Tag: Writing 101

Perspectives

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A man and a woman walk through the park together, holding hands. They pass an old woman sitting on a bench. The old woman is knitting a small, red sweater. The man begins to cry. Write this scene, telling it from all three perspectives.

It was a crisp autumn morning on Sydney Harbour. Sue and Max were catching up with each others lives as they took their Saturday morning walk. It was a ritual they had done for the last 10 years.

As they walked, Max was telling Sue about a phone call he had received from his brother earlier in the week. During the conversation, his brother had mentioned that their father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Dementia. They continued to talk and walk, discussing what this diagnosis may mean. Around the corner, Max spotted a little old lady sitting on the park bench, knitting a red jumper. The sight of her was too much for his emotions to cope with. He burst into tears. The old woman resembled his favourite aunt—his father’s sister. The red jumper she was knitting had a white stripe in it—the colours of the Canadian flag—his national flag. He knew this was significant and the situation needed more consideration than his brother was letting on.

***

Max beginning to cry didn’t surprise Sue. He was not afraid to show his emotions. This was one of many things she was proud of him for. She squeezed his hand tightly to let him know that she was there for him, while she made plans in her head for them to return to Canada as quickly as possible. This was one way she knew she could support him as he unraveled truth. Max was a family man. Sue knew he wouldn’t settle until he had done everything he could to support his family. After which he could return to their life—thousands of kilometres away in Sydney.

***

On seeing the man crying rather than the woman, the little old lady was impressed. She wasn’t a sticky beak or busy body, so she had no interest in what was disturbing him. His wife looked like she had that in hand. However, being a witch she had magical powers. She decided that the ability to express one’s feelings was important to be a strong, confident and successful man and she wanted this for her grandson. Silently as she watched Max walk off crying, hand-in-hand with his wife, she cast a spell into the jumper she was making for him with love.

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Back To The Future

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Today I go back to the future. As Brene Brown says “you’ve got to dance with the one who brung ya.”  This statement means its important to remember how you got to where you are today. What helped develop you as a person or specialist. The answer may not necessarily be something you want to go back to, but without it, your life path may have been very different to what it is today. For me, this is working in eating disorder recovery, so when I was asked to return to my old unit as the current unit manager, I was happy to do so.

It has been years since I worked on the unit and during this time many things have changed. I am looking forward to the challenge of working directly in the field of eating disorders again and stepping out of my comfort zone to manage a different area with different challenges.

As I am in the final stages of preparing my book on eating disorder recovery for publication, so going back to my roots on a daily basis will help me to consolidate anything else that needs to be included in it.

Do you remember who brung you? I think it helps to keep us grounded, what do you think?

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The Club

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I enter the foyer of my local RSL (Returned and Services League) Club. The lady behind the front desk greets me with a smile, wave and “thank you” as I flash her my membership card. Tonight is unusual. I can only see half a dozen small groups in the club.

All of a sudden at 6pm the lights are dimmed and a male voice asks everyone to stand, face the flame and remember the returned service men and women who gave their lives for our country. A list is read of those whose anniversary of their passing is today, then in unison we recite “The Ode of Remembrance” which is the fourth stanza from the poem “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon.

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.”

I find this a humbling experience every time, and it never tires in importance to me.

Formalities complete and my respect shown, I  survey the area as I eat my nachos and wait for my friends. In my immediate area, which at times seats up to 100 people, there are two other gentlemen seated alone. The one to my right, is aged approximately 60 years and reading the local newspaper while enjoying his beer. The other gentleman, sitting directly in front of me, looks well into his 80’s and like he had had a hard life. He sits sipping water from his paper cup, and reminds me of someone well known to the club. My thoughts prove correct five minutes later, when he wanders over to the younger gentleman and says “goodnight.” The younger gentleman then replies,  “Hey, George did you know you can watch the World Cup from your bed, I’m going too.” George replied “Not me mate, I like to go to bed early so I can get up early,” and with that he left for the evening.

Tonight, the 70’s music is loud and pleasant. At present, Abba’s “Thank you for the Music” is playing and I can hear someone singing in the background. Is it the lack of noise from patrons making the music seem louder? Maybe.

The large room is brightened by the televisions lining the walls with their sound turned down. Tonight, no-one appears to be watching them however, they are welcoming.

I am unsure why the club is so quiet tonight. My friends and I are the last to leave and it is only 8.30pm. Maybe it’s the weather – it is winter and cold outside, or maybe everyone is staying home to get up early and watch the opening ceremony and first game of the 2014 World Cup.

Day 8

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The Music of My Life

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Songs have always been a major part of my life. They have inspired me to achieve the challenges I set myself, and comforted me during my difficult times. Songs have the power to change your mood and can be used to insight all types of emotions.

My most influential songs have been part of my life for many, many years. I love that they always create a positive emotion in me and unless it is inappropriate to do so, I always begin singing when I hear them. My top three are:

1. I AM WOMAN – Helen Reddy (1972). I was 10 when this song became a hit and it’s words empowered me to believe that I could deal with everything life throws at me. “If I had to I could face anything, I am strong, I am invincible. I am woman.” This song was also the first Australian penned song to win a Grammy Award and in 1975 was chosen by the United Nations to be the theme song for “International Woman’s Year.” It was also my ringtone for several years which I enjoyed.

2. I WILL SURVIVE – Gloria Gaynor (1978) This disco anthem reminds me to believe in myself and not let others get to me. It is the story of personal growth through a relationship breakup and developing personal confidence. Thirty plus years later, every time I hear this song I am still compelled to do the actions and sing/yell “I will survive” at the top of my voice. It never fails to bring out the best in me.

3. I AM AUSTRALIAN – Bruce Woodley (1987) performed by the Seekers. This song signifies our history and shows the diversity of the changing face of Australia. I love chorus, ‘We are one, but we are many and from all the lands on earth we come. We share a dream and sing with one voice: I am , you are, we are Australian.

I am proud to be a surviving Australian woman and I am looking forward to the sharing more of my life with you on this writing journey.

Day 3- Writing 101

 

 

 

A Room With Two Views

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In my perfect world, I would have a room with two views. Then, I could mange any of my moods and more importantly, keep my favourite activities are close at hand. The view from my front room would be of my private, deserted beach. My back view is of snow-capped mountains.

My beach or private cove is approximately 1 kilometre in length with high cliffs on one side with a grassy bank and a fresh water stream running through it on the other side. The stream would start in the mountains and contain thousands of wild salmon that swim up stream, jumping between the pebbles. Owing to the amount of water in the area from the melting snow, the grass is emerald green and soft under my bare feet.

Grass tobogganing is my favourite activity during the summer, with the steep land between the beach and the mountains is perfect for this. I have even had a T-bar installed to make getting to the top easier.

The beach itself, is protected and while you can surf on the far corner, the main area has only small crashing waves. These make wind surfing, kayaking and well as snorkeling safe activities.

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My back view is of mountains overlooks a private ski field in winter with enough people to make it fun, but not overcrowded. In summer, hiking is a great way to keep fit and there are several huts scattered on  the mountain to provide overnight accommodation if hikers stay out late. As the mountain is relatively small, it is perfect for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. The water from the stream is pure and drinkable, with a naturally occurring spring half way down.

Each day, in my perfect world, I feel my life is complete. I enjoy my natural surrounding and de-stress with my vivid images—if only a place like this exists in my real world.

Day 2 Writing 101