Poetry Friday: Blowfish and Other Friends

January 14, 2022 by Sally 18 Comments

It’s Poetry Friday and my first post for 2022 – so, Happy New Year to you!

It’s summer here in Australia and summer, for me, means swimming, enjoying the sunshine and, as often as I can, snorkelling! I cannot believe that, until two years ago I had never been snorkelling. Now, I would go every day if I could.

Last week I drove south verrrrrry early in the morning so that I could beat the crowds at a spot which is becoming increasingly popular, known as The Aquarium – a natural rock pool that is people sized! And I was lucky enough to get there when, although there were other people, I had the water to myself for about half an hour. Even luckier – I spent about ten minutes floating above a beautiful octopus. I was especially intrigued by the wrasse that seemed to be following the octopus. Friends? A guard? Or was the fish perhaps waiting for the octopus to catch dinner, so it could have the scraps?

This week I was in Perth for work, and met colleagues for a swim, walk and breakfast at the beach. After we said goodbye I couldn’t resist seizing the opportunity for another quick snorkel before heading to work. No octopi this time (though I did spot some of the tell-tale shell piles which indicate their presence) – but I was not lonely. The warmer water off the coast at present has lead to big swarms (schools?) or blowfish (blowies) which have been reported in the media and discussed in my various snorkelling and beach groups. At Woodman Point they weren’t swarming, but there were more than usual – so you can see in my video that there are more bowies than anything.

Blowies like to nibble on absolutely anything, which is not always the nicest sensation, although I have been amused when they’ve nibbled my toes in the past. Luckily, though, this week they did not choose to nibble on me, instead following me so that I felt like I was the leader in a watery game of follow the leader, and photo-bombing my videos. They made me smile, and they are, I think, quite photogenic with their big eyes and their smiles. So, all up, I feel like blowies are my friends, and have written a poem in their honour.

(Sally Murphy, 2022)

Speaking of friends, my friend Mary Lee is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup today, so swim over there and see what other poetry goodies can be found.

What I Read in December

December 31, 2021 by Sally

It’s the last day of the month, so time to look at what I read in December. And, of course, since it’s also the last day of the year, to look back over he whole year.

First, I managed 10 books in the busyness of December.

Books for Children

Backyard Beasties, by Helen Milroy (Fremantle Press, 2022). I received this as a review copy from the publisher, and was delighted when I opened the package, having loved the first two Backyard book, Backyard Birds and Backyard Bugs. Like the others, the simple rhyming text is a pleasure to read aloud and the illustrations are rich. A mixture of native and domestic beasts are found – including a dog, a gecko and a possum.
Lion is That You? by Moira Court (Fremantle Press, 2022). And another review copy, again looking for animals. In this case, the reader is taken on a hunt to see if there are really lions in the Australian bush, a nod to various legends that escaped big cats have survived in the bush. Instead, there are range of Australian animals to spot – a kangaroo, a quenda, a dugite and more. I’m looking forward to sharing this one with my grandies, who do love animal books, and rhyme.
The Song of Lewis Carmichael, by Sofie Laguna, illustrated by Marc McBride (Allen & Uniwn, 2021). A lovely adventure story. Matthew is timid and his parents worry about him. A lot. But in a magical adventure lead by a crow named Lewis Carmichael, Matthew journeys to the North Pole, learning a lot about his own strength along the way.
A Glasshouse of Stars, by Shirley Marr (Puffin Books, 2021). This is a simply beautiful book, in spite of – or perhaps because of – dealing with some difficult events. Meixing is a young girl dealing with tragedy, change and displacement, living in a New House in the New Land, and a combination of inexplicable magic and her own courage help her to navigate a way.
The Chime Seekers, by Ross Montgomery (Walker Books, 2021). Yanni is really unimpressed with his baby sister, and the way her presence has changed his life. But when an evil faerie steals her on Halloween, he realises how important she is – and only he and his cousin Amy can save her.

