Author: Janine Dunlop
-
Shhh! Why I’ve gone all the way back to doing the job that I love
There’s a lot more to being a librarian than checking out books and hushing noisy readers. In the digital age, librarians are a human form of Internet, custodians of knowledge and trailblazers of a better, smarter way of learning “What do you do?” It’s the go-to question when you meet someone at a party. As…
-
Love is a gift that lives in my garden
It’s a place to sit and contemplate, to dwell on memories of loved ones and days gone by. But more that, the handmade wooden bench in the garden is a symbol of the healing power of love
-
The strangely satisfying ritual of the long, slow Sunday roast
It’s a tradition that dates back through the generations, captured in fading photographs that evoke the aromas and conviviality of a restful weekend, capped with an indulgent family meal. Even in an age of restless change, there’s nothing like a hearty Sunday roast.
-
How I’m learning to love routine & change the look on my face
According to a friend, I have the most spectacular RBF (Resting Bitch Face) he’s ever seen. He hadn’t come across the term until I introduced him to it one day at work.
-
A journal of my ever-changing life, from sweet 16 to now
Looking back on my quest for independence, I realise it’s not quite the straight path I envisioned. If the ultimate goal is total independence, I’m not doing terribly well. It’s not as simple as all that, though.
-
I dreamed of being Rocky or Scarface, but now I’m just happy being a hero to my kids
“Don’t look to me, kid. I have no idea what I’m doing!” Does she have any idea what a klutz I really am?
-
How I miss the wonder years of lying in bed with my children
It’s the nights that turned into weeks that turned into months that turned into years that you spent in my bed. Hours spent feeding you, changing your nappy, and then letting you sleep in the bend of my arm.
-
When love is like the falling rain
Our reality now is living with a bath no longer used for bathing, but storage for grey water. It’s plastic containers scattered all over the garden to catch the little rain that falls, a bucket in the shower, and a container in every sink in the house.
-
Happiness is driving off in a car you bought for cash
Determined not to incur more debt, it started with putting a little away each month. Which sounds simple, but in reality, it often meant doubting we’d get to the end of the month on the little that remained of my salary.
-
Why I Want My Daughter to Grow Up to be a Ninja
I’ve signed us up for a self-defence class after hearing about it on a Facebook parenting group. I didn’t hesitate. This is essential.