Anita is at the National Library of Australia, Canberra, June 3

If you are in Canberra and surrounds, I'd love to see you at the NLA on Thursday June 3 where I'll be talking about MANHATTAN DREAMING and doing a book signing.

Later that evening, I'll be at Paperchain in Manuka... so please drop by if the chilly Canberra air isn't too much to bear! For info, click here!

I'm packing my woollies!

Anita

What I'm grateful for May 21st...

1. RICHARD VAN CAMP: What a wonderful storyteller Richard van Camp is. Truly engaging, inspiring, entertaining and wise. Richard and Boori Pryor collectively had the audience in the Bangarra Mezzanine captivated for the hour we shared the stage at the Sydney Writers’ Festival. I was grateful for the opportunity to chair this session on First Nations Voices because hands down it was the highlight of this year’s festival for me.
2. A&U BASH: I missed the Random House author dinner last night because I was out at Blacktown, so I was grateful to get to the Allen and Unwin bash at the swish Ottoman Restaurant where we celebrated another year of fantastic Australian writing. In that celebration we toasted this week’s Premier’s Literary Award win for the Macquarie PEN anthology of Australian literature. Kudos to all those involved, including Pete Minter my co-editor on the Aboriginal content. Loved hanging out at the party with Leigh Hobbs (pictured with Boori and I), Susan Skelly and the mob from the Brisbane Writers’ Festival.
3. EMMA AND AMY: I made two new friends made at the A&U bash. Emma and Amy it turns out know two friends of mine from separate lives. Although I was like and older Aunty we hit it off and headed out into the night air to find food at some unhealthy hour!
4. MAMAK: I am grateful to E&A who introduced me to Mamak in Chinatown! Food was delish. I’ll be going back for sure, check it out here!
5. COMMON SENSE: Yes, even I have it on the odd occasion. And now and then I take notice of it. Like when it tells me to let the young ones go out to karaoke and dance, and that I should go home. I was grateful that I took my common sense to bed by midnight, just like Cinderella.

What I'm grateful for Thursday May 20...

1. TERRI JANKE: Terri and I have known each other for over 20 years. And I am grateful daily for her friendship, inspiration, sense of humour and style. I was thrilled to be on a panel with her today – at the Sydney Writers’ Festival - about copyright and collaborations, and then simply taking some time out to eat lunch in the sun. Life is good.
2. JON DOUST: Jon’s one of my WA stalkers, but we like him. Seriously, he’s a top bloke and deserves respect given his novel Boy on a wire was long-listed for this year’s Miles Franklin Award. I was grateful to just sit in the sun, drink tea and appreciate the moment. Again, life is good.
3. ALEX MILLER: You all know I love Alex Miller and it’s not because I’m a character in one of his books – do you know which one? Or that he’s a deadly writer and twice winner of the Miles Franklin Award. It’s just cost he’s my mate, and I’m grateful for that. Spending time with he and Jon was like being with the Aunties.
4. INDIGENOUS WRITERS: Tonight I got to spend the evening with Boor Pryor, Cathy Craigie, Leanne Tobin and special guest from Fort Smith, NWT in Canada, Richard Van Camp. I was grateful not only for the opportunity to chair a session about writing processes and challenges as Indigenous writers, but I’m also grateful to the sizeable audience who came along to listen and share.
5. BLACKTOWN ARTS CENTRE: The long hike (100 mins) to get to Blacktown in peak-hour traffic was well worth it. The Blacktown Arts Centre is gorgeous, and I am grateful to them for hosting the Indigenous Voices, and Judith Ridge for coordinating our event as part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival. I’m looking forward to going back again sometime in the near future.

What I'm grateful for Wednesday May 19...

1. CAKES AS SUSTENANCE: I was grateful Caro strolled into the office with an assortment of cakes for sustenance this morning. It really, really helped my writing process!
2. WORD COUNT: So helpful were the Portuguese tarts that I churned out 2000 words in no time at all. I’m grateful for the fingers on the keyboard today.
3. GREEN TEA: I was grateful for the green tea in the office when no other caffeine was available.
4. AIME: I was grateful for the invitation to attend the launch of Women of AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) this evening. I was inspired by the work being done by this fantastic organisation, and urge you all to get involved.
5. SHARING: I was grateful for some time tonight with someone dear to me. It was time we both needed and grew from. The souvlaki salad wasn’t half bad either!

What I'm grateful for Tuesday May 18...

