My first farm Writers in Residence event.

I am hosting my first ‘Writers in Residence’ in the guest house on our farm this week. The five nights are designed to allow time for writers to work on their creative projects. We have all brought along great food and writing exercises to share and I have planned bush walks and farm tours. We will also be having plenty of wonderful conversation along the way. 

 

As our guests arrive I start apologising about the overgrown garden and the flies, mosquitoes, forecast power outage and occasional snake that could be looming in the long grass. One friend has to give me a little talking to and says, ‘Stop making excuses. It is a privilege to visit a working farm.’ 

 

I realised I had introduced the group to this landscape in a very unfair way. Sharing all of my hidden concerns about hosting an event like this, in this unpredictable place. My friend helped me realise, the aim is not to point out imperfections but to share my life here. What I love, what I find challenging and what sparks my own creative life.

 

I can see on the writers faces, as they notice the many birds, flowering bottlebrush, golden paddocks and wide-open sky, that they are going to be open to experiencing the landscape with gratitude, curiosity and great interest.  In the quiet hours when they begin writing, I reflect on just what this place means to me now and how it has become like a presence so close it is like a friend or confidant. The connection I have developed over the 30 plus years living here, is real. This deserves a much better introduction. 

 

This all has me thinking; what is imperfection anyway? The rare Superb Parrot thinks our old wooded areas are ideal for nesting. The insects and tiny butterflys thrive, adore hovering over the damp soil following recent rain. This ecosystem is a stunning example of harmony in action. Nature is in its slightly wild state. A wonderful place to be playful with words, photography or painting. It certainly was an incredible place to raise a family and on many levels, it is made me a better person. As so many rural people are, flexible, adaptable and resourceful. 

 

The landscape feels a part of me now. For some reason, this is easier to see, through the eyes of my guests who put up with my constant conversation interruptions, ‘Oh, look at the light on the Weddin Mountains, you can see the valley in shadow,” I say. Then I interrupt again, “Look! There is a butcher bird, let’s pause for a second and listen to its call.” We walk slowly through the 500 lambs on sunrise as they graze, later stand in awe of the grand full moon rising over the Eastern horizon and other days meditating by the dam, in the exact place I began to be a nature writer.

 

I will be more careful to introduce this farm in a kinder way from now on because visitors seem to want the real, true, untamed version of our farm life. They tell me this Country 'Writers in Residence' week on farm is a rare experience. As we come to our final day, I feel something I haven't felt to this degree before. As each writer speaks of her daily accomplishments, I think to myself, "This creativity happened here. What a joy." 

 

The seasons ride on your skin here. Aromas wrap around your body as the details stimulate every sense. Most importantly for me personally, this is home for my family to return to. I hope to never lose my sense of wonder and openness here. I always want to be aware of the intelligence I see in every living creature and the way it protects us. I also must be fully respectful of the ancient indigenous stories. I am open and ready for greater learning in the years ahead. (More about an incredible workshop I attended with Weddin Landcare soon) 

At the end of the day, it is also a privilege for me to be here. I must introduce this place with care because this land, all that thrives here and all that has been here, is deserving of the highest honour. 

 

If you are keen to learn more about my Writers in Residence Days please email narellehunteronline@gmail.com Only day spaces are available during harvest this year but I have a waiting list for overnight stays in 2027. More info to come.