A JAUNT WITH THE STUDENTS TO STRAHAN AND PORT ARTHUR

FIRST IT'S SCARLETINA NEWS:

The fairy magic is at work! I am so thrilled Calgary library have accepted to stock Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, they have a policy of supporting local authors how fantastic is that!
More great news, Chapters Bookstore, at Crowfoot Calgary are going to have a book signing for me in May, so two book signings to go to next month YAY.... 

Self publishing is very um... what's the word.... CHALLENGING.... for someone brought up to believe "self praise is no recommendation," this road is paved not just with stones but with HUGE boulders!

The world is full of creative people all striving for you to buy their book, and I am one of them.

To this end I am learning to promote both the book and myself, I twitter, Facebook and blog, but social media marketing seems so nebulous, I see that people do read my blog, follow me on twitter and Facebook yet it is just numbers and unknown names!

I am so thankful that people do respond and have to adjust to this kind of connecting, I am getting there, albeit slowly :) 
------------------------------------------------------
MORE ABOUT OUR FUN FILLED ADVENTURE IN TASMANIA.

I had been volunteering for some weeks at Riding for the Disabled and was really enjoying myself. My confidence had grown with regards to working with the horses and getting to know the children who regularly came for their ride.
This particular day I was given one of the larger horses to lead round the paddock, the little boy riding him was having such a great time, and it really warmed my heart to see him so happy.
We were chatting away quite happily but I was to learn the important lesson of looking where I was going! I suddenly tripped and fell face down in the somewhat mucky and poo laden soil! This caused much hilarity all round especially among the children, luckily the horse didn't carry on walking unsupervised but had stopped and waited patiently for me to pick myself up and wipe my face clean.
Honestly I swear that horse rolled his eyes at me as though he was thinking "what I have to put up with"!

Life in my new home was peaceful, enjoyable and interesting,and I always looked forward to the times we all came together to eat. On one occasion I actually helped the Japanese students prepare sushi and learnt an invaluable tip about cooking rice.

After rinsing the rice they placed their hand, palm down on top of it and said you put in enough water to reach up to the beginning of your wrist, you then bring it to the boil, put a lid on the saucepan, turn off the heat and hey presto you get perfectly cooked rice every time!

It was on one of these get-together occasions that they expressed a wish to go to Port Arthur, Mary kindly said that if I wanted to go she would let me use her spare car, I happily agreed so we started making plans.

The students wanted the cheapest accommodation possible so we booked into a YMCA facility that had cabins, which, as we were only going for the two nights was okay.
I have to confess I have never been comfortable about sharing a bedroom with strangers, I like to have my own bathroom and really value my privacy, but needs must, so the cabins were booked.

It was going to take around 4 1/2 hours to get there, the route was very straight forward, and we planned to leave on a Friday afternoon. We set off later than we had arranged due to two of the students arriving later than planned, well the best laid plans of mice and men as they say! Anyway we set off in high spirits, I was the designated driver and felt very confident about the trip.

We had been travelling for some time when one of the Japanese students said she would really like to have a go at driving. I was somewhat reluctant, she was only 4'11" and it was a manual car (stick for N. America) and we had just started on quite a steep descent however I relented.

We changed places and I was quite pleased to be given a break, but it didn't last for long! First of all when she stretched to reach the pedals her chin was almost resting on the steering wheel, and when she did manage to depress the pedal she couldn't see over the steering wheel!
Our descent suddenly seemed similar to those films where the car goes careering down a steep hill with hair-pin bends. I hadn't really noticed this until I was a passenger, so after sliding round the next bend I said that I really thought it would be best if I took over, and though resistance was initially shown the combined fear of the passengers won through :)

We had travelled through some beautiful scenery, wooded roads, very scenic but as we approached Queenstown the vista changed and the roads became, for me, somewhat more, shall we say challenging. I have a fear of heights and the fact that at times there was a steep drop didn't make for the most comfortable driving.

The spiralling drive down to Queenstown has 90 bends and though Mother Nature is regaining ground the views are a testament to the brutal reality of Tasmania's mining history.

