Anita Heiss Blog

Liz Sinnott: mother, sister, aunt and principal is grateful...

2012-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

Liz Sinnott is a wife,mother, daughter, sister, aunt and principal of a gorgeous little school inSydney. And she’s also my twitter buddy and an inspiration in the local area where she resides, and where I am afringe-dweller of sorts. I’m feel blessed and somewhat at peace reading Liz's personal andinspiring gratefuls below. I’m sure, like me, many of you will be able torelate to them.

Liz was born ElizabethKelly and had the pleasure of being the only girl with four brothers to twoabsolutely inspirational parents. She married her childhood sweetheart Brettand together they have an amazing daughter Jessica.

Liz says: ‘I’m the daughterof a Yuin man and Wiradjuri woman and proudly belong to the La Perousecommunity in Sydney. In La Perouse, I am surrounded by one side of my extendedfamily (the Page family) through my father. My other side of the family are theCarney and Pearce families in Western NSW.'

And these are five thingsLiz is grateful for:

1. My family

My Dad, Kevin is themost loyal, passionate and intuitive person I know. He inspires me every day;he was heavily involved in the 1967 referendum fight with Charlie Perkins et al and taught me that anythingis possible.

My mum, Pam is also anamazing source of inspiration as she went back to school (Year 10) when she was28 and completed her school certificate while still raising five children undertwelve. She was an Aboriginal Education Assistant, Home School Liaison Officerand now a Department of Community Services worker. How she did it is beyond me.All five of their children are successful in their own right; I’m a principalof a school, my brother Noel is a self-employed builder, my second brother Deanis a well respected Community Engagement Officer with the Department ofEnvironment and Heritage and my two younger brothers Kevin and Glen wereworld-class boxers (they were known as Bones and Kunga Kelly back in the dayhahaha).

My husband and I met athigh school and have been together for 25+ years, we have an amazinglyintelligent daughter who is making her own mark in the world, as parents we didwell

2. My job

I’m the principal of asmall school in Sydney, but my path to this gorgeous slice of heaven was one oflots of twists and turns. As I said, I come from the La Perouse community andbegan my career in the inner-west (Marrickville/Petersham to be exact). Itaught at a school where we received one of the first waves of Vietnameserefugees and many children who came from language backgrounds other thanEnglish. For a new teacher this was an eye opener to say the least. I spentsixteen wonderful years teaching and learning from a wonderful community whoembraced me whole heartedly. I then spent time in consultancy working withschools across the state from Broken Hill to Griffith to Fairfield and Sydneycity. The most amazing kids and teachers I have ever met, with open minds,hearts and communities. I spent five years working on the Central Coast of NSWand Hunter Valley just to return home to Sydney and Lapa. I feel like I’m athome and I’ve returned to my community.

3. Children

My life would be so verydifferent if it weren’t for children. They brighten every day and I take greatjoy in having each day filled with children wanting to learn. My life has beenspent surrounded by children and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The twinklein their eyes when they discover something new or you’ve introduced them to adifferent view of the world. Children make me smile, they teach me that theworld isn’t as awful as I sometimes view it. They accept you as you are andlove you unconditionally and ask for nothing more than smiles and kind words inreturn. My work and family includes lots of children so I get to spend lots oftime with the “cherubs” as I prefer to call them. I am certainly grateful mylife is filled to the brim with children!

4. My community

As I said before mycommunity is in La Perouse and I am very grateful for it. I have wonderfulchildhood memories of weekends in Lapa swimming at Yarra Bay, Congy and Lapa beach. Buying lollies from Tony’sshop and eating “pigface” with my brothers up at Cape Banks. On my appointment as principal at Lapa I wasso warmly embraced by the parents at the school that I knew I was home again.I’ve enjoyed a wonderful relationship with my community and hope that I do themproud in all my endeavours as it is my family and community that have shapedthe person I am today. We are a strong, proud community that has had continuousoccupation of the La Perouse area since before the invasion and I am grateful Iam a Koori from this community.

5. Being me

I wouldn’t be anyone butme! I’m blessed to be a Koori, a mother, a daughter, a wife, an aunt, a cousin and the principal of the bestschool in Sydney. I wake up every morning knowing that I’m going to make adifference to the lives of others, my day usually starts with a cuppa with mymum as well as a gossip hahahaha. I then take myself to school where I have aseriously dedicated staff who absolutely adore the children they teach – myphilosophy is that the children don’t need pity for some of their situations,they need educating and that’s exactly what my staff also believe. During everyday I laugh (usually one of the kids have said or done something that starts meoff) and I get loads and loads of cuddles .... I don’t know any job that couldbe more rewarding and more fulfilling. I usually end my day with a cuppa and agossip with my mum (sometimes my dad). Usually some of my nephews and niecesdrop in to visit and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have true friends thatare supportive and are always very willing to give me a dose of reality whenneeded. I am grateful that I lead the life I lead – I laugh, I smile and I’mloved, I don’t think you can ask for anything more can you?

Inspirational people and positive stories I am grateful for…

2012-01-31T21:27:00.000-08:00

It’s been important for meto focus this past week on all that is good in my community and my own personallife and to remain inspired, motivated and mostly hopeful. I have found muchfood for thought and for the soul in certain individuals and entities, aslisted below. I hope you find something in my gratefuls that adds to your ownjourney.

1. PATRICK DODSON: To me, Patrick Dodson is the definition of ‘leader’. Heis intelligent, wise, at times witty, and most importantly, has the ability toacknowledge and articulate both sides of a conflict without causing furtherdivide, while still maintaining his own position and integrity.

His capacity to be an agentof change was no better demonstrated than last Monday night when the winner ofthe 2008 Sydney International Peace Prize delivered the Inaugural Gandhi Oration. To a packedauditorium at the University of NSW, Professor Dodson reminded us that Ghandiwas devoted to the search of truth, created the concept of pacifism, andbelieved in the essence of non-violence as a technique of change. He also drew parallels between Gandhi’sthinking and beliefs with those who were part of the 1946 Pilbara Strike and the 1966 Wave Hill Walk Off, where peaceful protests brought about real change for Indigenous Australia interms of working conditions and land rights.

Likewise, he drew parallelsbetween Gandhi’s Salt March of 1930 with Aboriginal footballer Michael Long andhis Long Walk from Melbourne to Canberra. Gandhi wasseeking recognition and support for India’s independence from the Empire, whileLong wanted to get Indigenous people’s lives and issues back on the nationalpolitical agenda.

The Professor highlightedthe Tent Embassy protest of January 26, saying ‘I will always defend people'srights to assert their political position and try to look to the heart of whypeople feel so oppressed that they feel violent confrontation is the onlyrecourse."

He told the audience thatIndigenous people feel the hostile judgements everyday of non-Indigenouspeople. That we have not seen dialogue on the consequences of colonisation, andthat racial discrimination should not be tolerated in any society.

As Co-Chair of the Expert Panel for the Constitutional Recognition ofIndigenous Australians, Professor Dodson told the audience that now is the timeto make change. That as Australians we can achieve it if we want it. It’s inour hands to make Constitutional change to recognise Indigenous Australians andto have a non-discrimination clause included in our founding document. Adding, thatthe recognition of Aboriginal people as the First Peoples – with rights andresponsibilities – causes alarm for some Australians. ‘Theworld must think we are crazy,’ he said, when considering our currentconstitution.

He made a call topoliticians to focus on what is going to bring us together, what is best forthe nation. Because it is we, the voting public who put them there, we can votethem out also.

The Professor simplified forthe multicultural audience, that since first contact, we have been locked in anendless endeavour of two peoples trying to accept where our place is in thiscountry. But part of the problem is that as a nation state, we have notaccepted the sovereign rights of this country’s Indigenous peoples. And therein lies the problem for all of us.

When ‘Australia’sGandhi’ finished his oration hereceived resounding applause and a standing ovation. Why? Because Pat Dodson,had in his gentle, yet powerful way, made his audience think about difficultissues without losing them through angry challenges.

I arrived at the venuefeeling somewhat disillusioned about the present state of affairs in Australiain terms of not only the undercurrent of racism that exists, but how much of itis also fuelled by a biased and socially unhelpful media. But I left two hourslater filled with inspiration, and believing that hope is power. I have a lotof hope.

I am grateful to ProfessorDodson for showing me, and the rest of Australia that true leadership doesexist, we just need to recognise it, appreciate it and follow it.

[The pic above is of yourstruly with Patrick Dodson in Sydney in 2008, at the launch of From Little Things Big Things Grow]

GANDHI: Students queue on graduation day at UNSW to havetheir photo near a bust of Gandhi on the library lawn– why wouldn’t they? Aspointed out by Patrick Dodson, Ghandi’s life and death inspired every humanrights struggle. Today I’m grateful for many of Gandhi’s words that bring me strengthand inspiration, and I just wanted to share a few quotes. If you also have afavourite, please leave it as a comment below.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.”

“You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

NASCA: I am grateful I am now inmy second term as a Director of the all-Aboriginal Board (unpaid) of theNational Aboriginal Sporting Change Academy. It is an organization that values integrity, professionalism and culturalpride. In collaboration withcommunity and Aboriginal young people, NASCA empowers our youth through health,education, sport and cultural programs. As a Director I am part of thegoverning process that helps determine vision and strategies for growing anorganization that has already excelled in delivering programs to kids in remotecommunities in the NT, Dubbo (Wiradjuri country) and in Sydney. As a Director,I share a board room table with intelligent, effective, inspirational men andwomen who bring a range of community, sporting and bureaucratic skills. (That’sthe handsome bunch above!) As a role model on ARMtours to Mutiitjulu and Papunya, I haveseen first hand the impact that our volunteers have on the ground working withour kids and encouraging them to live healthy lifestyles and stay in school. Iam grateful I can support my community through the work of NASCA, and to havebeen able to work alongside the inspirational Michael ‘Magic’ O’Loughlin, who we sadly farewelled at yesterday’s meeting.

ABORIGINAL BUSINESSMAGAZINE: I’ve been meaning to blogthis grateful since the first edition of Aboriginal Business Magazine landed in my PO box back inNovember. And my gratitude isn’t because I graced the cover (no airbrushinghere people!). I’m grateful because this magazine is the first of it’s kind inAustralia with positive and professional stories of successful Indigenouspeople who are role models in business. It’s also a high a quality publicationthat I understand can now be found in QANTAS Lounges around the country.

As someone who set up theirown sole trader consultancy back in 1994, I still have A LOT to learn, and AboriginalBusiness Magazine has given mepractical knowledge on everything from dealing with my bank manager tomarketing, goal setting to governance to legal issues, even dressing for success! And I’m alwayslooking for another excuse to go shopping.

I take my hat of topublisher Neil Willmett who wrote in his inaugural editorial: Aboriginal Business Magazine is committed to showcasing businesses sothat we create new perceptions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople. Perceptions which portray us in a positive way as being successful,educated, wealthy, hardworking and intelligent – rather than the negativeperceptions that are often portaged in the media.

If like me you’re lookingfor more positive, uplifting, inspiring and professionally useful stories, thennow’s the time to subscribe. I already do!

You can subscribe to themagazine here or LIKE the Facebook fan page or keep up with the tweets on Twitter!

ME TIME:Finally, I’m grateful I gave myself the time today to write this blog. My ‘ToDo’ list is ever increasing, as is my pile of admin stacked next to, and infront of me, but these words were important to me. I hope taking the time toread this today, has been worthwhile for you too!

Why Monty Pryor is grateful for his post as Australian Children's Laureate

2012-01-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Being chosen as one ofthe first two Australian Children's Laureates is a huge honor and represents overtwenty years of sharing with over one million children across our great land.The Post is a heavy weight and is not taken lightly.

These are justfive reasons I'm grateful for being selected as one of the first two AustralianLaureates:

1. The Post gives methe opportunity to share my peoples’ stories – without hidden agendas – leapingout to strike at the heart of the listener.

2. To represent one ofthe most important aspects from the wide spectrum that goes to making up ourlives, and shaping the way we see each other, through how we understand what weread. Sport is great but it's not everything. Reading and writing leads to thepathway that have all the other colors that go to make up our spectrum of lifefor a brighter and happier future.

3. To fight against thethings that misshape us by understanding the most beautiful things that shapeus.

4. To be the bestperson I can through the gifts of lore, love and understanding given to me frommy elders and family, thus allowing me to fight if need be, and stay true towho I am while doing so.

5. Last but not least,I’m grateful for my teachers at primary and high school. They are the ones whoturned the pencil in my hand into a magic wand because of what they saw i.e. aperson who got into trouble because he wanted to learn. There was no black andwhite; just writing using words (not fists) to fight the darkness. Words thatwere sprinkled with magic dust were used to slam the cell door shut, and openedother doors to a longer happier and equal life. The fight continues and theresults are that I'm grateful now to be writing this blog. For without myamazing teachers you would not be reading these words for I would not be here.I have nothing but love for all the hard working teachers who often pushthrough walls of thankless bureaucratic bricks to make magic happen.

6. Sorry but if I can sneak in a sixthgrateful… I’d say that I’m grateful I can use the magic Laureate Stick to pokepeople in power in places they have never been poked before. The poke is thismessage: ‘Leave our teacher librarians alone!’

And by the looks of it during my term therewill be a whole lotta pokin goin on!

Love and peace to all!

Boori Monty Pryor

Five deadly men I am grateful for...

