WA Writers | Perth Words... exploring possibilities.

Archive for the ‘WA Writers’ Category

Her First Time

Posted in Short Stories, Theatre, WA Writers, tagged Backstage, Frances Macaulay Forde, New Endeavour Theatre, theatre on May 23, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Backstage.

Dank, dusty, sweat-smells in the soft blue light. Rope, sandbags, tape-marks glow. Scene-stay, props on the table in regimental order marked for Act 1,2,3.

Black on white sign yells ‘Silence for Performance’.

Soft sneakers pressed gently one in front of each other. Movements slow – considered care.

Audience clapping. Material and audience murmur as Curtains Close Act 1.

Audrey rushes off-stage, clattering – chattering LOUDLY to her waiting beau, declaring her excitement at first performance.

Stage Manager lifts two fingers to mouth for silence – ignored.

Quick! Frustrated grab in the once-again dim light. His hand wraps around the wooden grip of a ‘Silence’ sign banged impatiently against a thigh as he follows.

Hushed stumble down to the dressing rooms, annoyed – door locked – can’t knock – too loud.

Scratch a little – reign in – wait with rebuke ready. Click, unlocked door creaks open. Force the sign through the crack and whisper. “Quiet”.

He races back upstairs with heart pumping – ‘Damn!’ missed the bloody Curtain Open for Act 2.

All through Act 2 Audrey blithely entertains, celebrating her debut in the change rooms with popping champagne and muffled giggles.

Curtains Close Act 2.

‘Places Please’ bell for Act 3.

Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. 1,2,3 steps stage left.

Curtains Open Act 3.

Heavy heels approach uncaring, echo through dimly lit wooden stairs and empty stage.

Audrey bumps out.

Giggle – stumble – giggle. ‘Hic – Oh sorry Love – Hic…’

Frustration bites hard and a mouth thunders. “QUIET!”

A deathly scream and silence at last, as Curtains Close Act 3.

#francesmacaulayforde

Read Full Post »

Library Laurels

Posted in Books, Perth City, Poetry, WA Writers, Writers, Writing, tagged Andrew Burke, Andrew Taylor, Annamaria Weldon, Deanne Leber, Dennis Haskell, Film & TV Institute, Frances Macaulay Forde, Glen Phillips, Kevin Gillam, Nandi Chinna, Pages Cafe, Poets Corner, Poets Corner @ Pages Cafe, Sarah French, State Library of WA, T.A.G. Hungerford, Tracy Ryan, Vivienne Glance on May 19, 2014| 2 Comments »

I’m very proud of our State Library situated in the beautiful Perth Cultural Centre:

State Library Western Australia. (Photo: Frances Macaulay Forde @ 2005)

Years ago the staff supported me when I ran Poets Corner @ Pages Cafe for 3 years between 2005 and 2008. The Library provided a microphone and speaker, displays and advertising in the Library Book shop on the 1st floor and generally encouraged and supported our endeavors.

Poets reading at Poets Corner @ Pages Cafe

More than 80 poets from emerging to firmly established, to first time readers and writers participated for the love of words, sharing them with a new audience; other writers and importantly, the general public.

The audience included luminaries such as (L to R) Andrew Burke, Andrew Taylor and Glen Phillips. 2005

Pages Cafe allowed us to meet there on the 3rd Saturday of each month and welcomed the influx of word-smiths, considering the noise levels and while reading, helped by quietly proving excellent service to patrons.

The library and cafe continued to support myself and many others when launching many, many books (where else would you do it – seriously) over the years:

Interviewing a West Australian Living Treasure, T.A.G. Hungerford for BooksAustralia CTV during ‘An Afternoon with Tom’ at Poets Corner in 2005.

Annemaria Weldon with her book ‘The Roof Milkers’ July 2008

Sarah French was one of many writers included in the ‘Lines in the Sand’ anthology published by FAWWA in 2008. (My poem ‘desertification’ appears on page 28.)

Tracy Ryan and her book ‘Scar Revision’ from Fremantle Press. 2008

An anthology I published to thank the more than 60+ poets who participated at Poets Corner during the WA Spring Poetry Festival in 2005.

Today you’ve accepted the Film & Television Institute into your midst on the 2nd floor!

I LOVE and THANK my State Library of Western Australia.