Books for Adults

The Sign of Four, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Audible). The second book featuring Sherlock Holmes and continuing my listening to the collection, read by the inimitable Stephen Fry.
Cold Coast, by Robyn Mundy (Ultimo Press, 2021). I love Robyn Mundy’s writing and she has made stories set amongst the wildest, coldest parts of the world a specialty – reflective of her love of these places. this one is set in Norway, in remote Svalbard and a fictionalised account of Wanny Woldstad, who in 1932 wintered as a trapper. The beauty of the natural world, the perils of humans living there, and the realities of trapping and hunting are woven together in this exquisite novel.
Only Birds Above, by Portland Jones (Fremantle Press, 2022). This one is a review copy, so not out until; 2022. Historical fiction, one of my favourite genres, and exploring the generational impact of war, set in both WW1 and WW2, with a father fighting for the 10th Light Horse and a son a prisoner of war in Sumatra. Not a happy story, but well drawn.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Audible). The third book in the definite collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. I look forward to working my way through the remainder in 2022.

Poetry

Vociferate, by Emily Sun (Fremantle Press, 2021). This took me a little while to get through because, like the best poetry collections, it needed to be savoured, so I dipped into it over several weeks. Lots to ponder and consider, with its exploration of belonging and identity.

So, these ten bring me to a total for 2021 of 153, including my many loves – picture books, children’s books, poetry, fiction, nonfiction.

I have seen lots of friends posting their favourite reads for the year on their blogs or on social media, but can’t bring myself to do this, because I know I will miss something. Every book I finish offers something special. But one thing I really enjoyed this year was rediscovering some of my old childhood favourites and also working through some of the eclectic offerings that my to-read pile, which dates back years, has afforded.

For 2022, I am not yet decided if I will keep posting this monthly list. I like that it keeps track of my reading, and offers a chance to share my thoughts. But there are other ways of doing this, and today I have downloaded an app called Story Graph, which I will experiment with in January before deciding whether to do that instead of blogging, or to do both, or to just keep up with the monthly blog.

In the meantime, Happy Yew Year to you. I hope 202 has offered you some reading joy, and that 2022 offers even more.

What I Read in November

December 1, 2021 by Sally

Another month has ended, which means another round up of what I have been reading. Also another month where my total was 12 books. This brings me to 143, only 7 shy of my target of 150. I think I can do it! Here’s what I read in November:

Books for Children

Well, Really, Mr Twiddle! by Enid Blyton (Dean & Son, 1968). This was a childhood favourite and I still own the copy I think I got for a birthday. There is always a risk revisiting a childhood favourite, but even though it is dated, I still found plenty to smile about.
Maybe… by Chris Haughton (Walker Books, 2021). This picture book came from the publisher as a review copy. Who doesn’t love a monkey story? In this one the young monkeys are told not to go near the mango tree because there are tigers around – but can’t help wondering if maybe they could just take a look. Lots of fun and a bit of a lesson (maybe).
Stellarphant, by James Foley (Fremantle Press, 2021). Another review copy. I adore the work of James Foley, and this one didn’t disappoint. The story of Stella, an elephant who wants to be an astronaut but keeps being told she can’t – even when she meets the requirements – is funny but also uplifting. The messages here about working towards goals, overcoming prejudice and acceptance are wonderfully couched.
Rainfish, by Andrew Paterson (Text, 2021). This one won the Text prize, and I can see why. It’s beautiful, sad, even humorous, all rolled into one. The story of Aaron, who finds himself an accomplice to a crime and spends his summer living in dread of being caught, but not knowing how to put things to right.
The Reluctant Dragon, by Kenneth Graeme (Audible). By the author of Wind in the Willows, I hadn’t read this one before, but downloaded it from Audible and listened while doing some house work – which made the work bearable. When I was at school we learnt a song called The Reluctant Dragon, which I can still sing by heart – and I presume the song was inspired by the book. Either way, I am now singing the song anew.
Saving Celeste, by Timothee de Fombelle, translated by Sarah Ardizzone (Walker Books 2021). This came as a review copy from Walker Books and is a touching fable about two children fighting for a better world in a dystopian near future. A story of hope.
Huda and Me, by H. Hayek (Allen & Unwin,2021)Told through the eyes of twelve year old Akeal, as he accompanies his little sister Huda on a bold mission to reach their parents on the other side of the world. Their parents have had to travel to Beirut to be with family, leaving Akeal and his six siblings with an evil babysitter. It is Huda who finds a way to travel across the world and let their parents know what is happening. I enjoyed this – funny, heart warming and intriguing.

