Yesterday, I came across Brain Pickings, and happened onto the post 10 Learnings from 10 Years of Brain Pickings. This kind of deep reflection on what it takes to be a better human being is the kind of writing I want to be doing on this site. I feel very lucky to have encountered Brain … Continue reading Humour and cynicism and snark.
waiting
i am waiting i might not look it from outside. i function. i socialise. i eat, exercise. i do my work and i play but i am frozen. i am waiting. i expected my answer three weeks ago. two weeks ago i felt sure i would know. now i will hear in every next. moment. … Continue reading waiting
Suburban bliss
I have a lovely friend who is teaching me to ride my bike. Now, I've known how to ride a bike since I was five and my dad let go for the first time without telling me, but I've not known how to really use a bike, maintain it, and enjoy it. She is kind … Continue reading Suburban bliss
Friends
Two good friends of mine visited from interstate, and aside from sleeping, we sat on the sofa talking with one another. If you read "The other" you will have an inkling of why, but I have often believed myself to be a loner. I learned to be happy in my own company, and started to … Continue reading Friends
Hotel Eclat, Beijing
Many superlatives have been used in other reviews of Hotel Eclat, Beijing, and still none do justice to the experience of staying there. I doubt I will have more to contribute to the conversation, but I am so grateful for my stay that I must add my voice. Words. From the moment I was welcomed … Continue reading Hotel Eclat, Beijing
The other
As suspected, it's much harder to write now I'm home. At home, there's no "other" to spark a thought which can turn into a story or a poem. At home there's laundry and cleaning and cooking. There are two demanding cats who, while adorable are not especially newsworthy. I have the fence I need to … Continue reading The other
Gnarly cat at the park
Gnarly old cat, once white, goes about his business Leaving traces for other gnarly cats to know he's about. Head low he moves with deliberate steps, listening behind him. The police man doesn't whistle as the cat treads on the grass.
Tianzifang
To the cunning vendor at Tianzifang: I ate both of those marshmallow-filled, synthetic durian flavoured sticky rice skin balls, whether I wanted to or not. On principle. If you're going to charge foreigners the same price for one sweet as you charge your countrymen for two, you'd better be sure laowai doesn't have enough stealth Chinese … Continue reading Tianzifang
Sensory contrast
My hotel in Shanghai is a beautifully restored art deco building, with lavish appointments including marble windowsills and bench tops, decorative crown mouldings and tasteful decorations. Entering the hotel, with bell boys making eye contact as they greet you, a subtle floral scent welcomes you as you make your way down to the reception. There … Continue reading Sensory contrast
Flower bud
Flower bloomed too soon Showing the promise of pink Inside browned petals.
Sarah Bonnar 