I give up. I can’t write anything to save myself. Can just imagine myself shipwrecked on a desolate island and not being able to write “help” on the beach.
So catching up on some news, I went to the National Folk Festival in Canberra (Australia) a few weeks ago. I had a lovely time. There was such a full program. Kudos to the event organisers who put on a such a great festival under very difficult financial circumstances. The word of the festival was hope. It cheered me that so many people still had it. That makes sense, doesn’t it, because how could they sing without it?
Anyway, you would have liked to hear about the culture of the Ngunawal people, the traditional custodians of the land that is now Canberra. First Nation’s songstresses, Stiff Gins and Suga Cane Mamas sang heartfelt songs of family and country. Professional storyteller, Kiran Shah. told the story of the mouse deer who, although he was small, outwitted the crocodiles. And how powerful is Chilean folk legend, Nano Stern? The list goes on and on.
I also loved the community choirs. Newcastle (Australia) community choir, Ukastle Ukestra and Ukestral Voices won the 2025 Festival Infinite Song Contest. I couldn’t have been happier for them.
I had fun. Then I got Covid. Not fun. I’m recovering. Would I go again? Absolutely.
Sing out, everyone.
Kind Regards.
Tracy.
*Photos from L-R. Ukastle Ukestra & Ukestral Voices, Queen of Hearts, Kiran Shah.
Reflections of An Untidy Mind 
See? You can write. And evocatively. The End is Not Nigh.
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Took me two weeks to write three paras. 🤣
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But you did it!
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Tracy take care. Rest as much as you can.
Thanks so much for sharing these glimpses of the festival.
Of course you can write!
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Blood from a stone, Punam. 🥹
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It does feel like that sometimes, I have to admit. But we plod on.
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Singing a song of good health to you, Tracy. But you had fun and that makes me smile.
Heck, yes, you can still write!
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I wished you were there with me, Lois. We would have had fun.
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The folk festival looks like such fun! (Except for the Covid part.) I’m glad you’re recovering. I’m confident you’ll get your writing mojo back.
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I think I need fewer things to do, Liz. You would have liked it. Lots of writing workshops for those who felt so inclined.
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I’ve just acknowledged that I’m overextended, too. I’ve started to remedy that (baby steps!).
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Sorry you got sick, Tracy, and hope you feel better soon! Sounds like a lovely event to have attended! Sing on!
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Yes, need more singing, Steph. It is good for the lungs and the spirit.
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Wonderful event and Covid seems to be ready, always, to exact its pound of flesh.
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The post-viral cough is exhausting. You know how it is, Martha.
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I do indeed, Tracy. ❤️
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Practice makes perfect so the cliché goes. Keep up the writing, Tracy. The Aboriginal culture is always fascinating for me especially their artwork.
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You would really like the festival, Suzanne. Lots of dancing, writing and poetry workshops, as well as great music. You should come one day.
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You’re right I would, Tracy 🙂
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The joy of looking forward, enjoying the moment, and delighting in the memory of a community event! Thank you for sharing the event with us, Tracy!
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