I’m grateful for Books in Homes Australia

I became a Books in Homes Ambassador in 2008 (or was it 2009?). When you get to my age your years all roll into one and you start telling yourself that 50 isn’t that old!

Anyway, I was excited to be asked to be part of another project (I am also an Indigenous Literacy Day Ambassador) that not only promotes books and reading to young Australians, but also raises funds to ensure our most disadvantaged in society get access to books.

The Charitable Foundation for Books in Homes Australia is a registered not-for-profit organisation that helps underprivileged children improve their literacy skills and develop and maintain a love for reading. Since 2001, Books in Homes has distributed in excess of 1,000,000 new books to more than 110,000 needy children from 290 schools and communities around Australia.

My job as an Ambassador is to visit schools, talk about why I love books and reading, and why both are important. I also get to be part of book presentation ceremonies and see the joy on the faces of the recipients. Actually, I think some of the kids believe the books are from me personally, when in fact they are funded by local business, major companies and community organisations.

I have been part of book giving presentations at Solider Settlement Public School in my home suburb of Matraville and nearby at La Perouse Public School. The pic above is from last year’s Term 4 presentation at LPPS. In 2009 I visited Papunya School (pic below of students with their books) and later that year headed out to Wiley Park Public School in Western Sydney and was treated to an extraordinary musical performance.

This year I want to Emerton Public School and spoke at the book giving assembly, watched and listened to the students sing My Island Home and witnessed some of the best-behaved kids ever! This is no exaggeration. Below are students Charlie and Jane enjoying their new books.

And here are just some of the reasons I’m grateful for BIH:
1. EDUCATION: Through a “whole community/school literacy” approach, Books in Homes connects children, families, community centres, and schools to the literacy process.

2. YOUNG PEOPLE: Families with children aged 0-3 and students in Primary school years benefit from the Programme.

3. INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES: Books in Homes works with children from Indigenous backgrounds. The Programme ensures that 25% of its books are written by Indigenous authors.

4. NATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS: In partnering with low socio-economic status schools (SES), the Books in Homes Programme has helped increase reading skills which is a key criteria of National Partnerships.

5. CHOICE: Research has proven that developing readers are better engaged when they choose books that interest them. Books in Homes provides that choice.

6. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Aside from the organisational sponsors who give generously as part of the program, YOU too can also support the project and get more books into the hands and homes of disadvantaged kids. Click here to find out how you can sponsor a child for as low as $87 or become a role model like me, or even sponsor a community centre or school. Go on, do it, and make someone else grateful for your efforts!

And finally, at the risk of sounding completely selfish, I can't tell you the absolute joy I get from seeing these children so grateful for their books. Many of us take for granted the books we have, the access to resources in our homes and local libraries and the like. Not everyone is that fortunate.

I am truly grateful for the small role I have been gifted in being part of this valuable program.

I’m grateful for the peace of Thursday Island:

It had been fifteen years since I was last on Thursday Island (TI) and above all else, I was looking forward the turquoise waters and balmy weather when I flew there last Monday. But as I arrived on Horn Island all my mind’s eye could see was Deadly Award winning muso Uncle Seaman Dan who wrote ‘TI Blues’ later made popular by the Mills Sisters. From the moment I boarded my ferry from Horn Island to TI, the gentle rhythm of water forced me to relax, something this chaotic city chick desperately needs!

I had less than 48 hours on the island, and yet have much to be grateful for, including:

1. ISLAND HOSPITALITY: I am extremely grateful and humbled by the extraordinary hospitality shown to me from the minute I arrived in the Torres Strait. My hostess and coordinator of my visit was the beautiful Chi Chi Fuji, a dynamic woman with a big smile and bigger heart. Alongside Chi Chi stood all the teachers at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart school lead by Principal Helen Kett. I’m also grateful to the local ladies for a cultural feast that still makes me smile just remembering it. Have you ever tried fried scones? You must! Thank you finally to Gabriel Bani and his family for sharing stories and culture through a formal presentation and through dance, via the Zuguwthiyam performers.

