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• A RedBubble calendar review - with pics
  by Darren Stones

  By Darren Stones With the New Year upon us, have you considered where you are going to pu…

  By Darren Stones With the New Year upon us, have you considered where you are going to purchase your ‘08 calendars? Before you go shopping, spare a moment or two. The courier has just delivered a new-release RedBubble calendar courtesy of James Pierce. Calendar contains pics from onetonshadow. My first impression of the calendar is that it’s a premium product and has plenty of weight – not some cheap and nasty looking thing. It’s an A3 size – in plain speak that measures; 11.7in x 16.5in or 297mm x 420mm. The cover page consists of a white matte paper which has a chunky feel to it (300gsm for the tech minded). Quite simply, it looks and feels good. From a marketing viewpoint, I believe it needs the artist’s name included on the cover page. Something for the RedBubble team to consider. The monthly calendar pages are made of (175gsm) white matte paper which has a clean fresh look. The numerals on each monthly page are not overly large, although they are easy to read. Being grey, they are more subtle than obvious and don’t distract from the artwork. There’s plenty of room to scrawl birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and due dates for your favourite debts. The title of each image and artist’s name is printed underneath the image on each of the calendar month pages. The artist’s RedBubble URL is also printed in the bottom right corner of each monthly page. So, there’s good exposure for those seeking world domination regarding sales. The binding is the white plastic-coated type and it allows for easy turning of each page. It seems a good choice for the product as the pages hang flat. Remember, 2008 is a leap year so there’s a smidgeon of extra value contained. Humpback Whale Calendar 2008 – for sale Reviewer’s note: My qualification for reviewing calendars; I’ve been on the planet for nearly 15,000 days.

• I need writers and other interesting people
  by Jo O'Brien

  The Daily Wrap is changing with the goal being to make it more “newspaper like”..... and apparently it’s up to Kathleen and I to do it…...

  The Daily Wrap is changing with the goal being to make it more “newspaper like”..... and apparently it’s up to Kathleen and I to do it…. sooooo I’m looking for people with different skills and aspirations. Whether you just want to throw the occasional article over or want to contribute regularly and basically take the lead with a particular weekly or daily feature, I’m keen to hear from you. And at some point once it’s up and running, a small team to be editors and managers and pretty much run the whole thing. You don’t have to be the bestest most polished writer- if you have something interesting to say, I want to hear from you. Below are some things we are looking to do on a weekly basis but we also want to hear any idea you have that you’d like to drive. Drop me an email to jobrien@redbubble.com Regular columnists to write about you interest or expertise. Anything from a column critiquing a work from the critique forum through to a redbubble gossip column. Mushy Feel Good Bubbler Stories Real World RedBubble Activities and Events- meet ups, exhibitions, classes etc “How To” post on using RedBubble features Regular blogging while traveling etc as a regular feature Vox Pops on topical issues (not just RedBubble issues) Featuring/Spotlighting of Groups and Works Interviews with members So, what’s in it for you? / First, in turning the Daily Wrap into a “proper” online publication we are aiming to give you proper recognition as a published writer. Secondly, your articles and writing are hosted in your journal with a link from the Daily Wrap which brings your portfolio traffic and exposure and kudos from the community. It’s also a chance to develop and extend on your professional writing skills. Not that you really need it! The quality of writing on here is amazing. ideas, thoughts, contributors etc. to jobrien@redbubble.com

• Writers selling stuff?
  by Xavier Russo

  As a little experiment, I uploaded an image versio…

  As a little experiment, I uploaded an image version of my Ode to Nothing poem and bought it on white and black greeting cards. Worked quite well. This might be a way for writers on RedBubble to participate in selling Simply create a greeting card related to your writing: maybe an image, quote, or (if short enough) the whole written work. Then readers who like your writing can buy the card – you get paid and they get a little momento. As another example, kseriphyn has a logo for her story The Callings . If this was available as a greeting card, readers could show their appreciation for the story by buying one. All you need is some way of creating an image file. This is possible even if you don’t have a fancy graphics program (for the poem above, I just used Powerpoint and saved the file as a jpeg) It’s not a perfect solution but it can be done right now. What do you think? I’d love to hear from both writers and readers

