Memoria

I only ever saw Dad go to church for weddings and funerals, and I asked him once, “but why do you believe in all that?” The Sacrament by Aprill Allen My father died of a brain tumour at 69 years old in the January of 2016. He was admitted to hospice on a Thursday and died the Friday of the following week. Nobody really talks about the process of dying and what those who will go on living can expect to see. This is one moment from those 8 days. Aprill is a freelance management consultant and content writer, a volunteer board member, a parent and a creative writing major at the University of Melbourne. You can find Aprill on her website, Twitter, and Instagram.     Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. Aprill Allen's short story, The Sacrament, is performed by Aprill. The story is edited by Jen Farrow. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,   "Last Lights" and "Sunset on Sandy Isle". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her

I read about Rapunzel syndrome, where sufferers ate the hair they wrenched free. The strands knotted inside them, plump and dark, deep within their belly like a swallowed secret. Rapunzel, Rapunzel by Rijn Collins For many years my fingers would creep into my hair to wrench it out by the root. The sweet relief of this was extraordinary, and addictive. If obsessive-compulsive disorders are difficult to explain, they're even more difficult to stop. My route back to health involved a tattooist's chair, the mythology of Medusa, and the grimmest of fairy tales. Rijn Collins is an award-winning writer with over 100 published short stories. She writes for ABC Radio National, and won the inaugural Sarah Awards for Audio Fiction in New York. You can find Rijn on his website, Twitter, and Instagram.     Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. Rijn Collin's short story, Rapunzel, Rapunzel is written and performed by Rijn. The story is edited by Jen

First came the hair cut – off with the curly locks, never to return, even today. Then taking the scissors to the jeans. Slash, slash, slash. And, of course, boots, Doc Martens. Black, sixteen holes – what else?   The Spirit of Punk by Nicolas Brasch Originally wrote this piece for an open mic event I host for emerging writers called The Spirit of Punk, in which writers are encouraged to read their work without fear of judgement or failure or criticism - in the spirit of punk. Nicolas is a writer and teacher of writing; Chair of Writers Victoria and former host of The Garret podcast on which he interviews leading writers on the craft of writing. You can find Nicolas on his website, Twitter, and Instagram.     Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. Nicolas Brasch's short story, The Spirit of Punk is written and performed by Nicolas. The story is edited by Jen Farrow. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,   "S

Coming of Age by Anna Sublet Teenage years were interesting for me, as the only girl in a neighbourhood full of boys. But when the boys from the other side of the tracks crossed the line, I had a rude awakening to the threats existing beyond the home zone. 'Smile!' Anna Sublet is a curious reader and an undercover scribbler. She is slowly coming out from behind the fences. You can find Anna on her blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram.   Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. Anna Sublet's short story, Coming of Age, is performed by Anna. Story is edited by Nat V. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,   "When in the West" and "Lamplist". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now. Sound effects used in this episode by: Cicadas in Melbourne by dr19, Car Passing By by  audio_stock, Outside Atmos at Night (Crickets and Dogs) by Jeanet_Henning, Fluorescent Lightbulb Hum by ftpalad, Door opening and closin

 In that moment I knew I loved you. The bitter months that led up to that night were nonexistant. Wiped clean. A different kind of love overwhelmed me. To Wait by Zara Marimuthu We have this picture of what love should look like. We see “perfect couples” and want to embody their relationship. But for me, I had to relearn what that image was. It wasn’t prince charming. It was looking at my partner in his rawest form and still choosing to stand by him. Zara Marimuthu lives through words and movements. She hails from Malaysia but is currently a third-year Creative Writing student at RMIT. She hopes to inspire others with her work. You can find Zara on Instagram and Tumblr. Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. Zara Marimuthu's short story, To Wait, is performed by Zara. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,   "Vittoro" and "Sage The Hunter". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now.

He tries to appear calm and explain to the doctor that she is dying. Why am I the one to do this, he wonders? Melting Moments by John Bartlett (part two) Melting Moments' is a reflection on remembering my mother from my childhood and then when she became older and dependent on my care for her like adult to child, all now 'melting moments'. This episode is part two of a two-part story. John Bartlett ‘s non-fiction has been published in The Age, The Canberra Times, The Australian, Good Weekend and he has published two novels and a collection of short stories. You can find John on his website. Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. John Bartlett's short story, Melting Moments, is performed by Roy Mears. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,   "Overhead" and "Sunset at Sandy Isle". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now. Sound effects used in this episode by: alienistcog Superex1110 hja qubodup

The kitchen is a warm comfortable womb on these afternoons. From the shelf the old brown Bakelite radio announces in its strident voice —'Portia faces life — for those who are in love and for all those who can remember.' He wonders if this Portia is like his mother? Melting Moments by John Bartlett (Part One) Melting Moments' is a reflection on remembering my mother from my childhood and then when she became older and dependent on my care for her like adult to child, all now 'melting moments'. John Bartlett ‘s non-fiction has been published in The Age, The Canberra Times, The Australian, Good Weekend and he has published two novels and a collection of short stories. You can find John on his website.   Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced, edited and presented by Nat V. John Bartlett's short story, Melting Moments, is performed by Hayden Burke and Roy Mears. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,  "Solace" and "Overhead". Illustrations by Pet