1. CREATIVE KOORI KIDS: When I drive along the M5 out to East Hills to work with my kids, I am so grateful for my life, my day, my time with such creative minds. I’m going to miss them when our project is over, though we’ll have our anthology as a keepsake. Stay tuned for launch details later in the year.
2. SWF OPENING NIGHT: I’m always grateful for an invitation to the opening night of the Sydney Writers’ Festival. No – it’s not because free food and wine interests me. Clearly I have enough of both in my life already. I’m actually grateful for the chance to frock up and catch up – with people like storyteller and author Boori Pryor and Judith Ridge (Western Sydney Young People's Literature Officer) – pic of us three above
3. NRMA: Before I arrived at the party though, I had to deal with a flat tyre in the rain down at Walsh Bay. I was grateful for the quick and efficient response by the NRMA and my new best-friend Ken who had it all fixed in no time. Yes, I am sure I could’ve done it myself, but not in heels and dress in the rain. And anyways, that’s why we pay memberships, yes?
4. WIG: I am so grateful for my wig. People who don’t know I’m wearing it think I’ve got gorgeous hair!
5. MEETING NEW PEOPLE: I was grateful for the opportunity to meet new people at the party – authors, editors, agents, publishers. Now, if only I could remember their names? It would if authors didn’t swap name-tags!

What I'm grateful for this weekend...

1. GOODWILL: I’m grateful for the goodwill of so many people that made the Songs for Stories concert a roaring success last night. A fundraising activity for the Indigenous Literacy Project, all performers and project coordinators donated their time, energy and skills. Kudos to Louisa Deer (Hatchett), David Gaunt (Gleebooks), Karen Williams (ILP), Moira Hay (Production Manager), Suzy Wilson (founder of the ILP). Acknowledgement to all the performers: Street Warriors, Koomurri Dance Troupe, David Malouf (ILP Ambassador), Katie Noonan and the Captains, Maggie Noonan and Adam Hill and the deadly Josh Pyke. The highlight of the night for me was the grand finale with all performers on state singing the Street Warrior remake of Goanna’s Solid Rock. You can watch the video here!
2. UNCLE MAX : I just have to mention Uncle Max Eulo. He is from the Budjedi tribe of western NSW and is the star wherever he is. Uncle Max is a regular at many cultural events and does most of the smoking ceremonies around Sydney. He recently smoked the National Centre for Indigenous Studies and my brother’s school Christian Brothers Lewisham. Uncle Max was keen for a pic last night – as was I – and I’m grateful he didn’t get any ochre on my new black jacket! Love ya Unc! [Pic above]
3. JULIE McCROSSIN: Yes, I know I know, I’ve mentioned Julie McCrossin before, but seriously, the woman is brilliant. She was a stunning MC of the concert last night, helping the program move efficiently – when there weren’t issues with the sound – and keeping us in fits of laughter when hiccups presented themselves. I’m grateful that such a wonderfully warm and generous person is part of the Fred Hollows Foundation – a partner in the Indigenous Literacy Project. [Pic of my new best-friend Julie]
4. ILP SUPPORTERS: I’m grateful to everyone who bought tickets and came along last night. Their attendance and generosity contributed to our overall goal of getting more books into remote Indigenous communities so our kids can read and enjoy the life they are entitled to.
5. DEBRIEFS: What I’ve learnt over time is the importance and benefits of debriefing after both fabulous and challenging events. I was grateful last night for the debrief with my brother Mark, Judith and Renee.[Pic of Renee and I at the Town Hall]

Today I’m grateful for...

1. Pears and dates with oatmeal in the morning.
2. Red Bull when I have no energy (ie the day after a big night out).
3. Friends who cry, laugh and eat junk food with you, even if they don’t want to.
4. The Scary Commissioner for keeping an eye on me although I’m hoping some of my behaviour will escape under the radar!
5. My soul-sista Michelle - pictured above.

What I'm grateful for March 11...

