This one is hard! Why do we find it difficult to uncover our hidden talents? I have been shortlisted for awards, such as in the Bobby Goldsmith greeting card competition. I love art! Correspondence School was situated in William St, Kings Cross, and I visited several times during the year to meet up with my teachers and attend mini-schools. Some of the kids were from the country or had health issues, and others were teenage mums. The teachers were offbeat, kind and loving. There was actually a battle over whether I would become an artist or writer amongst the English and Art departments! To a kid who had previously been told she was stupid, that was quite a coup! My art teacher would meet me at the NSW Art Gallery, and send me charcoal and pastels whilst I recovered from surgeries, and my English teacher would come out and visit me, complete with the classics. I have dabbled in art ever since, producing individualized booklets for people, creating and painting ceramics, and selling my paintings. Writing has taken over. It is a ravenous angel, saving me, though taking up the lion’s share of my time. I feel art beckoning, and I have a cluster of artists in my life, ready to assist me in continuing my journey when the time is right.

I am sensitive. Both a talent and curse. I can feel the energy in a room, the subtle pulses and zaps. People say they feel safe with me. If you tell me something in confidence, it will be taken to my grave. It hurts, to put yourself in other’s places… To feel what they endure. The rewards of sensitivity are worth the pain.

I love cooking feasts! There aren’t many in my household, so having people over is a treat. I used to cook quite a bit, and realize it’s time I started again. There is something delightful about cleaning your home, and making it fresh, setting the table and preparing food for those you love. It is a gift of thankfulness.

Another hidden talent is I believe in magic. I believe in fairies and wonder and beauty. I believe that people are mostly not only good, but kind and loving. I have been scalded by nasty women with vicious tongues, men with violence in their minds and hearts, and people who treat others as fodder. They have left their marks, but they can’t take my unadulterated knowing that most people are good, kind and loving. I have had strangers hold my hand, hug me as I cried, give me gifts and assist me.

I look forward to the future, knowing many other talents shall come to the fore.