Be Curious #8 - 26 March 2025
On the topic of change...
My goodness, it has been a lifetime in the week or so since I last wrote to you, friends.
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.
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:
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,
I have to say I do prefer the AFL to rugby league. I'm definitely not a Queenslander as you won't find me watching state of origin 😅 Although, Rugby Union I don't mind as I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Wallabies vs Springbok live last year!
I've seen We need your Art show up a number of times, I'm taking it as a sign to add to my reading list 😁
Thank you for including my recent Substack essay in your list! What a fun thing to see! Thank you also for the book rec… I’m writing a non fiction book proposal right now for a creativity book and this will be perfect research reading ❤️🙏 change is such a nervous excitement feeling for me. You’re going through such big changes! I appreciate you sharing your experience and thoughts. My life changes aren’t as big right now, but we’re considering a move, and work and life are shifting into a new season. For me, it has been most comforting to read about others going through change and how they’re navigating it. I’m leaving lots of space for inspiration to come in ❤️