2016-12-27 21:46
From the moment I said good-bye at the airport on August 5 to begin the new Darwin chapter of my life, I began dreaming of my return home for Christmas. As hard as I tried to not wish my lif… Read More
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dacairns.blogspot.com
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A personal blog by Australian author DA Cairns featuring bite sized articles on a range of topics plus links to his novels and other published works.
2016-12-17 01:42
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but gratitude is the panacea for my mental health. For me, at this time of year, it is hard not be overflowing with thankfulness. There is so much fo… Read More
2016-12-07 10:07
Dilemmas come and go: some invited, others not, and some self inflicted. Dilemmas are choices on steroids. By their very nature, dilemmas can be excruciatingly stressful. Whether they are ac… Read More
2016-11-26 02:10
My backyard is teeming with wildlife. It's a real menagerie inhabited by all manner of creatures...mostly small, and all very interesting, and many quite noisy.Ever since I was a boy I have… Read More
2016-11-19 04:36
A box of books arrived at my workplace this week. I wasn't expecting the delivery for at least another week or two. I was reminded of two previous occasions on which I had waited for books.B… Read More
2016-11-17 10:48
Over the last couple of years, I've racked up a little credit debt, both through carelessness and recklessness, but my Darwin sojourn is largely about rectifying this self imposed financial… Read More
2016-11-12 01:44
I work late on Fridays because I have so much marking to do, and I also need to prepare for the following week's class. When I finish work, I head into town for my Friday grocery shop… Read More
2016-11-05 01:38
Unfortunately flattery has a bad reputation. It is seen as disingenuous and manipulative, even though it works sometimes. Using words of praise merely in order to get something from someone… Read More
2016-11-02 08:42
Most people like to maintain some degree of control in their lives, or at least hold to the illusion of control. There are many things we can control, but there are many we cannot. Attemptin… Read More
2016-10-29 03:02
One thing I have noticed since moving to Darwin is that the weather is not usually a small talk topic, except for the month of October which is known as 'the build up'.It's hot here. I mean… Read More
2016-10-20 08:27
I note with interest, not surprise, that Channel Ten's 'comedy' show, Have You Been Paying Attention, received an official dressing down from Thailand's ambassador in Australia, who said the… Read More
2016-10-15 08:10
Short and sweet is my post this week because I'm pretty busy enjoying the weekend, during which a number of little things have brought me pleasure and relief.I'm enjoying a getaway from my n… Read More
2016-10-11 10:29
Released in 1960 (eight years before I was born),The Magnificent Seven features a superb ensemble cast led by Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen, and is is one of my top ten films. Curiousity too… Read More
2016-10-08 02:30
I cut my teeth as a reader on Stephen King's horror stories: Carrie, Salem's Lot, Christine, Pet Sematary etcetera, and from there it was on to thrillers, sci-fi and more horror. The movies… Read More
2016-10-01 02:13
I love Family Feud because it's funny and it makes you think. It's really great entertainment in my opinion. Anyway, I was watching last week and the question was - this was during fast mone… Read More
2016-09-29 09:52
Everyone knows seats are available on Virgin Galactic for a quick trip into space and back again. $250K will get you on board. Needless to say, I am unlikely to ever be on a such a flight ev… Read More
2016-09-24 03:03
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is Australia's largest ever infrastructure project and was initially planned and commenced by Kevin Rudd's Labour federal government. It has be… Read More
2016-09-22 08:06
When I first saw this footage, I instantly thought how unfair it was. One jackal could easily kill a seal pup by itself, and according to the narrator, one in four pups born every Spring in… Read More
2016-09-17 04:39
Some time ago - I deliberately decided not to remember - I launched my own short story e-zine. The prime reason for doing so was to create another marketing avenue for my novels. I have trie… Read More
2016-09-14 05:52
I’m based in Darwin now, but still doing the same job: teaching English as a Second Language. I now work with international students who are a completely different kettle of fish from… Read More
2016-09-10 03:40
The incidences of me missing buses has decreased dramatically thanks to the Bus Tracker app about which I have previously raved. However, there are occasions when I still miss out… Read More
2016-09-07 08:02
I started sending out query letters for my manuscript, Lovesick, at the end of June. As every writer knows, the sending of query letters and the waiting for responses is a tedious and somewh… Read More
2016-09-02 23:07
It's not that I can't cook. I have a small collection of recipes that I do well, and I can handle meat and veggies with no problem. Once upon a time I even liked to have a weekly dabble in c… Read More
2016-08-31 10:20
