You just did what...??

pictures by Richard ~ on the walk through Docklands to work

You truly are amazing

I never though that would be the reaction to picking up the guitar and playing for myself would elicit such reactions - and I am not that bad...!!  I will never be a legend, despite having some of the 'best' try to teach me however only people really had the knack - MrSmith & MrHart - bet you were expecting Wesson *chuckles*  Sorry, no - not into violence, abuse or threatening with a deadly weapon - although I do think sometimes there is need and cause to enable the expression of right to allow the thought of using such an implement against those we truly deeply love, except for that split second... *cheeky*

We shall leave that train of thought now...

It was not an assault on the ears *pouts*

Another week is whizzing past at a rate of knots!  The SmallBoy is off for a weekend with his best mate, MyMan is off for a weekend at the Rugby (sadly, all work no play & he'd rather be at home) and I am in the Happy House with DrHappy and all the little Vitaman and VitaWomens!  It's an in-joke ~ but you should be able to guess it is all about good supportive healthy people in my life, detoxing and re-setting the mind, heart & spirit  with healthy, happy changes.  Being clinical, there has been some things that needed change, removal, eradication and fixing - - too much to go into but it's all good.

It's a bit cold here at the moment ~ sure it is lovely and warm inside and I am forever grateful for the heat red-gum expels! ~ but it would be lovely to experience the warmth of an overseas summer while having this type of winter before reveling in the 'cold' that is a northern Queensland winter.  I'll miss some of the fresh fruits and veg of the season (although in time will no doubt make a cool-house for growing ala a hot house in reverse) but I wont miss this cold.  Have several friends and acquaintances heading over oceans during the next few weeks - I could still fit in a suitcase with nominal excess concerns.  Surely someone would love to take along an extra bag...  Actually - best not.  I've got a wee touch of a cold and my head is a bit thumping and my dose is all blogged up.  I feel rather poorly - but dinner is almost ready.  

     What was I doing...?          

Bought some place mats to go on the new tablecloth (thanks Miriam, loving it) but its sort of flaky pastries and then off away for the next few days so the SmallBoy are eating watching television in front of the heater.  Spinach(Boy), ricotta/feta and a home made tomato sauce in flaky pastry.  Gotta be good for a cold!  I like making pies and pastry dinners - usually grab the sheets or the freezer block & roll out, more because it is quicker and let physical - and one thing about clearing the fridge(s) and freezer(s) as there are 3-4 of each *blushes* is finding great ideas & things for pie fillings, or pasta sauces even!  So the plan is a little like - chillax, only the super urgent required commitments (by our standards, not yours and apologies to the Red Energy man at the door, like I said come back in September when things are less chaotic, seriously the cost of my bill or the rebates can wait and please do send the info in the mail like you said you would - ha! ) *breathes*  so it has a deadline...  that we can stick to, and will be.

Flicking through some notebooks and waffling I stumbled upon old musings, thoughts, ditties so I decided to pick a few poignant pieces and pop them here.  I am very much missing have little pieces to put out on FairyLand so I'll probably snip something out to share there too.  If you are a fairyland gardener on Facebook, you will find me in The Healing Hollows with my little fairy Jazlyn Mae.  Pop on by, water one or two and I hope to get to say HI back if you leave me a message. I have met the nicest people on FairyLand - including the lovely lady who pushed me back into writing, then some of her friends and their friends. Such a strength in different friendships with different people.

AN HONEST REFLECTION

I'm your mirror, I am the conscience

That sees right into your soul

So you'll blame me, try to shame me

You won't change your role

Think back the feeling of the reflection

The day you saw they were your mother's eyes

Heard her voice speak from within deep

It really took you by hurt and hated surprise

When you see the way to end this

Is to embrace it as your own

There's a moment if you believe it

You've become yourself, not just grown

You must give everything away the habits old

To know what is yours to retain remain

Should something you held set as rock is lost 

You have only you to blame

Then pick up the little pieces of things 

Of those you wish some remembrance

Move on and when the bitterness is gone

Honesty will be welcomed and transparent

✿¨`*•
. (ړײ) .
ռﻪოﻪรϮε

A healthy dose of Vitawomens...

 Thunder to the left of us ~ Bush fires to the right ~ there we were...

 

Damo ~ stuck in my head ~ especially as I "Take out the Trash" and with empty bottles of Happy Juice & chocolate wrappers, before the bike ride . . . 

Been quite a busy morning - I actually beat the alarm and was dressed, ready for breakfast with the sleepy SmallBoy.  Bit tired now ~ however there are several things that do need to be dealt with over the next 10 days making 'everything' rather frazzled, full on and flat out!

Speaking of catastophising ~~ *grins* ~~ I discovered I catastrophise against things relating to money, or rather the fear of there being none and everything this is going to fall apart because of this - 'tomorrow'...  and therefore I need to make the decision whether the mediciaiton is more important than the petrol for school is more imporant then food which can be put back on more easily than any of the others if I have smaller portions or ...  

