. I love it, whether I’m speaking or not. Sometimes I just sit with Rosie Scott, or Ali Smith or Kathryn Heyman or the girls from Random House and just watch people walk by. I’m not at all concerned about the panels I’ll be doing. Rather the biggest issue is what to wear to opening night!? Pic above is of the gorgeous Kelly Fagan and I at the opening night of SWF in 2008.
4. Dinner at Mum’s: isn’t it great that at your mum’s place there’s always food in the fridge and a meal on offer. I love that. Right now I have a bottle of soda water, some English spinach and three punnets of strawberries in my fridge. So it was wonderful to eat at Mum’s tonight. I was there with my sister Gisella and her two sons Ben and Matt, they are very good boys. And my brother Mark, he’s a good boy too (well, he’s 28) and he’s very handsome – just ask him (and see pic above). We relived stories of childhood accidents: I broke my wrist roller-skating, Gisella split her lip at the end of toy gun, Mark cracked his forehead on the front step and again in the doctors surgery waiting room. He also burned his chest badly TWICE as an infant and dropped a can of fruit on his foot, splitting his toe open. He was always the attention seeker. Amongst it all we had a lot of laughs tonight, and I am grateful for that, and my lovely family.
5. Indigenous All Stars NRL Game: I’M GOING! I’m not a footy follower as many will know, however, I am on the board of the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (see logo on t-shirts in photo above) and will be representing NASCA at the event on February 13. I am a tad excited ... To read more about the team playing on the Gold Coast, check out the NRL website.

What I’m grateful for today:

January 5:

1. My home: There’s nothing like returning home from a trip away, is there? Even the stuffiness, wilted plants and dead flies on the window sill could not taint the feeling of knowing that my own bed, bath and balcony were just that, my own. Of course, by the end of the week the feet will be itchy again…but am I mistaking athletes foot for travellers itch?
2. Generous cousins: Having been away for 10 days it was great to arrive back in Sydney to Christmas presents still arriving in the post. My cousin Bev (see gorgeous pic above of cuz and her artwork) knows me well, and earned millions of brownie points (actually if you’re brown should you get whitey points?) with a fabulous parcel she sent: dark chocolate and a bottle of Moét Chandon. That’s Mo-ET not Mo-AY as was pointed out to me by my vocab instructOR Verity James while in Perth. Cuz – you are officially my favourite! ☺
3. Oprah On-Line store: have you checked it out? It’s FABULOUS! As soon as I write the next book and get some cash flow happening I am going shopping!! Feel free to meet me there, but please, no elbowing over the last items in my size.
4. Author Dawn McCoy: I’ve just received a copy of Leadership Building Blocks: an insider’s guide to success and am looking forward to getting much needed tips from a like-minded US-based writer. The fact that I know she is a Leo and also loves to shop at Tiffany’s is of course simply an aside to her being an accomplished writer and speaker. More power to you Dawn McCoy.
5. Good news: I received some news today, some exciting news, some highly confidential news… and I am about to explode with the knowledge of it. BUT, I can’t share it with you until mid-March, so stay tuned here,or follow me on Twitter or join my fan page on Facebook … for the announcement (and others) I am VERY excited!

January 4:
1. Being pet-less: Ok, ok, we’ve all agreed that I shouldn’t get a dog, that I can’t walk a dolphin and that I’m probably not going to be good with small children either. But never was I so glad not to have a pet until I found pet hair in my underwear this morning (no, I wasn’t wearing them at the time). And yes, I know it’s called ‘fur’, whatever. I left my case open at Ledge Point and the dog the size of a horse and his sister, the Husky, left fur everywhere. Not sexy man, not happy Jan!
2.Subiaco, WA: I can’t believe I have never been to this gorgeous little place before – a community right outside the train station. I loved it. Frané and I had lunch at the Subiaco Hotel and they even let us have glasses to drink out of (we are a little naughty in public places so it’s always a risk giving us cutlery or anything that may break etc).
3. Being a Vixen: I met VJ and the other Vixen’s today and have been invited to establish the east coast branch. When I know what it is we are supposed to do (beyond eat good food and talk about the opposite sex), I’ll let you know. Taking suggestions for Sydney-based Vixens as I write.
4. My Matto Dialect: Now, I’m a proud Matraville girl. No airs and graces. Born in the burbs, probably die in the burbs. So you can correct my grammar but you’ll never really change the way I speak. But I’m grateful you care so much.
5. People who put the toilet roll on the correct way: it’s not a hard task, really. Take the empty roll off the holder and replace with new roll, with the paper rolling outwards not back towards the wall. It’s not rocket-science, really!