I am a Neighbours fan. This long running television show is very well known in both the United Kingdom and here in Australia where it is produced, and although not as popular as it once was… Read More
2016-08-27 05:01
In the previous volume of the book of my life, the last few chapters were marked by a lack of emotional stability and physical exercise. Moving to Darwin has not made any immediate impact on… Read More
2016-08-24 10:45
Even though every time I open the app it says it has stopped working before it opens, NT Bus Tracker has become my best friend in the Territory. It tells me where the nearest bus stop is and… Read More
2016-08-20 01:05
I gave myself two weeks to find a permanent abode in Darwin. The shared accommodation I had pre-booked was comfortable, but neither cheap or convenient. I needed my own space, and I needed s… Read More
2016-08-18 06:47
Stereotypes are an interesting thing: a necessary evil perhaps. I'm really keen, wherever I go and with whomever I talk to, to be a champion for open-mindedness. I often challenge people who… Read More
2016-08-14 00:06
For a number of very good reasons, I have relocated, albeit temporarily, to Darwin which is the capital of Australia's Northern Territory. I formally accepted a job offer on July 25, fl… Read More
2016-08-03 08:32
As I mentioned previously, the night after my return from The Rock Tour, I was in great need of a good night sleep...and that is what I got. Sadly, this was to the detriment of myth plans to… Read More
2016-08-02 01:48
To my multitude of followers, I must apologize for the long gap between part 4 and this installment of the sublime recount of my recent holiday. 12 days have already passed since I returned… Read More
2016-07-23 23:02
I'm not going to tell you that I slept well on the ground, in my swag, outside, because I didn't, but at least I could see where I was going when I had to get out of the swag, put on my damp… Read More
2016-07-23 03:59
This is not exactly a celebrate post, but I thought I sneak it in. My apologies if there's any offence. (I had such a great holiday, I have to share.)At 5:40 am, I met tour guide Matt, who w… Read More
2016-07-17 10:48
Lasseters offers its guests the free use of a mountain bike and funnily enough, I wanted one. I had two hours and forty five minutes which I calculated was sufficient for me to get around an… Read More
2016-07-17 00:21
Day one of my trip to Alice Springs, the Red Centre of Australia.Getting up at 4am is not my idea of fun, but it does mean cheaper airfares and more time on the ground exploring. There are n… Read More
2016-07-01 21:38
I'm doing some laundry this morning.The forecast is for a dry sunny day, but it's winter and there isn't generally quite enough warmth in the air or daylight hours to fully dry clothes on th… Read More
2016-06-25 00:16
My stomach was insisting I eat and I agreed wholeheartedly. I opened Domino's online and was just about to order when the phone rang. My plans for beer, pizza and watching footy on the box w… Read More
2016-06-17 22:30
The first time I cracked a can of Coke without spilling any of the precious liquid within, I was so pleased with myself, I blogged about it. I have hung my hat on such triumphs of human spir… Read More
2016-06-13 01:22
This long weekend I've watched three games of juniour soccer and one of rugby league. People watching is another sport in which I have participated at the same, and it has been, as always, q… Read More
2016-06-03 09:06
Ninety nine percent recovered from the man flu, I write light of spirit and relatively clear of head, on this first Friday in winter.Aside from feeling miserable and sick, the man flu kept m… Read More
2016-05-21 06:17
Everyone is well aware that man flu is one of the greatest medical afflictions known to man. The severity of the symptoms mark this illness as a dangerous scourge, and one wit… Read More
2016-05-20 01:35
In the tradition of the great Charles Dickens, I present to you a tale of two television shows. I'm watching The Voice Australia season 5, and although I am well versed in the ways of m… Read More
2016-05-13 22:09
I teach English to adult migrants. Last Thursday I was asked to relieve a colleague for the day to allow her to catch up on her paperwork. Her class is a mix of native and non-native speaker… Read More
2016-05-12 09:26
My three reasons for participating:1. To increase traffic to my website. I am an author with a low profile (almost anonymous) and therefore see the challenge as a way… Read More
2016-05-10 09:22
How many times have you walked into a shop, and made your way to the counter, searching the 'impulse buy' shelves surrounding it, before asking the lovely smiling face behind the counte… Read More
2016-04-30 07:41
"‘How does that sound?’ said Cassy. ‘Is that what you want? Will that prove that I care? Will that be enough for you Angus? What else can I do?’Those were probably rh… Read More
2016-04-29 07:58
"Angus finished typing and leaned back on his chair, a huge sigh deflating his lungs. It had taken eight months for him to conclude the story he had initially begun on a whim. Perhaps it had… Read More
2016-04-28 10:58
‘What do you want Angus?’ said Joanne in response to Angus pushing open her door and poking through the narrow opening he had created into her space. She maintained a focussed in… Read More
2016-04-27 09:45
With a wistful smile, Tyson drained the remains of his schooner, sighed and said. ‘I am an idealist. What can I say? A dreamer. A romantic. It’s not a crime is it, to want things… Read More
