It’s become a thing that I look back at the previous ‘news’ post and think, ‘You had no idea, lady’. Back in March, I at least forsaw that Covid hadn’t gone away and that lockdown could be upon us again at any time. Well, yep. Lockdown city. Didn’t quite work, but the vax is our new best friend (go Victoria). So hello Covid 19. I believe we are living with each other now. I do hope you like to cook and clean, and know where the IGA is. How about a yarn and a laugh over dinner? Wanna watch the new series of Sex Education?
But Covid was not what I was oblivious to. What I was clueless about was that my family would be visited by that merciless and hideous bastard, suicide. RIP my dear brother Shane. What raging grief and drowning sorrow you have visited upon us all. Oh god.
Trying to keep working while stumbling through a vale of tears is surreal, if not impossible. I remember one time emailing the graphic designer suggesting we talk about a knotty publishing issue. Could I ring him? Sure. But I’d been multi-tasking that day, writing a piece for a memorial service for Shane. The more I thought about talking to the designer, the harder I sobbed. There was no way I could speak. Once again I resorted to email. Be clear, be succinct, Joanne. It was a good exercise. We solved the problem and I kept up my facade.
But the work continues and although my focus is elusive, practising that version of myself - the one that tries to make a positive difference - well, it means something doesn’t it, and can be a comfort. Recently my old boss got in touch and had a heap of work for me to tackle. It’s the old me she’s dealing with but old me ain’t that bad. I can still ride that bike and I reckon I’ve risen to the challenge.
And the book I published a year ago continues to give me pleasure. It’s won a few fans and is in the running (ha) for an award to be held next year. Truly, I loved researching and writing that book. Check it out: Rosedale’s Patrobas: The remarkable story of the 1915 Melbourne Cup. The best place to get it is from Collins Booksellers in Sale, Victoria. Give them a call.