Careful What You Wish For

The other day I whispered these words: 'Sometimes I wish Abbey would sit quietly on my knee and cuddle me'.

I was feeling sad thinking of all the children who have sat with me and cuddled. Those who have fallen asleep as they snuggled up to me - my younger brother, my nieces and nephews, even friends' children.

But not my own daughter.

Abbey will run and play all day and all night, until we insist on her sleeping. She will not stop voluntarily.

She never has.

If she needs help sleeping and I give her a cuddle, she will push me away. She will scream and scream before giving in.

She has always done that.

The one thing that makes me insanely jealous is seeing a baby or a toddler calmly sitting or falling asleep in their parents' arms.

The universe must have heard my whisper. Last week, Abbey was sick. She just had a virus, but it had her feeling tired and grumpy and clingy. She wanted me, and only me. If Steve offered to even read her a story, she cried and clung to me.

At last, I had my little girl sitting calmly with me all day. When she woke during the night, I cuddled her quietly back to sleep.

And guess what? I couldn't wait for things to return to normal.

I just wanted my active, independent little girl back. I wanted to see her run off confidently again, happy to spend time with anyone willing to play with her.

It was a gentle reminder: Be careful what you wish for.

Megan

Never Too Many Books

For as long as I can remember, my parents have had this discussion: when does one have enough books? Mum's answer was always 'never' - to make Mum happy all you have to do is give her a book, a cup of tea and some peace and quiet. Dad, on the other hand, isn't a big reader and he would see the piles and piles of books streaming off the bookshelf and all over the room. He built a bigger shelf, but soon that too was overflowing.

Because of this experience, I am insisting that part of our impending renovation is to include floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along each wall in our new study. And, luckily for me, I married a man who loves reading (almost) as much as I (or perhaps this isn't so great; he'll be using up valuable book space).

There is absolute agreement in this household that the answer to that question - when does one have enough books? - is NEVER EVER. Both for ourselves and Abbey.

At twenty months, Abbey already has quite a lot of books. She doesn't have a stack of toys, but books are bought by the bucket-load - and we intend to maintain this order of priorities. Some of her books she loves now, others she will grow into; adding to her collection is something I love doing.

So this may give you some insight into my excitement at receiving a pile of packages from The Book Depository yesterday, containing these treasures...

Two that are immediate favourites

A couple to put aside for years to come

Just one word: wow.

Three of these books have already been featured by Tania on Kids Book Review (Wolves, To The Top End and Leaf) and the other two I have already written up and will post there soon!

What do you think - can you ever have enough books?

Megan

Love My House

We are soon to embark on a big renovation. Not only are we adding onto the front of the house, we are also changing all but one of the existing rooms. Walls will be knocked down, bathrooms will be moved, more space added - it will be a big, messy affair. We essentially love where we live, but we want to change some of the things we don't like and make the most of the best features of the block and the house.

The whole planning process has been going for over a year now and I'm getting a bit impatient. There are times I have been ready to just sell and move into a house that is already perfect for us. Just one problem: there are no such houses for sale in the area.

So, to help me become more excited about it again, I'm going to share with you some of the things I love about our place...

Herb garden; Autumn colours

My favourite flowers: irises and camelias

We are surrounded by amazing gum trees where the owls nest; the yellow Wisteria bought for me for my 21st birthday - the size of it makes me feel a bit old these days

The little seat a friend made for Abbey out of a log from a tree we had to chop down; Plenty of open space for Abbey to run around and explore

Our beautiful cedar boards that we worked so hard to restore (they were painted mission brown when we bought the house); our big back decking overlooking the garden

The kitchen

Megan

The Customer Is Always... Rude?

"You are the rudest customer I have ever seen" - not exactly what I expected to hear when I went to pick up a parcel from the post office.

I, of course, had a very mature and clever response ready for such a situation: "Well, you are the rudest person I've ever been served by!" Ha. Take that, angry little post office man.

The picking up of a small parcel had clearly spiralled out of control. I had passed him the little slip that had been left at my door and he searched for the item. He took a few minutes to find it and, when he did, he brought it back over to the counter and looked at me disapprovingly. "A book," he observed. "You should have told me it was a book, and I would have found it more quickly."

"You never asked me what it was," I said. "If you wanted to know, you should have asked me." I thought that was a valid point, but he began muttering under his breath and shaking his head. So, I signed for the parcel and put the pen down firmly as I said, "I certainly did not expect to be told off like this when I came to pick something up," and I grabbed my book.

