I’d be lying if said that I wasn’t disappointed at the way life has changed since Covid- 19. A full year of story adventures planned, cancelled with a few clicks of the mouse, no meeting up with creative collaborators, no choir and so it goes.

However I’m surrounded by optimistic, energetic and generous people and the wish to use our skills to help others quickly turned to action.

Hearing of so many teachers, parents and child carers looking for material to interest and engage children being home schooled, I set to work recording some of my repertoire for the young ones.

With only a phone to record (Lordy, these smart phones are amazing!) you can see the results on my video page.

Its been such a buzz receiving messages and thank yous and to know that my efforts are being enjoyed.

Absolutely delighted to receive these photos of a little fella chuckling away at the stories. Makes all the mess, strewn from one end of the house, worth it. Because recording stories is mess making.

I’ve even received a picture!

I love what I do.

A special Christmas Family Fun Day in Melton in a jewel of a park. I arrived early. The anxiety of getting caught in the roadworks meant I headed off at the crack of dawn (well slight exaggeration) but it was clear sailing all the way.

Precious places, precious people. My privilege to be invited to sit under a tree and share stories.

So many things to get excited about when it comes to storytelling.

There is now a dedicated day for celebrating the art of Kamishibai storytelling - December 7.

Through this art from I’ve made some pretty special friends. With Daniela Bücheler-Scott and Tetsuta Wtanabe, we can talk story making until the cows come home. We live across Melbourne from each other - to the west, south and east, and distance can be a problem, so when we get together its super special.

For World K Day, Tetsuta organised us a space and time at the Springvale Library and for an hour we shared stories from our various stages. We’re having fun exploring bi-lingual storytelling: Dani with German, Tetsuta Japanese and me with my few words of Spanish. Big shout of thanks to Rosh and the team for making us so welcome.

Tetsuta with his stage made from left over wood from a boat building project.

Dani with her gorgeous story about Sally the Sea Turtle. Her stage is made by her husband Scotty and decorated by her friend Frothy Betty. Sally’s story will be out as a picture book soon.

Not sure why I love this photo but I do. My stage was made by my good friend Ted Smith from the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed

We’re already thinking about next year and what we might do. If the stars align, we’ll be in Eltham Library.