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My story began like most other Aussie suburban kids in the early 40s, in the bustle of what was then becoming a multi-cultural Melbourne. From a military upbringing in Melbourne City, our first major move was to live in a busy corner delicatessen in Port Melbourne. From there, our family were suddenly uprooted and transplanted far away in the Northern Territory, Australia's last frontier.

After a long and dusty ten-day trek across this wide brown land, we kids found our new home was a tin shed-type general store in the isolated, blink-and-you-miss-it Outback town of Mataranka. Our arrival was a definite eye-opener for everyone, including the local inhabitants, as we doubled the town's population.

As a curious teen, every day was a new adventure for me. But the town eventually grew too small for my restless spirit. I believed there was a whole world out there waiting to be discovered and, 'where there is a will, there is a way'.

Suffice it to say, I found myself setting forth on an unusual life of adventure that presented one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after another. I eventually found that this was my raison d'etre. For me, life was always 'just a bowl of cherries', determined by the love of family, nature's beauty and challenges. Having eventually found the perfect partner, l was certainly provided with all those things in spades. As my husband insisted, "Life might have been tough, love, but at least it was never boring."

With no formal education, I had no intentions of becoming a writer, an artist or a therapist as I did in my later life. My writing success was only due to my mother's insistence that I record that almost-forgotten era and my Outback experiences. This task eventually proved that persistence pays off, and looking back, I was surprised when I realised I had become all those things. Neither did I intend to publish my work, but having been encouraged and accepted by the first publisher who saw it, I threw my hat into the ring, and it immediately became a best seller. It all happened so smoothly that I figured there must have been divine intervention.

Yes, I was self-conscious, but I eventually published my autobiography, hoping it could be an example for young people in today's consumer society to always look on the bright side. That, no matter how hard life seems, to never give up, and that the darkest hour is just before the next dawn. As life moves through us, I found that there were only two options, forward or backward. I realized there was generally a purpose for life’s challenges, with either a way over, around or through them, and also that time is a great healer.

These are the adventures and challenges I have shared with you in my 2011 best-selling autobiography, AN OUTBACK LIFE, and will do in its sequel, BEYOND THE DREAMING.

I also offer my little book for children, christened ADVENTURES OF THE CURIOUS ATOM. It is an adventure story that should subliminally show youngsters how and where they come from, how amazing they are and why they are here.

I'm hoping this cute educational adventurer will be a sedative for youngsters in today's crazy lifestyle.

God willing, I plan to continue writing short stories and poetry that I will eventually make available here.

Being a Jill of all trades, etc, my art is also for sale and is usually Outback or nature themes, but as you will see, being an adventurer, I will sometimes go where angels fear to tread, as has always been my wont.

Also, from time to time, there will be the opportunity to purchase, assorted original artworks from other dedicated artists, at realistic prices. Please let me know in the comments what genre you are interested in. Or perhaps consider art, portraits of people or pets, painted just for you on commission.

I hope readers continue to enjoy my stories and art, and I look forward to your positive feedback.

Best wishes, Mary