But he took hold of the other end and snatched it back from me, saying he was yet to scan it into the computer system. Again, I suggested that perhaps he should have told me that rather than snatching it. He wasn't too happy, and that was when he brought out the 'rude' line.

What a ridiculous drama. And all with a man who once asked me whether my child is a boy or a girl, when she was wearing a dress and hot pink tights (i.e. not the sharpest tool in the shed).

But it did lead me to think back to my time in customer service, and stories from others I know who work with the public. I remember a man my Mum used to work for had a saying: "There are only two customer service rules. Rule number one - the customer is always right. Rule number two - if the customer is wrong, refer to rule number one.' There was no rule number three - get into a shouting match.

I am generally quite a relaxed customer. I certainly don't expect to be right all the time or treated like a princess or anything. What I do expect is to be spoken to politely. But a hint of rudeness, a condescending tone or being told off for something are all things that act as a red rag to a bull for me. Do any of those things and I turn into The Customer From Hell.

I have been known to yell down the phone to banks and telecommunications providers (my angry phone calls were infamous at my old job, a fact that I'm not terribly proud of), tell off car salesmen (but really, who hasn't done that?) and just recently I gave the washing machine company such a hard time that they fixed my machine for free (it was only six months out of warranty and I was not happy).

How about you? Are you a demanding customer? Or do you tend to just let things slide?

Megan

Hump Day Happiness

Today I am joining in with Naomi's Hump Day Happiness post over at Under the Yardarm, where all the things that have made us smile this week come to the fore...

This is great timing, because I need a little cheering up. I've not had a good week so far. Nothing has gone drastically wrong; I just don't feel upbeat and positive. I think it's because our holiday is nearly upon us, our house extension is about to happen, I'll be turning 30 in a few weeks and I have two manuscripts with publishers.

I know - poor me having all these things to look forward to - but I really suck at waiting, and I often get a bit down when nothing is happening right NOW.

To make matters worse, Abbey is grumpy this week too. She's been a bit sick, so she's clingy, tired and just struggling. She also had the worst tantrum this morning, so I am now sitting here ignoring her. Yep, I'm setting a great example for maturity.

Anyway, they are the reasons I need some cheer... and here are the things making me smile this week:

Steve coming home from a weekend away. It's true, absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Having breakfast and a long chat with a friend on Sunday.

Playing in the treetops for my niece's birthday party at a high ropes course.

Having hope, for so many things.

Megan

Hello Whoever You Are

Sometimes I wish I could communicate with other drivers - not via a bumper sticker or a wave, I mean really tell them what I think. Like this:

Hello Whoever You Are,


I can see that you are frustrated at driving behind me. I know that you would rather be in front, but right now there is nothing I can do about this situation. In the meantime, let me tell you a few things.


Firstly, I am not a slow driver and chances are that I am sneaking over the speed limit anyway, so I must ask why you feel the need to drive so closely behind me.


Secondly, your stress and rush do not affect me. Once, in a previous life, it would have. I'd have been braking slightly, to annoy you, and perhaps gesturing and glaring at you in my rear vision mirror. But, since having my child, I cannot be bothered with your anger. I do not wish to put her at risk over some ridiculous road rage. My new approach is one where, at the first available opportunity, I will pull over to let you past, so that both of us are happy and a little less stressed. So, please, just wait a few minutes.


And finally, please try to remember I have a child in the backseat, or if she is not here with me at this moment I need to make it home to her and my husband in one piece. I have a life to live and I would appreciate it if you'd just let me get on with it.


At my own pace.


Megan

We Play - Imaginary Games

Today I'm linking up with Childhood 101's We Play - where ideas for playtime with kids are shared.

Last week, my niece (Miss C, almost 3 years old) spent an afternoon with my daughter (20 months) and I. We read lots of books, sang songs, drew and baked, but when Miss C declared that she wanted to play a game, I had to stop and think. My little girl, Abbey, is too young for board games and the like, so we don't have any in the house and I drew a blank as to what else we could play.

Luckily, Miss C came up with another idea: 'Let's do fairy dances, Aunty Megan!' she said. So we danced and twirled and then, when we were tired and dizzy, we sat down on two chairs that happened to be out in the lounge room. I had a flash of my childhood games and put one chair in front of the other (as in the picture above, with Miss C waiting patiently there) - and we spent ages playing imaginary games.

The chairs became a car, with me as the driver in the front (illegally, I might add, allowing little Abbey to sit on my lap in the front seat - tut tut) and Miss C sat in the back laughing as we turned some very exaggerated corners, beeped the horn and went over bumpy roads. Then the chairs became a boat and we sang 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' as we sailed along.

