Dorothy B Williams | Public figure
Dorothy B Williams
Reviews
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24.01.2022 Thought for the day
24.01.2022 Is the thylacine really extinct? SURVIVOR Somewhere - there in the dark -... is a beast. Who could know what hides in the heath - mile on impenetrable mile stretching from the gorge to the pines that bite with sharp straight teeth at its lonely edge. Watching the sheep in the dark is a beast. Creeping on silent feet from where it lairs beneath the tangled grasstree’s skirt it stares at the sheep, sheep that have bared the heath, stolen the lost retreat where it dreamed for a thousand years and woke to the bleat of a lambing ewe. Something new - the acrid scent of a tarmac road somewhere out there - a striped back and a drooping tail with a name that we hardly dare to name glides through the heath
22.01.2022 ACROSTIC ISOLATION In a cosy chair ... Sipping coffee with cake, \ Or breathing garden air Listening to honeyeaters As kookaburras take care To avoid the currawongs Intent on their share Of small meaty morsels - No covid fear there! See more
21.01.2022 Thanks Leanne for sharing this excellent article: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/musings-on-how-.
19.01.2022 Hey everybody, as an infectious disease epidemiologist (although a lowly one), at this point feel morally obligated to provide some information on what we are s...eeing from a transmission dynamic perspective and how they apply to the social distancing measures. Like any good scientist I have noticed two things that are either not articulated or not present in the literature of social media. I am also tagging my much smarter infectious disease epidemiologist friends for peer review of this post. Please correct me if I am wrong (any edits are from peer review). Specifically, I want to make two aspects of these measures very clear and unambiguous. First, we are in the very infancy of this epidemic’s trajectory. That means even with these measures we will see cases and deaths continue to rise globally, nationally, and in our own communities in the coming weeks. This may lead some people to think that the social distancing measures are not working. They are. They may feel futile. They aren’t. You will feel discouraged. You should. This is normal in chaos. But this is also normal epidemic trajectory. Stay calm. This enemy that we are facing is very good at what it does; we are not failing. We need everyone to hold the line as the epidemic inevitably gets worse. This is not my opinion; this is the unforgiving math of epidemics for which I and my colleagues have dedicated our lives to understanding with great nuance, and this disease is no exception. I want to help the community brace for this impact. Stay strong and with solidarity knowing with absolute certainty that what you are doing is saving lives, even as people begin getting sick and dying. You may feel like giving in. Don’t. Second, although social distancing measures have been (at least temporarily) well-received, there is an obvious-but-overlooked phenomenon when considering groups (i.e. families) in transmission dynamics. While social distancing decreases contact with members of society, it of course increases your contacts with group (i.e. family) members. This small and obvious fact has surprisingly profound implications on disease transmission dynamics. Study after study demonstrates that even if there is only a little bit of connection between groups (i.e. social dinners, playdates/playgrounds, etc.), the epidemic trajectory isn’t much different than if there was no measure in place. The same underlying fundamentals of disease transmission apply, and the result is that the community is left with all of the social and economic disruption but very little public health benefit. You should perceive your entire family to function as a single individual unit; if one person puts themselves at risk, everyone in the unit is at risk. Seemingly small social chains get large and complex with alarming speed. If your son visits his girlfriend, and you later sneak over for coffee with a neighbor, your neighbor is now connected to the infected office worker that your son’s girlfriend’s mother shook hands with. This sounds silly, it’s not. This is not a joke or a hypothetical. We as epidemiologists see it borne out in the data time and time again and no one listens. Conversely, any break in that chain breaks disease transmission along that chain. In contrast to hand-washing and other personal measures, social distancing measures are not about individuals, they are about societies working in unison. These measures also take a long time to see the results. It is hard (even for me) to conceptualize how ‘one quick little get together’ can undermine the entire framework of a public health intervention, but it does. I promise you it does. I promise. I promise. I promise. You can’t cheat it. People are already itching to cheat on the social distancing precautions just a little- a playdate, a haircut, or picking up a needless item at the store, etc. From a transmission dynamics standpoint, this very quickly recreates a highly connected social network that undermines all of the work the community has done so far. Until we get a viable vaccine this unprecedented outbreak will not be overcome in one grand, sweeping gesture, rather only by the collection of individual choices our community makes in the coming months. This virus is unforgiving to unwise choices. My goal in writing this is to prevent communities from getting ‘sucker-punched’ by what the epidemiological community knows will happen in the coming weeks. It will be easy to be drawn to the idea that what we are doing isn’t working and become paralyzed by fear, or to ‘cheat’ a little bit in the coming weeks. By knowing what to expect, and knowing the importance of maintaining these measures, my hope is to encourage continued community spirit, strategizing, and action to persevere in this time of uncertainty.
