Venice, Italy

I can’t believe it’s been four months since my sister, Kate, and I returned from Europe. Where did that time go? It only seems like yesterday we were enjoying our biggest adventure to date. Thank goodness for memories, because we are still in a constant state of reminiscence.

Venice – September 13, 2011.

You’ll either love or hate this timeless city. Admirers see only its dream-like qualities: quaint shops, old world alleys, gondola serenades, enchanting canals…detractors speak of the unintelligible layout, humidity, over-crowding, expensive shops, too many pigeons, and smelly canals. From our perspective, the ‘floating city’ of Venice made a most indelible impression. It’s one of those cities that you must see with your own eyes to believe. In fact, we didn’t just see Venice; we felt it with an intense passion.

Piazza San Marco ~ Campanile (Bell Tower)

St. Marks Square was described by Napoleon as the most beautiful dining room in Europe. He certainly got that right. Once surrounded by the beautiful Byzantine, Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture, Kate and I began to understand the uniqueness of this truly fascinating place. Our only regret was not being able to view inside the historical monuments. Time was limited, and if we had known about online reservations, we could have bypassed the long queues.

The Jewel in the Crown ~ St. Marks Basilica

Lavish Mosaics and Marble Columns

Torre Dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)

The Clock represents the Signs of the Zodiac

Although this relatively small city can be navigated by foot, no trip to Venice would be complete without experiencing a classical gondola ride to get a better perspective of the charismatic canals. As soon as we began gliding through them, we knew we were in a one-of-a-kind place.

Classical Gondola ride

Every Canal is unique

There’s magic in listening to the baritone voices serenading passengers, and we marveled at the gondolier’s elegant techniques of rowing; especially watching them become contortionists as they bobbed under many enchanting bridges.

Window Shopping

Kate and I walked across many islands connected by stoned footbridges, and navigated our way through the labyrinth of quaint back-alleyways. Every turn led us down an exciting and picturesque path.

Between the humid, 35 degree Celsius heat and overcrowding, we found refuge in some expensive little boutiques. The Venetian masks and Murano glassware were to die for. Sigh! If only my luggage wasn’t already overweight. I settled for a tiny, beautifully handcrafted ‘i Pupi’ ceramic clown doll.

We ate pizza and drank Coke in a very busy, quaint restaurant. One recommendation before you leave this watery playground; you must taste the Cherry flavoured Gelati. It’s the best you’ll ever have in your life.

Rialto Bridge (Right)

Grand Canal

I forgot to tell you that getting lost in Venice is inevitable, even with a map. We  just walked, and choose to turn left or right on absolutely nothing other than our first instinct. Luckily, we stumbled across the Rialto bridge. This was an amazing place to observe the many palaces, hotels, and the hub of activity on the Grand Canal.

Two famous Columns (centre) ~ Doges Palace (right)

Bay of San Marco (view through my eyes in photo above)

Venice was like a story out of a fairytale. One, Kate and I never wanted to end.

Visit here for more information.

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Guest Blog: YA Author ~ Clancy Tucker

Today I’m hosting Australian author Clancy Tucker, author of Gunnedah Hero.

Welcome Clancy! Please tell us your story.

Thank you for hosting me, Carol.

I write young adult fiction for reluctant readers, but I have also achieved success as a poet and photographer. I now write full time but I have worn many hats in my life. My writing has been short-listed and highly commended in many writing contests. One of the more prominent was The National Literary Award, where Gunnedah Hero was Highly Commended. That was a real buzz. I have written more than 90 short stories. Ten of those stories have been published in literary magazines (Page Seventeen, Branching Out & Positive Words), and in newspapers (The Standard, Mountain Views & The Advocate. I have also written many novels that are yet to be published, including two follow-up books in this series.

Tell us about your book.

Gunnedah Hero is an historic adventure that is enjoyed by 9 to 90 year-olds.

The book parallels the story of two fourteen year old boys. One a present day student named Gunnie, the other his great-great-grandfather, Smokey. Gunnie’s Grandfather left him a box containing a manuscript written by Smokey after his epic journey up the long paddock as a fourteen-year-old drover – during a harsh drought in 1910. At the back of the manuscript is an envelope. It’s NOT to be opened until Gunnie has read the entire story. On a visit to the family property, Gunnie discovers that it is again under threat – but from a different source. He must read the story and letter in an attempt to save it.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Good question. Answer: can’t think of a personal one. I have been blessed. Writing comes easily. However, getting your stuff over the line and dealing with publishers can be challenging. Writing teaches you patience, perseverance, and discipline.

