The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to see the planets – Episode 32

What does it say when you can’t trust the man in charge?

…

The Admiral was looking tired, possibly the result of being woken, yet again, in the dead hours of the night.

Out in space, we should be keeping earth time, in fact, we probably were, but I didn’t think to check before calling.

The matter was urgent, or at least I thought it was.

I’d just relayed the events leading up to the attack and the result. For some odd reason I didn’t think he looked pleased.

“I sent two shuttles over and they’ve confirmed 11 fatalities and one escapee who transported to the larger ship moments before the attack. I told them to set a geosychronous orbit around the moon coronas until you work out what you want to do with them. Their systems have been encrypted, so they can’t be resurrected.”

“And the base?”

“We understand it’s beneath the surface of the moon, accessible only by transporter. Our physist says she knows where the plutonium is.”

“I take it there are people down there?”

“Skeleton staff. It’s a new base, recently built, but we don’t know its purpose.”

“Definitely not alien then?”

“Unless the criminal world has made the first contact before us, and if they have, it can’t be for the betterment of mankind.”

I was no expert but at that moment I got the distinct impression that the Admiral was hiding something, or had information that might be useful to us.

Until now I hadn’t had time to think about all the events leading up to this point in time, but somewhere in the back of my mind, it had been processing everything that had happened, to do with the ship and even before that.

And the question that leapt out was, why me?

What was the compelling reason to appoint me as first officer to this particular ship at this particular time? I had no doubt there were a hundred others equally or better qualified than I was, and yet, my name was pulled out of the hat, and I could remember distinctly the captain of the ship I’d been completing my training, as surprised as I was that I’d been selected.

Them, out of left field, a memory came back, one o had tried to bury very deep, of an incident no one could explain, let alone comprehend because it was as if it never happened. I had no proof, and there was no one else left alive to corroborate what I believed to be the facts.

Solar stress, it had been called. The psychiatrist who handled the debriefing told me it was nothing more than an over-active imagination, fuelled by overwork, sleep deprivation, and the deaths of my family members on an outpost on the moon when I’d been visiting them.

That diagnosis alone should have prevented my appointment, and yet here I was.

“Then it’s no longer your problem. We’ll take it from here. There’s a ship on its way. Your mission is to proceed as planned.”

“And the other ship that fled? I’m sure they’re no to going to just forgive and forget.”

“The chances are they will. Now they know you have superior firepower, and the speed to hunt them down, they will not be coming back for a second encounter. If you do come across them, you can deal with them as you wish, but that is not the priority. You have your orders.”

The screen went blank.

Yes, he was definitely hiding something.

…

A photograph from the inspirational bin – 14

I’m always rummaging through the endless photographs that, if you were to ask me, I would vehemently deny I took.

It’s like the camera on my phone takes them itself, you know, the latest upgrade they didn’t tell you about, the artificial intelligence.

OK, so it’s simply a ferry crossing a wide stretch of water. You ask, why didn’t they build a bridge? A good question, and not one I can answer.

But, what does the thought of a ferry conjure up?

It brought to mind the film Jaws, and the summer visitors to the island, or should I say, shark hunting ground.

Here?

Perhaps a little less sinister…or not.

To me, at this point, it suggests the possibility of a get away, depending on what side you’re on, mainland, or island. I’m going to say, you’re on the island and going back to the mainland.

Running.

The island is like one of those remote places, with one way in and one way out. a place where people go to try and breathe life back into a marriage that’s falling apart under the stresses of city life, but it failed.

The problem wasn’t the fact you didn’t see each other enough, it’s just that you had grown to dislike each other, and going into a small isolated situation only made the problem worse.

It was just easier to blame everything else.

But going home, well that’s a whole different kettle of fish, because bridges were burned before you left, and going back, well, there was going to be grovelling involved.

Or not.

There’s a story here, but not right now. Perhaps in a day or two.

It’s late, very late, and I need some sleep … well, thinking time.