Read Full Post »

Some Folks Folk

Posted in Africa, Music, Sound, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Dome Cafe, Frances Macaulay Forde, Glen Phillips, HillsFolk Club, John Ryan, Ken Nicol, Maylands, Monday Supper Club, Some Folks Folk, Steeleye Span, Wanneroo Folk Club on May 13, 2014| 3 Comments »

When I was a teenager in Africa (mid-sixties) I don’t know why but our house – more specifically, our front lawn was the meeting place…

Our crowd used to sit in a circle, singing songs until Mum came out and reminded us we had neighbors.

We sang songs by James Taylor; Bread; Simon & Garfunkle; Joan Baez; Mamas & the Papas; Joni Mitchell; Peter, Paul & Mary…

Everywhere I lived I could always find a folk club except when I moved up to the Northern Suburbs in 1985.

So, ever resourceful, I put an ad in the local community paper and the Wanneroo Folk Club was born.

Wanneroo Folk Club members 1985

Years later, it’s still going strong although, I must admit I haven’t been for years – next one’s in June (Friday 13th). Maybe we’ll see you there!

However in 1984, I did make my first 16 mm film about the Hills Folk Club in Kalamunda. If you have 6 minutes to spare and want an 80’s hair reminder, watch my doco ‘Some Folks Folk’.

Still: ‘Some Folks Folk’ – 1984

Last night hubby and I went to a Monday Supper Club at the Dome Cafe in Maylands, to hear my friend Glen Phillips & John Ryan read their poetry.

Glen Phillips & John Ryan reading at the Monday Supper Club – 12/5/14

The food was good and music provided firstly by (organiser) Jane Cornes’ Trio then by the outstanding Ken Nicols formally of Steeleye Span.

Ken Nicol – Monday Supper Club 12/5/14

Must admit the night brought out the inner Folk-ie in me once again…

#SomeFolksFolk #MyFirst16mmFilm #16mmDoco #KalamundaFolkClub #WannerooFolkClub #FolkMusic #EcousticMusic #MusicMemories #1986MusicDoco #1986FolkMusic #FolkMusicWA #WAFolkFederation

Read Full Post »

Roadside Rubbish

Posted in Perth City, Poetry, WA Writers, Writers, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, poems, rubbish pick-ups, rubbish roadside, WA Writers on April 17, 2014| 2 Comments »

It’s that time of year again (photo taken today). Wish I’d taken photos last year, when I wrote this though…

Two Fans

Two fans enthusiastically spin amongst

a pile of rubbish waiting for pick up,

roadside.

Through wind and rain, even thunder

“Look at me!” but nothing moved.

Clever stack.

Unlike No 2’s plant pots. Scattered

colorful rattles voicing the gusts.

Messy!

Drive-bys; inspection opportunists.

Recycling on a budget or business,

who knows?

Roadside shopping has rules. Don’t

muddle. Re-stack after inspection.

Carefully.

It’s bad manners to sort, scrounge,

accept or reject – pull apart, untidy,

then go.

Read Full Post »

Beautiful!

Posted in Short Stories, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Frances Macaulay Forde, very short story, Western Australia, writing on April 9, 2014| 3 Comments »

Jean of ‘Social Bridge’ mentioned she’d like to see more stories… so here’s something written a while ago but which still makes me smile – I hope it does you too!

BEAUTIFUL!

“Because I don’t want to go on my own.”

I shamelessly begged my sister-in-law to come with me on my assignment to write about something beautiful: Take a bunch of flowers and walk down a street full of massage parlors.

“Even if you’re supposed to – I’m definitely NOT going in – OK?”

“All right – just come with me, Grace. We’ll walk down the street… make a few observations… then go – I promise!”

“Unless we get propositioned!” Giggling, we both felt more relaxed about the whole adventure.

“Turn right here – William Street. 530-something. 415… There’s a parking. Quick! Mind the police car.”

“You sure you want to do this?”

“Where’s 395?”

Anyway, to cut a long story short, we wandered up and down the street. Noted the scruffy and garish buildings, the smells, the people rushing about and wondered what they were up to – especially the police car, which was still parked outside a place, called ‘The Site – Girls – Girls – Girls’.

One building stood out amongst the colorful, boxy, chaos. Cream walls, dark brown trim and roof and neat gardens with two stately palms waving gently in the breeze, which breathed ‘class’. Aphrodite’s. A brass nameplate and large numbers on the wall ‘395’ for those ‘in the know’. The door discreetly open and inviting custom.

