I understand that a little information about me is in order. Here are the basics: I’m an expat American, having lived in Australia for the past thirty-three years. I now live in Tasmania (AKA Paradise or The Slow Lane).
I’m a mother, a grandmother, and a genuine matriarch of an extended, and extending, family. Some of the things I enjoy are travel, woodworking, quilting, a bit of cooking, and modern art. If I lived in the USA I would no doubt be a Leon Redbone groupie. My musical tastes run from classical to bluegrass, and particularly jazz. I love to travel — hence the meandering — and though I’ve done quite a lot of it, it’s never enough!
I also love to write. Writing has been a major component of my professional life, in one form or another, for many years. Until a couple years ago, my only experience writing fiction was political speeches and press releases for state and federal politicians. And letters home, of course. But now I can add my first two novels to the list. They are both still in the editing phase, but I hope at least one will see the light of day before tooooo long.
I prefer to think that this blog will fit in the category of creative non-fiction. But I’m not making any promises. I tend toward mental meandering rather than mental gymnastics. I know I’m supposed to exercise my brain in order to stave off dementia, but I think my mental wanderings are just as effective — and sometimes as convoluted — as the mind puzzles, and they feed my craving to write. That’s why I’m here. Oh. Did I mention I’m a bit nutty about chooks (chickens). Don’t even get me started on that! MM
The Meandering Matriarch 
G’day and Howdeeeedooooodeeee 😂😂
And thank you Meanderingmatriarch for nominating my blog: LT Garvin for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I try do try to inspire and create and little brightness with humor and everyday life. This is really a wonderful thing, and I appreciate it. You have a wonderful blog yourself, take care!
Just wanted you to know that I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger award. Here’s the info
http://brigidakatalinadunahee.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/wow-i-dont-know-what-to-say-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thank you so much. It is a huge compliment, and I am humbled. I write for me because I can’t not write, but it is a joy to know that others enjoy what I write. I shall do my best to follow through with the rules of the award. Cheers!
I love your horse poo! and your blog ha ha ~~~&~~~
Thanks!
Hi, I’ve nominated your terrific blog for a Liebster Award. For more information see – http://jingsandthings.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/wowee/
I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award for your wonderful blog. For more info, you can check out the festivities over here: http://writersite.org/2012/12/08/from-the-cat-choir/
Luanne
Hello, I’ve nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. It’s a good way to show your followers blogs you find inspiring, and to have other people’s followers find you. If you don’t have time or want to accept the award, no worries. If you want accept, read this for the award rules:
Have a wonderful day! You (and your chooks) make me smile!
Thank you, Caitlin for the honor. You, too, are much appreciated. And the chooks thank you for mentioning them as well.
“I tend toward mental meandering rather than mental gymnastics”. This was me, as well, until I returned to school a year ago. And, I used to think I loved writing, but a year of legal studies has made me realize my feelings about writing are nicely summed up by a quote: “I do not like to write – I like to have written”. (Gloria Steinem)
Thanks for the shared memories about sweet potatoes growing in jars…happily, that led me here, to your blog 🙂
Have you given any kind of thought at all with converting your main web site in to German? I know a couple of translaters right here that would help you do it for no cost if you wanna contact me.
Ohhh Sue Ellen….it was an absolute delight and pleasure to meet you in the store today. Sometimes a customer comes in and that person just “sticks” with me…you made my day! Enjoy your upcoming adventures…be safe. BTW…don’t hold back…if you feel the need to give someone the “toe”…I say…JUST DO IT!
Kelly
Hey, Kelly! It was such a treat to meet you–wish we could have had time to get acquainted over a glass or two of wine (or maybe a couple beers if I’m wearing my boots). The matter of the ‘toe’ will be easier in the sandals, though not nearly as subtle as in boots. 😉 Cheers! MM
Hello Meandering Matriarch!
Just stopping by to say that you have really inspired me. I came across your blog as I was just getting started on WP and when you were just freshly pressed coincidently (and thank goodness or I am not sure I would have ever found you.) Your writing is brilliant. Best of luck with your book. I am working on one myself. 🙂
I think your writing is first class. It’s tight, expressive and turns phrases without over extension. Your subjects catch then hold my attention.
Look forward to following you
You have an interesting blog and I’ve always wanted to visit Australia. Just the thought of being on an airplane so long gives me the creeps…
How hard was it for you to adjust living there? I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Hi MM, I look forward to reading more. There’s lots to like about your profile: Australia, America, motherhood, writing. And I’m seriously curious about your fascination with chooks! Well done living the dream and writing your book. Need all the positive role models we can get. I’m totally new to blogging myself, but imagine this will be fun.
Yes it’s a great combination America, australia and motherhood? Oh well the writing is fine and that’s the inspiration
Hi,
Congrats on Freshly Pressed. (and your novel!)… jealous…
I spent a summer as an exchange student in Tasmania and still (37 years later) correspond with the family I stayed with. My blog is “creative non-fiction/commentary.
Hope you’ll check it out!
Hi Sue!
Your blog caught my eye as I have a friend who’s working with oceanographic data collected from instruments mounted on elephants seals! She very much enjoyed your photographs and I have subscribed to your blog! Enjoy your travels! I try and write about my overseas adventures too, mainly from a culinary and environmental perspective 🙂
Hayley – British ex-pat living in Cape Town.
Hey MM … Ex-pat Aussie here, living in Canada … looking forward to more of your posts, loved the one about the seals
I’m a new fan, MM!
Hi Sue! What a great blog – thanks for writing such good things about your holiday on Snipe and Taurus, you were a fantastic guest! Looking forward to getting in touch when I get to Tanzania eventually… in the meantime have a look at my own blog about the boats (not nearly as regular or well-written as yours) – katobell.blogspot.com. Kat xx
Hey mum… wanted to lob on and have a look at how things are going. I know that you read a lot of this to me over the phone while my delinquent eyeball healed… but it’s a different experience from actually reading it…
I think the about you blurb is very good.
The photo of you is ideal… the horse poo picture… erm… well… those of us who know you will consider it entirely within character! 🙂
Talk with you soon,
Adam
Hello Sue, I just wondered how my fellow “badly behaved” patient was progressing after the foot operation. I am pleased to say that I have healed up very well, can even hop and skip a little, its amazing how limiting it was to have a metal plate in my ankle. Thanks for making the day enjoyable.
Hello Sue
Love the photo- you look marvellous.
I couldn’t seem to log onto your last travel ( cruise) web site … I was keen to .. but could not log on…
We are all fine here in Rose Bay
Hope to see you soon
love
Rose and Graeme
Hey! Great to hear from you. You and Graeme should come out to Fossil Cove one of these days. I’d love to see you. S