First of the Month

IMG_20171201_075041 — Hopper Studios, Canada, and artwork by Sue Zipkin

When I was a kid we used to say “Pinch and punch for the first of the month” and I don’t know why. A lot of our practical jokes involved physical actions which resulted in the receiver going “Ow, ouch” and glaring fiercely while rubbing their arm.

This beautiful calendar art was created by Sue Zipkin, produced by Hopper Studios, and I will be sad to see it go. However, its final words are encouraging “Embrace Change”. How many of us will actually do that next year?

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” — Karen Lamb

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Portraits of Readers Part One

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Initially I was gathering images for a compilation to promote reading but, instead, my gallery became a montage of book-reading women and girls over the last two centuries, photographed, painted, and one carved in marble. With every viewing, the images reshuffle. A montage of book-reading men and boys can be found under Part Two.

Reading is rightness!

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Responsive

Gandhi Possessions

Mahatma Gandhi, Indian political and spiritual leader (1869-1948) said “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems” and “Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it” because who knows what is around the next bend…

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Elements of Literary Life

A humorous periodic table illustrating the highs and lows of a writer’s life. Word choices and re-writing seem to be part of it but if you are a genius with talent, you’ve got it made! I’ll stick with the hard work and dream my dreams.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Periodic Table of Elements of Literary Life — Literary Theme

Break Time

Peppermint Magazine Event

Quotable quote from Rebecca Jamieson, Brisbane editor of Peppermint magazine: “Skinny, fat, tall, short, smooth, bumpy, pretty, ugly, strong, weak – we all give ourselves far too many labels, when what we really need to give ourselves is a break”.

Forget labels, enjoy your life without a tag.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Simmering Manuscripts

My documentation is office-organised but my writing approach is organic. I will have four or five manuscripts simmering away then one will bubble to the top. That’s The One. I pursue it to the end. Sometimes those left simmering, sink to the bottom. Other times a new thought will be added and not even stirred into the mix, it will shine immediately and have my full attention.

You gotta love what you’re working on, right!

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward