Blaise Van Hecke

Ash and Destiny enjoy a happy life in Melbourne with their young son, Tomas, a large and slightly dysfunctional family, a successful art gallery, and Destiny's new exhibition about to debut. But everything changes for Ash on one extremely hot Summer Solstice when a car crash leaves his family shattered.Waking in hospital Ash knows his whole life has been flipped on its head and his long journey to adjusting to loss and pain is just about to begin. But as time passes both Ash and Destiny struggle to return to their normal life in Melbourne.When all seems to be lost and stagnating in their lives, the option to move to country Victoria presents itself. An unlikely move for the city-dwelling couple turns into a new and rejuvenating experience that is the start of a new family, connection to old family, and a healing process for all, despite more disasters looming in the distance.

Ash and Destiny enjoy a happy life in Melbourne with their young son, Tomas, a large and slightly dysfunctional family, a successful art gallery, and Destiny's new exhibition about to debut. But everything changes for Ash on one extremely hot Summer Solstice when a car crash leaves his family shattered.Waking in hospital Ash knows his whole life has been flipped on its head and his long journey to adjusting to loss and pain is just about to begin. But as time passes both Ash and Destiny struggle to return to their normal life in Melbourne.When all seems to be lost and stagnating in their lives, the option to move to country Victoria presents itself. An unlikely move for the city-dwelling couple turns into a new and rejuvenating experience that is the start of a new family, connection to old family, and a healing process for all, despite more disasters looming in the distance.

Blaise sets off to celebrate her 50th birthday, to give gratitude for her life. A walk of 50 days for 50 years, following the Way of St James in the north of Spain.Walking the ancient pilgrim walk, Camino de Santiago, has a profound affect on her life. Most of what Blaise learns is gradual, just like the step-by-step journey of over 800 kilometres by foot.With each passing day, the journey brings more knowledge and understanding into her heart, cementing much of what she already knows, and continues well after she returnshome to her life in Australia.This daily travelogue will interest women travelling solo or anyone planning to walk the Camino and includes costing, travel advice and a list of items carried along the Way. Part memoir, part travelogue, readers will take the journey with Blaise and get a feel for the physical, mental and spiritual growth that transpired over 50 days of walking and beyond.

In the early 1970s, a single mother and her four children find themselves alone on the east coast of New South Wales. They join the 'Back to the Earth Movement' at the idyllic land known as 'Tralfamadore'.The family choose a spot on a hill bound by a river and creek, building a home using river stones and found objects. They sustain themselves on homegrown produce and fresh air.Blaise and her siblings, as well as children from the other homes scattered in the bush amongst nine dwellings, life is unrestrained and full of adventure.Eventually, many of the Tralfamadorians leave to become sannyassins as part of the Rajneesh Movement in India, wearing orange and changing their names, but not before they've brought a little Indian culture to the bush.Told in a series of ethereal vignettes, The road to Tralfamadore is bathed in river water is a memoir that depicts a childhood full of both na vety and wisdom during an era of radical social change.

In the early 1970s, a single mother and her four children find themselves alone on the east coast of New South Wales. They join the 'Back to the Earth Movement' at the idyllic land known as 'Tralfamadore'.The family choose a spot on a hill bound by a river and creek, building a home using river stones and found objects. They sustain themselves on homegrown produce and fresh air.Blaise and her siblings, as well as children from the other homes scattered in the bush amongst nine dwellings, life is unrestrained and full of adventure.Eventually, many of the Tralfamadorians leave to become sannyassins as part of the Rajneesh Movement in India, wearing orange and changing their names, but not before they've brought a little Indian culture to the bush.Told in a series of ethereal vignettes, The Road to Tralfamadore is Bathed in River Water is a whimsical memoir that depicts a childhood full of both na vety and wisdom during an era of radical social change.

How do you keep a healthy body? There are so many differing opinions about how to keep our body healthy and at peak performance. So many diets, so many physical activities to take part in.How do you feel? Close your eyes and take a mental scan of your body. Are there aches and pains? Is your digestion a bit off today? Do you struggle to get started each day, moaning as you throw the covers back each morning?Healthy Body features articles from ten non-competing professionals who explore the concept of a healthy body from their specifi c viewpoint, and offer tips and exercises on creating and maintaining good physical health.These articles are meant to be simple, interesting and useful to you. No medical jargon or complex ideas that you have to decipher before you can use them.Healthy Body has something for everybody, an invaluable guide that you can dip in and out of.

This issue also includes the winning poems from the Kathryn Purnell Poetry Prize 2017, which was judged by Jennifer Compton.Awarded for a poem of no more than 50 lines, this biennial award is named in honour of a much-loved member of the Society. Kathryn conducted poetry workshops in her home for members, who greatly benefited from her expertise and mentoring.Kathryn Purnell was born in Canada and lived in France, England, Scotland, Egypt, Indonesia and Africa. When she married an Australian she moved permanently to Melbourne. Kathryn continued her education at the University of Melbourne and became a creative writing tutor. Her poetry and prose was published in many magazines and broadcast on ABC radio. She was an editor in the Luna collective and won many awards for her work.After her death, the Society set up the Kathryn Purnell Poetry Prize in her honour. It is open to SWW members in all branches.