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Unforgiving
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25.01.2022 Sending my sincere thanks today to those who lobbied your local council libraries to purchase a copy of Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. There is a copy in the following libraries. * Cairns * Proserpine * Bowen * Collinsville... * Gatton * Laidley the Lindfield area in New South Wales 6 others were purchased through library supplier, Peter Pal, so if a copy made it to your local library Id love to hear from you. Please encourage your relatives and friends to buy a copy or if you know someone travelling through western Queensland this tourist season, remind them that copies can be purchased throughout south-west Queensland. Thanks also to Pieta Mills at Out the Back Australia for taking copies to display and sell at her tourism operation in Cunnamulla. Pieta sees many visitors to the area throughout the winter/tourist period so I hope Sams story will be picked up and read and then those people also encourage others to buy a copy. Sharing photos of Sam with you today and of the flyer for the Eulo gymkhana being held in Eulo over the Easter weekend. This event replaced the old Eulo sports day. I know how much Sam loved competiting, whether it was on a polocrosse field, a gymkhana circuit or trying to stay on the back of a bull. If he was alive, he would have been a great supporter of this event and the committee have recognised this by naming the double barrel, the blue ribbon event on Saturday, after him. Congratulations to the small band of organisers and workers and all the best to competitors for a safe weekend of bikeriding. See more
25.01.2022 Have you been thinking about purchasing a copy of my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam but wonder what others say about it. Here are some comments Ive received: "Thanks for your wonderful book. It brought back memories of some good times at Farnham." "...what a raw and emotional story...wonderful book about a truly amazing man missed by us all."... "...I appreciated the good and bad times you described in your story...Good on you for not giving up on the fight and getting justice for Sam." "...beautifully written. Once I started I couldnt put it down so I read the whole book in one go..." "...your book was amazing. Actually it would be the only book I have read from start to finish, ever." "A story so tragic, beautifully written and bravely expressed." "Simply put, a powerful story of love and courage." "Very tragic, revealing and at times brutally shocking." "A must read for folk unaware of the hardship of life in the South West." Copies are available by emailing [email protected] or through the website www.unforgiving.com.au It is also at newsagents throughout western Queensland, at the transaction centre in Augathella, the Eulo Queen Hotel and the Bullo Shire Information Centre in Thargomindah as well as a city outlet at The Hair People on Ashmole Rd on the Redcliffe Peninsula.
24.01.2022 Heres another short extract from a chapter in my book - Sam and Sal, a team together again.
23.01.2022 When I post an ad for the sale of my book on Facebook, many people who have read, Unforgiving The story of the life and death of Sam or are touched by that iconic photo of Sam, write touching comments there. As well as these, I often receive private messages and emails from people sharing their own journey and stories with me. Recently I received a letter that in itself is unusual, as we rely today on electronic communication. Rather than trying to set the scene and tell ...Continue reading
23.01.2022 This weekends book orders packaged and ready to go. We only have two mails out of Eulo a week so these will leave on Tuesday morning. Thanks for your continued support for my book and to my buyers for their patience with delivery times. Sometimes wonder when Cobb & Co was operating between Cunnamulla and Thargomindah, if there were more mail outs then. However thankful we can still live in this part of the world
23.01.2022 "This story is impossible to put down..." Ive received this and similar comments about my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. Im reminding everyone that for the month of January, I will donate 10% of book sales to the Buy A Bale drought relief fund AND 10% to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. So, if in the past you thought about purchasing a copy, this is the month to do it knowing you are helping my familys drought situation + buy a bale + the bushfire appeal. Please pm me, email me at [email protected] or visit the website www.unforgiving.com.au where paypal is available
21.01.2022 My speech at the Shine Awards presentation, Cruden Farm, Victoria, International Women's Day, 8th March 2021. My sincere thanks to The Weekly Times and to Harvey Norman for the partnership they have formed in order to make this award every year. My special thanks to Penny Fowler, Chairman, The Herald and Weekly Times and Katie Paige, CEO Harvey Norman for coming together five years ago and having the drive and the passion for seeing the work being undertaken by women in all w...Continue reading
21.01.2022 Im pleased to add another outlet for the sale of my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. The Kipparing Newsagency, in the Penninsula Fair Shopping Centre at Kipparing now stocks copies of this book. Thank you Kipparing Newsagency and I hope it is a popular item for your clients and shoppers.
