Busy month!
I began establishing Edible Press in January this year. I spread the word with a few friends, and set myself the goal of getting things moving by September 2013. They shared the love.

Around the same time, I applied to the University of Adelaide, to complete my Masters’ Degree in food studies. August/September seemed a long way off back then. Little did I know that I would be accepted, and that both would suddenly get busy right at the same time.
So August has had me chasing my tail a little bit. I have a small handful of regular clients that I love working with, and have been doing fun things with them like menu writing, establishing their food related written materials and advertising through to writing their newsletters and website content. It’s great getting involved in backstage and kitchen work as well as meeting new people and learning as I go along.
Getting my head around writing from a scholarly perspective again has been a challenge. I have discovered – well, rather, I have remembered – that I am far better at creative writing over the drier, academic requirement, and find referencing research and following thesis style protocol a pain in the bum.
I’d forgotten that part. It’s been a few years since I studied Post-Grad!
(By the way – if anyone wants a part-time job as my personal research librarian, contact me. I pay well, and offer food ;) )
So, between starting Uni in Semester 2 and getting my head around studying again, I managed to fit in a few new EP clients, a few new connections, a few wonderful visits to some great places and of course, a few lovely meals with like-minded colleagues and cohorts.
As Rhubarb Whine, I’ve shared wonderful meals with friends.
Like the wonderful dinner at Tartufo, Brisbane.

And the stunning breakfast at Gerard’s Bistro, in James St Brisbane

And a little bit of a surprise birthday celebration, beautifully catered by Dalton Hospitality.

And visiting the EKKA (The Royal QLD Show) to be part of the Gourmet Trail tour, which visited many of the medal winning producers from the Royal Food and Wine Show.

As Edible Press, I got to play in other arenas. Yes, this is work.
Like the wonderful visit with Maleny Dairies, in the beautiful Sunshine coast hinterland – the largest independent working dairy in QLD.

And the day at Maleny Cheese, learning about their cheese production.

And some fabulous, fabulous food and tastings.
I really, really miss teaching. I really miss the imparting of knowledge, the relationships with the children and the strong bond I had each year with ‘my kids’. I do not miss the stress, the politics, the intense pressure I was under and the endless, endless, endless administration and paperwork that had nothing to do with the classroom or the children.
I know I am doing the right thing, for me, for now, for long-term. But in the future – who knows? Educating our future generations in the importance of fresh produce, sustainability and nutritional practice is close to my heart. Right now I am content to follow the road to where it may take me.
Photos and updates always at my FB page: http://www.facebook.com/EdiblePress
Congrats on getting into the Masters here in Adelaide. Does that mean we can expect a visit at some stage?
I certainly hope so, Amanda. I want to get ‘hands on’ in some of the wine studies ;)
Well done you! You know how proud I am of you!
Awww thanks x
great post :)
A bright and interesting future lies ahead for you now, Shirley… enjoy it… sounds wonderful! xoxx
Wow Shirls!! I was expecting a funny story and instead got one that made me feel proud to call you a friend. I knew you back when. before you took the world by the tail. Congratulations on getting into the masters program – I couldn’t be happier for you. You’ll be full-on once that starts. :)
Didn’t you love the goats and cows at Maleny Dairies? They are SO well cared for – and loved.
Such exciting times, I am very happy for you!
Argh – trying hard to comment, but failing it doth seem. Congratulations on reaping the benefits in following your dream.
There must of been something in the air in August. Congratulations on the degree and getting in to the masters – you deserve it. Yay for Edible Press, its fantastic and I have been telling plenty of people about your talent. I can’t wait to see where it leads you. Thanks for being an inspiration :-)