Hi, dear readers and especially my Geelong Followers. THIS FRIDAY 5 December
A Creative Christmas Market 5pm-9pm. Market stalls, workshops, and entertainment.
THIS SATURDAY 6 December
MAYD Xmas Festival – 10am-3pm – 40 stalls of makers and art. Open art studios, galleries, collectables, vintage
PLUS official opening of THE GIFT group show at Untether Gallery + Studio 1:30-3:30pm
Come to the Centrepoint Arcade on Friday, December 5th, from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Saturday 6th, from 10 am to 3 pm. I’ll be at the “Ivor’s Books” stall with my books “Tullawalla, Perceptions, and Until Eyes Hear Sound”, as well as various other Anthologies and Chapbooks. They could be that “Something Different” gift idea for Christmas.
Yes, it’s all about my new book, Time Hears No Sound. And my wonderful editor, Judy (from Jaymah Press), will be here at my home tomorrow for a meeting to review the proofreading I did of her draft copy of my manuscript. Another part of the correction process in preparing a polished manuscript before we decide to hand it over to the printers.
The image on the right is my Epilogue poem, which I added to the manuscript yesterday
Polishing Takes Time
Tomorrow the pages will breathe again, their margins whispering corrections, their commas waiting for release.
Around the table, time will sit with us, silent but attentive, as Judy’s careful eyes polish the echoes into a voice that endures.
And when the pages rest, their voices hushed in ink, we will listen together to the silence between words— where time hears no sound, yet carries every echo forward.
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the vibrant celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Creative Geelong Group. Hosted at the Makers Hub — the beating heart of Geelong’s creative community, nestled in the Centrepoint Arcade on Little Malop Street — the event brought together artists, innovators, and supporters in a joyful gathering of shared vision and local pride.
Jen Cromarty, our dynamic and dedicated chairperson, welcomed guests with heartfelt reflections on the group’s journey, from its grassroots beginnings to its current role as a catalyst for creativity across the region. The evening buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the hum of possibility, as members mingled among storefronts and installations that showcased the diversity and depth of Geelong’s creative talent.
As the evening unfolded, the celebrations were punctuated by moments of surprise and delight — including a raffle draw that added a splash of serendipity to the night. I was fortunate enough to win one of the prizes: a captivating painting that now rests in my care. Its expressive strokes and vibrant hues seem to echo the energy of the event itself — a reminder of the artistry and generosity that define our community.
It’s Market Day this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. * Our popular monthly markets are all undercover at Centrepoint Arcade on the third Saturday of every month. * They feature art, unique goods from local makers, second-hand goods, plants, books, and more. * There are also open art studios, Yesterday Vintage, Untether Gallery, HBT Collectables, and the May’d Shop.
All at, Centrepoint Arcade 132 Little Malop St, Geelong From 11 am to 3 pm
And I’ll be there with ‘Frankie’ and my “New Bookstall Set-up”
. My sister and I were up in front of the stage just before the show began
The Animals – Final Curtain Tour at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
Last night, my sister and I had the pleasure of attending The Animals at the grand old Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat. First opened in 1875, Her Majesty’s remains Australia’s best-preserved theatre building — a living monument to Ballarat’s rich cultural heritage. It has served as the city’s home of live performance for nearly 150 years, and its ornate charm made the perfect setting for a night of rock nostalgia.
The Animals have thrilled audiences across generations, and we couldn’t miss their Final Curtain Tour. The current lineup features original member John Steel — now 84 and still commanding the stage — alongside Danny Handley, Bobby Ruiz, and Barney “Boogie” Williams. Together, they delivered a powerhouse performance that had the crowd on their feet, singing along and soaking in every note.
From gritty blues to timeless rock anthems, the band’s energy was infectious. It was more than a concert — it felt like a farewell embrace from legends who’ve shaped the soundtrack of so many lives.
I always make my bed in the morning As soon as I get up. Surprise, surprise! When I arrived home from outing To the Geelong Short Play Festival show There: my bed covers, we’re all ruffled up! “Who had been sleeping in my bed?”
When I left my house There was only one guy inside To look after the place While I was out having a good time Yep! … you guessed it That, guilty-looking, “Frankie”
“Time Hears No Sound” Good news! I’ve completed the first draft of my manuscript and have begun the initial proofreading phase. I’m delighted to share that my previous editor and publisher, Judy Rankin, along with the talented cover designer and illustrator, Kerri Costello, have both agreed to join me on this new project. Their support means the world as I take this next step. Manuscript Details:189 poems, 177 pages, and 11,555 words.
Proofreading at the Cafe
There’s a manuscript in my knapsack, Traveling along with every step I take Proofreading is a necessary backtrack – Page after page, in between coffee breaks,
Until the task is completed, Even if I am feeling exhaustipated.
‘On the Nature of Daylight‘ by Max Richter — the kind of music I listen to while proofreading. Gentle, expansive, and quietly stirring, it helps me hear the silence between the words.
It’s Market Day this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. * Our popular monthly markets are all undercover at Centrepoint Arcade on the third Saturday of every month. * They feature art, unique goods from local makers, second-hand goods, plants, books, and more. * There are also open art studios, Yesterday Vintage, Untether Gallery, HBT Collectables, and the May’d Shop.
All at, Centrepoint Arcade 132 Little Malop St, Geelong From 11 am to 3 pm
And I’ll be there with ‘Frankie’ and my “New Bookstall Set-up”
Yesterday, I attended my Belmont Page Writers group meeting, where we all take turns reciting our pieces of poetry or prose. Well, when it was Adrian’s turn, he produced his guitar and sang us a delightful song. My music/video of his lovely rendition is attached below (Whoops, I missed the first verse, so the video begins at the ‘Chorus’)
Dusk dims the day As she looks across the water And watches his ship sail away And disappear from sight Now, time is all that’s left for her To hang on hopes and promises That echo through the ocean of her light
‘Chorus’ Rise the moon and set the sun A star for every sigh of love Ask how deep the waters run And the wind for songs healing
Muse of the dusk The tale commands its telling For nothing counts for certainty In matters of the heart So who can say they’re meant to be Two lovers bound for unity When all the fates keep driving them apart
Rise the moon and set the sun A star for every sigh of love Ask how deep the waters run And the wind for songs healing
And in their grief do they believe Some hidden wheels are turning Shaping all the happenings of future days That there’s a world they can’t perceive Where lovers’ fires keep burning Till someday their paths will cross again
Rise the moon and set the sun A star for every sigh of love And this farewell’s their final one As the wind cries its pity
Land’s lights are gone And roll the waves unending He begs the night sky’s confidence But nothing will it betray And though with all his heart he yearns To turn the tide of destiny Still, the waters carry him away
Hello, dear readers and followers. I write for Coffee House Writers magazine (USA) fortnightly, and my poem “Before, Between, and Beyond”is in this week’s edition. The full title in my ‘Office Documents’ is “Before, Between, and Beyond (or, Under a Cloud, to Beyond Cloud Nine),” but that was too long for the Magazine. To read the poem, please click the link below to visit my Coffee House Writers Magazine article. >> https://coffeehousewriters.com/before-between-and-beyond/
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 