Articles written by Annette Radford

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About me - Annette Radford

I am a mother of four boys. I have my generalist degree from UNSW, and was employed in the finance industry. I moved to rural Australia seeking a better, but less expensive, lifestyle. My interests include gardening, photography, knitting, cooking and writing.

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Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Memories: 4 of 77
What is the most powerful sense which can awaken memories better than any other? Why do we take so many photographs when our sight is only a small part of what is really involved? We hear a song on the radio, which might invoke a particular memory, but as our musical tastes change that song becomes even embarrassing to rememb... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: September 11, 2001: 7 of 106
Thoughts on 9/11Freedom crashing down.Man's pride falls, a victim ofHopeless, hideous hate.Lives rubbed out, forever gonePromise extinguished beforeIt could ever bloom.Is what was takenWorth the objective made known:Enmity forever.White flowers bowed down.Crushed beneath a careless heel,More young lives will endIn a war no-on... More..
Pets & Animals > Dogs (Other) Are Pit Bulls man's best friend or murderous beast?: 16 of 122
Pit bull terriers could be described as the dog least suitable for beginners in the dog world. Many people think they can handle a dog and don't realise what is involved. The dog has a number of specific needs which the owner must recognise if the relationship is to flourish. The case is the same for any breed - it can be a f... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Things to say to those that deserve "The Look": 2 of 14
My mother had her own particular version of "The Look". She raised one eyebrow in the general direction of the seemingly deserving perpetrator and curled her lip on the same side in a sort-of half smile. It didn't seem to matter who was doing what, or who was the real instigator of the mischief. My sister and I knew the meani... More..
Travel > Australia & South Pacific Things to do in spring in Sydney, Australia: 1 of 6
It is said that if you want to see the best a city has to offer, ask a local. I am Sydney born and bred, so here is a selection of the best this wonderful harbourside city has to offer. Many of these attractions are available all year round, from the mountains to the sea, from quiet little hide-aways to bustling night-life. B... More..
Food & Drink > Cuisine & Food (Other) Strange sandwich fillings: 2 of 10
Sandwich fillings have been quite a subject in our family of four boys. Add a few mates along for the ride, er... any food going, and there are quite a variety of tastes. Strange to some but home to my family.My father gave us a laugh one morning. He and his brother had come home from a night of drinking and hit the fridge in... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Life: 48 of 163
Life's a game...Football has always been an important part of our family life. My husband used to play Aussie Rules before we were married; I was a keen fan and so my sons grew up listening to football chat from babyhood. The first three didn't seem so interested in playing, but when I suggested to our youngest, Steven, that ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms Is the slang use of the word "retard" or "retarded" discriminatory?: 12 of 33
I am the mother of four boys - two of them have separate levels of disability which cause cruel and thoughtless individuals to refer to them as "retarded". The older one is not intellectually handicapped but has cerebral palsy, and is also called a "retard" by many who should know better. Yes their disabilities are obvious, b... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Psychology Why your dog hates your boyfriend or girlfriend: 7 of 18
Your dog wants to be part of a pack, not leader of that pack. If the human shows that he or she is not worthy or capable of that role the dog will take over. This can lead to some very undesirable behaviors. I had a good pair of jeans ruined as my dog tried to defend me from a lawn mower. She was convinced that the noisy smel... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Rain: 16 of 39
The thirsty earth is crying as the gaping mouths of its parched surface open wider begging for just one small drop of precious liquid. The dams are dry, their caked surfaces offering no relief from the baking heat. The cattle stand around, listlessly waiting for the truck that will bring the next load of hay. The newly shorn ... More..