the world of gretchen cello

As a Writer, no where has opportunities like New York City… in my humble opinion. And no place else has New Yorkers…

Watching the sunrise in Queens a few days back, one of my favorite people and I were discussing New Yorkers. He made me laugh saying something like ‘We’re the only “-ers”, New Yorkers… You don’t have Los Angeles-ers or Chicago-ers.’ I chimed in with ‘Same in Australia, no Melbourne-ers… Sydney tries to have “Sydney-siders”, which is whack to begin with.’

My mother told me this morning that New Yorkers are a big part of why I love the city. ‘They’re like you,’ she said. ‘They’ll talk to anyone walking down the street, that’s why you like it there, because that’s how you are.’ Continue reading…

Continue reading…

Namaste blog family

This morning the button was pushed and my first collection of poetry is now available on Lulu.

I’m not being pessimistic when I say I don’t expect many purchases, I’m being realistic. Poetry usually only sells after you croak. I’ve got a few books I’m working on that I’ll pitch to publishers and possibly sell down the line. The poetry book is for hardcore cult members – exclusively.

I sold one today, to sister number three… for those just catching up… I’ve got four sisters. I’m the youngest. My sisters literally construct who I am. My sister that bought my book is also a Writer. One day I’ll buy her book… because that’s what sisters do. Continue reading…

Namaste my beloved cult clan

First: I was published this week in the extremely dope lit mag Short, Fast, and Deadly. I learned about SFD after reading a piece by Senior Editor Joseph A.W. Quintela that was published with another one of my favorites, Bananafish Magazine. While you are clicking around gobbling word goodies, do make sure to catch up on the writing of Bananafish Editor Daniel McDermott as well. Feel free to run off for coffee first… I’ll wait here… Continue reading…

Now and then I catch a glimpse of a news story regarding yet another idiot Yankee celebrity coming to Australia and making fools out of themselves. Continue reading…

Although I am by no means a practicing Catholic and anti-organized religion all together, I grew up with traditions that I naturally carry on. This includes enormous Easter lunches.

As a kid I got dragged to church every year and I remember dreading Easter mass worse than any other because it went on for AGES!! These days I’m just all about the food… Amen! Continue reading…

The bottom line facts…

St Patrick’s Day has become a significant holiday since I’ve been in Australia due to my amount of Irish mates here and overseas (shout out to Cathal!).

I never really understood celebrating St Patrick’s Day until I started rolling with the Irish.

I end up hearing pub songs played by various Irish cult members throughout the year so we can sing. And in case you don’t recall, I’m not a singer... St Patrick’s Day is the only time where not singing seems nearly as rude as not drinking Jameson and Guinness… and Kilkenny.

A friend in Ireland once told me he met some Aussies and had no prior knowledge of their drinking skills… Six more sleeps ’til the festivities commence!

St Patrick’s Day also holds special meaning to me as an unconverted pagan.

… and I’m glad he got rid of the snakes too.

Once upon a time I lived in a one bedroom cottage on Separation Street in Northcote and would peddle push bikes to Dan Murphy’s in Fairfield after my car got stolen, used in a robbery, and lit on fire in front of the Melbourne Zoo.

That was when I lived in Collingwood… Continue reading…

I went and saw Alice in Wonderland. I heart Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.

After seeing the Tim Burton exhibit at MoMA in New York City a few weeks ago, I was super excited. I literally beamed in delight when WALT DISNEY PICTURES came up on the movie screen. Continue reading…

It’s been raining outside for the past few days and is supposed to rain all week. I love it. Everything is scented with that delicious, cool aroma that is completely inexplicable.

Imagine being able to stay inside, listening to the rain, with no where else to be, for days at a time…

I’ve written two poems in the past 24 hours, Continue reading…