It really is fun to act like a kid sometimes. Oh, and Abbey and Miss C had fun too...

Megan

Point And Shoot - In The Treetops

Yesterday, I spent an afternoon in the treetops. Yep, that's me in the green top (which annoyingly blends in with the leaves!) in this picture.


A new spot for tree adventures has recently opened in the area I live and my niece decided to have her tenth birthday party there. I took part in the high ropes courses as an adult helper, so my day was full of climbing, tightrope walks and flying foxes. It was so much fun; I could have quite happily hung around all day.

Megan

I Love Her Words

Hearing your child start to really find her voice is magical. 

My little Abbey, now 20 months, points to everything and either names it or looks at me questioningly. Then she will often attempt the new word.

When I get her out of bed in the morning, she reminds me where my nose, eyes, ears and shoulders are.

There are some words that only I can understand. I see the frustration on her face and her insistent use of a word when someone cannot understand her, and I love that I can translate.

If we have people over, or we go to someone else's house, she makes sure everyone knows that the oven, the fireplace, that cup of coffee and the toaster are all hot.

Sometimes she forgets to speak and just grunts as she points, so we remind her to use her words. I love seeing her face light up as she realises she knows how to ask for the things she wants.

When we go out, my beautiful girl says hello to everyone - she is definitely not the shy child I was.

She knows the houses in the neighbourhood that have dogs or chooks, and makes the appropriate noises as we walk past.

When we read, she will join in with the words she knows. She adds in a little 'roll over' when there are ten in the bed; the book that ends with being about 'me' is, to her, about 'Mum'.

She will point out trucks (except that she thinks they're all fire trucks - the result of spending lots of time around them, with her Dad being a volunteer firefighter), trains and buses as we drive along.

When we walk, she picks flowers and smells them, points out babies in prams and dogs out for a stroll. 

The world is an exciting place in a toddler's eyes. And I love that I learn to open my eyes and soak it all in with her around.


Megan

Note To Self

Sometimes we need little reminders...

Megan

Bloggers Without Makeup - Find Out More

The wonderful Jodie Ansted spoke on ABC Newcastle about Bloggers Without Makeup Day. It's a great interview, so if you're interested in learning more about how it started, the way it took off and the stories of those who joined in, click here to listen.

And, my goodness, it seems I played a very, very tiny part in the beginning of this idea - that blogger Jodie is talking about meeting up with is me! (Read about our catch up here). For the record, Jodie, I was worried about the same things, especially seeing as I was travelling and catching a ferry on a rough day along Sydney Harbour to meet you. I had comfy travelling clothes on, bare minimum makeup and hair thrown back quickly, and I felt a little nauseous from the ferry ride! - far from the nice picture I had up on my blog. And, Jodie, you looked gorgeous!

But none of it mattered; we chatted and talked away without even thinking of any of that. As friends do.


Megan

The Next Option

I drove up the Tourist Road on this foggy winter evening in the hills, feeling a little nervous. What was in store for me?

When I arrived at the house, I was led into a room - a chair opposite a desk, with a long chair next to it. I looked closely at the bookshelves and words such as 'herbs', 'natural', 'yoga' and 'acupuncture' jumped out at me.

I began to relax a little as I talked through my problems - Psoriasis and PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). He was deep in thought for a few minutes and my nerves returned. What if he couldn't do anything to help?

'Concentrated herbs,' he eventually declared. 'I will prescribe a special mix of herbs for you, because the tablets won't be strong enough. Acupuncture too. Does that sound okay?' I nodded. He is confident about fixing the PCOS; the psoriasis not so much. Then he told me to lie down on the long chair and began the acupuncture treatment straight away.

Three needles in each leg, one in each foot and one in each arm. I braced myself, but the needles didn't hurt as they went in, although some gave me a dull aching feeling until they settled in. As he came over to insert the needles into my arms, my stomach grumbled. Really, really loudly.

'Oops, sorry,' I said and laughed nervously.

'That's okay, I knew that would happen,' he replied. 'Those needles in your legs are actually in your stomach meridian.'

'Oh.' (For the purpose of writing this, I do wish I had thought of something deep and brilliant to say at that point, but I couldn't think of a thing).

By the time it was all over, it was dark outside. I drove back down the hill, now even foggier and colder, and I felt better. I felt like I was doing something to help myself.

