'Bones' (Pauline) Mackinnon

What people have had to say about Treasures...

Please feel free to contact me with your own responses: 

 

 

Mat Blackwell

Australian writer, artist and musician 

(Victoria) September, 2018

Did I ever tell you that I finished Treasures from the Tide?

I really enjoyed it. I found it interesting that the overwhelming theme seems to be death - how death changes people, how it changes our relationships to objects, how dealing with it changes ourselves and our relationship to the world - even the stoners in the car were going to a funeral.

As someone who has always been a little morbid and nihilistic, ever since I was little, I found the whole collection to be moving and entertaining and interesting, as it circles around the plughole of inexorable demise... nice warm characters, nice warm settings.

Makes one want to cherish what we have while we still have it. Nice work, Bones.

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Jane Ferguson (North Carolina, USA) 

October, 2017 

I received this precious book from an old dear friend (the author). What a blessing it was in my life. I have read it and then reread parts. Treasures from the Tide is a tightly woven tapestry of short stories, poetry and photographs about love, loss, grief and making meaning. It is both poignant and humor filled. As a therapist, I have recommended it to clients struggling to come to terms with these issues at middle life.

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‎Susan Cattermole‎  (Melbourne) 

August, 2017 

Loved these beautiful meaningful stories even more on my second reading. It is a book to keep beside my bed for updates whenever I need a burst of humour or honesty in my life. Easy read but delightful stories. Congratulations to Bones for providing such entertainment. I will definitely share with my friends.

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Cathy Maloney Artist/Teacher (Prahran) 

April, 2017  

I have just realised that this comment was still stuck in my notes app. - so maybe you are right - these things only emerge in their own good time.
So, as you embark on your new writing venture, i wish you all the joy and freedom of your wonderful creativity- enjoy the journey. Good on you xxx
Anyway, here's the comment, dated 18/1/2016!!
Hi Bonesy, Just finished reading Treasures - such a beautiful collection of varied stories. I still love Riding the Boundary for its evocation of the swamp country. I enjoyed the Damien story and him finding his freedom. Love the poetry. They're all great but they're my favourites. Morrie and Roger was fun - had a giggle at Denny 'Spitten'. What an achievement- fantastic!
Looking forward to the next book, but you can rest on your laurels for a the moment. Enjoy!! Love Cath xxx'

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Libby Willems Singer/Songwriter, Teacher (Drouin) 

March, 2017  

It's wonderful how messages can sometimes simmer in someone's heart until the right time. After thinking I'd shut the gate on my dear book, I received this gem of a message:

'I loved your book...My favourite thing was hearing your voice in my mind as I read each word and contemplated each image. Thank you for such a wise and thoughtful and embracing piece of literature XXX'

Thank you, Libby Willems xx ~ as I quake a little on the edge of another collection, you offer a gentle nudge to go fly again.

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Billie Riley (Pakenham) 

December, 2016  

Thank you Bones for letting me "travel these dusty tales". They have brought back many memories of times i will always treasure, as i will your book and visit. I look forward to your next masterpiece. Billie X

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Elissa Cull (Korumburra) 

December, 2016  

Aside from the lovely quality of the print and pages...I found the photos were a great enhancement to the stories, as it’s always a treat to broaden the imagery one gets just from the written words.

I particularly enjoyed the feeling of nostalgia the stories held, and its local content. I was reminded of a favourite author of my Mum’s, L. M. Montgomery, whose character Anne Shirley eventually had success in writing stories just about her local community, as it was authentic and relatable.

You do that using the Australian dialect, of course, and a bit later in time, but the idea and the success is the same: ordinary lives with a story to tell. I hope you don’t mind the comparison.  The stories, often told through conversation gave an intimacy and immediacy, like peeking through a keyhole. I’m looking forward to giving it to her at Christmas.

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Julette Walker (Altona) 

October, 2016   

I was excited to receive your book and wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying it. It is sad and funny but, most of all, I loved being able to relate with the stories, which are the ups and downs of life, told in a very magical way. I have cried, laughed and had wistful moments thinking back in time. Thank you for such a magical book with the power to make a person feel so good…it will be treasured and reread many times. Luv Julie

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Fran Doherty (Rhyll)  

June, 2016   

I just finished your book - and loved it- particularly "New Bathers".

This  story really resonated with me - I found it particularly poignant - probably because it relates to my time of life! I found the whole book a really beautiful read - especially the poetry. Thank you!

