'The invention of Hugo Cabret,' by Brian Selznick. Is this a new kind of reading- a sophisticated combination of pages of black and white illustrations which pace the plot then a switch back to prose? When I placed the book on hold in my local library- I didn't know the book would be so thick and heavy- but a great read. That orphan tragedy plot, hardworking. I enjoyed the automaton and the mechanical ability of Hugo- This is a star quality read and another instance of pushing story in all its glory.

Book review

I'm inspired to write a review of a book I borrowed yesterday from the library and completed reading this morning- these days I don't read as quickly as I once did.

'Princess Academy' by Shannon Hale- a junior fiction book- grabbed my attention- not because of the title but because of the silver sticker- Newberry honour book.

I loved Miri- smallest daughter of a quarry worker and her growing awareness of her place in the family, her relationship with Pedder and the linder rock that is the main industry of her isolated village. When the king's priests divine that the future princess will be found in Mount Eskel, the training for the eligible girls in the village begins in earnest. Which girl will the prince choose?

Well written -a fresh perspective on quest and character- loved every tiny petal of it.

Christmas decorations and family traditions

As I was packing away the decorations, I looked carefully again at the first decorations we had as a newly married couple. Decorations were expensive to buy and we didn't have money for Christmas trimmings. So I made some. Here's a sample. I'm in the beginning stages of writing an article about these pieces.

a New year

Back into the writing mode. Some days have surprises just waiting to be unpackaged like this photo taken the second week of December on a dead gum tree. Four tawny frogmouth owls, pretending to be logs- no I didn't use zoom on the camera unfortunately.

The closer we came to look, the more they stuck out necks like dead twigs on a branch.
We have lost gum trees in our garden due to the sustained drought. But what a gift on a tree- what Christmas baubles.

Lunar eclipse

Tonight from 6.30 onwards in South Australia- what a great sight. I saw a girl crossing the road after school this afternoon, with a message written on her hand 'watch the moon tonight.'

tally, tally, tally

Janeen and Elizabeth at the Art Gallery- our last get together before the end of my residency- thanks for the great friendship!

Also inside the State library- what a place to study!!!!

The tally for my residency which has one day left to run:

* finished the first draft of my next verse novel
* wrote at least eight poems
* wrote a picture book text
* short stories
* networked
* walked
* thought and thought
Thanks to the May Gibbs committee for providing a wonderful writing space and the creative time to fast track and create new work.

Texture, antique books

As well as beautiful architecture there is also wonderful living sculptures like this vine. I love texture such as this.
I had such a great time delving into atmosphere with the State library children's collection that I went seeking an antique book of my very own. I found in Magill road a book published in 1876- a little bit later than the period I wanted, but wonderful and all for the princely sum of $4.00. It's called 'Favourite stories for the very young.' I also found 'First year of scientific knowledge.' I like the palm size book, the hard cover, the delicate pages. 'The first year of scientific knowledge' boasts that it sold 500,000 copies in France over 3 years! I love the inclusive way the author introduces knowledge- here's an excerpt from the first page:
'Animals, I am well sure , interest you more than plants and much more than stones. For animals grow, and move about; they feel, and manifest will; they live and they die.'

I have achieved much in this residency- shortly I'll list a tally. Today I am off to the art gallery with Elizabeth and Janeen.