Chinese medicine is the next stage of trying to fix my two big problems. The psoriasis is annoying, itchy and uncomfortable and I have tried all sorts of medicated options, plus a failed gluten free diet. The PCOS is something that can be patched up - I took medication in order to fall pregnant the first time - but I want to do things more naturally this time around, if possible. I want to find a solution to my problems, rather than quick fixes that just cover up the issues for a short period of time. And the Chinese herbs? Well, they are horrible and I gag every time I have to take them (dissolved in hot water, with a dash of honey to ease the revoltingness a little), but they are worth a shot.

I will be back up the hill for more acupuncture. Fighting my way through the fog, searching for the answer.


Megan

Fictional Names

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie, with a strange feeling that a character’s name just didn’t work?

The name of a fictional character is no accident. Naming an imaginary person can be almost as difficult as naming a real-life person, involving name books, internet searches for meanings and saying the name aloud and in different tones to ensure it sounds right.

The character’s name helps to form an image in the mind of its creator; for example, if a girl called Ebony teased you at school, you’re likely to think of that as your character’s enemy’s name. If your favourite boy’s name is Jack, you might use that for your book’s hero.

It is also important that the name conjures the same image in the minds of your readers. How do you ensure that? I don’t have the answers, unfortunately, but here are some of the do’s and don’ts for naming fictional beings, from other sources:

• A name gives a sense of the character’s personality, the plot of the story
• Nicknames can give us an insight into relationships between characters, by determining who uses which name. But if other names are not used well, having two names for one person can create confusion.
• Two characters with similar names, derivatives of the same name, or beginning with the same letter, can also create confusion.
• Sometimes a background character doesn’t even need to be named.
• It’s important to consider the origin of a name, its ethnicity and its meaning.

All this is worth keeping in mind as I work on my manuscript for a junior fiction novel. I have Roxy Jones, Mika, Nell, Bill and Lisa Jones. I wonder what hints you can gather from those names.

How Many Words?

My paternal grandfather had a saying: 'You are born with a certain amount of words. Once you use them up, you die'.

Not a very cheerful thought.

But it might explain why most members of my family don't waste words. We tend to speak when we have something worth saying (or that we think is worth saying - there is a difference!), and we fill the silences with laughter. I love that my family laughs a lot.

I like silence. I don't feel uncomfortable with gaps in conversation.

If by chance my grandfather was correct and we only have a certain number of words, I think I'm safe with my speech. But I can only hope that written words don't count. Because then I'm really in trouble.


Megan

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

I’ve read so many articles, pieces of advice and discussions by various writers and authors. The words vary greatly, some with specific advice and hints as to how to approach a writing career, others choosing to be more broad and admitting that different things work in different circumstances.

Either way, it is always interesting to hear how different writers approach their work.

Some are full-time writers, others write while their children are at school, many have other full- or part-time jobs and conduct their writing after hours and on weekends, and others have such limited time that they brainstorm all their ideas while doing other things and then write like crazy when they have a spare hour or two.

There are writers of children’s books, young adult fiction, non-fiction for any age, adult novels, chick-lit, romance, adventure, mysteries, fantasy, science fiction, thrillers… the list goes on. But you name a piece of advice written by someone who lives the writing life and I’ll read it; it’s intriguing to see different perspectives on a career path you want to forge. You can never have too many tips and, as with anything, some are useful while others are less so, but all are worth considering.

Despite all these differences in opinion by so many various people, there is one thing they all have in common (other than writing, of course!): you will never, ever hear a writer say that they have just enough hours in each day.

Never.

Whether they write full-time or are doing it in borrowed time after taking care of other things, I am yet to come across a writer who would knock back an extra hour or two each day. Or even an additional day or two each week.

There is always more to be written. More ideas to be put into words. Different books to write, articles to pen, networking to be done, marketing, publicising and interviews to be undertaken.

Although I have yet to experience much of this, I do have the issue of a non-stop mind that is overflowing with ideas. More hours would be more than welcome to help me fit in all the words I want to get out, but then again, would that even be enough? Or would I always be greedy for more, more, more?

I think I know the answer to that one.

Self-Confident? ME?

Last week's Bloggers Without Makeup Day was an enormous success. At last count, there were over 170 participants (see them all linked up on Jodie's blog) as well as other non-bloggers changing their Twitter profile pictures. It was even mentioned on the US Today Show!

It brought out a feeling of excitement - we couldn't wait to share our photos and see everyone else's - and absolute positivity. No one was nasty or negative; it was a group of supportive people who loved how beautiful everyone looked when they let their inner beauty shine through without a mask blocking any part of it. And it was a brave move for many people; some mentioned they never even let their closest friends see them without makeup, yet there they were revealing themselves to hundreds of others. And I think they were pleasantly surprised.

