It is approaching summer here in Australia and the end of a very long, difficult year. In particular, I’ve recently had some quite devastating changes in my life and I am unable to fully process all of it, and this comes on the end of about two and a half difficult years. I burned out in January of this year, and while I have made some improvements, I am still in a challenging space emotionally.

So I have decided to end Be Curious as a newsletter - I have appreciated those of you who have read it and engaged with it, and I hope you’ll continue to engage with my book reviews, which I will continue to post.

2026 is going to be one of further change and challenges. Of this I am certain. Most will be of my choosing but some will not. I am somewhat retreating from the world - outside of my book reviews (which I will try to remember to cross post to Instagram…I sometimes forget to do that), I won’t be online.

I am hoping to commence some postgraduate study in March (unless the dream job comes along in the meantime) and I want to be focussed on that, on reading and creative projects, and my family and friends. I do not want to be lonely! However, while I work through some challenges, including the formal ADHD assessments which I have commenced, I am very sensitive that I do not want offend or hurt anyone while I am not at my best (and sadly, I think that has happened recently, unintentionally and without knowing how I did so) as the impact on others is significant and has been recently catastrophic. I don’t want that for any of us, espcially those I care for deeply.

So while I am not going to write newsletters, I will still post my reviews and I might even expand those to the odd film or series I have enjoyed. I’m going to work on getting healthy and being the best version of myself, and start living my life according to what helps facilitate that Kass.

I will leave these newletters up for people to review, should they wish. I just wont be adding to them.

The warmth and kindness, the camaraderie and intellect of the book world is something I cherish. I certainly want to remain engaged with that, so stick around and say hello! As in all of life, we are stronger together.

May the road rise up to meet you.

With love,

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Welcome to Be Curious, a newsletter where I talk about…well, anything that springs to mind really, including books, TV shows, travel, life…anything goes really. I am grateful that you’re here.

I am now 17 days from heading back to Australia, having been on Prince Edward Island since early September. The weather here is cooling, I have spent time with many dear friends and I have enjoyed a range of experiences.

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Cavendish Literary Festival

I was very excited to attend the inaugural Cavendish Literary Festival at the end of September. I listened to a range of authors talk about their work, most of whom were new to me. The festival was well attended and I especially enjoyed asking Keir Lowther if he thought Rafael Nadal should purchase underwear that fits him, raising many laughs while talking about Keir’s new book Greatness.

I also really enjoyed the sessions with Sarah Emsley about her new book The Austens, and drawing the parallels with the Island’s own L.M. Montgomery.

Miriam Toews

Miriam Toews was awarded the Symons Medal earlier this month at the Confederation Centre of the Arts and it was lovely to listen to her speak when accepting the medal, and have her sign my copy of her new memoir, A Truce That Is Not Peace. It’s not often you happen to be in town when a major Canadian cultural award is being handed out, so that wasvery exciting

Lesley Crewe

Just tonight I attended an author talk/reading with Canadian author Lesley Crewe, about her new book The Spirit of Scatarie. I recently read Crewe’s novel The Spoon Stealer which I absolutely loved, so meeting her tonight and having her sign my copy of that novel was a real treat.

If you haven’t already, my review of The Spoon Stealer is here.

I’ve also purchased her novel Nosy Parker to read when I get home to Australia.

What I have been reading

Apart from The Spoon Stealer, since I last wrote I have also read another fantastic novel about witchcraft called The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec. I absolutely loved it. You can read the review below.

In fact I loved it so much, I bought Gornichec’s first novel to read as well, The Witch’s Heart.

Which brings me to a confession…..

Hi, I am Kass and I buy books. A LOT of books. This is what I have bought so far since arriving here in Canada.

*I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
A Truce That is Not Peace by Miriam Toews (non-fiction)
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
*The Weaver and The Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche (which I am currently reading)
The Essential Tles and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
A Tangled Web by L.M. Montgomery
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
How To Kill A Witch by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell (non-fiction)
Procession by katherena vermette (a poetry collection)
*The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe
Nosy Parker by Lesley Crewe
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad (non-fiction)
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
The Witches by Stacy Schiff (non-fiction)
Greatness by Keir Lowther
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

*indicates I have read it since purchasing

Yes, I am seriously into books about witches right now. But also, I am just seriously into BOOKS. Fair to say, this is where most of my money goes, which is better than hard drugs (I’m told)…but gosh…I need to get a wriggle on!

What I’ve watched

I’ve had the opportunity to binge watch some shows since being here too. I enjoyed My Life With the Walter Boys but I absolutely LOVED The Summer I Turned Pretty! I am 100% team Conrad!!

I watched the second season of Love Life but it didn’t do a lot for me. I am looking forward to watching the new season of The Diplomat next week hopefully (with my faves Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford from the West Wing joining as the President and First Gentleman this season!)

I also went to the cinema last week to the official The Life of a Showgirl listening party for the new Taylor Swift album. My friend Tracy and I went along and listened to Taylor explain each new song, sing along to it and see the new video on the big screen, as well as BTS footage of filming of the video. It was a really fun way to welcome the latest TS Era!

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What’s Next?

Tomorrow I am flying to Montreal to see Mumford and Sons play at the Centre Bell! I am really excited - I’ve loved this band since their first album and I cannot wait to sing along to their long list of banger tracks! I am also looking forward to exploring some of downtown Montreal, as I have not been there before and I understand it’s quite beautiful.

I have also been dabbling back into a sketchbook/art journal. Whether I share pages or not, I am unsure as yet…the journey back to artistic endeavour is a challenge for me, but I am trying and so far I have made four pages, which is pretty good!

Until next time, stay kind and remember to look up!

Welcome to Be Curious #15, written from the traditional lands of the Mi’kmaw people, Epekwitk, now known as Prince Edward Island. I am here for my tenth visit and spending time with extended family and friends here, and it is my second home!

I don’t have a lot to report - mainly just a reminder that I am reviewing books and posting those and enjoying the last of summer as the Great White North commences the beautiful fall season. I went to the Sommo Festival recently which would have been vastly improved had the skies not opened! My favourite was Hollow Coves, a great band from Brisbane who I finally got to see live on the other side of the world! I missed seeing Hozier unfortunately (I’ve seen him before - he’s great) as it was just too wet and cold to stay once we were drenched. All reports say he was excellent, as was Alanis Morrisette the night before.

