Day 7: Dream Job

For a long time now I’ve dreamed of running a writing school for teenagers out of my base of a café, bar & bookshop/performance space where I would also have the time and the inspiration to write myself, perhaps even taking on writing a novel. Of course, this requires such a space to be everything to all people and I’m not sure that one shop front can do that in real life, certainly not the way it does in Dharma’s store that sells nothing.

(This clip starts with Dharma’s first ‘customer’ who, when asked, admits he’s not looking for anything but just waiting for the bus.)

I’m vaguely serious about one day realising at least part of this dream but at this stage, I’m not sure which part exactly. Besides which, I’m fairly busy being a celebrant and, starting Monday, taking a couple of tutes for a first year writing subject at Uni… Both of which are my realised-dream jobs!

What's your dream job?

Counting down to Edinburgh

At the start of August I'll be heading to the UK to take part in the Scottish Universities' International Summer School. I'm going to give the Creative Writing Course a red hot go.

I'm both nervous and excited by this opportunity. I think I'm feeling a little intimidated by it all and I'm not sure that I'm up to it. I tend to do this to myself - dash out onto the limb and then realise how far down it is, get scared, vow not to look down again, look down anyway, have a mild panic attack while I imagine myself splattered all over the ground below, then become frozen in place like those cliched cats that have to be rescued by the fire brigade (don't the fire brigade have anything better to do?) In this case, the 'frozen in place' part will actually ferry me swiftly and surely to Scotland since all the arrangements have been made and I'm now too scared witless to do anything about it. I'll be dragged along by a tide of my own making.

I hope they don't mind a metaphor, a simile or two in this course, I think I've got that under control.

Verandah launch

I am now the proud owner of my very own copy of Verandah 24 containing my story, "morning stranger", which won the editors' choice award! Reading part of my story to the assembled crowd at the launch was quite nerve-racking but gee, it was wonderful when it was over. I'd had all day at various other Melbourne Writers' Festival events in which to work up some fabulous nervousness! The launch of Verandah was a MWF free event. Thank you to everyone who came to lend their support - I sure needed it! :)

Here is a picture of me being terrified:

If you'd like a copy of Verandah 24, you can order them through the website at http://www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/verandah-res/index.html

Cheers,

Deb

Short Story accepted by Verandah

Hi,

I received an exciting email last week telling me that Verandah 24 has accepted a short story of mine for publication! I'm very thrilled and promise to report back about the launch. I can't wait :)

Here is another poem for you.
Cheers,
Deb :)


Thirty-something limbo

When I’m old
I’ll go walking
like I did
as a child,
if I can still get up
if my knees don’t creak
if my back doesn’t ache.

When I’m old
I’ll have the time
to read the books
I should have read
in my youth
and I’ll regret
the lost opportunity
at wisdom.

When I’m old
I’ll get rid of knickknacks
and surround myself
with photographs.
I’ll never watch television,
I’ll see arthouse films.
I’ll remember to breathe
and appreciate
and laugh.
I’ll have long philosophical discussions
with dear old friends,
over tea on the porch.
I’ll wake up early
just to hear birds sing.

And I’ll lament my missing youth
and wish
I was too busy again
for walks and books,
talks and friends.

these are the days...

Spring days are hopeful happiness with the scent of approaching heat. They are orange and yellow bursting from blooms and carpetting every step we take towards new goals, changes and dreams. Spring is a quirky raised eyebrow that hints at sly amusement and sensuous invitation. Long languid bodies peel out of winter layers and chilled wine slides into crisp glasses on verandahs and front porch swings. Spring smiles at passerbys and reclines to wait to be overtaken by Summer.