What’s the easiest?

Thinking of an idea, just a few words, and a simple concept, and spending the next three months on an adrenalin rush, writing 100,000 words. Then, when finished, spanking the manuscript and grinning. Friends can clean your house, cook for you, and wash your clothes, but they can’t help you write. It’s very personal.

What is your greatest joy in writing?

Finishing a manuscript and symbolically leaving it on the floor of my lounge room until I’m ready to read it; usually three months later. I know when I’m ready. Can’t tell you how I know … I just do!

What advice would you have for anyone wanting to write a book in the young adult genre?

Find something you are passionate about and write passionately about it. Don’t preach, be a kid, observe young people and write from the heart.

Do you have any tips for writers about the writing process or the path to publishing?

Seek professional criticism, swallow it, take it on board and use it to improve. When you receive a rejection letter, read it, put it down, hide it or burn it and keep doing what you’re doing. Writing is very subjective.

Did you have the manuscript professionally edited before it went to print?

Yes, by a manuscript editor and a poetry editor; both of whom are fully qualified editors and published authors.

Did you submit your manuscript to publishers before you published it?

Yes, to many publishers here in Australia and overseas. Bravely, I rejected four contracts offered to me for this manuscript – Sydney, Melbourne, New York and London. Why? Two main reasons: (a) I own the ‘C’ in the circle ©. It’s called copyright. (b) Why would I freely give away my rights to someone who has not written one full stop in my manuscript? I wrote it.

Why did you choose to self-publish your paperback?

To enter major book contests to get my name out there. The prize money would be very handy, but it is not my main aim. Thus far, ‘Gunnedah Hero’ has been entered in eight contests, including the Miles Franklin Award. It will be entered in six more contests in the weeks ahead.

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Where to buy the Book:

Available as a paperback from Morris Publishing Australia and Clancy Tucker.

eBook available from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/114638

and Google eBooks: http://books.google.com.au/ebooks?id=30aI67LULpQC&dq=Gunnedah%20Hero&as_brr=5&source=webstore_bookcard.

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GIVE-AWAY: As a part of this blog tour, Morris Publishing Australia and Clancy Tucker are giving three eBooks to readers of the blogs. You and your children will love this heart-warming story. Go to Morris Publishing Australia and use the form on the Contact Page. Fill in your first and last name, email address, and put Blog Competition and your preferred eBook format in the message and hit submit. (Choose from ePub, PDF, Kindle) Please don’t worry if the message doesn’t disappear after you have sent it. It will disappear when you leave the page. The winners will be drawn on January 31st, 2012. All winners will be notified by email and their eBook will be attached.

Paperback Price Slashed: From 14th to 31st January, the price of the Gunnedah Hero paperback will be slashed to $25.00. Go to Morris Publishing Australia and choose the Buy Now button under Discount copy text. The usual postage charge will apply.

My Year in Travel Photography ~ 2011

From Thailand in May to Europe in August, 2011 certainly was a fabulous ‘bucket list’ year for travel. Here are some of the highlights:

Phuket ~ Thailand

London ~ United Kingdom

Stratford-upon-Avon ~ United Kingdom

Koblenz ~ Germany

Swiss Alps

Riva Del Garda ~ Italy

Lake Garda ~ Italy

Sirmione ~ Italy

Malcesine ~ Italy

Venice ~ Italy

Verona ~ Italy

Pordoi ~ Italy

Singapore

Bali ~ Indonesia

2011 in Review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,500 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 42 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Goal Setting for 2012

At the end of each year, I like to recap and set new goals for the coming year.

Now, let’s check my 2011 list and see what I’ve achieved.

#1 – Clean my writing desk ~ Avoid unnecessary distractions by having at hand only the materials needed for the current work in progress. PASS

#2 – Concentrate on writing the first draft of my romance novel. Disconnect internet. Bum-in-seat and get those elusive words written. NO more procrastinating! (This novel isn’t going to write itself) FAIL – Considering I worked less during the year and acquired more time for writing, I absolutely excelled at procrastinating. I didn’t disconnect the internet as much as I should have. And, although I worked on my first draft, it wasn’t altogether productive, and I’m still a LONG way from writing ‘the end.’

