and/or back to AUSTRALIA…

Brisbane smells like frangipanis and jasmine; it tastes like Thai and Indian food; sounds like lorikeets and kookaburras; looks electric green and feels like sunshine.

Yesterday afternoon was spent wandering, watching, and (of course) writing about my new sensory reactions to my present place of residence. I stress the ‘present place’ because I’ve moved ten times in the past ten years. Someone called me a gypsy once, I wrote a poem about it.

Although my nervous breakdown tendencies were in red alert leading up to my NYC departure… the transition back to this half of life went smooth. Now it’s all about getting all the work I’ve done over the past four months sorted out and ready for the next leg.

Regardless of my ability to adapt anywhere, I’m still aware of the dramatic differences in my life on two continents. Luke pointed out yesterday that I’ve lived in Australia for a quarter of his life (he’s 2.5 years younger than me… cougar?). Aside from making me feel really old, the comment smacked me with a hit of instant longing to somehow tie together my two existences in a way where I can avoid getting stressed out about how and/or when I’m going to venture back to the other half of my life.

Since relocating to AUS in 2002, I reckon we’ve spent somewhere in the ballpark of 25k traveling back and forth. I can honestly say that I don’t care about the cash, it’s the lifestyle adjustments I’m after…

Which is why my existence as a successful Writer is imperative… so I better get back to work…

gypsy

where you realize you’re
(right.)
… back where you started.
with more –
stories.
about (telling)
living in a place;
with one destination putting you right
(where?)
… you began.

Not only is today my official ‘first day back!’ in Australia… it’s my seven year wedding anniversary. Seven years ago today my husband Luke and I ran to Sandringham Beach in Melbourne with bare feet, half a dozen witnesses, and more faith in each other than I have time in life to describe. Continue reading…

From New York to San Francisco to Sydney to Brisbane… back to Australia I come! I am presently getting past the state of zombie that occurs when I somehow lose a day in the sky and the clock does all sorts of crazy things… hopefully by tomorrow I will adequately catch my breath. Continue reading…

I am somewhere soaring at the moment…

Yesterday I mentioned my thing with tears. It made me think of a short story I wrote back in 2007… enjoy.

THE SILENCE OF LOVE

I have not spoken for nearly three years now, not since that day. Continue reading…

Namaste blog family

Seven hours from now a car will arrive to take me into what feels like unknown territory. The next time we gather live it will be from my beloved Australia. Continue reading…

Now as we all know, my puppy departure was slightly traumatizing. I can’t wait to have my face licked in a window of only three days!! Continue reading…

I’m pulled together. I had a few teary days and moderate brain malfunctioning… all sorted. I wonder if people are less emotional than me or just not as blatant about it. Continue reading…

My best friend is better than most best friends… I’m bias. We grew up five houses apart from each other and have known each other for somewhere in the ballpark of 25 years… so she’s more of a fifth sister to me. Continue reading…

I spent yesterday in New York City. It was my last city stomp during this particular trip. Continue reading…

Yesterday it was apparently 3 degrees F outside (-16C). Considering that I have been inducted into the clan of bad-ass ice fishers since my attendance at the derby last week… I spent the afternoon once again out on the ice. Continue reading…