There have been a couple of articles written about the reasons behind its success here and here - both well worth a read.

Here at Writing Out Loud, I was astounded with the number of comments I received, all telling me I looked great (when I next need an ego boost, I'll be heading straight back to those comments!). So, firstly, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who was so lovely to me. 

But what I want to talk about today is one resounding phrase that was used to describe me. Many of the commenters agreed about one thing: 'You have this real self-confidence, Megan'.

I have to say, I was shocked at that thought. Self-confident? ME? That is one phrase I would never use to describe myself. 

Self-confidence is one of those things that so many people, myself included, aspire to. And my lovely commenters have made me realise something: maybe I'm there. Or, at least, closer. Let me share with you how I got to where I am...

I was a painfully shy child. I would rather sit with my Mum and Dad than play with other kids, in case I wasn't 'good enough' to play their games. I was teased a lot right throughout school, so I tried to keep a low profile and not make myself noticed. Sometimes you can't help but believe what your peers tell you, and when that message is that you are not worth their time, it reflects in your personality. 

Then, at the age of 20, I began working at a place I would end up staying for nine years, until I quit after having Abbey. I worked as a Receptionist and ended up in Human Resources (to cut a very long story short). My job involved me taking charge, speaking to strangers all the time, presenting to the owners of the business and some other very intimidating people, conducting interviews for everyone from apprentices to senior managers. 

This is where I learnt to act. I knew that to succeed in business, I had to give myself an air of confidence. It wasn't easy; every time I picked up the phone or headed into the boardroom, and especially when I conducted any interviews, I was nervous. My heart would race and I felt like running in the other direction, but I had to remind myself that I could do it, that my ambition depended upon this moment. I couldn't feel confident, so I put up an act instead.

I think that if you put up an act for long enough, you can even manage to convince yourself. I reached the point where people would tell me they were impressed with the way I presented myself - looking straight into their eyes, with a smile and a handshake. I've stuck with that and now, when I meet new people socially, I'm happy to initiate conversations and have a chat. 

Maybe it's time to believe that I've reached a good point, where I am comfortable with who I am and I'm not too fussed what people think*.

So, Jodie, thank you for giving me the chance to realise this. xx

(*Disclaimer - MOST of the time, that is; surely everyone has their moments).


Megan

This Is Me

Today I'm participating in this fantastic idea - Bloggers Without Makeup. The brainchild of the always wonderful Jodie at Mummy Mayhem, this is a way to rid ourselves of the ultra-posed, made up and glamorous shots on our blogs and Twitter. For a day, anyway.

It's time to say: This Is Me.

I have to say, I don't wear much makeup even on the best of occasions. I'm light on the foundation, even opting for tinted moisturiser more often than not these days. If I really feel like being dolled up, I'll add some mascara, a little eyeliner and eyeshadow, and maybe some concealer under my eyes. I'm not a big lipstick fan so I'd usually just go for some clear lip gloss.

But, as a stay-at-home mum slash work-from-home-mum slash budding writer, there isn't much call for makeup most days. There isn't even a real need for brushing my hair and I often just throw it back in a quick ponytail if I'm not going anywhere.

But this is is me as I give my husband a kiss when he comes home from work. This is me as I play with my daughter. This is me when friends drop by to say hi. This is me as I am most days.

PS - head over to Jodie's blog for the links to all the other participants - the support for this idea has been truly overwhelming; Jodie has really struck a chord with a lot of women.


Megan

Distraction

It’s easier than ever before to be distracted. Not only do I have my toddler around when I’m writing most of the time (see this post), I also have internet connection. And I am a bit of a social networking addict.

Facebook and Twitter sit there, mocking me as I write, teasing me with the possibility of new and interesting updates from my friends.

Facebook contains status updates that I want to comment on, messages I simply must read and respond to immediately and a quick turn in a few online Scrabble games.

Twitter, in particular, is a nasty one, though. It has constant updates that I want to respond to, links to articles and blogs that I want to read (I’ll just read this one quickly, then I’ll comment, and by the time I return to Twitter there is another link which I’ll just read quickly, then…) and conversations to be involved in.

