Next Tuesday morning (15th) I’ll be attending a ‘Community Conversation Seminar’ about research on stress in pregnancy at the Telethon Institute for Child Health and have been asked to extend this invitation to others who might like to join in and contribute. It’s an opportunity for community members to share their own experience and put forward their ideas on how the researchers can best share research information with the community. If you’re interested in attending click here for more information and contact Monique to let her know you’re coming. To read the pictured Army of Ink #47′s story click here.
A rainy Friday afternoon story – true though. A friend and I have just returned from a spontaneous sleepover on Rottnest Island. Before catching the ferry home we took a bus ride around the island and at one particular bay we noticed some odd wooden structures on the beach. One was a single rail (above) but with posts beautifully carved and shaped. The other (situated about 2 meters behind) was a taller structure with what seemed to be 3 logs roped together to form a top surface. We both began guessing what they were….something to scale fish on (no, the surface of the 3 logs wouldn’t work) ….tie a boat to (first one maybe but why the second?)….an art scultpure (no, not in a marine sanctuary) ….or maybe a replica of something historical?
My curiousity getting the better of me, I ducked in to historical museum before leaving the island to ask for some assistance. This lovely old man (in his late eighties for sure) was equally puzzled as to what this object was, so he invited me through into another room where….
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“Don’t forget them, Son,” 102 year-old veteran Bill Cotgrove and his grandson at a military cemetery, Belgium, 1998. Photograph by Brian Moody.
The Black Dog Project’s home wouldn’t be the same without one. Meet our new black dog – Max. I’m not getting much work done but it’s nice having a little dog in my day – at my feet.
‘The Red Tree’ by Shaun Tan
‘Darkness overcomes you’ (by Shaun Tan)
Shaun Tan’s book, ‘The Red Tree’ has been adapted for the stage by the Barking Ghecko Theatre Company, Perth WA. Showing from Saturday 11th Feb – Tues 14th Feb. Tickets available through BOCS. Check out the short film of the Red Tree previously posted on Black Dog here. And another story here from his book ‘Tales of Outer Suburbia’. View interview with Shaun Tan and Director of the stage play here as they talk about the themes of depression and anxiety in young people and how the book/play explores these themes.
2011 has been a busy and creative time … with the realisation of a small, quiet dream. So I thought I’d share some snaps and words that capture this, and the community spirit of the Dog (turning 7 in March next year – pictured is its home)..
The small, quitet dream? Crafting beautiful picture books and printed things, to give to children and young people who are struggling in mind and life. I truly believe that this act of kindness itself, along with the love and community spirit in which the gifts were made, would seep deep and soothingly into their world. Provide a reassuring hug of hope. And while the website provides a virtual experience of a ‘gift’, you just can’t beat the tangible, sensual, keepsake qualities of books and paper things.
(A hand crafted version of the new ‘Clunk & Jam’ book, being published next year along with the ‘Rock The Boat’ book – story here)…
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