101 Things I Know for Sure: An Update
In 2011, I wrote a post that put forward a number of things that I knew for sure. These were observations and experiences over almost 50 years. I read through that post recently (I’m updating my blog, in case you’re wondering) and thought it was due for an update. Actually, this is not so much
Lessons in Forgiveness From a Life of Betrayal
Betrayal is a profound and often devastating experience that can leave a lasting legacy on your heart, mind and sprit. In the tapestry of life, betrayal often emerges as a recurring theme that challenges us to navigate the complex work of trust and forgiveness, control and chaos. Irrespective of whether it’s a friend who’s turned
Help Fight the Hotel Quarantine Fee!
Mandatory hotel quarantine was introduced by the Australian government in March 2020 as a public health measure in response to COVID-19. It was free for everyone returning from overseas or interstate until July 2020, at which time the government began charging $3000 per person. Listen to my podcast if you’d like to know what this
So, I Started a Podcast
Remember back in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was announced? When the Australian government locked its citizens out of the country and locked us up in hotels if we did manage to get home? And remember when they charged us $3,000 for quarantine – a public health measure – that they introduced? Remember? Well, the
Happier New Year
This is new. Well, new as in I haven’t felt this happy and hopeful for a long time. From memory, the middle of 2018 was the last time. In 2018, I was living in Hanoi and my rose coloured glasses were still camouflaging the realities of living in a developing Asian country. I had not
Bella Died
My best friend, soul-mate and constant companion for the last 15 years died on Friday, 26 August at 7.15 PM. I had to make the difficult decision to put Bella to sleep because her kidneys had failed. It happened very quickly. To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. I am beyond devastated. Almost a
Languishing On Purpose: A List
1. I’m still somewhat out of sorts. It’s got nothing to do with depression because I’m not depressed; I have no trouble getting out of bed, and there is no black cloud hanging over me. It’s got nothing to do with motivation either: I’m committed to being able to run at least five kilometres by
Open Letter to My Daughter on Mother’s Day
My darling daughter, On Mother’s Day, every year, I like to remember when you were born. You came into the world at 2:07 am on March 24, 1993. It was the happiest, most joyous, wonderful day of my life. When you were born, I held you in my arms—after a two-days-plus labour that ended in
Soup Soothes the Soul
When it’s cold in Hanoi – the air weirdly humid and the moisture from the air collects on my face, which I blot with a serviette that leaves traces of delicate, white paper on my forehead and cheeks like freckles – the weather is perfect for soup. Actually, in Vietnam, any weather – hot, cold
Why I Stand With Novak
I spent most of last week, glued to Twitter and YouTube, cheering on Novak Djokovic as he took a stand against the Australian government, firstly via the Federal Circuit and Family Court, and then before a full bench of the Federal Court. He won his first case and his visa cancellation was overturned, but he
2022: Setting Writing Intentions
A couple of days ago, I took an online writing workshop run by American writer, Vanessa Martir. I did a free workshop of hers a while back (and meant to double down with the paid version, but got distracted) and when this one popped up in my feed I signed up, not least because it
My Submission to the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Inquiry
UPDATE: Submissions have now been published. Here’s mine – #659. Everything is there, except they have redacted the phrase where I said I had (undiagnosed) PTSD. I guess they are only publishing verifiable information. On 21 September, 2023 (my 60th birthday) Prime Minister Albanese announced that there would be an inquiry into the Government’s response