Portrait of Marcelle

This pic was taken when I was seventeen years old and in my first year of work - trying to look like an efficient office-worker should. It was the fashion for girls and young women to roll and pin their hair over artificial rolls - not a flattering style. The War meant we were meant to be serious and 'do without' anything ephemeral in our lives - many of us never had a 'dance' dress for eg. no makeup either or personal ornaments..

Dear God:

This is Marcelle again. Dear Lord, are you there?
If you are, then I’m sure You are fully aware
by my moaning, that I live with old age arthritis pain.
So I hasten to assure You I’m not going over all that again.
Quite recently I experienced a complete reversal of thought.
And it came as such a surprise to me, I decided that I ought
to share it with you - especially as no one else was there
to talk to. I was comfortably resting in my old recliner chair,
and nearby on the floor was Molly, my companion labrador.
As You know, she follows Jenny and Sally, who went before.
I am currently reading a series of books set on an island,
and became all enveloped in sea-tang, and salt air and sand,
screeching gulls around trawlers at anchor , and pelicans, and
I got jerked awake by the screeching of the telephone, which quit
before I could unravel myself from my nap, and get to it.
Too often it’s ‘tele-marketers’ trying to earn a living, I find,
and I try to dismiss them politely, not showing that I mind;
but I do. I discussed this sudden decision of mine with a friend
living in another town. She agreed emphatically, when I said I intend
to buy a cordless telephone. She rang me back later in the day,
to say that next morning their spare one would be on its way,
‘and better late than never.’ I have it now, and decided that I ought
to show appreciation to You Lord, if You gave me the thought.
So I send my thanks to You, and especially to dear Phoebe,
not forgetting Michael, her husband, for their gift to me.
But I find there’s a hitch that’s connected with this acquisition:
I’m inclined to forget the new telephone’s situation.

In the garden

2008 Rankin Australia Day Award

In recognition of your valuable contribution to our local community through volunteer service.

A Tribute to Sally my Labrador Companion 1982 to 1996

When you died, then went a part of me – of heart and soul.
I do not grieve for that, I owe you so much more
for all those long, long years of single-minded love
you gave to me. I called it ‘cupboard love’,
the times we shared sweet treats - but teasingly.
My words were lightly said, not meant for real.
Now sorrow has o’erlaid those pleasant memories,
and I fear that I may never be that smiling self again.

This gloomy house reflects my empty hours,
the loss of you is felt in every room.
I miss the shared routine of how we were:
experiences shared, that take a lonely life
and make it seem worthwhile and meaningful.
That next-door cat sat on the fence and stared,
unheeding, when I called to shoo him off.
I’m sure he senses you have gone away,
and sees me solitary, so doesn’t care.

Our garden is alive with colour, and bees on flowers
and on the clover in the grass. There I stand
with hose in hand, and miss your watchful presence
by my side, through oh, so many pleasant hours.
All these – these things we loved and times we shared –
are why I grieve, beloved friend. I loved you so.
I know you had to die. All life must end, I know.
But knowing cannot ease the hurt in me.

Molly Labrador

This is the current labrador, Molly. :) She is 11.