On a recent visit to Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary, Scientist John and I were delighted discover the Galaxiella Billabong. Great to see our little native fish, Galaxiella pusilla, being recognised and protected. And what a hoot to have a close, unexpected encounter with a resident, and most curious, emu!
Scientist John, (who inspired my first children's picture book, Gladys and Stripey), and I, enjoyed being at the Mary River Festival at Kandanga, south east Queensland, last weekend. The Mary River flows into the lower part of the Great Barrier Reef, so improving water quality in the Mary River system is essential. Loved this fish mural which greeted us on the way into the event.
I'm currently working on some articles based on scientists who have spent decades working on the Great Barrier Reef. What an amazingly beautiful and intricately complex ecosystem our reef is. It's a delight to spend time with these committed scientists.
It's great that the River Detectives program has discovered Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure, and like it so much, that this unique picture book, --'valuable to all as a way of learning about waterways, native fish and importance of healthy habitat and fish passage' -- is now one of their recommended resources.
The book is based on an Australian threatened freshwater fish species. It encourages readers to discover what's in their own waterway. Public and school librarians will want to check there's a copy on their shelves.
More details about Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure, including a video, educator notes and activities can be found at https://michelegierck.com.au/gladys-and-stripey/
www.michelegierck.com.au
It's official. Gladys and Stripey: Two little fish on one BIG adventure is OUT NOW. Based on a threatened Australian native freshwater fish, the book is earning high praise from kids and their communities, nature lovers, ecologists, ecological activists and educators.
Here's a sample of fab comments:
Thanks to all who have supported this project.
Get your copy or find out more, here.
How good it is to find your special spot. A place to relax, to calm, to be. A place to listen, to be drawn into the moment. (No phones, ipads or laptops here!)
There's been quite a bit of media and a number of talks given since the release of my latest book, Fraying: Mum, memory loss, the medical maze and me, in March. Now, it's time to get back to basics, create a calm space ... and write.
Yes, all the talks and interviews are enjoyable, but at heart the joy of writing is one that for me cannot be quelled. If I don't write, I feel a part of myself is missing.
For those interested, I will be back speaking again in September, during Dementia Awareness Month. More details soon.
It's certainly time to celebrate now that the contract for my next non-fiction book has been signed with an excellent Australian publisher. More details soon. For now, it's on with the editing.
Image: Honeyeater at Bird Billabong, near Mary River, on the way to Kakadu National Park, The Northern Territory, Australia
Michele's website: www.michelegierck.com.au
What inspires Michele? Check out her other blog to find out - www.michelemuses.wordpress.com
Text and image copyright Michele Gierck
Sometimes places are so amazing, writing about them is a must. Here's the link to a travel piece I scribed on Lord Howe Island which appeared in Australian newspapers.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/travel/australia/immerse-yourself-in-lord-howe-islands-tropical-beauty/story-fnjjuyvd-1226888086987
Keep in mind that no matter how wonderful Lord Howe Island sounds, whether you are into nature, relaxing, natural beauty, peaceful environments, bush walking, snorkelling, coral reefs, swimming with fine friendly fish (and even Galapagos sharks), it's much better being there!
Photos and text copyright Michele Gierck
To find out what else inspire Michele, apart from Lord Howe Island, visit her other blog:
www.michelemuses.wordpress.com
