reflection - Page 3 - Michele Gierck

A Budding Project

Posted on August 30, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Most things that bloom, regardless of being a flower, or an artistic work start off as a small bud. And I'm hoping that the manuscript just forwarded to my publisher, a budding project, will bloom fully and vibrantly, delighting many readers. Photo: A bush Pea - Michele's garden - one of the first spring buds, 2014 If you love flowers or nature, feel free to check out Michele's other blog: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com

Advance Health Directives or Advance Care Plans

Posted on May 31, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Life is a series of cycles. And having your wishes respected when at your most vulnerable is important, particularly come the end of your life. Here's the link to an article I recently wrote about Advance Care Plans or Advance Health Directives. http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=41460#.U4mjbPmSyBI Making an Advance Care Plan, or Advance Health Directive, is not only a good idea for the person who makes it, but it's important for family members or friends (or whoever you appoint as your Medical Power of Attorney or Substitute Decision Maker) who may be called on to make critical decisions should you be in a state that renders you unable to express your own wishes. If you are thrust into the roll of carer, it's a good idea to make sure the person you are caring for, if over 18 years of age, has an Advance Care Plan or Advance Health Directive, as they are known in Australia, in place. To find out what inspires Michele check out her other blog: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com Text and image: copyright Michele Gierck Photo: Eucalyptus Silver Princess just prior to sunset

Stepping into the World of Another - Writing Personal Profiles

Posted on April 10, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

One of the most rewarding aspects of writing personal profiles, at least for me, is the opportunity it provides to step into the world of another. Then to really listen, not just to what is said, but to get a sense of the person's essence, and to commit that to the page. My most recent profile was hip-hop artist and Burundian refugee, Fablice from The Flybz. War, loss and years as a refugee have not dented his spirit or his hope for the future. What an inspiration. So too his song, Child Soldier, with the iconic singer/songwriter Paul Kelly. To find out what else inspires Michele visit: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com

Taking Time

Posted on March 3, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

The creative life is all about taking time. Time out, time for ideas and thoughts, time to be inspired. And sometimes that inspiration can be had by a simple stroll around the garden, a ramble along a sandy beach, or a meander by a small stream. Text and photo copyright Michele Gierck To find out what else inspires Michele, and her creative projects, check out her other blog: www.michelemuses.wordpress.com

Pursuing An Idea

Posted on February 5, 2014October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Creativity is a fascinating process. Critical to it, and I'm speaking from a writer's perspective, is the capacity and determination to pursue an idea - be it fashionable or not. And to believe in it. Relentlessly. It was like that with my first book, published in 2006. And so it is with the current two! Image: Baby and Mother Tern, Lord Howe Island, Australia Text and Image copyright Michele Gierck www.michelegierck.com.au

Cultivating Creativity

Posted on December 7, 2013October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

We are off to cultivate a little, or lots, of creativity. To non-writers, it's called a holiday. Whatever the name, I can't wait. We''ll swim with fish and coral, climb mountains, and breath deeply. And when I come back I'll be relieved, refreshed and reinvigorated. Text and Image copyright Michele Gierck

Inspiration

Posted on November 16, 2013October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Inspiration must be one of the most precious, unpurchasable gifts of life. And I've been lapping it up as I work on my children's book about two beautiful fish who embark on a wild adventure. These days , it seems as if much of my inspiration is drawn from nature. Photo: Maguk Walk, Kakadu National Park, Australia Text and Image Copyright Michele Gierck www.michelegierck.com.au

Patience

Posted on October 31, 2013October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Wildlife photography and getting your book published have their commonalities. Both require patience. Waiting and hoping. Wondering. What will happen? Waiting some more. Then finally, finally, often when you've almost given up, that magical moment arrives-- like this honeyeaster pecking at the eucaplyptus silver princess. Or an equally delightful agent's call. As always, I wait in hope. Text and image copyright Michele Gierck www.michelegierck.com.au

Delight

Posted on October 9, 2013October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

Sometimes, when I've been buried in writing, or the intricacies of life, the garden offers a place to rest my weary soul. It's so full of delight, of surprise, of tranquility. Text and Image Copyright Michele Gierck

Storytelling and Surprises

Posted on September 21, 2013October 29, 2023 by Michele Gierck

An old friend, a respected Australia journalist and storyteller, once told me that when it comes to writing people's stories, put away your preconceived ideas and biases, and simply meet them as a person. Listen without judgement. Be really present. And you might be surprised. How insightful.