Cyclone Yasi...

We're boarding up windows and doors, making fruitcake and casseroles for the days ahead without power... looking out at our beautiful trees and hoping...
but woke up this morning to find the forecast tracking map is bringing Yasi straight over us...

Stay safe, fellow North Queenslanders.

Nice surprise...

In the post today, I discovered a dream (modest but real) come true. I'd always hoped, when I wrote my Southern Cross trilogy (The Cattleman's English Rose, The Blind Date Surprise and The Mirrabrook Marriage), that these stories would one day be repulished with all three books in one volume.
I guess, ideally for me, that volume would be in English, but I'm not complaining that my dream has come true in Germany.

Bits and pieces...

A quick trip back to Townsville meant we were there to wave off our grandies on their first day at pre prep and day care.

Our big girl was so grown up with her hair in a plait and tying her own shoes. She loved her day at pre prep and wasn't ready to come home.

Travelling north again on Australia Day resulted in lunch at Cardwell. How lucky were we, dining on fish and chips while looking at this gorgeous view?

Home again, found two gorgeously different roses growing on the same bush. These darlings came from a thorny stick someone was throwing away and I stuck it in the ground.
Also... am so relieved that Courier Express has found me. Had a phone call today about a box of books arriving from Cairns, and we're meeting at a servo in Malanda for the pick up. Am gradually getting the hang of living in the sticks. :)

market day...

Despite the rain, we went to the Yungaburra markets this morning, but there weren't many brave souls there, compared to the usual big crowds. We still enjoyed ourselves, of course, and as we're heading back to Townsville tomorrow for a few days, we bought a few things for friends and family.


One friend likes anything a bit unusual, so we'll be taking him purple potatoes and an ice cream bean (Those long things in the pic below are organically grown ice cream beans), and we also found locally grown garlic, mangoes, sweet potatoes etc etc...

Did you know that most of the garlic we buy in the supermarkets is not grown in Australia? And yet, apparently, the Australian garlic is very highly regarded by serious cooks.




I also bought plants for the garden (including a fabulous pineapple ginger plant and a peacock orchid -- both with gorgeous perfumes) and came home and planted them in the rain. The flowers in the bucket are heleconias -- a bit like ginger flowers.
So with ginger flowers and ice cream beans, it's a very different world up here in the Far North. :)

But the dogs are the same :) -- and I spotted some lovely ones, happy to be out for a splash in the rain, or prepared to wait faithfully behind a stall...

A Desert Island Keeper

I woke to lovely news this morning. A Miracle For His Secret Son has been given Desert Island Keeper status in a review at All About Romance.

We authors try to take reviews, good or bad, with a grain of salt... but it's hard not to enjoy the postive ones -- and these reviewers are known to be tough.

Romance Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal

We've all seen the devastation the recent Queensland floods have wrought
and have wondered how we can help. We know that for many affected
families, books will not be high on their priorities list for some time
to come.

But...
We also know how valuable books can be in providing time out when
reality gets tough.

So.

With the aid of some wonderful volunteers, we've put together a Romance
Writers of Australia Flooded Communities Book Appeal.

What we need?

FICTION BOOKS! Romance books, children's books, young adult books, genre
books, whatever - either new or in sparkling condition.
Please send them to:
RWA Flooded Communities Book Appeal
PO Box 1717
Noosaville Post Office
Noosaville BC
Queensland 4566

When to send them?
Now! And any time over the next few months. The books will be boxed and
delivered to the appropriate libraries/schools/neighbourhood
centres/community centres in batches as soon as the communities are
ready to receive them. We'll be liaising with councils, libraries
and schools to ensure this is done appropriately. Feel free to pop a
note inside, or if you're an author, sign it.

Questions:

If you have a question about donations, email Jess Anastasi:

Jess@jessanastasi.com mailto:Jess%20@%20jessanastasi.%20com%20(no%20spaces)

If you work in a library / council / community centre / school in a
flood affected area, email Rachel Bailey: rachel@rachelbailey.com.au

New Year's Resolutions for the Creative Writer

I couldn't let January go past without talking about New Year's Resolutions, and I thought this concept from The Writers' Store was definitely worth passing on. (By the way, they send out a great ezine with all kinds of terrific writing articles). Check it out. It's worth signing up, even if you don't plan to write screen plays.

This month they are offering a free downlaod of a calendar that will really help you with your writing goals this year.

This is how they explain it... Don't break the Chain -- Jerry Seinfeld's Method of Creative Success. It's worth reading, honestly!

Floods...

