The years my mother Evelyn served in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) during World War II were her most formative. They shaped the strong, determined, loving and capable person I came to know. Evelyn’s time in the WAAAF … Read More
I never knew my aunt, my mother’s sister. She died long before I was born. There are no photographs of her, so I can only imagine what she looked like. But I do have something that belonged to her. It’s … Read More
It was the beginning of October 1958. On Korčula Island the weather was cool, the sky clear and a gentle afternoon breeze was blowing. The ferry for the mainland was moored at the pier. An adventure was before us. At … Read More
Do you have a family Bible that has helped you discover more about your family history? Thankfully, I do. I possess a Bible that belonged to my great-grandmother. It dates from 1883. I knew from an early age that my … Read More
This story is about a sewing machine. An old treadle sewing machine. In fact, a sewing machine that’s nearly 120 years old! My story’s also about sewing, dressmaking and other sewing machines I have used and owned over the years. … Read More
Recently, I posted on Facebook a photograph of my great-grandparents’ house on their property “Mons”, Rannes, Central Queensland. To my surprise, the photograph generated a huge response, especially when I posted it on Vintage Queensland and Central Queensland Old Pictures … Read More
This story is a tribute to my late mother, Evelyn. It’s about my mother as a young woman, during the 1930s and 1940s, in the years before I was born. My story reveals a lively, courageous and competent young woman. … Read More
People we love and who have had a big influence in our lives: How do we honour them? What is the connection between Auntie Dulcie and the Bung-in Cake? Dulcie was a special aunt. She and her husband tried but were … Read More
This story, set in World War II, is about a mother’s love for her sons. As you will discover, this love inspired the title of my website and short story blog “Love in a little black diary”. It is said … Read More
Do you believe in coincidences? Some people say that out-of-the-ordinary unplanned events happen just by chance. Others say they are due to fate (whatever they mean by that). I have heard it said that they are “God-incidences”. What do you … Read More
When I was a little girl, my grandmother gave me a precious keepsake, one of her old postcards. It has a fabric insert, organza embroidered with the words “To my Sister”, richly embellished with dark pink roses and greenery. I … Read More
Joy came into my life when I was three. She was so pretty – fine features, blue eyes, clear olive complexion and long dark brown hair. She was dressed beautifully, in her white voile dress with hand-embroidered bodice and Peter … Read More