                

We carried onto Strahan but didn't arrive till late, so after sorting out who was sleeping in what bed, we all crashed exhausted into our beds!

The following day we had decided to visit Port Arthur. Initially this had been a harsh and brutal penal settlement, which was home for many of the early convicts sent to Australia. The isolation and formidable geography gave it a much feared reputation.

        

     

Today Port Arthur is remembered for another tragic reason, in April 1996 35 people were senselessly shot dead and 23 wounded, something that led to reforms in the gun laws in Australia and not something I want to dwell on. It was a day of reflection and I took time to remember the many souls who had perished there.

We then drove back into Strahan as we had decided to go out on one of the boat trips. 

It was on this trip that a really funny incident occured.One of the Japanese students was busy taking photo's, she then looked at me and said "What is the word I need?" I of course had to explain that she needed to help me find the word by explaining what she wanted to say.

Her response was " I take apple and put into rubbish bin, what word for that?"

I questioned whether the apple was bad, and she shook her head and said the apple was good. "Stupid" I suggested? No it wasn't that, so, much to the amusement of a couple watching us, I spent ages trying to find the right word, eventually it turned out to be... wait for it... POINTLESS! 

She had wanted to say that it was pointless taking photographs as she couldn't possibly capture the beauty of the surroundings!

The boat trip continued along the Gordon River with everyone enjoying the scenery. We alighted at the Heritage Landing and walked along an elevated boardwalk that threaded its way through the magnificent rainforest. The silence seemed to deter anyone from talking as we walked past sassafras, blackwood, myrtle and the long-lived and fabled Huon pine. 

We had really enjoyed our time in Strahan, I felt it had strengthened our understanding of one another and given us a great shared experience, but soon it was time to return to Hobart and I have to say I was so glad to be back in my own room and bed that night :)

I was loving my life in Tasmania, it continued to be full of new experiences, new friendships and new horizons. 

I was continuing writing about my life, which enabled me to revisit people, places and emotions which sometimes benefitted from being viewed from a different perspective.

I wasn't the person who had gone through these experiences, and I know that my guides and angels had wanted me to accept the challenge of uprooting at 55 and travelling to this very distant land. Here I would be given the opportunity to grow in ways that I wouldn't have done if I had stayed in the safety and familiar life that I had known.

One of the most important concepts I had learned whilst living in Ireland was to let go of having expectations. This was, of course, much easier said than done, as I think I felt safer in the belief I had control of what my future held. Fortunately many small lessons had been given to me whilst living in Ireland to teach me how to 'let go let God'. 

By learning to have aspirations and dreams, not expectations, I allowed God and his Universe to light my life with extraordinary experiences that I would never have dreamt possible.

A friend had told me she felt that it had been a sort of testing ground for me, to see if I would be okay on my own, I think that was a good insight.

In Ireland I had found that I was more than happy walking a solitary path, and gaining confidence in being a solo traveller, relishing each new adventure.

As I looked back I knew I had no regrets about the paths I had walked during my life. In Tasmania I felt I was being given a clean slate on which to write new beginnings. 

No-one knew me, or who I had been and that was the most liberating experience I had ever had in my life. The freedom to become or maybe to reclaim mySelf, it was an exciting and invigorating scenario, filled with unknown adventures and I thanked God and my guides and angels from the bottom of my heart, for encouraging me to open myself to life's offerings.

Blessings 

Bess

Follow me on

Twitter            Bess Drew Sherret@FaeryWisdom

Facebook           Bess Drew Sherret 

Scarletina         Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings

Web Site           http://bessdrewsherret.ca

Book Publisher:    www.friesenpress.com/bookstore    

Fairy story with a difference, listen to this amazing tale.

AT LAST A PLACE TO REST MY HEAD, DUMP MY SUITCASES AND RELAX!

SCARLETINA NEWS!
I was thrilled to see on my Friesen Press site that I had sold my first ebook! Even more so when I saw it was purchased from Google Play Store! 
It seems my efforts writing this blog and posting on my Google page have paid off! Thank you!

                    I have now been given a unique URL from Google which is:

           google.com/+BessDrewSherret.

I thought a map of Tasmania would be helpful.

I had really enjoyed my train journey from Perth via Adelaide to Melbourne, and it had been exciting and fun taking the ferry across to Tasmania and the coach journey to Hobart had been very interesting.

I had experienced a bit of a wobble whilst looking for accommodation, but it had worked out wonderfully in the end, and now I had my own room in a beautiful house. I quickly unpacked and thankfully put the much lighter suitcases on top of the wardrobe and began to relax!

With my previous doubts forgotten and in my new abode I felt very blessed. I placed the much loved photo of my mum and dad on the chest of drawers and laid out my crystals, and my room became my home.
Last of all I placed my well worn copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, this book had been inspirational for me and each time I read it, I could learn and see different aspects of the wisdom written in it.

Mary said it was entirely up to me whether I had my meals prepared by her or cooked for myself, I chose to do my own cooking as I wanted to use this opportunity to try out some of the new foods and spices I would find in Australia, and I absolutely love cooking!      

The Musk Lorikeet

In the house, besides me, there were two Japanese students who were attending the local college to improve their English and soon another Swiss student would be arriving.
Mary explained that once a month one of the students cooked a dish from their own country for everyone, would I be interested in joining in? I gladly accepted as I felt it would be fun to share our countries dishes with one another.

           The Tasmanian Tree Fern

During the week the girls were out of the house quite early, often before I even awoke, and Mary worked on a Saturday as well, so I had the house to myself all day, which was fantastic.
I could get up and take a leisurely shower or bath, sit out in the garden and eat my breakfast and then decide what I was going to do.                

It took me a little while to believe I was living in Tasmania! The weather, plants, accents and different bird song helped,  but it was also having the luxury of having time for myself.
I still shook my head in disbelief at the journey I was on, what an adventure life was turning out to be. Each day I awoke with a sense of excitement, well most days, I would be lying if I didn't say there were times when I felt a bit out on a limb but honestly those moments were few and far between.

I had married at 20 and by the time we amicably separated I had been in that relationship for 30 years.
We never had children, so I had worked full time most of my life and now being able to decide how to spend my days, choose what time I got up and what I was going to do was such a new and liberating emotion, that even to this day, it is very easy to recall.

I loved Hobart, and spent many an hour sitting in a cafe watching the world go by, chatting to people, reading a book. I especially loved sitting by the harbour, and could never resist taking home a dozen delicious oysters, though I confess I was slightly hesitant the first time I tried them!

Mary was a wonderful lady, very easy going and went out of her way to make us all feel at home. She often had social evenings for her friends and always invited us to join in, there never seemed to be a dull moment.

The two Japanese girls asked if I could assist them with their English homework, I pointed out that having left school many years ago, at 14, my help might be somewhat limited!
However they began to rely on me for my help, so most nights we would go over their work together. Their teacher told Mary that she was very grateful for my assistance, so I can't have been that bad!
I really enjoyed our times and I was happy to meet some of their friends and I was touched when one of them gave this to me before she returned to Japan.

I was thrilled when Mary, who had two cars, offered me the use of the second one and said she would get the insurance changed! Her generosity would allow me to follow my intention of volunteering.

I went to Volunteer Tasmania and was given four places to choose from, I decided on Horse-Riding for the Disabled and a Nursing home. I then decided to enrol at a local swimming pool for aqua aerobics, life was looking very different and promising.

That is all for this week folks, thank you for visiting.
Blessings
Bess

Follow me on

Twitter            Bess Drew Sherret@FaeryWisdom
Facebook           Bess Drew Sherret or
Scarletina's       Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings
Web Site           http://bessdrewsherret.ca

Book Publisher:    www.friesenpress.com/bookstore    

FIRST ITS SCARLETINA NEWS

Tomorrow I am off to discuss details of my booksigning with the bookstore, very exciting, also have another store to visit this week.
I really want to do some readings for children, having been involved in theatre for years, I have a love of performing.
I am also planning of creating a video for YouTube, but need to get my hair coloured and cut before I do that :)
FEARS, TEARS AND PANIC OVERCOME IN HOBART, TASMANIA!