It's hard to write about the recent and current flooding disasters. Some of the images we've seen on TV and in stills have been truly horrifying and it's tempting to try to shut off the imagination -- not wanting to face the reality that so many people are dealing with.
I know that at least one member of Romance Writers of Australia has lost everything, as have thousands of people all over our huge state. The Premier's Flood Appeal is one way of helping, although RWA will also be starting up a book collection for damaged libraries.

As I have family in Toowoomba, the Brisbane Valley and Brisbane, I've been particularly tense listening to the news over the last few days, and the phone has been running hot. I was especially worried about my mum who lives on 5 acres of lovely garden in the Brisbane Valley. When we visited her at Christmas the closest bridge to her was already under water and since then all other crossing have been flooded.

College's crossing

Despite offers of accommodation in Ipswich and Brisbane, she opted to stay, not really expecting her last route to be cut off, or to lose her power and phone. Last phone call I had, before the lines went down, she was still calm, however, (much calmer than I was) and playing Patience by candlelight.
As you can imagine, this was extremely worrying for the rest of us, but to my relief we received news from a neighbour yesterday morning that Mum was with them and they had cooking and showering facilities. I knew Mum would be OK if she could have a cup of tea.:)
After that I could pay more attention to the images of Brisbane, where I knew my daughters and my sister and their families were high and dry.
But what a shock to hear from Emma that they couldn't shift the pianos out of the Queensland Conservatorium, which was almost certainly going to be flooded.

And to see the shopping centre in Rosalie  (above) where Vicki and I bought flowers on Christmas Eve. And Suncorp Stadium, famous home of Queensland Rugby League was also filling with water!
The biggest irony is that this area of SE Qld and much of Eastern Australia has been in drought for the last decade. Dorothy Mckellar sure got it right when she referred to our 'sunburnt country' (which she loved) as a land of 'drought and flooding rains.'

A final ironic (personal) twist for me is that the book I've just finished is set in this area. My hero has a farm on the Darling Downs and the heroine is working in Brisbane and there's quite a bit of travelling and key scenes en route via Toowoomba -- the very path of the terrible inland tsunami that horrified us all. I felt distinctly squirmy working on the manuscript on Monday and Tuesday while so many terrible events were unfolding.
I can only express huge admiration for everyone who's coping with this so stoically, or helping, or preparing to get stuck into the horrible clean up.

The beauty of clouds...

In the country there is no doubt you become much more aware of and attune to the beauties of nature. You can't help it.

Last night we had spectacular clouds...

Followed by a spectacular sunset...

Week One of our Year in the Country..

Our life in the country has just become.... countrified. Threw clothes in the dryer this afternoon and there was a dreadful clatter and thunk. E investigated and found a snake had crawled into the motor through the hole at the back. Yikes.


Will now check that laundry door and window are shut each night.
 

On a much nicer note, Kelly Hunter is talking on Liz Fielding's blog about the new RIVA line that's being launched with her wonderful book With This Fling this month. Hear all about it and read and extract -- and find out where you can download it for free!!!
 
Also my article The Joy of Sensuality is being featured on this writing blog.

Happy New Year!

A slightly belated Happy New Year to you! Here's hoping it brings you health and happiness and many hours of reading pleasure!

I might have to change the tagline of this blog, as this is to be OUR YEAR of LIVING in the COUNTRY!
Our past two weeks have been busy, testing times during which we discovered we're not as young as we used to be... and all that jazz.

To begin with, cyclone Tasha dumped a LOT of rain on the Tablelands while we were away and our first task was to dig new drains around the garage and then clean out the mud as a fair amount of "stuff" including my books will be stored in there.

Our extensions are lovely, but not quite ready to show you yet... Still, our house is slowly emerging from the pile of boxes. After an apartment with masses of built in wardrobes and storage, we're facing the challenge of creating free-standing storage in line with the country style look. We converted a wardrobe into a pantry, and I think it works quite well.

Here it is above (on the right) closed ...

And here it is open. In the drawers below, I have all those plastic bits and pieces, and baking tins and falling to pieces recipe books. Very handy really.

Other corners of our living area are starting to look more homely, too. Here's one -- and I'm thrilled to say I get better Classic FM radio reception in this spot than I've ever had anywhere...

And even our sideboard, the first piece of furniture we bought after we were married, has found a home and looks as if it belongs. (Below) No we weren't married in Victorian times. We did buy it as an antique. :-)

We're so glad we painted all our walls white last year. It's really paying off now, as the whole place feels bigger and fresher.

