Magic of Puff

Puff the Magic Dragon resonates in my childhood and has recently been read, sung (albeit a little off key,) and celebrated at my daughter’s kinder. I am thrilled to review a book that brought back such fond memories.

There have been lots of misinterpretations of Puff the Magic Dragon (the song). Some say that it is full of references to marijuana: “Jackie Paper,” “autumn mist”, obviously “Puff”, “green scales,” and Honalee (Hanalei) is apparently renowned for its marijuana plantations*.

The ‘potheads’ have every right to claim the song, even if the “scales” reference is a little far fetched. As for me, I just see the intended meaning of a young boy, growing up and losing his innocence. A child on the other hand sees themes of adventure, friendship, and love. That’s how is should be!

Dad sang it to me when I was ‘knee high to a grasshopper’ and I in-turn sang it to my kids, especially my son (singing’s more of a novelty for the first-born.) I even used it as my audition song for selection into my Year 8 musical, Grease, (I think it was really my cute 12 year old freckles that did it!)**

The picture book has the original lyrics, with Puff the loveable, but brave, dragon and his special friend Jackie Paper, coming to life in the delicate and mythical illustrations by Eric Puybaret.

The magic of Puff’s adventures and the inevitable end to his friendship with Jackie: “A Dragon lives forever, but not so little boys and girls” (slight politically correct alteration from the original,) are explored. However, unlike the sad conclusion to the song, where Puff retreats back in to his lonely cave: “Green scales fell like rain,” the illustrations paint a new friendship with another young playmate for Puff.

This book is bound with history, written by Peter Yarrow (from Peter, Paul & Mary) who originally sung this classic and Lenny Lipton (wrote original poem and accidentally left it in a type-writer). Peter and his daughter Bethany also feature on a CD attached to the book.

What is the CD like? Put it this way, Hamish & Andy aren’t getting much playtime in my car at present!

If you have a young child, the spirit of this picture book will lift them. It’s a real coup for Koala Books and an absolute joy to have in my home again.

*See songfacts.com for more details or interpretations (these do not necessarily represent my views)

** PS. I know it wasn’t my foghorn voice that got me into Grease!

Forgetful Book Borrower

FreeFoto.com

Missing Book!

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Loaned to a friend out of the goodness of my heart.

Approximately 3 years old with a sepia cover of a young boy peeking around a corner.

It has a few characteristic dog-eared pages and little bits of colored paper sticking out (like kites funnily enough,) where I have marked pages with interesting descriptions.

Perhaps you have taken your time to read it?

Maybe, it has been accidentally filed in your own bookcase?

You could have even loaned it to another friend, so you’re not really to blame after all?

Happy for it to be returned anonymously and in any condition (impartial to a chocolate smudge or tea ring on the cover – it’s all part of reading hey?)

Would be overjoyed to see it in my bookcase again.

Send my Kite (Runner) home please…and if anyone has Mrs. Jingle’s copy of Tully, she would like it back as well!

$$ Reward for any information regarding the forgetful book borrower $$

How to Pick a Great Book Club Book – My Style

I’m not officially in a book club because I hate the idea of having to read a certain book by a set time. Instead, I’ve joined a breakaway group called Bookalicious and we share and discuss books casually and intermittently. It doesn’t matter that we're not meeting officially  - or comparing our cake making skills at the same time!

I’ve heard on the 'book club grapevine' that some book club selections have been lacking in the ‘wow’ factor of late. A few members I have chatted to are asking “why did we choose that book?”


It’s impossible to choose a book that everyone in your book club can connect with, but because it is a monthly gathering, and in many cases a self-fulfilling ritual, this book selection is crucial.


Forget Oprah’s Book Club and Women’s Weekly Great Reads. There is a lot of influence from publishers pushing their books, with contacts in the media. Look up sites like Amazon and the Book Depository. Type in a book you have loved and it will tell you other titles, which readers who have purchased your book, have also bought. You start to see a pattern.


There’s a website called greatreads.com where you can also tap into what your friends are reading and recommending. Only trust friends who have interests in ‘quality’ books.


If you are not happy with this method, why not read a classic? Everyone can revisit a book like Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, her first and only published book.


Last resort would be to boycott book club and this will send a clear message that you refuse to read a book you don’t enjoy. Before you do this remember, you’re always going to select a few ‘lemons’ and it’s fun to rip apart a book (deemed as such) now and again.


This all said, nothing beats finishing a book that has taken your breath away, challenged the norm or been written so eloquently – especially if you have a cup of tea in hand and like-minded friends around you. Good luck and happy reading!


Here are my suggestions:


Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins (you have to read Hunger Games & Catching Fire first)


Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Ralin


The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruis Zafon


The Elegance of the Hedgehog – Muriel Barbury

Dad - My "Shiner" Light!

It used to annoy me that everyone claims to have the ‘best dad in the world!” It couldn’t be possible when I have the best dad in the world!