2012-01-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

* MONTY BOORI PRYOR - Ok, I don’t want to seem like a name-dropper butthe inaugural Children's Lauriette and winner of the Winner of the 2011 Prime Minister's Literary Awards(children's fiction) for Shake A Leg, is a mate of mine. I can't rememberwhen Boori and I first met but I do remember chairing a panel he was on at the SydneyWriters' Festival back in 1998, when his memoir Maybe Tomorrow was firstreleased. Since then he has co-authored with Meme McDonald a number of titles including (some of which I will be reviewing here soon) and spent much of his time entertaining and educatingkids in schools. I’m grateful for Boori’s work and for the friendship, laughterand generous spirit that he adds to my life. And I'm pleased to say Boori will be blogging some of his own gratefuls here very shortly... so stay tuned.

* MARK GREENWOOD: Okay now it might seem like I’m bragging, butmulti-award-winning author Mark Greenwood is also a mate and another deadly fella I am grateful for. He’s the fairer of thetwo in the pic above (we were out celebrating birthdays that night). I’mgrateful not only for Mark's friendship, but for the integrity of his work andthe passion he puts into researching each and every one of his titles, many onhistorical characters, and mostly illustrated by his talented wife Frané Lessac (who has also blogged here previously). Congratulations to both Mark and Frané for winning the 2011Hoffman Award (and for other shortlists) for Ned Kelly and the Green Sash. I’malso looking forward to the release of their next gem The Greatest Liar on Earth through Walker Books in April 2012. Great cover don’t youthink?

* BRYAN ANDY: Some of you mayrecall the handsome Bryan as my corsage carrying date for last year’s DeadlyAwards (blogged about here). I’m grateful for Bryan's friendship, his positive approach to life and thework he’s currently doing with Amnesty International. AndI’m very grateful that he made time for me recently and traipsed out to myfavourite place, Pavilion Café at Maroubra Beach. If you haven’t beenthere, then please go and say hello to Sue for me. Best waitress in Sydney!

* MY MECHANIC: A good mechanic is as important to a woman as a goodhairdresser. And I'm grateful that for as long as I can remember my family havetaken their cars to Kevin Smith's Auto Repairs on Perry Street Matraville. I have somuch trust in the owner John Tripodi and his diligent team that I drop myHolden off and say 'Just do what needs to be done' and I feel absolutelyconfident in the job they perform. So, as I realised today my car is due for aservice, I smiled with gratitude knowing I am never concerned about beingripped off or having a dodgy job done, because I have the best mechanics teamin Sydney.

* MY PHOTO GUY: In the days where it’s do-it-yourself everything,including almost developing your own photos at stations in hypermarkets, muchpersonal service has been removed from regular consumer activities. The thingis, I like the personal service, it makes me feel like a valued customer. Andone particular place I am grateful for is Digipoint Fuji in Hillsdale, wherethe proprietor Harry has provided professional yet personal service to myfamily for, it must be a decade. Harry is like the mechanic of the photodeveloping and framing industry. I can leave my disk and he will print andorganise my photos. I can drop off a prized print or canvas and we will frameor stretch for me without me feeling the least bit concerned. When my fatherpassed away, Harry gave my family a beautiful framed photo of my dad for use onthe coffin at the funeral. It sits in our family home now. I’ll never forgetthat important gift, and the only way I can truly thank him is by being a loyal customer. Do you have someone who you will always choose to go to for their service?

Nareen Young CEO of Diversity Council Australia is grateful for multiculturalism

2012-01-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

On the eveof January 26 – what many celebrate as Australia Day, others call Invasion Dayand / or Survival Day – I’m pleased to welcome to my blog Nareen Young, theChief Executive Officer of Diversity Council Australia (DCA),Australia’s not-for-profit workplace diversity advisory and peak body forbusiness and workplaces.

Nareen whohas generously offered to share below her personal views on multiculturalismand how it has enriched her life, focusing on what she is most grateful for.

Nareenconsiders herself privileged to have been involved in diversity and women’s employmentissues for over twenty years, more recently in senior leadership roles. Nareenhas presented and published widely on employment diversity matters both inAustralia and internationally, and makes regular media commentary on behalf ofDCA. Prior to this appointment, she was Director of the NSW Working Women’sCentre for seven years. She has also held a number of not-for-profit boardpositions.

Away from all of this, Nareen adores her wonderful partner Paul and their twoexcellent kids, the dog, chatting productively to her sister, best friendSylvianne, girlfriends and a host of gay men. She loves books andreading, art, design, lots of different music, going to the beach, swimming,wine, social media, crap TV and AFL (the sport and the emerging diversityculture of it). She is proud of her mixed Australian heritage and loves, loves,loves our diversity in all its forms.

Nareen writes: Why I'm grateful for multiculturalism

I'm grateful for multiculturalism because, fundamentally, I am a big Doris. There's nothing better, in my view, than finding out about differentpeople's backgrounds, the places they were born in, their culture, theirreligious beliefs, what motivates them, how they live and generally how they'redifferent to me and what I know well.

The lessons of my upbringing around multiculturalism has shaped my valuesystems, how I think, what I believe and how I relate to people in ways thataren't usual, but have impacted on me nonetheless, and I'm grateful.

It’s meant that I've shared my life, for the past nearly twenty three yearswith an Australian Irish-Catholic man who is the love of my life. I've exploredhis ethnic, cultural and religious identity with him, and buoyed by hisincredible intellectual curiosity and vigor, explored how this is placed inour Australian context. I've learned about some of the cultural factorsthat have shaped him to be the steadfast, thoughtful, funny, decent, loyal,reliable, generous, mindful person he is (if deeply irritating at times). Our two children are genetic mixes that I think could only happen in Australiaand I'm very grateful for that.

I was in my first year at primary school when I learned about manners aroundmulticulturalism, and I'm grateful for that. My friend's mum died, whichobviously was really sad. We went to her house which I understand nowmust have been to convey our sympathies. There was lots of family membersthere, all dressed in black. You didn't see a lot of Greek people in fullmourning in Cronulla in the 1970s (no excuse, as I was to discover) and Iremember expressing my surprise (I thought) about this custom to my mother whenshe, my sister and I traipsed back into the VW Beetle.

I don't think I got a hiding (she would vigorously deny it now but mymother packed a fairly decent hairbrush to the backside in those days) but Icertainly remember the tongue lashing that I got that specifically went to mebeing a cheeky little girl who was in no position to question anyone's customsand left me in no doubt that if I was ever heard to be so rude about otherpeople's ways again I would regret it.

Cue four years forward, and I was in Year 4. Although I'd never heard itbefore, kids at school were calling someone else a wog and I just knew thatsaying it at home could be a little rebellious test with an unpredictableoutcome, so I went home and repeated it. I've always been perverse. Thistime it was my dad, and I did indeed cop a hiding. I'm sure manycontemporary parents are shaking their heads, but kids got flogged in thosedays, they just did. Dad, if you’re reading this, and goodness knows hemight be, bless him, I'm ok. I'm not scarred by it. I'venever discussed it in therapy, but it's something I've never forgotten.

I should note that in this instance it wasn't the belt (reserved for theworst of offences and largely kept in abeyance) but the faithful old woodenspoon that was utilised, but again what's etched in my memory is the tonguelashing that essentially involved the phrases who the bloody hell do you thinkyou are, that word is racist, we aren't racists in this family and you girlieare one generation removed from being a wog so you'd better think twice beforeyou say it about anyone else. And I have, and for that I'm profoundlygrateful.

We knew that our father's grandfather was from Sweden, and we knew that ourlast name had been changed to Youngein and then Young because Australianscouldn't, and it was always intimated to us that wouldn't was a factor, sayLjunggren. Our grandfather was called Dutchy, not Jim (he was James) byeveryone. His kids called him Dutchy, Nana called him Dutchy, theirneighbours at Oatley called him Dutchy and as we got older us grandkidsreferred to him as Dutchy, although always the respectful Pa to his face. The 'old members' we ran into when we went to Hurstville shopping with heand Nana called him Dutchy (he spent many years as an official of the thenWaterside Workers' Federation). When I was older and a union officialmyself, I learnt that judges and the politicians who had been hiscontemporaries called him Dutchy.

It wasn't until after he passed away and we read some transcripts of interviewsthat Unions NSW had done with him as part of an oral history project that Ifound out why everyone called him Dutchy. He said in an interview thatwhen he was a little kid growing up in The Rocks (you can buy postcards at thetourist shops there that show a group of 'Rocks children, c 1900' with hischeeky, smiling round face peeking through) a kid asked him what country hisfather had come from. When he replied, the kids said "you'refather's a bloody Dutchman, he's a Dutchman" and that was that.

Like many people who had experienced prejudice and racism in Australia in thosedays, my grandfather and his siblings were very quiet about their background. We learned more from the interview transcripts than we did from Pa, and ithasn't been until recent years that we've pondered the economic downturn, ordepression, that impacted on the world in the 1890s but especially Sweden thatforced massive immigration, mostly to the US. Knut Ljunggren, fromKalmar, wasn't an immigrant, however - he was a seaman who jumped ship andstayed in Sydney.

I'm grateful for the impact of multicultural policies that now allowsAustralians to be out and proud about our backgrounds.

I'm grateful that our parents taught us Young kids that difference isinteresting, good, fun and worth cultivating. I'm glad that our familygot to know the family from Belgium who lived next door very well. Ifound out that some people from Belgium spoke Flemish before I was five (inretrospect, I suspect the parents - mine would have been in their late twentiesat this time - all thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, the men acold beer on a hot day and the ladies a drop of plonk, and my parents would haveLOVED their food and cooking) and many other things about a country I've stillnever been to.

I'm glad that because of multiculturalism our father insisted that mysister and I went outside our Puberty Blues world of Cronulla (as fun as itundoubtedly was) for high school because, in his words, we “had to learn how tomix with people who aren't like you, that's who you'll meet when you go towork, we live in a multicultural bloody country you know". And I'mvery, very glad and grateful that when he and mum heard us say something about'Spot the Aussie' after a day at the beach as teenagers with local friends theywent off. And I mean off. It didn't help that we must havealso said something about what people chose to do at the beach, and who thebeach belonged to, ie us Cronulla locals.

As I recall, the response included, but wasn't limited to:

"Nothing but rude, ignorant girls the pair of you, who are you to saywho's an Aussie or who's not, christalbloodymighty, did you know that people inEurope (where neither of them had been at the time) don't just lie there likestunned mullets getting a bloody tan like you ignorant pair they do things likeplay games and eat and have picnics at the beach and aren't we lucky to live ina country where people can bring their customs over and we can share them andyou pair of racists are lucky enough to see it even if you don't appreciate it,the bloody beach doesn't belong to you or any of your mates, it belongs toeverybody and you should just be grateful you live in a country where you don'thave to pay to go to the beach and furthermore you're bloody lucky to live hereand one more word out of you pair and you'll be barred from the beach andbarred from those bloody mates of yours, who do these people think they are thedon't own the bloody beach we all do, Jesus this place is bloody changing, it'sfull of bloody racists, we're bloody moving etc etc etc.”

I'm grateful that the presence of Australian multiculturalism as I was growingup has meant that I was raised to embrace all of the experiences I could thatwere about what was, and is, different to me. This is the person, and theDoris, that I am.

And finally, I'm grateful that an understanding of the assimilationistattitudes that meant that we lost language, culture and identity on the Youngside has helped us to understand why we lost language, culture and identity onour other, Aboriginal side. I think we Young siblings are among theluckiest of Sydney people, descended as we are from both its originalinhabitants and immigrants from all over the world who Sydney has embraced. I love our multiculturalism, and am profoundly grateful for it.

Cathy Powell is a grateful Aussie expat in Italy!

2012-01-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

What a gift I have been given in term of the generosity ofthose who guest blog here. I learn something new and gain inspiration from eachand every one, and today is no different.

Let me introduce you to Cathy Powell whom I first connectedwith on Facebook. Cathy liked my fan page and then we became ‘friends’ as itwere, although we have never actually me. We also connect on Twitter (you canfind Cathy here) and share a love of Australian books and reading.

Cathy told me that as she was born in Melbourne but grew upin Sydney, she liked the angle I took in Avoiding Mr Right, relocating my character Peta Tully to the city she never really got to know.

Through our connection, I’ve also met Cathy’s parents andspoken at their local church about the Indigenous Literacy Foundation . The world is full of people with similar passions, and that’s what I am alsograteful for!

Below however are the gratefuls that Cathy has listed abouther wonderful life this year in ITALY! Read, smile, escape and share some ofyour own thoughts if you like and then read more about Cathy’s fabulous life onher blog An Italophile.

Cathy says: At the beginning of 2012 living in Italy Iam grateful:

1. My children have made such progress in the Italian schoolsystem.

It has not been an easy transition. I have oftenstruggled with the way things work here, and have found myself comparing theschool system here to that in Australia. The best thing is that they bothnow have two languages - English and Italian. Both of my children havebeen complimented by how well they behave in the classroom. Not onlythat, at their current schools they have integrated really well with theItalian children.

2. We have a roof over our heads.

We saw a house in 2005 that we really loved and wanted tobuy and make our own. We have only been living here since June last year,and there is plenty still to do.

3. We have plenty of land so we can grow our own produce.

We have had success this winter with lettuces (all havevirtually been eaten before the frost hit), spinach and cauliflowers should beready pretty soon. Below is a picture of some of our land.

4. The generosity of our neighbours.

They do not live there full time, but they have often givenus gifts of food. I can also sense that the lady feels that I can gethomesick and miss my family. She wanted me to pass on special greetingsto my mother and sister over the Christmas period.

5. My friends down under.

Although I have been away for a long time, I have stillmanaged to maintain a group of close female friends. We had dinnertogether when I went home last year, and one of them said it was like I hadnever left. Thanks to Skype, email and Facebook I can keep in touch withthem. They are irreplaceable.

