Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our friends in poetry from myself and the lovely Irene.

A particularly special prayer this year for Trish and David, we look forward to seeing Trish make a return to our group early next year and that she continues to gain strength and fight her way back to good health.

We started the day with apologies from Gloria and Eoin, also I read out an email that was sent from Trish thanking Poetry in Paradise for the support and love shown toward her and David during her recovery.

December the 18th saw 22 people sharing Christmas cards, hugs and expressions of friendship and then enjoying Poetry in Paradise’s Christmas recital afternoon, complete with cakes lollies, tea and coffee.

The Optional monthly theme of ‘Poetry is!!’ was well written on and nearly everyone gave their perspective of what they believe it to be, proving it is as individual as our feelings for world peace or religion. It is always wonderful to hear the different approaches to our optional themes and it gives such a variance on the subject. The optional first line, “Next year I am going to…” was combined by some of the poets with the theme and they all produced quality poetry as a result.

My poem about my neighbour and his mower was well received and I misplaced my two poems on the theme and the optional first line. My tribute to Vincent, the silk worm farmer, was another one of my attempts at humour and I am pretty sure I heard someone laugh, but now I’m afraid Vincent may be suing me!!

Bob’s support continues unwavering and with his great Aussie style he kept us entertained right to the end. His first poem was not about humdrum and was well written, His second poem urged everyone to pick up a pen and give poetry a go, you never know where it will lead and it has definitely changed his life for the better!!! He closed with the delightful tale of a loving old couple that shares everything they have, love food shelter warmth and their single pair of dentures.

Joan wrote how we are a great group of proud poets and how much she achieved personally in 2011. Joan also shared how she has helped the less fortunate during her life and how giving can have its rewards, and closed with reminding us to always do good and you will stand tall and proud. Joan also reminded us that she is from Tenant 'bloody' creek and shared some her tales from the outback.

Judi wrote a lovely poem that was also a really nice tribute to our group and how much we mean to her: her second poem was a strategic plan for a love and fun filled 2012.

Jean recited a nice thank you poem and on the same idea as Judi her second poem detailed how she is also going to have a fun filled energy packed 2012.

Vincent wrote the world's shortest poem and then told us he can’t wait for the day that we talk to the dolphins and let them point out our mistakes, and then filled us in on 100% Kona.

Alex wrote a great full page poem inspired by Banjo on 'the Spider from Gwyder' and the inbred power of genetics, his second poem took us on a melatonin inspired journey. Banjo told us how Granddad can get lost in an “inbox” and then he reminded us of life “In the droving days” and showed how a drover's friend was offered for only one pound, only a pound !!

Banjo then gave my ego a boost by encouraging everyone to give me a round of applause for maintaining our group so well and for eight years. A feat I feel only made possible by the shared genuine love of poetry and the honesty of our friendship, I am not an outwardly religious man but I do know God is very real and that he cares for us all.

Roger upset his wife Dee by coming to our recital when he should be driving down the highway on his way to sailing down the mighty Murray. We all thanked him for the sacrifice and wish him well on his houseboat epic adventure. Condolences go out to the fish, birds and crustaceans he will consume along the way and to the fellow sailors he will encounter on his Odysse. We delight in thought of the tales he will tell and the poems he will recite; we look forward to the completely unexaggerated stories he will bring home in 12 months time.

Roger's tribute to the “Mouth” was hilarious and made us all smile, he also did justice to Dr Seuess with his rendition of how much he loves his job.

Allen told us a tale about when he was a deckhand on a local ferry and the mischievous romantic encounter he enjoyed: he also reminded us of the other drivers out there on the road that are not as good as we are, very funny. He recited a classic Aussie poem that has many disputed authors and titles called “Tumba Bloody Rumba Shootin Bloody Kangaroos” or was it Integrated Adjective written by John O’Grady in 17/06/1959 and not by Will Carter.

Kathy left her book of poems at home and decided to stay and enjoy the afternoon. In the end she recited a poem from Shirley Friend about the wrestle to put on a new swim suit and the realization that swimming naked may be the easiest option.

David supported Marta when she recited some lovely poetry on the value of marriage and the importance of friendship within it, then we all had to agree with her second poem about how David feels that she is just perfect.

Joyce brought along some copies of her wonderful first book of poetry, and Mac, her chief financial controller, got up and filled us in on how the ‘Pub with no beer’ came into existence. Then Joyce recited about how much poetry can mean to everyone and how it can be a great record of a life well spent. Her second poem was a comical wonderful explanation of the Hawaiian good luck sign!! Well written and very funny.

Sandra recited a poem on the theme and she vowed to spend more time on poetry next year and to write as much as she can, she also thanked everyone at Poetry in Paradise for the support and friendship we have shared.

Rita made a visit to the group - her first since June this year. She returned victorious from Norfolk Island with the Australian Scrabble team slaying New Zealand in the World Series, well done. Rita’s poem was a tribute to her conquering colleagues and detailed her joy at beating those Kiwi’s.

Paul K also returned after volunteering in the Lockyer Valley with the reconstruction following the devastating floods in January, good to see him back and to share his inspiring poems on his last nine months of hard work and seeing firsthand the tragedy of the floods.

Paul M came along with his daughters Amelia and Domenica. He recited a poem he wrote for Amelia’s rowing team and it was well received by all and he is such a great talent. He has been busy working and travelling to Cooma, also he won 2nd place at the Ekka in the Bush Poetry Competition, his first entry, and received 2nd place in the Snowy Mountains Bush Poetry Competition, his second effort being rewarded as well.

Paul now has a fantastic book of poetry published and I am sure he will be up there with the best of the best one day soon. He thanked our group for pointing him in the right direction and for inspiring him to believe he has what it takes to be a professional poet. His magnificent efforts were topped only by his lovely daughters reciting a poem about themselves and how Amelia wanted a baby sister, well done to the whole family of Montagues!!!!

Thank you all for a wonderful 2011 and Irene and I look forward to a great 2012, thank you so much to all of our members and particularly to the solid supportive foundation of our group, my friends Bob, Joan, Judi, Jean, Trish, Roger, Eoin, Vincent and Banjo.

Thank you Jeffrey and Irene Jeff and Irene

Paul Montague with Domenica and Amelia