Who could have imagined that ’Robyn's delightful, silver-spangled, ice-breaking memoir, ‘This (Beautiful...Bird Filled) Life’, could invite some of us back to a contemplation of 1980’s federal politics as Sussan and Andrew Peacock ‘strut their stuff’?
Andrew the Peacock 'strutting his stuff'
Robyn’s memoir touched so many of us that our ice-breaker conversations were difficult to contain.
Then it was Anne’s introduction. Do I read memoirs? Anne peppered us with images and quotations. Probably the most memorable for me were two from Helen’ Garner’s ‘Everywhere I look’.
Then it was Anne’s introduction. Do I read memoirs? Anne peppered us with images and quotations. Probably the most memorable for me were two from Helen’ Garner’s ‘Everywhere I look’.
Our Stories - "Influences: Someone who shaped me!"
Anne's image of herself is a whirling washing machine. A tangle of intertwining and conflicting influences reflecting and celebrating her uniqueness. Jenny's husband is the most significant influence who has taught her to ‘enjoy every day as it comes’ but now competing in significance is her eldest grandson who has significantly expanded Jenny’s daily reading habits.
Growing up at distance from her extended family, Carmyl in Tasmania met her Grandma no more than a dozen times. Yet on first visit, the love was instant. ‘Mother’ has a very special place in Carmyl’s heart and recipe book.
During the war years, Nan was Jan's primary carer. From a photo, we could see the similarities between Jan and her Nan.
Growing up at distance from her extended family, Carmyl in Tasmania met her Grandma no more than a dozen times. Yet on first visit, the love was instant. ‘Mother’ has a very special place in Carmyl’s heart and recipe book.
During the war years, Nan was Jan's primary carer. From a photo, we could see the similarities between Jan and her Nan.
Jan’s record of her Nan’s life, her skills and character, her determination and resilience suggest a truly impressive lineage. For Delfina, it was her absent father’s second wife who had the most profound influence on her. It was Flo who indirectly led Delfina into a lifetime of gathering and selling books. Aunt Barbara similarly has a very special place in Ruth's memory, sustaining his links with England.
At 32, John met Sally. An influence? ‘Sally is my best friend, and I am definitely a better person for knowing her.’ Thanks John.
Honesty and integrity were key values for Heather, reinforced by her parents. Her Aunt Edna’s free spirit though possibly helped her meet with courage, very challenging experiences later in her life. For Barry, his high-level clerical ability was identified early in his career and probably nurtured within him the confidence to aspire. He is yet to identify the source of this ‘inherited’ skill but the lifetime challenge seems to be ensure that is much more a blessing than a curse.
Due to the impact of WW2, Max's mum filled both parenting roles. As the years have progressed Max’s awareness of her impact on him deepens his love for her. Reading his description of her, it is obvious that Max carries much of her gifts and character within himself.
Ruth's grandparents and the depth of their relationship clearly taught Ruth much and her grandfather’s amazing resilience continues to inspire and influence her priorities. Ruth embodies his love of cooking and joy in Ruth. A violin soloist playing to grade 3 in the rugged isolation of Tasmania’s west coast inspired Jan's love of classical music. Vintage and heritage stringed instruments hold a particular appeal.
Finally, was Tom speaking tongue in cheek when he referenced a priest who described life as simply H M D (hatch, match and dispatch)? Which version of Neville's recounting of his ‘rubbing shoulders” with the Queen was the genuine article and which was the AI version? And which version of Merv's recounting of the meeting between Irina, ‘the Polish artist’, and himself was genuine? Does it really matter as both gleamed with romance and joy in the recounting.
At 32, John met Sally. An influence? ‘Sally is my best friend, and I am definitely a better person for knowing her.’ Thanks John.
Honesty and integrity were key values for Heather, reinforced by her parents. Her Aunt Edna’s free spirit though possibly helped her meet with courage, very challenging experiences later in her life. For Barry, his high-level clerical ability was identified early in his career and probably nurtured within him the confidence to aspire. He is yet to identify the source of this ‘inherited’ skill but the lifetime challenge seems to be ensure that is much more a blessing than a curse.
Due to the impact of WW2, Max's mum filled both parenting roles. As the years have progressed Max’s awareness of her impact on him deepens his love for her. Reading his description of her, it is obvious that Max carries much of her gifts and character within himself.
Ruth's grandparents and the depth of their relationship clearly taught Ruth much and her grandfather’s amazing resilience continues to inspire and influence her priorities. Ruth embodies his love of cooking and joy in Ruth. A violin soloist playing to grade 3 in the rugged isolation of Tasmania’s west coast inspired Jan's love of classical music. Vintage and heritage stringed instruments hold a particular appeal.
Finally, was Tom speaking tongue in cheek when he referenced a priest who described life as simply H M D (hatch, match and dispatch)? Which version of Neville's recounting of his ‘rubbing shoulders” with the Queen was the genuine article and which was the AI version? And which version of Merv's recounting of the meeting between Irina, ‘the Polish artist’, and himself was genuine? Does it really matter as both gleamed with romance and joy in the recounting.
Graham Jensen
Newsletter Correspondent
