There is a library within the library at my university where I can go to read first editions of old, old books – among other treasures. You cannot browse here because the collection is hidden away. To look at them you must show identification and tell the guardian the name of… Read full post »

Plath in hand,

needle dangling from the vein.

The dull ache in my chest

shamed into silence

by a sweet, sharp sting.

(Just thought I'd pop in and say hello with something I jotted down on the back of a business card while donating… Read full post »

I have a problem here. For some reason people get upset when I attack them in the process of defending my heroe, Sos. He’s such a lovely gentleman. When I defend him to that Stellaa and her house that use all those big words, they accuse me of sleeping with… Read full post »

For the second time in two days, I’ve started a fire in my kitchen. Yesterday, while heating up some oil to fry some chips my oven caught fire. Apart from some blistered paint on the ceiling and smoke, everything turned out okay. I threw a couple of bowls of water on… Read full post »

I was so excited when I stumbled upon Open Salon. I know that people get upset when older members reminisce about 'how it used to be.' The reason that we do this is because it was so different, and - dare I say even though I know I will be fried… Read full post »

Life has a funny way of interrupting the little time that I have to concentrate on my writing. Some wonderful things have happened over the last couple of months and some terribly devastating things have come along right  behind them. That's life though, right? Anyway, apart from a comment here… Read full post »

The hands of the clock

Moving through molasses

Breaking the silence with a soft tick

loud enough to hurt .

Between each second a century-

A reminder of miles

that feel like light years

And may as well be

for all that they… Read full post »

On Thursday night (Australian time), someone broke into my home through a window in my dining room. Foolishly, I'd left it open a couple of inches for fresh air. My ex-husband has screwed these little things in place so that the front windows can't open too far as a result of… Read full post »

Some of you know that I went to see Rob Thomas on Sunday night. It was such a fabulously amusing evening that I had to try and convey some of it here.

 I received an email a few days before the event, telling patrons that due to the amount of… Read full post »

Last night I was sitting in my living room watching a movie. I had just put the kids to bed, everything was quiet except some noise from a party my neighbours were having. I've learned to tune that out, since it's such a regular occurance, which I've posted about… Read full post »

A sigh issued from my bloodless lips;
the stir of an eerie wind across your cheek.
The sudden chill on your skin,
my caress.

Separated by the veil between the dead and un-,
I restlessly await thee;
the space beside me empty and cold.

The rapture of love in life long gone,
distorted to shackles that b… Read full post »

Rachael Brady is an Australian soul roots singer who resides in the picturesque Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Her unique voice and emotional performances have earned her a place as one of the most exciting independent artists in her genre. A gifted lyricist, Rachael's p… Read full post »

You know that feeling,

the one where it seems like they're reaching into your soul

to steal whatever remnants lay there

stagnating.

It's never ending;

there isn't enough of you to please them

the good parts are long gone

and all you're left with is the dregs-

The ghost… Read full post »

From 1909 to 1969, it was the official policy of the Australian government to forcibly remove the mixed race children of single Aboriginal women - many of whom were conceived by rape. The children were placed in orphanages and with church welfare groups, until the '50's when placement with whi… Read full post »

I'm often surpised by how many people don't realise that Christmas in Australia is in the middle of Summer. A traditional Aussie Christmas (at least with the people I know), consists of a barbecued lunch with plenty of seafood, often at the beach. Very different from Christmas… Read full post »

What a great week this has been. For the past few months, Layla has been going to integration, which is one day a week in a mainstream school to get her prepared for transition from her special school - she has autism, for the newcomers. I'm so proud of her. The… Read full post »

I could watch you sleep for hours, just laying next to you and hoping that I play a part in your dreams. Your little hand peeks out of your pajama sleeve and is splayed across your pillow. I rest my cheek on it for a minute and close my eyes,… Read full post »

 A very naughty 250kg bottlenose dolphin is making waves at a New Zealand beach. Moko the dolphin became a tourist attraction on New Zealand’s North Island after he swam into a harbour and never left. This was all well and good ‘til about six months ago, when he began growing… Read full post »

I've been noticing with interest a few posts and comments attacking content here on Open Salon and opinions on what's deemed newsworthy, particularly in regards to Tiger Woods.

While I don't particularly care myself who or what Mr Woods has sexual relations with, if people want… Read full post »

Flying through the streets of Bondi on your motorbike. My arms wrapped tightly around your waist. Trusting you not to kill us both as we had one impossibly near miss after another. Inhaling the smell of your leather jacket as I buried my face in it.

 Watching as you pierced the… Read full post »

Dearest Rose,

 The six months since you and your children moved into the house next to mine has been quite a ride, hasn't it? Waking up to the sound of you screeching at your kids is so much more preferable than my old habit of setting the alarm clock. The profanity… Read full post »

 Nanna had offered to take the little girl off her parents hands for a few weeks so they could decide finally if the marriage was over. Nanna had heard first hand some of the screaming matches and she thought it was no place for a child. Her Nanna told… Read full post »

 Ashes and Snow is a photographic collection by Gregory Colbert. I love them not only for their beauty, but for their portrayal of the relationship between animals and humanity. They have such a soothing quality that I thought I'd share a few of them here for those who aren't familiar with… Read full post »

A new law that came into effect in March of this year is causing wide spread horror among philandering husbands and wives in Australia. The law, aimed primarily at recognising and granting legal privileges to same sex couples, also supports the rights of those in extramarital de-facto relationships.… Read full post »