Then, of course, there is email. My problem with email is that if I can see a message sitting there, I have to read it. I’m too curious (read: sticky-beakish) to ignore it. And this means I can’t just close down my email program – I mean, I might miss something important. My other problem is that once I read it, I have to respond, because if I don’t I put it out of my mind and forget to do anything about it. Sometimes I won’t respond to friends for weeks on end, simply because I’ve read the email, thought about what I want to say and filed it away in the deep dark depths of my brain, only to emerge again weeks later when I’m cleaning out my inbox and… whoops.

All of this can turn the least likely victim of procrastination (me) into someone who turns every partially stumped idea into an opportunity to do something else.

It is all a matter of self-control, of which I sometimes have none. At times I manage to take away every distraction by going to my parents-in-law’s house and parking myself in their spare room to write while they play with the toddler. Most of the time, though, anyone who uses any form of social networking just has to manage their time extra carefully.

But it’s a wonder I get anything at all done, really.

Dear Daytime Nap...

Dear Daytime Nap,

As you may recall, we first became acquainted when my daughter was born some nineteen months ago. Back then, you visited us several times each day, restoring energy to a little person who could only manage to resist your temptations for short bursts at a time.

As she grew older, you came less and less. Every few months, you would surprise us by coming one less time during the day, leaving us trying to summon you, with no luck.

During those early days (and I hope you will not be too offended, dear Daytime Nap), I rejoiced each time you decided to come along less. You must remember how my daughter screamed and screamed when you visited, trying to defy the will to close her eyes. This drained me and made me upset too, as I held her in my arms, put her in her cot, in my bed; did anything to convince her to welcome you.

As you know, she never did want you around. She would not consider you amongst her friends. I do apologise for her hostility towards you. And, too, mine over that time.

I can see, now, that you were doing us a favour. You came calling in your friendly, gentle manner, yet we made life difficult for you.

As she grew and you began to visit only once a day, we settled into a routine of sorts. My daughter began to accept that you were a part of life and things became easier. Although she still didn’t welcome you with open arms, or closed eyes as it were, I myself came to be fond of you.

You gave my darling girl a chance to recharge, ready for a long afternoon of playing and running around.

While you were here for a couple of hours each day, I could sort things and clean up without having everything rearranged by a toddler. I ate lunch without small hands swiftly swooping over my plate, transferring my food into another’s mouth. A mouth turned upwards in a cheeky grin. I made phone calls uninterrupted, responded to messages and used my computer without fear of grimy food-covered fingers covering the screen and pushing buttons.

And now, dearest Daytime Nap, you have decided to leave us. As quickly as I became accustomed to your company, so you leave our household. This saddens me. I thought you would stay longer than nineteen months.

I must try to remember that you are now helping another household, one more weary little person and frazzled mother.

Darling Daytime Nap, we shall miss you. Please take care.

Yours,

Megan  xx

The Overland Track

Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the first big hike I ever did. Why? Just because I feel like it.

Back in 2005, Steve and I walked the Overland Track in the Tasmanian wilderness. Steve had always wanted to do it and I had told him he'd have to do it with some mates; there was no way I'd ever be able to do something like that. Then, in late 2004, we saw a story about it on television and I blurted out, 'We should do that. Yep, actually we're going to. I'm going to get super fit and do that hike with you'. You see, although I'm a Melbourne girl, Tasmania is my second home (as both my parents were brought up there). I thought it would be a great way to see more of the state. We started planning it straight away. 

Over the next few months, the two of us spent every spare moment walking. In particular, we set aside each Sunday to do a full day walk and, towards the end, we did this with our packs to get used to the weight. We didn't go anywhere different to prepare ourselves, as we're fortunate to live in a hilly area that gave us lots of different terrain to practice on.

We also had to give some thought to food. We tried a few things and planned out our meals for each day, taking packets of freeze-dried meals and lots of energy snacks like nuts and sultanas (and a little bit of chocolate, of course!). Sleeping along the track was in huts, alongside other hikers - far from glamourous, but it beat setting up the tent each night (although we took a small hiking tent with us in case the huts were full, we avoided using the extra energy of setting it up).

Here it is - 100km (including a few side trips), from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, over four days. An amazing part of the world:

And we're off... (we were disappointed at the boardwalks but it wasn't like this after the first little bit)

The stunning Cradle Mountain (a big panorama of this shot is up on our lounge room wall)

Sunset at the end of Day 1

Me - a little tired - and it's only Day 2

Mountain Scenery

We were constantly amazed at the changing environment

Day 3 sidetrip: a climb to the top of Mt Ossa, the highest point in Tasmania. I was very close to not doing this, as I was so sore, but I decided to at the last minute - and it was oh so worth it.

Sunrise on our final day. This is the view from the final hut we stayed in - right on the banks of Lake St Clair.