What I learned about writing – Take the time to stop and smell the roses

Televison is a great recorder of the past, and most channels, and especially cable tv have great libraries of films that go back more than a hundred years.

And, whilst it’s possible that modern day films and television series can try to recapture the past, the English as an exception being very good at it, often it is impossible to capture it correctly.

But, if you have a film shot in the moment, then you have a visual record of what life, and what was once part of our world before you in all it’s dated glory. The pity of it is that, then, we never appreciated it.

After all, in those particular times, who had the time to figuratively stop and smell the roses. Back then as life was going on, we were all tied up with just trying to get through each day.

Years later, often on reflection, we try to remember the old days, and, maybe, remember some of what it was like, but the chances are that change came far too rapidly, and often too radical, that it erases what we thought we knew existed before.

My grandmothers house is a case in point. In it’s place is a multi lane super highway, and there’s nothing left to remind us, or anyone of it, just some old sepia photographs.

I was reminded of how volatile history really is when watching an old documentary, in black and white, and how the city I grew up in used to look.

Then, even though it seemed large to me then, it was a smaller city, with suburbs that stretched about ten or so miles in every direction, and the outer suburbs were where people moved to get a larger block, and countrified atmosphere.

Now, those outer suburbs are no longer spacious properties, the acreage subdivided and the old owners now much richer for a decision made with profit not being the motivator, and the current suburban sprawl is now out to forty or fifty miles.

The reason for the distance is no longer the thought of open spaces and cleaner air, the reason for moving now is that land further out is cheaper, and can make buying that first house more affordable.

This is where I tip my hat to the writers of historical fiction. I myself am writing a story based in the 1970s, and its difficult to find what is and isn’t time specific.

If only I had a dollar for every time I went to write the character pulling out his or her mobile phone.

What I’ve found is the necessity to research, and this has amounted to finding old films, documentaries of the day, and a more fascinating source of information, the newspapers of the day.

The latter especially has provoked a lot of memories and a lot of stuff I thought I’d forgotten, some of it by choice, but others that were poignant.

Yes, and don’t get me started on the distractions.

If only I’d started this project earlier…

365 Days of Writing, 2026 – 278

Day 278 – Acceptable writing

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Embracing the Writer’s Growth Mindset: Lessons from Anne Perry’s Quote on Acceptance and Improvement

“I never assume that what I write will necessarily be acceptable. I take very little for granted – fairness, help, yes, but not acceptance. I am always trying to improve. Aren’t we all?”
— Anne Perry

Anne Perry’s words cut straight to the heart of what it means to be a writer today: a relentless pursuit of betterment, grounded in humility and an openness to feedback. In a world where likes, shares, and instant validation can masquerade as success, her reminder is a powerful antidote. Let’s unpack the quote, explore why acceptance shouldn’t be taken for granted, and see how we can turn this mindset into concrete, daily habits that elevate our craft.

1. Why Acceptance Isn’t a Given (and Why That’s Healthy)

The Myth of Instant Approval

Social media metrics can create a false sense of “acceptance.” A post that garners thousands of likes may still miss the mark with a core audience or fail to advance your skills.
Editorial gatekeepers (agents, publishers, editors) often reject work not because it’s bad, but because it doesn’t fit a current market need or lacks a specific polish.

The Value of Humility

Accepting that acceptance is uncertain forces us to:

Stay curious – We keep asking, “How can this be clearer, more compelling, or more true?”
Remain teachable – Feedback becomes a gift rather than a threat.
Focus on process, not outcome – The act of writing improves, even when a particular piece isn’t published or praised.

SEO Tip: Sprinkle the phrase “writing acceptance isn’t guaranteed” naturally in the first 100 words and again in a subheading to capture long‑tail queries around writer’s doubt and resilience.

2. The Core Pillars We Can Count On: Fairness and Help

Perry distinguishes two things she does take for granted: fairness and help. These are the bedrock of a supportive writing ecosystem.