• 01 WMG Blogazine ISSUU Out Now!
  by Writers' Market Group Account

  It’s Here! After a bit of tim…

  It’s Here! After a bit of time, effort and baby juggling (metaphorically speaking). I am proud to present the NEW FORMAT BLOGAZINE which will run, at this stage, on a quarterly basis. There is a small gripe where I it seems the embedded links may not work. Otherwise, I’m happy with the outcome. Here is the link to the blogazine. ISSUU Link

• Change of Scene
  by Kate Smith

  Now dwelling in the House of the Siren

  Now dwelling in the House of the Siren

• speaking in tongues
  by bellmusker

  I’ve recently been asked by Red Bubble to choose my favourite writing, and so I poured the honey vodka, put on some slide guitar, and spe…

  I’ve recently been asked by Red Bubble to choose my favourite writing, and so I poured the honey vodka, put on some slide guitar, and spent longer than was good for me floating through the writing and journals here. And I need to ask – where are the languages?! Yes, I know English is the lingua franca of the world and the best way to get your writing noticed. I sympathise with this, I do, but I ache for the beauty of expressing yourself in another tongue. When we force our focus away from our mother tongue, we embrace the world in a whole new manner, and see shades of incandescence and identity that may otherwise be denied us. When I read or write in Dutch, in German, in French, the words don’t come easily and so I strive for them more, turn them over in my head and my heart, and notice their shades and subtleties in ways I simply wouldn’t in English. It’s not easy; I know this. I make mistakes, and hesitate when I write in other tongues in case I trip over verb tenses, mangle my syntax or accidentally call someone a piece of fruit when I intended to be seductive (don’t ask). But it’s just so delicious to read…… Who can read or write in other languages, and if so, do you actively seek these languages out on Red Bubble? For those with other mother tongues, do you put stories up in English out of necessity or desire? Ik wil in het Nederlands lezen…. Je veux lire en français… Ich will auf Deutsch lesen. Or at least try. And after two years of Irish lessons, I would love to read in that amazing language but alas, all I can do is insult someone, and order a whiskey. But at least I haven’t compared my lovers to summer fruit in that language…..or have I?!

• Writers on RedBubble
  by Xavier Russo

  We’re thinking about how to make RedBubble a better place for writers The Unleashed short story competition attracted a lot of tale…

  We’re thinking about how to make RedBubble a better place for writers The Unleashed short story competition attracted a lot of talented writers, but to be honest we haven’t done enough since then to support them on RedBubble. That will change. Initiatives in the pipeline for writers include: / 1. A new competition for short stories and poetry / 2. Redesign site – ‘gallery’ probably splits into ‘art’, ‘writing’, ‘t-shirts’. / 3. Distinguish between ‘written works’ and journal entries/blogs / 4. Reaching out to writers already on RedBubble for their input It will take some time to get all these done, but we’re keen to launch the competition and get lots of input on improvements ASAP. If you feel strongly about making RedBubble a better place for writers, now’s a great time to speak up! Let us know what you’d like to see – be it new features, website changes, community activities, etc. Also check out this forum topic seeking input from writers.

• Melbourne writers' meetings - first Sunday of every month!
  by bellmusker

  The Melbourne Writers’ Meetings have been amazingly enjoyable and rewarding – take a look through my journals for the previous ones. / ...