I enjoyed the coach ride to Hobart, smiling as familiar British names appeared along the way, Epping Forest was one that jumped out at me! This gave me a chuckle for I had walked in that forest many times in England. Eventually we arrived in Hobart, this beautiful capital city of Tasmania, nestling amongst the foothills of Mount Wellington.

                 Mount Wellington

I had expected a sleepy Cornish harbour and could not have been more wrong.Hobart is the second oldest capital city after Sydney, and was to become, in my heart, one of my most loved places.

          You cannot get fresher fish than here!           

It is a bustling place with a beautiful harbour where resident boats selling their luscious seafood and fish gently bob, oh I still so miss the oysters! There are designer shops, local produce shops, shopping precincts and a totally unique market with the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Wellington.

             View of the Harbour, Hobart

                 

                Open Air Market Hobart           

                

But back to my arrival, the hotel I had booked was within walking distance of the centre of Hobart, so I thankfully didn't have far to trundle with my suitcases before collapsing onto my bed with utter exhaustion.
Later as I started to unpack I was overwhelmed with feelings of isolation and vulnerability, I asked myself, why was I here? What had made me come to Tasmania?
I have to confess I cried myself to sleep that night, because for the first time I wasn't sure that my decision to sell up and take that leap of faith had been the right one.

Looking back (and thankfully I have a journal to refer to) I think that before landing in Tasmania it had all been a bit of a jaunt! Just like a holiday, but I realised that in Tasmania it stopped being a trip and became a reality, this was the place I believed my guides and angels had led me to, and I was questioning that belief! The more I questioned myself the more upset I got, until worn out I fell asleep.

When I awoke the following morning, I felt refreshed from a good nights sleep and decided to meditate with my crystals. I had two favourite crystals that I had taken with me, my Quartz and my Amethyst, so holding them in my hands I tried to meditate and connect with my guides and angels.

                  Crystal Quartz    

Sometimes there is that feeling of just not connecting, and I know from speaking to friends that I am not alone in experiencing this.

This feeling of disconnection seems to occur at times of change, stress and confusion. On these occasions I have to confess I have railed at my guides and angels and asked why aren't they there for me (yes, sadly I have behaved badly, almost like a petulant child!) Yet when I look back, I can see that it was necessary for me to have this time of apparent isolation.
I needed to work through something, to feel empowered because of going through that process.

I had to stand on my own two feet, to accept and be grateful that guidance, love and protection was always there but it was time to walk my own path. I had to learn to be bold enough to make decisions that could transform my life. I have to confess it is easier to write about taking such steps than doing it, especially when fear is grasping onto my hand!

                     

The day was filled with more reasons to feel stressed. I wasn't having any luck trying to find a rental property, and running around like a headless chicken wasn't helping me. I frantically contacted estate agents, and scoured the newspapers. Eventually one agent gave me an address to go to, so armed with a map I set off to find this somewhat expensive apartment.

Panic began to set in when I couldn't find the property, the map wasn't reflecting where I was! It was a really hot day, and I was walking up a very long and quite steep incline, tears were making it difficult to see. I knew I had to find somewhere to sit down and take stock of where I was and what I was doing. I thought 'oh for a park' and once again help was there for me, in front of me was a large triangle of grass with some trees and heaven a bench!
                 

I quietened my scattered energies and concentrated on my breathing, I asked for help from my guides and angels, could they make my path really clear, I was tired, my nerves felt like shredded cabbage, so they had to give me clear signs PLEASE!

Once I felt calmer I set off and decided to ask for directions from a bookshop on the other side of the road. I showed the assistant my map, only to be told I had been walking in the opposite direction to what I should have been doing!
After explaining my situation she asked if I had thought about sharing, which I hadn't, but her suggestion seemed a good one. She then gave me the name of a natural food shop that kept a book of rental sharings and it was on the way back to my hotel. I found the shop without any problems but after scanning through the book didn't find anything suitable, so decided I to go back to my hotel and have a long hot bath.