This weekend I am headed to the Cavendish Literary Festival which I am looking forward to!

I’m also looking forward to seeing Miriam Toews receive the Symons Medal on 3 October, and Lesley Crewe on October 16 (I’m currently reading her novel The Spoon Stealer).

Since I last wrote, I’ve posted reviews of these books:

It’s actually been a great reading month - I also read My Brother Jaz by Gideon Haigh which was incredibly moving (it’s really short and talks about the death of Haigh’s brother in a traffic accident, aged 17).

Only one DNF - All The Murmering Bones by A.G. Slattery - I wanted to like it but at 24% though, gave up. It’s a book that will have its audience, which I am happy about - it just wasn’t for me.

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I have also reactivated my Bookstagram - mainly to link back to this website, but I have missed the book community it generated for me. I am still not engaged with my personal accounts and don’t see a time I’ll do so again - who knows?

I’m also doing some fiction writing. Who knows if I will ever let anyone read it or if the story will ever be finished but it’s been sitting in my mind for a while. I am trying to be disciplined about writing but failing miserably, but the story remains and I am sure I’ll feel a surge. I’ve planned it a bit - I’d love to say I’m a pantser but who am I kidding? I am a planner in every single aspect of my life; writing be no different!

I also am still really loving witchy stories and since being here have picked up some novels unknown to me, and two magazines - one from National Geographic and another special edition mag! I don’t know what’s driving this hyperfixation on witchy historic fiction but I am here for it! Being in North America ahead of Halloween has been a boon of fun stuff too.

My priority for this trip is to relax, give myself space for clear thinking and reconnection, and to enjoy the last months before life gets hectic again, either through work or study.

I’m glad you’re here with me.

Until next time,

Welcome to Be Curious, a newsletter where I consider the books I have read, the life I lead and the world I live in. I am so pleased you are here.

It has now been two months since I wrote this newsletter. I have been both busy and not busy during that time, but mainly I have not written anything because I have been cocooning in our new city, our new home and allowing myself to slow right down.

We are loving our new home, a three storey townhouse where we have painted our living room with a Highland Green feature wall, our bedroom a dar dusky pink and my library a dark purple. The shelves are a dark Magic Forect green with fairy lights and colour is added through furnishing and books.

This space is now where I feel safest, happiest and most myself.

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I have, in amongst the moving and unpacking and a bout with Influenza A, been reading.

What I have been reading:

And I have another review coming (tomorrow).

What I have been watching:

Earlier this week I watched the Netflix adaptation of My Oxford Year. I’ve seen it get pretty mixed reviews and while I would not call it life changing, I thought it was good. I quite like actor Corey Mylchreest, I think his work on Queen Charlotte is wonderful - he shows real complexity as King George.

I have watched the first episode of Season 2 of Wednesday but I think, with such a gap since Season 1, I need to rewatch that before going further. I absolutely LOVED season 1 and Jenna Ortega, so this is something I’ll do over the next couple of weeks.

What comes next?

I am headed overseas on 8 September for two months in Canada. I am looking forward to returning to my favourite Canadian bookstore, Bookmark.

I am also looking forward to the inaugural Cavendish Literary Festival, the AFL Atlantic Canada Finals and the PEI Fibre Festival.

I’m also looking forward to seeing Mumford and Sons in Montreal!

On return, I’ll be commencing my job search or, if that comes to nothing, returning to some part time study. I do battle a little with the lack of routine and dignity of work, but I also recognised my need for rest, after some crazy years.

I am still largely absent from social media - life is much nicer offline. I continue to be dumbfounded by the actions of some international governments and, sometimes, the response of my own. I just hope that somehow the world can survive this period without catastrophic loss of life and irrepreable damage. As ever, I look to the young people around the world and marvel at their capacity to call out the rot - my positivity is rooted in their progressive ideals and refusal to buy into right-wing conspiracies, genocide and cruelty to fellow humans. The kids really are alright.

I look forward to sharing the next few months with you.

Thankyou for your patience and kindness as I have quietened my online presence, my mind and my world. I’m not far away from re-emergence.

Love,

The world feels very hectic lately and I am happier than ever not to be engaged with social media in any meaningful way. I see that the United States continues to decay under the current leadership and I fear for where things will end up there. It’s a country I have spent a lot of time in over the years and for the forseeable future, not a place I would consider even trying to visit.

I worry about my friends there.

I also despair for the Middle East. Minds far brighter than mine have spent centuries trying to find a way for Jews and Muslims to cohabitate in peace, without success. I don’t have the answers. However, I don’t believe the genocide of innocent people is the way through. I also don’t believe all Jews are responsible for the actions of the Israeli government (any more than all Americans are responsible for the current administration). What I am sure about though, is that there must be acceptance of each other from both sides and a genuine commitment to cohabitate in peace. Beyond that, I just hate seeing innocent men, women and children murdered simply for existing. It’s wrong and the rest of the world has to start standing up against the tyranny we are seeing globally. Where are the lessons of the past?

Closer to home, we are now only a few weeks from moving and we are surrounded by boxes, working out what we will take to our new home and what we can donate or take to the dump. Moving house is incredibly stressful, on top of other stressors in life right now. I really cannot wait to just get this part of things settled and sorted.

I’ve been daydreaming about travelling later this year. The idea of a few weeks in a cottage in France or the UK is very appealing. To write, read, walk and just exist quietly. I don’t know if it will happen but it’s a nice distraction to look at airfares and rentals!

(Any suggestions or recommendations welcome - it doesn’t have to be France or the UK!)

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Book Reviews

I finally got around to reading Nora Ephron’s Heartburn and it was well worth it! Here’s my review.

I also listened to this absolute cracker of an audiobook:

Articles I loved reading lately

An incredible new tapestry

This tapestry, entitled Welcome to Country, is destined for the Footscray Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The biggest 3D tapestry in Australian history, it is the work of Maree Clarke, in collaboration with the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

Emma Gannon's reflection on one of my most favourite books, The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan. I came across Marina’s essays right as this book was being released, while I was staying on an extended trip to New York. I loved it so much, I gave away copies and I keep my copy on hand. If you haven’t read Keegan’s beautiful essay of the same title, you can do so HERE. It’ll inspire you to find the book and read the rest of her work.