16.01.2022 Stephen Fry's love of language is infectious. Here's his take on what makes us human
16.01.2022 My articles are published in the Emerald Messenger. This is the first that appeared in the May 2019 issue. To read the text version visit my website https://www.dorothybwilliams.com.au/along-old-emerald-road/
14.01.2022 Aldy Coulson was the inspiration for my local/social history, 'Monbulk: Living in the Dandenongs'. The first Monbulk baby born after settlement, he was also the first local I met after buying my bush block in the 1960s. His stories led me into research, and eventually to calling the first meeting of the Monbulk Historical Society in 1988 - in my own lounge room. This memory of him is from my first poetry collection, 'A Year in the Hills'. PASSING OF A PIONEER for Aldy Coulso...n, 1894-1994 This was the earth that drew him. These were the calloused hands that felled the trees, sure feet that trudged the mountain track. This was the earth that bent his back, knotted the fingers scratched with thorns, stiffened the joints in cold, damp dawns - but the glint in his eye, the hint of mirth as he spoke, transcended bonds of the earth. These were his people, known to the end - infant and schoolboy, husband, friend; These were like one great family, folk who loved his banter, his deadpan joke; who fought beside him when bushfire raged, chiacked him when he got engaged, beat tin kettles on his wedding night, and toiled till the fading evening light. This is the woman he left behind who shared his sweat, and his quirky mind, his honest heart, and open hands; round her thin frame the family stands, pride of the many crops he’s sown, fruit of the earth he made his own. Late inheritors, may we build Such worthy lives on the land they tilled.
12.01.2022 Thanks Niesje. Secrets and Silences successfully explores the complexity of family relationships, which most will relate to whether they are adopted or not. The book captures the claustrophobia of families while at the same time understanding the closeness and unavoidable sense of obligation that is part of family life. It is insightful in exposing the harsh reality that members of your family may not be completely likable even if you can’t help feeling deep love. It is cle...ar that Dorothy feels a close bond with the area and landscape she writes about, as well as the flawed characters she has created. The question of nature vs nurture is a key theme, as well as the way crises bring out unexpected human strengths as well as frailties. There are no pat answers and the book offers hope without simplistic solutions, the need to live your life as an individual often conflicting with the need to belong ( Thanks Niesje.). Niesje Hees February 9, 2020 See more
09.01.2022 (C) DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE Triple-shafted column rises, shaggy-textured, bark binding, clinging, peeling. Complexities of ribbing curve towards me... reach out, turn away in disdain, splay from cantilevered horizontals to sinuous uplifting verticals, radiate flexibility, flaunt vigor, their narrow lancets admitting sky. The vaulted dome, perfect hemisphere interpenetrated with darkness, sways in the arms of the rising wind; accepts, rejects, accommodates, resists; tossed and released, returns always to its own design. Myriad jitterbugging mini-domes separate to celebrate the gale; reunite in an architectural moment of frozen motion. See more
07.01.2022 ANNIE AMELIA'S SCONES (1197 words) It was during her unhappy years in the kitchen of her Quaker foster mother's small household that Annie Amelia mastered the art of plain cooking. Apprenticed as a general servant at fourteen, she picked up something new from each of the passing parade of cooks-general before their mistress's asperity sent them off in search of a better situation. One of them -- perhaps the warm-hearted Irishwoman from the pub further down the horse-bus ro...Continue reading
06.01.2022 A comment just received on my blog. "Fantastic Site, Stick to the excellent work. Thank you." If you'd like to read my posts please visit my blog page https://www.dorothybwilliams.com.au/blog