                    Shops in Hobart    

Walking back I suddenly had a thought about having a manicure, this almost made me laugh out loud, I had only ever had one manicure in my life, so why would I think about having one now, exhausted, hot and bothered as I was? Seconds later I saw a board advertising a nail bar, coincidence I wondered? No my gut instinct told me, I had to go and check this out.
The manicurist told me she was busy but could fit me in an hour later, my heart sunk, another wrong turning, I thanked her but said that I couldn't as I needed to find a place to rent.

     (This picture isn't the house,but one similar)

Well folks it turned out that the manicurist, Mary, had just started renting out rooms in her house, she suggested I return in an hour and she would drive me to her home and show me the room she had vacant.
I can tell you I sent up so many words of gratitude to my helpers and apologies too, but I had listened to my instincts, and spotted the 'signs' so it was also positive.
Mary's house was in a very quiet street just outside of Hobart, and was beautiful, full of antiques and had a lovely energy, my room was huge, double bed, sofa and a desk, it was perfect and very reasonable. Mary invited me to stay for dinner, I began to get to know her whilst savouring the lovely meal and sipping a glass of wine.
                 

Mary drove me back to my hotel and gave me a key so that I could let myself in the following day. As I lay in bed that night I once again wondered at how life can change so quickly, from a panic stricken, doubting fearful morning, here I was hours later with a perfect place to stay, close to Hobart, with a gorgeous garden to sit in and all to myself during the day, Mary worked 6 days a week and the other occupants were Japanese students who were at college all week. With a deep sigh of contentment I easily slipped into the darkness of sleep.


That is where I am going to leave it for this week, thank you for visiting, please leave any feedback or comments.

SCARLETINA NEWS

Tomorrow I am off to discuss details of my booksigning with the bookstore, very exciting, also have another store to visit this week.
I really want to do some readings for children, having been involved in theatre for years, I have a love of performing.
I am also planning of creating a video for YouTube, but need to get my hair coloured and cut before I do that :)

Follow me on

Twitter            Bess Drew Sherret@FaeryWisdom
Facebook           Bess Drew Sherret or
Scarletina's       Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings
Web Site           http://bessdrewsherret.ca

Book Publisher:    www.friesenpress.com/bookstore    

  

SURPRISES AND TEARS FOR ME IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

I caught the train from Adelaide to Melbourne, it would take ten hours, and as I didn't have anyone sitting next to me on the train journey, it gave me time to be quiet, enjoy the changing scenery, have a siesta and prepare myself for the next leg of my journey.

I had booked my hotel in Melbourne,cannot remember which one, except it was close to the River Yarra. I just love being in a place that has a river running through it, makes it so special. 

The following day I started to explore and found myself drawn to a very unusual building which I found out was the Shrine of Remembrance.

"This noble Shrine has been erected as a symbol of gratitude to those who fought for us...They fought the secure to the world the blessings of peace. It is for us to seek to repay their devotion by striving to preserve that peace, and by caring for those who have been bereaved or afflicted by the war." - Duke of Gloucester, dedication of the Shrine, 1934 

I decided to go inside and was overwhelmed with emotion as I looked at books filled with names of the fallen in both the 1st and 2nd World wars. All of these names were someones son, husband, brother, father, uncle, nephew, my eyes filled with tears at the sorrow that surrounded each name. 

I was then drawn to a statue of two men, one in the uniform of the 1st World war and one of the 2nd, it was 'Father and Son', by sculptor Ray Ewers. 

They stood back to back, I instinctively placed my hand on the boot of one of them, and when I removed my hand I noticed how shiny the toe of the boot was, it was the same with the other statue. So many others had been drawn to do just as I had done, place our hands in gratitude, it is a very moving tribute and one that I have never forgotten.

By now I could hardly see with unshed tears and felt I had to leave, as I did I blundered into one of the guards, who on seeing my distress led me to a seat away from the crowds. 

This wonderful man asked if I had anyone in there? I said no, but in a way we all have, haven't we? 

He sat down beside me and chatted away, trying to take my mind off all that I had seen. 

Once again I was touched at the kindness of strangers, and realised how, when I was travelling, I was more open to talking to people I didn't know and seemed perfectly happy to open up and share moments with them.