How creative writing can aid healing process to create happy ending is a fantastic article from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Far North on using creative writing to support healing from trauma. Well worth a read and something I am utilising myself.

What I am watching

I’ve started watching Virgin River on Netflix. It’s sweet and I cannot lie, eyes on Martin Henderson never hurts. I am up to season three.

I am also watching And Just Like That on Max, because I adore Sex and the City, even if this reboot has it’s issues (good lordy I miss Samantha and could live happily without Aidan). Sorry friends, we all need some mindless TV from time to time!

Thankyou for reading. I hope you found something interesting in these links.

Until next time,

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Welcome to Be Curious, a newsletter where I reflect on my own life and consider the world around me.

It’s been a minute, friends, since I wrote to you. There has been no lack of activity, nor a desire to write. It is simply that, in order to take care, I’ve had to simply stop. To manage my health, both physical and emotional. To deal with what has felt like chaos around me. To not succumb to overwhelm.

We have finally sold our home and last week, I drove for two days alone, to our new city, in order to inspect and hopefully find our new home. On this, I was successful, and we will settle into our new city and abode in early July. This has been incredibly stressful for us, but we feel confident that our chosen home will meet our needs and bring joy.

On the drive home, I started listening to an audiobook, which made the drive much easier. Once I am finished, I’ll review it, but it’s been a fantastic choice!

I’ve finally had some answers to the health issues I’ve been dealing with earlier this year (and, well, for decades without knowing). I’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, which affects many, many women and which can be debilatating. Despite the pain it has brought to me in recent months, I am lucky that I have not experienced the worst of it that many women do, so I am grateful for that and hopeful that it remains so.

I’ve also been assessed as having ADHD, which did not come as a total surprise but, as I have been reading to learn more, provides clarity to much of my life. Suddenly, so much makes sense about me. Things I couldn’t explain now seem obvious. I am particularly focussing on the experience of adult women who are being diagnosed, like me, later in life. This is quite different to the experience of children and of men. There is more assessment to come and work to be done, particularly around how to best manage it going forward. I am leaning toward non-medicated behavioural therapy in the first instance, but that keeps other options open.

We are also dealing with some challenges in our extended family which are proving stressful for all.

For now, I am finding solace in my books, my pugs and knowing that some of this chaos is temporary and some of it will come into greater control as 2025 rolls on. I am holding on to that knowledge and trying to give myself the space and grace to let things evolve as they will.

What I have been reading:

Since I last wrote, I have read:

Currently reading:

The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Boseley

Listening to:

Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Seduction, Intrigue and Power by Sonia Purnell

Watching:

The Four Seasons on Netflix

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With love,

This week, our plans for transitions have switched gears into anticipation. Our home was listed for sale yesterday and, once we have sold, I will then travel to our new home city to look for (and hopefully purchase) our new bubble.

Bubble? Well, yes. For us, our home is our bubble - our safe space where we can relax, be our whole and full selves without fear of judgment or critique and surround ourselves with the things and people who contribute to that comfort.

For us, our home is sacred, so opening it to the public is a moment of bravery and releasing our fears to hope. Hope the right buyer is waiting in the wings, with the money we would like to begin our new chapter with. Hope that they will love this place as much as we have for the past five years.

With this anticipation also comes flux, which is not my favourite space to live in. We don’t know yet when we will move. We don’t have anywhere to move to, yet. There is risk that the right new home for us will not present itself at the right time.

As someone who likes to have control, at least over my own life, this is challenging. However, there is an opportunity here too, to trust and believe that this move is right on time and things will transpire just as they’re meant to do. I am trying to really lean into that; there is so much happening in my life and out in the world that I cannot control and I work hard not to let that overwhelm me. This. This move: it will be as it is supposed to.

Reading

Over the Easter weekend, I finished reading the wonderful novel Theory & Practice by Michelle de Kretser. It has made the shortlist for the Stella Prize and now that I’ve read it, I can see why. It’s beautifully written.

Recent Substack reads I enjoyed

I have read a bunch of really great posts from authors around the world recently. You might like them too.

Mature Content

Why Reading Long Books Is Good For You

Hello and welcome to Mature Content, a newsletter about lifelong learning, where I offer tools, insights, and resources for personal growth and discovery. This is the monthly installment of Good Tools, where I feature a strategy for learning something about yourself or the world around you…

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a year ago · 11 likes · 10 comments · Delia Lloyd

That Bookish Life {Stacked}

Panic! at the Bookshelf

I found myself in a strange reading mood this week. Not a reading slump exactly, though it feels closely adjacent enough that I’m treading lightly. It’s more that I’m unable to pinpoint what kind of reading mood I’m in, which leaves me, a mood reader, unable to choose my next read…

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a year ago · 2 likes · 2 comments · Stephanie

I absolutely never need an excuse to share the gorgeous Holly Ringland’s work with you, but this interview with Austin Kleon of Steal Like an Artist fame, is a good’un.

The Joy Rise

Planting iris: Q&A with Austin Kleon

Dear readers…

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a year ago · 45 likes · 5 comments · Holly Ringland

A really fun interview from Petya K. Grady with Erika Veurink.

A reading life

Issue 117: The Reading Life of... Erika Veurink

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are…

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a year ago · 93 likes · 31 comments

A really cool approach to determining what comes next…

Awake at the Wheel with Jonathan Fields

2x20 update: 6-months of new experiments, revelations & an invitation.

Six months ago, I shared something I called my 2x20 (pronounced "two by twenty," because apparently I like confusing people…

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a year ago · 35 likes · 6 comments · Jonathan Fields

And this one, which really hit home.

It's Giving Relatable

The Art of Blooming Later

Who decided if you don’t “make it” by 30, 35, or 40, then you’re somehow behind? That, my friend, is a bold face lie…

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a year ago · 3 likes · 1 comment · Lucrecer

Thankyou for sharing your precious time with me, reading Be Curious and supporting my little corner of the internet.

Until next time,

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Welcome to the tenth edition of Be Curious! We made it to double figures!