#3 – Write a daily minimum of 500 words. FAIL – I did write, but  not regularly. 

#4 – Become more active in my critique group ~ Networking: I must NOT confuse social media with procrastination. FAIL – My critique group which was organised via the RWA group, didn’t eventuate.

#5 – Take a writing class and/or attend a writer’s conference. PASS – I attended Swancon, and took on Kim Wilkins’ ‘Year of the Novel.’ Although, the course is halfway through, I’ve fallen behind since my European holiday.

My Writing & Personal GOALS for 2012

#1 – Write everyday!

#2 – Read a craft book, and a book from a new author each month.

#3 – Read more books in the ‘outback’ romance genre.

#4 – Finish the first draft for my romance novel ‘Once Around’ by 30^th June.

#5 – Catch up and complete my ‘Year of the Novel’ course.

#6 – Seek out and join an active critique group.

#7 – Focus on my well-being. Eat healthier and start walking.

#8 – Think more positively in all aspects of my life, and STOP procrastinating.

#9 – Start a 2012 ‘Christmas’ Fund, ‘Holiday’ Fund and a new ‘Car’ Fund.

Now, let’s see if I can do better at achieving my goals this year.

Here’s wishing everyone a happy, and successful year ahead.

It’s Christmas Eve

It’s Christmas Eve!

For me, that can only mean one thing. I’m yet another year older and wiser.

It’s been nearly four months since my last blog post, although I didn’t plan to be away this long. What happened, you may ask? Well, I did, in fact, return home from Europe on the 5th October full of renewed energy and inspiration. However, within the first week, REALITY hit me like a tonne of bricks. I lacked motivation, and morphed into a full-time procrastinator.

To say I was disappointed that my holiday came to an end, is an understatement. Believe me, the whole trip was such an amazing experience; so much so, I’ve been in a constant state of reminiscence ever since. The wonderful memories I collected during the five weeks abroad, will sustain me while planning my next trip.

I shall be blogging about my European adventures early in the New Year. So please stay tuned.

Nuytsia Floribunda Loranthaceae

One of my favourite Western Australian landscapes features the Bush Christmas tree. I know the festive season is near, when I begin to see these vivid yellow-orange flowers emerge around October.

Here in Oz, Christmas falls within the first month of summer. Even though it is HOT, I still cook a traditional lunchtime roast with all the trimmings; while Christmas Carols play in the background to the tune of Boney M, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé.

What I enjoy most is having my loving family home to share the celebrations.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

Love,

Carol x

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Today, I’m ever so excited. After months of planning and organising; reading about places, viewing pictures and endless talk . . . I’m leaving on a jet plane to Europe with my sister, Kate.

I’ve gone over my list a thousand times, yet I still feel like I’ve forgotten to pack something. Less is more! Right? Call me old fashioned if you want, but I grew up with the Girl Guides motto ‘be prepared.‘

This trip I’m taking my new iPad. It’s loaded with books (written and audio) music, movies, photos, notes, calendar planner and contacts. I’ve also packed the essentials: camera, travel diary, maps, Italian language guide, a notebook and notes on my novel’s work in progress. A WiFi connection may not be possible at times, so don’t panic if you don’t hear from me between now and the 4th October, 2011.

I’ll leave you with a little taste of my highlighted destinations.

Until we meet again . . . Arrivederci!

London ~ United Kingdom

Lake Garda ~ Italy

Verona ~ Italy

Venice ~ Italy

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Ubud, Bali

Remember . . . Life is short. If you’ve ever thought of taking a vacation, stop thinking about it and just do it…before it’s too late. You too, could have the time of your life!

Family

I love sharing my life with my father, Charles and sister, Kate.

This photo is my absolute favourite. It was taken at Pleasure Beach, Blackpool in 2005 while they were on holiday in the United Kingdom. Six years have passed since then, and I’m happy to say our father is still with us. He’ll be 89 this September. God bless him!

Eat Pray Love

We all need something to look forward to in life . . .

Travel Diary

My greatest joy in life (apart from family) comes from travelling. It doesn’t matter if it’s local or abroad, just as long as it’s away from the humdrum of everyday life.

In four weeks, I’ll be jet setting to Europe with my big sister, Kate. Together we’ve planned our very own Eat Pray Love adventure, travelling around London, Italy and Bali. During this time, I’ll also be doing research for my debut novel – Once Around.