We chatted for a while then I told him that I was planning on visiting the Botanical Gardens, he took me to the edge of the steps to show me the direction in which I had to go. I thanked him for his kindness and without any embarrassment we had a big hug, which was difficult because he was so tall, then with a swift kiss on his cheek I made my way to the Gardens.

I have always found peace in nature, and so it was fortunate that I went to the Shrine of Remembrance first and the Botanical Gardens second! Still feeling in a sombre mood, my eyes were drawn upwards and I couldn't believe my eyes! Flying high above me were, at first glance a flock of birds, but I soon realised that these were fruit bats, or as they are known the Greyheaded Flying Fox, they weigh around 1.1kg and with a wingspan of over 1m.

I wasn't frightened of them, well not much, but I would have been had they swooped any lower, but they soon settled back on the trees, hanging down, wings folded. I started to giggle, I think it was a release of my emotions from visiting the Shrine, and also at the absolute joy of unexpectedly seeing these amazing creatures.

 

My two days just flew by and before long I was riding in a taxi to catch the ferry. It was an early departure, and Melbourne was just beginning to wake up, I love that time of day, seeing all the lights coming on in the houses, people getting ready for another day.

The taxi dropped me off and I made my way to where I thought the terminal was, and once again my sense of direction totally let me down! So there I was, two heavy suitcases, my overnight case, handbag, exhausted and lost! Once again my angels were looking after me, a man came along and asked me where the reception desk was, I explained that I had been unsuccessfully looking for it for some time. To my utter relief he told me to stay where I was, he would go and look and come back for me, which he did, I was so relieved and grateful.

Before long we were advised we could board the ferry, the crossing would take six hours, which gave me just enough time to meet some more entertaining and friendly people which made the time just speed past and before long we were docking in Tasmania to be greeted with sun filled blue skies. Collecting my cases I made my way to the coach that would be taking me to Launceston, excitement gripped me, Tasmania! Another country, more adventures and new beginnings.

Thank you for visiting.

Bess

Am almost recovered from a dreadful chest infection, so my plans for the book signings of Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, the Earth Circle, has been put on hold, but hopefully will be organising that in the next week or so. 

If you want to find out more about this endearing fairy Scarletina go to http://bessdrewsherret.ca

Publishers: www.friesenpress.com/bookstore

Bookstores: Amazon, Chapters, Barnes and Noble.

Follow me on Twitter: Bess Drew Sherret@FaeryWisdom

    FUN AND FRIENDS ON THE TRAIN TO ADELAIDE

                               Kalgoorlie Gold Mine    


              

                                                      

In this age where humanity rushes to arrive at its destinations in the quickest time possible, people glued to cell phones, iPads and the like, travelling by train is a tangible reflection of the ways things used to be.

Can I remember any of the plane journeys that I have flown? Well only the one's that were awful! Yet I can still recall the emotions, sights and sounds of this amazing train ride.

I loved the freedom of being able to move about, eat and drink whenever I wanted, and heaven no queues for the lavatory! PLUS the absolute joy of watching the landscape pass by, whilst having the opportunity to sip a drink, write in my journal, take a quick snapshot or talk to a fellow passenger.

It was dark when we stopped at Kalgoorlie where we were taken on a floodlit tour of the super pit goldmine, the sheer size of it was unbelievable. 

This cavernous hole produces 850,000 ounces of gold every year, as this isn't a travel blog if you want to find out more about this goldmine you can visit www.superpit.com.au particularly if you are interested in the ecological aspects.

The train stayed still and silent that night, only the incredible night sounds so uniquely Australian filtered into the darkened train. I lay on my bunk, still slightly uncomfortable at sharing such an intimate space with a stranger, but even that couldn't dampen my wonder and excitement.
Though travelling by air isn't much fun, it had enabled me to experience the wonders of a totally new land, and given me the opportunity to begin a journey of my own.

I know that my faith in the guiding hands of my unseen guides and angels made my decision to set out on my new path easier. I appreciate there are those who do not empathise with this kind of thinking and I have no intention of trying to change anyone's mind, or trying to prove my own belief, I have no desire to. 

