A beautiful part of the world

Last weekend we spent a couple of nights at Cradle Mountain. We had hoped for snow, however the days were picture perfect - sun, blue sky, no wind - and we were able to walk the Dove Lake Circuit again. I don't think I have ever seen the lake so perfect.

We are so lucky to live only a couple of hours' drive from one of the most beautiful areas in the world!

Writing essays

Last Sunday I attended a writing course at the Moonah Arts Centre in Hobart. The course was part of a program run by the Tasmanian Writers' Centre and the topic, which was tutored by the multi-published James Dryburgh, was essay writing.

When I told friends I was going, some were surprised and said they didn't think I'd need to attend such a course. But my reasons for going weren't just about what I would learn on the day (and I learned a lot) but the opportunity to meet and be inspired by other likeminded writers.

The course ran from 10am until 4pm and the day simply disappeared. We barely had time to complete the agenda for the day but we managed to interview each another and undertake two writing exercises, all of which was very valuable. I spoke with two of the other attendees in our short breaks; one has done some amazing Tasmanian walks and is blogging and writing memoir, and the other completed the same online course I did last year with the Australian Writers Centre.

One question has always interested me and I had the opportunity to ask someone who knows. What is the difference between an essay, an article and a story? I have been writing 'articles' for the educational market for many years and the Australian Writers Centre refers to magazine writing as 'stories'. James told me that in his opinion, they are all the same.

Just making this discovery made the course worthwhile. The key is just to continue writing and not worry about the format. I just need to research and write what captures my heart and mind.

Reading something different...

I've been on a bit of reading binge of late, having just finished two novels - The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny (set in a French Canadian monastery) and Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (very Midsomer-like). I love murder mysteries and naturally enjoyed them both.

But my reading habits are changing and I find myself drawn more to non-fiction these days, as a result of my need (and desire) to research and write articles and essays.

To that end, I have recently read How to Clone a Mammoth by Professor Beth Shapiro and The Lost Dinosaurs of Egypt by William Nothdurft (which I found at a book fest for $2 and have since discovered is out of print). I couldn't put either book down.

My next challenge is Resurrection Science by M R O'Connor, about 'conservation, de-extinction and the precarious future of wild things'. Can't wait!!

Water for Elephants - what a read!

I have just finished Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants - and before anyone asks, no, I haven't seen the movie. Actually, my book club cautioned me about it because they said it is so different to the book. Maybe I will, maybe I won't...

Being the animal lover I am, I was initially concerned about perceived cruelty within a circus environment, but of course there are those within that industry who genuinely love animals and continually fight for their rights.

Gruen is a wonderful author who undertakes extensive research, and the reader can tell. She told the story, which is set in the depression years, with feeling and understanding, and I loved it. There was intrigue, love, anger, desperation, humour and above all, quirky characters and fabulous animals. I also learned a great deal about what it is to be part of a travelling circus. Now I can't wait to read her book Ape House.

A wonderful read which I finished in about three sittings. And I am pleased to say that the pile on my bedside table is slowly decreasing - for now, anyway.

Saving our native wildlife

Today I attended a luncheon at the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre in northern Tasmania, to raise awareness and money for our local wombats who are suffering from deadly mange. The luncheon was organised by a small group of caring individuals including our good friends Doreen and Gordon Shaw.

Representatives from two of our wombat rescue organisations were present at the lunch and we were told how the treatment works and is allowing our wombats to be rehabilitated and returned to the wild. All the carers are volunteers and they need our support.

Please visit Wombat Rescue Tasmania and Wombat Warriors Tasmania on Facebook and help save these beautiful creatures!

Tradition

Eureka Street has just published my article about a traditional Japanese tea ceremony:

The Count Down

In a little over four months' time we will be winging our way across the world to Italy!

We are planning three or four days in each of Milan, Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome before embarking on a cruise which will take us via Athens and the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi. Along the way we will visit the ancient city of Petra, a site I am so looking forward to seeing!

Petra, Jordan

In readiness for our journey I have decided to take Italian classes, which I commence at the end of this month. Having learned basic French for several years, I was able to use it when we travelled in France and now I hope to be able to communicate in Italian - just enough to order food and ask for directions.

Already we are counting down the weeks until our departure, but there is so much more to do in the meantime...