God give us rain when we expect sun.
Give us music when we expect trouble.
Give us tears when we expect breakfast.
Give us dreams when we expect a storm.
Give us a stray dog when we expect congratulations.
God play with us, turn us sideways and around.
Amen

That prayer was taken from Short Notes from the Long History of Happiness by Michael Leunig. Isn't it wonderful in all its simplicity? I've already shared part of the Michael Leunig story on another page in my web site but a brief little bit just isn't enough.

My first taste of Michael Leunig's work came in the form of a stamp booklet called The Teapot of Truth. I really didn't know what to make of it when it arrived in a Leighpak but I spent some time with the prayers and poems and I talked with Leigh about it and I started liking it very much.

I've come to appreciate Mr Leunig's work greatly, aided by Leigh's generosity in sharing other books, cards, Internet links, his visit to a museum to see Leunig exhibits and even an audio cassette recording of an interview with Leunig. Getting to hear Mr Leunig present his own work is such a thrill, and something I never would have experienced on my own had it not been for Leigh.

I have to say it again. I'm so fortunate. Thank you, Leigh.

A HERBAL Remedy for LIFEACHE.

You suffer from lifeache.
Your whole life is sore; it hurts when you move it.
HERBAL REMEDY.
Take one patch of grass, a mild day and two large, green trees.
Lie on the grass beneath one tree and contemplate the other tree.
Nap from time to time or gaze occasionally at the grass.
Pain will subside. Lifeache cannot be cured but you can learn to MANAGE THE SYMPTOMS.

Some of Leunig's work is so deep and so painfully honest that it wouldn't seem right to take out of his book and put on a web page. If you like this and want more, please do go in search of his books! You won't be disappointed! I have so much admiration for the man behind the whimsical truth.

I know there are copyright concerns so I'm hesitant to scan the cartoons but I can't resist sharing this cartoon drawing! It's so typically Leunig! It's got all the essentials: Mr Curly, a teapot, a bird and the moon. Aren't the colours fabulous! Aren't the characters endearing?! Doesn't it make you happy to see this picture?! I love his work!

I'm sharing these poems and prayers with you first and foremost as a tribute to Leigh for caring enough to give me Australia, and secondly in hopes that you might be inspired to pick up one of Michael Leunig's books next time you're at the bookstore, or next time you're browsing around at an on-line bookstore. His work is available in the United States, though you might have to look a bit harder than your local bookstore.

Prayer for Friends

We give thanks for our friends.
We anger each other.
We fail each other.
We share this sad earth, this tender life, this precious time.
Such richness. Such wildness.
Together we are blown about.
Together we are dragged along.
All this delight.
All this suffering.
All this forgiving life.
We hold it together.
Amen

There's more.

No, not more Michael Leunig. More Leigh Schneider. Wanna keep going?