I’ve taken to writing this blog on a Sunday morning, load of washing in the machine, and whilst I sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, watch the world go by from my balcony, I reflect on the week that has just been. Last weekend I had my favourite person in the world for a sleepover, so my Sunday morning was not my own. There was no washing, coffee thrown down my neck and certainly no time to write – I have no regrets.

I’ve also had two visits to Brisvegas in the past couple of weeks for work. One for a networking event – ho hum, but I then had dinner in a little bar overlooking the Story Bridge – so beautiful lit up of an evening.

The other visit this past week was to participate in a new film and book festival – Blussh Romance Festival which is being produced by a friend. I had the absolute honour to host a panel of local authors and chat about their romance novels. In preparation for this conversation, I needed to read their books – another reason for the radio silence. Romance books very very different to the children’s book, I usually find myself reading for work. Anna Campbell a well established author with 49 books under her belt, more awards than I’m able to count. Anna’s steamy novels set you back into the regency era (think Jane Austen) with the handsome aristocrat falling for the lesser woman although the female protagonist, becoming an equal and certainly holding her own! A feminist in the 1800s.

Debut novelists – Jordan Claydon-Lewis and Michelle Beesley both who have written their first foray into romance based around their characters travelling – Australia and its Outback feature in Jordan’s book and Michelle’s romance is secured within the underground tombs in Paris.

I love being able to support authors especially emerging authors, to get their work out into the world.

The last week also saw me take me and my dancing shoes to enjoy Pink! She really is an a legend and we would love if she were to call Australia home. Down to earth, super talented woman, also a mum, just doing her thang…

Part of my job, running a public event such as Storyfest is to ensure accessibility for everyone. I know, we can do better but we certainly try and accommodate. This year for the first time, we will incorporate a couple of sessions with an Auslan interpreter and Emma Memma will attend. Emma has written books which incorporate Auslan into the books – give them a look, they’re sensational. If anyone out there has a little one, I’m sure you would have heard of Miss Rachel, I remember that Navy was signing before she could talk, which was unbelievable at the time. Last year, we had a young visitor to the festival arrive in a wheelchair and I later found out, had some difficulties with one of our vendors. Needless to say, that vendor won’t be coming back to our festival.

Living where I do, I’m able to enjoy the spoils of public transport to get me to these type of events. I walk out my door, jump on a bus and I’m away. The other evening, when waiting for the local bus to get to the Pink concert, there was a fellow in a wheelchair also waiting for the bus. It was busy, there were a few people at the stop and when the bus arrived, it was quite crowded on the bus. As those of us readied to board the bus, we all stood back to allow the wheelchair fellow to board first. The bus driver got out of his seat, looked around the bus and then proceeded to let the wheelchair fellow know, it’s busy, there’s really not room for him (there were able bodied people sitting in the handicap seat area). The young girls sitting in the seats quickly jumped up and moved. Before anyone could jump in, the fellow explained, very calmly, ‘Mate, I just really needed to get home’. The bus driver looked at the rest of us, no-one moved. He then huffed and reluctantly lowered the wheelchair ramp and let the fellow on.

I had to bite my tongue, I don’t think I’ve ever been more angry at any individual – it was disgraceful that this fellow even had to plead to be let onto the bus. What is our world coming to, when we would happily leave someone in a wheelchair on the side of the road rather than take an extra 30s to put a ramp out for them. I did get a photo of the bus number and will report the issue but I fear old mate in the wheelchair is used to this type of treatment.

Do better folks…