Pillar	What It Means for Writers	How to Cultivate It
Fairness	Believing that effort, honesty, and integrity will eventually be recognised, even if not immediately.	• Set personal standards (word counts, revision cycles) and stick to them. • Celebrate incremental wins (finished draft, solved plot hole).
Help	Trusting that mentors, peers, and resources are available when we seek them.	• Join a critique group or writing forum (e.g., Scribophile, local NaNoWriMo meet‑ups). • Schedule regular “help hours” – time to ask a beta reader or coach for specific feedback.

By anchoring ourselves in these reliable supports, we free up mental energy to focus on improvement rather than chasing fleeting validation.

3. Building a Growth‑Oriented Writing Practice

A. Adopt a Growth Mindset (Carol Dweck)

Fixed mindset: “I’m either a good writer or I’m not.”
Growth mindset: “My abilities expand with deliberate practice and learning.”

Action: After each writing session, jot down one thing you learned and one tweak you’ll try next time.

B. Set Process‑Driven Goals

Goal Type	Example	Why It Works
Output	Write 500 words daily.	Builds habit, reduces perfectionism.
Skill	Study one dialogue technique per week.	Targets measurable improvement.
Feedback	Share a scene with a critique partner every two weeks.	Externalizes blind spots.

C. Embrace Iterative Revision

Draft – Get ideas down without judgment.
Rest – Step away for 24‑48 hours.
Read Aloud – Spot awkward phrasing and pacing issues.
Edit for Clarity – Trim redundancies, tighten logic.
Seek Feedback – Incorporate specific, actionable notes.
Polish – Focus on grammar, style, and voice.

Repeating this loop transforms each piece into a stepping stone rather than a final verdict.

4. Practical Steps to Keep Improving (SEO‑Friendly Checklist)

Read Widely & Critically – Alternate between genres; note what works and why.
Study Craft Books – On Writing Well (Zinsser), Bird by Bird (Lamott), The Elements of Style (Strunk & White).
Take Online Courses – Platforms like MasterClass, Coursera, or Reedsy Learning offer targeted lessons on plot, voice, SEO copywriting, etc.
Analyse Your Own Metrics – Use Google Analytics or platform insights to see which topics retain readers longest; treat data as feedback, not judgment.
Attend Live Events – Writer’s conferences, webinars, or open‑mic nights provide real‑time interaction and inspiration.
Mentor Someone Else – Teaching reinforces your own knowledge and highlights gaps you might have missed.

Keyword Integration: Throughout this section, naturally include phrases like “writing improvement tips,” “self‑improvement for writers,” and “continuous learning for authors.” These align with common search queries and help the post rank for long‑tail traffic.

5. Community: The Help We Can Rely On

Writing may feel solitary, but the most resilient writers build support ecosystems.

Critique Circles: Small groups (3‑5 members) that exchange work weekly.
Accountability Partners: Pair up to share goals and check progress bi‑weekly.
Online Forums: Reddit’s r/writing, Absolute Write, or genre‑specific Discord servers.
Workshops & Retreats: Immersion experiences that combine learning with networking.

When we view help as a given, we’re more likely to ask for it—turning isolation into collaboration.

6. Aren’t We All? – The Universal Call to Grow

Anne Perry’s closing question—“Aren’t we all?”—is an invitation to recognise that the drive to improve isn’t exclusive to published authors; it’s a human trait. Whether you’re drafting a novel, crafting SEO copy, journaling, or posting on LinkedIn, the same principles apply:

Assume nothing about acceptance.
Lean on fairness and help as constants.
Commit to tiny, consistent upgrades.

When we internalise this mindset, every piece becomes a lesson, every critique a gift, and every day a chance to be a slightly better writer than yesterday.

7. Conclusion & Call to Action

Anne Perry’s succinct reminder packs a lifetime of writerly wisdom into two sentences: humility fuels growth, acceptance is a bonus—not a guarantee, and the journey of improvement is shared by all who dare to create.

Your next step: Choose one actionable item from the checklist above and implement it today. Whether it’s setting a 500‑word daily target, joining a critique forum, or reading a chapter of a craft book, commit to that habit for the next 21 days. Track your progress in a simple log or spreadsheet, and revisit this post at the end of the month to see how far you’ve come.

