Your Page: Readers’ emails and letters.

READING OLD ISSUES OF COUNTRY STYLE GIVES ONE READER A SENSE OF CALM WHILE ANOTHER IS INSPIRED BY OUR ART ISSUE IN MARCH TO START DRAWING AGAIN.

THE SIMPLE THINGS

I’m sitting at home in Brisbane’s north, amidst the eeriness of the coronavirus spread, and planning a new daily routine for myself. It makes me think of the small, simple things that bring joy to my life. I open the pages of any of my dozens of Country Style magazines and I feel a sudden sense of calm. I feel somewhat nurtured, a feeling of what community means, a greater love of our wide, vast land and an insight into the amazing country creators we have. I feel so inspired by the stories of bush heroes, country artists and fabulous food.

I hope we can get through this together by embracing simple things. Helen Davis, Hendra, Queensland

HAPPY RETURN

I have a confession to make. I haven’t read a Country Style magazine in a few years. As it happens, life changed and I became a single mother. My priorities shifted and my time for leisure became sparse. Then, while doing my weekly shop, I was completely struck by your March cover. I thought how I would love to visit the location on the cover, then when flicking through the magazine I realised it was a painting and not a photograph! And then, once I realised it was the Art Issue, I felt compelled to purchase it.

I’ve always been a drawer, but have let it slide. As a florist, the article on

Colleen Southwell spoke to my heart and I was drawn to Jennifer Riddle’s story as I share her love for Tasmania. And I can’t forget to mention Emma Itzstein who has a great sense of style — and her artworks are dreamy.

I have now been inspired to pick up a pencil once more and to make the things I love a priority, including reading Country Style regularly again. Thank you for the inspiration. Rebecca Tulloch, Spring Farm, NSW

WRITE NOW

Sunday morning starts with my alarm clock barking. Rubi, my red stumpy tail cattle dog, knows it’s time for our morning walk. We walk carefully over the worn-out Lower Acacia Creek Bridge, that now has heavenly water streaming below. Once we are across, Rubi bolts ahead full throttle, ploughing through Paterson’s curse, eager to catch a rabbit. The black Angus cattle from Acacia Downs watch me as I walk. Gradually, I can hear Rubi panting closer behind me. I halt in my tracks to take a deep breath; I’m filled with gratitude to be in such a beautiful place.

My eyes squint while watching the sun peek through the gum trees. I scan the now green pasture and suddenly I see an old headstone standing on its own. I started thinking about life. What can I do today that I’ve always wanted to do? Write a story about life and the land. My intention is to write; today is the day to start because you never know when it could be your last. That afternoon the postman delivered my inspiration to continue writing, my favourite magazine: Country Style. Thank you, Victoria Carey and team. Sophie-lee Butler,

Lower Acacia Creek, NSW

Photography @lisacohenphoto Styling @tamaramaynes An artwork titled Lure of the Pastures by @jennifer_riddle_ studio made everyone look twice when our annual Art Issue hit the stands. Is it is a painting or is it real? But Jennifer’s sweet little five-year-old Shetland sheepdog Emmy knows exactly what’s what as she spends lots of time in the studio.

Words @foodandwords Photography @brigidarnottphotography Meet Bertie who is never too far from his owner, renowned ceramicist and sculptor Ros Auld. We visited them at Ros’ property in Borenore, near Orange in NSW’S Central West, for our recent Art Issue. Positioned next to the stove in the studio, the 11-year-old Jack Russell keeps a close eye on the progress of Ros’ latest works. “Bertie’s appeal lies in his big personality,” she says. “He’s a real show off, especially around children.”