05.01.2022 A lovely review of Secrets and Silences posted to my website. Thanks Niesje. Secrets and Silences successfully explores the complexity of family relationships, which most will relate to whether they are adopted or not. The book captures the claustrophobia of families while at the same time understanding the closeness and unavoidable sense of obligation that is part of family life. It is insightful in exposing the harsh reality that members of your family may not be complete...ly likable even if you can’t help feeling deep love. It is clear that Dorothy feels a close bond with the area and landscape she writes about, as well as the flawed characters she has created. The question of nature vs nurture is a key theme, as well as the way crises bring out unexpected human strengths as well as frailties. There are no pat answers and the book offers hope without simplistic solutions, the need to live your life as an individual often conflicting with the need to belong. Niesje Hees February 9, 2020 See more
05.01.2022 Secrets and Silences UNCORRECTED PROOF COPIES for sale for $10 + postage. Buy yours here https://www.dorothybwilliams.com.au//secrets-and-silences/ YOU CAN DOWNLOAD CHAPTER ONE FOR FREE... https://www.dorothybwilliams.com.au/secretsandsilences See more
04.01.2022 This tribute to Joy Southall appeared in the August edition of the Emerald Messenger. See my website to read the text version. https://www.dorothybwilliams.com.au/along-old-emerald-road/
04.01.2022 At time of posting... Cardinia 4 cases Casey 16 cases Knox 2 cases Melbourne 32 cases... Melton 10 cases Monash 13 cases Port Philip 25 cases Whitehorse 3 cases Yarra Ranges 15 cases STAY HOME!!
04.01.2022 Bill Gates: The Corona Virus is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten and it is up to us if we will learn them or not. Bu...t multi-billionaire Gates, 64 who donated 85 million to combat the virus last month believes that despite the chaos, there is ‘a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens’. In an open letter, entitled ‘What is the Corona/ Covid-19 Virus Really Teaching us?’, he wrote: ‘A SPIRITUAL PURPOSE’ I’m a strong believer that there is a spiritual purpose behind everything that happens, whether that is what we perceive as being good or being bad. As I meditate upon this, I want to share with you what I feel the Corona/ Covid-19 virus is really doing to us. 1) It is reminding us that we are all equal, regardless of our culture, religion, occupation, financial situation or how famous we are. This disease treats us all equally, perhaps we should too. If you don’t believe me, just ask Tom Hanks. 2) It is reminding us that we are all connected and something that affects one person has an effect on another. It is reminding us that the false borders that we have put up have little value as this virus does not need a passport. It is reminding us, by oppressing us for a short time, of those in this world whose whole life is spent in oppression. 3) It is reminding us of how precious our health is and how we have moved to neglect it through eating nutrient poor manufactured food and drinking water that is contaminated with chemicals upon chemicals. If we don’t look after our health, we will, of course, get sick. 4) It is reminding us of the shortness of life and of what is most important for us to do, which is to help each other, especially those who are old or sick. Our purpose is not to buy toilet roll. 5) It is reminding us of how materialistic our society has become and how, when in times of difficulty, we remember that it’s the essentials that we need (food, water, medicine) as opposed to the luxuries that we sometimes unnecessarily give value to. 6) It is reminding us of how important our family and home life is and how much we have neglected this. It is forcing us back into our houses so we can rebuild them into our home and to strengthen our family unit. ‘OUR TRUE WORK’ 7) It is reminding us that our true work is not our job, that is what we do, not what we were created to do. Our true work is to look after each other, to protect each other and to be of benefit to one another. It is reminding us to keep our egos in check. It is reminding us that no matter how great we think we are or how great others think we are, a virus can bring our world to a standstill. 