Remember: The path isn’t about achieving perpetual acceptance; it’s about showing up, learning, and getting a little better each time you put pen to paper (or keyboard).

Ready to grow? Share your commitment in the comments below—let’s build a community of writers who never take acceptance for granted, but always strive to improve.

…

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – London

London’s Secret Charms: 5 Uncrowded Gems with Unforgettable Features

London. The very name conjures images of iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and a vibrant energy that pulses through its historic veins. But let’s be honest, that energy often translates into crowds – a beautiful, diverse, fascinating crowd, but a crowd nonetheless.

What if you yearn for a different rhythm? A London where you can connect with history, art, and nature without constantly jostling for a view? A London where distinctive features truly shine, allowing you to savour every unique detail?

Fear not, intrepid explorer! I’ve curated a list of five phenomenal London attractions that deliver on distinctive character without the typical tourist throngs. These are the places where you can breathe, ponder, and truly absorb the magic of this incredible city.

1. Sir John Soane’s Museum: A Collector’s Labyrinth of Wonders

What makes it distinctive? Imagine stepping into the mind of an eccentric 19th-century architect, where every surface, every nook, and every cranny is crammed with art, antiquities, and architectural fragments. Sir John Soane’s Museum is not a typical museum; it’s a meticulously preserved house that he designed to display his vast and eclectic collection exactly as he wanted it. Expect a fascinating, almost overwhelming, visual feast. Highlights include an Egyptian sarcophagus, a room of hidden paintings on hinged panels, and ceilings adorned with fragments of Roman sculpture.

Why it’s uncrowded: Its very nature – a house packed to the rafters – means visitor numbers are carefully controlled. It’s a small, intimate space, encouraging quiet contemplation rather than rapid sightseeing. You’ll often find yourself with plenty of room to explore.

Insider Tip: Look out for the “picture rooms” where walls literally open up to reveal more art behind them. It’s a delightful, theatrical surprise!

2. The Wallace Collection: Opulence and Masterpieces in a Grand Mansion

What makes it distinctive? Housed in Hertford House, a magnificent stately home in Marylebone, The Wallace Collection offers a truly unique experience: a peerless collection of 18th-century French art, furniture, porcelain, and old master paintings, all displayed in the sumptuous setting of a historic private residence. It feels less like a public gallery and more like you’ve been invited into a wealthy collector’s home. From rococo masterpieces like Fragonard’s “The Swing” to an impressive armoury, the sheer quality and variety are astonishing.

Why it’s uncrowded: While well-known, it often gets overlooked in favour of the larger, more public museums. Its location, slightly off the main tourist drag, also helps keep numbers manageable. Plus, it’s completely free to enter!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the stunning central courtyard, which has been beautifully enclosed to create a light-filled restaurant – perfect for a refined coffee or lunch break.

3. Chelsea Physic Garden: London’s Oldest Botanic Oasis

What makes it distinctive? Tucked away behind high walls near the Thames, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a living museum of plants with a fascinating history. Established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it was created specifically for the study of medicinal plants. Today, it’s a tranquil four-acre oasis showcasing around 5,000 different species, including the largest fruiting olive tree in Britain and the world’s most northerly grapefruit tree. It’s a place where history, science, and nature intertwine beautifully.

Why it’s uncrowded: It charges a modest entrance fee and isn’t on the primary tourist routes, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a favourite among locals seeking serenity, rather than a must-see for first-time visitors ticking off landmarks.

Insider Tip: Check their website for workshops, talks, and guided tours which offer deeper insights into the garden’s extensive collections and history.

4. St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden: A Ruined Beauty Reclaimed by Nature

What makes it distinctive? This is perhaps one of London’s most visually stunning “hidden” gems. What once was a grand medieval church, later rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, was largely destroyed during the Blitz in 1941. Instead of rebuilding, the ruins were transformed into a public garden. Ivy-clad walls, elegant Gothic arches, and a Wren tower now frame a vibrant collection of trees and plants. It’s an ethereal, almost magical space that perfectly blends history with nature’s resilience.