2. CREATIVE KIDS: The whole point and joy of my visit to TI was working with students from OLSH alongside students who came to join us from Hammond Island. What stunningly bright and creative kids they turned out to be. In very short periods of time they workshopped, wrote and performed raps, poems and the introduction to - and I quote one student - ‘the greatest novel ever!’ As you’ll see in the pics above and below, the students were filled with enthusiasm as well as ideas, and threw their hands in the air when I asked: who loves reading? who loves writing? And of course, who loves chocolate? I’m grateful for such gorgeous young people, many of whom I’m sure will be our future authors.

3. AILAN TAIM: I’ve mastered western time being a slave to the clock and anally scheduling everything. Of course I’m aware of but try not to abuse ‘Koori Time’ but I got a taste of ailan taim (island time) on TI. Unfortunately I did’t have enough time to appreciate it fully. I’m grateful though that I did feel myself moving a little slower on my final morning there. Perhaps it had something to do with eating breakfast with one of the most stunning views on the planet as my companion.

4. THE WATERFRONT: Different people call the space where the land meets the sea different things. Some call it the waterfront, others the promenade, me, I’d probably call it an esplanade. Regardless of what you term it, I found that land-meets-sea area to be the most soothing and inspiring place during my short stay. With public art including turtles and shells, seats facing the glassy sea and plenty of trees to lie under, it was hard not to feel at peace. For a fleeting moment of utopia, I am grateful.

5. GAB TITUI CULTURAL CENTRE: I was grateful for a quick visit to Gabi Titui where I met Operations Manager Mary Bani, took a stroll through Ephraim Bani Gallery and got an insight into the regions unique arts and cultures. I also enjoyed the best coffee on the island at Ilan Cafe. It’s already Winner of the QLD Tourism Awards for 2005/06 and 07 and with plans to extend the space there’s no doubt it will continue to be the tourist focus of TI.

Finally, I’m also grateful to Br Tim from OLSH for his deadly photographic skills as seen here.

I'd like to acknowledge the Indigenous Regional Development Fund through the Torres Strait Regional Authority for making my visit possible.

Five quotes I am grateful for today...

Most days I rely on positive affirmations / mantras via the wise words of others who bring significant reminders to me on how I should move forward with my day. I often use the following quotes when managing my own workload and practical motivation and my emotional well-being. My days are also jam-packed with writing, wonderful family and friends, lots of laughter (and sometimes tears) and of course, conversation over good food. I want to live a complete life, so quote #4 below is a daily mantra... do you have one?

Here’s five quotes I’m grateful for today:

1. ‘Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.’ – author unknown (I first read this in 1990 when I was working as a cadet in the public service in Canberra. I have always remembered and reminded myself when I’m fearing failure.)

2. ‘Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.’
- Dalai Lama

3. ‘Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.’ - Coretta Scott King

4. 'I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom.' Mark Twain

5. 3. ‘Don't cry for a man who's left you, the next one may fall for your smile.’ - Mae West


NOW: What great quotes are YOU grateful for? I’d love some more words of wisdom, so please share.

Author and illustrator Angela Sunde is grateful...

Hello! Tonight I’m extremely happy to welcome to my blog children’s author and illustrator, Angela Sunde. Angela is an all round fab woman I first met in person at Avid Reader in Brisbane at the launch of Manhattan Dreaming in February 2010. We’ve since caught up at writerly events in Brisbane and in between drinks, so to speak, we maintain our friendship on-line and share a passion for books, writing and, as you’ll see below, we both share a passion for being grateful for what we have in life, acknowledging how blessed we are.

Oh, while I remember, Angela is so on the ball (another thing I’m grateful for in terms of our friendship) that she coordinates a writing sprint on-line every Monday via Facebook. If you need some structure and motivation, then you need to be part of it, so click here.

Now, drum roll please.... here’s Angela’s grateful blog:

Thirteen years ago I began a gratitude journal. Life at that time felt flat and predictable. There were no major problems, but for some reason I was unfulfilled. With a loving husband, family and two gorgeous kids it didn’t make sense to me. [Anita: She’s not wrong, how gorgeous is Angela’s family above?]

My sister, although fourteen years younger, understood. She gave me a book called ‘Simple Abundance’ – a Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

“I am grateful for my sister, who instinctively knows what I need.”