9) It is reminding us that the power of freewill is in our hands. We can choose to cooperate and help each other, to share, to give, to help and to support each other or we can choose to be selfish, to hoard, to look after only our self. Indeed, it is difficulties that bring out our true colours. 10) It is reminding us that we can be patient, or we can panic. We can either understand that this type of situation has happened many times before in history and will pass, or we can panic and see it as the end of the world and, consequently, cause ourselves more harm than good. 11) It is reminding us that this can either be an end or a new beginning. This can be a time of reflection and understanding, where we learn from our mistakes, or it can be the start of a cycle which will continue until we finally learn the lesson we are meant to. 12) It is reminding us that this Earth is sick. It is reminding us that we need to look at the rate of deforestation just as urgently as we look at the speed at which toilet rolls are disappearing off of shelves. We are sick because our home is sick. 13) It is reminding us that after every difficulty, there is always ease. Life is cyclical, and this is just a phase in this great cycle. We do not need to panic; this too shall pass. 14) Whereas many see the Corona/ Covid-19 virus as a great disaster, I prefer to see it as a *great corrector* It is sent to remind us of the important lessons that we seem to have forgotten and it is up to us if we will learn them or not.
03.01.2022 Vulcanism in the Dandenongs (my notes) From your viewpoint at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in The Basin, you can see the remains of the volcanic eruption from over 300 million years ago. But even before the eruption, the earth's crust had to be weakened 50 million years before that. This happened all over the earth, and not just here near the Dandenongs. Up the mountain, near where the township of Olinda is today, a series of volcanic eruptions pushed up through the ...Continue reading
03.01.2022 A DIFFERENT DREAMING My dreaming was of a far soft gentle country where black hills mutilated once are green again.... Beyond them lie forgotten northern dreams where bleak rocks rear and drown in cold still fiords. The men of my dreaming roamed, plundered perhaps; settled, were plundered in turn; were turned off their fields; Lost to the light, they starved in grimy towns; diseases bent their bones; and coal pits crushed them. In my dreaming, women buried their children, six to a grave, and in darkness grappled with grieving. Grief followed strong sons, lost to the motherland, where gold allured, or duty or lash coerced. Scattered as clouds, the people of my dreaming were blown to the harsh embrace of a different dream. Nightmares of toil and loss extinguished hope; the old home vanished in mist, they cleaved to the new; Sending their hopes ahead, they built again in an unfamiliar land, whose dreams were strange. Their children knew no distant gentle land. This heat, this wind, these hills became their own. These children wept as knowledge came to them that they were not the first to love this land. Slowly, a larger dream merged from the past, from the soil and the soul of the land, its people, its hope. Here lie the ancient hosts; here guests, in turn become hosts to wanderers far from the dreams of their birth. Weaving the many coloured threads of the past, the future grows, unique; my dreaming, my hope. Dorothy B. Williams
02.01.2022 Don't want to wait for your copy of Secrets and Silences to arrive by mail? It's available from Booktopia as an eBook for instant download. Start reading right away! https://www.booktopia.com.au/secrets-a//9780648527275.html If you use an iPad you can purchase it through Apple Books and if your preferred device is a Kindle it's available through Amazon, just search Secrets and Silences.
02.01.2022 An interesting read. Do you still wear aprons?
01.01.2022 Dorothy, Thanks for your submission into the Amazing Pet Stories Contest! We loved your story about Nikki and enjoyed the pics too! ... Please see your Pet profile pages below; https://shadypets.com/shadycat-2021/ Your contest entry page; https://shadypets.com/amazing-pet-stories/ Your FREE Print and Play Pet Card: https://shadypets.com//Nikki-2021-Series-2-Printable-Card. We also added your pet to our pet library ... https://shadypets.com/pet-card-library/
