Receiving three kisses to allow my new story to unfold

In my house, I am always the first to wake. At 5:30am my eyes naturally open. I lay on my pillow for a while and touch my husband’s back gently, making me feel warm and safe. I get up and plant my feet firmly on the ground, stretch my body just a little and rise.…

The early morning walk on the beach.

I arrive once again to my happy place. A place that I call my own. Up very early. Drive down. Park the car and walk slowly out. All by myself. With no one in toe. Just me. And that’s the way I like it. I walk down the pathway. Ah, here you are again! Good…

The ultimate paddock-to-plate cooking experience in Tasmania

It was one of those rare moments where I got the opportunity to experience something that I have always wanted to do - something that has been on my bucket list for a very long time - well, over 10 years to be exact - and something that is very close to my heart. A…

The gift of lemons to nourish the soul

Recently, I have been blessed with lots of lemons. So much, that to begin with, I was just not quite sure what to do with them! A very good problem to have! My children have picked lemons from our family tree, I have received them from local friends, and a couple of weeks ago, I…

Soulsong Choir Weekend at Amberley

I was recently invited to attend the inaugural yearly Soulsong Choir weekend away at the Edmund Rice Retreat Centre at Amberley in Lower Plenty, Melbourne. This retreat is nestled in between 20 acres of natural bush land. It is situated on a bend of Melbourne’s Yarra river and overlooks Westerfolds Park and the Dandenong Ranges.…

Paying homage to my Nonna Giovanna Barone

Today I visited the Bentleigh Farmers Market with a very dear friend. I woke quite early with a sense of excitement and anticipation in the hope that my favourite stall holders were going to be there. The sun was out - the air was fresh - and the sweet scent of spring blooms were engulfing us…

How a cancer diagnosis changed the course of my life

It was one of those defining moments in time that I will never forget. I woke up last October at 5:30am and felt a very strong ‘pull’ to walk outside in my night gown. With my bare feet I touched the soft wet grass in my back yard and looked at one of my beautiful…

There is just something so special about coffee

There is just something so special about coffee. How can this rather beautiful hot drink made from the roasted ground bean-like seed of a tropical shrub invoke feelings of the giving of affection, calm solitude and reflection and the coming together of loved ones in a social setting? Everyone knows a roasted coffee bean, but…

The Fearless Cannondale Cyclist

I decided late last year that I was going to become a cyclist. You know, one of those ‘snazzy looking’ riders donned in lycra and professional cycling shoes? I would say that this personal quest was ‘a little’ (well a lot) out of my comfort zone. It has been quite an emotional and physical experience.…

The Power of Voice through “Lord of the Mountain Tops”

I recently joined a singing choir. I have always loved singing and as a child I would look forward to singing the hymns at our Parish church. As an adult my singing has typically been confined to the shower or driving in the car solo! After doing some research I joined the Soul Song Choir…