I felt the train rumble into life, and slowly we set off on the next leg of our ride travelling through the Nullarbor Plain, a vista that totally fitted into my perception of the Australian Outback, well going by the films I had seen!

                                                     

A short half hour stop at Crook was planned, for the train to take on water and allow us a quick look around this once thriving town where this sign gave many a giggle, typical Aussie humour.                                
                                       

The time sped past faster than the train travelled and soon it was being announced we would shortly be arriving in Adelaide.

There were many hugs of farewell from my fellow travellers, especially from those with whom I had shared some of my intentions and reasons behind my decisions to sell everything up, and take that leap of faith.
Many had commented they felt I had been very brave to take such decisions, I thanked them but said I had to disagree. People show bravery when facing a life threatening disease, or the death of a loved one. These are life changing situations that are thrust upon you, unwanted, and it takes courage to face those dark unknown fears.

I had chosen to walk a new path, had felt impelled to do so, , and I was blessed with my faith of having an intrepid band of unseen helpers posting signposts along the way.
I was to learn that reading those signposts wasn't always easy, for ego, impatience, self-delusion and insecurity were clever at distorting the images and feelings I received.

Once the final farewells had been given I made my way to a small hotel in Adelaide, and felt so blessed by the friendly, amusing, interesting and kindly people I had been fortunate to meet.
I was only staying the one night as the train to Melbourne was leaving the next day so I used my time to have a wander around, take in some sites and collect my somewhat scattered thoughts.
I had been constantly on the go since leaving England and I needed some time to sit and calm my thoughts.My equilibrium was gently and peacefully restored as I walked around one of the many beautiful Adelaide parks, resting when the I needed to, imbibing the sights and sounds of this land.
I was surprised at how many trees were growing there, you probably won't be surprised when you learn I love trees, even as a child I felt a bond with them, felt a sense of peace around them. I know I could never live in a place that was devoid of trees, I wouldn't be able to breathe.

On returning to my hotel room I called my sister in England to let her know all was going wonderfully well, and also spoke to a couple of friends. Getting into bed, I was grateful that I didn't have to cope with the swaying movement of the train as I climbed a small ladder to my bunk! Snuggling down I gave a huge sigh of happiness and sleep filled my being. I was awoken by the alarm urging me to rise and shine, which I gladly did  as another train journey, a new city was awaiting.

I had chatted with the receptionist on my arrival and people, I was beginning to find out, were very curious about me, about my reasons for travelling on my own (and unsaid sometimes, at my age haha) especially when they found out that I didn't have any definite plans. To explain those reasons I had to be open and honest about my belief in guides and angels as it is so interwoven with my decisions that to omit speaking about it, them, would seem very dishonest.
I can say with my hand on my heart I never had anyone ridicule or abuse me because of my beliefs, perhaps it is because I am naturally light hearted, and though I take my beliefs seriously I never take myself that way, though I think, it does help being a Sagittarian :)

So this lovely receptionist, gave me her card and made me promise that I would call her if I ever came that way again as she would love to meet up with me, also to call if I ever needed help.
She waved me off as the taxi sped away taking me to the station for the final leg of my train adventure before catching the ferry that would be taking me to Launceston, Tasmania.

That is where I am going to leave you folks, I am actually typing this in bed, have been here coughing and spluttering for four days now, but before I go I do have some news about Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, the Earth Circle.

Chapters Bookstore have my book now, and am planning to have a book signing there in the future, and also an independent bookstore is taking some books on consignment and is happy to have a book signing too, so wonderful news there.

Am beginning to get some really lovely reviews which is great news, and once I am fit will start planning my press releases to hopefully coincide with the book signings, maybe .... am learning to be less controlling about things, am always trying to go with the flow, but there have been a lot of beavers building dams in my river for a while haha, so will keep you informed of my progress.

Don't forget if you want to read about this unique fairy, the flora and fauna of her woodland shown in a way that will inform and delight, go to

www.friesenpress.com/bookstore
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Chapters.

