This one’s for Mary.

16 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in FRIENDSHIP, LIFE, LOVE, POETRY

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FRIENDSHIP

Anon

Two old ladies, we sit down to tea
I’m eighty-four and she’s eighty-three
I hate her and she hates me
But we’re the only ones left you see.

We meet every Wednesday at half-past three,
I go to her, then she comes to me.
I bore her and she bores me
But we’re the only ones left you see.

She talks of Henry and I of Fred
And all the things they did and said,
We both tell lies and never agree,
But we’re the only ones left you see.

She boasts of the party at Number Three
When Fred kissed her instead of me.
I wear his ring, so it’s plain to see
Why I hate her and she hates me.

Never trust your best friend, they say,
And I don’t trust her to, not to this day,
But the rest are gone – so we’ll pour some tea
For we’re the only ones left you see…

I’ve not found out who this particular “Anon” is. If you know, please tell me. One of our elderly “North Pine Bush Poets” performs this so well, I always hear Mary’s voice when I read it.

Four Little Tigers

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, POETRY, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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tigers; trophy; revenge

Four Little Tigers

By Frank Jacobs

Four little tigers
Sitting in a tree;
One became a lady’s coat-
Now there’s only three.

Three little tigers
‘neath a sky of blue;
One became a rich man’s rug-
Now there’s only two.

Two little tigers
Sleeping in the sun
One a hunter’s trophy made-
Now there’s only one.

One little tiger
Waiting to be had;
Oops! He got the hunter first-
Aren’t you kind of glad?

I found this poem in a book years ago and have always wondered who wrote it. Now I know.

The Commuter

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in 100 Word Story, LIFE, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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100 word story, Commuter, grief, phone call, Sadness

She slumps, staring at her notebook, pen poised as though inspiration is about to release those words held hostage by grief.

Weighed down by all her cares, she sits slumped over her empty notebook for most of the commute. Her fellow passengers come and go but she sits immobile. Unable to rest, write or even doodle she frowns at the blank page.

Her phone vibrates to a distinctive sound. She rouses as the significance of the call registers. Her smile wipes away all my sadness on her behalf. “Sweetheart? It’s so good to hear your voice. How far away are you?”

What do you think? Do you like my first attempt at a 100 word story?

Decisions, decisions

12 Sunday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, MY BOOKS, TORN

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beach, decisions, peace, serenity, sunrise, sunset, think

There’s something about sunrise and sunset which can make your decision to open or close a chapter in your life particularly exhilarating or poignant.

There’s a scene I particularly loved writing in Torn, set on a beach just like this one. My two main characters learn about a decision by another character which will seriously impact both of their futures, almost every aspect of their lives from that point on. They discuss what it will mean for them and decide how they will handle the consequences of those decisions.

Is there somewhere you like to go when you have a decision to make? Somewhere which gives you a sense of peace and serenity, time to think and decide?

Friday Friend

10 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in FRIENDSHIP, LIFE, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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Deepak Chopra, KARM Therapies, Kylie Gilvear, Louise Hay, massage, the Lord's Prayer, Wayne Bennett, working from home

Today I am doing something new which I know will become a regular highlight of my week. This post will be the longest I’ve done yet. I’d like to welcome my gorgeous Friend, Kylie who is a Remedial Massage Therapist registered with Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT). You can find her at www.karmtherapies.com.au or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KARM-Therapies/179616745410762

Kylie, what is your passion in life?
Holistic Wellness and Self Care. You can only be the best person you can be if you take care of yourself. Physical and Emotional Health go hand in hand. Educating and assisting others to be able to incorporate self care into their busy schedule and seeing them flourish is so rewarding.

What do you love most about your work?
The people most definitely. My clients are all treated exactly how I would like to be treated myself. Like attracts like.

How did you make your passion become your job?
I worked in Human Resources for about 7 years, struggling, missing out on quality time with my 3 young daughters. I asked myself “If I could do any job in the world, what would I do?” My angels sent me a very strong response MASSAGE THERAPIST!!!

After 2 years study on top of my work schedule I was able to complete my Cert IV in Massage as well as my Cert IV in Aromatherapy. KARM Therapies (Kylie’s Aroma Relaxation & Massage Therapies) was born – July 2009 and I have never looked back. 2 years ago I also qualified in Remedial Massage and oh what fun I have each and every day.

Most of us dream of working from home. How did you make it work for you?
I did some contracting which made me realise how much I wanted to do things my way. Finding the balance between keeping my business thriving and keeping house and spending quality time with my kids wasn’t easy I modified my work routine and my hours so now my ship is steady, powering along nicely.

I get to do my housework in between clients during the day. This means that I don’t usually stop all day, however the plus side is that once I finish work for the day, everything is done and I get to sit down and put my feet up – or better still soak my feet in a tub of warm water and a handful of Epsom salts.