To say we’re excited would be an understatement . . .

We begin our trip taking in all the tourist sites of London, including two live shows: Ghost at the Piccadilly Theatre and Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace. After which, we’ll spend time in and around Birmingham with Kate’s lovely friend, David, before embarking on our 11 day Lake Garda Grandeur coach tour to Northern Italy.

We are so looking forward to visiting Lake Garda, the Dolomites, the romantic city of Venice, and Verona, where the film Letters to Juliet was set.

It’s going to be absolutely fabulous, and I’m sure we’ll be sad to say Arrivederci to Italy when it’s all over.

When we arrive back in UK, we’ll return to Birmingham and spend roughly a week touring, while visiting friends in Derby, and family in Manchester.

The final leg of our trip will end with a relaxing four night stay in Bali, and a one night stop in Singapore, before arriving home on the 4th October.

What are the things you’re looking forward to?

Life’s Good

Life’s Good . . . when I’m here in my happy place.

My new writing space has been operational for the past couple of weeks. This is the core of my being, where I scribble my most inner thoughts, learn the writing craft and pen my debut novel. And, drink endless cups of tea . . .

All I need now is a nice comfy chair to read in. I’m thinking of one of those bucket types. Red. Yes, I like red.

Oh! And, I’m still waiting for dear hubby to install a couple of glass panel doors to the existing frame (this could take awhile…sigh!)

Feel free to share your ‘Life’s Good’ moment.

Sunday Photo Challenge #20

Here’s the 20th post for my photography challenge.

This photo was taken at Araluen Botanical Park, Roleystone, Western Australia.

The best time to visit this beautiful park is in Spring, when the vibrant annual display of tulips are in full bloom. They provide a dazzling, colourful backdrop for trekking, picnics and family fun.

Rupert Bear

It’s truly amazing what books you find hidden in bookshelves.

Upon visiting my sister, Kate, I discovered an English 1958 Annual book of Rupert. It did indeed bring back memories of our childhood. The comic strip format has the most beautiful, colourful illustrations…and wonderful text.

Originally, Rupert started out as a cartoon for the ‘Daily Express’ newspaper. And, after gaining a huge following, he became a comic strip; followed by a series of books (Annuals) which were released each year.

Rupert Bear is immensely collectable today and in particular the early Annuals are very sought after.

I can’t wait to hit London in September and visit all those quaint little book stores. Hopefully, I’ll find a treasure or two.

The Story of Rupert Bear

Rupert Bear was created in 1920, although the first Rupert Annual wasn’t published until 1936. His creator, Mary Caldwell, was born in 1874 into a very artistic family. She married in her early 20′s. Her husband, Herbert Tourtel, was the editor of the ‘Daily Express’ newspaper, and wrote the verses which appeared with the drawings. Failing eyesight forced Mary to retire in 1935. She died in 1948 aged 74.

When Alfred Bestall became Mary’s successor, he changed the colour of Rupert’s jumper from blue to red. And, in 1973 due to inking expenses, Rupert was given a white face instead of the customary brown face. There were many letters of protest and in 1974, Rupert re-appeared with a brown face. Alfred Bestall died in 1986 aged 93.

Rupert still lives on to this day . . .

Were the books you read as a child, as memorable as Rupert?

Sunday Photo Challenge #19

Frenchman Bay, Albany ~ Western Australia

Here’s the 19th post for my photography challenge.

Frenchman Bay is located on the southern side of King George Sound, and is part of the Rainbow Coast. It’s a popular tourist destination for whale watching and if you’re into scuba-diving, there’s the wreck of HMAS Perth to explore.

Sunday Photo Challenge #18

Here is the 18th post for my photography challenge.

Animals make great photo subjects. This beautiful feline is our two and a half year old ragdoll cross, named Jinx. During the day, she sits either on my office window sill, watching the world go by; or she demands attention by laying upon the paperwork on my desk.

Sunday Photo Challenge #17

Here’s the 17th post for my photography challenge.

This is just one of the amazing islands spread throughout Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, Thailand. It’s certainly not the biggest monolith in the world, but it sure is pretty.

Phuket ~ Thailand

Highlights of Phuket, Thailand ~ 2 May – 11 May

We suffered a lengthy wait at Perth International Airport on ‘standby’ before hubby and I finally arrived at our Club Med Resort . . . a day late! Somehow, I managed to get the departure date wrong. Doh!!! Still, late is better than never in my book, and it wasn’t long before we slipped into holiday mode.

