The author reflects on moving to Pemberton, Western Australia, highlighting its beauty and the local craftsmanship exemplified by furniture maker Andrew Kristoffersson. They express gratitude for his skill and the meaningful furniture they commissioned, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artisans. … More Settling In: Supporting Local Craftsmanship
Here for a moment — delicate mushrooms, easily missed, quietly beautiful. I was working in the garden, fixing a cut in the reticulation, when I noticed something unexpected at my feet — these tiny, beautiful mushrooms quietly growing in the mulch. I believe they are pleated inkcaps. They have delicate, finely pleated caps, almost translucent, … More A Small, Temporary Gift
The author reflects on their past enjoyment of golf, which was hindered by time constraints and priorities like family and work. Now with more free time, they casually play at home, finding joy in the simplicity of the game without pressure or commitment. … More Five Acres, One Club, No Tee Time
Following the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, Australia has established a Royal Commission to address antisemitism and promote social cohesion. This independent inquiry aims to identify causes, enhance agency responses, and foster national unity against extremism. … More When Words Are Not Enough
The year has begun with a quiet but beautiful milestone. The Myrtle trees lining our driveway in Pemberton have flowered for the first time. Clusters of soft white blooms now greet you as you pass by — a small but satisfying reward for the patience and effort it takes to help things grow. There’s something … More First Flowers: The Driveway Myrtles Begin to Bloom
As the door opens on 2026…my biggest challenge…enjoy these golden years. I pinch myself. This is real. All done. This is no longer a dream, a goal, or a vision. I wake up early in 2026 with a strange feeling. There are no more level-ups. No more becoming your best self. No more hustle harder. … More After the Grind: What Comes Next
As the year comes to a close, Melissa and I have been reflecting on the journey that was 2026. We do so with a sense of gratitude and feeling fortunate. We were not gifted silver spoons but we made a few decent choices a few sacrifices and this year felt like a culmination of many … More Our Best of 2025
We are feeling satisfied watching our garden slowly come into its own. Across the Pemberton property, plants are growing and beginning to reveal their beauty — from fresh garlic harvested straight from the garden, to roses blooming, and we have layers of colour developing beneath the arbour. We also have a lovely project underway: the … More Garden Update: Growth, Patience, and the Last Bed Taking Shape
As the door on 2025 closes, this post reflects a year of disciplined leadership that turned focus, partnership, and a small high-performing team into measurable economic and community impact for the Southern Forests and Western Australia. The Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) plays a quiet but critical role in Western Australia’s regional economy. From Manjimup … More 2025 Leadership: A Focus on Positive Impact and Positive Results
🎄 Merry Christmas from Arthur & Melissa 🎄 To our family and friends near and far…we wish you a very Merry Christmas. We hope your day is filled with laughter, a good present or two, and time spent with those closest to you. As 2025 draws to a close, we’re grateful for what the year … More 🎄 Merry Christmas from Arthur & Melissa 🎄
Being Arthur 