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Come and explore Esperance WA with Shelby Brand, lifestyle blogger and passionate book reader and reviewer.
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Books, books and more books...
I've read many books since I was a child. Some I have loved, some I have hated, and some that left me wondering WTactualF? My most favourite books of all are those that elicit some sort of an emotional response from me, whether it be tears or laughter, frustration or elation. It is these books that make me encourage others to read them - I back them so completely, from somewhere deep within!
I was that pre-teen who used to sneak the torch under the bed covers to avoid sleep, to avoid leaving the world that I had escaped into. Books helped me survive my 'awkward' years, so-to-speak, . When one is a true reader and delves into the author's world, one is never really without friends. We become entwined in the story lines and characters' lives, an author's well written book takes us along for the ride, a journey into their world, the 'screen-play' of the words rolling out, it isn't the words that we 'see', rather, this visual representation. A well written story leaves us mourning when a character departs, it leaves a hole in our heart as though it happened to someone in our 'real' world. This grief is real, a little shorter lived, and easier to overcome, but real none the less.
Towards the end of 2021 I decided that I was going to read the classics and as many of them as I could. And what better way to start than with Tolstoy. Since beginning Tolstoy, I have learnt a lot about why I read, how I read and what I seek out of picking up a new book, an unknown.
It's with this genuine love of novels that I wish to share a snapshot of my personal perspectives, a glimpse into my varied bookshelf. I am NOT a professional reviewer, just a passionate reader and writing enthusiast.
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The surrounding areas of our little slice of heaven involve many incredible beaches. Yep, so bloody many of them. From the squeaky sands of Lucky Bay at Cape Le Grande, to the 130 odd steps (I actually lost count there were that many) at Observatory Beach, there is a beach to suit all occasions and all wind conditions. I'm so grateful that we have so many options at our back door step.
Individuals can enjoy a wide variety of activities from the basic splash and paddle in knee deep water, to the surf waves at West Beach and onto the more adventurous daredevils combining wind, water and some crazy acrobatic skills of the hydrofoils and kite surfers out around 4th Beach. If going in the water isn't your thing then there is our fabulous walkway which starts at the far end of Castletown Quays and ends at Twilight Beach. Along the way you will see many views of the ocean, trees and plants galore as well as a meeting a few friendly pooches, all while walking a fully sealed path. Toilets are only available along the walk way at Chaplin Street, Tanker Jetty, Whale Tale, Adventure Land Park, West Beach and then not until Twilight itself. If you are anything like me. Make sure you go at Westies.
Children now have an incredible option of the enclosed swimming area, equipped with lanes and all, at the Whale Tail. Not to mention our numerous parks available around the town.
There are many fishing spots dotted around the area, with one of the easier ones to access being our incredible jetty. We are so lucky to have a new one. If you don't like wind, I don't suggest walking out it if you think it's too windy standing at the start, trust me, it only gets windier. I've learnt that sometimes you just have to suck it up and brave the wind otherwise you might miss an amazing moment.
For those with 4wd like me, there is a whole other world out there for you guys to explore. However, it won't be through me, my anxiety goes through the roof at the mere thought of putting the wheels on sand. Love being a passenger though so need to find some drivers.
Keep any eye out for my posts as I dig further into our attractions.
LIFE
STYLE
I have a dream, and that is to share my writing with the world. It is my attempt to unleash what has been buried inside for many years because I never had the courage to back myself, until now. To get to this point, I have had to evolve and endure my fair amount of hard times, but it is from the coming out on the other side of these times, that I have been able to delve deeper into my psyche and find who I am meant to be. I am finally listening to my body and doing what I feel is right, not what everybody else tells me is right.
I certainly don't have it all figured out. But what I do have is my journey that I can share, and perhaps, somewhere along the way, you might find a thing or two that resonates with you. I find that the more I weed out my garden of accumulated clutter, both mental and physical, the truer to myself I can be, I am finally accepting myself for who I am and pushing myself to be the very best version of me that I can be.
Currently the creation of a daily yoga/pilates practice, a transition to a vegan/plant based diet and a bid to embrace minimalism has me currently captivated and on a mission to keep trudging this path of growth and explore the many possibilities that lay before me..
RANDOM THOUGHTS
TATTOO TALES
My Tattoo journey began between 2004 and 2007, now I can't be more specific than that due to the fact that they were my Uni years. Naturally these were passed by in a blur of alcohol, classes, work, coffee and limited sleep. But if I had to take an educated guess, I would have to say 2006... but I could be wrong.
My first tattoo became a mark on my body which I wore with pride. It was my first time I was proud of my body. After years of yo-yo-ing weight and self-criticism of my every physical fault, I happily lifted my shirt to show anyone who wanted to see. It was also at this time that I started noticing everyone else's tattoos and would ask random strangers what the story was behind theirs. Some people never had a story though and that disappointed me a little.
I have a story that goes with each and every one of my tattoos, naturally some more interesting than others, but stories none the less. If you care to read them, check out the individual blogs. I'd love to hear your stories too.
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