21.01.2022 This extract is taken from chapter 2 in this book. It shows how what starts out as a seemingly normal, even mundane day, can turn into the second worse day of my life. 9th March is that day. The day began like any working day did on Farnham, our 30,000 hectare grazing property. Here we bred and raised beef cattle and goats, taking full advantage of the renowned country along the Paroo River. Krysta Garret was stirring. She was the partner of my son, Sam, and she lived with us...Continue reading
20.01.2022 The Outback can be a harsh paradise, as it is at the moment, thirsting for some much needed rain to fall over it. When that rain comes, it can be a unique paradise of abundant wildlife and wildflowers, strands of long grass waving in the breeze, well nourished cows and bonny calves. The Paroo River is the serpent that meanders its way through this country, and in full flood, it is a sight to behold. There are stories of flood times in my book - of a pig in a wheelbarrow, of c...oming eyeball to eyeball with a snake in a tree seeking refuge from floodwaters or of being bogged on a guidepost - adventures unique to living in the bush. Read about these and the many other stories of outback life in my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. Available for $40 (incl postage & handling) by emailing [email protected] or through the website www.unforgiving.com.au It is also available from outlets throughout SW Qld in Roma, Quilpie, Augathella, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Thargomindah and from the Eulo Queen Hotel here in Eulo. If you are closer to the coast and would like to purchase a copy, please go and see Alison at The Hair People in the Ashmole Rd Shopping Village on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula where copies are available. Lets hope its not long before we see Eulo and all of outback Queensland looking like this again. See more
20.01.2022 Dont forget, if you live in the Roma district, my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam, is available now at Roma News, in the heart of Romas main street. This story tells of the day of Sams accident with the gyrocopter, of his next eight days in intensive care, then of the weeks, months and years that followed. Reviews describe it as riveting, uncompromising, hard to put down. See Roma News for your copy.
19.01.2022 I posted to Ringers From The Top End yesterday and had an amazing response. Thank you RFTTE for the opportunity to share my book and Sams story to your followers of the page then thanks also to those who shared and created such an amazing snowball effect! Its just awesome.
19.01.2022 This is my second favourite photo of Sam. Hes dressed in his formal Queensland polocrosse blazer, but, typical Sam, notice the loose tie. Sam played twice for Queensland as an intermediate player - at the Nationals in Perth in 2008 and at Muswellbrook in 2009 where his team won that series against New South Wales 3-0. He and his horse, Smartie were a formidable pair. She is retired now at Farnham but this drought we continue to endure is not the retirement I envisaged for he...r. Its dry and dusty - not the green pastures I thought she would see out her days on. Im sure she doesnt thank me for bringing her home. This post is to thank all of you who have purchased a copy of my book, either in hardcopy form or electronically. My thanks also to outlets throughout western Queensland from Roma to Thargomindah and all places in between, that continue to stock my book. Thank you to Col in Brisbane, who continues to find buyers for my book, and to Alison, for agreeing to have my book on sale at her salon on the Redcliffe Peninsula. I said when I published my book that one reason was to help my family in some way during this drought. Your purchase of my book has enabled me to pay the interest payments for the past three months on one of the farm loans we have. That has been a big help so thank you all. We feel Sams loss each and every day and nothing can ever describe the huge gap his death has left in our lives, but I take some comfort from the words you share with me. So thank you also for the many messages you send through to me. As I always say to Sam, "love you to the moon and back, Sambo, and miss you to infinity." See more
18.01.2022 These pieces of beautiful and unique jewellery reflecting the trees, plants and soil of Eulo and outback Queensland are made by my daughter, Lauren. As well as being available locally, at the Eulo Store and from Nan at the Artesian Mud Baths, Lauren also takes mail orders and will craft customised orders too. Search her facebook page then scroll through the photos of the lovely pieces she makes.