Transition 1 - hitting double figures

Remember when you were a kid and your tenth birthday was approaching? I do. I recall thinking it was a really big deal to turn double figures, and in many ways it was! It was in 1988 and I was commencing Year 5 at school. My teacher was Mrs Klemke and shortly after the school year beagan (here in Australia, our school year starts in early February), I was made deputy class captain.

My friend Tanya was captain and, later in the year, she was the first person to recieve a heart and double lunch transplant. Tanya was a sweet girl with blonde hair and rosy read cheeks, but she did not put up with cruelty and I saw her more than once tell classmates off for being unkind. I think she may have even given me a razz at one stage! Tanya lived until 1992 when she sadly passed away and I know many of my classmates still think of her and remember her fondly.

Ten is a big number. Celebrating a tenth anniversary is exciting - I am sure many people reach that milestone and think “hey, we might just be in this long term after all!”. Finishing Year 10 at school is auspicious too - that’s the exit point where some young people elect to go to work instead of completing their school certificates.

Transition 2 - selling a home

We are currently in a stage of life transition. We are placing our home for sale straight after Easter, ahead of a move to a new city. We have spent a lot of time in recent weeks packing boxes of belongings and clearing out some of the accummulated junk we have acquired since moving here five years ago.

I have also been “staging” our home ready for photography - making sure beds are made nicely, the walls have great art and our home inspires someone to want to live in it! I look at a lot of homes online (we are searching for our next home too!) and many of them are very neutral and, frankly, don’t inspire me. I don’t want to see people’s clutter, but I do want to see how the home is lived in, not just “staged”. So our home has colour (yes, the books have been arranged in rainbow order!) in bedding, furnishings and artwork, while having almost white walls. We have plants around (I cannot live in a house without some plants) and while there are no longer photographs around, it is still our home and it will, we hope, attract someone like us - who wants to see how this apartment is lived in.

We live about 150 metres from the water too, so I hope our balcony attract someone who, like me, likes to sit outside, enjoy the view and read books and just think quietly. It has been a haven for me over the past five years and I hope it sparks similar joy for our dream buyer.

Transition 3 - lifecycles

The other transition I have been been experiencing has been even more personal than moving house. I am a woman of a particular age, and my body is experiencing some changes which were somewhat unexpected and have caused significant upheaval. I have not been able to achieve a solid diagnosis yet but I have been experiencing significant pain that has been physically and emotionally overwhelming, and included a hospitalisation.

The possibilities are that I have experienced ovarian fibroids that have necrotised, through to adenomyosis. Endometriosis is in the mix too. I am hoping that, whatever the case, the worst is behind me but women who have experienced these issues will tell you: this stuff is not for sissies. I have a very high pain threshold (you don’t survive cancer four times without some resilience) but this has been horrific.

This experience over the past couple of months has really driven home to me some facts: that what women suffer through, when it comes to gynocology, is some of the worst pain possible. For so many women, it prevents having children or makes it really difficult. I do not have children, which I think is why I thought I may have escaped this particular malady. Not so.

It has also reinforced to me that, frankly, if men suffered from these issues, they would be taken far more seriously and there would be significantly more money put into research into these matters. Women (like me) would not have to wait six weeks for an MRI. We wouldn’t just be given pain relief and sent on our way. I know men suffer from a range of issues but seriously, these health matters are still not taken seriously enough. The first time I reported to the ED, I was sent home after eight hours with pain relief and the belief that there was no reason to do further tests. When I reported back a couple of weeks later, I was admitted and, bar one does of a Schedule 8 pain reliever, I was given paracetamol.

If this does escalate for me again, I will be advocating in the strongest terms and I’m less likely to be as polite as I have been thus far. Health care workers do not deserve to be abused, but I will do whatever it takes to resolve this, sooner rather than later.

(This is also why it has been a couple of weeks since Edition #9 of this newsletter!)

So, tell me about transitions in your life. What strategies did you put in place to navigate them? How did they work out for you?

Book Reviews

Since I last wrote, I have read two wonderful novels. You can read my reviews below.

Substack articles I really enjoyed

Noted

Pablo Picasso's Stunning Repetitions

Two things were true of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) from a young age: he was rebellious, and he loved to draw. As a child, he was obsessed with sketching, so he would get into trouble to have time alone with his sketchbook. Later, barely fourteen years old, while at the the Barcelona School of Fine Arts, when instructed to write “One must learn to paint” …

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a year ago · 175 likes · 61 comments · Jillian Hess

WANTED: Kindred Spirits

The Secret Sauce to Long Distance Friendships

In this modern age, doesn’t it feel like we’re collecting long distance friends like Pokémon…

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a year ago · 4 likes · 4 comments · Paige Gardner

Wordstrumpet

Life is Hard, Adulting is Hard, And Sometimes Things Just Suck, Including Your Writing (A Love Letter)

You are receiving this newsletter because somewhere along the way you signed up to get it in your inbox and I am grateful. Please do drop a heart, it helps enormously for other people to find my work. Also please consider subscribing for free or paid. Thank you for reading…

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a year ago · 10 likes · 9 comments · Charlotte Rains Dixon

Currently…

Currently reading: Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser

Currently listening to: Mayhem - the new Lady Gaga album throws down

Currently watching: I just watched The Life List on Netflix and it was quite sweet.

Thankyou for reading Be Curious! All newsletters and book reviews on my site are free to read but your support of my work is deeply appreciated.

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Til next time,

Perhaps it is the ending of one professional journey and the anticipation of what might come next.

Or the seasonal change I am currently experiencing may be a season of life, as a woman of a particular age, where my body is starting to change in ways I haven’t experienced before…and am thus far not enjoying.

Whatever the case, I am thinking a lot about seasons at the moment.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the past week asleep or laying down due to some health challenges. I am someone who has a very high tolerance for pain, so when I landed at the local hospital last week, you know I was in a really bad way. I was sent home with pain relief that caused it’s own series of issues, and so I am now trying a different approach. While I am not as bad as I was, the pain is real and I am hoping some tests this week might get closer to an answer. Physical pain is not akin to creative thinking for me, so I am really suffering twice because I do not have the energy to read or write in my commonplace book, play with my gorgeous fountain pens or much else. My brain is running in hyperdrive but I am just not able to get myself there.

