Andrew F Dutney

Cats in the Kitchen

This is an old song. I’m pretty sure I wrote it in the winter of ‘92, when we’d settled into the house where we still live in South Plympton. It was my version of “Our House” except we were still in deep grief after the death of our son , Frazer, less than a year earlier. So there are lovingly drawn domestic scenes along with the aching question “Is this how you’d always hoped it would be?” At that time the answer was No!

I found the song again recently and re-learned it. I remembered the time and re-felt the feelings. But a lot has happened since then. Especially in the last couple of years. And now I find myself comforted and encouraged by the song. This? Well, not what I’d planned. But it’s alright. Actually it’s pretty good. If I accept the limitations of my situation there’s a lot to be grateful for. This? It’s pretty good. Thank you.

PS I ended up in Emergency with another TIA yesterday. I’m OK. No obvious damage. So this is a proof of life video.

Licking an aerogram? What’s that?!

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Published by Andrew F Dutney

Andrew Dutney is a Christian scholar, writer, and musician, now retired. He was a Professor within the College of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University. He is the former Principal of Uniting College for Leadership and Theology and a Past President of the Assembly of the Uniting Church. His books include, Angels in This Wilderness: Reflections on the Journey of the Uniting Church in Australia (2020), Manifesto for Renewal (2nd Ed. 2016), People, Places and Planes: Presidential Field Notes and Reflections (2015), Backyard Theology (2011), A Genuinely Educated Ministry (2nd Ed. 2011), Introducing the Uniting Church in Australia (2008), Playing God (2001), Where Did the Joy Come From? (2001), Food, Sex & Death (1993) and From Here to Where (1988). Remastered releases of his albums are becoming available on all major streaming services.

5 comments

  1. Thank you Andrew,

    Very powerful.

    <

    div>Praying for your recovery 🙏🏼😘

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    div dir=”ltr”>Rev. Deac

    Reply

  2. Hello Andrew,

    Thanks for your email. Nice song. Hope your health is ok and improving.

    I’ve been learning to play the guitar through Fender Play during the last year – slowly progressing, but I’m jealous of your finger picking!

    I’m in the process of reviewing and setting to music a song written by someone of and for the Prost! group (Prostate cancer related gym classes in WA). Still a way to go.

    All good fun, next to playing organ, piano, taking services etc.

    Kind regards,

    John van den Berg

    Bull Creek WA

    (Kardinya Uniting Church lay preacher/Elder etc.)

    Reply

  3. Gosh Andrew, lovely & sad at the same time. I’m afraid i hadn’t seen you perform since… assembly & an ancient history class in 1975! Ya still got it! Take care. Rob Wilson

    Reply

  5. Hi Andrew,

    Lovely song. You definitelly still have it!

    I found this while searching for some contact details to let you know about our upcoming 50 year school reunion. So I have learnt a little about your very accomplished life at the same time.

    It would be great if you could come along to our re-union. If you are interested, you now have my email address, so drop me a line and I will send you details. Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Look after yourself. Nick Stevens

    Reply

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