Books for Adults

The Book of Form and Emptiness, by Ruth Ozeki (Text Publishing, 2021). I picked this one up on the basis of both the title and the duck on the cover. They drew me in and, even though I knew it was fiction, I was surprised by just how odd this book i, with the book itself being one of the narrators, alongside the main character, Benny who, in his early teens is struggling with the death of his father. Hard to sum up in a few lines, but although it took me a while, I did enjoy this, compelled to keep reading, as Benny and his mother struggle through some terrible times.
The Riviera House, by Natasha Lester (Hachette, 2021). It had been a while since I read any of Lester’s work, and it was a pleasure to reengage. Set in Paris in WW2, as well as on the Riviera in modern times, this is an absorbing tale, well woven.
The Turn of Midnight, by Minette Walters. (Allen & Unwin, 2018). I picked this up not knowing it was a sequel, and would have preferred to read the prequel (The Last Hours) first, but still enjoyed this. Set in 1349 as the Black Death devastates communities across England, with a strong, wise woman guiding her community assisted by an educated serf. Lots of action and intrigue.
Showtime! by Judy Nunn (Random House, 2021). I really enjoyed this saga, set in the golden age of Australian showbusiness – the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and following the lives of two showbusiness families.
A Study in Scarlet, by Arthur Conan Doyle (Audible edition). I downloaded the collection of Sherlock Holmes books read by Stephen Fry several months ago, but have only just got around to listening. I don’t know why I waited – anything read by Stephen Fry is a treat. I’ll be listening to the rest for sure.

Off to get reading, to ensure I reach that 150 by the end of the year. What have you been reading?

Poetry Friday: Celebrating Aussie Verse Novels

November 26, 2021 by Sally

If you know anything about me, you probably know that I love poetry, and that I super really especially love verse novels. SO it was really lovely yesterday to attend the launch of a wonderful new resource focussed on Australian verse novels.

The Australian Verse Novel Resource was put together by staff and volunteers of the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature – and I was one of the volunteers, as was my friend and fellow verse novelist Kat Apel. Over the past two years our small group of four read every Australian verse novel ever published for children or young adults (including many which were published during the project – they just kept coming!) and we created a resource which doesn’t just list these books but offers a deep dive into them – including a brief summary of each, listing of awards, links to teacher’s notes, reviews and other resources, curriculum links and key topics covered.

Who is the resource for? YOU! It’s for:

readers
teachers
librarians
researchers
children’s literature lovers
poetry fans
and people who have no idea what a verse novel is but want to find out.

Broken into two sections – one for novels for younger readers and one for older, you will find the resource here at this link.

Back to the launch – it was amazing to gather (albeit virtually) with other verse novelists, including Kat, Steven Herrick and Lorraine Marwood, and children’s literature enthusiasts, to hear Jackie French OAM speak so passionately about poetry and verse novels, and the difference they can make.

Jackie read from some of my favourite verse novels, including work by Steven Herrick, Pip Harry and Charmaine Papertalk Green. This to me is one my favourite things about verse novels – they are really are designed to be read aloud because, as Jackie says, one thing verse novels have in common is the way the voice speaks directly to the reader.

So, for my own little celebration of the launch, here is a video of me reading from Pearl Verses the World

Happy Poetry Friday! I’m off to check out the other poetry goodness around the blogosphere. Ruth will be hosting the roundup, so you can come along for the ride.