18.01.2022 Today marks Sam's 31st birthday. This short story, with the simple title, 'Fencing' has been written to mark today. Happy heavenly birthday, Sambo. xx Fencing Building new fences is boring and monotonous - a job I describe as a ‘no brainer’. Sam would laugh and rib me about calling it that. In the same category was drafting goats. He knew this so he’d say, We’re going to draft the goats now Mumma. Do you want to come and give us a han...Continue reading
17.01.2022 I am mailing out early this week orders taken in the last week or so. Thank you very much to those who have placed these orders - its very much appreciated. I have books on hand after filling these orders so if you would like to secure one of these copies there are 3 ways you can do this. please send me a PM email me at [email protected] Or visit the website www.unforgiving.com.au Thank you for your continued support. ... #buy from a bush business #RFTTE See more
17.01.2022 I havent posted for awhile but couldnt let Sams 30th birthday pass. At times, during the past few months, I have been dabbling with stories again and many remain unfinished. I have this one Ive called, The Boundary Gate so this is for you, Sam. The Boundary Gate On a recent visit to Farnham, I came to the boundary gate. As I closed it, I thought of the memories we shared. I sat awhile on an old tin box beside the gate and spoke to it as tho...Continue reading
16.01.2022 Got a Melbourne Cup luncheon on today in your town? Comment with town or postcode or both. If it being held as a fundraiser for a charity or organisation, mention that too.
16.01.2022 ...As we walked along a passageway the doctor turned to me and said, "Your son is going to die tonight."... These are the worst seven words Ive had to hear in my life. Read about the events that led to these horrendous words being spoken and what followed in their aftermath in Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. I have two further outlets where my book is available. # If you live in Thargomindah,Danielle, at the Visitor Information Centre, now has cop...ies to sell. Thanks Danielle and the Buloo Shire Council. # On the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula, Alison, at The Hair People in the Ashmole Rd Shopping Centre, corner Ashmole Rd & Porter St is selling copies also. A quick call to her to ensure she has stock might be advisable. I have a distributor down there so copies are not hard for her to get. Thanks Alison. These join my other well known outlets in western Qld. # Charleville Newsagency # Cunnamulla Newsagency # Elles Newsagency in Quilpie # Roma News # The Transaction Centre in Augathella # From the website www.unforgiving.com.au where paypal is available as well an an electronic download to your device # or email me directly at [email protected] and a copy will soon be on its way to you. Help me continue to tell this young mans story. See more
16.01.2022 Wanted to share with you Annabelle Brayleys review of my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. Annabelle is a storyteller, and has written a number of books with an outback theme. These include Nurses of the Outback, Outback Vets,Our Vietnam Nurses and Bush Doctors. I read reviews before I tend to buy something so you too might like to read the reviews from other readers of my book as well. Here is Annabelles review. This book is available f...or $40 incl postage by emailing me directly at [email protected] or by visiting the website www.unforgiving.com.au Book review - Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam I read Carmels newly published book again last week. It is, first and foremost, a love story about an engaging bush lad who clearly still owns the heart of his mother. While it was clearly her intent that the reader should know, I did feel as though I had intruded into her very personal relationship with her youngest son. It felt like a privilege on some level but, just as it did the first time, it left me feeling a bit unsettled. Unforgiving is also an uncompromising, brutally honest recollection of Sams terrible accident, subsequent death and the aftermath of that tragedy. It is easy to read but it is, by no means, an easy read. It is a confronting but very compelling glimpse into the often challenging, sometimes funny and occasionally terrifyingly harsh reality of one familys life in remote SW Queensland. Once again, I couldnt stop reading it.
