My daughter brought a book home from preschool last week called The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside. I read it to my three children at bedtime and was not ready for the conversation that ensued. The book is about a girl called Jenny. Everywhere she goes, she is followed by a big, blue… Continue Reading
Last week I had the pleasure of dining with some of the most senior leaders in the Australian Defence Force and their wives. There were 8 couples, mostly in their late 50s or early 60s. Each of the couples had children who were in their late teens or early 20s. They were all still in their… Continue Reading
Loneliness is stored loosely in the back of a cupboard always lurking, ready to pounce when you are least expecting it. When I was 8 years old, I was left home alone while my parents were out on the farm. It happened a few times that I had to walk home from the bus stop… Continue Reading
It is the common theme running through conversations I have with my friends who are mothers – many are exhausted, trying to find the work/life balance and determined to do the best for their children and families. I am beginning to think we are setting the bar too high. The glow has gone from their… Continue Reading
I remember, almost religiously, when we were young, Mum would bring home the dreaded packet of Combantrin and we would all have to drink that horrible liquid to be wormed. I am sure Mum thought that we were always infested. We grew up on a farm with lots of animals but still. I also know… Continue Reading
In a world driven to label everything, there is even something called Rushing Woman’s Syndrome. Coined by author and biochemist, Dr Libby Weaver, it is the label for women who are stressed out, over tired, coffee fueled and lacking good support networks to talk about being a woman. In her book aptly named, Rushing Woman’s… Continue Reading