  The Melbourne Writers’ Meetings have been amazingly enjoyable and rewarding – take a look through my journals for the previous ones. However, organising these little outings takes some patience and hard work, so with that in mind, it’s been suggested that we fix a regular day. The meetings will now be held on the first Sunday of every month, in a central location, in the afternoon. If enough people ask for an evening meeting, we can add an extra one, or one out east/west/ etc, but the date should remain fixed for the regular ones. So the next meeting is April 6th, in a city location, details to be confirmed (* see below). I know that won’t suit everyone, but I’m realising you can’t please ‘em all! Ideas for the next meeting – people can bring two pieces of writing from a bubbler whose work they admire – this is a fabulous way to spread the word about the amazing talent in this place. Much as we enjoy each others’ work, it’s so rewarding to stumble across someone new and unknown – and even more exciting to pass that on to someone else. Also, for those ready to show their own work, we’ve decided to choose a theme for each meet that you can write to – and this month’s theme is ‘feast’. It was remarked on how central food is to our sense of community and connection. Write wherever that topic takes you (and yes, I have several ‘feast’ pieces in my writing folio, but I’m not cheating – I’ll write something new!). Of course, if you’re not ready to share your words, that’s fine too. Feel free to bubblemail me with any questions, and leave your messages here if you’d like to come along. Phew!

• Guidelines for the short story group, Spherical Scriptings
  by Damian

  Welcome to Spherical Scriptings, a group dedicated to short stories. *What can you a…

  Welcome to Spherical Scriptings, a group dedicated to short stories. What can you add? / More groups will come in the future, so can you save your flash fiction, non-fiction/essays, multi-part stories, memoirs, novellas (hehe) for their future groups. Poetry already has its own dedicated group here What is the point? / This group is a home for short stories and their creators. Take us on a journey – explore dark depths, or leave us laughing in delight. All genres of fiction welcome. Participate! Write! Throw out a challenge; ask for advice. How do you generate ideas? What’s the best tip you’ve received? Constructive Criticism / Different readers will spot things you’ve missed. Do you want to know about it? If you would like helpful suggestions, clearly say so, or you probably won’t get any. / If you spot something and would like to make a suggestion, remember the ‘play nice’ rule. Instructions to add an item to a group Go into your ‘mybubble’ section. click ‘writing’ Find the piece you want to add, and hit ‘edit’ Now, right down the bottom will be tick boxes for the groups you’re in, click the group you want to add it to Save changes, and you’re done!

• RB Writer's Meet - 1st June 2008
  by Mark German

  A belated Writer’s Meet Journal, sorry :) / I tried to capture the emotion of the afternoon, as people listened to the readings. / Enjoy. / ...

  A belated Writer’s Meet Journal, sorry :) / I tried to capture the emotion of the afternoon, as people listened to the readings. / Enjoy. / 1 / / 2 / / 3 / / 4 / / 5 / / 6 / / 7 / / 8 / / 9 / / 10 / / 11 / / 12 / / 13

• words & wine - the aftermath
  by bellmusker

  Damn, I forgot the red balloons. See what happens when Jo O’Brien’s not running things? A scribbled RED BUBBLE sign, an icy beer, and a…

  Damn, I forgot the red balloons. See what happens when Jo O’Brien’s not running things? A scribbled RED BUBBLE sign, an icy beer, and an open notebook saw me awaiting the troops for the first Red Bubble writers’ meet. Solo or in pairs, in they sauntered, the first scorching weekend of summer causing the beers to go down fast. When you introduce yourself at a Bubble meet, there’s always that moment of clarity when you ask “so what’s your username?......Oh that’s you! I’ve favourited your poetry/ ordered a T-shirt/ bought greeting cards of your photos!” Delicious indeed. In the bandroom of a funky old bluestone pub in the north of Melbourne, we munched on delectable cumin dusted olives and braised fennel as we mulled over just what we as writers desire of Red Bubble. Some ideas…...producing anthologies &/or zines, a ‘for critique’ button or group, prizes for competitions, spoken word nights at a local bar, and regular meetings, perhaps fortnightly. Something missing? Well, you only have yourself to blame…you should have been there, tossing forth ideas! And all of this was faithfully transcribed by Fran, who’ll be able to report on this far more accurately than I have. The next meet will be Sunday January 6th, early afternoon. As it stands the venue will probably be Wesley Anne in Northcote again, unless many of you bubblemail me asking for a more central venue. We’ll each bring two pieces of writing under 250 words each, and place them onto the table in a pile. One by one we’ll grab a piece at random, and read it aloud to the group. The confrontational aspect of this will be alleviated somewhat by the fact you’ll be reading someone else’s work…but then that brings with it a unique responsibility. Please feel free to join us! We’re such a friendly bunch that we even drew a non-bubbler to our table, sucked into our bubbly vortex. And then cameras were unleashed and pieces recited with great flair and passion, seats were clambered over for the perfect shot, more food was consumed (cigarette dip, yum) and ideas were bounced back and forth so vibrantly that I left the pub intoxicated as much by the sauvignon blanc as by the presence of such fabulous people. Sunday January 6th. I promise conversation. I promise inspiration. I even promise red balloons. Many thanks to Mark German for the photos! / Mick reading to an entranced audience / A pensive Fran thinking…...hmmm….are these people crazy? / The wonderful band…and yes, he is playing a jug. / Mick reading his flash fiction / Some random wench