15.01.2022 This is the original photo of Sam, which was cut, pasted and overlayed over an image taken on Farnham Plains and used as the cover photo for this book. Sam was 21 and livin his dream on his family property at Eulo in Queenslands outback when he was run over by an out-of-control gyrocopter in March 2011. Read his story, Unforgiving -The story of the life and death of Sam available at # newsagents throughout south-west Queensland # by email to [email protected] # through paypal purchase at www.unforgiving.com.au # or downloaded as an ebook to your favourite electronic device from www.unforgiving.com.au
14.01.2022 Are you travelling or about to embark on your travels into south-west Queensland? The weather,by the way, is superb at the moment. Is Eulo on your list as a st...ay awhile destination, an overnight stay or passing through? When you are here, pay a visit Tom and Helens Paroo Patch, Garys Opal Centre or our popular local watering hole, The Eulo Queen Hotel and purchase a copy of my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam. The setting for most of this book is right here in the Eulo district and in it I describe the beauty and uniqueness of what is known as the mulgalands of the south-west. Youll be giving support to a local family and helping to get the word out there about this great part of Queensland. See more
11.01.2022 Jo was part of the medical team that stabilised Sams horrific injuries then conducted the medical evacuation out of Eulo in March 2011. Jo is one member of a very important team of medical professionals working throughout outback Queensland.
11.01.2022 Chapter 41 Two Lives Some people believe they have lived two lives and they are a reincarnation from another life. Ive lived two lives but mine run consecutively, not hundreds or even thousands of years apart. Theres my life before 9th March 2011 and this life after. In my darkest moments I questioned if that previous life had really happened or whether I dreamt it all. Was there really a Sam or was he a figment of my imagination? No one could imagine the myriad of experie...Continue reading
11.01.2022 Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam is beginning to spread beyond the south-west going to parts of Australia and into regional and capital cities. Recently, a copy was sold to a retired police worker who was on duty in the communications room the morning the call came in about Sam and the fatal gyrocopter. It was an incident that she hadnt forgotten, she said, and she was pleased to be able to read about what follows after an incident leaves their system, ...then of the aftermath and the affect of such a trauma on family. Thanks to Col for delivering this, and many other copies of my book. Here is a list of retail outlets where this book is available at the moment: Roma News Cunnamulla Newsagency Charleville News Elles Newsagency - Quilpie Paroo Patch & Eulo Queen Hotel Augathella Transaction Centre It is also available by directly contacting me. Looking at the possibility of major retail outlets nationwide but, as Ive said before, I wont assume anything, and I wont count my chickens. See more
10.01.2022 Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam is an emotionally charged story of sadness and loss, of humour and happiness, of the life of a young, twenty-one year old man livin his dream in Outback Queensland. I recently sent a promotional email about my book to all rural, regional and city councils in Queensland. Since that time I have sold copies to both the Whitsunday and Cairns Regional Councils so my book will be available in the libraries of those regions. ...Ive been a little bit excited about that with Whitsundays team leader, Robyn, taking the opportunity to read my book over the recent long weekend. Now Im asking for your help. If youre walking or driving past your regions library, could you go in and ask them to purchase a copy? Every sale of my book is a real bonus and it gets Sams story out there. Both libraries so far are along Queenslands coast so its great that theyve shown an interest for a book set in the harsh landscape of Outback Queensland. For copies, you can email me at [email protected] or visit the website www.unforgiving.com.au See more
08.01.2022 As I do every day, I’m taking a few moments today to reflect and remember Sambo. With all this comes the thought that without Sam’s death there would not have been this book. I didn’t want Sam’s short 21 years of life to be lost. Perhaps when Cody or Lilly, both born after Sam died, or Jacob, Mistique, Blair or even Akasha who were two, four, six and eight respectively at the time with the two older have memories of Sam, down the track ask, who was Uncle Sam and what was he ...like, my book is there for them to read. Or, if our family should one day lose ownership of Farnham Plains, and someone stumbles upon the graves of John, Pam, Herb and Sam and see that this young man died at just 21 and wonder how and why, then my book is that record. I have the next piece of writing in my head and its working name is ‘6’. My grandchildren are our 6th generation and I believe we could be the longest continuous family on the same property in this district, with a Beresford holding title since the early 1900’s. If I get this one written, it won’t be all fact as ‘Unforgiving’ is - I lived ‘Unforgiving’. Many family records were destroyed in the homestead fire in 1977 so it may be the stories or ‘folklore’ heard over the years that make another book. It could become my 2021 project. See more
08.01.2022 Sam gets to visit the nicest places doesn't he? Remember earlier in the year Sam went to London and on to the northern lights off Norway. Today he's on holiday with Melissa at beautiful Kooljaman Cape Levelque in Western Australia. It looks so beautiful!