What is it about lanes? What stories did you conjure up when your curious eye peered through the cracks of rusted corrugated back fences? What feet did you imagine trampled on bluestone surfaces? Lanes by Helena Spyrou Lanes is a remembrance of my teenage hood where I spent a lot of time walking through the lanes of Carlton in the early 1970s. I wrote the first draft of this piece in 1999 in a workshop with Arnold Zable that explored our relationships to cities. I was so pleased when it was later published in Meanjin (Vol 60, Issue 1, 2001). - Helena Spyrou Helena Spyrou is of Cypriot and Greek heritage. She is a writer of non-fiction, literary fiction and poetry. Her work has appeared in literary journals, including Meanjin, Going Down Swinging and Visible Ink. She has performed her work at La Mama, Loop Bar and other venues and has worked as a project artist with communities in Melbourne. She studies Writing and Editing at RMIT and works full-time for the National Tertiary Education Un

In the end, she only remembered that husband and son-in-law. Until the last days she’d score them with her wasp tongue. Wasp Tongues by Chaille Bos This story is in response to the death of my grandmother. It was my way of working through the reality that I never knew the real her and never had a chance to, and yet I found myself in a part of her nonetheless. - Chaille Bos. Chaille Bos has published microfiction, narrative nonfiction and pop culture articles. As well as writing her own crime and speculative fiction novels, she is a ghostwriter and co-writer. You can find her on Twitter, her website and Facebook.   Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced and presented by Nat V. Chaille Bos' short story, Wasp Tongues, is performed by Melbourne-based actor, Petra Glieson. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions,  "In Paler Skies" and "The Answer". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now. Sound effects used in this episode by:Church so

The Rock Dove keeps to himself,head down, pecking aimlesslyat refuse lining the pillars of the bridge.     Rock Dove Under Ditmars by Zackary  Lavoie This poem explores the seemingly ignored issue of abuse towards men in today's world. In this moment, a man (a Rock Dove) is verbally abused by his girlfriend (the Falcon) and leaves him to "die" in an apartment in Queens. This poem attempts to overlay the images of birds fighting and that of a struggling relationship. - Zachary Lavoie. Zackary Lavoie is a graduate of University of Maine at Farmington with a degrees in English and Creative Writing. His book titled "Upheavals" is set to release later this year. You can find him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.        Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced and presented by Nat V. Zachary Lavoie's short poem, Rock Dove under Ditmars, is performed by Melbourne-based actor, Hayden Burke. The poem is sound designed, edited and mixed by Jen Farrow. Music in thi

Each time I entered the room I felt a shift in my body, as if accepting the uncomfortable things I was about to feel. As if knowing, that I was going to grow there.     Acceptance, a short memoir by Tah Jimenez While I was writing this piece I felt a shift in my thinking as I walked into the mindset I used to have about mental health. I fit awkwardly in the skin of my younger self, the self that in this piece learns what it is to accept your emotions - Tah Jimenez. Tah Jimenez is a writer of non-fiction and literary fiction, focusing primary on short story and personal essays. I study at RMIT where I am to craft my writing skills further.  You can find her on Medium    Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced and presented by Nat V. Jo Penney's short story, Memorial, is performed by Melbourne-based actor, Petra Glieson. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions, "Chapel Bottom",  "Quiet Sill" and "Plate Synthesis". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me

 Memorial, a short memoir by Jo Penney My father passed 18 years ago, as I was divorcing and becoming the full-time carer of my two-year-old daughter. I've had panic disorder since I was six and it seemed money talked in our family. I had little to offer. My mother chose to put it all down the slots, two years later Dad got a headstone. - Jo Penney Jo Penney has been published in various zines and anthologies. She has a BA and MA from Deakin University in writing and literature. She is currently working on a memoir. You can find her on Twitter Acknowledgements: Memoria is written,  produced and presented by Nat V. Jo Penney's short story, Memorial, is performed by Melbourne-based actor, Petra Glieson. Music in this episode is by Blue Dot Sessions, "Mogul",  "Deathly Recitation and "Uneasy". Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now. Sound effects used in this episode by:TransitKingBansemerOutdoor_recordings    Support the show.

