In these pages, I will be sharing information about my books and some articles I’ve had published, plus stories, and related activities (workshops, speaking engagements), especially those dealing with the happiness theme and storytelling.

I recently added an article: Living with Lymphoedema to help those who have difficulty finding information about this affliction, which I’ve lived with for about 30 years. It has never stopped me finding interesting things to do.

Over recent years, I hadn’t done much storytelling , due to ill-health, but earlier this year, I was invited to present a workshop in Canberra, where I told two stories, as part of a Happiness presentation. The results of the evaluations of my presentation  to the carers in Canberra, have  arrived and it was really great to read them. Some said inspiring, many said excellent, very good and other really positive comments. That was great information to receive and know the participants enjoyed the workshop.

It’s good to get that feedback and know you got it right. The Conference Coordinator was delighted with the comments she had received, as I had fulfilled my brief, which was to send the participants away feeling happy.

Since then I visited  a family member coping with a serious health crisis and realise how important that positive, happy focus is, to help people overcome the challenges, life poses for each one of us. No-one is exempt from these challenges, but it helps if you have a strategy to get you through the tough times.

This year I’ve presented a workshop of Storytelling, for Tour Guides, at Tocal Agricultural College. It was a great day and we enjoyed the drive out to Paterson, in the Hunter Valley. Stories bring history alive for listeners and contribute to a great visit for everyone. Every one of the tour guides worked hard that day and we look forward to going back to Tocal Homestead, one Open Day, to listen to the stories being told.  Magic!

Many years ago, I produced some very creative pottery, which ceased, due to injuries received in a multiple vehicle MVA. Twenty or more years have elapsed and this winter, I felt the urge to produce a little more of  my hand built work and look forward to sharing some of it with you.

I still cannot work for long at a time, but am enjoying using my creative energy again in this way. So I can again add Studio Potter, to my list of interesting occupations and look forward to exhibiting some in local Galleries.

                                        Be Happy!

Through these stories you can learn about the customs and values, the spiritual belief system, cultural norms, moral behaviour, survival skills, hunting and gathering skills, food resources and animal psychology.

The illustrations and paintings are mainly by storyteller and artist, Francis Firebrace, and they are supplemented by some drawings by Helen McKay. The animals, depicted, are from photographs taken at Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle.

Frequent sales  – to all states in Australia – are coming through the website for this book, but recently, I have been thrilled to receive a number of orders from Norway, Sweden , UK and Italy.

“I purchased your book almost 18 months ago and it is still a source of inspiration for me.” Jodie W, Yass, NSW