• What would you buy?
  by Anne van Alkemade

  I’ve decided to ask people generally what they would buy if it was available through Redbubble. Your answers, if you care to respond, ...

  I’ve decided to ask people generally what they would buy if it was available through Redbubble. Your answers, if you care to respond, can go in reply here or maybe click over to the Writers Forum where hopefully there will be a bit more traffic. If you had a Redbubble credit burning a hole in your proverbial and you had a hankering for some reading – what would you want? A selection of Redbubble writers chosen by you / A selection of Redbubble writers chosen by someone else / A mook (combo magazine/book) / A Redbubble newspaper / A magazine with stories, articles and images / A paperback book / a minishot (like very short fiction in a 1/4 A4 format / A mixture of fiction, nonfiction, prose, poetry and images / A collection by the same author / Just Poetry / Just Competition winners / One or all of the above in electronic format by subscription ... or something else entirely. Dare to dream. What would you buy?

• Professional Freelance Journalism - the journey has begun.
  by Darren Stones

  By Darren Stones Hi friends. Some of you may be aware I recently enrolled in the Cengage Education (formerly Thomson Education D…

  By Darren Stones Hi friends. Some of you may be aware I recently enrolled in the Cengage Education (formerly Thomson Education Direct) Professional Freelance Journalism correspondence course under the tutelage of, Simon Townsend. I’ve completed the first of 16 assignments for the course and received my grading for it. I achieved an A Grade, and that surpasses my expectations. Simon Townsend has provided me with an enormous amount of information and advice in his first correspondence, and he goes on to state “email me 10 times a day if you wish (I’m not kidding).” One of the reasons I enrolled in this course was to tap into the knowledge and experience of Simon. He’s been there – done that, in Australia, and done it successfully for over four decades. He comes across as a passionate man and one who is willing to share his vast knowledge. To those who have assisted me in recent times – a big thanks. I’ll continue to do my best to promote as time permits, due to my new and exciting direction. Also, a special mention to my sponsors for the course. Thank you for your support. Cheers and happy days folks. Cattle Drive: The Henry Lawson Way, New South Wales, Australia. Transcript of an interview on the ABC TV program Talking Heads in 2005 featuring, Simon Townsend.

• It's come to an end
  by Darren Stones

  Been thinking of pulling the pin at RB for a while now, so for those who care enough to leave a message, thanks. Update: Cheerio and…

  Been thinking of pulling the pin at RB for a while now, so for those who care enough to leave a message, thanks. Update: Cheerio and enjoy your day…........................... /

• My work to be displayed in 'The Melbourne Story' at the Melbourne Museum
  by Darren Stones

  This week I’ve had the pleasure of licensing an image for 10 years to the *Melbourne Museum...

