Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 11
November 14, 2012
What I Love about Fiction Writing
Fiction writing is a passion.
It opens up endless scenarios involving characters of my choice. In other words, I’m in control: I can bring ecstacy or disaster. I can conjure up tales that entertain, strike a chord, or even offer guidance to those in a similar situation.
At another level, fiction writing allows exploration of the scope of language. Evocation is my aim, and within the meaning of words comes the substance of its creation. Mood, theme, character and location: these pose wonderfully intriguing challenges.
And what a buzz I get my own work pleasurably engages me! I guess we writers share this reward: it’s the proverbial icing on the cake.
Then, there’s the thrill of learning what others make of it: family, friends, readers and reviewers. The mind-boggling wonder: is it being read ( and hopefully enjoyed) at this very moment?
Finally, to behold my stories packaged as a book: to hold it my hands, and see my name as author: is one of the best moments of my life. Small wonder I love to write fiction!
Copyright ©
It opens up endless scenarios involving characters of my choice. In other words, I’m in control: I can bring ecstacy or disaster. I can conjure up tales that entertain, strike a chord, or even offer guidance to those in a similar situation.
At another level, fiction writing allows exploration of the scope of language. Evocation is my aim, and within the meaning of words comes the substance of its creation. Mood, theme, character and location: these pose wonderfully intriguing challenges.
And what a buzz I get my own work pleasurably engages me! I guess we writers share this reward: it’s the proverbial icing on the cake.
Then, there’s the thrill of learning what others make of it: family, friends, readers and reviewers. The mind-boggling wonder: is it being read ( and hopefully enjoyed) at this very moment?
Finally, to behold my stories packaged as a book: to hold it my hands, and see my name as author: is one of the best moments of my life. Small wonder I love to write fiction!
Copyright ©
November 11, 2012
What I Love about Blogging
Backtrack two years, and I’d never even heard about blogging. At that point. I’d started writing my first book: a collection of Short Stories and vignettes, which ultimately became ’25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia’.
Writing a book was one thing: blogging, quite another. And I had no idea that authors were expected to share their life with the rest of the world, by way of writing a blog.
But, once I’d tasted it, I began to relish blogging. It has so much going for it.
Blogging allows for immediate http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Writing a book was one thing: blogging, quite another. And I had no idea that authors were expected to share their life with the rest of the world, by way of writing a blog.
But, once I’d tasted it, I began to relish blogging. It has so much going for it.
Blogging allows for immediate http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
November 8, 2012
It's Jacaranda Time
Here in Australia, it’s Jacaranda time.
While Grafton, N.S.W., is famous for these striking trees, here in Sydney they are also making eye-catching displays.
Driving around the suburbs, one can readily spot the purple/blue flowers still clinging to their maker. The days will pass: these will fall and form a carpet. Those of us with bare, delicate skin had better watch out for busy bees….
Native to Brazil, Jacarandas come in a multitude of varieties. There is even a white-flowering type named ‘White Christmas’, but it is hard to get in Australian nurseries. Our eyes are accustomed to one known as Jacaranda mimosifolia: and really, isn’t its purple a lovely shade?
This tree has its critics: those who despise fallen leaves and squishy flowers. Please do not count me amongst them.
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
While Grafton, N.S.W., is famous for these striking trees, here in Sydney they are also making eye-catching displays.
Driving around the suburbs, one can readily spot the purple/blue flowers still clinging to their maker. The days will pass: these will fall and form a carpet. Those of us with bare, delicate skin had better watch out for busy bees….
Native to Brazil, Jacarandas come in a multitude of varieties. There is even a white-flowering type named ‘White Christmas’, but it is hard to get in Australian nurseries. Our eyes are accustomed to one known as Jacaranda mimosifolia: and really, isn’t its purple a lovely shade?
This tree has its critics: those who despise fallen leaves and squishy flowers. Please do not count me amongst them.
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
November 6, 2012
Happy Anniversary!
Today is a special day: it’s our first anniversary.
On this day, 6th September 2011, my husband Ron and I made a big decision. We chose to adopt.
We’d been thinking about this for over a month. Every day, I’d religiously check the internet listings of the nearby RSPCA’s and other animal surrender centres, and been sorely tempted several times.
We knew what we were looking for: a young Maltese female, not more than a year or so. The type that was more than happy with a quiet, indoor life, and an occasional game of pull the rope: interspersed with outside activities such as strolls in the park, or beside a beach.
And then, one day, we found her! She was standing http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
On this day, 6th September 2011, my husband Ron and I made a big decision. We chose to adopt.
We’d been thinking about this for over a month. Every day, I’d religiously check the internet listings of the nearby RSPCA’s and other animal surrender centres, and been sorely tempted several times.
We knew what we were looking for: a young Maltese female, not more than a year or so. The type that was more than happy with a quiet, indoor life, and an occasional game of pull the rope: interspersed with outside activities such as strolls in the park, or beside a beach.
And then, one day, we found her! She was standing http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
November 4, 2012
Review: What Indoor Plant is That
What Indoor Plant Is That by Stirling MacoboyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Shocked it the only word I can use to describe my feelings on discovering that this lovely book has never previously been rated or reviewed.
