I love that we can experience the changing seasons in our area. We’ve had two frosts this week and another one is forecast for tomorrow. Most deciduous trees have discarded their leaves although many are just hanging on, at least until the next winds blow. I’ve lost track of how many piles of leaves I’ve raked but there always seems to be more to take their place.
We are snug and have plenty to occupy ourselves indoors. Multiple quilt projects, a stack of library books and researching what to plant in various spots in my garden – all these projects will keep me busy.
Here are some of the things I’ve been reading in the past few weeks. I hope you find some of them interesting.
Researchers map ancient ‘superhighways’ used by first Australians
Fascinating research into the routes taken by the first humans to arrive on the Australian continent.
Lessons of Wiradjuri Dreamtime that are written in the stars are being passed down
How ancient astronomy and modern technology combine.
Australia’s hidden history of megadroughts captured in ancient tree rings
Wow!
How to use your backyard to improve your wellbeing
Slow down, observe and record: becoming an urban naturalist.
Why the dandelion blows away some plant collectors
The value of any plant is in the eyes of its beholder.
‘There’s no back-up copy’: Australian treasures are on the brink of destruction
‘The memory of the nation is at risk’ with National Archives desperate for funds
The National Archives of Australia is terribly underfunded by the Federal Government – the organisation that established them. Perhaps you’d like to become a member of the NAA or make a donation? You can do that here.
‘I believe in romance’: remembering Valerie Parv, the Australian author who sold 34 million books
I was sad to learn of the sudden death of Valerie Parv last month.
On creative burnout and some strategies to work around it
If you are feeling creative burnout, try one (or more) of these ideas.
The Shadow Man – a novel by Helen S Fields
The first stand-alone crime thriller by this author.
Transient Desires – a novel by Donna Leon
Number 30 in the Commissario Brunetti series. I keep coming back for more.
Your Inner Hedgehog – a novel by Alexander McCall Smith
Number 5 in the series about the ridiculous Professor Dr Dr Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld of the Institute of Romance Philology. So funny.
Spring Clean for the Peach Queen – a novel by Sasha Wasley
Feelgood with a happy ending.
Sorrow and Bliss – a novel by Meg Mason
Powerful and engrossing. Loved it.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what I’m reading, you can follow me on Goodreads.
Enjoy your weekend!