Memories, for me, range from Polaroid-like snapshots to short video clips in my head. I know, it's weird when you think about it. These scenes, short and long, remain buried in the fatty tissue of my brain until a sound, smell or photo reignites my memory of the event. The images dance around as I try to piece together the what I am actually remembering. Sometimes the image fades, and sometimes it hangs around, leaving behind feelings of longing, regret, and nostalgia. I was in my parent’s garage recently when I came across a small wooden case that my father had made me in primary school. Here it was, intact, on a pile of old junk near my dad’s tools. Seeing it for the first time in decades brought back my first day at primary school. Something had happened to that case, though, but I couldn't figure out why. All I could remember was that somehow it got broken. Bit by bit, over the months, memories started coming back to me. The following story, My Suitcase, is the bits and pieces of memory I

I cried because I knew that was what I was supposed to do, but not because I felt anything.   When someone you know dies, the grief can affect you in a number of ways. For some, the pain and the loss is so overwhelming that you are unable to think or sleep or eat. The emotions carry them like a rollercoaster from shock through to anger, as they ride the highs and lows of grief. For others, the enormity of the situation can be too much, like the following story, Unlucky Thirteen, written by Melbourne writer Elise Hassett, about when she learnt that her mother died.   Unlucky Thirteen by Elise Hassett ‘Unlucky thirteen’ tells of how and when I learned my mother had died. She had been diagnosed with cancer only eight months prior and her health declined rapidly in those final weeks, catching everyone off guard. Barely a teenager, I found myself unable to deal with the enormity of the situation unravelling before me.  Elise Hassett is a Melbourne-based creative who divides her time be

Most of you at some point have had to overcome shyness. It can take many forms, like that awkwardness of meeting new friends, or when making a presentation in front of your class, knowing that all eyes are focused on you, watching you. Sometimes the sheer terror of putting yourself out there in front of a bunch of strangers can cripple you, leaving you with that feeling of humiliation as all your self-doubt gathers in the pit of your stomach, knowing that you must find a way to overcome it In the following story, Knuckles, by Amanda Miha, she explores the moments in her childhood and teen years when she was unable to talk, until she found her voice. Knuckles by Amanda Miha "There were moments in my childhood and teen years where I felt unable to talk; scared, shy, embarrassed... something. But at some point, I found my voice. I allowed my imagination to run wild in telling this story, just as I would as a kid. I am not a boxer." – Amanda Miha Amanda is a Melbourne based screenwriter, playwright, and cop

There are numerous famous stories depicting sibling rivalry. The Biblical story of Cain and Abel, Ann and Mary Boleyn who fought over King Henry 8ths affections and of course the most famous Hollywood rivalry, Joan fontaine and Olivia de Havilland, with Joan famously saying, “She will be jealous if she dies before me”. And that, Joan did.   It has been said that competition for a parent’s affection is steeped in competition for resources.Behaviourists have found that we share strong links between animals when it comes to sibling rivalry. This is evident in the animal kingdom, where the strongest sibling is known to kill their weaker brother or sister to gain resources such as food.    The fallout from a broken sibling relationship can be devastating, and awkward. When ties break, the animosity hangs in the air, each too proud to admit the other was wrong. Or maybe, the relationship is best left severed. I know because it happened to me. In any family, if you begin to scratch t

"Black is a personal short story which attempts to capture my thoughts and feelings about depression. The story is a creative way to express my experience of depression and how it is all consuming and overrides rational thinking." – Jen Farrow. Black was written and produced by Jen Farrow.  The story was performed by Jen Farrow and Amitoze Nandha. Acknowledgements: This episode was written and produced by Nat V. Black was written and produced by Jen Farrow with performances by Jen Farrow and Amitoze Nandha. Music in this episode, "Waves" by Dana Boule. Illustrations by Peta Manning. Her book, See Me Doodle, is out now. Sound effects used in this episode by: Robinhood76  Speedenza  Jhumbucker  Cell31_Sound_Productions   Scotchio Morganveilleux  Sculptor  AlienXXX  KMoon  Gkillhour  Jakobthiesen  Jakobthiesen  Stephan  Support the show.

Once upon a time, my memories were stolen forever... When I scroll through photos on my iPhone, it helps me remember the little moments that pass a day, like a photo of my favourite meal, or a photo of a sign to help me remember an event. Plus all those big moments, like my trip to Malta, my mother's birthday, or, when a friend visited from Paris. The other day I found a silly selfie of my face, taken in the midst of the flu with my nose, bright and red and my eyes watering.  Do you use your smartphone to help you remember? I do. But are our gadgets substituting our memories and our ability to hold onto those precious moments inside the filing cabinet inside our brain? Gadgets are getting smarter; they are the keeper of memories all stored on a nifty device that fits in the palm of your hand. Which is great, until you lose your phone, drop it or someone steals it. But you back up your phone. You do back up your photos, right? Once upon a time, I didn't back up my phone.... Acknowledgements Memoria is wr

Introduction episode to Memoria, a new fortnightly podcast featuring micro stories about the moments that shaped us and how our memories change over time. In this episode, we are calling for 400-word submissions from writers who wish to have their work adapted into an audio play. Check out our website for more details. Hosted by Nat V. Music in this episode, "Felt Lining" by Blue Dot Sessions.  Support the show.