Excuse me there are crumbs of chocolate in my prize

I won first prize in the Grace Marion Wilson Emerging short story competition, for 'Price Check.' 

You can see the trail of crumbs in this blog leading to the big moment. 

Last time I won a prize was at Girl Guide Camp for a cracking rendition of Frank Spencer followed up quickly by a show stopping impression of Uncle Bulgaria chief Womble. The prize was a family bar of cadbury's  milk chocolate. 

I have been pursuing the sweet taste of success ever since.

This is what the judge said of Price Check:
The winner of the prize for short fiction is ‘Price Check’ by Justine Sless, an exploration into early motherhood and the secrets we all keep. It is a story about isolation and an exploration of how we can do something for ourselves. “Put simply,” said Steed, “this is the freshest, most original story among the competition entries. Both about parenting and yet not, it showcases a voice I'd love to hear more from in years to come.”

Straight to the trophy cabinet- which has lots of room in it because there is just the curled up wrapper from that block of dairy milk.

Excuse me there are crumbs in my kvetching

Kvetch with Sless Jair 87.8fm

Fridays 12 -1pm

An hour of conversation, comedy and lots of complaining.
Listen HERE

Kvetch with Sless

I go to a cafe with my friends.

Sit, sit  I say, they know me here.

We sit.

We order.

We eat.

The waiter comes over.

Today Mrs. Sless.

Today.

Is anything alright?

___________________

Excuse me there are crumbs in my peg makeover

The Preston Peg Makeover 
cheaper and more effective than botox

FAQ about the Preston Peg makeover.

Q
Will wooden pegs work, or must they be plastic and in a range of colours ?
Wendy of West Preston
A
Wooden pegs are the Steiner version, leaning themselves for decorative outcomes rather than having long term impact.

I have found that the long plastic version add not only a colourful effect, but also pull the skin down to make a long lasting impression. Sometimes the effect can last for days.

If you are looking for a semi permanent effect then please, be my guest and use the wooden variety. 

Wooden pegs can also be decorated seasonally and or for special events.

For Chanukah, you might like to use glitter to create decorative dreidels on your pegs.

Q 

I feel awkward about pegging on my own. Is there a way of doing a collective pegging session?
Jess of Outer Eastern Preston
A
It is often good to peg in pairs, just to check that the flesh remains intact.
I also offer Pegging Ceremonies for special celebratory occasions and  the more informal Peg Party which can be tailored to include a painting, decorating and or a decoupaging element.
Peg Parties are a fun addition to any kitchen bench crumb wiping session.
Pegging Ceremonies tend to be popular with older women, particularly if they missed out on a menarche party or bat-mitzvah.

Q
Can pegs be used on the neck too?
Joan of Preston Proper 
A
Yes, if you have enough loose flesh on the neck, the results can be quite effective. Some 'Pegters' (as opposed to hipsters) find that leaving the pegs on overnight creates an interesting effect.

Q
Can you hang washing on your face at the same time as Pegging the face?
Ollie of East Preston

A

Light under garments are ok. Levi jeans have been known to stretch the face a bit much, causing the Pegster to kvetch.

Please do try the Preston Peg Make over at home and post any questions as they arise.

Excuse me there are crumbs in my domain name

Last week in PAM lane - the term free mingling was coined. 

This week in PAM lane - Karl encouraged kidnapping.

A first born was named Bon Soy.

A food truck park opened.

Upcyled dreams got turned into recycled astro turf.

Preston 

The heart of Darebin  

 Just oozed a little more.

Who is Karl?

Excuse me there are crumbs in my mingle.

Mingling in the Market amongst craft.
The word mingle is used to counteract the partial and semi nature of the event.
Mingle is intended I think to imply warmth and welcome. 
The  use of the word semi and partial imply that it's not really open and could infact close at any moment. 
The fact that the mingling is offered for free is a subversive attempt at generosity. 

In summing up ;
Mingling never has and probably never will, come at a cost. So the free mingling in PAM lane is without question under question.

Oy Vey ! There are crumbs in my comedy

I had a little idea 18 months ago.

And now it has become 

Melbourne Jewish Comedy Festival

10 -15 October 2015 

44 Performers 10 Events 6 Locations

Tickets on Sale Now
http://mjcf.ferve.com.au/browse15.asp

Excuse me there are crumbs in my social inclusion agenda

My neighbour's dog is called Spike and he’s very scared of thunder.

Every time the thunder roles in from the West, Spike burrows under his fence and arrives at our back door.

My neighbour, Jan, bought Spike a blanket from the internet  - Thunderwear the original anxiety wrap. But the promises rang hollow, the blanket didn’t comfort Spike in his hour of need, or feel like an owners' caress and every time the thunder roles in from the West, Spike burrows under his fence and arrives at our back door.

'Oh Spiky, we say, we love you spiky' and as he sits on our knees his shivers subsiding,we ring our neighbour Jan:

We’ve got Spike – what’s he worth this time?

We are up to the largest box of family favorites now.

And like a box of family favourites, there is a favorite week of the year for everyone.

Youth Week, seniors week, my favorite week of the year is Social Inclusion week.

I love to see what the finest bureaucratic minds in Australia have put together for Social Inclusion week: A foot ball game, A BBQ – never underestimate the power of the sausage and happy hour, for a whole hour in social inclusion week  that you get to be happy.

I read the social inclusion agenda, it’s a top read, but surprisingly there’s no mention of Spike.

This is Spike