Oh, can't resist skiting now! The brilliant poet Rajani Radhakrishnan has just praised me on Substack — apparently people are doing this for what they are calling International Women's Month (presumably it won't all fit into one day). This is what she said:
So grateful to Andy for his generosity in mentioning my name in this International Women’s Month chain of kindness and support. In turn, I’d like to name Rosemary Nissen-Wade who I have known now for over 10 years, first through poetry groups on Blogger/WP and later over emails and discussions. A fabulous poet, a dear friend and a total warrior who, in her eighties, is still writing, hosting and teaching so many of us how to plumb the deepest emotions with the simplest of words. Thank you, Rosemary. You totally rock.
I am beyond thrilled! It's great to think I am seen as a warrior, and I particularly love the bit about 'to plumb the deepest emotions with the simplest of words.' I try – wonderful to know I am succeeding. Also, it is surprising and gratifying to be called 'a fabulous poet' by one whose own poetry I greatly admire.
I passed on the torch thuswise:
Apparently on Substack people are nominating outstanding women of their acquaintance for International Women’s Month. The wonderful poet and my dear friend Rajani Radhakrishnan (rajaniradhakrishnan.sub…) just gave me a lovely shout out, so I am passing it on. I’d love to nominate my friend, fellow-poet and sometimes publisher Delaina J Miller of Content X Design (contentxdesign.substack…) – a strong woman and gentle soul who, with her wife Kristin Hatch, is a generous supporter of other creatives, and always seeks to offer love and upliftment to those around her, as well as adding to the store of beauty in the world, through poetry, music, Reiki, and sharing of wisdom.
I also posted on facebook on the actual Women's Day, about certain Australian politicians:
On International Women's Day, I'd like to acknowledge three politicians. Two in my locality: the kind-hearted, clear-sighted and hard-working Justine Elliott (Federal) and Janelle Saffin (State), both of whom are committed to looking after their constituents. And another, the incredible Jacqui Lambie from my birth State of Tasmania, with whose politics I don't always entirely agree, but whom I greatly admire for her hard work, integrity, devotion to the ordinary people of her electorate, the way she has learned and grown into her role over the years, and above all for staying real! (I confess I also love her larrikin quality.)
and I added one of my rose photos:
PS I am really not on Substack much – mainly only to read other people – and haven't got much of a handle yet on how to operate it. Everything is slower now that I'm octogenarian, and I don't know that I want to spend time on any more social media. I still feel happy enough with facebook, Instagram and my blogs. However, it might be time to dip my toe a tiny bit further in the water. I'll have a think about it.