It's well written, being informative and easy to follow. Its scope extends beyond what I normally think of as 'indoor plants', ranging into those suitable as temporary ornamentation, inside.
Many plants listed are for use on balconies.
Other strands of use include as terrarium plants. Instructions for planting and growing within a bottle are also included.
Attractively illustrated by an abundance of full-colour photographs, this book deserves attention. It has stood the test of time very well: the mark of a classic.
View all my reviews
October 31, 2012
Review: Gardening on the Wild Side
Gardening on the Wild Side: the New Australian Bush Garden by Angus StewartMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gardening enthusiasts, and particularly those with a penchant for Australian natives, will find this book quite delightful.
Why?
Firstly, the illustrations are utterly charming. Many are coloured quite exquisitely. However, those in black and white certainly don't miss the boat in their aesthetic appeal.
Secondly, the book is well written and constructed. Its information is presented in an easy to comprehend manner. Specific places to visit are mentioned, with enticing photos to back up their attractiveness.
Australia is lucky in having many beautiful native flora, and Angus Stewart has done a fine job in bringing these to our attention.
View all my reviews
October 29, 2012
Moving House?
These days, moving house is quite a common experience. Packing cases are carefully filled, items lovingly stored: or ruthlessly discarded: in the process. Par for the course.
But the ‘Moving House’ of this title is a house of a different colour.
Peering out of a car in a suburban road of outer Sydney, those unfamiliar may well wonder what’s going on.
As they speed across this major intersection, do they find themselves suddenly http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
But the ‘Moving House’ of this title is a house of a different colour.
Peering out of a car in a suburban road of outer Sydney, those unfamiliar may well wonder what’s going on.
As they speed across this major intersection, do they find themselves suddenly http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
October 25, 2012
Roots
Not so long ago, Ron and I took a trip to the place where I grew up: an inner suburb near the city of Sydney. How it has changed!
Gone are so many little old houses: many the cherished homes of friends and family. In their place: towering apartment blocks.
Gone, too, is our old home: its glorious stone and wrought iron fence replaced by soulless cement blocks.
But at least the public parks remain. Long ago, I’d spent many happy hours playing within their green oases. Today, we stroll around, and I share with my husband little anecdotes of childhood. My burning memories are more of tar and cement, since even my own backyard was sparse of vegetation underfoot.
Yet, even so, I remember so vividly the purple pelargoniums that soldiered on doggedly in our front garden. Despite stubborn weeds and equally stubborn grasses, they gave of themselves, creating cheer.
Was it just a stroke of luck that my family brought cuttings of these vivid yet hardy gems to our new address, when, in the 1960′s we moved away?
In any event, these same plants: or is it their descendants? : are still soldiering on, here at home: a living reminder of from whence I came.
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Copyright ©
Gone are so many little old houses: many the cherished homes of friends and family. In their place: towering apartment blocks.
Gone, too, is our old home: its glorious stone and wrought iron fence replaced by soulless cement blocks.
But at least the public parks remain. Long ago, I’d spent many happy hours playing within their green oases. Today, we stroll around, and I share with my husband little anecdotes of childhood. My burning memories are more of tar and cement, since even my own backyard was sparse of vegetation underfoot.
Yet, even so, I remember so vividly the purple pelargoniums that soldiered on doggedly in our front garden. Despite stubborn weeds and equally stubborn grasses, they gave of themselves, creating cheer.
Was it just a stroke of luck that my family brought cuttings of these vivid yet hardy gems to our new address, when, in the 1960′s we moved away?
In any event, these same plants: or is it their descendants? : are still soldiering on, here at home: a living reminder of from whence I came.
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Copyright ©
October 23, 2012
The Rose: Queen of Flowers
In many circles, roses are regarded as the Queen of Flowers. Notwithstanding their thorns, some gardeners devote entire beds to them. Older homes, particularly, are likely to have still stunning examples, soldiering on if needs be.
Red roses revel in an exalted status: immortalized by poets and song-writers. Few other flowers have achieved anything like such a high level of kudos: sadly, some uniquely pretty ones such as snapdragons and phlox seem to have missed out altogether: though daffodils and daisies can hold their heads up high.
But it is, of course, as symbols of love that give http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Red roses revel in an exalted status: immortalized by poets and song-writers. Few other flowers have achieved anything like such a high level of kudos: sadly, some uniquely pretty ones such as snapdragons and phlox seem to have missed out altogether: though daffodils and daisies can hold their heads up high.
But it is, of course, as symbols of love that give http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
October 21, 2012
Springtime Sydney Sunset
Sunsets have always fascinated me. Years ago, a superb view was ours without effort: through a back window, with a picturesque gum tree in the foreground.
Sadly, those days are long gone: redevelopment has seen to that: and what remains are mere glimpses.
Fortunately, tonight, a glimpse of red catches my eye, and I do what I’d never done before.
Camera in hand, I speed around the block to
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Sadly, those days are long gone: redevelopment has seen to that: and what remains are mere glimpses.
Fortunately, tonight, a glimpse of red catches my eye, and I do what I’d never done before.
Camera in hand, I speed around the block to
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