2016-04-26 08:26
"When I think about Belinda and the Coven and how they, I mean we, have been trying to force you down the road of vengeance, I feel guilty. I really do. I could tell that you didn’t wa… Read More
2016-04-25 09:53
"A look of resignation creased Tyson’s face. ‘You don’t love Cassy and you don’t want to try to love her.’‘I love her, but I am not in love with her.&rsqu&hell…Read More
2016-04-23 07:57
"In Angus’ mind these furtive afternoon meetings were the beginnings of an illicit affair, the foundation stones of trust and familiarity which would enable them to participate in a ve… Read More
2016-04-22 11:14
“Her friendship became valuable to him, even as he struggled with the sexual attraction he felt for her. Had he been able to distinguish between the person and the woman, Angus may hav… Read More
2016-04-21 12:49
"We all must flee from reality at some point in our lives for it is a monster which easily, and with evident relish, crushes and devours us. Our methods of escape are as varied as the beauti… Read More
2016-04-20 08:18
"‘I haven’t heard you laughing.’‘I’m laughing on the inside.’Then she turned to look at him with determined inquisitiveness. A disquieting pause preceded… Read More
2016-04-19 04:01
"When I first heard the term 'blue movies', I didn’t know what it meant. I had no idea what they were, but I did know that they were films which w… Read More
2016-04-18 08:41
"I have never been so fascinated by a wall, and yet it is not the wall as such which seduces my interest. It is blank and on it I project images of Chao-xing. I’m completely useless no… Read More
2016-04-16 07:52
"The cigarette is very nice, soothing. The ease with which I have fallen back into addiction is unsurprising and does not bother me. Something about the action of inhaling, feeling the burn… Read More
2016-04-15 01:13
"I, like every other woman I know, have feigned girlish excitement over bare chested men with oiled and rippling muscles- especially firemen. I’ve glanced lower and wondered about the… Read More
2016-04-14 07:50
"‘My point is,’ continued Tyson. ‘You are a fool because you keep chasing the buzz of lustance.’‘Lustance is not a word.’‘It is now. Lust and romanc… Read More
2016-04-13 07:31
"‘Çan we home now mum?’ says Bailey suddenly.A quick affirmative nod does the trick, and furnishes me with the opportunity to escape mum’s silent scrutiny. ‘Ye… Read More
2016-04-12 09:40
“Weddings were for girls, the stuff of dreams and fairy tales. He just wanted to marry Cassy, so the details of the wedding did not concern him. If she was happy, he would be happy, an… Read More
2016-04-11 07:48
"I decide to cut to the chase. ‘I’ve been thinking about marriage, and what went wrong with mine and how I contributed to it, and about your marriage. You and dad.’ I don&r&hell…Read More
2016-04-09 09:39
“Walking to the kitchen, I see Angus lurking in the darkness, floating, hovering like a ghost. I feel cold. I open the fridge and stare into the bright light without seeing anything. I… Read More
2016-04-08 09:25
"Angus pulled into the driveway of his home with the usual trepidation gnawing at his stomach. He could never pinpoint the exact cause of his apprehension. Was it due to anxiety over what mo… Read More
2016-04-07 09:07
"‘Hi,’ she said, extending her hand across the table. ‘I’m Cassy.’ His hand was soft, but his grip embodied self-confidence and respect. Caution and curiousity… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
I once sat with my hand on it to ensure it worked. On another occasion I put sticky tape on it, and that worked temporarily. Sometimes, I simply endured it the way it was:annoyingly sporadic… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
I'm a little late with this post, but I had a wee drama with my computer. When I say a wee drama, I actually mean a world destroying catastrophe: my world that is, not the whole world.I upgr… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
If I had to choose a favourite movie genre, I would say romantic comedy. There's just something wonderful about the warm and fuzzy feelings generated by a well made blend of comedy and roman… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
I've been challenged a lot of late about my faith which some say is futile. Accused of intellectual dishonesty because I choose to believe in and follow Jesus Christ when he is allegedly no… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
C is for Clayfield“‘Muddy! Let’s go.’Mark turned to the sound of his crewmate’s voice. He felt sluggish. A poor night sleep had robbed him of vitality. His thou… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
B is for Battle“‘Even if you are accepted as a refugee, there is no guarantee that you will be permanently resettled in Australia.’The words were delivered in a harsh… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
A is for Ashmore Grief‘Bloody birdwatchers, eh?’Mark nodded and made some noise which he hoped would satisfy his companion on deck, Able Seaman van DeKlyf. The Kimberly Birdwatch… Read More
2006-06-07 11:16
The 2014 A-Z Blogging Challenge is only two days away, so today, as I prepare for the challenge, I just wanted to share this story with you.It was written by one of my students, nicknamed Bi… Read More
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