The final stretch - walking around the lake. There is an option to cut out the last 15kms by taking a boat across the lake, but why would you want to miss this? (Not to mention that it's also the easiest, flattest part!)

The end! Yes, that was a long-awaited beer that Steve enjoyed, despite a 10am finish.

Completing a hike like this is an amazing experience that leaves you with a feeling you can do anything. It also leaves you with knees that won't let you even walk to the letterbox once you arrive home, but that's another story.

Megan

Book Reviews?

The other side of my writing life is conducting book reviews. Currently, this involves kids’ books (for Tania McCartney’s website, Kids Book Review) from picture books to young adult novels, but it will soon expand to adult fiction and non-fiction for another website – stay posted.

It’s a surprise to me that I enjoy doing this so much. I had never thought of reviewing books until I ‘met’ Tania and she suggested I submit some reviews for her site. But as soon as I began writing my first one, I knew I was hooked.

I’ve spoken before about my passion for reading children’s books, and books in general, but it took me a little while to realise what I enjoyed about reviewing them. And here it is: it’s writing about something I love, something I find interesting. Each book is so different, with new things to like and dislike, new topics and themes to explore, reasons to enjoy reading. Sometimes there are surprises, when you thought you’d like a book and give it a great review and you’re disappointed. And vice versa.

The other thing I love about reviews is the opportunity to really think about a book I’ve read. So often we read books, then straight away toss them aside and open the next one. Reviewing a book involves flicking back through it, perhaps taking notes of interesting thoughts as you read, and really reflecting on what you loved about it and what you didn’t think so much of. Most importantly, it’s a chance to think over why you liked what you liked.

Sometimes this can mean you enjoyed a book but something was stopping you from loving it. What was it? That one thing that’s holding you back? With a children’s book, it might be that the text was brilliant, but the illustrations didn’t catch you. It could also be that I love a picture book, but my daughter or other kids in my life didn’t find it the least bit interesting (and this has happened on a few occasions). If it doesn’t appeal to its target audience, then I guess it can’t be so great.

And, lastly, as an aspiring author, it’s invaluable to have this motivation to really think about these aspects of a book. It helps me figure out what I do and don’t want to do with my books.

I’m learning all the time.

Event: Bloggers Without Makeup

This Friday, 14th May, is a big event just announced in the Blogosphere: Bloggers Without Makeup. We all demand for stars to show their true faces without makeup or retouching in Photoshop, so the blogging world has decided to put our money where our (un-lipsticked) mouths are.

Check out this post from the gorgeous Jodie at Mummy Mayhem for all the details.

I'll be joining in by posting a picture here and on my Twitter profile of me without makeup.

Come on, join in! We'd love to see YOU.


Megan

99 Presents

All-round lovely lady and blogger extraordinaire, Thea at Do I Really Wanna Blog? has set up this list. Play along if you want - all you have to do is copy this list of 99 presents, paste it into a new blog post and bold the things you want. No limits; this is your ultimate wish list!


Here are mine:


