How well do you know me? Enough to know how much I enjoy traveling, seeing the world, and experiencing life? Well, you may not know me well enough to know those things about me but Leigh does. And he indulges my whims often!

You can never explore too many avenues. You simply never know what wonders you'll find when you go looking! And Leigh and I go looking often! That's how we've found ourselves in London. Only through a book for now, but in London just the same. Paris too. Before I met Leigh, I wanted to experience Europe but certainly not with the passion I have now! Gee thanks, Leigh! :-)

Likewise, I knew a little bit about Australia because in my youth, my parents hosted foreign exchange students from Australia and New Zealand. I always thought it would be fun to travel there but now it's a burning desire! I will get there! And what fun it will be!

One of the best books Leigh has sent me is the Explore Australia book you see above. Now when he mentions a location in Australia, I can find it on the map and KNOW exactly where it is I want to go! A while back he mentioned some cities surrounding Sydney; it was awesome to be able to pull out the book and find the locations he'd described! OK, I admit it, I'm sort of a map geek. :-)

I've also enjoyed the series of books, postcards and calendars by two wonderful Australian photographers.

Steve Parish has photographed Australia so vividly, from cities to the countryside to the plants and animals. Leigh has given me much of his work and I've spent hours dreaming of being there.

Likewise Leigh has introduced me to the work of Ken Duncan, whose panoramic photography landscapes are breathtaking. These are just two more joys that I wouldn't have discovered had it not been for Leigh's generosity.

I have mixed feelings about including this next part on my web site. I sort of want to keep it to myself and yet I think the world will be richer if it's shared. And this is, after all, a celebration of a friendship that spans the ocean!

Ready or not...!!!

"I am about to put before you an important proposal," said Bill. "Here you are, a young intelligent feller, goin' about seein' the world by yourself. Here is Sam an' me, two as fine fellers as ever walked, goin' about the world with a Puddin'. My proposal to you is--Join us, and become a member of the Noble Society of Puddin'-Owners. The duties of the Society," went on Bill, "are light. The members are required to wander along the roads, indulgin' in conversation, song and story, eatin' at regular intervals at the Puddin'. And now, what's your answer?"

"My answer," said Bunyip Bluegum, "is, Done with you."

From The First Slice (Chapter 1) of The Magic Pudding: The Adventures of Bunyip Bluegum, written and illustrated by Norman Lindsay.

How can you not love The Magic Pudding?! Sure, the framed prints on my wall make for interesting conversation, that is, if anyone is brave enough to ask, "WHAT'S THAT???" :-) But this goes much deeper to my heart because it's a lovely bit of Leigh's childhood that he chose to share with me.

I wish I knew the words to describe how I feel about discovering things like The Magic Pudding. I wish I could make this account come to life the way Leighpaks come to life as we open the packages delivered from Australia.

I have an idea! Maybe Kaka can help us! That story is next!