Why it’s uncrowded: Despite its proximity to the Tower of London and Monument, it’s tucked away down a side street, making it easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. It’s a favourite spot for city workers on their lunch break and photographers, but rarely overwhelmed by tourists.

Insider Tip: Visit on a sunny day when the light filters through the archways and foliage, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Find a bench and simply soak in the tranquility.

5. Leighton House: An Artist’s Victorian Fantasy

What makes it distinctive? Step into the fantastical home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, and prepare to be mesmerised. The crowning glory is the “Arab Hall,” a breathtaking space inspired by Leighton’s travels to the Middle East. Adorned with over 1,000 iridescent Islamic tiles, a golden dome, and a tranquil fountain, it’s like stepping into a dream. Beyond this, the house offers beautiful period rooms, Leighton’s grand studio, and a collection of his and his contemporaries’ art. It’s a truly unique architectural and artistic vision.

Why it’s uncrowded: Located in Holland Park, West London, it’s a little further out than central attractions, which naturally reduces footfall. It also requires a timed ticket, ensuring a pleasant visitor experience.

Insider Tip: Look closely at the tiles in the Arab Hall – many are original 16th and 17th-century pieces, carefully acquired by Leighton himself.

So, the next time you find yourself in the magnificent city of London, consider taking a detour from the main thoroughfares. These five distinctive, uncrowded attractions offer a chance to connect with a different side of the capital – one that’s rich in history, beauty, and quiet wonder. Happy exploring!

Have you discovered any other uncrowded London treasures? Share them in the comments below!

In a word: crane

Yes, it’s that huge device that is attached to a tall building and either raises or lowers building materials. I’ve often wondered how the driver, so far up in the air, can see where to pick up or drop a load.

Typically, cranes are used to move large or heavy loads, like large fibreglass swimming pools, from the roadside into the front or back yard.

There are train breakdown cranes, dockside cranes and broken down cranes, usually on the road in the middle of rush hour.

They used to have dog men, people who hung on grimly, going up or down with the load. Not me when the building is sixty or seventy floors up.

There can be smaller cranes built on trucks that are for smaller jobs like lifting boats or sometimes parts of houses. We had one near us once, lifting a swimming pool into a front yard.

Then there is the crane, a bird. Cranes are usually tall birds with long legs.

In Asia, the crane symbolises happiness and eternal youth, whereas in Japan, the crane symbolises good fortune and longevity.

And other uses such as:

The boy craned his neck to see the batter hit a home run.

Usually, if I crane my neck, it causes days of muscular pain, i.e., literally the definition of a pain in the neck!

It means to distort your body or neck in order to see something more clearly, especially if you are in a bad position, like behind a pylon or tree.

It can also be used to describe a trolley with a large boom with a camera attached.

“Sunday in New York”, a romantic adventure that’s not a walk in the park!

“Sunday in New York” is ultimately a story about trust, and what happens when a marriage is stretched to its limits.

When Harry Steele attends a lunch with his manager, Barclay, to discuss a promotion that any junior executive would accept in a heartbeat, it is the fact that his wife, Alison, who previously professed her reservations about Barclay, also agreed to attend that casts a small element of doubt in his mind.

From that moment, his life, in the company, in deciding what to do, his marriage, his very life, spirals out of control.

There is no one big factor that can prove Harry’s worst fears, that his marriage is over, just several small, interconnecting events, when piled on top of each other, point to a cataclysmic end to everything he had believed in.

Trust is lost firstly in his best friend and mentor, Andy, who only hints at impending disaster, Sasha, a woman whom he saved, and who appears to have motives of her own, and then in his wife, Alison, as he discovers piece by piece, damning evidence that she is about to leave him for another man.

Can we trust what we see with our eyes or trust what we hear?

Haven’t we all jumped to conclusions at least once in our lives?

Can Alison, a woman whose self-belief and confidence are about to be put to the ultimate test, find a way of proving their relationship is as strong as it has ever been?

