
By Day She Made Herself Into a Cat by Arthur Rackham
Don’t pet this kitty! There’s something special about black cats, and this illustration for The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, about a witch who turns into a black cat and glowers at the world, is one of my favourites. I love the robust and expressive pen and ink technique, and the way the cat simply radiates power and anger.

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty – Book Review

Moriarty’s light touch and sparkling writing somewhat redeems this overstuffed tale that doesn’t really succeed as either mystery, romance or family drama.
The Blue Caftan – Film Review

A gentle, sensual and compassionate Moroccan film about an unusual triangle that lingers in the heart and mind long after the credits, The Blue Caftan is a beautiful tribute to love.
Perth, the Pinnacles & Rottnest Island

I haven’t been to Western Australia in almost ten years, so I really enjoyed our whirlwind long weekend in and around Perth, visiting old and new places.
Mildred Pierce – Film Review

A thriller that blends film noir with domestic melodrama, this 1945 movie starring Joan Crawford is a very different beast compared to the more recent HBO TV miniseries, but it’s just as great in its own right.
Top Ten Tuesday – Beachy Books Covers
This week’s topic from That Artsy Reader Girl is Books or Covers that Feel/Look Like Summer. Summer means many things to me, but chief among them is the beach. I’m very lucky to live about fifteen minutes away from the bay with its suburban beaches, and when the weather is right there are many ocean surf beaches around Melbourne to visit on a weekend.
The Labours of Hercules by Agatha Christie – Book Review

This imaginative short story collection, inspired by Hercule Poirot’s first name, riffs on the ancient Greek myths but with little grey cells replacing muscles.
The Radiohead Project @ Primrose Potter Salon

Sometimes a last-minute decision does pay off! I had a fantastic time at this short but lovely concert that reinvented Radiohead’s music for a jazz quartet with strings.
Cats Sleep Anywhere – A Poem

Cats sleep, anywhere,
Any table, any chair
Top of piano, window-ledge,
In the middle, on the edge,
Open drawer, empty shoe,
Anybody’s lap will do,
Fitted in a cardboard box,
In the cupboard, with your frocks –
Anywhere! They don’t care!
Cats sleep anywhere.
– Eleanor Farjeon