  This week I’ve had the pleasure of licensing an image for 10 years to the Melbourne Museum. The photograph, of the Melbourne city skyline, will be displayed in an audio-visual as part of The Melbourne Story exhibition in the Australia Gallery at the museum from March 20, 2008. Interestingly, the image was discovered here at RedBubble in my portfolio of work. The exhibition is said to be the largest ever developed by the museum and will present life in Melbourne from the 1830s to the present. Melbourne Museum / 11 Nicholson St, Carlton, Melbourne. / Open 10am-5pm daily. / Admission: Adult $6.00, Concession and Children free. Melbourne

• feast - april writers' meeting
  by bellmusker

  A gorgeously sunny afternoon saw the numbers swell at Wesley Anne, with our usual corner table struggling to contain the ranks. Username…

  A gorgeously sunny afternoon saw the numbers swell at Wesley Anne, with our usual corner table struggling to contain the ranks. Usernames were proffered as wine was poured and pens uncapped, and with stories and poems forming a pile on the table in front of us like a pagan offering, it began. These meetings are quite a casual event. We spend some time chatting, getting to know each other, discussing Red Bubble and all who sail in her. We were greatly appreciative of the presence of the divine Mummified, who cruised in with her usual exuberance and take-no-prisoners attitude, spilling an armload of sample books onto the table and demanding our opinions. Giving a table of writers wine and then asking for their views on Red Bubble is an ambitious undertaking, but not a word was wasted as she scribbled everything in her magical little notebook, and then silently slid below the table before disappearing in a puff of ether…….. The theme of this meeting was ‘feast’, and such a delicious array of words poured forth…..glazed pears, salt and pepper tails, skin like rice paper, browning apples and black cherry beer (Paul, when you taste your first Kriek, I’ll hear your yells all the way over in Northcote!). The theme is merely inspiration, and provides a loose framework for the pieces we bring along. The theme for the next meeting is shoes & clothes…..make of it what you will. We’d also decided to bring pieces from other Red Bubble writers; words that kicked us in the heart and lingered in our heads for days; words that needed to be shared. It’s easy to get locked into your insular little Bubble world, where the less prolific or vociferous writers could get lost in the shuffle, especially now we’ve reached over 50,000 members. Hearing each other’s recommendations was a fabulous way of sharing the magic of this place, and had our pens flying. There’s now a forum here where you can leave your recommendations, or pick up new names to keep your fingers dancing over the keyboard at any time of the day or night. The meeting spun out into an evening of ink and imagination…..but if it’s gossip you’re after, well, my lips are sealed. I wouldn’t possibly tell you about Kristy Lee waltzing off with Mick8585’s beloved hat, or that for such a stunning woman, LisaG hides from the camera with hisses, leaving Chris growling “don’t touch the lens!” FriarTuck finally gave in to my persuasive bubblemails and turned up, and I wouldn’t possibly tease him about his spectacular exit (no, really, I wouldn’t). Newcomers Yasemin Sumner and Luckyvegetable were amongst the last left standing, as relaxed and at home as if they’d been to every meeting, still sitting with beers in hand when I ambled off home. We left an array of plump little olive pips as evidence, salty crusts of bread strewn in glossy pools of balsamic vinegar and rosy stains in the bottom of wine glasses….’twas a feast, after all. / the troops gather / Luckyvegetable braves a reading / FriarTuck torments a certain camera-shy beauty / The only way I could get JulieJulie and Jessica Tremp’s attention was to ensure their wine glasses were empty (note to Jo O’Brien: I remembered the red balloons!) / Luckyvegetable and Paul Louis Villani, giver of THE BEST hugs ever, and a damn good writer (no more “I just write songs”, Paul!) / With an expression like that, this could be the door bitch, I think / Kristy Lee thinks she can take her on While Yasemin Sumner wants a ringside seat Thanks Perpen Dickular for the photos!

• Photographers, Models and Writers a chance of a life time is waiting for you
  by Melissa Kirkham

  After going to Aradale Asylum for the 3rd time today I finally put my thoughts into words and whilst delivering the keys back to Mark, we…

