Susies Stories

IN THE BEGINNING –

I was born in Ballarat in 1955 and enjoyed a childhood of relative freedom.  I now know l was Dyslexic.  My problems with putting my shoes on the right feet were so bad that Mum bought me sneakers with Right and Left boldly marked on the front of the shoes.  I was pretty hopeless at sport and struggled with reading and writing, often writing words back the front. I  worked like a Trojan and finally learned  how to read and write.  Once I got the hang of it there was no stopping me.  I was writing poetry and short stories in Primary School but struggling with numbers.

My dream during Primary School was to be a teacher, and to that end I chose Ballarat High School as the next stepping stone.  Within sight, right next door was the Teachers College.

To get there l needed to win scholarships as my family were battlers.  I was keen to have a High School education and loved every minute of it.  Now l wish l had finished my schooling but in those days kids were often required to help out financially in the home.

Years later l had two opportunities to train as a Teacher but decided not to take them up thank heavens.  Both would have been disastrous.  Now I have the opportunity  to talk to children through my stories, and love reading at Pre Schools and Primary Schools.

Most of my writing is based on my childhood memories and wonderful experiences while living in rural areas and in the Australian bushland. My stories of native animals come from caring for and observing wildlife.  Many years ago I ran a shelter for injured and orphaned wildlife in the Grampians, a rich and rewarding experience.

Morning cuppa with a friend.

5 THINGS I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT –

v  My husband Brian or Blokie as he’s better known. He keeps me on track and comes up with the best ideas for marketing and is my numbers man.

v  My camera – I love photography as you will note from the little photos throughout my blog.

v  A nice bulky note pad and heaps of pens.  I just can’t seem to use the computer on my first drafts.  Sadly my hand writing is impossible to decipher as my hand tries to keep up with the rush of words.

v  Cross stitch patterns – sometimes l lose myself in counting stitches and selecting colours.  I have enough wonderful patterns to see me out many times over.

v  My fishing rod and fish smoker.  How can it be that l am hooked on fishing mainly because I’m a hunter gatherer who loves to eat the catch.