07.01.2022 When I post an ad for the sale of my book on Facebook, many people who have read, ‘Unforgiving The story of the life and death of Sam’ or are touched by that ...iconic photo of Sam, write touching comments there. As well as these, I often receive private messages and emails from people sharing their own journey and stories with me. Recently I received a letter that in itself is unusual, as we rely today on electronic communication. Rather than trying to set the scene and tell you about it, here is some of what it says, and with the writers permission, I take excerpts from it. I really don’t recall how I came upon your publication on Facebook, it sort of ‘just popped up’ and over the years I have learnt to trust that ‘gut feeling’. It’s all a blur; before I knew it, I had ordered your book not really understanding what I had purchased or why. I really never purchase on the internet and remember thinking, Oh well, I’ve probably been scammed when I saw the transaction on my account. I just saw Sam’s face and before I realised it the book was purchased then forgotten about. My 50th birthday is in July this year, so my husband and I decided to do a celebration trip together. We live by the beach in Far North Queensland and are beach/ocean people. We got married on a sandy cay in the Great Barrier Reef, we love that lifestyle so much. Therefore, we decide to research the Maldives for our holiday in July. Again, I don’t know how it popped into my head and why but a wonderful cruise to Norway from London to see the Northern Lights caught my eye. Another ‘gut feeling’ or intuition and before I knew it, I had booked our holiday. The Northern Lights have been something I have always wanted to do but I’d resigned myself to the fact we may never afford it. This deal answered my prayers. So along comes February 2020, we are as prepared as our ignorance lets us meaning tropical bunnies becoming sub zero snow bunnies, and on the way to the airport I quickly check my PO box for any last minute bills I may have overlooked and there it was, your book. I swear it was meant to be for the book to come on holidays with us. With a smile, giggle and thought, well, I guess we won’t be alone again Sam is coming with us. I hope you like big cities, the cold and cruising, Sam. Your book was carried in my cabin luggage all the way from Cairns to London and in my day backpack exploring London. Sam visited the Queen, Big Ben, London Tower, the Thames River and many other places. I even took the book out of my backpack at the Princess Diana Memorial, hugging it with respect for great losses. Again, when we boarded our cruise, visiting towns, experiencing all our wonderful holiday had to offer and eventually the flight home and yes, Sam got to see the Northern Lights. The whole time your book was in my backpack or at my bedside. I had ample opportunities to read that book on long flights or days at sea but again that ‘gut feeling’ said no. I really don’t know why. Crazily maybe, I was scared if I opened the pages, he would be released but I wanted to return him to Australia. We got home on 7th March (just in time with the current situation). ’Unforgiving’ on my bedside table again and that ‘gut feeling’ calling me, NOW IS THE TIME TO READ ME. I was engulfed all day reading your book from cover to cover and those that know me well know I don’t sit still for long. The day was the 9th March! A word that comes to mind is BRAVO Bravo for so many things. For peace, strength, love, patience, frustration, grief, tribute and on and on. Mainly bravo for sharing Sam with us. Maybe that’s why Sam came with me on the trip to Norway, maybe why I didn’t open or read your book whilst away, maybe why I opened it at 08.30 on the 9th March. I thank you and applaud you on the book. It has changed my perspective on those we love. May your days be filled with smiles and sunshine and I wish you peace and good fortune. See more
06.01.2022 If you havent bought a copy of Sams story yet, this is a chance to get both the book and a lovely memento of the mulga leaf and flower of SWQ. Contact Lauren / Lozbees Memories direct and these will soon be on their way to you.