6. More recently I am grateful to Adrian Petersen of Italian Reflections

Adrian set up a group on Facebook for Expats in Italy. For me it has proved a good sounding board. Often there are people whohave been through similar things to you. They may not live around thecorner, but it is a great support network.

Values I am grateful for…

2012-01-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

I recently addressed 150 young women from around Australiaand New Zealand as part of an AGSA leadership conference held atSydney University. In preparing for the event I was asked to consider sharingthe values I see as important to leadership and service. I thought about thevalues my parents had instilled in me, and while there are many, these are theones I chose to share with the girls over dinner.

Values I am grateful for:

APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE: Of and for the people in my life and the opportunities that areafforded me. This gratitude blog is partly a way to demonstrate both values.

EMPATHY: My parentsinstilled in me the value of empathy and to always understand that not everyoneis as fortunate as I am. That old saying ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes’is a reminder to put yourself in the position of someone you might otherwisefind yourself criticising – especially if you hadn’t considered their lifecircumstances or you don't understand why they are behaving (or not behaving) acertain way.

DIGNITY: My motherhas taught me to remain dignified a tall times, especially in public forums. I remindedthe young women that places like Facebook and Twitter are the classic forumsfor potential leaders to come undone. I encouraged them to use their statusupdates and comments to empower, inspire and motivate, because there is absolutelynothing dignified about running people down and / or bitching about people onsocial media.

TRUST AND FAITH:First and foremost trust in your own judgement and have faith in your capacity to dowhat’s right for, and to your best ability.

I am also grateful for the value of optimism that was instilled in me by my parents, for it isthe positive approach to every day that keeps a spring in my step (most days!)and makes me enthusiastic about what I do (and can do) in life.

What values are you grateful for?

Michael Jongen on being a grateful librarian!

2012-01-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

If I had to choose another careerit would be as a librarian. One of the reasons I left academia was because Ispent three days amongst teacher/librarians at the CBCA Conference in Sydney 2006,and realised how incredibly happy they all seemed in their jobs. I wanted to bein that peaceful place also, which as you know turned out to be a writingspace. But I also do a lot of workin schools and admire and respect the work of teacher librarians, who also getto work around books all day!

So, today I am pleased to presenton my blog Michael Jongen (aka Larry the Librarian), teacher/librarian, who goes all out for his students by making videos and recommending Aussie authors for them to read. Michael / Larry and I haven’tmet face-to-face but have followed each other on Twitter for sometime now. We share a love of books, reading and a worldview that includessocial justice and equity for all.

Michael has listed below fivereasons he is grateful for being a librarian. And they are also the fivereminders of what I’ll be in my next life.

5 reasons I am grateful tobe a librarian

1. In the age when geek ischic, and nerds rule we librarians know that our time has come. Our skillsand practice are as relevant and essential today as when Dewey organized humanknowledge into the decimal system. In the digital age librarians are curatinginformation and enabling access and dissemination through wikis, blogs,Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook and other web2.0 tools.

2. I am a passionate reader andworking in libraries and schools I get to discuss books, stories and readingwith other readers. I have observed readers and theirreading for 30 years as well as that of my colleague librarians (Crime is theLibrarian's favorite genre). Ihave had the pleasure of introducing books to readers and as teacher librarianand a children’s librarian actively promote story and the joy of reading. Reading stories and poetry to youngpeople brings out the inner performer in me.

And of course I have had thepleasure of introducing many writers to readers and young people and meetingthem myself.

3. Libraries are vibrant andfree social spaces. Our own State Library of Victoria is a vibrant meeting place with the lawns, Mr Tulk and Readings bookshopcontributing to the ambiance.

Public Libraries provide greatprogrammes for their communities and are free and open to all. Libraries provide social space andaccess to ICT, Digital Media and Information. Our users can take home books, films, music, games for free.

4. Information is power! Andrew Carnegie believed that:

"industrious and ambitious; not those whoneed everything done for them, but those who, being most anxious and able tohelp themselves, deserve and will be benefited by help from others."

Public libraries today stillprovide this service. I love researching and the challenge of providinginformation and teaching young people the skills of research, bibliography andcitation. This of course hascontributed to my own learning and knowledge.

5. What’s not to like aboutworking in a library? I spend my working day researching,matching books with readers, communicating with our users through Social Mediaand performing my shtick to young people.

It’s the people.

I bless working as a librarian forthe wonderful librarians I have work with, and the daily encounters and joyfulinteractions I have with Library Patrons. How you have enriched my life.

***

Now, Michael and I would love to know what you’regrateful for when it comes to libraries and librarians!

Five NYC favourites I am grateful for this trip…

2012-01-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

Every day I spent in Manhattan reminded me of how incrediblyfortunate I am in life, and presented me with a list of things I should be andam grateful for. Of course, for the purpose of this blog, I have had tosummarise and also focus on what I am happy to go into the public domain (smile!).

So here’s just five of the multitude I am grateful for:

1. BRYANT PARK: Ihaven’t ice-skated since I was about twelve years old, but I love watchingothers float around a rink, especially in New York. There are a number ofwell-known rinks like the ones at the Rockefeller Centre and in Central Park,but this recent Boxing Day I took myself off to Bryant Park where hundreds queued (or lined up asthey say in the US) to hit the ice. I find ice-skating a romantic exercise,even when lovers tumble together, and I admire the brave who venture out on theice when they look like they’d be much safer on cement. I had always wanted togo to the glassed-in restaurant overlooking the rink but always imagined itwould be expensive and I’d need to book, not just drop in on a whim. But justas the rest of my trip was a gift each day, I strolled into Celcius with my companion and we got a window seat easily! It was like a dream cometrue. Not only did I have the perfect view of the dare-devils below (see pic above and below)) but I alsoenjoyed an American staple in macaroni and cheese – but this dish also hadwhite truffle oil through it and a handful of smoked bacon. The arteriescelebrated also! It sure beat my usual traditional Boxing Day left-overs of hamand salad! Bryant Park also has fabulous holiday markets that I strolled through, and withoutbuying a single thing I still enjoyed the experience of chatting to localdesigners and creators of everything from jewellery to jam! It was one of the best Boxing Days I’veever had… and for that I am truly grateful.

2. THE MOUNTAINTOP:Based on the final hours before Martin Luther King Jn was assassinated at theLorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968, the Broadway production The Mountaintop was one of the most significant pieces of theatre I have ever seen.Starring Samuel L Jackson as Dr King and the stunning Angela Bassett as Camae – the visitor with a messagefor King - the play focuses on the hours following Dr King’s memorable speechcommonly referred as ‘I’ve been to the Mountaintop’. It is in the motel roomwhen Camae appears as a maid that Dr King is confronted with is impendingdeath. It must be said that while Jackson played the important legend, it was Bassettwho stole the show on the night. An extraordinary performance coupled with asignificant international story of a man who heavily influenced the civilrights movement here in Australia with his great orations and strength, thenight at the Bernard B Jacobs Theatre was one of my most memorable in NYC,especially since I managed to get Jackson’s autograph after the show. Yes Idid! That’s it just below!

3. DINE ANDWINE: Yes, I’ve changed the phrase around because food did take aprecedence over bevies, but both played a big part in the moments I am mostgrateful for. The conversations, the sharing of visions, the major politiciandiscussions, the unpacking of writing processes and so on – all occurred whilethere was food and wine (and the odd cocktail) on the table. Here are some ofmy favoured spots during my most recent trip and where I suggest you go:Downtown in SoHo head to the Boqueria with some friends for a fun and delishtapas. You can’t book so go before7pm so at least you can get a seat at the bar while you wait. Head to the Merc Bar for happyhour then pop across the street to Lure for a wonderful sushi and oyster bar experience with lots of energy andattentive staff.

For a European experience, do as I did on Christmas Day andtake in Blaue Gans for Austrian fare, and try the Kaiserchmarrnfor dessert, very authentic! For arare good coffee and not in-your-face-service I loved Tarallucci E Vino Union Square but there’s one in East Village, UpperWest Side and Soho.

Head up to Flushing and eat in any number of noodle houses,but if you want to go flash then definitely try Mulan the décorwas impressive and completely unexpected in this China-meets-Korea market town.

After a night at the theatre get away from 42^nd Street and thetourists and head 10 blocks to 52^nd as I did, and hit the Russian Vodka room whichwas full of interesting, you guessed it, Russians! With some fab cocktails.

After a decent salad (or an extensive wine list) in a groovyneighbourhood, then you’ll appreciate, as I did, the wonderful find on theLower East Side that is Inoteca Ithink the waiter started to question my raving about the freshness of the food,but in the middle of winter to have such wonderful salads was bliss for me.

Finally for a decent brekky in an American diner experience,I loved the Coffee Shop Bar at Union Square. Next time I’ll go backfor the pie or even one of their Brazilian events!

4. STROLLING:Manhattan is a walking city. I’d say if you’ve got bad knees, hips or feetdon’t even bother going. The best part of any visit I have there is justwalking the length and breadth of the city and breathing in all thepossibilities it has to offer. Anyway, how do you think I (almost) kept mywaistline with all that eating and drinking (per above). I probably walkedupwards of 6kms a day. And now I smile when I think about all the Avenues andStreets of NYC I sauntered along and dreamed to myself, and for that I amgrateful.

5. FRIENDLINESS: NewYork City is NOT what we see on TV here in Australia. It’s not all fatdonut-eating cops (see the gorgeous ones below) and crime-filled streets withno sense of community. Perhaps I just watch too many cop shows! Rather, I havealways found NYC a friendly, hospitable and even safe place as a tourist. Iasked people in the street for directions and they pulled out their iphones andgoogle mapped it. I asked people on platforms at train stations the best lineto catch and they eagerly assisted. I gazed at someone long enough and theysaid hello. And the staff working in retail (and not working for tips) actuallyacted like they enjoyed their jobs. And THAT’s what I am grateful for in thismassive city of over 8 million people!

Review: The Boundary by Nicole Watson

2012-01-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

TheBoundary: NicoleWatson UQP 2011 RRP: $24.94

The is thefirst novel I’ve read that incorporates issues of native title, communityactivism, social and emotional well-being issues, black bureaucrats, policethuggery and black deaths in custody, infidelity, stolen wages, black on blackand white on black racism - allwrapped up in a skilful multi-murder mystery. Eloquently written by afirst-time novelist, is it any wonder that the work by Birri-Gubba /Yugembeh lawyer Nicole Watson won the David Unaipon Award for unpublished manuscripts in2009.

Set inBrisbane’s West End where an imaginary line called ‘the boundary’ is based onan actual boundary and curfew which excluded Aboriginal people fromBrisbane-town during the 19th century, the novel centres around Meston Park (athinly veiled Musgrave Park) as significant cultural and historical land of theCorrowa people. The locals have just lost their court battle for their nativetitle rights to save the land from development by Coconut Holdings, who’s tradeoff for building is offering a tokenistic employment strategy for the localblacks. Unfortunately, the reality is that the Corrowa are just as powerless astheir countrymen’s artefacts ‘keptin sterile glass cabinets, scattered throughout the Federal Court.’

The storyof The Boundary is driven by the characters: MirandaEversley, Aboriginal lawyer and alcoholic, estranged from her father Charlie,the much respected rights campaigner and spokesperson for the Corrowa.

Aunty EthelCobb, former dorm girl at Manoah Mission, who’s identity may be questioned butspirit and belief system is never in doubt.

Dick Payne,much despised Aboriginal lawyer and campaigner against welfare dependency, alsoowner of Coconut Holdings! Sherene Payne, family lawyer married to Dick butservicing Justice Bruce Brosnan (who judged the Corrowa could not prove their native title rights), that is until he is murdered!

HarrisonMcPherson (the 'Golden Tongue), incoming President of the Native Title Tribunal is a despicablepaedophile and yet somehow sees himself as the James Bond of the legalprofession. While Lesley Talgum, the high-ranking public servant with agambling problem is a pariah among her own people.

Theracist-thuggish-old-school cop, Higgins and his unsure-of-his-identity-partner,Detective Jason Matthews, do nothing for us to think much of the QLD policeforce. No surprises there for this reader.

And then ofcourse there’s Red Feather as a character (which will leave you wondering: do‘clever men’ really exist) and the actual ‘red feathers’ from the ParadiseParrot named as extinct in 1927 but somehow found at the scene of every murder.

TheBoundary rang truefor me with its storylines, phrases and characters, as well as the realitiesthat I know only too well from visiting various communities. I smiled when Iread ‘...if you wanted to have a yarn with a blackfellas – you have to fillthem up with tucker first.’ And was equally saddened at the truth that:‘Aboriginal people are usually defined by what they lacked – houses,infrastructure, services, long life spans.’ So true.

TheBoundary is a simple lesson in the reality of the native title fight that Aboriginal Australians face, particularly in urban areas. It is a novelabout a fight that will force every reader to pick a side: either that of thetraditional owners begging for rightful claims to land ownership or thedevelopers that governments feel they have the right to sell land to. Whichside will you be on?

In the end,the book is also a reminder not to question the power of faith that blackfellashave in our own spirituality and culture.

Order yourcopy of The Boundary now from here and add it to your National Year of Reading list of good books to devour!

