A new source of inspiration

'Dumbo Feathers' has a new Editor and after reading Patrick's comments I'm sure that this gorgeous magazine will continue to delight, inspire and unite creative hearts and minds.

My patron saint Joan Didion once wrote that "well tell ourselves stories in order to live." Stories have the power to build, and to heal that which is broken, lost or forgotten.

Dumbo will lead the way by continuing to do what it has always done best-to take things slowly and celebrates life's playfulnes and poetry, through stories of passion and courage. we're going to do our little bit more to tip the scales toward a world with a little more magic and beauty.

- Patrick

Swimming

Set in the western suburbs of Melbourne and on the surf beaches of the Great Ocean Road, Swimming is a novel that negotiates primarily in close-ups, taking the reader into the world of the protagonist, Kate Wilks: a swimmer, a teacher and writer. This is a poignant, emotional and psychological journey of a woman confronting several unplanned changes in mid life – childlessness, sexual betrayal and the desire for creative fulfilment.

Kate is in her early sixties when the novel opens. Kate’s days are divided between swimming, writing, and spending time with her lover George (a biker and journalist, almost fifteen years her junior) and with her friends, especially her best friend, Lynne, who has early onset Alzheimers.

A chance encounter with her ex-husband Tom, propels Kate back into a past cloaked in grief, in secrets and betrayals. From this point, the narrative shifts between Kate’s present life, and her past life partly documented in an unfinished manuscript titled, ‘Writing Sarah’. Written some twenty years ago, ‘Writing Sarah’, begins with Kate’s struggles to have a child. It is an exploration of her emotional state during those years, of her relationship with Tom, of his affair with Kate’s friend Mai, and the breakdown of their marriage.

Thirty years later a friendship develops between Mai’s daughter Leesa and Kate, and so Kate is forced to reassess her past; to think about what it means to be a woman that has never had a child; she is forced to confront the destructive aspects of her own nature.

Swimming is compelling new novel about female friendship, artistic creativity, and unexpected childlessness.

Novelist, Amanda Lohrey wrote: ‘Swimming is a charming and delicate work that very early establishes the weight and authority of voice . . . beautifully paced. There is a steady poise in the telling which I responded to, a mature sympathy that manifests in the writing as an impressive composure. All through there is a quiet conviction of tone, beautifully attuned to the moral and emotional complexities of the subject. The sea is a strong presence within the text…’

Hairspray

After dinner at The European, Mum and I attended the Musical Theatre "Hairspray" at Her Majesty's Theatre. Hairspray is set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, USA and is based upon the story of Tracy Turnblad. A teenager whose dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. As the story unfolds Tracy not only wins a role on the show and transformed into an overnight celebrity, but she attracts the man of her dreams, and pilots a campaign to see the integration of black African Americans onto The Corny Collins Show.

The production was vibrant, the costumes colorful and the actors/dancers seemed to burst onto the stage with insatiable energy. A brilliant and entertaining experience.

A circuit breaker

After a couple of days hiking with friends along the wild and ruggard coast of Wilson's Prom and camping under a canopy of stars, I feel like I can think and breathe again.

Water

by Nectar And Light "i spend a lot of time meditating on water. it balances me - when i swim i feel incredibly at peace, anything that may be ailing me does not matter in those long moments. because of this, i find my self wholly inspired by water and attracted to art, music - anything that honors this element."

Nectar & Light: February 2010

The 'A-HA' moment

Thanks Pete for the following inspirational quote.

"What does it take to make that crucial first step towards transforming your life?

Sometimes just one moment can unleash the strength needed to make it happen."

Mademoiselle Audrey

Introducing my new cycling companion....

Although we have only known one another a few days, M.Audrey has already added air, light and pure joy to my life.

Namaste

Still waiting...

Unfortunately the waiting game continues. Although I have finally obtained international recognition of my nursing qualifications and academic degrees from the Italian Ministry of Health and the University in Florence; I am still waiting to be sent a work contract so that I can obtain a work permit.

Emotionally, I just want to get on a plane and return to Italy, but the rationale part of me knows that I must wait until my visas are in order.

It is a time of transition and a test of patience.

My life experiences have taught me that during transition times: aspects of our physical world change dramatically; emotional change occurs slowly and deeply; and the soul is etched intricately with enduring lines.

Alan Watts states that "the only way to make sense out of change is to plunge with it, move with it and join the dance." Personally, during this time of transition the anticipation of change turns some days into a real struggle. Making it hard to find refugee, sustenance and joy, particularly in

the things that have always nurtured and inspired me.

The mind and body is here (albeit weary and wanting) but the heart is elsewhere. This fragmentation depletes me. I am thankful for the beautiful life I've lived, the people who love and support me, the little pockets of beauty in the everyday, and much, much, more.... but... (that "but" echoes in my mind) I want to establish a life in Italy. To be able to live, work and love there. So when you think of me, please say a prayer....

Mariage a la Parisienne

Carla Coulson married Francesco (the love of her life) in a small ceremony at the Mairie in the 4th arrondissement, Paris.

Ahh... Congratulations to you both. What a dream come true.