Creative Ageing in Australia
By Wendy, 71. Landsdale, WA I remember when we lived at my father’s shop in Botany Road and my parents let me climb out the upstairs window onto the tin roof when the queen came along the road in 1954. Out the back of the shop, my mother had a copper, a washboard, a cane… Continue reading Mascot Memoir ~ Part One
By Andy, 65. Byron Bay, NSW Hmmm when was this? Let's see ... I must have been back from India for quite a while. Months. Years maybe. I was living in Byron Bay as I remember being on the beach a lot, just lying in the sun or practicing harmonic throat singing. Of course, plenty… Continue reading Sea Eagle
By Lindsey-Jane, 70. Adelaide, SA I told you this chapter would be coming soon, didn't I? Well, it’s all about visiting the dentist in the '50s. There were many delightful aspects of living in the '50s, but a visit to the dentist in that era was definitely not one of them. The six-monthly dental visit… Continue reading The Dreaded Dentist
By Beverley, 73. Melbourne, VIC From under lowered lashes I watched for him. I sat with a clear view of the entrance to his family’s tent — nothing could escape me. We’d only been at the beach for a short time when I noticed him outside the tent, which was near our caravan. We were… Continue reading The Kiss
By Nancy, 80. Adelaide, SA From the Editor: Trigger warning. The following series contains very candid, detailed, brave, and well-written accounts of what it is like to live with clinical depression. Though over the usual 1000-word limit, I have decided to publish the works in their entirety. If you or someone you know live with… Continue reading The ‘Dark Pit’
By Nancy, 79. Adelaide, SA The year was 1957. I was a mere seventeen years of age. A position had presented itself as a governess on a remote cattle station northeast of Alice Springs. I had applied and was accepted to supervise two young children, one a boy of ten and a girl of eight.… Continue reading A Memoir
By Berry, 69. Mawson Lakes, SA It sat alone on the pavement for three days.Marked brown wood, curved back, cracked sagging vinyl seat.My anxiety rose each time I saw it through the window or open doorAnger marked my face.Resentment curved my back.Hurt and insult sagged my soulWhen did mutual respect change to frustration and thoughtlessness?It… Continue reading The Chair
By Lindsey-Jane, 70. Adelaide, SA Way back in the '50s, we had FJ Holden cars, doctors who paid house calls, and postmen who actually delivered twice a day (and what's more, blew a whistle to announce their arrival!) Remember these things? Do you also remember women wearing hats and gloves to church or even to go… Continue reading Bodgies, Widgies, Steam Trains, and Stiff Petticoats
By Denese, 74. Adelaide, SA Cathy disliked reunions intensely. Under sufferance she’d gone to the art school reunion last year and was astonished that the only practicing artists making money from their work were those who'd shown absolutely no talent whatsoever during their four years of tuition. But a school reunion? Ughh! The thought made… Continue reading A Survivor of ’84