Reading these

The most I have managed is, thankfully, being able to read some great essays on Substack.

There’s these two gems from :

milk and cookies

how to be an explorer of your own life

i think we misunderstand what it means to be an explorer. we imagine it’s about geography, about boarding planes or sailing through uncharted waters. but there is another kind of exploration—one that doesn’t require a passport or an expedition team. the kind that requires you to turn inward. to navigate the landscapes of your own mind, to map out the co…

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a year ago · 623 likes · 45 comments · milk and cookies

milk and cookies

things i learned from spending too much time in coffee shops

there’s something inherently poetic about coffee shops. they exist in that strange liminal space between work and leisure, solitude and connection. the world moves fast outside their glass windows, but inside, time seems to stretch. conversations are quieter, movements slower, and thoughts deeper…

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a year ago · 1332 likes · 2 comments · milk and cookies

This one from the gorgeous :

Living The Way Of The Happy Painter, By Juliette Crane

Wintering & The Art of Letting Go

Some days, life sweeps us up in a whirlwind, pulling us in a dozen directions at once. We try to keep up, to hold it all together, but in the rush, we can lose ourselves, but creativity has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. It’s a soft landing, a place to rest and rediscover. And more than that, it teaches us the art of letting go…

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a year ago · 32 likes · 16 comments · juliette crane

Substack Leaderboards

I’m just going to put this out there: I don’t have a clue about what a Leaderboard is and I don’t care much either. I’m assuming it’s the pages that have the most subscribers. Nice for those who are on there, I suppose, but not something that attracts my attention. I actually wish I could not have them on my topic pages. I am not here for popularity contests - I just want to read a wide range of work.

What comes next?

Once we move, I will need to have a real think about what comes next for me. I’ve considered looking for part time work so I can do some study - I’d like to do something in editing and publishing, but I also think maybe I’m just avoiding….something….

That hasn’t stopped me from applying for a couple of courses to start later this year. I can always decide not to do it. One is online and one would require me to be in Sydney one day a week. Sometimes I think I am crazy to want to formalise more skills but part of me feels like getting someof these skills under my best might be what will give me the financial freedom to be self-employed doing work that means something to me.

Much of how I am feeling is the lack of direction I have had, as a result of burnout. The things that bring me joy in life are not the things that pay my mortgage. I’d love to be able to have some balance on that front.

I’m also keen to write more, but like so many, imposter syndrome is real and I need to develop some confidence that I am allowed to write for the sake of it. I’m also looking forward to setting up a new creative space so I can get back to some weaving and some painting. It’s always when I cannot do these things, I crave them most. Isn’t that always the way?

Listening to

I was pretty excited to discover that Mumford and Sons have released a new album, called Rushmere. I love this band and whenever I hear their song Babel, I feel like taking up arms and marching toward glory, all Braveheart-esque.

A new single from Lord Huron - another great band my sister Jessica got me on to.

I’ve also introduced the Buy Me a Coffee option for those who’d like to make a one off contribution to my work here. You can choose your donation - anything is appreciated as it gives me encouragement to keep going. You can click here or use the QR code.

Thankyou for reading and for being curious with me. I’d love to hear from you!

Big love,

I had my last day of work last Thursday, after almost two years in industrial relations advocacy. This was a month earlier than planned but I really need some time to focus on my health and moving to Canberra, so it was the right decision.

I’ve been thinking a lot about change lately. In fact, I even started writing in my commonplace book about change:

There’s plenty more around “change” I’m thinking about, and even a writing project I am currently working on is a change for me - a change of audience. It’s a new challenge and I have an audience at this stage of one…but I am also finding it refreshing.

Even as I write this, I just thought of another “change” to add to my list….

Where I have been

I spent last weekend in Melbourne, mainly to go to the Footscray v Collingwood AFL match at the MCG, celebrating 100 years since the Dogs entered the competition. We didn’t get the win but it was a terrific night and it was so good to be at the footy. For non-Aussies, our love of Australian Rules Football can be hard to understand but I absolutely love the game.

I also got to spend some time with family and friends, which is always time well spent.

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What I am reading

I am still reading Tangi by Witi Ihimaera - I am reading it somewhat slowly, because it truly is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, and I am savouring it, chapter by chapter. I expect to finish it this week and I cannot wait to review it and share that with you.

While in Melbourne, I went to a couple of my favourite bookstores. Initially, I went to Readings to get We Need Your Art by . I couldn’t find it in store in Brisbane but grabbed it and I am very excited to read it. I really like Amie’s substack so I think I’ll love her book.

And….because I am me, I didn’t just buy one book. I bought seven.

I also picked up Creative Journal Writing by Stephanie Dowrick, Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett, Slouching Toward Bethlehem and Let Me Tell You What I Mean by Joan Didion, Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik and Counter Attacks at Thirty by Sohn Won-pyung (who wrote the delightful Almond).

I’ve also read some great articles this week too:

BIBLIOLIFESTYLE

7 Books by Women about Women That Changed My Perspective

Weekend Edition: Start your weekend with curated book lists, reading tips, and lifestyle inspiration delivered every Friday…

Read more

a year ago · 13 likes · Victoria Wood

Living The Way Of The Happy Painter, By Juliette Crane

Wintering & The Art of Letting Go

Some days, life sweeps us up in a whirlwind, pulling us in a dozen directions at once. We try to keep up, to hold it all together, but in the rush, we can lose ourselves, but creativity has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. It’s a soft landing, a place to rest and rediscover. And more than that, it teaches us the art of letting go…

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a year ago · 28 likes · 16 comments · juliette crane

What I am watching

I’ve started watching Suits L.A. as I am a huge fan of the original series. I’m happy to stick with it through Season 1 but I am not loving it so far. Let’s see how that goes…

I appreciate each and every person who reads this newsletter. I write because it is what I need to do but I also understand that everyone who reads this, chooses to. That’s humbling and I am grateful.

With love,

Hello readers and Happy St Patrick’s Day to our Irish friends!

As a “Murphy” girl, I have a special affinity for Ireland and it’s people. I have many dear friends who are Irish, my Godmother is Irish and one of my favourite law school lecturers is Irish. I am also quite keen on Bailey's!