  After going to Aradale Asylum for the 3rd time today I finally put my thoughts into words and whilst delivering the keys back to Mark, we had ourselves a little conversation and I let fly that I would really love to make a full weekend out of this and it wouldn’t be just me it could end up being a fair few people trucks/trailers and props everywhere…. This idea didn’t phase my dear Mark at all and just said I was wondering when you were going to ask…. So there is one room with 8 single beds all these beds have plastic wrap on them to protect the mattresses and the room has power and there is a working toilet and I will work on getting a shower whether inside Aradale itself or a camping shower. On the other hand there is over 600 rooms and most have power to them and you are welcome to bring your own camping beds and so on to score your spot on my weekend photography shoot. You can come for the day or the night or to stay the whole weekend it is up to you. All I am asking is that you leave the place as you found it. Bring food and drinks and your own sheets/blankets and pillows and whatever else you need. The idea of doing all this is not only for photographers to get a chance to show their stuff but also to help get Aradale on the map and try to get it as a tourist attraction to show people the history of this place. So what will we need…. Please feel free to add onto this list… Models - Male & Female for both nude and clothed shots / Models of all sizes shapes and looks, some shots will take place in a morgue, some in isolation rooms and lounge rooms roaming and so forth. Photographers – Obviously All schools of photographers, beginners to professionals Writers Writers of all sorts, gain inspiration from what is going on around you and the place itself. Make Up Artist To help get our models into character for their prospective eras Hair Stylist To help get our models into character for their prospective eras Props… Nurse outfits both male and female / Doctors outfits / Straight Jackets/ and the likes / Hospital gowns / Strapless and Shoelaceless flat white shoes (you know those cotton slip on things) / Clothing for both patients and visitors / Hospital beds / Wheelchair/s / Fake Blood / White Sheets (that can get ruined) / Chairs / Preachers Clothing / Church Goblet / Cleaners Clothing & Tools / Kitchen Hair Nets / Food trays / Bowls/Cutlery/cups Its getting late I am sure I will think of more to add to the list myself. If you can supply anything but can not make it please contact me and we can make some arrangements. If you would like to model or anything else please contact me so I can get a proper list going of those interested and those coming so I can keep track of everything. Clothing era’s are from 1887 onwards. The weekend will be happening August the 29th -31st, unless something pops up that Mark needs to change the dates. Things I have or will be bringing. Cleaning stuff to make sure our models are not getting dirty when they need to be cleaning. / Clear plastic sheeting / BBQ / Mini Fridge / Heater / Items get a outside fire going for toasted marshmellows and story telling if you wanted. / Esky / Some clothing More to add after i have had some sleep and remember what I am on about…..I will arrive early on the 29th to open up the building clean up the living areas and toilet and set up a few things, you are more than welcome to join me and help in setting the place up for visitors… Alchohol is to be provided by yourself but please remember that this can be a dangerous place in a drunken state of mind so drinking in moderation would be a good thing. Food if everyone pitches in we should all feast very well…. I have tones of coffee and sugar and tea which I can bring along. Please Bmail or leave a message here if you are interested… If you are interested please remember to mark the dates on your calanders so you dont forget. I don’t mind sleeping there alone if you are not comfortable staying there, I love the place. There are plenty of hotels in town to stay in if that is what you would prefer. or you can just take the drive down on the days you can make it or nights which ever works best for you. If I have left anything out I will be back to add it in but I was too excited not to put something up right now… Night all

• What writers want, what they really, really want...
  by Mummified

  Sunday afternoon, a bunch of writers, alcohol, olives, the irresponsible clicking of camera shutters etc etc. am still recovering after b…

  Sunday afternoon, a bunch of writers, alcohol, olives, the irresponsible clicking of camera shutters etc etc. am still recovering after being derided variously as a James Dean look alike (kill me know) or Julian Lennon. It’s Charlotte Rampling you ingrates ! The young version. Anyhoo – some brilliant ideas from the red bubblers, reproduced below. Create interesting art covers for various writing works. the best go on the home page for a click through. Yes to the opportunity to get constructive feedback but a few are nervous because they really don’t want that kind of input – perhaps a forum area or separate group for those who want others to give constructive feeback. Publish me ! – a quarterly anthology predominantly for writers appeals. and the list goes on… A darn good start, I say. :-) fran

• I HAVE AN IDEA AND NEED YOUR INPUT
  by linaji

  I need your help, I desire that the ‘writers only’ would have a forum of which to display their works and sell them too. Instead of h…