1. INSTYLE AWARDS: I went to the InStyle Women of Style Awards tonight, and I was grateful for the opportunity to meet some fabulous women working in a range of fields. And of course it was fun to get frocked up – thanks again Charlie Brown for being one of the few designers to make dresses for women with breasts - to see some stars up close and personal and, more than anything, I was grateful I didn’t trip on the red carpet.
2. SIDONIE CARPENTER : My fabulous brother was my escort for the evening – he always looks fab in a suit and I can boss him around so he makes the perfect date. But neither of us knew anyone else, so I was grateful to meet friendly and fabulous nominee in the Environment category, Sidonie Carpenter and her husband Ian. The couple engaged us in conversation until the event ceremony began and we headed to separate tables. Sidonie is a landscape architect and President of Green Roofs Australia Inc., and she creates green roofs and walls. Most impressive!
3. DR. TAMMIE MATSON: So, we said goodbye to Sidonie and Ian and headed to table 13 which was unlucky for me, but lucky for Dr Tammie Matson who was the winner of the Environment category for her work as an Australian zoologist and author specializing in human-wildlife conflict. Tammie and her husband Andy – who is the Executive Director of Earth Hour Global - were barrels of fun, so I was grateful for the seating plan who sat us together. Although I must say, seated at tables of four felt more like a double-date than an awards ceremony, but I’m not complaining, just making an observation, as writers do. :)
4. AUDI: It’s a novel idea to have a car pick you up for an event, and much better than catching the stretch Mercedes isn’t it? So, I’m grateful to sponsor Audi who provided not only a gorgeous car to get me to the event, but moreso, I’m grateful to the driver Ian. I’m aware the drivers were told not to talk to the clients, but I am so grateful mine didn’t heed the directive. We talked about everything from golf to Jessica Rowe (whom he also picked up). Kudos to you Ian, I reckon you’re a star.
5. GIFT BAGS: I’m grateful for the gift bag I received tonight which included goodies from Oroton, Audi (no it was not a set if car keys), Lindt (my fave), Longines (a great pen for book signings), Virgin airways and SK-II. I’m a very lucky lady.

What I'm grateful for May 8 and 9...

1. PAMPERING GIRL’S DAY OUT: What a wonderful way to spend Saturday with my dear friends. I was grateful for 3.5 hours at Wellness@Port in Port Douglas, where we all spent our time lolling about in the quiet space being massaged, facialed, exfoliated, steamed and well, just pampered. I felt like I was walking on clouds when we finally said good-bye to our hosts Ian and Renee. I can’t wait to go back.
2. SALSA BAR AND GRILL: After such a relaxing afternoon all I wanted to do was get in my pjs, crawl into bed and order room service, but we had a birthday to celebrate, so we legged it – stylishly of course – to the fabulous Salsa Restaurant. I was grateful for the lively, energetic atmosphere, the cheeky waiter and the absolutely scrumptious food. I had their signature dish, Salsa's Jambalaya w/ fragrant rice, tiger prawns, squid, yabbies, smoked chicken, crocodile sausages. There were more forks than mine in my food that night and then a number spoons hit the Chocolate Cointreau Soufflé. What a way to finish the perfect day.
3. EARLY MORNING SWIM: Such a peaceful way to start the day, taking a dip in the lagoon before going to work (see next entry). I was grateful that my friend - the Scary Commissioner - joined me for my self-designed aqua aerobics class. I wish I could start every day like that.
4. WHILEAWAY BOOKSTORE: It wasn’t all r’n’r in PD though, I did have to do some work and that came in the form of a book-signing at Whileaway Bookstore and Coffee Shop, which locals informed me was one of the town’s most popular meeting spots. And I know why. With over 6000 books at hand to choose from (and these are more exotic than those found in supermarkets) and some of the best coffee and chocolate brownies in PD, I wanted to not only make it MY regular spot, I wanted to BUY the place. What I really mean is that when I grow up I want to own a bookshop just like Whileaway where we’d hold readings and sell local artwork as well. Ah, it’s free to dream. Pic above is of the shop owner Devra King. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with the locals in PD thanks to the invitation by Devra, and I look forward to launching my next book there in 2011.
5. HARRISONS RESTAURANT: Yes, my life and happiness completely revolves around my friends and food. I’m so glad they are like me! While I was signing books and chatting to locals the gals found Harrisons for breakfast. By the time I got there, they’d all but finished, but one gave me a piece of their toast, another gave me a piece of their bacon. Perhaps it was the love in their sharing that made it taste so good, but either way, I wanna go back there.

What I'm grateful for May 7...