Irish writers are also wonderful. Some I have read over the years include Maeve Binchy, John Boyne, C.S. Lewis, and George Bernard Shaw.

Others I have on my shelf to be read include James Joyce, Maggie O’Farrell, Niall Williams, Paul Murray and Paul Lynch.

Dear friends, one and all: May the road rise up to meet you.

What I’ve Been Reading

I just finished reading Range by David Epstein and I really enjoyed it. As a proud “generalist”, I think there is a lot of benefit to having a broad range of skills. I see being interdisciplinaary as a strength of mine, but not everyone sees the world as I do - I’ve definitely been criticised for not “committing” to one career stream.

Read my review here:

This post by Susan Cain about the new book by Allison Sweet Grant is a compelling read, and I’ll be looking for this book when it reaches Australia.

The Quiet Life with Susan Cain

"I spent my entire life hiding this part of me"

Whatever pain you can’t get rid of, make that your creative offering…

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a year ago · 259 likes · 64 comments · Susan Cain

You can get it through Bookshop UK here.

What I am Creating

When you work full time and are packing boxes, creative time is difficult to carve out. But I do have little stitching projects happening and I found this gorgeous Substack which I have subscribed to - and if you like stitching, you’ll love the visuals of Lindsey’s work. Thanks for sharing your talent, Lindsey!

I’m also really enjoying using my commonplace book. I bought myself a gorgeous cover from Galen Leather and I’ve been really enjoying having a space to document, write quotes and things I want to remember, and just generally not be online!

I’m also leaning in hard to my fountain pens, particularly after discovering Van Diemen’s Inks from Launceston, Tasmania. I am low key obsessed.

Take care this week, friends and let me know what you’re reading and enjoying!

With love,

We are safe after Cyclone Alfred crossed the coast of South East Queensland, at last, late Saturday night. It had felt like forever waiting for it to happen - the warnings had come all week, originally for Thursday, then Friday, then Saturday. By lunch time Saturday, we were starting to think the whole thing (for us, at least) would be underwhelming.

Mother Nature was not done with us.

By 8:30pm, the wind gusts were at around 105km/h (around 65mph for my US friends). The raindrops were closer to bucketloads, in each and every drop. The noise was intense. Our apartment is on the second and third floor of our building, and we knew our windows were strong enough to withstand it - but the noise.

Orbison and Sid, our pugs, were absolute troopers. They were completely unfussed, if a little more snuggly, which we did not mind at all.

We (of course) lost power, which also meant no internet, nor hot water either. This wasn’t a huge issue for me, as I like the analogue life! However, after more than two days, when the power was restored, I was very happy. Our internet connection is more stable today but we are certainly cleaning up, making sure there is no mould and the walls are clean (we did have some water come in but it was 98% contained by towels) and also just calming down.

It’s hard to overstate the anxiety we felt, particularly during the worst of it on Saturday night. I am someone who goes into autopilot in a crisis - I’m actually good at getting sh!t done. But after the elation of the power returning wore off late Monday night, I definitely had a nervous reaction - my blood felt like it was pumping hard, yet I felt weak and tired. I was exhausted.

Here’s the thing: we came through this easily. Thousands of others are fscing flash flooding, fallen trees, damaged homes and will be dealing with trauma for a long time yet. We are the lucky ones.

We were also well served by my low key obsession with fairy lights and candles from Ikea. I have so many, and usually when I produce more, I am met with a roll of the eyes. Not this time! Having lots of candles and battery-operated fairy lights meant we had light - not strong, but not complete darkness by 6pm either! Finally, one of my quirks has had a practical use!

What I Read During Cyclone Alfred

Prior to the power going out, I finished reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. It was a re-read - I first listened to this wonderful book as an audiobook back in 2015 when it was first released.

Here is my review:

Since the power went out, I resorted to my comfort author, the incredible Ann Patchett. This time, I read Taft, which was published in 1994 and is my fifth Patchett novel.

I really liked it - maybe not to the extent that I’ve loved her other books so far, but it’s an earlier book too, so I’d expect her to get better over the decades!

I’m now reading Range by David Epstein, on the recommendation of my friend Leanne. I am really enjoying it so far.

What I am watching

With Love, Meghan on Netflix. I like her style but I enjoy this show more when she’s dressed more casually. I have always liked Meghan Sussex - back on Suits, and now having escaped the British Royal Family (I would not last 5 minutes in that family). I remember my sister, Jo, and I would often vehemently disagree about Meghan but I also know Jo would have watched this, just so we could have out stoush!

Thankyou for reading Be Curious!

Until next time,

Summer in Australia is finished at last.

Some people would find that surprising, given I love the feel of warm sunshine on my skin, the normal ease of summer months and the gentle start to a new year.

Not so much in 2025.

For the second year, summer in Brisbane has been humid without being pleasant. I don’t think I have been to the beach once, when it used to be my happy place. The start of 2025 has felt laboured and slow, as though the end of 2024 was itself years ago. So I am pleased the calendar has kicked into March, where the air starts to thin out a little, the leave start to change into glorious colour and, for us, a new start beckons.

We are currently in the process of preparing our home for sale and moving back to where it all began for us, in Canberra. My partner’s job is taking us there but I am very willingly relocating - it’s a city I’ve always had strong affinity for and it is closer to home (Melbourne) or the Emerald City (Sydney) without being too close.

I hope to be there before to cold Canberra winter sets in, as in autumn, Canberra is one of the prettiest cities I’ve seen. The colours are brights and stark and numerous. They fill the soul before those cold days take hold.

After a difficult 2024 (actually there was a lot in 2023 too), I am excited by the fresh start, but the burn out I am continuing to work through also renders me anxious.

What if I don’t find a job I love?

What if I don’t find a job I can tolerate?

What do I even want to be doing, anyway?

The answer is, it doesn’t matter.

While I have been stripping life back to the barest simplicities, I am also seeking to take up more of what brings joy, solace, comfort and excitement.

So it might mean that I start the new chapter of life, in Canberra, more focussed on my own projects and less gainfully employed. That both terrifies me and enthuses me.