I’m grateful for NYE in NYC

2012-01-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Yes I know this blog is two weeks after the fact, but if youfollow me on Twitter you’ll know I haven’t stopped since December 14 when I first left Sydney for myworking-holiday to Houston, NYC and Barcelona. Although I’ve done it before, Idon’t really want to be punching the keys while I have limited time in anothercountry, and that is why this blog is so late. Forgive me? Truth is, the whole time Iwas away I experienced wonderful moments, meals, and mischief. And I do want toshare the extraordinary time I had for NYE as we passed from 2011 into thiswonderful new year that is 2012. I must say first up, that I am not usually afan of NYE. I have had more failed nights than memorable ones. I havespent a few at the movies and been in bed before midnight a number of times.HOWEVER, being in Manhattan and ‘seeing the ball drop’ had been on mybucket-list for as long as I can remember. And this year, I managed to make thedream come true, therefore making my list a tad shorter. Below is how it allcame together, and what I am most grateful for.

1. THE PLANNING: Ibooked my trip to New York in June and slowly started plotting how my December31^st might look. But it wasn’t until October when I was working inAdelaide with a client Sharon Mahoney (pictured with me above) who fast becamea friend, that we decided to see the new year in together. Sharon had alreadybooked a restaurant (details below) where we could apparently experience theTimes Square excitement, but still be able to eat, sit and pee (yes all threecriteria had to be met!). I invited my dear Aussie-American friend Vanessa(pictured below) and then all we had to do was figure out what we’d wear forthis monumental celebration!

2. THE OUTFIT: Let’sface it, if I was going to do this properly, I had to be looking the partand so were the other ladies and so we took the shopping task seriously. Over aperiod of days in the New York, and travelling as far as Jersey to get theoutfit complete, I managed to pull together the following: a black frock fromAnn Taylor on 42^nd Street, a blingedcardy from Banana Republic, bling for my neck from White House Black Market Flatiron (just doors from where I was staying) , a gorgeous flag faux fur bagfrom Kenneth Cole Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, shoes from DSW UnionSquare that were so high I got vertigo, Dior eye-shadow from Century 21 the discountdesigner department store and jiffies for wearing on the train home from Duane Read! So, ladies, there’s some of my tips forshopping in New York, because EVERYTHING I got was on serious sale! And of course, you'll have to go to Macy's as well! Oh, and I also got some fantastic bargains at Lord and Taylor on Boxing Day!

3. THE VENUE: Anyoneheading to NYC – whether it's for new years or not – then I recommend you dine at Trattoria Dell'Arte. It was filled with energy,party-goers, attentive but not in-your-face-sugary-sweet-where-is-my-tip waitstaff. The six-course menu on NYE included crab meatballs, Madagascar prawns, cannoliSiciliana, Valrhona Bittersweet chocolate mousse and one or two glasses ofbubbly among a host of other delights to choose from. Balloons hung likeparty-goers from the ceiling, fellow patrons chatted with us, the owners (oneAustralian) came and joined our party momentarily also. We talked, laughed, ate and it was a meal I wishedeveryone I'm close to could've been at also

4. THE COUNTDOWN: At11.45pm we headed outside and joined the estimated one million people who linedthe streets around Times Square. The evening was minus the frosty air that hadplagued party-goers in previous years. In fact I lost my scarf and was fine!Many who packed the city had been enjoying the hours of entertainment withJustin Bieber and Lady Gaga (who also pushed the button with the Mayor that setthe ball off for the 60 second countdown to midnight). The famous ball (coveredwith 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles and lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon RebelLEDs) dropped 70 feet in sixty seconds and we all counted down together. Did Isee it? I’m not entirely sure. I saw a lot of things in that direction! Andsoon after I saw the fireworks behind me in Central Park. Nothing on what wehave in Sydney, but that's fine, I wasn’t in Sydney. I was in New York wherethey don’t sing Auld Lang Syne and young kids don’t pee in the streets becausepeople are so drunk from being down the harbour all day. I loved that I waswith families and friends and fireworks in the most exciting city in the world.We took photos, we cheered and yahooed and oohed and ahhed at the sky lit upwith the promise of a year ahead filled with only good things. Vanessa and Iactually took the time to stand in the street in our VERY high shoes and NYE crownson our heads and count our blessings. ‘How incredibly lucky are we just to behere?’ we agreed.

5. THE RESOLUTIONS:This is always the big one for everyone. Many make them and break them. Somerefuse to make them at all. Others focus only on their physical / health sideof life, forgetting their spiritual, emotional and intellectual side. Me, Ididn't think of anything to claim out loud on the night, but as often happenswhen I travel, I had many moments of clarity in the days that followed. My resolutionis to become even more aware of what there is to be grateful for life, and alsotry to be a better daughter and aunty. That of course means having to stay putmore, and so I resolve to spend more time in Sydney with those I love most.

Did you make any resolutions?

CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK!

2012-01-05T08:26:00.000-08:00

Many people have asked me why, some have frowned at me andothers just don’t understand how I could be away from my family at Christmas.The truth is I do miss my family, but I see my Mum and my sister Gisella andher boys every day back home. I eat with them often. And to be honest, Christmasto me since my father passed away has been a struggle, and often just abouteating more, spending more and, sometimes with more chances of a familyargument. I’m not really religious and I don’t have kids – which many peopletell me is what Christmas is really about – so I’m the Aunty who is usuallypouring a glass of bubbles before midday. I wanted something different formyself this year. In fact, I was happy to skip Christmas altogether but that’snear impossible to do that in the Western world. After my scheduled events inNew York (as mentioned below), I decided to stay on for a unique New YorkChristmas, and here’s the five things that made this year so memorable for me.

1FALLING STOCKINGS: I wish I was talking aboutSanta stockings here, but alas I’m talking about the stockings that I waswearing as I headed up 5^th Avenue at 9am on Christmas morning. Nosooner had I made it to 25^th Street that I was hoiking my tights up and feelingvery flustered, embarrassed and uncomfortable. I had to hail a cab before theyactually hit the top of my boots. While making small talk about the lack oftraffic and how many people might be at the cathedral I was heading to, I trieddesperately to get my stockings in an acceptable place. No such luck. To cut alonger and more embarrassing story short, I ended up being escorted in thedirection of the bathrooms at the Rockefeller Centre by a police-officer, mostconcerned about my failed stocking situation. Never, EVER have I had aChristmas day start like that. Nor had he!

2. MASS AT ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL: I had decidedbefore I left Sydney that I would do certain things for my family while away. Ichose to go to mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral for my mother. The homily was a reminderabout what was / is important at Christmas – especially the gift of time. I was gratefulI attended the service with my friends Jeanine, Jerome and Rosie. Indeed, wesat through half of the 9am mass and most of the 10.15 mass so I think I’m coveredfor a few months now. Trivia: so popular is the midnight mass at St Pat’s thatyou have to book a ticket, and my cab driver told me that mass this year (wellnow it was last year) was the largest they’d ever had.

3. BLAUE GANS: Prayers were for Mum, but fillingthe belly was for Dad, and for that I headed to one of five Austrianrestaurants I knew of in NYC. I had Christmas lunch at the Blaue Gans in Tribecca with my dear friend Vanessa(picture above), a cocktail named Klimt (after the famous and fabulous Austrianpainter), roast duck with red cabbage and pear strudel for dessert - it was a fitting tribute to mylate father. The difference between this lunch and the one I would’ve had backhome is that I didn’t eat too much and for being able to walk easily out of therestaurant I was most grateful.

4. THE ROCKETTES: Everyone, and I mean everyone whovisits this city during Christmas time heads to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City. And so, I got my Christmas belly on the train and up to thetheatre to see the high-kicking Christmas story, including Santa, a nativityscene and a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is togetherness, and notnecessarily presents. I was grateful that in such a commercialised Christmasshow, that message was made loud and clear, as much to the parents in theaudience, as the children.

5. PRESENCE NOT PRESENTS: Christmas 2011 will godown as one of my all time favourites. Although a long way from home, I wasmost grateful on the day to be able tospend time with wonderful people (also had dinner at The Australian Hotel later that evening with Aussie mates). Theirtime and presence were much more important to me that day and than any physicalpresent.

Grateful in New York, New York

2011-12-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m a long way from home in suburbanSydney, but Christmas in New York has been on my bucket list for some time, andso, here I am. It’s cold outside, very cold, but there’s no snow, yet! With abig day planned I’m taking the night off to watch for the first time the firstseason of Sex and the City and write this blog. For there is much to begrateful for the past five days in the only city that can make me smile everyday, even when I am sick (and inevitably whenever I visit here in winter Ialways get sick!).

Here’s a few of the things I'm grateful for New York this week:

MoCADA: I’ve been to Brooklyn before, roaming the streets,enjoying the shops and I loved makingsnow angels in the park, but this week was the first time I visited the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art. My time there was spent talking about the Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal literature to a intimate crowd, including RobinBuncamper, Loida Febo-Garcia and Vanessa Rodd (pictured above). I also enjoyedchecking out the current exhibition and the groovy gift shop. I’m most grateful to Zemmen Kidane and curators JabariOwens-Bailey (pictured below) for their hospitality.

FLUSHING LIBRARY: I had no idea that Flushing Queens wasgoing to be the bustling, bright, multicultural minefield that it was when Ivisited on Wednesday night. I was like a kid in a toy shop, gobsmacked by thelights and colour and energy in Main Street of Flushing, home of Queens Library – and I’m told – the most visited library in the US at 14million library goersa year. That’s half the population of Australia! I was grateful to those whocame along to my yarn about Aboriginal literature and am grateful for the opportunityto see yet another lively side of New York. I can’t wait to go back and check outall the fresh produce my driver said the area was best known for.

MoMA: In the middle of this mad town, with over 10,000 cabs,too many skyscrapers, accents from around the world, tourists snapping camerasnon-stop and the smells of pizza and donuts wafting through the air, the most peacefulplace I found this week was the Museum of Modern Art on 53^rd Street.I always visit to be inspired and this week blew me away with exhibitions bySonja Ivekovic who introduced me to Lady Rosa of Luxemburg. Of course the usual suspects are at MoMa:Matisse, Roden, Cezanne, Klimt and Monet (and there’s nothing usual about theWater Lilies in full scale) but this visit, my fave piece was the Feast of Santa Anita (1931) by Rivera. No need to guess why!

STICK FLY: At the recommendation of a writer friend inHouston, I got tickets to see Alicia Keys’ production STICK FLY at the Cort Theatre, and with a provocative, witty, well-paced script, a castfull of awarded actors and a story-line that could easily fit in Australia, itwas some of the best theatre I have ever experienced, at home or abroad. I wason a high when I left the theatre, and that was before I got to meet three ofthe actors Dule Hill (pictured above), Condola Rashad and Tracey Thoms (below).And then, I was simply speechless. I walked towards Times Square feelingincredibly grateful.

MULTI-FAITH/MULTICULTURAL: I’m grateful that in New Yorkpeople say ‘Happy Holidays’ rather than ‘Merry Christmas’ and the lobbies ofhotels and apartment buildings have Christmas trees and menorahs on show. Infact, much is still open on Christmas day because let’s face it, not everyoneis Christian. There is definitely something special about being in a city thatacknowledges it’s multicultural and multi-faith residents, and at the same timehas uplifting public artwork – check out these massive baubles on 6^thAvenue. Love them! I also love the Christmas markets at Grand Central, UnionSquare and Columbus Circle. Never have I had to restrain myself from shoppingas I have this week – but alas the sales will be here in TWO sleeps!

CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS: There are a LOT of Aussies in New Yorkand the highlight for me this week has been catching up with some of them. OnThursday I headed downtown to Soho, the place I first fell in love withManhattan, and met up with three deadly diva I used to work with at theAustralia Council. They all live here now (I hope to be next!) They introduced me to Boqueria – the finesttapas bar I’ve ever been to. Oh, the food... I am still full!As you can see above, we were having a great time! Shout out to Dan, ourwaiter... oh, which reminds me of the waiter I met up on 48^th who whispered‘your eyes melt me’ and presented me with a piece of cheesecake and ‘prety eyes’written in chocolate sauce. Now, that’s the Manhattan I am truly grateful for!

I'm grateful in Houston, Texas

2011-12-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

WOW! My first visit to the Lone Star state and I’ve had aninspiring few days talking with local authors, art lovers, community projectworkers and of course a visit to the local Tiffany’s store at The Galleria!Below is just a short-list of moments, events and venues that I am trulygrateful for.

BOOKER LOWE GALLERY: Whowould’ve thought that deep in the heart of Texas there’d be an Aboriginal artgallery? Well in Feagan Street there’s the Booker Lowe Gallery- a welcoming house-turned gallery spacethat introduces some of Australia’s most respected artists. And while I was intown the walls showcased the work of leading central desert artist AlmaNungarrayi Granites as part of the Stargazers exhibition of paintings of the"Seven Sisters”.

I am deeply grateful to gallery owner Nana Booker – who isalso Australia’s Honorary Consul General to Texas – and her team (picturedat top of page) for hosting a Manhattan Dreaming book signing event for me during my visit. The night was attended by local artlovers, authors from the Black Writers Reunion and Conference network (pictured above), students from Rice Uni and ex-pat Aussies.

PROJECT ROW HOUSES:One of the most innovative and inspiring community arts projects I have everseen is in Houston’s Third Ward. Known as Project Row Houses (PRH) and thebrain child of artist and activist Rick Lowe (pictured above), the PRH’s missionis to transform community through the celebration of art and African American historyand culture. The three main programs ofthe PRH are: Public Art opportunities utilising ten of the original twenty-twoshotgun houses, where visiting artists create and exhibit their work; ArtsEducation Program provides classes across art forms aimed at encouraging kidsto develop thinking and problem solving skills through creativity; and YoungMothers Residential Program, which provides a safety net for young, single-mothersbetween 18 and 26.