Each day of the year had an entry, which brought a different aspect of life into focus and offered a wealth of ideas for finding the abundance of joy in the small things around you. January 6th’s title, ‘Standing Knee Deep in a River and Dying of Thirst’, was just how I felt at the time. Through the book Breathnach went on to share how to quench your thirst for “the good life by acknowledging the good that already exists in our own lives” and “offer the Universe the gift of our grateful hearts.”

And so I bought a journal and in my first entry in July 1999, when my son was four and my daughter seven years old, I wrote: “I am grateful for the kisses my little boy and girl give me in the morning and for sleeping in past 6.30am.” Today I am still grateful for them and their kisses.

As the years passed I kept up with my journal. One day I asked myself the question, ‘Am I following a path with heart?’ The fact that I needed to ask this question was answer enough. I realised I could not be myself unless I was true to my gifts. After two decades of working as a German language teacher in secondary and primary schools it was time to follow a new path – a path that lead me to a life of personal fulfilment and abundance – writing and illustrating for children - and my first publication, Pond Magic, an Aussie Chomp.

“I am grateful for finding the right path.”

My husband, whose support and love sustained me through the illness and passing of my mother and whose absolute faith and blind love for me I strive to deserve, opened the (figurative) window and said, ‘Fly!’
‘Are you sure?’ I asked.
‘Yes, you can do it. I know you can.’

My journal then had a new entry: “If I shine brightly, it is only because you hold me to the light.”

“I am grateful for my husband, who holds me to the light.”

This leaves me with one last gratitude, which is difficult, considering I have a whole journal full. So here goes…

I am grateful for everything I am and have become: for everything I have inherited, for the beliefs and values instilled in me by two wonderful parents, for my childhood spent on an orchard in West Auckland surrounded by cousins, for my Dalmatian heritage of song and food and kolo dancing [pic below], for my wealth of life experiences both good and bad and for the humour, the understanding and the empathy I feel for those around me because of who I am.

“I am grateful for who I am.”

From Wamba Wamba to Wadi Wadi country, I am grateful for Reconciliation Week 2011

To be honest I haven’t always been an advocate for Reconciliation. When the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation was set up in 1991 I was all of 22 years old and had a very simplistic view of it. I basically thought it was bizarre to have a government appointed body establish to essentially tell / teach whitefellas to respect and be nice to blackfellas. I told you my view was simplistic. I was also annoyed that as an Aboriginal person I was expected to participate in the process, because it was ‘Aboriginal reconciliation’ (read: for US), while non-Aboriginal people could choose whether they participated or not.

I kept my distance from any-reconciliation-thing until 1997 when I was living on the Gold Coast and received an invitation from my friend Jackie Huggins – a member of the CAR for six years – asking me to attend a women’s reconciliation dinner in Brisbane. I went because Jackie was and remains one of my dearest sisters. It was at that dinner –where 400 women were squeezed into a hall that legally held 250 – that I had my epiphany. I was confronted by the reality that there was a whole grassroots movement of Australians wanting to live respectfully and peacefully alongside Aboriginal people, and were happy to be part of a process that made that possible.

At the dinner that night I recall standing on my chair to take a photo of all the non-Aboriginal women in the room standing and reading a pledge to bring others into the process. It was quite an extraordinary moment. (So too was the moment when one of the speakers suggested it was the perfect time to hug an Aboriginal woman if they hadn’t had the opportunity to do so before. For the record: I don’t want to be hugged because I’m Aboriginal, okay?!).

Since then, I have spoken at many Reconciliation meetings, and have seen the success and sustainability of the Residents for Reconciliation movement. Indeed, I believe the Reconciliation movement generally is one of the most success grassroots movements this country has seen. It has outlasted a Labor Government, a Liberal Government, and will no doubt outlive the current Government (I’m still not quite sure who’s really in power!).

And I know this because Reconciliation Week 2011 took me to both Deniliquin and Wollongong (NSW) where I saw the strength of conviction of supporters of Reconciliation, and I was blown away by the warmth and generosity of spirit of all those who participated in the events I went to.

The photo above is of members of the Nyerna Deniliquin Reconciliation Group: Jennifer Townsend, Steven Ross and Carlee Rundell-Gordon.

