Reflections
in the
Water

Tales that flow like water

Rowing at dawn is more than physical exercise; it’s a journey of self-discovery. A few of the following thoughts and stories were born and then took shape during quiet early morning sessions in a single scull, first the Grand Old Dame Shadowfax, and lately the sleek and enigmatically named Asparagus. I found a few others in old diaries from back when I was a student - these were polished up - and some discarded - by the rhythmic tap tap tapping of oars on calm water. This blog celebrates life, love, and the simple joy of navigating early mornings in a small boat.

Recent Reflections

Sydney Festival Production

I sat directly opposite Tim Minchin the night I saw Genevieve first perform on stage. It was the Sydney Festival, it was 2026, and Gen was performing as a jammer

2026 Mardi Gras

My brother got to hold the sign for the Rural Fire Service Float at the 2026 Sydney Mardi Gras. I wasn’t there but I saw the footage and there he was

Abraham Lincoln's Hat

I’ll never forget that first scream. A blood curdling, spine-chilling, never-ending screech which capitalised on the acoustic properties of the theatre

Out on the town

A figure approaches, slipping into the dark lane, cursing while regaining his balance. He slides towards the large shape at my feet, giving it a tap with the tip of his pointed shoe. What is it?

Danny

He had interesting eyes, those blue eyes that have a fleck of hazel in them - eyes that hid a lot, I thought. He was twenty-five or -six, tall and lean. He smoked too many cigarettes.

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Brenda

Brenda was sick. She wouldn’t stop lying down. I was standing near her head stroking her nose and all she was doing was groaning

Reflections in the Water