Wisdoms of Rose pocket book is now available on-line from Browne Ink Studio and in bookstores listed below. Her stories you’ll find in the blog here.
. New Edition Bookshop, Fremantle. Fremantle Art Centre Found Giftshop. Crow Bookshop, Victoria Park. Planet Bookshop, Northbridge and Mount Lawley. Subiaco Bookshop, Rokeby Road, Subiaco. Beaufort Street Books, Mount Lawley. The Well Bookshop, Applecross. Collins Booksellers, Cottesloe. Diabolik Books & Records, Mt Hawthorn and Paper Bird Books, Fremantle.
A Recipe For Dreaming (from a two dollar book) .
“Take one dream. Dream it in detail. Put it into your own hands. See its final outcome clearly in your mind. Then mix it with a little effort and add a generous portion of self-discipline. Flavour it with a wholesome pinch of ambition. Stir briskly with confidence until the mixture becomes clear, the doubt separated from the resolution. Then bake at an even temperature in a moderate mind until the dream rises and is firm to the touch. Decorate with individuality. Cut into generous portions and serve with justifiable pride. Approached in this manner, life is a piece of cake. Good luck? Is what almost always comes to those who use the recipe for dreaming and, having dreamed their dream, never, never give up until they have it.” Bryce Courtenay.
Find in Clunk & Jam book.
(Reposted from 2008). You will Find Relief here.
Everyone Has Dark Times – A Personal Story…
In relation to the diagnosis of ‘depression’ and the feeling of being ‘depressed’ … I’m uncertain how much of what I’m experiencing are normal feelings and how much is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain? How much of how I’m feeling and experiencing is influenced by past trauma and bad experiences. Circumstance and environment? Belief and perception?While having a diagnosis of depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD and other conditions of mind can help make sense of things and provide a guide for treatment and medication (if necessary). Giving it significance beyond that can further darken our world. It can lead to the perception that, ‘something is wrong with us’. A perception by ourselves and others that we’re weak or flawed. And it can be the entry point into the isolation of social stigma and shame associated with ‘mental illness’.
(Art Harley Manifold, original in colour).
It has been helpful to separate myself from the diagnosis. To work out not, ‘what is wrong with me’, but ‘what’s not right’?
What remains are giant and often unmanageable feelings. A cocktail of emotion. Anger and rage in the mix with sadness, hopelessness and despair. Fear. Panic without a cause. Sensitivity or intolerance to light, noise, stress – people. The world around me. Places I can no longer go. Unrelenting critical head talk. Crippling self doubt. Dominant dark thoughts. Sometimes unbearably intense – other times, blunted. A feeling of nothing.
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If I was made of chocolate .
I wouldn’t be anyone’s box of chocolate, but my difference would be why I’d be chosen by those who feel it too. I imagine I’d be loosely wrapped in fine white paper soft that breathes and whispers the essence of my humble beginnings – melts in mouth. I’d have a centre soft to roll with ease around the palate, and linger long and thoughtful high above the swallow. My shelf life would be preserved for those in search of something true, and those who cherish the longing, the mystery and the joy of not being found. I think I’d rather not be credited as sweet or popular or nice, just simply filed in mind as unusual and very interesting to sample.
And to be a better chocolate? I’d add time to sift all that’s new and stir the bowls of dark and light. Adding a little at a time. And behold. I save the best for last. With a solitary quiet, “Dah, dah”, the moment when my chocolate self settles warm in its new-found form, and the mould just melts away.
Footnote: Image from CD cover of Grace Jones ‘Hurricane’ album. Reposted from 2012. Find in book, Clunk & Jam.
Introducing Robin Small
His future lay unbound….Although inspired by the Super Hero of ancient times, Robin Hood, Robin Small is not the crusading sort, he’s more of an outsider who is simply heroic in his own time. He is apprehensive within the modern world, yet stands firmly in his vulnerability. He is wise and brave in his own life and journey – and the steps he takes towards a future of his own making.
Find Robin Small in Clunk & Jam book 2019.
(Reposted from 2014)
Held tight by a constant hesitation, for a time, Robin’s world remained unchanged – as did he.
Footnote: Robin seems to be a quietly brave lad, who may have undisclosed or hidden doubts and fears. Maybe he’s standing still and taking his own time to work things out? Maybe he’s not ready to go anywhere right now? Do anything?
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