From the delightful township of Nanaimo we went by ferry over to the picturesque Gabriola Island, where I had arranged to meet up with my fellow WordPress pen-friend, Louise Gallagher. We had previously met via Ali Grimshaw’s, ‘Writing Circle’ Zoom meetings. Meeting Louise in person was very exciting for both of us. Our shared love of words and nature made Gabriola the perfect backdrop for a memorable meeting, now captured in the images that follow.
Cousin Penny and Louise. Louse’s lovely sunflowers
Louise and Ivor together with Bau, David, and Penny on the sundeck
After enjoying our morning walkies, Gina and I (without Frankie) travelled to Drysdale, where we enjoyed an excellent luncheon/dining experience on board The Q Train, a historic train that travels between Drysdale and Queenscliff.
Thursday evening we attended the Geelong Library’s special presentation of the famous Australian author, “Tim Winton, in conversation with Jock Serong, as they discussed Tim Winton’s new novel, JUICE. [This event was the main reason why Gina had come to Geelong]
Early morning walkies, followed by a visit to the historic Fyansford Paper Mills Precinct and a coffee break, then we drove down to Bancoora Beach to enjoy a walk in the warm sun, on the cool golden sand
We had lunch at the Moorabool Valley Chocolate Cafe and then we decided to travel over to the You Yangs National Park
By now it was late afternoon and it was time to go home and get ready for Dinner at the ‘Industrie’ Restaraunt with the Geelong Writers members
There will be more photos Tomorrow (Thursday) “Gina Comes to Geelong”
Gina, my internet pen friend, from Kaula Lumpur, is here with me in Geelong, to see one of Australia’s best authors, Tim Winton present his new book, “Juice,” at the Geelong Library’s Dome Auditorium on Thursday evening, and we are so looking the event. In the meantime during Gina’s four-day stay here in Geelong, me and Frankie are her tourist guides …
Box Office Cafe for Lunch and then to Buckley Falls
At The Australian Wool Museum
There will be more photos Tomorrow (Wednesday) “Gina Comes to Geelong”
My Birthday today (73rd) was a day of celebrations. * On our morning walkies, we were gifted a beautiful rainbow * In the afternoon I had the pleasure of attending my Football Club’s (Bell Park) 40th anniversary/reunion of the club’s 1st Senior Premiership in 1984 * Being a close-knit club, everyone knew it was my birthday, so the reunion celebrations were double the fun for me. * It was well after sunset when I finally arrived back home, and Frankie was happy to receive his dinner, albeit a few hours later than normal …
A morning rainbow for my Birthday (73) … Frankie giving me the stare because he has to stay home.
Me with Jimmy, my Under 18’s coach (1969) and the club President in 1984 when we won our First Senior Premiership. (He’ll be 90 in December)
The 1984 Committee (I was the Social Coordinator), and the 1984 Team Photos
This year’s coach addressed the reunion crowd, and me with some lifelong club friends
Today I am presenting the 2nd poem to be selected in “Prolific Pulse’s” fantastic Anthology, “Cadence”, That’s What Friends Are For Thank you to the editors, Lisa and Zanate for their kind consideration. >> https://www.prolificpulse.com/
That’s What Friends Are For(Cadence Anthology, by Ivor Steven)
“Help!” yelled Billy the Bee Who was stuck, knee-deep In the storm’s fallen debris “I’ll be there as quickly as my body can shuffle along” Said Charlie, the concerned caterpillar
“My tiny toes are trapped and I cannot fly free” Burbled Billy Charlie sways and cleverly uses his snout To nudge the broken branches aside And in a jiffy Billy was able to wriggle free
A relieved Billy Blessedly buzzed over Charlie “Thank you kindly for your gracious help my dear friend” “That’s what friends are for” Cheered Charlie the caterpillar
Over at Weekly Prompts, the Weekend Challenge is: Sleep … please visit their fabulous website by clicking on >> Here. I’ve been busy the last several days, an open mic’ night, a big fun afternoon at the Box Office Cafe (Poem below), Creative Geelong Market Day, and tomorrow morning it’s my Dome Poetry Group’s monthly meeting … And tonight, I am very “Sleepy”
Together in the Box Office Cafe
As is Frankie’s way In his cute and friendly manner He invited three young ladies To join us at our table And as in Tullawalla’s, ‘a meeting place’ We quickly became cheekily friendly and chatty They were inquisitive about what I was writing, and my books, ‘Perceptions’ and ‘Until Eyes Hear Sound’
The three “train-driver” ladies jokingly agreed “Youth is wasted on the young” Then, Ivor, Frankie, Carla, Mandy, and Emily Shared pup-cups, cappuccino, and latte Along with some neuro-cool glasses Of vodka, prosecco, and martini
Thanks to the ladies, we had a fun afternoon Frankie lapped up all their extra cuddles And Carla kindly purchased Signed copies of, ‘Tullawalla’ and ‘Perceptions’
Hello dear friends and followers, here is my report/summary of my four-day trip away to the “Clunes Booktown Festival”
* Thursday Evening.After dinner, I was out walking Frankie, and when we returned home there wasa special parcel on my doorstep, a freshly baked fruitcake, for me to enjoy while I was busy at the bookstall. (Thank you to Roberta, a fellow daily walker) * Friday Lunchtime.My brother and sister arrive from Ballarat to take me, Frankie, and my Car back to Ballarat(My siblings understand my deficiencies) * Friday 3.30 pm.I drove up to Clunes (only 15 mins from Ballarat) to set up my bookstall. There were no tables in my allocated Marquee, but after phone calls to the appropriate organizers, the tables were eventually located and placed in the Marquee.
Friday afternoon, waiting for a table – Agatha’s, Lounge & Wine Bar
* Friday 6.00 pm.I found a quaint bar to chat and drink with other authors before we attended the “Introduction Event”. At 7.30 pm I was super tired and decided to head back to my sister’s in Ballarat for dinner and a well-earned rest.
The Clunes Town Hall and other historical buildings in Clunes.
. * Saturday 8.15 am. I headed off to the Clunes Festival for a 9.00 am start and I met the other vendors in our Marquee.
My neighbours, Karen and Damien
Our Marquee held ten Book Stalls
Overall, not many books were sold, however, I had a wonderful time chatting with customers, and my “Lucky Dip Bucket, Take a Poem Home”, was extremely popular.
Saturday 5.00pm.It was time to close up and head home to Ballarat.
Sunday Morning.Another 9.00am start, but I decided to take Frankie to the Festival as my little helper.While walking from the car to the Marquee, a young lady kindly offered to carry Frankie’s fold-up camp chair. I thanked “Louise” for friendly assistance, and later on she came to my stall and purchased a copy of “Until Eyes Hear Sound”.
He instantly became the centre of attention, which coincided with my increased book sales. We finally shut shop at 4.00 pm, by which time I was definitely looking forward to the Clunes Booktown Festival’s closing chapter. While we were packing up, a young lass from the “Phairytale Bookfolds” stall in our Marquee, presented me with a magical gift, which personified the friendly aura within our Marquee, and the little “Bookmouse” was a perfect finale to an amazing weekend.
Monday Morning. After a long and restful sleep, it was time for me and Frank to return to Geelong, again with the invaluable assistance of my wonderful siblings. (heartfelt thanks to Miffy & Lawrie)
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 