Teacher, blogger, YouTuber and author
23
Oct
I have synaesthesia. Not the kind where numbers have personalities or C major tastes like mint ice cream, but the kind where specific words, letters and days of the week have their own luminescent colours. I don’t see waterfalls of light or anything spectacular, but in my mind’s eye, Monday is orange, and May… continue reading »
14
Oct
Dancers swirled, their masks glinting in the firelight. They were metallic, haunting, sinister. Zara adjusted her headpiece, hoping nobody would recognise her under the painted papier mâché. She’d worked on it for weeks, lovingly lacquering it and adding fringes and bows. It was slightly garish, but the project had lifted her spirits and helped… continue reading »
14
Oct
Zara laughed. It was a glittery, rollicking laugh that bounced off the crystals in her cavernous shop. Treasure Hunt was always full of customers, and she took pride in the variety of handicrafts she sold. From items that cost a few dollars to heirloom pieces that had been lovingly restored, there was something for… continue reading »
12
Oct
I stood at the rim of the tidal basin as mist played hide-and-seek with trees in the far distance. Circular patterns dimpled the water, and rain slid over my skin. It was English rain: soft and delicate with a soothing, hypnotic scent. I’m so glad I came here, I mused, smiling. This place is… continue reading »
07
Sep
The owl swooped in a low arc, intent on the motorised rabbit whizzing along the grass. Her markings were like seashells: speckled and variegated and the colour of tiramisu. As the bird lifted her wings, I was struck by her beauty and the bond she shared with her smitten handler. Her eyes were perfect… continue reading »
23
Jul
‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the cleverest of them all?’ Violet said. ‘Why you of course,’ the little voice in her head dutifully replied. Wind trumpeted through the drainpipes as the old house creaked and groaned. Violet stood in the middle of the room and glanced at the silver locket which dangled… continue reading »
27
May
‘Get out, you thieving skunk!’ A silver blur shot down my neighbour’s front path and jumped clear of the fence. ‘If I see her in here again, I’ll contact the police!’ Melinda Richards yelled, swinging a packet of bread. ‘Sorry!’ ‘I was just about to have lunch and she was guzzling my ham.’… continue reading »
21
Mar
1. Choose a scene Choose a scene that comes to mind. It might be the mountains, the New York skyline, Sydney Harbour, a garden, a beach or a busy shopping centre. Describe this scene in your notebook using all your senses. Give members 5 minutes to complete this task. 2. Examples… continue reading »
14
Mar
1. What annoys you? Ask members to think about something that annoys them. It could be parking fines, loud neighbours or people who blow their own trumpet. 2. I hate it when… Start with ‘I hate it when…’ and go around the room. People say all sorts of outlandish things, so… continue reading »
04
Mar
Femininity radiated off her, like steam from a pot of herbal tea. Her sleeves were ruffled and rhubarb red, as were the trio of roses on her bodice. She had a ballerina’s poise, a cocked head, and a pensive expression, which gave no indication of what she was thinking. I’d never get away with… continue reading »