1. Slippers (nah, I only just bought some)
2. Pyjamas
3. Chocolates (you can buy me chocolates ANY time you like)
4. Flowers
5. Wii Fit
6. Shoes (I haven't bought new shoes in SOOOO long. This might have something to do with the fact that I hardly ever even wear shoes anymore, as I'm home all the time.)
7. Clothes (Ditto above - although I do wear clothes when I'm not wearing shoes, it's mostly jeans and trackies)
8. Gift voucher (The gift of shopping - yes please)
9. Camera (I have a good one but I'm eyeing off a new one)
10. Cook Book
11. Perfume
12. Handbag
13. Book/s 
14. Music/CDs
15. Sports clothes
16. Make-up (I hardly ever wear this anymore either!)
17. Skin care products
18. Soap
19. Lingerie
20. Iron (Buy me an iron and I can't be held responsible for what I do with it)
21. Foot spa (Nah, just give me a foot rub every night instead... I don't ask for much do I?)
22. Massage (YES. My back is killing me.)
23. Vacuum cleaner (Ditto what I said for the iron)
24. Hair salon appointment (I haven't been to one in over a year; I NEED a haircut)
25. Hot air balloon ride (I've been but I'd go again)
26. Day out at theme park/zoo
27. Sewing machine (Bought one for myself and then never used it... oops)
28. Shopping bag
29. Bed linen
30. Scratchies
31. Garden tools (Me? Garden? Yeah right)
32. Ornaments
33. Luggage
34. New car (I don't need one but if you're offering...)
35. New house (YES, it would save having to extend and renovate)
36. Luxury holiday
37. Camping tent
38. Camping gear
39. Running shoes
40. Dinner out
41. Home cooked dinner by someone else
42. Breakfast in bed (I can't stand having breakfast in bed!)
43. Framed photos (I'm too picky; I'll do this myself)
44. Handmade gifts
45. Overseas holiday
46. Cruise
47. Kitchenwear
48. Pedicure
49. Sky diving
50. DVDs
51. Pushbike
52. Bottle of champagne (Thanks, I like Veuve and Bollinger...)
53. Jewellery
54. Glasswear
55. Bottle of wine (My wine tastes aren't quite as expensive as my champagne tastes)
56. Crystal
57. Painting/artwork
58. Tickets to the theatre
59. Tickets to the opera
60. Tickets to the movies (And a night of babysitting to go with it please)
61. Slow cooker
62. Treadmill
63. Island resort holiday
64. Gym membership
65. Whitegoods
66. Computer
67. i-Phone (I am very underprivileged; currently I can only use Twitter and Facebook when I'm home... oh, hang on, that's nearly all the time anyway...)
68. Magazine subscription
69. 12 months delivery of roses (Not a big fan of roses)
70. Mountain getaway
71. Mountain climbing trek (I haven't done a hike in ages!)
72. i-Pod (I really, really don't need one, but I love the little red ones...)
73. Mystery flight
74. Whale watching tour
75. Coffee mugs
76. Grand piano
77. Cleaner for a year
78. Pool
79. Ride in a racing car
80. Tattoo
81. Writing classes (Nah, I'm too nervous to go in case they tell me I'm rubbish!)
82. Singing lessons (If they're miracle workers)
83. Sunglasses
84. Watch
85. Fluffy towels (Only if they come with someone to wash and dry them so I can have a fresh one every day)
86. New furniture
87. Dressing gown
88. Prize home ticket
89. Prize home
90. Helicopter ride
91. Ducted air-conditioning in every room
92. An ironing lady
93. A maid
94. A nanny
95. A donation to a charity
96. Concert tickets
97. Photo book
98. A gardener (Don't need one, I have a green-thumbed husband)
99. Laptop (I love my Macbook, but could do with one that I don't have to share with Steve... What? This is a wishlist, right?)

Megan

Writer, Thy Mind Is Fickle

A writer’s mind can be a fickle creature. At least, that’s what I say to make myself feel better; I’m really not sure if it’s even true. But it sounds like something that I could get away with saying, doesn’t it? Doesn’t it?

I say this is as an attempt to make you think I’m just ‘doing what writers do’ when I alert you to the fact that I have made some changes to my ‘Current Projects’ page. I am still working on my big project – my secretive non-fiction series with Tania McCartney – but I had previously told you I was also working on some picture book manuscripts.

I changed my mind.

I wasn’t getting anywhere with my picture books. In short, the ideas dried up very quickly and, although I would love to return to that genre in the future, I’ve decided to move on for now. There are a couple of reasons behind this: one is a deep-seeded impatience, and the other is to avoid setting into a permanent state of so-called writer’s block.

Despite this, I have not given up on fiction. Oh no, because this is a big part of my writing dream.

At the moment I’m feeling drawn to junior fiction. I’m in love with books for the seven/eight to twelve years age group and so here I am, trying one out for myself.

I can’t tell you too much, but this time the reason is that I have no idea how this idea will turn out. I’m really not good at planning out a story, so I tend to see where it takes me, ideas flowing as I write. And my main character, a ten-year-old girl by the name of Roxy Jones, has me inspired to write, write, write.

As an added motivator I’m attempting to draft this manuscript really, really quickly. By the end of the month, in fact. Hopefully this means it keeps my attention and stops my mind from wandering.

Because a writer’s mind is fickle. Or is that just me?

At My House

This is my contribution to Buttons By Lou Lou's 'At My House' blog link-up.

Last week dragged. It was a week where we were at home more than usual (which is a heck of a lot), due to the mixture of cold weather and a teething daughter with a cold. It felt as though she was grumpy and clingy all week, which in turn put me on edge. It's nice to look back on the week's photos and remember that we actually had some great moments.

Abbey hosted a tea party for me, Dolly and Frosty the Teddy Bear

She grabbed her backpack and headed off for a morning at Nanna's house

I asked her the question, 'How much does Mummy love you?' and this was the answer (THIS much!)

And she gave me that big beautiful smile, before doing a funny march outside

Megan