My website http://bessdrewsherret.ca

Signed copies available (Paypal payment)  email: scarletina.quest@gmail.com

Thank you again for visiting

Blessings
Bess

LEAVING IRELAND TO TRAVEL TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD!

I booked my flight from Heathrow airport to Perth with one stop in Singapore, this journey was to be the first of many long haul flights for me. I never got used to the jet lag, but thankfully the thrill of flying never jaded!
It was exciting and daunting to think that I was off all alone on the first leg of my journey to Tasmania. I had no idea of where I would be staying or for how long I would be living in Tasmania, but I told myself, that could wait, I had other adventures to experience first.

It was different back then, the strict security rules hadn't come into play so the stress levels weren't as great, which made the travelling more pleasurable. Thankfully, on the flights I always had an enjoyable travelling companion, someone who was happy to have a chat, not too much to keep me awake, didn't keep switching the lights on and off and didn't want to share my seat as well as theirs!
I am blessed with the kind of persona that finds it easy to talk with strangers, and they with me, and the stories that were shared during those confined times were usually quite fascinating and certainly helped to pass the time.

Once I cleared customs and passport control, collected my two very heavy suitcase I excitedly walked, with a pounding heart out of the airport doors in Perth. I can still recall gasping at the wall of heat that hit me and the different air texture. I stopped and breathed in as much of this new land as I could in one breath.
I wanted to jump up and down and say, "Hey look at me, here in Australia, on my own, I've done it! I am here, this is amazing!" However I managed to suppress most of the above and had to be satisfied walking to the taxi rank with the biggest grin imaginable.

I always pre-booked myself into a hotel, because, for me, the worst scenario would be arriving in a strange place, tired, jet lagged and having to look for accommodation. I also found it such fun trying to decide which one to choose and in Perth I had decided on the Hilton.
I got such a kick out of saying that I had booked a room, yes non smoking, yes just me! I wanted to pinch myself, ME on my own, in Perth!
I confidently signed in, collected my key, and was told my cases would be delivered directly. Once they had arrived I poured myself an ice cool beer and started to run a bath, after relaxing for a while, I excitedly set off to begin exploring Perth.

I spent four wonderful days there, it is a beautiful place. One morning I took a train out to the coast and experienced some real Aussie kindness.
I was confused by the ticket system on the train station, when this young Aussie guy with his children offered to help and refused to take the money for the ticket, just wished me a g'day, how kind that was of him, it made my day.


I had decided to travel from Perth to Adelaide on the Indian Pacific train, and had already booked this before leaving the U.K. I had reserved a cabin on the train and the journey was going to take 3 days and nights, a wonderful way of viewing this amazing land




I arrived at the station, already wishing I hadn't packed so much into my two suitcases, a thought shared by the baggage people who instantly put HEAVY labels on both cases!
With ticket grasped in my now hot and sticky hand I started to look for my carriage, if I recall correctly it was O. I walked and walked, the train seemed never ending, as you can see from the picture, and it consisted (I have just checked) of 25 carriages!

Eventually I arrived at my carriage and went in search of my compartment. My first shock was on realising I was sharing it with another lady, for some reason I thought I would be on my own. But we soon got chatting and she kindly offered to pull my bunk down, and showed me where the small ladder to use to climb up into my bunk! Another shock!

My companion never actually ventured out of her room, she was a nurse returning home, and was enjoying the peace and quiet of the journey, reading and dozing.
I think she was very glad that I stayed in the buffet area most of the day. I had so much fun meeting people from all over the world,hearing their stories and couldn't believe it when two of the travellers revealed they came from Cornwall, a place I had lived in for twenty years, before starting my travels! A small world indeed.

Well I am going to stop there, I have been struggling with a chest cold and really have to succumb to the call of sleep. I hope you have enjoyed this instalment, there is a lot more to come :)

To order a copy of Scarletina's Quest for Fairy Wings, the Earth Circle go to:

www.friesenpress.com/bookstore
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Chapters

http://bessdrewsherret.ca (website)

bessdrewsherret@faerywisdom  (Twitter)

scarletina.quest@gmail.com    (email)