As some of you know, before I took the pathway to law, I was a creative soul. I hold a degree in Visual Art and Design, I wrote three books about art and I travelled the world teaching courses. For a brief moment, in a niche corner of the arty-crafty world, I was someone who people wanted to know and learn from. All these years later, it still baffles me and feels surreal.

That specific iteration of my creativity is in the past now, but that doesn’t mean I am not drawn to creative activities. I consider reading a creative habit. Reading good books inspires me in many ways, not least to get back to writing myself. I always thought writing was one of my superpowers, but I have never taken significant time to pursue it. I’ve started some things but haven’t stuck with them, and the fire for them is no longer there.

But new ideas are sprouting, and there is one……one……which is lingering in my thoughts. I am not sure what to make of it yet, other than my gut instinct (and the sound of in my ear saying “stop talking and start writing”) telling me that it’s a story that is worth telling.

I am also trying to create space for writing every day, leaning into a Daily Page (sorry Julia Cameron but mornings and I are just not creative partners - my writing comes after coffee) or - on a good day - pages and also using the back side of those pages for art journaling (very basic, just pictures to spark something for sparkles sake). I’m trying to do it each day, but I am not too hard on myself if I don’t. This is all supposed to be a no stress exercise.

I am also embracing learning, by signing up for Marie Forleo’s B-School. I don’t know what being self employed could look like just yet, what I’d be doing or whether it’s something I truly want. But the timing seemed right to find out if I have something to offer that people want. Who’s to say?

One thing I do know is that I would rather find out than wonder “what if?”

So, moving interstate, still working (although I have resigned from my job here in Brisbane and I am so grateful for my almost two years there - but it is time), reading, writing, learning…relaxing, right?

What I am reading:

1. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - this is a re-read as I read (well, listened) to this upon release in 2015 and it felt like a good opportunity to reconnect with the sage, unfiltered advice of one of the best.

2. Taft by Ann Patchett - I’ve barely started but will get back to it shortly as it’s now well estsblished that I’ll read anything Ann Patchett writes, including a shopping list.

What I am watching:

1. Still not the news, but I did see the Oval Office press conference where the current U.S. leaders tried to belittle and bully the President of Ukraine. I was flabbergasted. Most Americans I know did not vote for this administration and are as horrified as the rest of the world. But the vast majority of America who did vote, did vote for this, and I truly wonder if they understand what they were doing. The empath in me feels despair for the millions of wonderful Americans now in the hands of these despots. The cynic in me feels like they got what they voted for and when you run to the bottom, you find out how far down people will go. My overwhelming concern is “how does America survive this?”

2. Looking forward this week to the return of Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, it’s still on. Yes, I still love it. No, I am not over McDreamy yet, either.

Stay safe and keep smiling - until next time.

Love,

This week has been an exciting week for me, as I started it in Melbourne, attending the Kylie Minogue concert on Saturday night with my best friend. I also got to spend time with my Dad, my sister and my niblings and I always love that precious time.

I have also started to get some clarity on what 2025 might look like for me, professionally and personally. We are making a move to a new city in the coming months (actually, it’s a move back to the city where my husband and I met in 2001) and this, for me, will mean starting a new job and carving out a new life. Overwhelming at times, this is also exciting and I am thinking about what the next chapter of my life will include.

What I Have Been Reading

I have just finished the beautiful novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey. This novel is only about 136 pages long but it will linger in my thoughts for a long time to come. Orbital won the Booker Prize in 2024 and it’s easy to appreciate why.

You can read my review here:

I’ve been subscribing to a few Substacks in the past week too. I’d love to hear what you think about these wonderful sites. I find real joy in reading content from smart, inspiring women particularly.

Karen Walrond - The Make Light Project

Lucrecer - It’s Giving Relatable

Beth Kempton - SoulStack

Caroline Donoghue - Book Alchemy

What I Have Been Enjoying

Well, definitely Kylie Minogue in Melbourne, and I am going to see her again on Thursday in Brisbane. I’ve been a lifelong fan - literally since primary school, and Kylie never disappoints.

What I Have NOT been watching

I have not been watching TV much lately. I am much happier in the company of a book and it’s a time of year before many shows start back after the Christmas break. News is a no-go zone for me lately - there is very little that is positive or reassuring, and I am certain being too engaged in it is not healthy.

I am also very much enjoying being away from Facebook and Instagram and all the additional time it is giving me to do things more meaningful - like writing, reading and reconnecting with my creativity.

I am so appreciative of your support and your subscription. I hope over time this newsletter grows and evolves, and that you’ll enjoy the ride with me.

Love,

Be Curious is a free newsletter but if you would like to provide financial support for my writing and content, you can do so for just $9.95 per month - that $2.49 per week. You cannot even buy bad coffee for that!

Subscribe now

Welcome to Be Curious and thankyou, from deep within me, for being here.

The Recovery starts here

2024 was a very big year for me. I ran for state parliament in Queensland, losing the seat by 2.9%, which is a narrow loss. I was working full time for most of the campaign and after I lost, while taking time off work, I was not rested. This came on top of the grief of losing my sister in 2023. I threw myself, mind body and soul, into the campaign and then it ended.

Suddenly I went from being busy for 24 hours a day and switched on, to absolutel silence and feeling completely abandoned. Life went on for others, but I felt completely stunted. I now know that this is burn out, and I was its poster child.

As in, struggling to function burned out.

I’ve had advice from many people, including professionals, that this could take at least a year to recover from. The other advice?

This will change you.

I’ve been taking steps to find a way through what has felt like a quagmire of emotions, combined with an unimpeachable need to sleep - without ever really feeling rested. This includes resigning my not-for-profit board role, retreating from politics (for now) and releasing myself from all obligations, beyond those of going to work and being present at home.

I have also commenced seeing a psychologist, because I know that I cannot undertake this healing alone.

So what comes next?

This is the exciting part and the scary part, all rolled into one:

I don’t know.

We are moving soon and I am applying for roles but thus far, I’ll be moving without a job to go to. In many ways, this is extraordinarily scary. However, it is also thrilling, because I feel like I can create something for myself, on my own terms, with integrity and authenticity. I have no idea and lots of ideas, and I don’t know if any of them are the right idea just yet, but I am not afraid of that unfolding over time.

What I do know about myself though is I can be impatient. I like to have something to focus on and work towards.

