Bundoora resident and published author Parizad Shaikh tells Gerald Lynch about her connection to the area and her new book release.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a teacher in TAFE, and a secondary school casual teacher in kindergarten. I am also an author who has recently written a book named ’Kimaya’ where I have highlighted my failures and how I overcame them. I am a counsellor, a black belt in karate, I travel to different countries for work and lend a hand to help others.
What’s your connection to Whittlesea?
My connection with Whittlesea feels home and thus renting a house, I have been living here for the past three years. It’s peaceful, and everything is readily accessible. I have groceries and complexes within walking distance. I feel safe in spite of living alone. My family keeps visiting me at intervals, and they cannot imagine going to any other suburb. It feels homely and reminds me of my homeland.
What do you like about where you live?
I live in Bundoora and I am in love with this charismatic place. I have my friendly birds who come to visit me every morning, as if they talk to me and connect with me. The neighbourhood is friendly and like a family. We celebrate all the festivals, birthdays together. We take our time out to celebrate functions and occasions.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Everything about this place is exceptional. However, the traffic hours in the mornings and afternoons are too hectic to drive. I completely understand that its the peak hours for offices and schools, we need to have some shortcuts or other routes to have access to.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My favourite local place is Mt Cooper Drive. It’s breath-taking. The sky plays its own show of changing colours from yellow, orange, pink, lavender, purple, during the sunset hours, and the stars shining like a blanket covered with glitter. The huge gigantic full moon, sometimes blue, sometimes red. The sunset at this spot is my go to place every evening after walking in the park.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am multi-talented. I am an entrepreneur. I run my own crystal business, am a healer by profession, counsellor, teacher, tutor, jewellery designer, book author, candle maker, and conduct workshops.
Tell us about your book and your writing journey?
It’s going to be a series. I started writing during lockdown and completed the book in 9 months. Editing was a major task during this journey. Writing healed many of my wounds, and I am a completely different person today. I sculptured myself by learning each day.
