Read the latest posts from Fleur McDonald’s Journal
The senselessness of sabotage — berry tough times
There is a Facebook photo with a picture of a strawberry saying: ‘Cut ‘em up, don’t throw ‘em out. Please continue to support Aussie Farmers through berry tough times.’ What a great campaign created through horrible circumstances.
Come and take a look inside my office (both of them)
I often get asked what my office looks like - or where I work, which is pretty much the same question! The first thing I did when I got my new office was print off quotes that inspire me - that make me continue to want to achieve and try to get better.
Music is the universal language. Do you agree?
I love music, and I think this image is such a good reflection of how I feel when I listen to it - all emotions and thoughts and love and hate and fear all mixed up into one loud bar of stirring sound.
How to teach an L-plater to drive. Is it over yet?
A few months ago, we had another L-plater enter the house. The older daughter is already a P-plater, so I’d had my fair share of hanging out of the passenger’s seat; knew what it was like, what directions to give, how to be calm and soothing when really all I wanted to do was scream.
What does the word 'drought' mean to you?
Having been a farmer for twenty years, I can tell you what the reality of drought is: it’s dry, dusty paddocks, with little or no grass. It’s dams that have nothing but mud in the bottom; sheep or cattle getting stuck as they search for water.
Ah. Those lovely words: You'll need to lose weight!
Being a woman, 'you'll need to lose weight' is NOT a phrase you really want to hear. Still, I heard that last Monday when I went to see my specialist about my back.
Funny writing spots - I can write anywhere
I've always said I can write anywhere. With a deadline looming (as they always seem to!) and having to take our exchange student back to Perth to fly home to Italy, I've proved again that I can do just that.
Where the River Runs - a true labour of love
Today, Where the River Runs goes to print. This book feels like it's been a mammoth effort - I was supposed to have it finished a long time before I actually handed the manuscript in...There was a reason!
Here's a funny story... Has this ever happened to you?
Now here's a funny story... I went to Sydney last week for six days. Six days with lots of different meetings and activities required at least seven different outfits, shoes to go with them and all the toiletries, etc you need.
Blog refresh: Tell me, what do you want to read?
I've been thinking about re-inventing my blog for some time, and now that time is right here. I used to love writing blogs - they would get my fingers all warmed up for writing during the day, and I LOVED sharing photos and little stories of my farming life with you all.
When you order tonight, think of tomorrow...
Thinking ahead is critical in life. Planning is important. You'd think at nearly 44, I would understand this. So, today (Saturday morning) I fail to understand why I have woken up with a slight hangover and found there to be no cold pizza in the house for breakfast.
Celebrating the release of my latest book: Fool's Gold
Who would have thought, ten years ago, when I first started writing about Detective Dave Burrows in Red Dust, that he would have become everyone's favourite character and now have his own series? Certainly not me!
The Bush Lanterns Series - Kalyn Fletcher
This entrepreneurial businesswoman, who was born and bred in Kununurra, has recently been named Western Australian winner of the RIRDC Rural Women's Award and one of Business Women Australia's Women on the Rise.
Fool's Gold - Detective Dave Burrows gets his own series
Okay, so on the 21st March, this is about to happen... Detective Dave Burrows is launched into his own series. Hopefully Fool's Gold will be the first of many adventures he takes us on.
The Bush Lanterns Series - Amanda Salisbury
"Passion for the land is a pure and marvellous thing! Dream big, work hard, take advantage of the wealth of knowledge out there …but most of all, take the time to listen to your heart. It won’t always be easy, but it WILL be worthwhile."
The Bush Lanterns Series - Dr Jillian Kelly
“I am driven to improve agriculture and the viability of rural communities, and to show others just like me that we can do anything!”
— Dr Jillian Kelly
Big life update: The times, they are a-changin'
Meet Jack. He's the new addition to the McDonald household. He's a gorgeous, energetic, five-year-old Kelpie from Woonwooring Kelpies at Cunderdin. Why, might you ask, does someone who lives in town and writes books for a living need a Kelpie?
The Bush Lanterns Series - Annika Anderson
Welcome to my series, Bush Lanterns, highlighting women in the rural and agricultural sector! There are so many amazing and wonderful women who don’t always get recognised for what they do, and I feel it’s my job to be able to bring them to you.
The Bush Lanterns Series - Laura Bennett
“Don’t be afraid of being the only woman in the room. People judge more on ability, smarts and character, so just be yourself and prove your knowledge, and you will be able to talk to anyone.”
— Laura Bennett
The Bush Lanterns Series - Maureen Dobra
Success isn't an accident. A dream doesn't become reality through just clicking your fingers. It takes sweat, determination and hard work. There aren't secrets to success, just as there aren't any get-rich-quick schemes.