Poetry Friday: Of Failures, Bikes and Islands

November 19, 2021 by Sally

This week I’ve been thinking of failure. It’s one of my biggest fears – that I will start something and not finish, or, finish but not finish well. Which I know is silly – because it’s more of a failure to not have a go than it is to start and learn from the experience. History shows lots and lots of failures that lead to learning and, ultimately, success.

Still, I can tell you about a lot of failures going right back to my childhood that I sometimes still carry with me. And it’s one of those that I’ve especially been thinking about.

When I was 7 my Mum very patiently taught me to ride a bike. I was a little young and uncoordinated to go from not being able to ride anything more than a tricycle to independently riding sans training wheels, but there was a reason – we were off to Rottnest Island for a family holiday. And, on Rottnest, the chief way to get around is by bike.

So Mum taught me to ride up and down the laneway at home, and, when we got to Rottnest, a bike was hired for me, along with every other member of the family. I was still a novice rider – and had yet to experience the joy of hill climbing – or descents – and was not too good at using the foot brakes which most bikes had back in the 1970s.

You might see where this is heading. All went well the first day or so, but then we rode to the top of the tallest hill on the island, probably to see the lighthouse which is there. My memory is hazy on what we did on the hill, and I have no memory of riding up the hill. But what I do recall, very vividly, is riding down. A steep descent, picking up speed and going from feeling excited to realising I was losing control. Time to apply the brakes. Nothing happened. My family, behind me, calling out ‘brake, Sally, brake!’ But the brakes weren’t working and I was panicking. It didn’t end well. Very soon I was in a bush at the side of the road, and my bike was on the ground.

I wasn’t terribly injured, but I was rapidly surrounded by my siblings and parents, who, once they realised I was okay alternated between laughter and asking ‘why didn’t you use the brakes?’

‘They wouldn’t work’ I sobbed.

It was fairly quickly established that the brakes were fine – but, in my panic I was pushing the pedals forward instead of back.

This failure might have been quickly forgotten but for two things – for the rest of the holiday I was banned from riding any distance, and had, instead, to ride in the baby seat on the back of Mum’s bike. The humiliation! I was seven! And then, not just for the rest of the holiday but the rest of my life, every time that holiday was mentioned, the story of me careening out of control down the hill to the cries of ‘brake, Sally, brake’ was told. And retold. With everyone laughing except me. When you are the butt of a funny story you don’t always see the humour – especially when it reminds you of a failure. (As an aside, it amazes me that my fall has been immortalised on yellow signs on the island)

BUT this story has a postscript. I have been coming to Rottnest a lot over the last few years. And, at first, I was very reluctant to hire a bike. Too many memories. But gradually I realised I was missing out on a lot. In February, for the first time, I finally hired a bike, and loved it. And yesterday, back on Rottnest, I rode to the lighthouse – and successfully rode down it! And then I rode to the top of the second highest hill and rode down that too.

The smile I had coming down was as big as it would have been if I was till 7 – maybe bigger.

And, of course, I realised that some failures are temporary. Sometimes the next day, the next week, the next month, other times 40 plus years later, another try gets a better result.

I’m going to try to remember that the next time I feel I’ve failed.

In the meantime, since it’s Poetry Friday, here’s a poem I wrote some time ago in celebration of bikes (and hills).

Hills

Going uphill on a bike

Is tough.

Really tough.

Muscles strain

Legs burn

Each push of the pedals

Gains an inch –

If I’m lucky.

Up out of the seat

Pushing, urging, groaning.

Thighs tight

Eyes yearn

Searching for the peak

Will it ever end?

BUT

Going downhill on a bike

Is fun

Really fun

Pedals turn

Of their accord

Lean back

Arms off handlebars

Look at me!

The bottom comes too soon.

(Copyright Sally Murphy)

And, in case you think I came to Rottnest without snorkelling, here’s a little glimpse under the sea.