As they say in the classics, read on!

…

Purchase:

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If I only had one day to stop over in – Brisbane, Australia – what would I do?

One‑Day Brisbane Stop‑Over: The One Spot That Turns a Quick Layover into a Memorable Adventure

You’ve just landed in Brisbane, the sun‑kissed capital of Queensland, and your flight schedule gives you just one day to soak up the city before you’re back on a plane. The clock is ticking, the luggage is already on the carousel, and you’re wondering: What single place can I visit that will make this 24‑hour lay‑over feel like a mini‑vacation rather than a rushed transit stop?

The answer: South Bank Parklands – Brisbane’s vibrant, riverside playground.

It’s not just a park; it’s a compact, walkable micro‑city that bundles everything a first‑time visitor craves—stunning river views, iconic attractions, a taste of local cuisine, and a splash of Australian wildlife—all within a 30‑minute train ride from the airport.

Below is my insider’s itinerary, plus practical tips so you can maximise every minute without breaking a sweat.

Why South Bank Beats All the Other “Must‑See” Options

Feature	South Bank Parklands	Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary	Mount Coot‑tha Lookout	Brisbane River Cruise
Proximity to Airport	20 min via Airtrain (Civic to South Bank)	30 min + bus transfer	35 min + shuttle	20 min + ferry
Time Required	3–4 hrs (full experience)	2–3 hrs (animal‑focused)	1 hr (view only)	1 hr (scenic)
What You Get	City skyline, beach, restaurants, museums, art, playgrounds, free Wi‑Fi	Koalas, kangaroos, farm‑style demos	Panoramic city & Moreton Bay	Narrative history + photo ops
All‑Weather?	Yes (covered cafés, indoor museums, heated “Streets Beach”)	Mostly outdoor	Outdoor (best on clear days)	Dependent on rain

South Bank delivers the most diverse, self‑contained experience in the shortest amount of time, making it the perfect single‑spot highlight for a whirlwind lay‑over.

The 4‑Hour South Bank Sprint

Quick note: All times below assume you’ve already cleared customs and stored your luggage in an airport locker (or are traveling light).

Arrive & Orient – 20 min

From the airport: Grab the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport to South Bank (stop “South Bank”). Trains run every 10 minutes; the journey is 18 minutes.
Ticket tip: Use the TransLink go card (or the “QR‑code & go” option on your phone) – it’s cheaper than buying a paper ticket, and you’ll need it later for a quick ferry ride if you’re feeling adventurous.

Stroll the Parklands – 40 min

Enter via the Civic Centre gateway and follow the riverside promenade.
Snap your first photo at the Mural Wall—a massive, ever‑changing street‑art canvas that instantly feels “Brisbane”.
Head toward the iconic Streets Beach, a man‑made lagoon with a gentle wave‑pool and sandy shoreline. Even if you don’t dip in, the beach‑side loungers make for a perfect Instagram moment.

Lunch with a View – 60 min

Choose a waterfront eatery:
- River Quay (modern Aussie, great seafood)
- Mosaic on the Park (Asian‑fusion, vegetarian‑friendly)
- The Milk Bar (classic Aussie café fare, perfect for a quick bite).
All have outdoor seating that overlooks the Brisbane River—so you can watch the ferries glide by while you refuel.
Dish recommendation: Try the Moreton Bay bug (a type of flat lobster) on a herb butter or the locally sourced beetroot & feta salad for a fresh, Queensland twist.

Iconic Experiences – 80 min

Activity	Time	Why It’s Worth It
Wheel of Brisbane	15 min (ride)	Offers a 360° view of the skyline and the river—great for a quick “I’m on a Ferris wheel in Brisbane!” selfie.
Queensland Museum & Sciencentre	30 min	A compact, free‑entry museum that showcases Aboriginal culture, natural history, and interactive science exhibits—perfect for a quick cultural deep‑dive.
GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)	20 min (quick wander)	If you love contemporary art, GOMA’s rotating exhibitions are always provocative and photogenic.
Picnic at the Arboretum	15 min	Grab a takeaway coffee, find a shady spot under the native eucalypts, and watch the river’s gentle current—this is Brisbane’s version of “slow living”.

