Dim's Write Stuff

Australian’s don’t need much guidance in the arts of kindness and compassion. The outpouring for generosity and empathy from around the nation, indeed throughout the world in recent times, is heart-swelling. As are these next few picture books which define thankfulness, humility, acceptance and understanding. Rediscover the joy in shared humanity. Three There are so many things to love about this charming picture book, Three : kombis, dogs, animals, fragrant gardens, raindrops…It is another masterpiece by master storyteller and artist, Stephen Michael King   and is imbued with the kind of tenderness that makes big kids weep and little ones smile with joy. The most miraculous thing about Three’s story, apart from his tenacious and spirited outlook on life, is that it took several page turns in before I realised that this adorable little butterscotch-orange and white dog only has three legs. This is shown in the pictures of course but King’s narrative is so engaging, Three’...

Are you the type who can't thin out vegetable seedlings because you believe if they took the trouble to germinate, they should all be given the chance to grow? LET GO. Does your garden look like an Amazon rainforest because you can't bear to get out the hedge clippers? LET  GO. Do you possess more meaningless, random five-year old art work than you actually have five year olds because you won't throw anything out? LET GO. Do you hang onto ill feelings long after an altercation just in case you need them again for round two? LET GO. As a writer, are you reluctant to edit your own work, because they employ people to do that sort of thing for you anyway don't they, and any self-respecting editor will be able to see how much blood, sweat and tears each word took to produce therefore earning its place in your convoluted story? LET  GO. An oft hackneyed term that is easier said than done. Perhaps, as writers, we have to deal with the id...

I quit the gym this week. Not an earth shattering revelation but it was a harder thing to do than joining one. After twelve loyal years of sweating it out and pounding the treadmill, I'm cutting the emergency stop chord free. And not without some reservations. But at least it confirms that I do indeed belong to the human race; for I share the same two inherent dislikes that  most human beings have difficulty dealing with: change letting go Perhaps though, it is time for a change. Reduced physical activity should tie in nicely with my renewed writing commitment; to apply bum glue, stay put and write more. Okay, so not all life choices are wise ones. But not all in life is a matter of choice.