What I’m grateful for this week:

I’m stifling as I write this but I’ve been swimming in one of the most beautiful rock pools today and for that I am grateful. Life is good even in this unbearable heat, but I need to admit that my brain is somewhat fried, so bear with me as try to string something together below... because I must, as everywhere I look, I see / feel something I am grateful for.

1. CYCLONE SAFETY: I’m most grateful this week that my dear friend Jake and her family remained safe and unharmed during the terrifying tropical cyclone Yasi in Far Northern Queensland. I found myself anxious, worried, unable to sleep as my old friend – old as in long time friend not that she’s old – was up there in Cairns amidst it all. But text messages throughout the night and next morning brought good news and relief.
2. VISION BOARD: I’ve been working hard on my vision board and it’s almost finished. It’s helpful to glance to the right in my office and be reminded of my goals and ‘visions’ for 2011. Without giving too much away: ‘Be patient! Be passionate! Be genuine!’ is printed large across the board with images of New York, mocked up headlines I’d like to see in the press this year, and a photo of my face pasted onto the body of a Women’s Health cover girl – this is my favourite. I’m grateful that I at least know my goals for the year and have a direction to follow. And I’m pleased to know that quite a few women I know also have visions boards. Have you? What’s on yours?
3. COLLEGIALITY: I am so humbled by the response I’ve had from friends and colleagues – mostly in the writing and publishing industry – who have agreed to be guest bloggers here in the next month, focussing on what they are grateful for. Because Black History Month is being celebrated in the US and Canada in February, I’ve got some deadly black writers lined up to share what they’re grateful for in this very important month. Already you’ve heard from Bryan-Keyth Wilson below, but during the week we’ll be blessed with words by Nakia Laushaul, with more to come from Patricia Haley and others! I’ve also got some deadly Australian writers and illustrators – Pamela Freeman, Daniella Brodsky, Frane Lessac, Kylie Ladd and Josie Montano to name a few – on my hit list. Of course Sara Foster was here earlier in the week and I'm grateful to he also! Now, be sure and pop back to see what my new guests are all grateful for. I’m VERY excited and of course, most grateful to them for their generosity of spirit, time and words. Please make them welcome and feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.
4. BANGARRA: Every time I see Bangarra perform it makes me want to race home, whack on some lycra and do some stretches to see if I can move like that? NOT! I’m much better dressed in a frock in the audience, as I was last night at the Sydney Theatre Company with hundreds of others enjoying the Community Night fundraiser for the QLD flood victims. We were treated to the latest production SPIRIT about to tour nationally. My favourite dance sequence – is that the correct terminology? - was Blankets, representing the hand-outs under colonial rule, the poison of infected blankets and the symbolism of Aboriginal culture being something smothered. Kudos to the fabulous Stephen Page for another stunning showcase fusing both modern and contemporary dance. Do yourself a favour, limber up and get a ticket to the show.
5. SOUTHERLY BUSTER: I’m grateful for the memories I have of southerly busters that used to come up late afternoon in my suburb, because the actual winds no longer appear. Who stole the buster? Give it back, we need it!