So, this is what I am grateful for in Reconciliation Week this year:

1. SYMBOLIC GESTURES: Kevin Rudd’s Apology to the Stolen Generations on February 13, 2008 was the most significant gesture to date in terms of the Reconciliation Movement. But there are others acts that are also necessary to not only recognise and respect Aboriginal Australians, but also to build bridges between black and white Australia.

These symbolic gestures include acknowledging country at events, meetings, festivals and in Parliament. Contrary to what Ted Baillieu thinks / says (and I’m pleased that on my recent visits to Melbourne everyone I saw / spoke to supported maintaining the status quo on that front), it is not tokenistic to acknowledge country unless in your heart you don’t mean it. If the act means something to the individual, then of course it is of value. I am grateful then, that at the recent NSW Premier’s Literary Awards that both the Premier and our new Arts Minister the Hon George Souris, both sincerely and effortlessly paid respects to country.

Flying the Aboriginal flag at schools, on Council Buildings and Town Halls etc is another important gesture and while I am disturbed that my recent visit to Deniliquin revealed that their local Council has recently voted against flying the Aboriginal flag full-time (with no logical explanation), I am grateful that my own local Council, Randwick, and Wollongong Council (and many, many in between) do in fact fly the flag full time. This symbolic gesture is a basic recognition that the Council building or Town Hall stands on the traditional lands of specific Aboriginal group. Quite simple really.

When I drive along the street in any town or suburb and I see the Aboriginal flag flying, I don’t say to myself, ‘Well done!’ Rather, I say, ‘About time.’

I must admit though, I was a little excited to see the flag flying at Sydney Airport as I arrived home last Wednesday. I wonder if it’s still there this week? And was it flying at other airports around the country as well? Do you know?

Does your local Council fly the flag full time? Does your child’s school? Your workplace? If not, what are you willing to do to make sure they do?

2. NYERNA DENILIQUIN RECONCILIATION GROUP: This mob is amazing. Made up of locals from Deniliquin (home of the Ute Muster and my handsome character Jake Ross from Paris Dreaming), they are incredibly pro-active and innovative in terms of bringing the community together in the spirit of reconciliation, targeting businesses / corporations and individuals. I’m grateful for the invitation to launch Paris Dreaming as part of Reconciliation Week in Deni, with a fabulous night at Peppin Heritage Centre complete with speeches by local Wamba Wamba man Steven Ross, and NWRG Chair Jenny Townsend. We were entertained by the deadly musos Adrian and Glen Ross and catered for with a fusion for French cuisine and bush tucker. It was Le Deadly. The pic above is of Carlee and I and a local version of the Eiffel Tower!

3. DENILIQUIN SHARED HISTORY PROJECT: One of the innovative ways the NDRG are engaging their community is through a new shared-history project which focuses on the positive roles pastoralists, land owners and Traditional Owners have shared in Deni and surrounding regions. The project is designed to highlight the role Indigenous people have played in the farming industry and the development of the region. I was pleased to be part of the launch of the project at the Deni Library where locals turned out with contributions of their own to add to the photos, letters, oral histories and other documents already being exhibited. I think it’s a fantastic template for communities around the country. For more details contact Jennifer Townsend: Jennifer.townsend@homesoutwest.com.au The pic above includes Carlee Rundell-Gordon, bush poet / performer Alex Allitt, Jennifer Townsend and Steven Ross.

4. WADI WADI / WOLLONGONG: I’ve got a long-standing relationship with Wadi Wadi country through the South Coast Writers Centre and the Woolyungah Centre at the University of Wollongong. So I am always eager to get back down south to catch up with friends. Last Friday, Mabo Day, was one of the most extraordinary visits I have ever had, with a Reconciliation morning tea at Wollongong Library, coordinated by local sista Barb Brennan. I’ve never seen so many Aunties at a book event EVER (see pic above), and it warmed my heart and made me nervous at the same time. I’m grateful for the words of welcome and wisdom by elder Aunty Barb who also talked about the role of reconciliation and working together for a united community. With a theme of ‘Let’s Talk Recognition’ it was easy then to talk about my novel Paris Dreaming, because it aims to recognise the strong, capable, intelligent, hardworking Aboriginal women I know, admire, respect and what to see in Australian literature.

