Can you be a realist and a dreamer at the same time? I say yes. It’s the only way I can think of to describe my mindset. Almost anyone who has contact with me will be aware of the fact that I am constantly entertaining a reality that is separate to my own, and at the same time, I am an almost coldly logical thinker. So to preface the following list, please note that I am not delusional, merely aspirational. This has been a public service announcement, thank you for your time. So, for your entertainment here are __ of my dreams, real or otherwise combined with some honest to goodness truths. They’re not even dreams at all really, just things that are true. See, there I go again, switching from dreamer to realist. Anyway, I should just accept it and move on. And so should you. If not, the cold realist part of me will simply team up with the creative type, in order to plot an elaborate, yet creative, revenge against you and neither of us wants that. 1.       I want to be a writer. For real. Yes I am aware of the state of the industry at the moment. Thank you.

2.       Switzerland, to me, represents a kind of all-Christmas-all-the-time utopia of cheerful yet briskly efficient friendly people.

3.       I feel fairly certain that I will win the lottery.

4.       I have a sneaking suspicion that Santa exists.

5.       I hate the weather in Australia. Loathe it. It drains my soul.

6.       Scandinavian design is what I feel will finally enable me to truly reach my full potential.

7.       I have seriously considered opening a Pie Business. Sweet pies, not meat pies.

8.       I have seriously considered opening a Popsicle Business. 9.       If the sky is grey for too long, it makes me anxious.

10.   I am legitimately afraid of sharks, crocodiles, snakes and zombies.

11.   I have not and probably will never watch a horror film. I CANNOT relate to people who get some kind of enjoyment out of that. Don’t understand it.

12.   I think cold weather makes you smarter.

13.   I eat when bored.

14.   I eat when celebrating.

15.   I also eat three times a day, and at other times when generally hungry. 16.   My favourite type of anything is the kind that has a really strong tie to a place.

17.   Therefore of my favourite films of all time is Sex and The City.

18.   One of my favourite books of all time is Cannery Row.

19.   Another one of my favourite books is called Ralph’s Party. It’s not amazing, it’s just good. It’s cosy, but not frumpy, and features just enough food scenes to keep me interested.

20.   I have suppressed a great deal of memories. Which bothers me, because I could really use them for writing fodder.

21.   I find feminism both alluring and confusing.

22.   I am excited about the future.

23. I am excited about the first apricots of the season.

Apricot Tarte Tatin

1/2 sheet of Careme puff pastry

1/4 cup caster sugar

2 tsp butter

4 apricots Defrost the sheet of puff pastry and cut the piece into two even squares. Place the sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat, and begin to melt to make a caramel. Keep cooking, swirling gently to distribute the sugar, until the caramel reaches a deep amber colour. Remove from the heat, and add the butter, stirring, as it will sputter and perhaps smoke. Quickly pour the caramel into two small 12 cm dishes. Cut the apricots into quarters, and arrange in concentric circles on top of the caramel, before topping with the puff pastry and tucking in the sides. Slide into a 200C oven, and bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Let the tarts rest for about 5 minutes before flipping out and eating with vanilla ice cream and joy in your heart.