We're thinking of calling this little place Cloud Cottage. I got the idea after hearing rainforest described by a botanist on TV as cloud forest. Romantic, isn't it? Over the years, we've tried out many, many names, but this is the one we both like. so I think it will stick. What do you think?

Now it's back to revisions for me. They should have been in before Christmas, but my editor kindly gave me an extension, so I'd better get my head down.

Oh, and I've seen Molly Cooper's Riva cover. Not exactly how I pictured Molly.

Wishing you all ...

A very happy Christmas filled with peace and love...

Nostalgia...

While I was packing up old photos I discovered these newspaper clippings from my daughter's dancing days.
In an artistic expression of reconciliation, the company Vicki danced with, Dancenorth, collaborated with Mornington Island Dancers to take a new piece called Luli around the country. The performance showed the two styles of dance separately in the first act and then in combination in the second half.

It was fabulous.

The show's opening was spellbinding with absolute silence -- and an Aboriginal man in the centre of the stage making fire by rubbing a stick onto bark. The anticipation in the audience as they waited for that first spark was palpable.
On tour, they travelled across the north of Australia to Broome and then through southern states. Aboriginal elders on the tour gave Vick a tribal name -- Brolga, which is a dancing bird.
Happy memories.
But I'm equally proud of my daughter these days. She's an occupational therapist working with autistic children.

A little gem of wisdom...

Yetserday we moved out of our apartment and our furniture and boxes are in storage until after Christmas. I'm exhausted from all the packing, packing, packing, and the heat... which is quite disgusting...and hits like a wall of damp sweat the second you move out of air-conditioning.
The great thing is that I've streamlined our possessions yet again (that's the one really good thing about moving). I went through every file in my filing cabinets, recycling masses of unnecessary paper, and that set the standard for my approach to this move.
Now, until Wedensday, we're house-sitting for my son and his family who are heading even further south for Christmas than we are. We're also caring for their cat and dog... Winnie and Rosie...
This is the photo they framed for us for Christmas, a picture we'll treasure to be sure...

On the writing front, I have revisions, but I can't face them till we're settled at Tarzali (after Christmas).

And this might sound irrelevant... giving how blessed I am, but I wanted to share these wise words I read recently in a novel by one of my very fave authors, Rosmunde Pilcher...

The secret to happiness is making the most of what you've got.

It might sound obvious, but it struck a chord with me.

Starting early ...

We had an early Christmas dinner with our NQ family last night as we're all heading in different directions for the big day.
I made a yummy dessert from a recipe in this month's Australian Country Style magazine.
It's so simple and scrumptious I had to share it here.

500 grams of Christmas pudding
I kg vanilla ice cream
pinch of allspice
400 ml pure cream
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
100 g butter, chopped

Grease 25 x 10 x 8 cm deep baking pan (mine wasn't exactly that size) and line with plastic wrap. Crumble Christmas pudding into coffee bean size lumps, either by hand or with food processor. Place ice cream in a large bowl. Mix in pudding and spice by hand (latex gloves are recommended as protection against the cold). Spoon mixture into prepared baking pan. Cover and place in freezer for at least 30 mins, or until firm.

Meanwhile stir cream, sugar and butter in a heavy based saucepan over medium low heat until sugar has dissolved and mixture comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until a smooth caramel sauce forms.

Turn ice cream pudding out onto a chopping board. Remove plastic wrap and place slices of pudding on serving plates . Spoon warm caramel sauce.

Yummo!!!

Oh, and here's a pic of a little person helping me to decorate our nostalgic piece of  Christmas  kitsch -- a lolly tree that used to belong to my grandmother.
Now back to packing.

Ebooks....

Have you asked Santa for an ebook reader?

If you have, you might like to check out  Harlequin ebooks where thriteen of my books are available as ebooks, including Molly Cooper's Dream Date, which will be on the shelves in the US next month.

Here's a taste of Molly and Patrick's story... (blogger chopped off the email addresses -- probably thought they were real. :)

To: Patrick Knight
From: Molly Cooper
Subject: We’re off – like a rotten egg

Hi Patrick,

I can’t believe I’ll actually be in England in just over twenty-four hours. At last I’m packed (suitcases groaning) and my little house is shining clean and ready for you. Brand new sheets on the bed – I hope you like navy blue.
I also hope you’ll feel welcome here and, more importantly, comfortable. I considered leaving flowers in a vase, but I was worried they might droop and die and start to smell before you got here. I’ll leave the key under the flowerpot beside the back door.
Now I know that probably sounds incredibly reckless to you, but don’t worry – the residents of Magnetic Island are very honest and extremely laid-back. No one locks their doors.

