Welcome to the world of writing, reading, yarning.............and more.
This journey we call 'life' is infinitely generous. Especially so, we could argue, to those born into a world of privilege. A world free from hunger and war. A world that offers us a family, a community, an education and a decent chance to earn a living. In post-war Perth, Western Australia, that was the world I was born into. A world of security and opportunity. Not everyone is so lucky.
How we use this good fortune is another matter. As most of us try to make sense of our lives, choices arise. Forks in the road. Which way will our journey take us? Perhaps our heart pulls us in one direction; our head in another. Confusion may reign.
Sometimes we need to sit back. Stay with our apparent dilemma. Incubate, as one of my good friends is prone to say.
In reflecting upon what we we truly want, we are invited to be honest with ourselves. Are we happy and fulfilled with where we are at? Secure upon the familiar road? Attached to our beliefs and world views? Or are we being called into unknown territory?
These questions arise, in one form or another, as we seek to give meaning to our lives. As we seek to give birth to and develop our passion.
Years ago, when I was a prize procrastinator, my eldest son gave me a healthy nudge. 'Go for your dreams,' he said. It was timely advice, and kick-started my life as a writer. My interest in family history led to a book about my ancestors - a story of hardship, hope and migration to Australia in the 19th century. I then switched to fiction, resulting in three novels, links to which can be found below. More recently I published a memoir of my early life and the upheaval that took me out of the mainstream and to seven years in a commune with a provocative Indian guru. Whirlpool - In and Out of a Spiritual Washing Machine - contains my personal journey and an exploration of how it has unfolded. Available both in hard copy and as an e-book, this memoir may be of interest to those who have taken a "road less travelled" as well as those who are curious about the motivation and experiences of those who did.
In October 2019 I was interviewed by Michael Barker, host of the onlne forum, Fremantle Shipping News. Our conversation covers my journey as a writer, and delves into the story behind Whirlpool. Click here to link to the podcast:
Working as a mediator gave me a keen interest in conflict resolution and the dynamics of power relationships. Living for 15 years in a small country town, I assisted a range of organisations in handling difficult issues. These included environmental bodies, schools, and housing co-operatives. This gave impetus to my current project - a book about intentional communities, and how they deal with these challenges, both in theory and in practice.
Meanwhile, I contribute articles and interviews to Fremantle Shipping News, read extensively, and enjoy caffeinating with friends (who are kind enough to put up with my penchant to provoke).