What I'm grateful for...

January 3:
1. Padded bed-heads: Don’t ask me how, but I’ve managed to bash my head against the wooden bed-head in my hotel room twice. Can’t imagine what the guests in the next room might be thinking but there’s only me and Paul Mercurio on the telly in this room.
2. Tiffany’s Perth: My favourite store is the perfect place to escape the heat while in Perth.
3. Karratha: I visited Karratha in 2001 as part of a writing tour and the place provided me with a friendship for life – Michelle and I spent the day talking and shopping. Karratha also provided me with creative inspiration and an interesting night out to remember. I’m looking forward to returning there one day.
4. Novotel Perth: There’s a roof-top spa that overlooks the Swan River – fairly impressive. Might go have another spa right now.
5. Living in Sydney: I like Perth, and the WA coast, really I do. But it’s so hot, every day. Right now I long for the southerly that comes up every afternoon where I live.

January 2nd
1. Dolphins: I got to pat Flipper this morning. Well, it probably wasn’t Flipper but her great, great grandson. It was the most soothing, gentle experience. I think I’d rather a pet dolphin rather than a dog. Although, not sure how I’d go walking a dolphin.
2. Fishing: well cray-fishing to be exact. Squid-ing too. I am grateful to locals Den Den and Olga who took me out about 5.30am to check their craypods. It was cold and wet and windy as the sun rose. I was less than elegant getting in and out of the boat in my white shift and black underwear. I told them they were my coizzies but let’s face it, who’s gonna see me at 5.30am anyway? It was a first for me and now I can tick it of the list of things I’ve done before I die.
3. 7-11: I’m grateful for the convenience store where I raced to for ‘essential’ items like deodorant, V and Twisties.
4. Hotel Gyms: I’m on the road a lot so it was good to check into a hotel with a gym and fluff around a little bit with hand weights fooling myself that it will balance out the amount I’ve eaten the past week.
5. Routines: I’m REALLY grateful for the routine I will get back into when I get home. For some reason I eat better and exercise more and drink less when I’ve got a routine, schedule and ‘To Do’ list.

January 1st 2010
1. Waking up without a hangover: My mantra was to ‘Start the year the way you want it to play out!’ so waking up healthy and hangover free was a must! It also made hitting the golf course easier...
2. Golf: Although I’m not very good at it, I like to hit golf balls, at the driving range and on the golf course, so I was grateful to a local, Denis – affectionately known as Den Den - who took me out on the Ledge Point Golf Course for nine holes. Den Den had a golf cart which he let me drive. I had to put a P plate on it though. It didn’t have power steering but I manouvered it well. It was incredibly windy on the course, making well placed shots difficult. The upside was that every ball – and I mean EVERY ball – went astray, but I could at least say ‘The wind took it!’
3. Cooking: Other people’s cooking that is, as I’m sure we’ve established that the kitchen is my least favourite room in the house. I was fortunate enough to indulge in crayfish, oysters, scallops and prawns all prepared by locals and guests who dropped by. I could live like this but at last count I was gaining 1kg per day since landing in WA!
4. Wii: I’ve finally caught up with the technology and been introduced to golf and 10 pin bowling. It was fun. I liked watching the styles of some of my friends, the jumps for joy when winning and the slumps when losing. Me? I’m not really the competitive type, and don’t really care who wins at sport. Having said that, if I win I like to do a lap of honour ala Cathy Freeman.
5. Grosmos: I was making cocktails for friends (not me, because I don’t want hangovers , remember?) and ran out of cranberry juice. So a quick look in the cool room – yes rich white people have cool rooms – and found some grapefruit just and voila! I invented the Grosmo. Am told it was delish.