  I need your help, I desire that the ‘writers only’ would have a forum of which to display their works and sell them too. Instead of having to go to each individual artist here on RB and ask to collaborate using their art piece… They could go to an area where they could log in and get a background piece that they think would best display their written work,, in the end it would be collaboration but it would be a freedom they would,… I know I would… enjoy. All of us who do photos or any other medium who care to submit a background piece would be given full recognition of their contribution and the money aspect would have to be maybe 50/50 or some works could be displayed as maybe a 60/40 split, being the intent would be from the writer and the display would be on their site.. The photo or art piece displayed on their site would have the name of the artist who submitted the background and when and if the writer would do anything outside red bubble with the art he or she would then have to ask for collaberation agreements.. something like that … I have more info going around in my head but want you all to tell me what does this sound like to you and feel like as far as working? We could even create background pieces with direct intent to be used for the expressed purposes of the writer only here at RB?

• A Poem for Zion
  by Hoffard

  I wanted to share a poem with you that I received from a friend. I also wanted to let you all know that you all have a huge place in my …

  I wanted to share a poem with you that I received from a friend. I also wanted to let you all know that you all have a huge place in my heart. It is times like this that you need your friends and I am so fortunate to have so many beautiful and talented people in my life. I would have put the poem on the memorial page but I knew that it would have been missed… If you would like to visit Tom who wrote this poem his store at greeting card universe is listed on the bottom of page… Thank you all and Big love to those who did comment and even those who didn’t…. As you may of had a hard time with it as I did! So here is the poem… and no need to comment…. / For you Kim, with my regards …. TOM / ========================== / ZION / / When great dogs die, it feels so cold, / The sadness, intense, as the memories unfold, / His bed, his dish, and the leash you hold, / remind you of his life, and his full heart of gold. / / But the funny thing is, no one told him he died, / He’s enjoying a new day, just on a new side. / He’s playing with kids, and there is a new slide, / and when Jesus says “get in,” he enjoys the new ride. / / And he wants you to know, this place has a new park, / he’s even allowed to go there well after dark. / It’s so wonderful there, hardly a need for his bark, / and he’s been welcomed by all, with the kindest remarks. / / So, yes, he’s at peace, and he wants you to be too. / He’d never be happy that this made you so blue. / Rejoice in his life, and you’ll graciously pull through, / for that’s what he’s doing, on the other side, for you. / =================================== / Back to top / —-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—- / Comical Captions: / http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/comicalcaptions

• I Am So Effing Excited!
  by jemimalovesbigted

  I can hardly sit still…. My photo “NEON” has been chosen to be included in my Uni’s Literary Journal Verandah I am stoked. The j…

  I can hardly sit still…. My photo “NEON” has been chosen to be included in my Uni’s Literary Journal Verandah I am stoked. The journal will be launched at the Melbourne Writers Festival at the ACME Lounge in Federation Square on Saturday August the 30th at 4pm if anyone is interested… Apparently there is even the chance of money being given out….. that would be nice =P Yay for me, today is a GOOD day =D

• Interview with writer Sometimes
  by community

  Interview with writer Sometimes by StacyLee Som…

  Interview with writer Sometimes by StacyLee Sometimes’ writings have a way of captivating the reader. His words wrap around your heart, and you begin to feel yourself melt. Inspiring? Yes. But that word alone doesn’t do his work justice. I had the pleasure of interviewing the twenty-six year old in order to figure what goes on in this talented writer’s head. 1. When did you first start writing? / I can’t remember. I think it was in high school, I was a part of a band that I wrote music for. After we went our separate ways, I continued to write. 2. What or who inspires you to write? / I guess I am inspired by my environment, the feel of the moment, or whatever is current in my life. 3. How would you describe your writing? / I don’t think that I can really describe it at this point. It is still a work in progress, but I read somewhere a long time ago “know the rules, break the rules, make your own rules and break those.” That is kind of my motto when it comes to writing if that helps any. 4. Who are your favorite authors? / Saul Williams / Dr. Hunter S. Thompson / Ayn Rand / Toni Morrison / Ralph Ellison 5. Ever thought of trying to get a book published? / I have tried in the past to be published without any success. I plan to continue trying in the future but as of right now, I am more concerned with developing this style. 6. Where do you see your work headed in the future? / Hopefully, I will be published one day and once that happens I can focus on taking it further. 7. How has your experience been with RedBubble so far? / I love RedBubble. It’s like a million people baring their souls. I think it was Joseph Chilton Pearce that said that in order for us to live a creative life we must lose our fear of being wrong, and here no one offers any apologies for the way that they choose to express themselves. Everyone that I have come across has been warm, welcoming, and just awesome in general. 8. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the bubble? / I love to sketch and draw a little and as soon as I can get my scanner working right I hope to join the visual art community. We look forward to seeing what comes next from Sometimes. In the meantime, I’d urge all of you to check out some of the writings he has posted. He has a very unique style, and I promise you won’t regret it! StacyLee