I don’t want you to fret though, so I’ve also left a spare key at reception at The Sapphire Bay resort where I used to work until yesterday.
“Used to work.”
That has such a nice ring, doesn’t it? I’ve trained Jill, the owner’s niece to take my place while I’m away, and for now, at least, I’m giddily carefree and unemployed.
Yippee!!
You have no idea how much I’ve always wanted to live in London, even if it’s only for three months. Thanks to you, Patrick, this really is my dream come true, and I’m beyond excited. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
Have you finished up at your work? Are you having a farewell party? Mine was last night. It was pretty rowdy and I have no idea what to do with all the gifts people gave me. I can’t fit as much as another peanut in my suitcases, so I’ll probably have to stash these things in a box under the bed (your bed now). Sorry.
By the way, please feel free to use my car. It’s not much more than a sardine can on wheels, but it gets you about. Don’t worry that it’s unregistered. Cars on the island don’t need registration unless they’re taken over to the mainland.
It was kind of you to mention that your car is garaged just around the corner from your place, but don’t worry, I won’t risk my shaky driving skills in London traffic.
Oh, and don’t be upset if the ferry is running late. The boats here run on “island time”.
Anyway, happy travels.

London here I come!

Molly

P.S. I agree that we shouldn’t phone each other except in the direst emergency. You’re right – phone calls can be intrusive (especially with a ten hour time difference). And they’re costly. Emails are so handy – and I’ll try to be diplomatic. No guarantees. I can rattle on when I’m excited.

M


To: Molly Cooper
From: Patrick Knight
Subject: Re: We’re off – like a rotten egg

Dear Molly,

Thanks for your message. No time for a farewell party, I’m afraid. Had to work back to get my desk cleared. Rushing now to pack and get away. Cidalia (cleaning lady) will come in some time this week to explain everything about the house – how the oven works etc.

The keys to the house are in a safety deposit box at the Chelsea branch of Barclay’s bank on the King’s Road. Square brick building. My colleagues have instructions to hand them over to you. You’ll just need to show your passport. You shouldn’t have any problems.

Have a good flight.

Best wishes,
Patrick

To: Patrick Knight
From: Molly Cooper
Subject: I’m in London!!!!!!!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!

If I wasn’t so tired I’d pinch myself, but I’m horribly jet lagged and can hardly keep my eyes open. Insanely happy though.
Your very gentlemanly colleague at the bank handed over the keys and wished me a pleasant stay at Number 34 Alice Grove and then I trundled my luggage around the corner and –
Patrick, your house is –
Indescribably
Lovely.
Divine will have to suffice for now, but the truth is that your home is more than divine.
Too tired to do it justice tonight. Will have my first English cup of tea and fall into bed. Your bed. Gosh, that sounds rather intimate, doesn’t it? Will write tomorrow.

Blissfully,

Molly

A busy Advent...

We're moving... packing boxes, sorting out what to put in storage at son's and what to take with us... dusting books, earmarking all my keepers... tossing out clothes I've "grown out" of... and tossing old manuscripts (yikes... found silverfish)... so much to think about with Christmas coming as well.

Meanwhile, granddaughter Lilly is loving this Jacquie Lawson Advent calendar. Check it out. Each day leading up to Christmas,  there's a new animated surprise and it's not too late to get started. It's gorgeous and so much fun.

And it's not only for little people

word pictures...

Don't you just love the international language of art? These are drawings sent to me by children from:

Peru...

China...

and Africa...

November progress...

Couldn't send my book last night as there's a computer glitch at the other end, so I get to play with it for just a little longer.

Meanwhile our building project continues apace. These pics were taken on the weekend. The tiles haven't been grouted in these photos, and there's still a way to go, but it's starting to feel v exciting.

Below is the connecting corridor... between the old and the new... and I'm planning little courtyards on either side. Gotta keep it romantic. :)

And this is part of the new bedroom. It shows a view through to the bathroom and the nook at the end of the bedroom where the wardrobes will go.
Below is the first piece of stained glass I bought, and it inspired us to keep looking for the others.

And here's the exciting new bathroom floor.
Now, I have to start packing as we're hoping to rent out our city apartment and become full time country folk. Eeek, I'm living my heroines' lives.

Turning two...

Just quickly... because I'm v busy writing...
But yesterday, the twins had an early birthday, because their real birthday is between Christmas and New Year and that is so awkward.

Pics show Sophie in fairy costume:

and Milla not in hers, as she got out of it as fast as she could.

And the slip n slide, which proved to be an enormous hit -- perfect for NQ.