The Official Newsletter

for

Fans of Shirley May

Hi everyone!

Heading north for winter has become my annual retreat. This year was no exception. Destination; Cairns! My traveling companion, Lili, arrived from Adelaide by plane excited and eager to explore the east coast of Australia. Lili and I have remained friends since our nursing days.

It was great and energizing to met readers, friends and relatives as we traveled north. Holidays are excellent times to formulate new friendships, gather new experiences and perspectives. Perhaps this is when I truly am compelled to be bold with my new year's resolution.

What was the coolest part of the tour?

Crikey!

Yes, you guessed it, the Australian Zoo.

What a wonderful place to visit, the Australian Zoo, the home of the Crocodile Hunter. I am finally back home and concentrating on writing again. But I wouldn't have traded the time I spent on the road for anything.

The Saga of the Phantom Tent

I was so proud of my organization skills when I left heading for Cairns with the car so neatly packed with tenting equipment. The sun peeping through the tall trees dispelling the darkness announced the new day, full of excitement, compelled us press forward to discover our special world.

Poor Wolfgang!

Wofie's fame to the having the longest eyelashes on a dog in the world hit the front page of the Port Macquaire Newspaper. Follow the link to read about the article.

Here's lookin' at you Wolfy

What a heart wrenching moment when we left my four legged furry baby at the wonderful Tradewinds Park Pet Resort.

Finally our destination, Noosa on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland at 9.00 pm was a welcomed relief from driving. Our accommodation was so impressive and geared for relaxation we decided to stay there rather than reach our destination.

What an ambience for writing! Sitting by the pool, watching and listening to children splishing and splashing in the pool, smells of meat sizzling on the BBQ and the sun gently warming my back. What more could I ask for?

The tent and all the camping equipment remained safely packed in the car for the entire holiday. The two bedroom apartment was so superior, less work and more convenient.

We shopped till we dropped on Wednesday and Saturday at the world famous Eumundi Markets. Clothes, jewelry, mementos and food, what more could we ask for? The art and craft stalls are unique in Australia.

Musicians entertained as we swooned to the delights of the diverse cuisine.

Parking was a challenge, dodging cars, people and muddy potholes.

What's Next

First on my to-do list!

To edit Talk To Me, the book for March 2009. Click Talk To Me to read an excerpt.

Then, I'll discipline myself to research various teenage conditions and life styles. Cyberbullying, eating disorders, self mutilation, and Asperger's; their early signs and how they affect our teenagers.

Finally, I'm waiting for my manuscript to be edited. Then after some touch ups, off to the press!

Stay tuned for further updates on Conversations with Teddy publication date.

Some temptations

photos taken around Noosa!.

Fraser Island is a precious part of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage ranking equally with Australia’s Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. Lake Mc Kenzie is one of the 100 freshwater lakes, some tea-coloured and others clear and blue all ringed by white sandy beaches. Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island.

Driving along the white sands of the beach we stopped to take a photo of a dingo enjoying the cool waters near a fisherman totally engrossed in his dream catch.

The Maroochydore area is blessed with 25 kilometers of golden sands and inviting ocean that embraces such famous surf beaches as Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, Coolum and Maroochydore.

The Ettamogah Pub and Aussie world is based around the typical humorous Aussie theme is unique.

The Glass House Mountains are craggy volcanic peaks that tower above pine plantations, eucalypt forests and open fields. numerous walking tracks ranging from easy to very challenging lead to the peaks and lookouts offering panoramic views.

The Marine Village is the very heart and soul of Sanctuary Cove combining specialty shopping, cafes, bars, restaurants, fashion boutiques, art galleries and even a movie theatre with a unique ambience on the water's edge of the Coomera River.