Short Story

The Dusty Veteran

Old Mate would peddle his stories to anyone who walked by. He looked as old as earth; his face lined like the ripples of the desert. Upon the sparse tufts of prickly grass outside the front of Old Mate’s house was his rusting cast iron tub. Old Mate would wake with the colouring of the sky and fill his tub, bucket by bucket. His frail frame would strain under the climbing sun, red dust filling the cracks of his cobbled brow. After the bath was full, he’d change into bathing shorts, place his faded pink towel astride his head, and slosh into the cool water. Old Mate would wipe his face with his knotted hands, and gently wash the few hairs on his speckled head. Children of passing families would try to stop and listen, eager to hear what he had to say. On his good days, he told stories of working on a submarine that took him to far away countries, how it had breached and was torpedoed. He spoke of prison camps in dusty places where one could poke a finger between their ribs and find nought but sand and space. As he spoke every shadow of the landscape appeared to shift to his words, and he himself appeared lighter. On his quiet days, he could be seen looking despondently into the dirty waters of his bath, resigned to accept that the dust would never wash away from the creases of his body.

Karen Paull

Community Chaplain

Leaving the Shore

We stood admiring the peaceful myriad boats anchored in Middle Harbour. My husband and myself were preparing our next ‘Walk and Wonder’ event, which often incorporates a group discussion midway, over a snack and a coffee if we’re in luck. So, we lingered, sampling the coffee from the van there, as good group leaders do! As we sipped, we wondered, how many of those boats remained there permanently and how many still ventured out to sea? And what about us, were we still ‘venturing’? Crossing from Adelaide to Sydney seven years ago was so enlivening! Significant risks and complexities were involved, but we felt ‘called’ to this endeavour, so we examined it from many angles. Consultations with family members, mentors and trusted friends, future employers in situ, all undergirded by prayerful consideration, occurred. Then we pulled up the anchor! We are so glad we did. It felt like we had been transported into a new and refreshed life, while retaining important links to the ‘old’ one. Anchors in our lives keep us stable and sane. Without some constants, life is tiring and too many changes are counter-productive. However, if there is no movement happening anywhere, I question whether this is the best life can be? We can become too comfortable and forget what it’s like to live with uncertainty, so change becomes something to fear. Fear can limit us from taking steps that would be highly beneficial for us and for others. What stable areas of your life no longer serve you and those around you well? Could they do with some rocking? Small movements are a helpful start, if fear has taken hold. Having a friend on the new journey is beneficial too, although not essential. Getting involved in your local community may be a safe place to begin. Or are there are bigger changes to consider? Discussing them with someone who cares about you, can help move them ahead. As your Community Chaplain, I may be able to assist you. I can be an independent sounding board if you are considering making changes to your life. I also host various groups where people enjoy meeting and including others. Maybe join our Middle Harbour meander when restrictions are lifted? Or meditation over Zoom may be more your style? Contact me for more details. “A ship in harbour is safe but that is not what ships are built for” - John A Shedd, 1928

Contact details: Rev Karen Paull 0400 299 751 lanecovechaplain@gmail.com www.lanecovecc.com

What I watched on TV…

Following the wonderful feedback we received about this new column, Stephen Miller once again shares his erudite opinions of the six of the best he’s enjoyed watching on TV recently.

Starstruck (ABC iView)

Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo created, co-wrote and stars in this unashamedly sweet romcom. Matafeo plays the highly likeable Jessie, a millennial living in East London juggling two dead-end jobs. Following an awkward morning-after-the-night-before where she discovers she’s unwittingly slept with the famous film star Tom (Nikesh Patel), what she thinks will be an amusing anecdote soon turns into something much more. Series two officially renewed. Not to be missed. *****

Why you would watch it: It’s a great feel-good show on the ABC.

Why you wouldn’t:

I can’t think of any reason.

Sophie – Murder in West Cork

(Netflix)

This 3-part true-crime docuseries looks at the investigation into the death in 1996 of Sophie Tos-can du Plantier. Her murder became a national obsession in Ireland and France and has always been surrounded by considerable controversy. There’s a twist at the end of the first episode, which I won’t spoil here. Definitely worth your time. ****

Why you would watch it: You love an excellent true-crime documentary. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t like shows about murder. Catastrophe (Stan)

Catastrophe is a simple romantic comedy that works well because the actors have genuine chem-istry and a believable script with laugh-outloud jokes. If colourful language, or simulated sex scenes offend, then this may not be for you. But if you’re open-minded, it’s binge-worthy entertainment. Four seasons flew past way too quickly! ****

Why you should watch it: You enjoy a good, believable romcom. Why you wouldn’t: You are easily offended by coarse language and sex scenes.

Physical (Apple TV+)

This rags to riches ‘dramedy’ offers little drama or comedy but is an enjoyable watch. Set in the beach paradise of sunny 1980s San Diego, Physical follows Sheila Rubin (Rose Byrne), a bright, lonely, frustrated housewife with an expensive eating disorder on her journey to independence. Internally troubled, this seemingly dutiful housewife shares her darkly amusing take on life via inner dialogue. Mixed reviews from critics but well received by audiences. ****

Why you would watch it: You need a break from crime and murder. Why you wouldn’t: You’re not an Apple TV+ subscriber. Spring Tide | Springfloden (SBS On Demand)

I loved the second series of this Scandi detective story, which follows on from Springfloden 1 and where you should begin. Police academy cadet Olivia Rönning (Julia Ragnarsson) is tasked with unravelling an unsolved crime from 1987. Three people had sadistically murdered a young woman on a beach witnessed only by a young boy. Despite much work at the time, the case went cold. Springfloden 1 and 2 are not to be missed.

Why you would watch it: You love good Scandinavian detective stories like The Bridge and The Killing. Why you wouldn’t: You don’t like shows with subtitles. Lupin (Netflix)

Lupin became the surprise Netflix hit of the season this year. Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. This French-made series was always going to be a hit in France (the character of Lupin is a Sherlock Holmes-esque figure, but it was also the first one to crack the US top 10. Lupin is a highly engaging espionage thriller, delivering some excellent telly. Subtitles or (if you must) dubbed versions available. ****

Why you would watch it: Who doesn’t enjoy watching Paris? Why you wouldn’t: You have a low tolerance of plot holes.