I've just posted the first episode of a novel I've written on my literary blog Journeys in Creative Writing.  

It's something of an experiment given that internet fans are used to reading things in short sharp bursts, with little concentration required. 

The story called Paternity is set in an Australian outback town and I'll put regular episodes on the site, hoping that people will be interested enough to follow it through. 

My first instalment has been received well, with people calling for the second episode impatiently.  I'll post this tomorrow morning, if anyone's interested in having a look.  All episodes will remain available to readers.

I'd love your feedback on what you think ...

Here's a brief taste:

' The sun’s glare ricocheted from the galvanised iron walls of a shed dimly labelled War Memorial Hall, and bounced off the road to hit the figure of a soldier dressed in World War 1 uniform, ramrod straight as the gun he held aloft. The cenotaph warrior was the token human being in the place, for the single street was hushed, and empty apart from a clutch of cars shimmering in the relentless light at the far end.

' This town was a time tunnel. Small windows of a shop front winked at her, sharing Selene’s delight at its wares. Rolls of cloth, scissors, umbrellas, packets of needles, children’s clothing dangling raggle taggle on wire hangers, and shoes. A battered and cracked mannequin stood proud of her daisy-showered cotton dress, and rubber knee boots. There was a sign on the wall: Closed for lunch.'

Cheers

June Saville (Muffin). 

I've long thought that people often do grow alike after living together for many years.  I once met a couple who each suffered curvature of the spine to such an extent that they were a perfect 'Y' shape when they held hands.  So:

I've told part of their story in my latest post to Journeys in Creative Writing. 

I'd love you to let me know what you think!

Cheers

June Saville (Muffin)

Believe it or not, these shoes are a big sculpture exhibited last week by Australian artist Gregory Roy Cope as part of the Swell Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach on the southern Gold Coast, Queensland.

The festival runs over ten days and is a really wonderful community event.   I've put some more photographs of the entries on my blog 70 Plus and Still Kicking.Someone may like to have a look ...

Cheers

June Saville (Muffin)

Did you know that almost one in four people in Australia will suffer mental illness during their lifetime?

I have just posted on my blog 70 Plus and Still Kicking information about mental illness, and a very good YouTube video I found about stigma.  There are also links to very good Australian web sites on the subject, including information, fact sheets and pamphlets translated into many languages.

I have been working for many years as a volunteer facilitator/co-ordinator and advocate for families of people living with mental illness, and so I know how difficult and widespread the problem really is. 

I thought GreyPath members may be interested. 

Cheers

June (muffin)

I'm sorry to intrude again but the links I thought I put in my last post don't seem to do what I wanted them to do!

The addresses are:

www.journeysincreativewriting.blogspot.com

and 

www.70plusandstillkicking.blogspot.com

Just post them into Google

Cheers June (Muffin)

I thought GreyPath members may be interested in my newest short fiction story about a senior couple and what can happen when one is outgoing and gregarious to the point where the other becomes very lonely. Have a look at my blog Journeys in Creative Writing

My new post in my blog for seniors 70 Plus and Still Kicking carries some pictures of the stunning hedge of Michelia trees in my garden.  They're a cousin to the magnificent Magnolia species and in full flight at the moment with thousands of creamy cup shaped flowers on board.  Visit 70 Plus and Still Kicking for a quick peek.

I'd really like to know what you think.  It would be great if you would leave a message by clicking on 'comments' on the link below the posts. 

Happy day

June Saville (Muffin)

Did you know that in Sydney in 1900 rats scampered off ships from overseas to spread the deadly Black (Bubonic) Plague throughout the town, killing more than 300 people in eight months?

I was intrigued by this information and wanted to know how Sydneysiders dealt with the crisis, and how their lives were affected. 

Some information is posted with pictures on my blogs 70 Plus and Still Kicking (www.70plusandstillkicking.blogspot.com ) and Journeys in Creative Writing  http://journeysincreativewriting.blogspot.com/2008/08/black-or-bubonic-plague-sydney-1900.html.

I also posted ‘Labyrinth’, a story I wrote, exploring the tribulations of a young girl living in the town at the time. 

Here’s a sample:

It is a particularly dark and still February night in harbourside Sydney Town, a scorching airless night where hundreds of souls toss and turn on beds of straw and rags, wishing for the southerly to come and ease the heat, the latest of their discomforts.
Look close through the gloom to see outsize rats skitter from nearby docked ships. See them nuzzle the rubbish in streets and backyards, and watch them scamper through cesspits and ground depressions where foul slops lie.

I am indebted to NSW State Records for pictures and some of the background information. I hope GreyPath people have a peek at 'Labyrinth' http://journeysincreativewriting.blogspot.com/2008/08/labyrinth-plague-in-olde-sydney-town.html

and let me know what they think of the story …