Wollongong

We visited Wollongong after nineteen years and caught up with some great friends, and we found some had moved on to new locations, too. It never ceases to amaze me how places change over the years. New roads, and shopping centres have mushroomed during our absence and renovations to buildings and suburbs change the landscape so much that often we felt confused as to where we were.

We were thrilled to get the opportunity to catch up with a delightful couple who have been extremely helpful for research on my third novel in which my main protagonist is a double amputee. Sid and Margo made Frank and I most welcome in their home. I can't wait until I finish this novel. I'm not sharing too much about it at this stage because I've just finished my second novel, Family Secrets (working title) and it is off to the editor later this week.

We did a successful book signing of African Hearts at CLC Bookworld:

CLC Bookworld

Thanks to Brian and all the customers for making me feel so welcome and making the day a great success!

Tathra to Berry

God knows what we need more than we do. For Easter he took us to Tathra for a much needed rest after our hectic travelling schedule. The caravan park allocated us a site at the base of a huge hill where we had no phone or internet coverage and we were able to meet lots of people who were also camping and enjoying time out. Tathra is a great fishing place. I'm not a good sailor so we fished from the shore and caught two small bream which we threw back so they could experience more of life. Those fishermen and women who went out in boats caught many good sized fish.

My husband's family roots are embedded at Cathcart west of Merimbula where the family farm is a great place to visit and reflect on family and times that have passed. The last surviving brothers of the original parents are deciding what should be done with the farm. There are many interesting pieces of machinery and unfortunately the house is now falling into disrepair. A few head of cattle are run on the property but these will be sold soon as one of the brother's estate is finalised. I'm glad I don't have to make the decision on the future of the farm.

A farm in Cathcart.

After Tathra we turned north to Bodalla State Forest and we explored the track through the bush to Lake Mummaga. This camping area was a restful place where we were able to have a camp fire. We invited all the other campers to share the warmth and chew the fat.

A welcome rest stop from the endless white line.

We then headed for the delightful historical town of Berry where Frank and I had a romantic walk amongst the historic buildings. It's a place full of history and art. Wonderful atmosphere. I'm very much a live in the here and now type of person and all that old stuff belongs back then, but Berry had a special something that caught my imagination, so looks like we'll be heading back. We didn't take any photos here because we want to return here again, hopefully next summer on our way to Tasmania.

Next stop - Wollongong!!

Thank You Melbourne

I felt sad as we left Melbourne this week. I thought about the time we spent with family; time spent with friends from my husband's teenage years; and time spent with the new friends I made at my book signings.

Kooyong Bookstore - Blackburn Vic.

A very special thank you to everyone who came to my book signings at Koorong Blackburn and Koorong Melbourne CBD, and a special thank you to radio Light FM 89.9 for interviewing me. You all made my day special.

You see, I spend a lot of time behind the keyboard, or scratching with pen on paper hoping to write a saleable novel, and often I'm plagued with doubts about my work. When I have the opportunity to showcase my work it's so humbling to know that someone is going to take the time to read it.

Everyone is short of time, so to come to my book signing made me feel really valued. A special thanks again to all who came.

From the city to the bush at Eagle Point: I just had to share what happened yesterday.

A family of swans came to visit us at our camp site. I'm not sure if this is mum or dad with the cygnets, but the other adult is chasing up a wayward young one while the others watch with interest....could we get away with a bit of adventure just like our brother?

Feeling safe and secure with Mum

Best wishes to you all for a blessed Easter with family and friends.

Goodbye Mornington Peninsula

Beach sheds Mornington Peninsula

Autumn has arrived on the Mornington Peninsula: the days are getting shorter and the temperatures lower. Bit cool down this neck of the woods for this Queenslander so I'm ready to move on, but I look forward to re-visiting in the future.

Next Monday we leave this interesting peninsula and move to the next stage of our journey which is a week in Melbourne before heading east.

I wanted to share this photo of the beach huts at Dromana. They reminded me of Enid Blyton's Famous Five series I read as a kid. When I read those books about secret tunnels and sheds by the beach my imagination was hooked. Do theyreally exist? Perhaps in England, but I hadn't thought about the sheds being in Australia, nor did I picture them being as colourful as those in the picture. Locals have told me the council recently required they be kept in good condition, hence the bright colours.

Now I'm curious to know what is stored inside of them. Perhaps a small row boat that can be lifted into the water; fishing tackle; beach umbrella/shade cover; or perhaps the owners use it for storage of all those surplus items they have no room for in their homes. During our stay here I kept my eyes peeled hoping I'd see someone accessing their shed, but no luck, so I'm left more curious than ever.

Another interesting thing was these sheds were advertised in a real estate magazine ranging from $50,000 up to $250,000. Puts a completely different meaning on 'men's shed' doesn't it?

African Hearts ........

African Hearts by Laura O'Connell

It's finally arrived! African Hearts is in a Koorong store near you now!

I'm speaking at Peninsula Life Church on Saturday, 26th March at 10.00 am. If you're in the Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula area, come along and hear about my journey from numbers to words. All welcome! See you there!