No-one makes a cup of tea so lovingly, or spent hours fine-tuning the sharpest affirmative speech for school debating. The steady supply of meals on wheels and the thoughtful and encouraging comments. The hours of free labour on every home I have lived in, baby-sitting, nurturing and entertaining my kids and helping in any way he can. Dirko (Dad), quite often whips up a meal at no notice – gourmet standard! No-one could be better than my Dad!

For the last seven years, I have also shared Father’s Day with my husband who is beautiful, creative and selfless with our kids. The ‘splodgy’ handprint cards have been replaced by gorgeous descriptive scrawls or detailed artwork. But this Father’s Day (apart from the heartfelt messages and drawings,) my youngest daughter gave her Dad – her ‘shining’ light – the ultimate knock-out gift – a black eye!

Lamenting the loss of our favourite football team, my hub had consumed a few cheeky beers. In a relaxed state he kissed the kids goodnight and our daughter sat up as he reached down  - heads colliding and tears spilling.

Thankfully, she hasn’t got a mark on her. As for my hub – he looks like he’s auditioning for a ‘drag queen’ role, with his purple accentuated eyelid.

I can’t deny that there was a huge expletive from him when it happened, but my hub took it on the chin (or eye) just like a doting father.

Bless our little poppet when she piped up: “It was an accident wasn’t it Dad? We were both brave because you’re the best dad in the world.”

There’s that claim again and guess what? She is absolutely right! A dad, any dad, is not really the best in the world, rather your world and to you that is the world!

My Dad is the best dad in my world and my hub is the best dad in our children’s world (and rightly so) – and definitely their ‘shiner’ light!

No! Stop! Don't!

There is a group of 18 intellectually challenged adults who have given me a great sense of purpose and many a laugh over the last few years – not to mention immunity to human gas! If only they knew how much of an impact they have on me.

Down at Fort Stream*, Mrs F and I have tried to impart some very basic self defence skills, aiming to keep it fun and interactive. Preventing some of the 18 students from sitting down (some of them are heavy and hard to get back up,) or having a toilet break every 5 minutes, can be a challenge. Most days we have them focused and ready for a bout with Rocky Balboa. You can hear intermittent screams of: “No! Stop! Don't!” Or their variation “Get off me you twit!”

A week ago we were told that the ‘powers that be’ had cut the program because students had to move on to other activities and they didn’t have the ‘numbers’ any more. Apparently ten-pin bowling and meditation also got the axe. The new electives are predominantly stationary ones and while being fun are not about being active and teaching you one of the greatest gifts – the gift of self defence.

It was a two hour commitment that, after a quarter tank of petrol, our pay left enough for a coffee and cake. We did it because it felt great to empower these (often) marginalised adults. These adults, I was slightly apprehensive about meeting when I first started, became characters I respect and admire.

There’s Garry, a face full of freckles and a grin ear to ear that pumps out his push-ups. Jane who has a quick wit, and even once, a ‘spit’ (luckily I wasn’t the recipient.) Barb sweats profusely with her five sit-ups, but gives her all. Ella has a mean stomp that wouldn’t kill a butterfly, but has so much cheeky intent it makes me smile. Nick is immaculately dressed and is a true gentleman who loves using his elbows. Carol likes to waffle on about any ‘life lesson’ she has learnt, but when she cried after receiving a certificate, saying: “I am so happy,” I almost cried too. Tom can be irritating with his counting but he enjoys learning and is no trouble. If Ray has had her “happy pills” she is in great form but if she is unsettled, she’s like a bull ready to charge and don’t mention her hair whatever you do. Antonio just smiles but maybe he is learning something. Katie loves a cuddle and for you to “wait”. Tracey kicks with power and giggles when she ‘drops one’. Angela is so proud of herself when she grasps a skill. Patricia, in her 'jewels', has excellent retention. Paddy is a great ball of energy with the loudest: No! Stop! Don't!” Julie likes you to move her arms and legs for her. Marg is the oldest but one of the most committed and very tough mentally. Mark is a character who loves to wear costumes and doesn’t mind a bit of close contact with the ladies (especially Mrs F and I). I saved Sara for last because she is the one I am saddest for – she greets us at the door each week, boosts our ego 10-20 times a lesson from “I love your earrings” to “you are the best instructors ever”. She’s even going to ask for some boxing gloves for Christmas. I will genuinely miss Sara.

I have to mention the staff as well. Don’t worry there are only three key ones. There’s Barbie who is incredibly supportive of the program and very involved in the teaching. I am disappointed I didn’t have a camera when she wore her Lycra leotard as a joke. Rob keeps everything light and loves to joke and toughen up the students, but does a good job at getting everyone involved. Then there’s Greg who rarely misses a class, knows every student’s strengths and weaknesses and has such a gentle approach.

Some staff members say they will fight (another pun) to bring it back next year but I have already been lucky enough to have had this experience and see the joy when a “Student of the Week” gets to take a lap of honour.