06.01.2022 Each year during late November/early December, a wonderful event called Bush Christmas is held in Toowoomba. The Masonic Hall is hired and a vast array of items made by people living in the country and the outback, is displayed and for sale. Im pleased to say that my book, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam, will be for sale there this year. If you planned on a visit to Bush Christmas, please pick up a copy. It would make a great Christmas gift for family... or friends, for that hard to buy for person, or as a stocking filler to complete a gift for that special person. Bush Christmas starts next Wednesday, 28th November and is open for ten days. Its a great place to wander through and buying one item or many from there, may just be a help to someone living on a drought affected property. Dont forget my book is available at outlets in Roma, Quilpie, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Eulo and Augathella or directly by emailing me at [email protected] Put Bush Christmas on your to visit list sometime between 28th November and 7th December. See more
06.01.2022 Eight years ago, today began like most other days for us. Krysta and I had work at school to get to and the men had jobs around Farnham. It was a normal, almost mundane kind of morning. Then, at 8.30, when Sam turned the key on that gyrocopter, our world, and the life wed known, would never be the same again. His injuries were such that his survival that day was miraculous, but sadly, shortlived. You can read about this devastating moment, all the events leading to it and the tragic aftermath of this incident by purchasing my book Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam.Visit the website www.unforgiving.com.au or email: [email protected] and a copy will soon be on its way to you.
06.01.2022 If you have read Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam, then you will have read this short story in it. Its a favourite of mine. I can still picture Sams face looking at me saying, "Mumma, I know this place like the back of my hand Ill get us home..." I have copies of my book in stock so just email [email protected] for details of how to purchase. It is also available at newsagents throughout south west Queensland, at the Eulo Queens Hotel and Paroo Patc...Continue reading
06.01.2022 Received this email the other day from a reader of Sams story. "Had to go back and read again. Breathtaking. Congratulations; many thanks for this nationbuilding account. We in the city have no idea about this.The book is borrowed from Willoughby library in Chatswood NSW. I will return it tomorrow so that it can go back to the prominent display it deserves." ES Have you purchased and read, Unforgiving - The story of the life and death of Sam? Its available from me and...Continue reading
05.01.2022 I tried very hard to be able to promote my book through the One Day Closer to Rain facebook page but the administrators decided to disallow all books. It was a shame as there are some wonderful bush authors with great bush stories to tell that arent picked up by publishing companies and so have to self-publish and then promote their book/story by themselves. Without the exposure to their 150,000 members, I rely on you, my likers to get my story out there. Do you realise i...ts only 3 weeks today until Christmas? Have you got all your gifts ready, or like me, are you way behind? Do you still have a list of those hard to buy for, or some whose gift or stocking is not yet complete? I have a stock of my book on hand that I can send out to you and youd have before Christmas. There are 3 easy ways to get in touch. You can send me a quick pm, email [email protected] or go to the website, www.unforgiving.com.au and however you plan to spend the time, I hope you all have a happy Christmas season. See more
05.01.2022 Tonight is the anniversary of Sams death and in chapter 10 of this book, I bear my heart and soul about this horrendous night eight years ago. The deep void Sams death left in our lives is as gaping today as it was in the days, weeks and months following his death. He is sorely missed. As I always finish off my posts about Sam - love you to the moon and back, Sambo and miss you to infinity.