So I took a huge leap yesterday, encouraged by my friend Janine Vangool, founder and publisher of uppercase magazine, and I enrolled in Marie Forleo’s B-School.

Do I want to run my own business? Actually I would like that.

Do I know what kind of business I want to run? Not so much, but I have some ideas and I know what my talents and strengths are.

What if I pay all this money to take a course to realise I don’t want to run a business of my own? That might happen, but I think that’s still a cheaper realisation than starting and failing, with debt in tow.

So, my answer to burn out? It will not win. Not now, not down the track. I am going to take my time. I am going to take care of myself. I am going to learn. I am going to percolate. And I am going to succeed. Whatever success looks like.

Creativity

One thing I am keen to do but cannot force is the rebirth of my creativity. As a Visual Art and Design graduate, internationally best selling author of art books and retreat teacher, to feel so lacking in creativity, in the artistic sense, has been challenging. I think about art a lot. I think about painting and drawing. I think about lettering. I think about stitching and weaving.

I miss it.

However, I also cannot force it, only gently encourage it. I’m doing that very minimally - using coloured pens in my journal as I write. It’s a small start. I am hopeful that with space - both physical and emotional, that spark will ignite in some way. Perhaps writing is how my creativity manifests in the current season - which I am excited for!

Thankyou for reading and for Being Curious with me. I look forward to seeing what curiousities emerge next.

Love,

What I've been reading

My review of Australian Gospel by Lech Blaine is worth reading - if you enjoy memoir or books about families, this one is a gem. I ripped through it in less than two days.

Anna Woods Newsletter - Little Letters

I recently subscribed to the newsletter Little Letters by New Zealand author, Anna Woods. In her latest missive, she briefly reflects on a decision she has recently made that I, made recently too - leaving the X platform and finding her way to BlueSky. I left X soon after it was purchased by its current owner, and I consider it one of the smarter decisions I have made.

Anna's newsletter is free and you can sign up here - I think it's a lovely letter to land in my inbox.

Book Alchemy from Caroline Donoghue

Caroline Donoghue's emails are often a highlight in my day. Her lovely website, Book Alchemy, is beautifully written but always hits a target for me, If you, too, are a reader, you'll love Caroline's work. I especially enjoyed the first part of a series she's writing called The Perils of Voracious Reading. Another one definitely worth signing up to and allowing to get under your skin (in all the best ways)

What I'm watching

Bowls Premier League

We've been watching the Bowls Premier League each night this week. Lawn bowls? Really Kass? Well, yeah....it's a quiet time of year sports wise, and for the sake of my sanity I am not watching the news. I've only ever played lawn bowls socially but it's actually a really fun sport.

When I was young, I worked at a Bowls Club in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. I often worked the Member's Bar and loved working Saturday's so I could watch a few ends and cheer our players on. This was the late 1990's and Ian Healy was still wicketkeeping for Australia, with his trademark "bowling Shane" when Shane Warne would send down a spinner that made the heads of batsmen spin.

We had a bowler at our club, an older gentleman named Des, who was known as being a bit of a grump. I was determined to win him over. I'd go out when he was rolling the bowls down the lawns and I'd stand at the end (off the greens) and say things like "bowled Dezzy" and "getting in their heads Dezzy, keep it up!"

The opposing bowlers, knowing this gentleman's reputation, would quietly giggle to themselves (I was always very respectful) and, after a couple of weeks, opponents would say "oh we've heard about you being Dez's cheerleader!"

As for Des, he pretended for a week or so that he didn't really approve of this young girl "carrying on" but then softened right up - and one day even came in, when I was a bit busier than usual, and told the crew to ..."bugger off, I need my coach giving me tips!" Other members of our club was gobsmacked - apparently in the years he'd been there, he had never shown so much warmth and even smiled!

What I am listening to

This week I am in Kylie mode.

Those who know me will say "uh, you've been in Kylie mode since 1988" and that's not a lie. I am a lifelong, unabashed fan of Kylie Minogue. I am headed to Melbourne this weekend for the concert on Saturday night with my best friend, Nat. Then next week, I will go again in Brisbane, this time taking my husband along for his very first Kylie show!

The Guardian Australia posted a great review of the first show of the tour, in Perth, last weekend. You can read it here. Padam, Padam indeed!

Thankyou for reading. I appreciate you and your interest.

My newsletter is completely free for all - but for just $9.95 (AUD) per month, you can support my writing and creativity by signing up right here on Substack or on my website here, and you cancel any time. Independent writing is essential in these difficult times - please do all you can to support it.

Til next time,

Kass xx

I’ll be honest, I am not at all comfortable about being here on the Substack platofrm. They have a very dicey history of platforming and profiting from far-right political groups. I have a huge problem with that. However, it seems like the only platform tht gets traction these days is Substack. So I am here reluctantly, but your support of me and my writing is deeply appreciated.

So, what I’ve found whiled poking around this week…

Great Blog Content

The delightful Holly Ringland, author of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding and The House That Joy Built, wrote a gorgeous blog post in conjunction with a lovely English friend, Beth Kempton. I have taken several courses with Beth over the years and met her in person back in 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. So seeing that they've connected is wonderful! Read about it here.

Serenity Marshall is a queer black writer whose short story was recently published by the incredible Roxane Gay. The piece is called How to Lose a Sister and it's incredible. I highly recommend it.

On the Box

This week I finally started watching Shrinking on Apple+. It has been recommended to me a bunch of times, but things have been busy in my life in the past year or so.

But I can't deny a show that is written by Brett Goldstein, aka Roy Kent from Ted Lasso. I am low key in love with the man, I think he's a wonderful writer and actor, and I will try watching anything he is in. So far, the recommendation has been stellar - I am loving Harrison Ford as Paul and the supporting character Derek, played by Ted McGinley.

If you haven't tried it - do it. It's great.

What I am Reading Right Now

I am just over half way through reading The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman. This is a novel that is based on real women who were part of the Vardø witch trials of the 17th Century. It feels weird to read at this juncture in the world - it ponders the way women were disempowered and burned at the stakes when men were threatened by them. There are more than a few parallels with how the world feels right now. I am really enjoying it.

Thankyou for reading - I love sharing this with you. Happy reading!

Kass