Our Neighbourhood
We’ve been in our little West Preston street for fifteen years. All that time, our next door neighbours have been Wilma and Vern. Two doors up at number 12, are Renie and Stan. These are names that you won’t see on the coat peg labels in any child care centre. Wilma, Vern, Renie and Stan are from another era and having them as our neighbours has been lovely.
Read MoreGiovanna the Bank Teller
Towards the end of our conversation, I pull my glasses down from the top of my head. They’ve been sitting on recently washed hair. So, through wet, fogged up lenses, I make out the name, Giovanna.
Read MoreThe Wolf of Bell Street
“Mum, some people are really lonely,” said the Wolf of Bell Street. “This lady I just met, I’m the first person she has spoken to today. You know the great thing about getting your quota early, is you can just chat with the person. I knew she didn’t want to buy solar panels, so I just chatted for fifteen minutes. Some people are really lonely mum.”
Read MoreA Tribute for Celia Lashlie
It is April 2005 – the first time I became aware of the remarkable Celia Lashlie. I reckon most of the other 959 delegates at the Working with Boys, Building Fine Men conference were encountering her for the first time too. This unassuming lady walked to the middle of the stage, in Jeff’s Shed (Melbourne’s affectionate name for its Convention Centre) and spoke for at least an hour. No notes. Not a single PowerPoint slide. It was just her.
Read MoreHow Do You Know When You Are An Adult?
This blog is over five years old now and I reckon if you do something for the second time, it’s a tradition. So on that basis, it is a tradition to offer you a reflection from the year just past that describes a moment of realisation that something has changed, you’ve entered a new stage. I know it is the 8th of January and the new year is in its second week but I’ve held off till today for sentimental reasons. I’ll explain later.
Read MoreRecent Posts
- Jonathan Holloway – Highlights
- Jonathan Holloway – Full Interview
- Notre Dame Yr 7 Girls at Home
- Notre Dame Yr 7 Boys at Home
- Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge
- Mem Fox’s ‘Rather Wonderful’ Idea for ‘This Weird Time’
- A Reverse Birthday Present
- Time & Space at Home
- Notre Dame College Father and Daughter Night (done a little bit differently)
- The Big Treasure in the Car Park
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