Of course, curiosity got the better of us – we couldn’t resist and after passing the entry twice, walked in. The little old lady behind the counter gave a non-committal nod and pressed a button.

A door to our left opened and another (very elegant) little old lady also smiled a greeting.

My companion’s mouth had dropped three inches so I smiled, “Is this a restaurant?”

With a pitying look Madam replied. “No – it’s a brothel!”

Well, I shot out of there, leaving my compatriot chatting about how lovely the room was.

And that was just BEAUTIFUL!

Read Full Post »

March madness!

Posted in Animals, nature, Poetry, WA Writers, Writing, tagged birds, cinquain, Festivals, Frances Macaulay Forde, Hooded Robins, Mindarie Keys, Northern Suburns, Perth, poetry, Western Australia, writing on April 7, 2014| 5 Comments »

First there were two…

Then there was one..

And finally none.

Well, am I glad that’s over! March is MAD for us and our ‘day’ job.

So many festivals and working 7 days a week for the last 6 weeks has done me in – we both needed to just veg totally today, and I did!

So I apologize for not posting much lately but thank you so much for reading.

This week, I’ll catch up on your blogs and find something (hopefully) of interest to share with you.

Yesterday we were at a Food & Wine Festival in Mindarie Keys, 10 minutes up the coast from us.

Turning around to face the sea breeze, I spied two little birds sitting on a wire, behind. A bit like us this month, barely hanging on but doing what we must.

(I wrongly presumed they were winging their way back to Northern Climes but have now identified them as native Hooded Robins, who also live in Australia.)

two

little

birds paused

full-fronting the sea breeze

two wanderers grip fine wire

then gone

Read Full Post »

Mwambeshi Memories

Posted in Africa, Children's stories, nature, Short Stories, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Africa, Frances Macaulay Forde, Mwambashi river, Northern Rhodesia, writing, Zambia on April 4, 2014| 4 Comments »

As I’ve mentioned before, although born in Northumberland, I grew up in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in the 50’s and 60’s. I was privileged to have had a protected, idyllic, worry-free childhood.

My Mum & Big Brother on the farm in Garneton… 1960’s

Mwambeshi Memories

Days gone by when safety wasn’t an issue, I remember a little stream that beckoned a group of friends in Garneton. How many times did we saunter – some on bikes – some walking, along the dirt track under the power lines with the warm sun tingling on our shoulders?

I don’t remember being fashion-conscious only comfortable cotton in the hot sun. I don’t remember being boy-conscious (that came later). I just remember loving the escape from home, the walk through the bush, the baking sun and cool, crystal clear water as it hit hot skin.

We laughed a lot; we talked endlessly and carried our innocence and open hearts on our sleeves. God – I miss those days!

How many competitions did we have? Shoes off, stripped down to cossies, we’d race over the hot beige sand and stones burning our feet, to the other side of the bridge.

The bravest would dive into the swiftly running current, going deep, eyes open, avoiding the banks to stay under as long as possible. The current would propel us under the bridge until the air threatened to burst our lungs, spewing water when your head broke the surface.

We’d look around to see who had won. Who had stayed under the water the longest and let the current take them the furthest away from the bridge?

We always sat on the Garneton side, a natural pool which opened up to allow swimming and splashing in comfort. The Marlow’s farm was on the other side of the bridge and further upstream we could hear the cows every now and then.

Later, I remember a story that a crocodile had taken one of the cows from the bank. That croc lived in our Mwambeshi – the stream we swam in every day we could! I don’t remember swimming there much after that.

Read Full Post »

New moon… New Month.

Posted in Animals, Love, nature, Romance, WA Writers, Writing, tagged Australian birds, Carnaby's Black Cockatoos, Fauna, Frances Macaulay Forde, nature, new month, new moon, Perth Daily Photo, Poem, poetry in Western Australia, Western Australia, wishing, words, writer, writing on April 2, 2014| 2 Comments »

New Moon

Last night, a sliver of silver low on the horizon, above the sea;

The moon visible through the clear sliding door of my patio

but couldn’t wish on it, not through glass – bad luck!

So eyes-down I opened the door, stepped out bare-feet on concrete

past the patio setting, minding the balls Sonja has strewn

and stood, out in the cool (now Autumn) air and wished.

