City of Fremantle Hungerford Award winner Maria Papas shares why stories will always be important to her
Described as ‘breathtaking’, ‘wise’ and ‘poetic’, Maria Papas’s City of Fremantle Hungerford Award winning novel Skimming Stones explores the impact of childhood illness and trauma on families. READ MORE
Thought it a good time to link to the inspirational ‘Where the Gnomes Live’ videos for a Pumpkin House Part 1 , Pumpkin House Part 2 and a Spooky Tree. Each instructional video is easy to follow and great fun. Highly recommended.
I actually made both for my granddaughter Bella’s birthday party last year.
One of the best things about being the featured writer at the inaugural 2012 AVON VALLEY WRITERS FESTIVAL, was having my son there. Held in Northam & Toodyay over two days, James McCallum was wonderful company. I was very proud of him and loved sharing the experience.
Last year I was a guest of the Avon Valley Writers Festival held over two days in Northam and Toodyay. What a wonderful experience, the staff from both libraries made us very welcome.
My handsome son drove me way out in the country and made me feel safe – wish we could do that sort of thing more often.
One of the books I took with me for sale was my Christmas story ‘Santa’s Swim’ – if you’d like a copy, I still have them for sale here.
‘Santa’s Swim’ hardcover version (not available)
I also ran a coloring competition which was very popular – both winners loved their prizes of a copy of the book ‘Santa’s Swim’, a little Santa statue of their very own and a certificate to frame.
I completed the Christmas Village just in time for last Christmas, now I have an order for a new project for my grandson, who still plays with his mountain every day!
Sharon Ojala of ‘Where the Gnomes Live’ is my crafting idol. She inspires me and thousands of others everyday – for free! Her simple construction method is cardboard boxes, Al-foil, paper kitchen towels and PVA glue, paint etc. Her tutorials are so easy to follow too.
The first project I tried was a gnome home which my little granddaughter absolutely loved.
On her birthday I was inspired by Sharon again for her Halloween party.
And yesterday I delivered my latest effort – a tunnel which grew into a mountain complete with cave and waterfall for my 5 year old grandson.
Now the oldest grandchild has ordered a Christmas Village… So thank you Sharon, from the bottom of my heart. My grandchildren are all very happy because of you.
Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ wins TIFF People’s Choice Award
Via AP news wireSun, 19 September 2021, 8:36 am
Canada TIFF Belfast (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Kenneth Branagh s semi-autobiographical “Belfast ” a black-and-white family drama about the Northern Ireland city during the tumult of the late 1960s, on Saturday won the Toronto International Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award, a telling indicator of Academy Awards chances.
Today, Rick shared a poem on Write Out Loud called ‘Old Time Religion’ and I was totally inspired. His words took me straight back to growing up in what was then, Northern Rhodesia.
Mum with Quinten Quinebelle III or Quicksie for short, in the early 1960’s.
I'm happy for you to share what's published here, so long as Frances Macaulay Forde is credited appropriately.
It would also be a great courtesy if you let me know when and where you've shared my work.
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it.” Thomas Paine - "Limitation is essential to authority. A government is legitimate only if it is effectively limited." ~ Lord Acton - Commentary on what interests me, reflecting my personal take on the world
‘Santa’s Swim’ hardcover version (not available) 
Mum with Quinten Quinebelle III or Quicksie for short, in the early 1960’s. 
Perth Words... exploring possibilities. 