Tip: If the weather turns rainy, head straight to the Queensland Museum and GOMA, which are both indoor and free, ensuring your day stays memorable regardless of the sky.

Depart – 20 min

Walk back to South Bank Station, hop on the Airtrain, and you’ll be back at the airport in under 25 minutes—plenty of time for security and a final coffee at the terminal.

Pro‑Tips for Making the Most of Your One‑Day Stop‑Over

Tip	Details
Luggage Lockers	Use the secure lockers at Airport Domestic Terminal – Level 1 (AU$7 for 24 hrs). This frees you up to roam unburdened.
Currency	Australian dollars are the norm, but most venues accept major credit cards. Have a small amount of cash for food stalls or the occasional tip.
Dress Code	Brisbane’s climate in summer (Dec‑Feb) is hot and humid (30‑35 °C). Light, breathable clothing + a hat + sunscreen. If you’re visiting in winter (Jun‑Aug), a light jacket is enough; temperatures sit around 12‑20 °C.
Sun Protection	The UV index can be “extreme”. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.
Wi‑Fi	Free public Wi‑Fi is available throughout South Bank (look for “South Bank Free Wi‑Fi”). Great for checking flight updates on the go.
Time Management	Set a timer for each activity (e.g., “30 min at the museum”) to avoid getting stuck and missing your train.
Emergency Contact	Dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non‑emergencies, call 131 444 (Queensland Police Assistance).

A Quick Recap: The South Bank Blueprint

Time	Activity
00:00–00:20	Airtrain to South Bank
00:20–01:00	Stroll the parklands & snap the mural wall
01:00–02:00	Lunch with river views
02:00–03:20	Wheel of Brisbane → Queensland Museum → GOMA → Arboretum picnic
03:20–03:40	Return to Airtrain, head back to airport
03:40–04:00	Clear security, grab a final coffee, board your next flight

Final Thought

A stopover can feel like a logistical hurdle, but when you zero in on South Bank Parklands, you’re essentially plugging into Brisbane’s heart in a single, seamless stretch. From dazzling river panoramas to world‑class art, from a beach‑side lounge to a bite of fresh seafood, South Bank delivers a compact, unforgettable taste of Queensland—all without the need for a rental car or a marathon of bus transfers.

So the next time your itinerary gives you a 24‑hour window in Brisbane, skip the checklist of “must‑see” spots and let South Bank be your single, unforgettable destination. Trust me: you’ll step back onto that plane with a grin, a handful of great photos, and a story that says, “I only had a day, but I made it count.”

Happy travels, and may your lay‑over be anything but ordinary!

“Echoes From The Past”, the past doesn’t necessarily stay there

What happens when your past finally catches up with you?

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Christmas is just around the corner, a time to be with family. For Will Mason, an orphan since he was fourteen, it is a time for reflection on what his life could have been, and what it could be.

Until a chance encounter brings back to life the reasons for his twenty years of self-imposed exile from a life only normal people could have. From that moment, Will’s life slowly starts to unravel, and it’s obvious to him that it’s time to move on.

This time, however, there is more at stake.

Will has broken his number one rule: don’t get involved.

With his nemesis, Eddie Jamieson, suddenly within reach, and a blossoming relationship with an office colleague, Maria, about to change everything, Will has to make a choice. Quietly leave, or finally, make a stand.

But as Will soon discovers, when other people are involved, there are going to be terrible consequences no matter what choice he makes.

…

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365 Days of Writing, 2026 – 278

Day 278 – Acceptable writing

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Embracing the Writer’s Growth Mindset: Lessons from Anne Perry’s Quote on Acceptance and Improvement

“I never assume that what I write will necessarily be acceptable. I take very little for granted – fairness, help, yes, but not acceptance. I am always trying to improve. Aren’t we all?”
— Anne Perry