Some silences hold more truth than words ever could. It's so sad. Is it? I caught myself judging a friend for her performative grief — diving instantly into the socially acceptable displays around death and dying: mock sadness, circling the fresh kill, and picking at the bones of another’s sorrow to feed a need for… Continue reading From the Marrow: It’s so sad
Author: Christine Writer
Bin Chickens (a.k.a. the Naughty Birds)
Van life / Road life reality So, yesterday I took a photo of what I thought was a sacred ibis. But it was white. I’m familiar with this birdlife from the peninsula in Victoria where I’m based, but I’d never seen a white one before. I watched it, photographed it, cropped the pic, and sent… Continue reading Bin Chickens (a.k.a. the Naughty Birds)
The Pistol Packing Pastor
Tales of the sacred and slightly ricidulous The retired pastor from the local church wandered into reception at the Strahan Motel one afternoon. I was a little askance—he lives in town, after all. Why did he need a room for the night? Yes, he’s stepped down from the pulpit, but no, he hasn’t retired from… Continue reading The Pistol Packing Pastor
Love Notes From Strahan – Beartraps and Banter
Strahan is a sleepy little harborside town with a regular population of fewer than eight hundred - once the tourists have gone. But don't be fooled by the tranquil views. Underneath, this town bubbles with personality and subtle dynamics that trip up would-be settlers or long-term visitors. My recent trip to the supermarket highlighted how… Continue reading Love Notes From Strahan – Beartraps and Banter
Living in Between: A Pastafarian Encounter
As part of being on the road, I meet some interesting folks. Feel free to interpret ‘Interesting’ any way you like - as I don't mean it as any more than a genuine curiosity about others. Recently I decided to spend summer in Tasmania, the most southerly state of Australia. Here on the West Coast,… Continue reading Living in Between: A Pastafarian Encounter
Living on the Road: Exploring Trauma and Lifestyle Choices
"Reflecting on childhood events makes me feel increasingly naked."
Living in Between: The Dance of Holding on and Letting Go
Life is teaching me to hold on then let go: to catch the moment, and then release it. After more than a year of living on the road navigating changing landscapes, both internal and external, I finally understand the difference between holding on and holding. As a parent, raising three children, I held tightly to… Continue reading Living in Between: The Dance of Holding on and Letting Go
A Year on the Road – Saying Yes to Life
More than a year ago, I left my Melbourne home and began a journey that covered miles of road and uncharted inner territory. When I left Melbourne, I felt supported by most of my friends. My family perceived my exit from life in the suburbs as taking the opportunity to fulfil a long cherished heart… Continue reading A Year on the Road – Saying Yes to Life
Living on the Road: Adapting to Minimalist Refrigeration
If you think living without refrigeration is impossible, I have done it for almost a year. As I continue my love affair with living on the road between house sits, I am on the hunt for suitable refrigeration. When I started life on the road, I had a small Esky with ice. But daily I… Continue reading Living on the Road: Adapting to Minimalist Refrigeration
Zen and the Art of Van Life
I just ordered a new cooking set. It is lightweight and smaller than what I have been using for almost a year now. At less than AUD$26, it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing what I carry in my car is lightweight, small, and functional. I cannot wait to… Continue reading Zen and the Art of Van Life
Between Libraries Then and Now: Finding Silence in a Noisy World
Libraries have evolved into community hubs, but at what cost to those who need silence. I have become one of those grumpy old women I used to watch on BBC television. I saw several of those half hour episodes where dewy-eyed interviewers muffled their laughter at people of Joanna Lumley’s vintage who shared their distaste… Continue reading Between Libraries Then and Now: Finding Silence in a Noisy World
Reflections on Enough
I recently listened to an audiobook on abundance and one of the questions was, how do we define ‘enough’? How do we know if we have ‘enough’? Several areas where this can be explored include time, love, work, money, clothes, books, music, cars, etc. Do you have enough? The dictionary defines enough as: as much… Continue reading Reflections on Enough
Christine Writer 