THE FOUNTAIN OFPRAISE: Well, after visiting probably half of the states of America, todaywas the first ever time I attended a church service, and where better to do it thanthe Bible belt. My authorly friend Nakia took me to The Fountain of Praisechurch and from the moment we arrived in the massive car park which holds somany cars it requires its own marshals to direct traffic, I was overwhelmed. Ina venue with around 1500 worshippers, a choir with about twenty glamoroussoul-singers belting out tunes on a stage adorned with glitzy decorations andstrands of crystals falling from the ceiling, the service – with no disrespect intended – was like spirituality meets musical Broadway. Quiteextraordinary, and with gospel singing accompanied by the powerful preaching ofRemis Wright I had a lump in my throat, tear in my eye and smile on my facethroughout. And yes, I had my notebook out trying to capture what I was seeing,hearing and feeling. I wasn’t alone. The girl next to me was Facebooking, a guyacross the aisle was taking notes on his iPad. The experience was infectious,addictive and nothing like I had ever been part of, and what a sense ofcommunity the morning provided. Am still processing... more anon!

PINTO RANCH: Naturally, every city-slicker from Sydney isgoing to be seeking some deadly boots and maybe a cowboy hat (perhaps even acowboy!). And if you’re not in town when the rodeo is on, then on down to thePinto Ranch andcheck out their amazing gear. Ask for Steve the ‘hat manager’ and he will takecare of you with a smile and a sense of cowboy style. I’m loving the hat Steve (pictured with me above) gave me to try on, and the Gene Autry-like boots they had, but I didn’tthink I could pull it off back home... Loved wearing it around the storethough, as you’ll see below.

EATING: Seriously,I have to leave Houston because I’m eating TOO much. I don’t need to be leadastray on that front; I can easily feed myself... however I was pleased to belead in the right direction for some of Houston’s finest eateries, including:

THE BREAKFAST KLUB: Asa rule I don’t queue for food because there are usually plenty of good optionsfor fine or fast wherever I am at home or on the road, without spending valuabletime standing on the sidewalk waiting for a table. BUT, there must be anexception to every rule and The Breakfast Klub in Houston, where soul foodmeets southern hospitality, locals, artists, students and on a good day, theowner Mark will swing by and check you’re enjoying being in his establishment.You MUST, as I did, try their speciality, the catfish and grits for breakfast,or the waffles and chicken wings. And, it was the best coffee I had in thiscity! Thanks to local author Nakia R. Laushaul for introducing me to the venue via her blog.

HUGO’S: With margarita’smade at the table, and the most authentic menu you can get this side of theborder, I was so full after my recommended Enchiladas de Pollo that I couldn’teven consider the dessert menu, insteadI enviously watched my friends enjoytheir churros dipped in hot chocolate. If you have Mexican onlyonce in Houston,make sure it’s at Hugo’s Regional Mexican Cuisine on Westheimer.

LE PEEP: Seemslike the place to be on Sunday morning’s in Houston is the national chain LePeep! Must be the massive blueberry pancakes and omelettes that bring people in!I’d show you the photos but I’m still feeling full from them over 12 hours ago!Instead, above is a pic of my brekkie pals conference coordinator Tia Ross http://tiaross.com/ , playwright Bryan-KeythWilson http://www.bryankeythwilson.com/ (who also took me to the Festival ofLights in Galveston!) and author Nakia.

** Food warning** Take it from me because I learned the hardway – quite often a small soda or coffee is equivalent to our large size in Australia.And you will be encouraged by invitation to upsize meals at fast food outlets, butjust know that if you agree, the result will be you will turn out upsizedyourself... just saying!

Review: Purple Threads by Jeanine Leane

2011-12-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

PURPLE THREADS

Jeanine Leane UQP 2011 / ISBN: 9780702238956 RRP: $24.95 160pp

I loved this David Unaipon Award Winning collection ofstories from the first page. Not just because the author is Wiradjuri, orbecause the narrator ‘Sunny’ told me the story of the dog on the Tuckerbox atGundagai (which I’ve driven past dozens of times). Not even because the talesare full of country humour. But I fell in love with the story of strong,capable women, living without fear on the land, protecting their home and kin,saving young dying farm animals, while offering readers pearls of wisdom toldin their own bush English.

Young Sunny (named after the sunshine) was raised by herNan, and her Auntie’s Boo (Beulah) and Bubby (Lily). Her own mother Petal wasthe wild sister; the negligent, self-absorbed, impatient mother, still treatedlike the baby of the family and often favouring Sunny’s baby sister Star. It isthe relationship between these women and girls and some of the locals, thatdrive the stories in this compact volume.

Nan is a staunch Christian, but Aunty Boo gives Catholics a roastingwhen she can. She also has some good advice for girls, claiming that men can’tbe trusted nor trained, and that a good dog is worth all the men in the worldrolled into one. And while Aunty Boo loves to swear and read history books, AuntyBubby much prefers to be buried in a romance novel. Can you see how fabulousthe scenes for these characters might be?

Ironically, I read this novel sitting on a rock at MaroubraBeach, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and immediately found myself emersed in thedry country landscape of central New South Wales:

'The stones that sat in the dry creek beds braced theirbleached faces against the midday sun and stared back at the thirsty land. Atthe edge of the crops on the plain, brown snakes rattled the hollow wheat andthe ears clicked eerily in the hot wind. A spark could ignite a huge firestormof dry grasses and grains that would burn like a furnace.'

Within this landscape are the townsfolk, ‘The women in townsat in their cotton print dresses on cool verandahs of blue-grey river stoneand fanned themselves with imitation oriental fans as they drank weak tea fromfine china cups… Aunty Boo said they looked like sad dolls.’ And in thisreaders eye, they do.

Leane's work made me feel goodabout my roots in country New South Wales, and I’ll be giving the book to others fromthe area this Christmas who are also city-slickers in Sydney!

Get a copy Purple Threads for yourself as your own Christmas present, and findsomewhere comfy with a cup of tea and sit and listen to the Aunties yarn.

Sheryl Gwyther is proFoundly grateful ...

2011-12-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

Today, I have the pleasure and privilege of introducing youto my tidda Sheryl Gwyther,Brisbane-based author, illustrator, activist and all-round Fabulous woman. Bigon supporting writers and our rights Sheryl is on the SCWBI Australia /NZ QLD Management Teamand was at the forefront of the fight against parallel importation of books back in 2009.

Aside from her devotion to our book industry (you’ll seebelow, she’s also an animal rights advocate), Sheryl is clearly devoted to a lotof other significant things (and people). Below, she has generously sharedthose she is most grateful for... all beginning with the letter F!

Sheryl on beinggrateful...

Tricky thing, this idea of gratitude, Anita, but I’m gladyou asked me because it’s something I suspect most of us rarely contemplate.

I’ve had a lucky life – or should I say, I don’t have anyregrets about my life so far. There’ve been a couple of disasters, but Ilearned from them, so how can I regret that? I’ve learned to stand up for whatI believe in, even though I’m no extrovert. I’ve travelled afar and met manyfascinating, crazy, interesting, and occasionally, truly dreadful people. Sohere goes – my F list of FIVE GRATEFULS, hot-off-the-press...

1. FAMILY... whoelse accepts and still loves you even though you were once a little shit? I’mtalking about the teenage years, of course – who wasn’t a little shit backthen?

My dad worked for the railways as a guard. My mum never wentbeyond high school, but has made up for it ever since. They instilled in me andmy three sisters the belief that everyone is equal and deserves the samechances in life. And my grand-mother filled my head with stories of Irishancestors who lusted after Spanish grooms, and who fought in Irish rebellions. Nowonder I became a story-teller.

Every day, I’m grateful for my husband, Ross and our son,David (pictured above). They are the loves of my life, the scaffolding and the mortar.

2. FRIENDS...life would be bleak without friends. I love my friends, those I’ve known formany years, and now those from the writing world. I can’t imagine life withouttheir input, advice and the laughter we’ve shared. Most are women – strong, beautiful,spirited women who light up my life with their passion. Like you, Anita, andDee White, Angela Sunde and Tania McCartney. There’re others too with special places in my heart, but I’ve run out of roomon this post.

3. FREEDOM ... Isaid gratitude is something we rarely think about, after all, we don’t live ina perpetual war-zone, or under a dictatorship, nor starve to death in Australia– it’s easy to take for granted our geographic and economic luck.

We are allimmigrants to this country, why can’t we share it with fellow humans who cravefreedom from torture, oppression and instability as well. I’m grateful to thoseon the front-line who continue to speak out against the misinformed and thexenophobic, in the hope of opening enough Australian minds and hearts to ourethical, moral and humane responsibilities. One day, we will hold our headshigh.

4. FURRY CREATURES... Yes, I’m grateful we have animals on this planet, even the slithery, scaly,creepy ones. (Okay, you caught me out here – I have serious problems with thehumane disposal of Bufo marinus).

I’m a proud supporter of animal rights and I’m ashamed thatwe humans have caused the greatest methodical elimination of animal and insectspecies since a giant meteorite landed in the Yucatan Peninsula andwiped out dinosaurs.

Animals have always been a strong and fascinating presencein my life – for their trust, I’m forever grateful.

5. FANTASY, orrather, developing an imagination ...for how can we be storytellers without the ability to use imaginations.

I’m grateful for my childhood of freedom, of being able torun, ride and climb around our small sugarcane town – to make cubby-houses withmy sisters and cousins in a lantana jungle, pretend to be Tarzan of the Apes inthe ancient figs (never Jane), to act out adventures like the Famous Five. Toexplore, to take risks, and not be cotton balled like so many kids today.

I never broke a bone, a venomous taipan never bit me and Isurvived eating the entire unripe crop from a guava tree. In the process, Ibecame a storyteller.

I'm grateful for TWUGIA DREAMING

2011-11-29T17:24:00.001-08:00

A highlight for me this week was attending the launch of theTwugia Dreaming anthology, containingthe work of eleven Year 7 Aboriginal students from south-western Sydney. As awriter, nothing is more inspiring than seeing young creative minds at work. Asa Wiradjuri woman, that overwhelming inspiration comes from experiencing youngKooris developing their own stories. And that sums up my time with this year'sTwugia group.

For three days in August, the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, became the breeding ground forcharacters, settings, short stories, poetry and interesting ideas. The students– all part of the Twugia project - worked in an intensive environment, leaving behind their schools and familiesback at Ambarvale, Campbelltown, Leumeah, Macquarie Fields, Prairiewood,Picton, Narellen and Fairfield West.

What they brought with them was creativity, positive energy,respect and an abundance of talent, as well as their own experiences ofidentity, culture and life for young Kooris in Sydney.

My kids – which Ilike to call all the talented students I work with – wrote about their ownsacred places, their favourite seasons, reviews of their most-loved books, andtheir happiest and saddest memories.

Their short stories moved from bank robberies to terrifyingmoments in a haunted houses. Some used suspense to write a murder mystery,another became trapped in prehistoric times, while two lads went on anemotional journey of young love.

One striking poem I wanted to share here (with permission)by Brandon Morgan, Caibryn Keating and Dean Thompson demonstrates the depth to understandingthese young fellas have of the significant symbol of the Aboriginal flag.

OUR POEM

The Aboriginal flagis more

Than just a piece ofcotton;

It represents manythings

That will never beforgotten.

Our flag containsmany things:

Red for blood andland; yellow for the sun;

And black for ushuman beings.

It represents thestolen generations

Indigenous children,taken away,

These events were torturous

And caused greatdismay.

We raise our flagloud and proud,

To show we are not afailure;

We are thetraditional owners of this land,

You call Australia!

A Luritja ElderHarold Thomas,
Designed this deadly symbol.

It gives us pride,makes us strong

And it makes whitefellas tremble.

I was parent-like-proud on Monday night as I sat with their familiesand listened to them perform their first public readings. Indigenous Australiahas a bright future when I think of these kids. And reading the work in TwugiaDreaming, I am inspired to write more myself, and for that I feel blessed andprivileged.

Congratulations to the 2011 Twugia group!

And massive thanks to Rachael McKay and the South Western Sydney Region Aboriginal Education Team, and Judith Ridge from WestWords (for editing the book!).

EFF words I am grateful for today....

2011-11-29T01:11:00.001-08:00

1.FAMILY: The word ‘family’ sums up the meaning of love, support, history,togetherness and everything that I hold dear to me. I am always grateful for myfamily, especially those I get to see almost every day.

2.FRIENDS: I am blessed with extraordinary friends, and today I’d like to paytribute to Robynne who I laugh with every day. If we did an audit of our weeklyphone calls I think we’d laugh even harder. Aside from everything else Robynne adds to my life, she is one of the few people I can travel with – and our picabove is from Port Douglas in 2010 where we were celebrating birthdays.

3.FEELINGS: I’m grateful for all of them, but particularly the positive ones:love, joy, optimism, pride, awe, euphoria, passion and of course GRATITUDE!

4.FRISKY: I’m grateful that I feel frisky... most days!

5.FABULARSE: Yes, I know it’s a bit naughty, but then so am I. And so, today I amgrateful that I’m naughty enough to say ‘I hope you had a fabularse day!’ (Ineed to acknowledge I appropriated that word from my friend Sonia)

Inspirational people and positive stories I am grateful for…

2011-11-28T18:14:00.001-08:00

As Co-Chair of the Expert Panel for the Constitutional Recognition ofIndigenous Australians, Professor Dodson told the audience that now is the timeto make change. That as Australians we can achieve it if we want it. It’s inour hands to make Constitutional change to recognise Indigenous Australians andto have a non-discrimination clause included in our founding document. ‘Theworld must think we are crazy,’ he said, when considering our currentconstitution.