Can’t tell you what I wished for or it won’t come true – it’s not for me.

I am lucky in love. My family are healthy and happy, I have you.

All that I need. So how could I possibly ask for more, for me?

If you’ve got time, read more about these magnificent Carnaby’s but also, have a look at the best photos I’ve ever seen of them, up close, taken by Grace and posted on Perth Daily Photo today.

Read Full Post »

Diary entry ~ April 2002.

Posted in Animals, Love, nature, Other blogs, Poetry, Romance, WA Writers, tagged coots, ECU Joondalup Campus, Fauna, Frances Macaulay Forde, kanagaroos, Love, Peter Cowan Writer's Centre, poems, poetry in Western Australia, Returned Love, romance, writing on April 1, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Passport Photo: 15 years old

1990 Bali Holiday – an amazing surprise 40th birthday gift from my Brother Paddy and sister in law, Grace.

I’m sitting here next to the lake listening to the Magpie’s talk, the Wood Ducks peep, the fountains filter their water. This is the first entry into my new notebook the red (for passion) one with a teddy bear (you, of course) playing guitar on the front! I’ve also got my two passports with me and I thought I’d scan the pictures for you just for a laugh. One was taken before you, when I was 15 (British passport) and the other way after, when I was 40 for the Bali trip.

Three tourists walked by obviously looking for something. So I said, ‘The kangaroos are over there’ (pointing) behind Cowan House, ‘lying around in the shade.’ Well, this lovely lady replied, ‘Oh thEnk you!’ in a broad South African accent. Small world hey? She and her husband Gordon have ‘…jEst arrIIEEyeved thus morning at 5am from Jo’burg for 5 dayZZ. He and Pete ‘aff bin frEEnds since grade 5. We’re goin’ out to dEEnar tonight.’ She can’t believe how clean it all is… Anyway, they’re having a good look at our lawn mowers, who aren’t actually doing much. Just lying back, torsos-twisted, scratching their bellies. Totally unconcerned wild, Grey Kangaroos – and these tourists, just a couple of yards from them.

I’m obviously early for the poetry workshop. My watch has stopped again – it needs a service (another thing on my long list!). Wonder what we’ll tackle this afternoon. I have no idea of today’s subject – haven’t been for while, far too distracted by you! Hope you’re having a lovely day. I’m being good and giving you ‘space’ (in the nicest possible way). I hope it’s helping with the study. Hmmmmm – poetry – erotic poetry for you. I wonder if I can do it? First drafts only My Love:

1. Coots

Lakeside, I watch

the Coots bouncing

on top of the water.

They throw their heads

with intention and abandon.

Plunging – immersing themselves.

I want to bounce,

immerse myself.

Plunge into you…

2. Soixante-Neuf

Normally,

I wouldn’t want you

to look at my bum

at that angle…

But then,

you’re not doing

much looking,

N’est pa?

3. Your reward…

… is access.

Complete access.

Although the years

have worn – you can see!

I will allow you ~

only you, this viewing,

this exposure

to my most secret self.

Read Full Post »

Boxing Kangaroos

Posted in Animals, Music, nature, WA Writers, tagged Boxing Kangaroos, Fauna, FordeDOTPaddy, Frances Macaulay Forde, G.Forde, Joondalup, kangaroos, nature, Perth Daily Photo, Yellagonga, Yellagonga Regional Park on March 31, 2014| 3 Comments »

My very clever brother has written some more music to his videos of Kangaroos Boxing in the early morning, taken at a nearby park and blogged on Perth Daily Photo.

Western Australia has preserved ‘green belts’ so kangaroos (and other fauna) can roam from one feeding ground to another.

Those areas usually include a lake, providing natural habitats for our native flora and fauna – particularly in my region near Yellagonga Regional Park. (Also the subject of a Picture Book I’m working on.)

We’re used to seeing kangaroos around but know not to go near as they are deceptively cute and can be very dangerous.

Those strong back legs are used to rip open the stomach of their opponent while they rest on that ‘third leg’ – their extremely strong tail!

Driving from the city, just before turning off the freeway for home at sunset, we often see a ‘mob’ feeding near the access tracks on the left.

While studying at University I sometimes attended lectures at our local ECU campus here in Joondalup which also was regularly visited by a local ‘mob’.