We had a lot of laughs on Friday in Wollongong, and it was true food my soul on many levels. I left feeling immensely grateful for the opportunity to share a few hours with like-minded women (and the two men who were brave enough to come along too!)

5. MEETING DEADLY DIVAS: Last week I had the most extraordinary experiences just meeting gorgeous women. Rhonda Gordon let me ride shot-gun from Melbourne back to Deni while Carlee drove, and I felt like Thelma and Louise plus 1! We laughed, we talked politics, we ate pies. Loved it!

In Deni, I met some fans at the launch of Paris Dreaming - Candice Duggan and Kylie Andrews (pictured below) – came along to Peppin’s, bought books and yarned too. Love it!

In the Gong, I met Barb Brennan (picture with me below) who was so full of energy, enthusiasm and charisma I was concerned she’d steal the stage from me – I mean how many deadly divas can you fit in one library? Seriously, meeting all these gals made last week on of the best Reconciliation Weeks on record. I’m grateful we’re all walking the same path together.

Now, that’s enough from me, what are YOU grateful for during Reconciliation Week 2011?

I’m a little bit in love with Melbourne...

I’m fortunate that my professional life takes me to Melbourne a few times a year for speaking engagements, books events and media. During my flying visits there I get to catch up with friends, eat amazing food, sometimes get the chance to shop and often experience the cold I don’t get in Sydney. And yes, I’m even grateful for some extreme weather, just to make use of my scarves and thermal underwear!

I’m grateful for the following during my two night sting last weekend:

1. EMERGING WRITERS’ FESTIVAL: I made my debut at the Wheeler Centre on Friday night, giving a keynote address to a master class of emerging writers. I left that space feeling inspired by those I was meant to be inspiring. I often get the most out of those events I put the most into. Do you find that too? The inspiration continued on Sunday morning when I was blown away by a room full of soon-to-be-authors at the Melbourne Town Hall, who got up came along to hear myself, Julien Leyre, Ryan Paine, Karen Pickering and Dan Ducrou pull apart the pros and cons of being typecast as a writer. I was going to summarise it, but the lovely Angela Meyer did a pretty good job on Crikey and you can read it here.

I’m grateful to Lisa Dempster and the team (Lisa and Meredith above) at the Emerging Writers’ Festival http://www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au/ for the invitation and for taking care of me while there. It was food for my writerly soul!

2. BOOK STREET: No, it’s not a street of books, but a fabulous independent book store in Toorak. I’m grateful to the owner of Book Street, David Marlow for inviting me to drop by to sign some books, and for Belinda from Ballarat who swung by to say hello and grab her own copy of Paris Dreaming (pic below of Belinda and I).

3. JAN GOLDSMITH: I’m truly grateful for broadcaster Jan Goldsmith from 3CR in Melbourne. Jan reads my books with purpose, finds common threads between my titles and her interviews are always fun to do. It was an absolute pleasure to swing my the Fitzroy studio last week, and I’m hoping you will support the 3CR Radiothon June 6-19. That's Jan and I below.

4. DUMPLINGS: That’s right, I’m grateful for dumplings in Melbourne. I know we’ve got them in Sydney but I don’t do dumplings with the girls here. So, I was thrilled when my Melbin girls introduced me to Camy Shanghai Dumpling & Noodle Restaurant in Tattersalls Lane. Apparently it’s an institution, I imagine like BBQ King in Sydney. The service and atmosphere slightly better than the Syd venue though, and the prices, wow, $15 banquet for more dumplings than I’ve ever seen on one table at one time. I’m still working them off!

5. MELBOURNE WEATHER: I wasn’t kidding above. I was grateful it got a little chilly on Sunday, after all, I’d bought a new coat especially for my Victorian visits this year (it’s black cos everything’s gotta be black in Melbin, right?). I would’ve been disappointed if two weekends running I didn’t get to see the famous grey Melbin skies (I even took a pic...).

So, after two fabulous weekends, it’s fair to say I’m a little bit in love with Melbourne, but my heart will always belong to Sydney.