Poetry Friday today is hosted by Carol. Pop over later and see what other poetry successes are being shared.

What I Read in October

November 8, 2021 by Sally

How did it get to be November already? Another month has just whizzed past, which means it’s time to look at what I read in October. Here goes:

Books for Younger Readers

My Brother Ben, by Peter Carnavas (UQP, 2021). I love Peter’s writing, and only recently read his first novel, so was pleased to spot the new one in my local bookshop. True to form, this is gentle and lovely, focussed on the bonds between brothers, especially in the face of challenges.
Wandi, by Favel Parrett (Lothian, 2021). I love animal stories, and what’s cuter than a baby dingo? Wandi is a rare alpine dingo, but when an eagle snatches him from his mountain home, a frightening adventure begins. Based on a true story, but told from the perspective of the dingo.
Listen to the Moon, by Michael Morpurgo (Harper Collins, 2015). I listened to this on audio, and it was a good one for that, with different readers for the viewpoints of Alfie, and Merry. Set in World War One, on the Scillie Islands, this is the story of a fishing family who find a girl alone on an uninhabited island and nurse her back to health, as well as the story of that girl, who they call Lucy, and how she came to be there.
The Family from One End Street, by Eve Garnett (Heinemann, 1952). This book, first published in 1937, was a favourite in my childhood and, now that I realise just how old it is, I wonder if perhaps my mum read it as a child, too. I am fairly sure that, like most o my childhood favourites, it was Mum who bought it for me. I hadn’t read it for a very long time, but wasn’t disappointed.
The Small Miracle, by Paul Gallico (Michael Joseph, 1951). I have had this little book for quite a while, and no idea how I came to own it – I suspect an op shop find. The story of an orphaned boy, his donkey, and his belief in St Francis of Assisi.

Books for Young Adults

We Are Inevitable, by Gayle Forman (Simon & Schuster, 2021). If I pick up any book set in a bookshop I just have to read it. This one is set in a failing bookshop, run by Aaron and his father who are struggling to keep themselves functioning following a terrible loss. I enjoyed the mix of humour, action and healing.
Beautiful Broken Things, by Sara Barnard (Macmillan, 2016). A story about friendship, and of living with the impact of trauma. Not a happily ever after story, but that’s what makes it believable, and there is plenty of hope.

Books for Adults

A Fairy Tale, by Jonas T. Bengtsson (Scribe, 2014). Hard to describe this one, which was a library discard which I picked up in a op shop. Set in Copenhagen in the 1980s, it is the story of a father and son who live an unorthodox life, moving from place to place with the father seemingly trying to escape his past. Told through the eyes of the boy – first as a child and later as a young man, this is a really intriguing story about fathers, sons and their bods.
Everyone in this Room Will Some Day be Dead, by Emily Austin (Atlantic Books, 2021). I seem to have read book after book this book around death and dying – murder mysteries, grief etc. Which is odd because I was looking for lighter reads. This one was a favourite. Gilda is a little obsessed with death and illness, but does not expect this to lead her on an amateur quest to solve an apparent murder. But not did she, as a gay atheist, expect to be hired as the receptionist at a local Catholic church. By turns sad, funny and intriguing.
Booked for Murder, by V .L. McDermid (Harper Collins, 1996). Another op shop purchase – this one a murder mystery. I bought it on the strength of the premise – an author who is murdered by the same device she has written in her as-yet forthcoming book. Quite a few twists, and I liked the protagonist.
Last Night, by Mhairi McFarlane (Harper Collins, 2021) And yes, another book that was not as light as I thought it would be – there’s grief, family secrets and more being dealt with, but there also light, feel good moments. I hadn’t read anything by McFarlane before, but will be looking out for more.
At Home With the Templetons, by Monica McInerney (Penguin, 2010). Another op shop purchase. Set between London and Australia, following a dysfunctional family who seemingly inherit a heritage home in Australia and set it up as a tourist attraction. Part family saga, part romance. Not heavy going, and thus just what I needed.