He made a call topoliticians to focus on what is going to bring us together, what is best forthe nation. Because it is we, the voting public who put them there, we can votethem out also.

Professor Dodson noted thatthe recognition of Aboriginal people as the First Peoples – with rights andresponsibilities – causes alarm for some Australians.

I am grateful to ProfessorDodson for showing me, and the rest of Australia that true leadership doesexist, we just need to recognise it, appreciate it and follow it.

[The pic above is of yourstruly with Patrick Dodson in Sydney in 2008, at the launch of From Little Things Big Things Grow]

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.”

“You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.”

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

I take my hat of topublisher Neil Willmett who wrote in his inaugural editorial:

Aboriginal Business Magazine is committed to showcasing businesses sothat we create new perceptions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople. Perceptions which portray us in a positive way as being successful,educated, wealthy, hardworking and intelligent – rather than the negativeperceptions that are often portaged in the media.

If like me you’re lookingfor more positive, uplifting, inspiring and professionally useful stories, thennow’s the time to subscribe. I already do!

You can subscribe to themagazine here or LIKE their Facebook fan page, or keep up with their tweets on Twitter!

E Words I am grateful for today...

2011-11-26T23:09:00.001-08:00

Today, here's just a few E words that I'm grateful for... what about you?

1. ELSIE:My Mum’s name is Elsie! Everyone loves Elsie. When I mention to someone I meeton the road that I am Elsie's daughter, they quickly lunge into a monologueabout how they know her and how wonderful she is. And of course she is. Itseems that everyone loves my Mum. Sometimes their affection for makes me wonderif I love her enough, but of course I do, she is my best friend. There isnothing I would be embarrassed to tell my mum, and for that I am grateful. (Picabove is of Mum when she won NAIDOC Elder of the Year in 2009. And that’s mysis Gisella)

2. ELEGANT:The word elegant also sums up my mum. She is the most stylish, dignified womanI know... and I don’t mean in the way she dresses, but in the way she carriesherself, especially in hard times and in public. I am grateful she has taughtme the same (or is trying to!).

3. ELEPHANTS:My father rarely asked for more than he had, and when it was time to make awish on his birthday cake, he would always laugh and say, ‘I wish I had enoughmoney to buy an elephant.’ I’m not sure why but whenever I see elephants I thinkof my late father, Joe. What funny sayings did /does your father have?

4. ECCENTRIC:I much prefer to be called ‘eccentric’ than strange, weird, kooky or quirky!

5. ENTHUSIASM:I’m grateful for the enthusiasm of all the students I worked with this week atSt Patrick’s College in Campbelltown. They were extraordinarily engaged in thewriting workshop we shared and in sharing their writing with each other. Theymade my working day a total pleasure.

6. EGGS:Poached, scrambled, fried, boiled, mashed, sunny side up, run, Benedict,Florentine, frittatied, nogged and of course Easter! I’m grateful for them all!

Thepic above is of my father at my farewell from Sydney to Canada back in 1995!Both of us had chubby faces back then!

D words I am grateful for ...

2011-11-21T01:55:00.001-08:00

· Today I just wanted to share some D words I am grateful for...

DARK - I like the dark. I like it so dark of anight I wear an eye-mask to block out any remnants of light and to assist metravelling to a universe where I can dream the night away. The darkest night Iremember was in Wagga Wagga (Wiradjuri country) back in 1997 when I was invitedto be writer-in-residence at the Wagga Wagga Writers Writers. My home there was in a little cottage on the grounds of Charles Sturt University,right across from the boutique winery of the same name. Like having one massivebar fridge! I arrived on a Sunday night around 7pm and am told my first wordsupon arrival were; "F&*! It’s dark here!" And it was. Not onlywas it the darkest night sky I'd ever seen, it was probably one of the onlyplaces I have ever been truly afraid of the night. I was told the house had a'resident friendly ghost' and so I waited for it to appear.... it never did.

· DIAMONDS - to some they are a girl’s best friend,others they are more like a sista but right night they feel like a long lostcousin to me. *violins play* Seriously, I'm grateful for the few little chips Ihave because they were given with love and mark special moments in my life.

· DARLING: I like terms of endearment forlovers (darling, dear, dearest and so on). Although I recall telling one beauNOT to call me sweet pea! I also appreciate terms used with warmth formy loved ones such as sista, tidda, cuz.

· DAFFODILS: the beautiful yellow flowers light up my flat and my face. What’s not tobe grateful for?

· DATES: Not the ones involving members of theopposite sex, I mean the ones I put on my oatmeal every morning. I love ‘em!

A grateful farewell to Brisbane...

2011-11-08T21:59:00.001-08:00

Today was my final stint in my QUT office as part of the month long writer in residency gig I was blessed with. It's a bitter-sweet farewell as I am desperate to see my family in Sydney, and enjoy time in my home (and my bed), but I have truly fallen in love with the 'river city'. It will be hard to drive south in the morning.

I have so much to be grateful for this past month, but today I'd like to make special mention of the following:

HIS ROYAL MUSENESS: I'm deeply grateful for my dear Muse who has been with me throughout my Brisbane research and writing time. I usually have a new hot muse per book, but I might have to keep this one for a few more. He has become very special to me and I do believe he feels the same, although there is a kind of muse-misconduct-code that I always abide by. You'll see above that he is busy researching Indigenous media - specifically The Koori Mail - but I'm sure he was hiding his tears at the same time. Which reminds me Mr Muse, please duck down to the Village as I need some more waterproof mascara!

OODGEROO UNIT: As I drove over the Story Bridge this morning, I contemplated my time here at the Oodgeroo Unit and the unconditional support and generosity I have been shown by staff and students. I have been so welcomed and taken care of that it feels like I am saying goodbye after years of being here, rather than just four weeks. I'm grateful to all the deadly staff (some pictured above and below) who are fabulously funny, warm, helpful and kind, and to the students who have dropped in to say 'G'day' to make me feel at home. You have forged a special place in my heart.

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES: I am grateful to Vivienne Muller, Craig Bolland and Sharyn Pearce from the faculty of Creative Writing and Literary Studies in Creative Industries who not only invited me to do this gig, but who have involved me as much as possible in CI initiatives and events. My dance card has been full - so to speak - and I'm grateful for the collegial atmosphere provided to me. I'm also grateful for the chance to mix with graduating students at the end of year gala. You guys do know how to put on a spread!

COPYRIGHT AGENCY LTD: I'm grateful to CAL, for making all of this possible. Without financial support via CAL's Cultural Fund, I wouldn't have been able to come here at all, and the new book would've taken a year longer to write no doubt. I acknowledge the ongoing contribution that CAL makes to worthwhile projects nationally and look forward to working with them more in the future.

BRISBANE COMMUNITY: I am extremely grateful to all those locals who have tweeted me, commented on my Facebook fan page, provided ideas from the audience at my events and been generous with their ideas and feedback on how to make my new novel inclusive of all that is Brisbane. Your interest in, and support for my work is appreciated. I don't know why writers say it's a lonely profession... I certainly don't feel that way at all!

And now, that's it from me in Brisbane. It's hard to leave, especially as I jump out of bed each morning to walk along the magical Brisbane river. I will carry the views of the city with me in my memories (and my photos as per below) and look forward to returning.

Thanks for having me!

I'm grateful for an abundance of inspiration in Brisbane...

2011-11-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

It's been an amazing week of inspiration on the writing front. Brisbane is so rich in people, places and programs. I seriously don't want to leave, except that it is SO HOT!!!

Here's just a taste of what I am grateful for this week...

1. THE MUSE: My muse has been working overtime, blessing me with inspiration for the new novel. I couldn’t keep up withthe ideas so I had to ask him to stop being so good at his job. To keep himoccupied though while my fingers caught up with my brain, I got him to go throughall the brochures, business cards, menus etc I’ve been collecting here the lastfew weeks. I’m grateful that my muse is practical and efficient too.

2. BLACK+WRITE PROJECT: As part of myresidency here at QUT, I have been working with Ellen van Neerven-Currie andLinda McBride-Yuke. Both are doing the kuril dhagun Indigenous Editing Mentorship program withinthe black+write project at the State Library of QLD. It’s been a learningexperience for all of us; even after going through the process of editingtwelve of my own books, Linda and Ellen taught new ways of considering mycurrent work. In exchange, I taught them some different strategies andprocesses from am author’s perspective. For my small amount of time with them(six hours in total), I am incredibly grateful. I’m also pleased there willsoon be two more qualified Indigenous editors in the industry.

3. SHERLY GWYTHER: I’m especially gratefulfor local writer and artist Sheryl Gwyther for her time, energy and enthusiasm when it comes to supporting writers. Sherylwas at the forefront of the fight against parallel importation of books inrecent years, and is often seen at events in Brisbane supporting local writers,and indeed, visiting writers like myself. This week alone I am grateful for hertreks to QUT and to the SLQLD to catch up and talk about issues important toall of us as writers: ethics, publishing protocols, the need for support fromour writing orgs and so on. You can check out Sheryl’s blog in preparation for her cameo appearance here in the near future when shepresents her own ‘five gratefuls’.

4. ALI COBBY ECKERMANN: I’ve mentioned Ali Cobby Eckermannhere before. She’s a poet, novelist and all round deadly woman who alsoestablished the Aboriginal Writers Retreat. Last night I was one of the privileged audience members who heard a readingfrom Ali’s forthcoming novel RubyMoonlight, written as part of the kuril dhagun Indigenous WritingFellowship. I am grateful to Ali (pictured above) for the inspiration she brings me, but I’m moregrateful I can call her my friend.

5. SUE McPHERSON: Last night, I met for thefirst time Sue McPherson,also a recipient of the kuril dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowship. I listenedto her read from her work Grace Beside Meand was entertained and engaged. I can’twait to delve into the complete work when it is released through Magabala Books in April 2012. I’m grateful for another newvoice to hit the Australian literary scene, and also that Sue is a Wiradjuri Williams,just like me!

I'm grateful for a week in The Gap...

2011-11-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

My characterVeronica will live in The Gap. She has three grown up sons. And she’s areconciliationist. That’s all you need to now right now. But last week I spentfive long days and nights walking, driving, talking, drinking coffee andpracticing ‘being’ Veronica. I had great research assistants in Jackie and JohnHuggins… and aside from their knowledge on history of the area I am gratefulfor their humour in helping me get the story re landscape / setting, spot on. That's Jackie below with Jess Rudd at her Ruby Blues event at Riverbend Books last Thursday night.

Here are a few more things I’mgrateful for in The Gap:

1. AUNTY RITA HUGGINSMEMORIAL: Many of you reading this will alreadyhave heard of Rita Huggins, the graceful woman who, as a child was stolen fromher country and taken to what was the Cherbourg Aboriginal Reserve. Aunty Rita(the mother of my sistagirl Jackie) was also a well-respected Elder around TheGap. And so it was fitting, after launching her biography at Poet’s Corner backin 1994, that a memorial dedicated to her was erected at Walton Bridge (see pic below).

2.PEACE: It’s no secret; I’m a city chick, an urban-dwellingblackfella. I like sealed roads and coffee shops within walking distance fromhome. But of course I appreciate the peacefulness of being away from the hustleand bustle of traffic, people and industry that comes with city life. And so Iam grateful that The Gap actually gave ne everything I needed. Tranquility inbeing some distance from the CBD, morning walks in the leafy suburb thatborders Mt Nebo (so it’s like being in the bush) and plenty of places to havecoffee – try the soy chai latte at Café Tara or face Waterworks Road and watch the locals at the Coffee Club (yes, I know Islightly bagged it out in West End, but it’s an institution here so ‘Veronica’and I had to go there). Kudos and thanks to my research assistant Josie Montanoto for taking me to both venues. And I must confess, the head is so exhaustinghere in Brissy that I had to drive…

3.THE GT: You can’t call yourself a localwithout going to the Gap Tavern – better known as the GT. I went on Barra-Mundibut had steak. I’m grateful - I think – that I wasn’t aware at the time thatMonday is ‘swingers night’ there. NOTE: this has not been confirmed throughresearch, but three women did tell me that was the case. I am yet to return to determinethe truth to that aspect of the tavern at the base of the mountain. Must addthe food and service was fabulous!

4.FRIENDLY LOCALS: I think I liked The Gap because it reminded meof my home suburb in Sydney. Morning walks have locals nod, wink, smile and sayhello as they pass each other in the street, and for that friendliness – orwhat I consider to be ‘normal’- I am grateful!

5.BUSH TURKEYS: I’m grateful I developed a muchhealthier relationship with bush turkeys at The Gap. After not appreciatingthem all too well at West End and around the QUT campus, I’d thought more thanonce about what they might be like stuffed, dressed and baked. Alas, it’s thetotem of one of the staff here at Kelvin Grove campus and I was shunned fromthe lunchtime discussion for even considering baking the precious bird. My newmate above, found roaming out the front of St Peter Chanel School made me thinkmore kindly of the animal which I’m told can destroy an entire garden, wateringsystem and all.

Wild storms, hilly suburbs and evening river rides…

2011-10-30T22:50:00.001-07:00

What a sensational spring weekend inBrisbane. My characters (in my head) had a great time exploring the city withreal people by their side. Here are some of the highlights we are all gratefulfor:

1) LIFESTYLE MARKETS: South Bankon Friday night was alive with the aroma of freshly made churros and the soundsof girls giggling as they decided on matching henna tattoos. I grabbed a bargain in a gorgeouscotton skirt for $10 and then a sumptuous dinner at Ole. The highlight for me though was bumping into two old friends from mychildhood in Matraville. They were in town for a physios convention. My head isstill spinning with gratefulness for that little gem.

