The movies would have us believe that childhood is a series of adorable and wacky Home Alone moments. That’s why it’s the movies. It’s fantasy. The reality is usually simpler, and less spectacularly Christmasy. Looking back now, I never realised…
writing
Jelly Shots and A Poem
I’ve only made these once, and every time I see this photo, I’m reminded of Covid lockdowns. These red, white and blue jelly shots were a novelty treat, enjoyed in September, 2021, to mark a football match. Our city was…
Afternoon Tea Revelation
When I was a child, my mother used to say to me (not unkindly), “Your eyes are too big for your stomach.” This was when I couldn’t finish something I’d served myself, especially ice-cream. I remember ice-cream headaches very well!…
More [Cowbell] Strawberries
After writing about the strawberry yoghurt trifle, I went hunting for more strawberries. Found this lovely nature poem. My Strawberry O marvel, fruit of fruits, I pauseTo reckon thee. I ask what causeSet free so much of red from heatsAt…
My Cowboy Toes – A Poem
As you may have seen, this site is full of recipes for my younger self. Which does imply a certain age. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. For some reason, even though we know it’s inevitable, getting older catches…
Sandwiches and Fabric and a Poem
When I was a girl, dreaming big about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I never once imagined the role of caregiver. Seriously, has any child ever once said, “If I can’t be an astronaut, I’ll be…
Once, a Challenge – A Poem
(UPDATE: Speaking of Magritte, was fascinated to see one of his paintings “L’empire des lumières” sold for a record $US121 million in November, 2024. Was also fascinated to see that it was part of a PRIVATE collection.) It seems to…
The Road Less Traveled
What got me thinking about Robert Lee Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” was a reunion with old friends. I was the least successful amongst a group of strong individuals. That shouldn’t bother me, but … I always thought Frost’s poem…
Beauty Of An Old Faded Recipe
The Japanese term wabi-sabi explains what I love about the old, faded recipe in the photo below. Wabi is about the beauty of “less is more”, including of having less, and of being grateful for a simpler life. It’s about…
That’s How the Light Gets In
There’s a universal truth: most of us are really just trying the best we can, the best we know how. It’s easy to be critical. It’s hard to let go. One of the main things I’ve learned over years in…
