I was doing a talk in the evening for The Development Effect . You can’t go wrong with a black dress and a foil jacket!
Matilda and the 9th Birthday
My daughter and I have been unwell with a respiratory virus. It was the sort that leaves you no option but to crawl into bed. We had five days at home in isolation, which is quite uncommon for us. Of course, daughter regained her strength before me, and when I shuffled out of bed for a drink of water, I encountered a paper-art shop and the creative use of food-stuff! 
A friend made cupcakes the day before her birthday, and we went to a beautiful park. The sky was clear and blue and the weather was nudging toward spring temperatures. The day of her birthday, she woke at 4am, which was the time she was born. As she snuggled in my arms, I recalled being given a tiny bundle at that same time, nine years ago. She was a miracle from the outset. I paused to remember all I know who have battled their own private hells with infertility and pregnancy loss.
We walked to a local café, which is owned by a friend. She decorated the table, and gave my child a beautiful gift. How wonderful is it when a grown-up makes a child feel special and important?
Afterward, we hopped on a train and went on an adventure! A traveller from Manchester had found a gig at a stationary store and when he discovered it was her birthday, not only did he dance, but he made a balloon animal for her. I hope Australia decides to keep this young man! We strolled around, meeting many characters. Time got away from us, and I hurried us to the station. We had tickets to Matilda that evening!
As soon as we entered the Lyric Theatre, we found the atmosphere joyous in anticipation. What can I say about Matilda? It was everything you desire in a stage production. It had spunk, it was irreverent, hilarious and heartbreaking. We were in fits of laughter one moment, and the next, had tears. It is a story for every person who has ever felt unsure of their place in the world. Anyone who has ever been subject to ridicule and contempt. It is a story of a daring little girl, who has the power to change the destiny of those around her. The sets, performers, music and lyrics were simply stunning. There are surprises aplenty. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening of my daughter’s ninth birthday. If it is playing anywhere near you- now or in the future- go see it! 
Our children need to be exposed to realistic heroes and heroines and to my mind, Matilda is an aspiration. She inspires young and old to listen to the nuances of their heart; to keep telling their stories and sharing their truth. We bought the soundtrack, so we can listen whilst I save up so we can see it again! Happy Birthday, to my daughter. You are one of the funniest, kindest and most creative people I have ever known. May the years ahead be full of wonder. If I had the power, I would create a musical score for your life. No sadness, just high notes, accompanied by harps and flutes. I wish I had that power. I will be accompanying you on your journey, doing all I can to buffer the low times so that there are no sharp edges.
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Challenge-In Thy Future
The wonderful Robert M Goldstein has nominated me for Challenge-In Thy Future. Thankyou Robert! I am truly honoured to be nominated by a blogger I look up to so much!
- Thank the bloggers who nominated you. Thank you!!
• Link back to the challenge creator, Carolina and Yesterday After so she can track your progress.
• Share 5 things about your future (jobs, kids, marriage, travel etc). Then one day you can look back and find out how psychic you really are.
• Tag 5 bloggers and put them up to the challenge.
Here Goes!
My Future
1. I will travel to New York, Paris and the UK by 2017.
2. I have published a series of children’s stories and also a fiction book.
3. I feel strong and healthy, and sleep well!
4. I am happily living in my forever home. My garden is a bounteous and wild array of herbs and flowers.
5. I am content. Everything was leading up to this point of eternal joy.
I nominate the following:
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30 Day Challenge, Day 19. A list of all the places you have lived at.
This could take a while! I lived in the Western Suburbs of Sydney as a child, and then (in order):
Guildford-I rented a room from a friend. There were three families living in one little house!
Balmain-I rented an old stable here. It was converted into a series of one bedroom flats.
Parramatta-I rented a unit.
Katoomba- I lived in two different houses, though eventually came off the mountain as the cold affected my breathing.
Bexley-I rented a unit.
St Peters-I had a terrace.
Nth Ryde-I rented a house.
Newcastle-I rented a townhouse.
Hurstville-I rented a lovely old three bedroom house which was knocked down in the name of progress.
Taren Point-I lived in a share house.
Sans Souci-I lived in a rat-infested house where some of the walls were patched up with cardboard and the hot water system was designed for a shed, not a house!
Since then, I have lived in many other homes. Some lovely, and some nightmares. I really believe that each move is a step closer to my forever home!
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30 Day Challenge, Day 18. Name the TV show you have become addicted to.
I can’t say I have one. I would have to sit still for long enough! That was quick! I tend to watch a little of a lot of shows. The season has ended now, but I adored Love Child. It was set in the 60’s to early 70’s, my favourite era!
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30 Day Challenge- Day 17. What do you want to be when you get older?
I want to be an independent woman with enough financial security to provide me freedom. I want to continue writing and speaking and have time to dedicate to making art. When my daughter is older, I would quite like to be a counsellor or work in the funeral industry, consoling the grieving. I would love to age as these majestic ladies have aged!
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30 Day Challenge-Day 16. If the world were to end tomorrow…
If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do with your remaining time on earth?
I would let go of all the extraneous stuff we fool ourselves into thinking are important. You know, stuff on the to-do list that we panic about accomplishing. Stuff like remembering to pick up bread, file your nails and shoot off an email. The world wont end if we don’t do this stuff. I would fire up my car and seek out my local friends. I would tell them all how much I love them and what a difference they made to my life. I would send messages to friends far and wide (no phone calls as that would take far too long out of the day). I would eat fairy bread with my daughter, then we would play board games. We would go to Lush and fill up a basket, then I would buy her the most beautiful dress and shoes. I would celebrate that I don’t have to do any housework by opening a bottle of 1907 Heidsieck. I would relish the sound of the cork popping, and drink it slowly. I wouldn’t have any regrets. It has been quite a ride, this life. I wouldn’t have missed it for quids. Ironically, I would probably have the best slumber of my life, knowing that I did the best I could.
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30 Day Challenge. Day 15, A photo of someone you fancy at the moment.
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30 Day Challenge. Day 14, Provide Pictures of Celebrity Crushes
I can’t say I have crushes on anybody, but I do admire some celebrities.
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30 Day Challenge, Day 13. Three Confessions of your Choice
I have always wanted the experience of a confessional booth, and this is the next best thing!
- I am impervious and impatient, whilst having the ability to smile beatifically so nobody would know.
- I once tried a colour diet. I was young and perused the dietary advice in magazines (I don’t any more)! This one consisted of eating and drinking only one colour for a whole week. I was stumped when it got to purple, and ate a whole raw aubergine(skin on), because I didn’t know it needed cooking!
3. I can be in great pain and you would never know. The smile disappears once I am in a hot bath and I let the tears flow. As long as I am in good company, I can remain cheerful. It is a blessing to transcend the physical pain for a while, and also a blessing when I am alone dealing with it.
RAPHAELA ANGELOU 