What I’m grateful for in Sydney this week...

1. MY JOB: I’ve spent the last few weeks traipsing around the country-side talking to school kids and parents, teachers and librarians, Rotarians and readers. The only reason I’ve been able to do that is because I am writer by trade – ok, and a damned good entertainer and speaker! Seriously, when trying to encourage students to consider writing – in any form – as a career, I tell them that this year alone, being a writer has taken me to: New York, Atlanta, Paris, Barcelona, Brisbane, Perth, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne, Mudgee, Deniliquin and Kingaroy. I am grateful that for the hard work of the past 20 years has paid off and that I have the writing life I have. And for those who claim it’s an isolated artform, I don’t know what they are talking about! I’m talking to people all the time!
2. MY BED: Seriously, I slept in seven different beds over twenty nights and the only one I had a decent doze in was my OWN. The next best thing to my own bed is the Sofitel but unfortunately, they don’t have one in Deni or Kingaroy. I am ALWAYS grateful to get back to Matraville, to my own bed, to my six pillows and doona. There is, as they say, no place like home.

3. MY SMARK KIDS: An element of my writing job this year was working with thirteen amazing gifted and talented Koori students in south western Sydney. Together we created characters, settings and short stories. We wrote book reviews and biographies and collectively we / they produced their first anthology of writing. I was so proud to be part of the project and to attend the launch on Wednesday night at Casula Powerhouse. Pics today include me with students and Natalie Pierson, the Twugia Project Coordinator.

4. MY FRIENDS: I’ve had a wonderful week catching up with friends over food (naturally), on the phone, via Skype and email. I’m grateful EVERY day for the richness of my life that comes from staunch, loyalty, reliable, witty, passionate friends, who also like to eat!
5. MY ABILITY TO BALANCE LIFE: I’m grateful that over the years my life-coach / business coach Geraldine Star has helped me reach a place where I can manage a healthy professional and social life. Ok, so I did spend time in the office both yesterday and today, but next Friday I’m having a Moet lunch and getting the hair done! It’s all about balance, isn’t it
6.MUM'S EGG SANGERS: They're the best!