03.01.2022 This never changes. What do I miss? I miss drive arounds with you looking at cattle, cleaning troughs... I miss shooting rabbits in my houseyard - me holding the torch, you the gun. I miss watcing you and Smartie on a polocrosse field. I miss you sprawled across the end of my bed talking about something or just nothing. I miss green workshirts hanging on the clothesline. I miss ham, cheese and beetroot sandwiches everyday for lunch. I miss our chats in the kitchen while Im g...etting tea. I miss golf shoes. I miss hearing Mama - only you called me that. I miss the polocrosse racquet and ball standing at the back door. I miss hearing the ball bouncing on the hard ground between the house and the stables. I miss tying on fence wires with you - only you could make such a boring job seem like a challenge. I miss sitting across the table from you. I miss asking for a load of dirt for the garden in the morning as I left for school and seeing it there when I got home that afternoon. I miss your strength. I miss your hard working hands. I miss your beautiful eyes, your laugh, your smile, your voice, your presence in my life. I miss my life before 9th March 2011. Is there anything about you, Sambo, that I dont miss? Cant think of a thing. Rest easy. See more
02.01.2022 Hi everyone, I hope your Sunday is turning out to be all you'd hoped for. Beautiful weather in my little patch of the world today. Many 'likers' of this page are also purchasers of my book so thank you for that. I always appreciate every sale I make because it means getting Sam's story a little further out into the world. I have supporters out there who express a wish that it could be made into a television mini series or telemovie!! My post today has a serious side to it t...oo. Early in the year I posted an ad offering to donate 10% of sales that month to both drought aid and bush fire aid. A donation was made from sales to 'Rural Aid' and I thank you on their behalf for this. The other was to be Red Cross. Like many of you out there, I began hearing/reading articles that concerned me as to whether my donation, small as it would be, would reach those most in need. Then I saw a story about Cobargo and the farming family there that lost two family members - a father and son in a raging fireball in the middle of the night. That son was the father of a two year old boy and it was likely the restlessness of that little boy that night, saved his mother from the same fate. If you're not aware of this story, search and have a read. So the Cobargo Community Fund is where my small bushfire donation went and I am hoping that it went to them with your blessing. Maybe it was used to buy one person or family something so needy as a rain water tank to store some fresh water or perhaps a new washing machine. So thank you again for buying a copy of my book thus allowing me to make this donation. Wherever you are, take care in these crazy times. Carmel (If this photo here was Sam in the flesh today looking at me, I'd be telling him he needed a shave.) See more
01.01.2022 Very thrilled today to be announced as the overall winner of the Shine Award for 2020. This award is a platform for the achievements of women in rural Australia. Nearly 300 women were nominated across a wide range of achievements, careers and community contributions. My book tells Sam's story, the story of a young man 'livin' the dream' (his words) in this remote part of Australia living what I'm sure he'd simply describe as an ordinary life. To me, his mum, he was an extraordinary human being - hardworking, easy going and a love for the life he shared with us. Sambo, this one's for you.
01.01.2022 This is not book related but Im hoping you might be able to help me here by re-sharing this post. Here are the Farnham Plains cows that have been in the St George area for nearly nine months. You might be someone, or know someone, who is looking for a line of mostly one-brand Angus/Santa and some Charbray cows (different brand) that are in very good order. Bulls have been with this herd for the entire time they have been grazing around St George. Centrally located there and ready for immediate delivery.
01.01.2022 Sending out a big thanks to all of you today. With your help, this facebook page has past 700 followers this week and I really appreciate the support that youve all shown. If you notice that I have invited you to follow and you havent yet done so, please click and join this page. Please share it around as much as you can too. Im reaching out to you again to help me get a copy of my book in libraries throughout Queensland. Unforgiving is an authentic story set in Outback ...Queensland about a young man loving life and work there who was taken far too soon. Below is a link to the State Library of Queensland that takes you to their suggestion to purchase form. Please copy and paste in your browser. You just need to answer a quick few answers, then press submit and I hope its not too long before copies are in council libraries throughout Queensland. If the link doesnt work for you, go to the state library of Queesland contact page then scroll down to the suggestion to purchase form. Thanks for your help. http://askslq.altarama.com/reft100.aspx?pmi=rap0qPqpcx