- I am sure yours is a book I will enjoy again as I add it to our collection.  

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Bernadette Librarian  (Kilbreda College) 

April, 2016  

         

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Helen Timbury Artist (Drouin) 

March, 2016   

'I am full of gratitude that you have written this book about 'nothing much'. It is the 'nothing much' that makes us who we are; the small gestures, our little thoughts and failings, and the places we belong.

It’s hard to put my finger on why but I enjoyed each story immensely; you captured something local and personal in each one. I think my favourite is the hard rubbish story.

I especially experienced a sensual delight each time I opened the book because you used such beautiful, thick, creamy smooth paper (I AM a paper fanatic myself). It was indeed a treasure to hold.

Your photos are understated and enigmatic. 

It is a very lovely book. Thank you so much for your creativity'

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Jeannie Haughton (Drouin)  

Playwright, Theatre Producer and Freelance Writer

February, 2016  

I have finally read you book and found myself very engaged with the ebb and flow of the stories. It is like a gentle tide, offering up some riches, and sweeping us along in its peaceful wake.

It captures, in many places, a different pace, almost a bygone era, and I was very moved by the personal experiences woven through with their offering of some gentle wisdom. Well done lady!

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Sue Dean (Drouin) 

February, 2016   

'I had several enjoyable days reading your book - a story here, a story there, whenever I had a few spare minutes. Rather than being a gripping read, it felt more like sitting with a comfortable friend, someone you wish could stay. (I could hear your voice in many of the stories) 

Being born and raised in South Gippsland myself it was also interesting recognising towns and regions mentioned throughout the book, triggering some of my own memories.'

 

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Jude Blackman (Pottsville, NSW) 

February, 2016   

'I have finished reading your beautiful book - just loved it! Made me feel happy... sad... pensive... strong.... and stirred so many memories. Took me on a wonderful journey - I could picture quite clearly the images you were describing. Absolutely loved your poetry...got a soft spot for it!

 Thanks for sharing! xx

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Kaye (Melbourne) 

February, 2016 

'Hope you're doing well with the sales. I just love your book. I've had lots of laughs and lots of emotional times too.  It's very well written and the stories are great. I love when I read, seeing where you have sourced some of your material too; that's nice for me to be able to recognise it. It's like what I've always read about writing: that you start with material you know and that's close by; and your book demonstrates how that works so well.'

 

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Denise Renouf (Mt Eliza) 

February, 2016  

'At times, I felt like I wanted to highlight some of the beautiful passages where the language bubbled along or just soothed my soul. I laughed…and I cried!  I felt like I was there ‘in the moment’ on so many occasions. It was a joy to read! 'Treaures' reminds me all about what is so important in this life.  John and Suzannah are spot on with their wonderful reviews!!'

 

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Lydia Marson  

February, 2016   

'I loved delving into these stories and poems and feeling connected to their timeless themes.'

 

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Tony O'Connell (Maryknoll)

February, 2016   

'A really lovely lovely bit of writing. I felt I should have read it in the winter by the fire. Warm and human. Congrats!'

 

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Kaye Smith (Glen Iris) 

January, 2016  

'I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope you publish another one in the future. That Sitting and Turning story really moved me…I'd forgotten about that swing! New Bathers…gave me just a little more insight into what you were going through at the time…to read what went on in your "internal voice", your fears, grief... Inspirational!'

 

Sam Wright (Leongatha) 

January, 2016  

'School holidays - making my way through this great read. Loved the Wattle story!'

 

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Kylie Jade Clarke (Geelong) 

January, 2016  

'New Bathers: Ah! What a beautiful story! I love the way you told it. Very reflective, detailed poetry and journey through the struggling, yet uplifting, journey of health.  Could certainly relate to that. Loved reading those recognizable one-liners that I'd heard in our conversations.  Could hear your gentle voice as I read each word.'

 

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Sally Sewell (Trafalgar) 

january, 2016  

'...I have dipped in and out of your book, in the last few days, and you make me laugh and then, dammit, I can't see anything 'cos I'm crying.....magic words. I feel you are in every story and it is like you are reading to me.... very nice​!'

 

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Molly Cunningham (Darwin)

January 2016 

'Definitely a worthwhile read! For me, it has reminded me to see the beauty in my direct world that is sometimes hidden by my busy schedule.  I love tucking  away, reading a few stories and feeling connected to you Bones!! Love love love!!'

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