In July, Philippine-born Merlinda Bobis' latest novel, In the name of the trees, won the ACT Literary Awards prize for fiction, and in August it was shortlisted for the Prime Minster's Literary Awards. But then, Merlinda Bobis is no stranger to awards, in Australia and her country of birth, the Philippines, as you will see … Continue reading Merlinda Bobis, In the name of the trees (#BookReview)
Trees
Monday musings of Australian literature: National Tree Day
Around ten years ago, I wrote a post on National Arbor Day. It was inspired by a Library of America story. The thing is that then I didn't, and I still don't hear, about Arbor Day anymore. Indeed, Mr Gums and I reminisced that it was mainly through school that we heard about it at … Continue reading Monday musings of Australian literature: National Tree Day
Australia’s first Arbor Day
At the National Arboretum, Canberra Do you ever wonder what a few generations hence will think about the way we do things? About how we put on our festivals and celebrations? Whether they will think how silly we look - and, I don't mean "silly" in the ways we may have intended but "silly" in … Continue reading Australia’s first Arbor Day
Whispering Gums on Deformed Pines
I am slowly but surely working my way through Isabella Bird's Unbeaten tracks in Japan. While we were still in Japan, and enjoying its wonderful gardens, I came across the following passage from early in Bird's travels: After running cheerily for several miles my men bowled me into a tea-house, where they ate and smoked … Continue reading Whispering Gums on Deformed Pines
Whispering Gums 