If every student remembers to keep their hands up and walk away from taunts  – our lessons will not be in vain. I was “roughed up” (backpacking 1996,) and I'm passionate about preparing everyone for the improbable. It probably won’t happen, but if it does - fight back and scream: “No! Stop! Don't!”

PS We were given a beautiful card and bunch of Snapdragons at our last class – very touching!

*Fort Stream (where I taught self-defence skills,) is an alias for a not-for-profit organisation that provides services and teaches life skills to intellectually disabled adults. All the names of the students have been changed to protect their identity.

Making a Meal of It!

Breakfast is the best meal of the day…if only I had an hour to eat and enjoy it!

Hence the reason why my usual breakfast consists of something rushed and basic. I have a three-minute window of opportunity to eat it because, let’s face it; I am not a ‘morning’ person and invariably running late.

I’ve got my yoghurt ‘scoop and swallow’ personal best down to 46 seconds. A bowl of cereal with sliced banana and sultanas eats (pardon the pun) into my still ‘comatosed’ in bed with a ‘cup of tea’ time (all that slicing uses up precious minutes). On the other hand, a piece of toast and Promite (yes I know – I’m a weirdo) can also be consumed as I’m packing lunch boxes, brushing hair or chasing the dog who is scavenging for the kid’s left over cereal.

Today was a different story. I did the breakfast ‘Fin. Review reading’ sock wearing lovers proud.  It started leisurely with homemade muesli and an assortment of fresh berries and Margaret River yoghurt. This was washed down with apple and guava juice and a ham and Jarlsberg cheese croissant. Pause for a cheeky M&M  (part of the table decoration,) then corn cakes, prosciutto, basil-infused roasted tomatoes and mini egg and bacon bread quiches. But wait there’s more! A platter of mixed danishes and chocolate croissants married with an espresso (or in my case more juice). Time to undo the jeans!

I really enjoyed this breakfast because it had a purpose - to celebrate a good friend’s birthday and it started at a respectable 9am when, even I, (who got to bed at 2am preparing for today) could struggle out of bed.

It was such a feast that an apple sufficed for lunch and I didn’t have a bloated tummy and plenty of brainpower as I charged through the day.

Am I a convert? If I could eat all that at 9am with time to savour each course – absolutely!  Sorry, but I’m not interested in eating a bowl of organic porridge with a freshly squeezed juice at 7am.

I know a lot of my friends love their first meal of the day. I enjoy my first, my middle, last and ‘inbetweens’. I’m happy to have a lavish breakfast now and again, but quite content with my ‘sleep saving’ Farmers’ vanilla yoghurt.

Alas, it is Father’s Day this weekend. Maybe I will be in the kitchen before my eyes have adjusted to the harsh reality of morning light – urgh!

PS. Check out the beauty I dished up hubby "Dadda" last year (sunny side up)

Spring Has Sprung

“For winter’s rains and ruins are over,

And all the season of snows and sins;

The days dividing lover and lover

The light that loses, the night that wins;

And time remembered is grief forgotten,

And frosts are slain and flowers begotten,

And in green underwood and cover

Blossom by blossom the spring begins.”

A.C Swinburne 1837-1909     Atalanta in Calydon {1865}

We’ve just had our coldest and wettest winter in Melbourne in over a decade, but on average it’s still half a degree warmer than the long-term temperature – go figure??

It is spring though and I can’t help but have a skip in my step.  I’ve found a beautiful poem about this season of ‘new beginnings’ in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations (a gift from my parents, along with a treasured leather-bound dictionary for my 21^st.)

Clearly, I didn’t take the attached photo today (with rain teaming around me) but it’s a sure sign of things to come.

Look on the bright side, our water tanks are bursting, we’ve had a bumper snow season and even I have taken my children for the first time to experience this abundance of ‘ cold white fluffy stuff’. Admittedly, afterwards I have worn my ski jacket nearly every day…ha ha.

My seeds for change were sown in winter when I started writing my blog and decided to focus on reading and writing and doing what I enjoy.

I’ve almost clocked up 20 blog entries and disciplined myself to write every working day. If time is short, there is always some quote, picture, or thought I have been able to use to spark my blog topic.

 
·      I’ve finished Module 10 in Picture Book Writing and posted my manuscript for assessment (yippee.)
·      The Junior/Young Adult Novel Writing Course is my current focus.
·      Mrs. H (another dear friend) told me about Women of Letters* (a monthly afternoon for women that aims to preserve the art of letter writing.) There’s lots of laughs as comedians/special guests read out a scripted letter while you sip on your ‘chardy’. I hope to get a group of ‘Charlotte Brontes’ together for that.
·      I’ve also booked a lunch (going as a loner) to see Tara Moss (crime writer) speak in October.

So much to look forward to - I hope to see some spring shoots…

* www.facebook.com/pages/Women-Of-Letters/354205651666