1. CAIRNS SUNRISE: I am grateful that I complained about the smoky room at my hotel on the esplanade, because they upgraded me to a 10th floor room with the perfect view of the Pacific Ocean and a stunning sunrise. What a way to start the day.
2. HOTEL GYMS: I’m grateful for hotel gyms; they mean I can work of the mini-bar before I check out!
3. SHERATON PORT DOUGLAS: OMG – it is the most fabulous place to stay. Beautiful grounds with palm trees, electric blue butterflies and two hectares of lagoons to swim in. I was grateful for such a peaceful place to celebrate my friends’ birthdays, recharge my batteries and indeed, do a book signing at a local bookstore!
4. MARS BAR SUNDAY: I kid you not, I had a Mars Bar Sunday at On the Inlet restaurant in Port Douglas. And while the ice-cream was average, the melted Mars Bar was delish, and I was grateful for the recipe which I’m going to try and master at my next home gathering. How hard can it be to microwave a Mars Bar and pour it on ice-cream?
5. TIME OUT: I was grateful for the two hours I had chilling with my besties by the pool today. I tried really, really, really hard not to think about the deadlines that are ruling my life every other minute of the day.
Today’s pics of the Cairns sunrise, me on the beach at Port Douglas and chilling by the pool!

What I'm grateful for May 6...

1. MULTI-TASKING: RQ and I flew to Cairns this morning, and we were like kids on a school excursion we were so excited. But I was more impressed with - or grateful for –our combined abilities to multi-task. While RQ worked on significant government policy documents, I worked on character breakdowns for my next book, but we also managed at the same time to watch the movie Invictus, talk to each other about everything from leadership to hair products, and eat our trays of QANTAS airline food. The girls had it all going on.
2. SOUL-TWIN: RQ is my ‘soul-twin’, a new term given to me by a journo who interviewed me about friendship recently. I’m really grateful for RQ who I can easily travel with. I’m not used to being around someone else 24/7, so sharing a hotel room with anyone could go either way. With RQ and I traveling is all laughter – and quite a lot of shopping, too many sweet things and countless cups of tea. Pic of RQ and I above.
3.CairnsFM 89.1: I’m grateful to Marcus Smith (pic above) and Marky G for their invitation to yarn up today on their Indigenous program. I couldn’t believe the research they’d done, uncovering the fact that a long, long time ago before I even thought about being a writer, I worked in a chicken shop. They were so prepared for the interview I’m thinking about hiring them as my own researchers!
4. BAYLEAF RESTAURANT: We all know I like food, no secret there. And so I’m always grateful for the experience of new restaurants, especially with old friends. Tonight my tidda Jake took us to Bayleaf in Cairns for a Balinese banquet. The food was plentiful, the service was spot on and the stories flowed. I just wished we’d manage to eat the entire 12 courses! Next time we’ll prepare by eating nothing for three days beforehand...
5. JAKE’S HOUSE: I was grateful for the opportunity to check out my old friend’s new house. I don’t mean she’s old, I mean I’ve had her as a friend for a long time, you know what I mean. I felt inspired by Jake’s new home. It’s kind of like the one I’d like to have when I reach some serious writerly success, or when I grow up – whichever comes first!

What I'm grateful for May 4...

1. ALLAN J CLARKE: Do you know him? You should. He’s a deadly journo doing it all for Living Black on SBS. I’m grateful for his absolute professionalism today – and the fact he smelt so, so, so good – when he interviewed me re the Indigenous Literacy Project and the upcoming fundraising event at the Sydney Writers’ Festival at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
2. KODIE BEDFORD: Seriously, Kodie did not blink an eyelid as I ranted to Allan Clarke about not being able to do the interview without me having hair and make-up done. The thing is, for me, leaving home without foundation and lippy is like leaving home without a bra or cleaning my teeth. And when you do TV they tell you to arrive at the studio without any product in your hair and no makeup on. So, I left home without my Moroccan Oil and Glass and without any face paint. And then, when I arrived at 14 Herbert Street Artarmon, Allan had to negotiate with the makeup department about fixing my face while Kodie had to smile and entertain me. Gotta love the professionalism of our media and the need to please the ‘talent’. Hah! Love that term ‘talent’. If I was truly talented then I’d be able to perform without foundation and eye-liner, right? Anyway, I was VERY grateful for Kodie – whom I occasionally stalk on Twitter - listening to my explanations for the need for blush and hair straitening. She pretended to completely understand and didn’t once refer to me as a diva, as she should’ve! Today’s pics are of moi with Karla Grant – present of Living Black and moi with Allen and Kodie.
3. iPHONE GPS: I’m grateful for the maps feature on my iPhone because it seems half of Sydney’s cabbies don’t know where they’re going!
4. JAMIE @ THE GYM: I don’t know why but Jamie shouts me a V every day. One shouldn’t question generosity, one should just be grateful and I am.
5. LAN PHAM: Recently I employed the services of stylist Lan Pham to help me sort my wardrobe and teach me what to wear and how to wear it. I’ve learnt how to maximise my wardrobe and indeed how to wear everything I already have. You have no idea how grateful I am for the time Lan has given me and the advice she has shared. If you’d like to use her services also, see the flyer above!
6. RINA: I also need to add that I am incredibly grateful to Rina who did my hair and makeup at SBS today. She had a fairly bland canvas to work with and turned into a masterpiece. Of course, looking good makes you feel good, and then it was easier for me to work. Rina is a true miracle-worker! AND, we had a good goss and laugh as well.