2) RANDOM CHATS: A stroll alongBoundary Street, West End on any day can result in a range of conversations. OnSaturday I had a yarn with an Aunty in a wheelchair telling me Vinnie’s hadsome wonderful new stock in, and so I followed her whispered advice and checkedit out. I’m grateful just for the warmth in her voice, but I do think she mayhave mistaken me for someone else. I don’t care, I felt lucky to have caughther attention anyway.

3) RIVER RIDES AT DUSK: I’mgrateful for the stunning moments I had on both Friday and Saturday night as Iferried from West End to South Bank and Riverside. I really can’t compare theriver experience here to anything in Sydney and it is one that could almostmake me change my mind about my ‘fave city’.

4) ROLLER-COASTER SUBURBS: I’mgrateful I’d been warned about the hills of Paddington, but aren’t they trulyfantastic? No other exercise routine is required, as I found out. My characterXanthe is going to be VERY, VERY fit as she simply walks up one hill, and downthe next. If you go really fast in your car, which you wouldn’t of course, it’sa little like a roller-coaster…. Weeeeee!

5) WILD STORMS: There’s something romanticabout the sound of the rain and thunder, especially when you have someone tocuddle up to (or a spare pillow, or cat or whatever), and last night’s stormswere truly amazing. It has been a while since I’d experienced one. I did wonderthough if Brisbanites panic now when the rain is so heavy…

I’m grateful for creative Brisbanites ...

2011-10-30T02:47:00.000-07:00

Today (Friday) I spent many hours with the creative talentsof many Brisbanites- here’s just five I am grateful for:

1. WESLEY ENOCH: I can’t remember when I first metplaywright, artistic director and gentleman Wesley Enoch, but I do know loved him almost immediately. We share a positiveattitude to life and a work ethic that includes a similar insane work schedule.And that’s what we laugh about whenever we meet up in any one of Australia’sfine cities. Today I’m grateful to be working with Wesley on the I AM EORA production(mentioned in a blog post below) for the 2012 Sydney Festival, but also that weare working towards another project in 2013. Details on that one later!

2. JENNY FRASER: Some of you will have read about deadly artist and curator Jenny Fraser in my novel Manhattan Dreaming, others may have seen her work on CyberTribe, but those of you who haven't done either, then let me introduce you to a fabulouslyfunny and passionate Brisbane-based woman. Today we had an engaging and entertainingmeeting at the State Library of Queensland today and I’m grateful for theopportunity to work with an artist I have known and admired for over a decade.

3. TOM MOSBY: You may know him from Masterchef but I knowhis as the manager of Indigenous research at the State Library of Qld. And whileI can’t tell you about the project we are working on just yet, I can tell youthat after today’s meeting I appreciate the way Tom Mosby's mind works and I’mgrateful for the opportunity to work with him.

4. DAVID TYE: Today I had a photo shoot for thecover of my memoir, which will come out in April 2012. I like to smile, butthis shoot was of a different kind and quite a challenge, so I am grateful for thetalent, patience and humour of photographer David Tye in getting the job done. For those fans of thelovely Nick Earls, you might also know his authorly photographic work.

5. AISLA MCGREGOR: Of course, I NEVER get in frontof a camera without the hair and make-up done and for today’s effort incamouflaging wrinkles, spare chins and spots that weren’t beauty ones, then I’mmost grateful to Ailsa McGregor who also does scary vampire make-up also!

I'm grateful for a liquorice all-sorts Thursday in Brisbane...

2011-10-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

I had a liquorice all-sorts kind of day in Brisbane, as Icontinued to research and write at QUT. Here’s just a few of the highlights Iam grateful for:

1. PETERTAGGART: I’m grateful I started my day with a coffee with Peter Taggart, the delightful young journo with the fabulouslaugh. I think everyone should have a PT start to their day.

2. COOLBREEZES: Anyone who has ever experienced the humidity of Brisbane will appreciatethe comment that ‘I am grateful for cool breezes’ whenever and wherever theyarrive!

3. RANDOMCOMPLIMENTS: I’m grateful for the kind words of a stranger this evening,who said to me as I walked into Wynnum Plaza: “You look absolutely stunning.”Clearly the thirty minute drive to get there was worth it!

4. SOLIDFRIENDS: I’m grateful for the support of solid friends always, butespecially the last few months (in relation to the Bolt case) and today with lengthyphone calls to discuss a major professional issue. I’ve always surrounded myselfwith people who share the same values and world views as I do, and women whoare strong and intelligent. Today I send kudos to authors Rosie Scott andKathryn Heyman for their ethics and their writing.

5. SOUNDSLEEP: When I am in writing mode I often have restless sleep. My slumber isinterrupted by dialogue and plots and my characters having political discussions,rigorous shopping expeditions and fabulous sex. So, tonight I was grateful thatmy current novel gave me the night off and let me sleep.

I AM EORA... 2012 Sydney Festival

2011-10-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE: NOVEMBER 2, 2011

WORLD PREMIERE

BLACK CAPITAL

SydneyFestival in association with The Balnaves Foundation present

I Am Eora

Australia

Carriageworks, January 8-14

Director & Co-Writer Wesley Enoch

Co-Writer Anita Heiss

Music Director Cameron Bruce Designer StephenCurtis Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest Sound Designer Paul Tilley Associate Director Yolande Brown Associate Music Director Nardi Simpson Associate Designer Ruby Langton-Batty

With Jack Charles, Wilma Reading,Frank Yamma, Stiff Gins, Radical Son,and many more

Three legends. One epic story.

I Am Eora is a theatre/music/filmevent that tells the stories of Sydney's Aboriginal cultural continuity,celebrating its heroes and embracing the sacred heart of our city. Close to fifty Aboriginal musicians,performers and creative artists from across the country will come together forone of the most thrilling collaborations ever commissioned by Sydney Festival.

Director Wesley Enoch, co-writer AnitaHeiss and their team create a dynamic fusion of storytelling, dance,performance and film featuring a cast of iconic and emerging performersincluding Jack Charles, Wilma Reading, Frank Yamma, Stiff Gins,Radical Son and a rockin’ live band.

At the centre of the work are three heroesof Aboriginal Sydney whose enduring spirits still inspire: the protest andresistance of the warrior Pemulwuy; the female embodiment of resilience,Barangaroo; and her controversial husband Bennelong, the gifted interpreter whosought reconciliation.

I Am Eora (“Iam of this place”) breaks new ground in contemporary Australian performance. Provocative, inspiring and spectacular – IAm Eora will be apowerful journey through Sydney’s past, present and future.

I Am Eora will leave a lasting legacy upon which emergingAboriginal artists can build for future creative projects: creativepartnerships forged, new material and performance skills developed, new talentdiscovered and established voices celebrated.

One of themost challenging and vital commitments Sydney Festival makes each year is tothe development and presentation of new Australian works. Over the decades this has created an enduringlegacy of iconic Australian theatre works from Cloudstreet to Smoke &Mirrors. For Australian theatreartists a World Premiere season at Sydney Festival is a powerful internationalshowcase.

InJune 2011, SydneyFestival put out the call for people to contribute funds toward the productionbudget. These new-found friends of theproject, dubbed AssociateProducers, including individuals, businesses and foundations, have become part of I Am Eora’s treasured team of Producers, with behind-the-scenesinsights and select opportunities as the production comes to fruition.

I Am Eora is a project that is possible due to theconsultation and assistance from many people and organisations including:

ActiveAdvisory Committee members: SonnyDallas Law, Lily Shearer, Melodie Gibson, Fred Copperwaite, Liza-Mare Syron,Brooke Pettit, Darrell Sibosado, Paul Morris, Larissa Behrendt, WendyBlacklock, Lisa Havilah and Lisa Ffrench.

Other Advisory Committee members Susan Moylan Coombes, ChrisBonney, Aunty Millie Ingram, Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, Ricky Lyons, Lindy Hume,Josephine Ridge, Jill Colvin, Loretta Busby and Erica McCalman

Organisations Metro Land Council, Gadigal Information Services,NITV Services (Media and community partner), Jumbunna Indigenous House ofLearning and National Centre of Indigenous Excellence.

Produced by WendyBlacklock, Performing Lines.

www.sydneyfestival.org.au/eora

Intro to IAm Eora http://www.youtube.com/sydneyfestival#p/search/2/nWso3vVn1B8

Where	Carriageworks 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
When	January 8, 14 at 5pm; January 10-14 at 8.30pm
Duration	1hr 20mins
Price	A reserve $59 / $54 B reserve $49 / $44
Bookings	Ticketmaster 1300 723 038 Sydney Festival: 1300 668 812

MEDIAENQUIRIES

Sarah Wilson, Publicity Manager (02) 8248 6523 / 0405 364 643 sarah.wilson@sydneyfestival.org.au

Charlotte Greig, Publicist (02) 8248 6532 / 0404111 919 charlotte.greig@sydneyfestival.org.au

Jane Davis, Publicist (02) 8248 6524 / 0411 562 131jane.davis@sydneyfestival.org.au

I am grateful for day 10 in Bris-Vegas…

2011-10-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today was justextraordinary in terms of creativity, and I have so much to be grateful for andhere’s my top five:

1. JAMES & THE BIG ISSUE: This morning I met James at the West End ferryterminal as I was on my morning walk. I was grateful for his warm friendly smileand greeting, and that he appreciated my pink-cover-all-lumps top! Such agenerous spirited fella, I found our brief yarn about the ferry was a lovelyway to start the morning. I bought The Big Issue of course,please do the same when you see sellers on the street.

2. RIVER CAT: I had my inaugural river cat journey today from West End to South Bank.I can’t believe people go to work every day this way. After researching andwriting, talking and thinking (not always in that order of course) non-stopsince I arrived, I was really grateful for the peacefulness that being on theriver provided both my mind and spirit. So fabulous an experience, I took theriver cat to Riverside later in the day.

3. SOUTH BANK: I’m grateful for the serenity and the inspiration I found once Idisembarked the ferry at South Bank. My character will do that ride every dayon her way to her job at the State Library of QLD. I walked the route androutine she’ll have and imagined what her day might start and finish like.Where she might run to when stressed out as well. I stopped to watch somemaintenance on the Wheel of Brisbane (picture above) and secretly hoped itwould be working come Friday night when my friend arrives from Sydney.

4. BROOKFIELD: I drove to Brookfield today to check out the landscape and communitywhere one of my characters will live. I’m grateful for the inspiration Ireceived by sitting for a while at the general store, with the chocolate fridgeand the surprisingly good coffee. I watched the locals come and go, the carsfly by as I read the real estate brochures with some of the most extraordinaryhouses I have ever seen. I walked through the cemetery and drove further alongto Upper Brookfield… and I got lots and lots and lots of story ideas and forthat I am most grateful, after all, that’s why I’m here.

5. VENICE: Everyone needs a taste of Venice in Brisbane and last night I finally went tothe restaurant I’ve been wanting to dine at for the last three years. I’m notsure if my character will break up or rebuild a relationship there, but I havepages of notes from which to figure it out. I’m grateful to my ‘researchassistants’ for sharing thoughts on the views from our table, and for sharingthe dessert. And I thank them for shouting me. So very generous.

I’m grateful for day 9 in Bris-Vegas:

2011-10-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

1. THE MUSE: Amgrateful that when the muse isn’t inspiring me, he’s busy making me coffee.Good man!

2. MUMMY WISH: I’mgrateful that I had the opportunity to attend the ‘Glam it up for Charity’event at Villager Hotel www.thevillager.com.au in the city. The fundraiser wasin support of Mummy’s Wish Inc who providesupport to mums going through cancer while they are pregnant. Such supportincludes hospital parking vouchers, groceries, fuel vouchers, housecleaning andlap-tops with webcams and internet access so mums can see their children whilethey are in hospital. Big kudos to Tara Castle from Social Money Solutions for what I understandwas the fifth successful event. Please get on-line and support also.

3. BRISBANE WOMEN:Am also grateful that at the fundraiser I was seated with a great group ofBrisbane-based business women, writers and bloggers including marketing andcomms specialist Mel Kettle (pictured above), food blogger Barbara,copywriter Sally Bagshawand strategist Monique Beedles. It’s always inspiring to be around strong,gorgeous, capable women. It was a good Tuesday night!

4. INTERVIEWS: Clearlygetting to where I am professionally means I can’t be that shame aboutinterviews. It’s not my personality to be a wallflower either. So when JohnHuggins from the Willment Groupdropped into QUT to do an interview for a business magazine it was never goingto be ‘standard’. We chuckled some and enjoyed a lively discussion what willturn out to be a serious article about being a sole trader, and I am gratefulfor the opportunity to talk about writing as a business, when in fact, somestill consider it to be a hobby.

5. LIFE: SometimesI just wake up and am grateful for another day. For breathing, for my tenfingers and toes, for the ability to be able to walk, talk, see and so on.Sometimes, it’s just important stop and just be grateful for being… And today I was.

What are yougrateful for?

I’m grateful for day 8 in Bris-Vegas

2011-10-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

1. THE MUSE: Although I took a roo salad into QUT for lunch, the Muse was on my caseabout eating properly. He grabbed a box of mac cheese, shook his finger at meand said, “NO PACKAGED FOOD FOR YOU DR HEISS!’ I’m grateful he has my besthealth interest at heart AND provides an endless stream of inspiration. Did Itell you yet he’s a really good sort.

