I am an average Aussie. Am blessed to have been born here. Now in my 70's and haven't found a place that I would rather be than Australia. We have our faults but its a good place. In the 54th year of marriage to the same bloke. We raised 3 terrific individuals and have 3 equally great grandkids. I have no achievements worth mentioning, worked from the time I was 15 to til I was 63. I was born later in my parent's life. They were age pensioners by the time I was 15. I auditioned and was accepted into a prestigious acting and drama institution to further my schooling, but financially it wasn't mentioned that I would do anything other than leave school when I was 15 and get a job, which I did. As a teenager I always loved committing my feelings to paper. If it didn't rhyme to me it wasn't poetry. I know this isn't the case in the world of literature and poetry but its just the way I see it. Healthwise we have hit a low spot in our lives and although I have enjoyed being a part of this site as it allows expression of thought to be posted without harsh critique from those more talented. I now find it too time consuming to be an active member. I love writing and reading others work, but its impossible to write read and comment as I cant afford the time. I write when I can (usually late at night, instead of sleeping), and I do read many poems of others as I find them delightful. I dont have much time for replying to comments or commenting on all the wonderful poems I read. I do ask a favour : Consider this a THANK YOU if you have commented on my work, its never expected. Please if I have been moved to spend time commenting on your poem, dont feel you have to compliment one of mine in return. I would love to comment on all your wonderful poems, but time just doesn't allow. If my guilt gets much worse I will just cancel all commenting on my poems which seems such an anti social thing to do. Best wishes to all. SV