What’s in store for the future?
In 12 months I would like to get myself to Bali for my first 5 day retreat – something I have never done before, I don’t have a current passport anymore.

In 2 years I would like to accompany my eldest daughter on a humanitarian volunteer trip to Asia and Pacific Islands.

In 6 years I plan to have finished my Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. A New Life Path at the age of 50.

Tell us some fun facts about yourself?
Over time I’ve been a lot of places, backpacking Europe for 12 months. I’ve lived in most capital cities in Australia as well as 14 months in Cambodia, and also in London. We bought our home in Brighton almost 12 years ago and don’t ever see myself leaving, it is just the best place to be.

IKEA is my Disneyland, I love the place. I once celebrated my birthday by spending an entire day there with a group of girlfriends, I had the best day.

I have 3 sisters, 3 sister in laws and 3 daughters.

Love Love Love Chocolate

My favourite TV characters are from Friends. I have the boxed set and still watch episodes every week (I and my kids can recite episodes). It still makes me laugh out loud all the time.

All-time favourite TV shows: West Wing and Newsroom (Aaron Sorkin). I love the politics side of things.

Favourite Music: Bernard Fanning, Hoodoo Gurus, Crash Test Dummies and Noiseworks. I am also heading along to my 3^rd Taylor Swift concert this December with my daughter, one her biggest fans, but I also quite enjoy her music.

Love to exercise and keep fit; mostly gym or Personal Training Sessions most of my adult life as a kids I played basketball. Loved it – wasn’t great at it as I am just 158cm tall. This year I had QLD Firebirds Season Pass for Netball and I am beginning to understand with the help of the kids.

Are you a reader?
Of late (the last 7 years or so) my reading has been educational and study materials – textbooks. I love to set myself up in a garden chair in the sun and catch up on my Prevention, Womens Health or Clean Eating Magazines. When we go camping a couple of times a year I will head to a second hand book store I love the adventure and the hunt. Usually Biographies. I will read mostly anything though.

I don’t read novels much anymore – It is an addiction. Once I start a book I have to keep reading and reading until its finished. Even if it is really really bad and I am not enjoying it I will finish it.

Life is too short Kylie! But I must admit I’m similar. What are some of your favourite books?
I hold dear a treasured item a signed copy of Wayne Bennetts book “The Man in the Mirror” (Brisbane Broncos Coach) which I got at an instore book signing. He is my hero and I was speechless and could not communicate when he spoke to me so the inscription reads just Best Wishes. I don’t care, I have his book with his signature.

Also Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life. I buy any second hand copies when I see them and then give them to friends/family or clients if they are interested in reading. Last count I have bought 26 copies in 10 years!

What’s next on your TBR (to be read) pile?
I recently bought some Deepak Chopra books, I got a little fire in my belly when watching him on TED TV and remembered how much I loved him so I dug out and found some of his books to re-read.

Who are your mentors/heroes in life?
I think I learn from each and every person who crosses my path, there is always something to be learnt from others. A lot of people I admire are everyday people, and they may not realise just how much they inspire and impact other people’s lives. I want everyone to know that in being the best possible version of yourself you will always inspire others to be better in themselves.

My books are about family and friends. What do you value most in your family and friends?
I love hanging out with my husband and daughters, we laugh a lot and be sill; watching TV; telling them stories about when they were little kids, remember when…

Being open and honest are 2 qualities which I consider most important. I love that I can say how I am really feeling and thinking and that there is no judgement. If I need to be kicked in the butt, they are the ones there to pull me back into line.

My husband is very good at reminding me about my priorities and he always supportive in everything I do and I love him very much for that!

Do you have a favourite saying/mantra/poem?
I can still recite the Lord’s Prayer and it warms my heart.

Thank you Kylie for being my first Friday Friend and for being you. I couldn’t do what I do without you, your magic hands and your gentle reminders to care for myself. Oh and just to clarify, this does NOT mean I’m only your friend on Fridays. But you know that.

Writing Advice from Dr Seuss

09 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in THE WRITERS' LIFE

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advice, Dr Suess, words

It has often been said
there’s so much to be read,
you never can cram
all those words in your head.

So the writer who breeds
more words than he needs
is making a chore
for the reader who reads.

That’s why my belief is
the briefer the brief is,
the greater the sigh
of the reader’s relief is.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

The Kindness of Strangers

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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kindness of strangers

Recently I heard a lovely story about the kindness of a stranger. I hope you enjoy it too.

A lady standing in a line at the grocery store decided she didn’t have time before her bus came to buy the two or three items she had gathered. She excused herself, left the store and went to the bus stop to wait for the bus.

The bus came and she put one foot up into the bus when a man came down the street calling “Lady…”. She turned and the man pushed a bag into her hands saying, “I bought these for you.” Yes, in the bag were the items she had left behind.

What a lovely story. In this world where there are so many negative stories, it’s nice to hear a story every now and then to restore your faith that there are still some nice people out there.