Our tour to the Elephant Safari Park, began in an ‘hold-on-to-your-seat-and-hat’ kind of jeep ride. First we visited ‘Wat Chalong’, Phuket’s biggest Buddhist temple. Then we jumped into an ox drawn carriage, where we were taken to the elephant station. When it was our turn, we clambered aboard. Even with the extra 150kg, the elephant sauntered off with ease along a worn trail. It was a rather bumpy ride and a little scary…but it was fun! This was followed by a Thai cooking demonstration, monkey show and baby elephant show.

We discovered Phang Nga Bay sailing aboard an old Junk, and enjoyed the panoramic view of countless islands. We transferred to a long-tail boat, where we viewed Khao Ping Gan Island (famously known as James Bond Island). We then passed through a grotto cave and along a mangrove forest to visit the amazing gypsy village of Koh Panyee.

It was Phuket’s version of Venice. There were many buildings, including an amazing school. The people here live a relaxed life in a close knit community. They survive on tourism, selling souvenirs, clothes, food and much more. Before we knew it, it was time to return to the Junk for a Thai-style buffet. We set about selecting our food, when suddenly a water hose blew with an almighty bang. There we were, safe…but stranded. While we waited for another Junk to tow us back to the wharf, we had a dip in the beautiful calm bay.

We visited many temples. Our two favourites were Wat Sawan Kuha Temple, which housed a large reclining Buddha inside a huge cave. And, The Goddess of Mercy and Buddha at the top of the Lost Valley, both of which are enthroned above the jungle. The view was absolutely breathtaking and the temple here was amazing.

We also attended the very popular ‘Fantasea Show’. This was a grand scale production which portrays a mythical odyssey through Thailand’s legendary stories behind how Thai people came to be. This one-hour-long show was a beautiful collaboration of traditional Thai dance, music, elaborate costume with elements of magical illusion, aerial ballet, acrobatic, special effects and animal shows with more than 15 elephants on stage.

Overall, we had an enjoyable break. There was so much to see and do in Phuket, that we shall plan on continuing our journey next year.  But for now, it’s back to the grind, and time to plan our next holiday . . .

Sunday Photo Challenge #16

Here’s the 16th post for my photography challenge.

On my recent trip to Phuket, I was absolutely gobsmacked at the state of their power lines. These electrical cables on route 4233 show you what I mean. Obviously safety isn’t an issue here. When you add the element of tropical weather, it’s a mere wonder the Island has power at all.

Sunday Photo Challenge #15

June Bahtra 1

Here’s the 15th post for my photography challenge.

The most relaxing way to see the beautiful panoramic scenery of Phang Nga Bay, Phuket, is aboard an old Junk.

Writerly Update…

Every writer’s goal is to grow . . .

Now, if I were 20 or 30 something . . . or even 40 something, I wouldn’t be so concerned about fulfilling my ‘bucket list’ or having enough time to grow as a writer. Reality can strike a hard blow and when I look back, I know that lack of discipline and procrastination are the key factors why I haven’t progressed very far with my novel. And, I know if I don’t put some time management strategies into place and advance on learning the writing craft, I’ll never reach my goal of becoming a published author.

I found a recent holiday to Thailand very inspiring, and I’ve made some new goals for the second half of the year:

I declare to work less and acquire more time: I have a *burning* desire to write…not work. If I structure my partnership correctly, our business will provide financial backup whether I work or not.

Read more:  Writers know that to write well, you must read, read, read. I have approximately 100 books (non-fiction and fiction) on my bookshelf, begging to be read. From this day, I plan to set aside time to read; at least, one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening.

Learn more about the Writing craft: I’ve recently signed up for ‘Kim Wilkins‘ Year of the Novel‘ which is being led by author Christine Bongers. This course starts on the 6 June, 2011. It’s a year-long course of 26 fortnightly sessions. One of the key elements of this kind of online learning is to focus on developing my expertise and ability to write, and it will guide me through the process of writing my novel.

I’m about to get out of my comfort zone and take a giant leap of faith. It’s a huge commitment, but I’m sure it will give me the knowledge and the discipline I need to continue on my writing journey – and to be able to reach my goal of writing those two little words ‘The End’.