• Save the humpback whales
  by Darren Stones

  By Darren Stones Please note: Updated January 22, 2008 Note: *Please click on im…

  By Darren Stones Please note: Updated January 22, 2008 Note: Please click on images for more details. Each August, the whale watching season begins in earnest on Australia’s picturesque eastern seaboard. As a result of my journey to Hervey Bay during August 2006, I had the pleasure to record the magnificent humpbacks as they frolicked in the calm waters of Hervey Bay. I’d like to extend an invitation to you to view my whale watching slideshow. The slideshow is a culmination of work which was undertaken by me with the kind assistance of the staff and crew of Spirit of Hervey Bay. As most are aware, the humpbacks are still being slaughtered for what can be loosely claimed as research reasons. Bearing that in mind, please give your support the best way you can to help “Save the whales”. The link to my slideshow will take you to the Photodex web site. The slideshow has been produced using the ProShow Gold software package. Upon reaching the site, you may be required to download a tiny bit of software to view the show. Many photographers may already have this software installed on their system. I cordially invite you to experience one of our greatest animals in action from onboard the whale watching vessel ‘Spirit’ of Hervey Bay. Please copy and paste web link below into your browser Load Photodex software if required (a minor detail) Wait for show to load Click whale tail to commence show http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2690585&alb=0 Humpback whale photographs for sale Humpback Whale Calendar 2008 – AUD $34.95 Subscribe to journals via RSS/Atom

• make the devil crawl in the sand
  by bellmusker

  _I’m going down yonder, behind the sun / I’m gonna do something for you, that ain’t never been done / I’m gonna hold back the lightning, ...

  I’m going down yonder, behind the sun / I’m gonna do something for you, that ain’t never been done / I’m gonna hold back the lightning, with the palm of my hand / Shake hands with the devil, make him crawl in the sand What do you reach for to coax words out of your fingertips? I pour the whiskey, burn honey incense, and put these astounding voices on my stereo. The theme for the July Melbourne writers’ meeting is music, and I’ve been exploring my collection… just thought I’d share. Koko Taylor – listen to her growl “I’m a Woman” and see if you don’t feel the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. Big Mama Thornton Astounding. Etta James Still singing the blues to this day. The blues rule my world, but if you’re after something to dance to? Betty Davis The sassiest, wildest woman in funk – muse to Miles Davis – wearer of the sexiest hot pants in musical history. Ike & Tina Turner Come on, you can’t tell me you don’t know the moves to this one! And watch that woman shake…. Something more contemporary? Supersuckers Mmmmmm, gray-haired cowboys…..my favourite Nashville Pussy One of the best live bands I’ve ever seen – complete with a six foot two blonde fire-breathing Amazonian bass player. Lunachicks / Five fabulous tattooed punk goddesses….I was once asked to leave a Women’s Studies tute at uni for writing an essay holding up the bass player as my ideal of femininity My not so secret shame Because it’s my damn journal, and I’ll add it if I want! Honourable mentions: Mahalia Jackson (gospel queen), Odetta (stunning voice), Dallas Frasca (contemporary blues renegade), Reverend Horton Heat (rockabilly) and Nina Hagen (German punk/opera/jill of all trades) & as always, the immaculate Nick Cave. So what’s the soundtrack to your creative process?