Have you experienced the kindness of a stranger? I’d love to hear about it.

Another of my favourite poems

06 Monday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, LOVE, POETRY

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Ada Cambridge

The Old Maid’s Story
by Ada Cambridge 1844-1927

Ay, many and many a year’s gone by,
Since the dawn of that day in spring,
When we met in the pine-woods, Harry and I,
And he gave me this golden ring.

I had lovers in plenty, of high degree,
Who wooed in my father’s hall;
But none were so noble and brave as he,
Though he was the scorn’d of all.

On the soft, green grass, where the shadows lay,
All fleck’d with the sun and dew,
With a ring and a kiss did we seal, that day,
Our vow to be leal and true.

‘Twas a life-long vow;—but they did not know—
And they thought not of love or pain;—
We met just once in the sleet and snow—
We were never to meet again!

He was sent away o’er the blank, wide sea,
And I, with my hopes and fears,
Had never a message to comfort me
For over a score of years.

They laugh’d at my heart, they paraded my hand,
But I answer’d them, cold and grim—
“If Harry ne’er comes to his native land,
They shall only belong to him.”

At last came a tale from the battle-field;—
And they were not scornful now.
The sentence of exile might be repealed—
They would honour our plighted vow!

They told how my Harry, like olden knights,
Had fought for his land and Queen;
Fought hard and well on the Alma heights,
Where the deadliest strife was seen.

They told how he fell in the fire and smoke,
And they gave me his things to keep;
They wonder’d why I never cried or spoke,—
But it was too late to weep.

Rumination

04 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by Elsa Holland in LIFE, POETRY

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Australian bush, healing, imponderables, poetry, survival

Which deeds would I change if I lived my life over?
Yes, a few – not a lot, I say thinking it over
For mistakes that I’ve made have caused changes in me
Which have made me today who I happen to be
Some things on the farm should have never been true
And some dire results haunt me all my life through
Yet the peace of the bush where we lived way back then
Taught me love for the country like those men of the pen
The dust, rock and gum trees, the freedom I feel
With the wind in my face have a quiet appeal
Hearing only the calls of a bird on the wing
When I’m there on my own I can hear my heart sing
Yes things happened to us that cause strong men to kneel
Yet my love of the bush I’m sure helped me to heal
Not just when the pain was too much to go through
And an innocent child found ‘numb’ easy to do
My mem’ries are scanty of the bad things back then
But bush wonders discovered I can relive again
Any time my heart aches I can be in that place
Under blue sky and red gum, gentle breeze on my face.

Thank You Thursday

02 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in Elsa Holland, Emmylou Harris, FRIENDSHIP, Jupiters Casino, LIFE, LOVE, music, musicians, Rodney Crowell, THE WRITERS' LIFE, work

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How was your day dear? Woke up tired, pushed yourself to work, a crazy busy day and you’re exhausted? Yes, so was mine but I have a lot to be thankful for today.

Why was I so tired? Because I have the most wonderful friends! My friend Cass was offered tickets to see Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast. Though she tried very hard, she just couldn’t make it so she suggested that our mutual friend and I might like to go. She knows us so well! So well that she’ll always be my friend, she knows too much!

So reasons I’m thankful today? Do you want them in alphabetical order? No? Oh well, here are just a few reasons:

We were given the opportunity to see a great show which reminded me how much I love music. Especially music where I can hear art in action. I heard each fabulous instrument played by a professional, an artist. Where the singers/songwriters are so talented that their words (which I could hear!) evoked emotions reminding me why it’s good to be alive, I could sing along, mostly silently but I apologise to the people around me for when I couldn’t keep completely silent.

My wonderful friend Mary collected me from work and drove us down and brought me home even, a generous thing to do involving at least 229 kilometres, arriving at my place after one o’clock this morning. Thankfully she stayed at my place to sleep for a while before attempting the drive home.

After about four hours sleep, I pushed my eyes back into my head and set off to work where we are still finishing off last years’ accounts. We haven’t quite finished yet and the tidy up will take a while but I could never have got as far as I did without the generous and cheerful help of Amanda, Grace and our new colleague Paige.

My lovely friend and critique partner, Elsa Holland, has been helping me to establish my platform as a writer and in celebration of all my lovely friends, long term and short, both real and cyber, she shouted my favourite steak sandwich while we discussed our goals and plans for the next few months.

After a frantic afternoon back with the accounts, to top things off, Paige and I caught the train together; the wrong train as it turns out. But you know what, we only went one station in the wrong direction before we realised and when we got out of the train, away from our phones and looked up, there were the last vestiges of a gorgeous sunset. The train back and the right train came along within 5 minutes each so no harm done.

So, thank you everyone who made my day such a good one. Lastly but not least, I’m grateful for my lovely warm bed which is calling to me now. Sleep well. I know I will!