2. LECTURING: The greatest joy of being in the academic environment is teaching. It’sa different kind of rush to working with kids in schools as I watch them createcharacters. Today’s lecture to final year creative writing students reminded meof what it’s like at the end of the process of learning. I’m grateful for theopportunity to address students about my own publishing experiences, and I lookforward to receiving invitations to all their future book launches. And I’msure there will be many.

3. BIKRAM YOGA: Ok, first up, I’m grateful I survived my first Bikram Yoga class.Secondly, I am grateful I didn’t have a heart attack, throw up or burst intotears – because they were all real reactions I was afraid might happened.Thirdly, I’m grateful that I stayed in the heated room and did as much as Icould manage amidst nausea and dizziness, for the full ninety minutes. And Imaintained my concentration and focus the entire time – this in itself issomething I am incredibly proud of as I have a very short attention span. Hangon, I have some emails to check… okay back again. And finally, and mostimportantly, I am grateful to my tidda Sandra Phillips for introducing me toBikram, for encouraging me before, during and afterwards. While it was researchfor my novel, it was also a night I will never forget, as it was one of themost physically challenging things I’ve ever done. PS I was also grateful forthe vanilla bean ice cream I sucked down afterwards to cool off!

4. WAGON WHEELS: I needed something to burn off in the yoga class so I had a Wagon Wheelearly in the day, and I drifted back in time to primary school and bright orangelunch boxes and life on the playground. I’m grateful for the small things thatconjure fond memories of childhood.

5. FRIENDS: I grateful for all my gorgeous, hospitable, caring, generous friendshere in Brisbane, making time to catch up with me, have a coffee and convo, andwhile helping me research the novel. I’m very, very lucky. Love you girls. X

Review: Once There Was A Boy

2011-10-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Written and illustrated by Dub Leffler / Magabala Books 2011 $24.95

This is possibly the most beautiful book Ihave had the pleasure of holding and reading this year.

The story is simple and universal: theinnocence of young friendship, temptation and curiosity (of course the minuteone is told NOT to do something they’re going to do it!) and the power ofreconciliation for both parties.

With a tale revolving around a boy, a younggirl, a deserted island, fruit that tastes like chocolate (the author won me completely me atthat one point!) and a broken heart, there’s a lesson for all. But it’s the illustrationsas much as the simple language that makes this work so engaging. The changing colors of the ocean over time,the shades of the mangrove trees and the golden heart (my favorite) are worksof art. This book is actually a work of art, and I can’t believe they’reselling it for $24,95! Biggest bargain of the year also!

With a working background in animation andas an art teacher it’s easy to see how and why Dub Leffler, a descendent of the Bigambul and Mandandanji people of south-west Queensland, as been so successful. He's even worked oncollaborations with the wonderful Shaun Tan! [I wish I could say the same aboutmyself!]

This book is marketed as a kids’ book, butwhen it comes to matters of the heart, and broken ones at that, there are many,many adults (including the one writing this) could benefit from the words inONCE THERE WAS A BOY. So, I’ll be giving a few friends this little gem forChristmas.

To find out more, go to Magabala Books, order your copy from Booktopia and read about Dub at My Book Corner.

I can’t wait to read Dub’s nextinstallment.

I’m grateful for a West End weekend…

2011-10-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

1. WEST END – I moved into West End on Saturday morning and immediately felt atpeace. Many say it’s Brisbane’s version on King Street, Newtown, but –obviously due to size – it is much less chaotic and cleaner than it’s bigSydney-sister. Walking along Boundary Street, I enjoy the indy, groovy, somewhatgrungy feel of the place and the fact lots of blackfellas in the street. I’mgrateful for feeling more relaxed here (than the previous week in Spring Hill)and having my first good night’s sleep in a week.

2. GUNSHOP CAFÉ: One of my favourite eating places in the whole of Brisbane is theGunshop Café in West End. It holds many dining memories that will make their way into thenovel I am currently writing. I’m grateful for time there this weekend withLarissa and Michael to create new memories but also for me to kick back andobserve, think and write. PS Go the Swiss mushrooms for brekkie!

3. JACARANDA TREES: Everyone keeps telling me I’m lucky I’m here now because the jacarandatrees are in full bloom. They needn’t tell me though, as I can see andappreciate them myself. I was so in awe of and grateful for their magnificencelast night as I did a walk at dusk along the riverfront at WE that I took somepics. Love this one above.

4. RIVER WALKS: I walked a lot on the weekend, especially along the riverfront. Ipassed joggers and do-walkers, family barbecues, lovers having picnics and kidshaving birthday parties. I was grateful not only for the exercise – which wasthe original point of the walk – but also to be a witness to such wonderfullives being played out in the leafy suburb.

5. RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: I’m grateful to both author Josie Montano (pictured below) and filmmaker Tracey Walker for willingly,without any begging, agreeing to be ‘research assistants’ on the weekend,tasting fries (at the Groove Train), and cocktails (try the Hong Kong Phoey atJam Jar) all in the name of ensuring my novel was researched thoroughly. Such devotionto the craft of writing.

Day 5 in Bris-Vegas and I am VERY grateful...

2011-10-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

Day five at QUT, and it just gets better... I am grateful for the following:

1. MY MUSE THE CHEF: Well, the absolute cracker development or revelation for today was that I learned my gorgeous muse is a trained chef. Oh, how my already delicious residency just got more indulgent. He's off preparing a delightful menu for dinner soon... more 'research'! Oh how I am grateful!

2. TIME TO THINK: I write fast, very fast. People think it's strange that I can knock up a draft novel in eight weeks, but the truth is I first spend a lot of time researching, developing my character profiles and arcs, working through the plot and drafting up chapter breakdowns. But to do all that I need time to think about concepts, ideas, storylines and so today I am grateful that this residency has given me some head space and real time to do that. I had an incredibly productive day on the novel.

3. PADDINGTON: One of my characters (still being developed) is going to live in Paddington, so today I toddled off there with colleagues from Creative Industries and did a quick reccy of La Trobe Terrace. Taking in the aromas of the upmarket cafes and restaurants, and window shopping the dresses that will never fit me. I think I'd get one boob in a top I saw in one window. Not to worry, I just tucked into a Lindt brownie and forgot about it immediately. I'm grareful for the opportunity to 'research' in Paddington. I'll be heading back there on Sunday!

4. AIME: I'm grateful I had the joy of addressing school students from around Brisbane involved in the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) program. The Year 9 and 10 students were working on speech writing, so I gave them some tips on owning their words and believing in what they chose to tell their audiences. Seeing them with their voluntary mentors reminded me of the positive future we will enjoy as a national community of Indigenous peoples.

5. A NIGHT WITH A GOOD BOOK: I'm exhausted. Writing is tiring. As you can see it's not just logging onto the computer and punching the keys. That's the easy part for me. It's the thinking and planning that does my head in most of the time. So, tonight after a long week, I am grateful to be able to crawl into bed with a good book. I'm loving Marie Munkara's Every Secret Thing and wonder why this isn't yet a movie. It's brilliantly crafted, and while hilarious in it's depiction of the missionaries attenpts to 'civiliase' the bush mob, it goes a long way to helping many understand the impacts and consequences of assimilation, 'protection' and abuse within the system designed to 'improve' the lives of blackfellas in the Northern Territory.

I am grateful for day four in Bris-Vegas

2011-10-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Day four and I'm increasingly grateful for...

THEMUSE: While Julia didn’t curtsey to the Queen, myloyal subject gets down on the ground for me. I had to stop him at thefeet-kissing thing. That’s just a little bit too much, even for this princess!I’m grateful for such attentiveness.

QUTVILLAGE: I love the Kelvin Grove Precinct and what is known as ‘the Village’. Today Ienjoyed the service and peppered calamari at Carraway Pier. I’m grateful forthe server with the black hat – most charming you were.

QUTSTAFF: I’m not exaggerating when I say that all thestaff I have encountered here are pleasant, incredibly pleasant, unusuallypleasant some might say. From the newsagency to support services, the libraryto all the eating outlets I’ve experienced. I’m grateful for the friendly, warmwelcomes and service that make my day here that much better. Even when thecoffee isn’t that great, it’s always served with a smile!

CHARLOTTEWOOD: Tonight I went to celebrate the release of Animal People by Charlotte Wood ,a Sydney-based author sharing her writing process and wonderful words withthose in Brisbane. I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit back and listen toher in conversation with the delightful Ashley Hay. And I can’t wait to getinto my autographed copy of the soon-to-be-bestseller! That's the CW above signing away...

AVID READER: I’m not only grateful for my visit to Avid Reader becauseit is one of my favorite bookshops, but because one of my characters – Nerida-is a crime writer and will have quite a dramatic launch at Avid Reader in mynew novel. I had to go there to‘research’ last night, while also raising a glass to the deadly Ms Wood. Kudosas always, to the staff there throwing one hell of a party for the localliterary lovers. That's me and the lovely Krissy Kneen above! And Krissy, Ash and Fiona Stager below.

So, what are you grateful for today???

Bris-Vegas… I’m grateful for day three…

2011-10-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Day three and I am pretty much exhausted from having so much to do. Brisbane is alive with passionate people, interesting events, yummy food and creative minds. Here's a taste of what I'm grateful for on day three of my QUT/CAL residency...

1. THE MUSE: Well, I don’t knowwho had him last, but I’ve got him completely trained up within twenty-fourhours. Aside from providing an endless stream of inspiration, he’s an excellentscribe, helping me map out character outlines on the whiteboard. [Note hisgentle reminder to himself: ‘I am the MUSE!’ Yes you are my friend, yes youare!]

2. MURRI STAFF AND STUDENTS: It’san usual but pleasant experience from working largely solo in my space inSydney to now being surrounded by the passion of youth here at the OodgerooUnit - with students enrolled across various faculties. I have to say, it was athrill to meet Whitney Hunt and Lucy Deemal in the lunchroom, having beenfriends on Facewaste for some time. Pic above from left to right includesstaffer Synthia Hunt, Whitney, Cadie Fitzgerald and Lucy. I’m grateful for somany fab women surrounded me at the moment.

3. CREATIVE WRITING STUDENTS: Onprevious visits to QUT I’ve been fortunate to read work by creative writingstudents, and I quickly learned the benefits of studying the craft of writing –as opposed to what I did which was just jump in at the deep end because I justwanted to write a book. I’m grateful for lunch with students Yasmin Smith andLuke Mortimer (above) who gave me an insight into the minds, processes andwriting futures our young people (well, young to me these days is anyone under30!). I can’t wait to read their work.

4. SLQLD: The SLQLD has one of the most impressive cultural programs of any library in the country,and consistently showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories andstorytellers. Tonight I went to TheSpoken Word: The coming of Ailan Culture with a panel discussing thearrival of the London Missionary Society and the Coming of the Light Festival.I heard things for the first time at this session and I’m grateful that some ofwhat I learned will inform content in my next book.

5. JAM JAR: My character Izzy wholives in West End will most definitely be hanging out in Jam Jar,a bar / restaurant / venue with a stunning menu (you MUST try the herbedpolenta cake!] and the head chef Asher is a darling. I may have towrite him into the novel too. Might need some more ‘research’ back there overthe next few weeks! I’m grateful to Kerry Kilner for taking me there.

What are you grateful for today?

Writer-in-residence puts Aboriginal women on literary map

2011-10-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

MEDIA RELEASE:

19 October 2011

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) writer-in-residence Anita Heiss will continue to put urban Aboriginal women on the literary map through a new book based in Brisbane.

The Sydney-based author, whose most recent novels include Paris Dreaming, Manhattan Dreaming and Avoiding Mr Right, started a four-week residency at QUT's Kelvin Grove campus on Monday, October 17.

Dr Heiss said her new book, called Tiddas, a common Aboriginal term in NSW meaning female friends, is based around the life of five women in their 40s from Mudgee, NSW, who settled in Brisbane.

"It was a gift to be able to come here, not only to talk to students and give lectures, but now I've got a month to research the suburbs where my characters live," she said.

"One of my characters actually comes to QUT. The character profiles had already been done before I knew about the residency, so now I can write authentically about the space here and landscape."

The residency is funded through a Copyright Agency Limited cultural studies grant, an initiative supported through QUT's discipline of Creative Writing and Literary Studies and the Oodgeroo Unit.
Dr Heiss said Aboriginal women were under-represented in Australian literature.

"The reason I write these books is because women like me in urban centres don't appear in Australian literature at all," she said.

"Where are the strong, educated Aboriginal women who live in the city? They're not in Australian literature unless Aboriginal women write them there.

"All of my books are essentially about love and relationships, but they're also about the complexities of interracial relationships and how Aboriginal women in the 21st century juggle individual goal-setting with community responsibility."

Dr Heiss, who said she disliked the term 'chick lit', said she wrote books that appealed to a broad audience and to educate people.

"I much prefer the term 'commercial women's fiction' because it takes away that unnecessary stigma attached to 'chick lit'," she said.

"In the 18-to-45-year-old demographic, many of my readers would have never engaged with Aboriginal women before, socially or professionally, but they'll read books about relationships."

Dr Vivienne Muller, Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing and Literary Studies, said QUT was privileged to have Dr Heiss as writer-in-residence.

"We were looking for a way to support Indigenous writers, to help showcase the very rich tradition of Indigenous writing in Australia and to give students and the public an opportunity to engage with this tradition," she said.

"On another level we are hoping that Dr Heiss will find the residency conducive to her own writing and fruitful for her contact with QUT and wider social and writing community."

Media contact: Stephanie Harrington, media officer, 3138 1150, stephanie.harrington@qut.edu.au