What I am grateful for May 3...

1. MY FRIEND ‘M’: My friend ‘M’ is the best friend you could ever hope for. I’m allowed to choose the restaurant, the movie, the wine, the pizza. I am so grateful for a friendship that makes me seem like I am right most of the time and in control of at least one thing in my life! We had fun tonight.
2. CREATIVE MINDS: My students of the Twugia project are some of the most creative students I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They blew me away today with their characters – creating them within minutes of being given an item of clothing to wear: a hat, a pair slippers, a tiara, a lei, a beanie, some loofah gloves and even oven mitts! Their characters ended up everywhere from the South Pole to Hawaii. What a wonderful hour just on that exercise. See today’s pic of my fabulous students. I wish I could teach them every day. Although, I’m exhausted after five hours, so the teaching day would need to be adjusted. Pic today is of my writing class... aren't that gorgeous!
3. MANNERS: My kids in this writing project are so polite – mostly – and it reminds me of and makes me grateful for good manners. Sending a shout out to those who raised these wonderful young people.
4. BRIBES: Ok, I’m not a parent and I’m not a trained teacher so even though I have respect from the students and they have good manners, I still resort to using chocolate occasionally [today we had Freddo Frogs] as bribes to ensure that said manners and respect are maintained. Actually, when I hear kids screaming in the supermarket I’d be grateful if parents subscribed to the ‘bribery’ method of maintaining some public peace!
5. JOHN CUSACK : I’m grateful for John Cusack. I think John Cusack is HOT! Very, very, very hot. I went to the movies tonight just to see him...! But I’m not quite sure why he did the movie Hot Tub Time Machine – the script was crap. But then again, I didn’t go for the script.

What I'm grateful for this weekend...

1. COMMUNITY THEATRE: I took myself off to experience the Chester St Theatre Group Inc and their production of Dinkum Assorted. I was interested in the story of wartime Australia (1942), life in the country town of Warrabadanga and a passionate group of women working in the local biscuit factory. And I was proud to see my friend Joan Rodd playing the role of Big Beet – and I’m not biased at all, but Big Beet had the best lines of the production. I found sitting in the Chester Street Uniting Church Hall in Epping inspiring. I was grateful for the reminder of the place and importance of community theatre in our culture as I made small talk with other theatre goers and local supporters . I think I’ll check out what my own local theatre group is up to. [Today's pic of me and Terri Janke - my sister in Saturday night community theatre activities...]
2. WORD COUNTS: Yes they do matter because I have a contract that says I will deliver a certain amount... I’m grateful then that my goal of 70,000 words is getting closer and closer. It has meant working on the weekend, but that’s the writerly life and I love it!
3. CHARLIE BROWN: I am SO grateful to Australian designer Charlie Brown because she makes gorgeous, elegant, classy and groovy clothes for women with flesh, curves and boobs. I have worn Charlie Brown dresses to speaking engagements in Tahiti, Beijing, the Sydney Opera House, the QLD State Library, numerous writers festivals and on telly. I started to panic today because I didn’t have a frock for the upcoming 2010 Women of Style Awards ceremony on May 11. With all the faith in world, I headed into Charlie Brown and found at least three frocks that would do the job well. Just a word of advice to the other Australian designers: why don’t you start designing for women who look like they’ve reached puberty already! Many of us will never be a size 8 and don’t want to be. We’re healthy and happy the way we are and we like to wear pretty clothes also!
4. MUM’s HOUSE: I’m grateful that I live 400m from Mum’s house. It’s easy to see her every day, check she’s all right, I can do my washing, and of course, like all Mum’s houses... my mum always has a fridge full of goodies. Today, I found a lonely Lindt Easter egg... sorry Mum, but you should’ve known to hide it! Yummo!
5. MY BED: I’ve slept in a lot of strange beds these past months – and yes that sounds far more interesting and exciting that it really is – and so I am grateful to be home in my own. I love my pillows, my linen, the fact that my bed faces south – the correct feng shui for me.