Jan Andrews' Noticing is a vibrant celebration of life: insights and sparkling moments of bright day - 'the lapis carpet' of fallen jacaranda flowers, 'the evanescent colour' of Chartres windows, a dancing child. There are also measured reflections on the many rooms of grief, the prospect of death, and the care of an ageing parent: 'the door to my father is closing'.

Jan has a quick eye for the oddness and humour of animal and human behaviour, from office politics and Jasmine at Newspoll to a boobook owl, a burmese cat, and a squadron of squabbling finches.

Sharp snippets of wit abound, and also deep feeling.