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FOLLOWING FLOATING STARS TOWARDS THE WARM GLOW OF ETERNITY

Earlier this year I finally accepted that surgery was my only option for a persistently painful and inhibiting medical problem I’d had over a number of years that was severely damaging my quality of life, overall health, and ability to fully function in society. This surgery did not strike me as a quick-fix procedure, though it was described as standard day surgery with recovery at home expected to be smooth, quick and manageable. Ever the fatalist at the most inconvenient of times, I was dubious and consumed with dread given the nature of it was particularly unpleasant, potentially painful and I did not have access to a motor vehicle if I needed to rush to a doctor, pharmacy or hospital. But having received those assurances to the contrary, I was not too concerned on the day of the procedure. Furthermore, I was not prepared for what was to come. From the moment I woke up after the procedure I was shocked to find I had lost my voice. I figured it was just from the oxygen and not an...

“ONE DAY MORE”

Like a blustery storm on a summer’s day in Brisbane, the ‘latest’ production of Les Miserables swept into town with little fanfare, acclaim or that much publicity (that I noticed), but certainly left its indelible mark on the City. This time, a whirlwind “arena spectacular” at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall, a world-class centre in the middle of a muddy wasteland, for a few short days. One of the classic musicals of our time, with a heart-wrenching storyline and a poignant soundtrack, it is something you never regret experiencing.   I first saw Les Mis some ten or so years ago in happier, more fertile, abundant times. I was so moved by the experience at QPAC, here in Brisbane, that I simply insisted that my children, 5 and 12 at the time, must also see it. Well, they were possible not so touched by the overwhelming moment, the re-telling of history, the sadness, the depths of despair meeting the heights of ecstacy in a storm of chaos, bloodshed, anguish, agony a...