What's more ~ this is irrespective of the fact should something happen, now, immediately, I get a call notifying me now that this bank couldn't draw to to pay that thing, I've sufficient to cover anything 'regular' from a number of other sources which will allow me to say 'I can get that in within 24hrs' and be able to do so without issue.   So should there be something come up out of the blue requiring immediate action, the immediate action is to asked for 24hr to THINK - the action required must be to gain the time to allow clear and practical thinking for answering the barrage of questions that just came rushing to the front of your mind at the thought of the fear that could occur if it were you . . . yes??  THINK - Time required 24hrs and return phone call ~ ask them to call you back just to ensure no confusion if you don't.

In many ways this is an example of an ANT (being the automatic negative) being stomped into a POT (the positive/plausible optimistic) thought and help delay that rush of anxiety that we will be left destitute and on the street in cardboard boxes (because any car will be repossessed too... *gasps dramatically, and winks*

Moving on to more and sundries ~ in order to move forward progressively, some things need a little delaying especially if there is nothing to be gained/lost in waiting a week, a fortnight, a month.  So the Treasure Chest is still to stock additional items other than the qualities listed.  Aiming for September stocked items picture loading!

Speaking of gaining - I have gained 2kg and now weigh *and hold* 46.7kg on me.  I am terrible at the moment with regard to wind ~ ahh pooo ~ put me on a wheelie chair and I could fly across the room!  I mean, really ~~ is it the added bran and fibre in my diet through breakfast, lunch and other fruit and grain snacks?  It's not like I am downing a tin or 3 of beans each day!  Heck, and hardly!!  Over the weekend at Happy House I was little more on the 'bound' side - felt like everyone heard each pellet as it bulleted into the bowl!  If not ~ well, they might now! *embarrassed grin*  So, um, got that under control but the blow back is just unbelievable! Darn tooting funny as well - - up for the longest, loudest AND most tuneful currently!!

Also on the losing ~ well the only loss will be measured by a drop in income as of September.  Close to half but we've been practicing with 'lets pretend we have $750 to spend each week, including paying the mortgage' over the past few months ~ not terribly successfully but definitely with greater awareness on expenses which can be minimised, removed, packaged up better because its looking closer to $650 per week for the next little while...  Taking a 'pay cut' and having MyMan about for more home time, especially during this climate is forward and progressive thinking from all aspects - it will also mean we can get back to eating from the garden, our own produce, the possibilities are endless and the warmth is getting closer - I can almost feel it in my achey, breaky bones!! *chuckles* Less is more sometimes. We are set from the pantry for a few months - so no stress there!!!

Some may say, oh its just putting things off until when-never ~blah, blah, whatever, not you, blah, blah~ but it is not because it is clearly and specifically providing a time line.  I don't need to be accountable to anyone for every minute of my time, and nor should anyone expect that of another ever - we know what is required of time and costs for the next few days, few weeks, months - the budget lives and is flexible to suit us and our commitments, no one elses.  Even those who request and fail to repay in whatever measure, we've covered that due in October even - we've learned to never commit to anything if we only relied on the word or promise of others for return.  Things happen that can never be expected, wanted or not.  The scouts sure picked a good motto...

We Are Here

Two wrongs don't make a right

Still there's a guiding light

Whenever things seem like shite

I'm there for you

If you find you're falling down

Things rushing for the ground

It helps to make a sound

I'm there for you

I can see your pain, your smile, your glory

Every little piece forms part of the story

So when we're wrenched apart, so sorely

Know I am here, dear...

Little faults never seemed to matter

Even fall-outs, where lives will shatter

We always made the time to chatter

The door's unlocked for you

Open hearts and souls aren't made to measure

Every moment there is to treasure

All the goodness held close forever

We share as two

We can see such pain, true smiles, much glory

Every little piece forms part of the story

So as we share our love, our life, and surely

Know we are here, dear...

ི♥ྀ ℳﻪցﻨ८  کթгﻨռĸlεร ི♥ྀ

✿

ℒΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ
ռﻪოﻪรϮε  

Wiell .. Helloooo...

Lake Fyan 2010 ~ taken by Richard

So many things to talk about ~ so little time to write!

Big few days in the Happy Camp House, really under 48 hours this time around  - but probably containing some of the biggest 'lightbulb' moments since the decision to make and implement change since Feb/March.

It was part of a discussion of current campaigns with Steve from Satcchi about re-branding - with and without repackaging - using a pre-existing product and highlighting its strengths.  The business methodology into personal application resonates for me - not the fluff & guff.  Where is the profit and how do I get it is a brutal bare bones description, because there has to be definition of the benefits, love-ability, appropriate messages sent needs some refinement or tweaking...  Oh I am a good little 'product' - Man, I am so hot I am on fire!! *if I may say so myself chuckles*

For those not across Happy Camp ~ I've been hanging out with Dr Happy at the Happy House (as opposed to the Happiness Institute) as I have been having some real problems with my relationship with food and in someways surviving on air and waters - which is not the best type of fuel to run a human body.  Man ~ anyone would think I was on drugs - and I ain't referring to those prescribed by my doctor either!! *winks 2 times*  And it is worse to have acronyms like ANT stomping to get to the POT ~ only its really about positive psychology type guff done a heck of a lot better than I describe here, let me tell you!!

One HUGE lesson learned this weekend was to discover and truly see I have so many people in my life and for some reason a portion of the angst I place on myself is toward a minority who I wish, want, have and should have in my life unconditionally however in trying to obtain this 'market share' I've not been of use or service to those who did.  *deep breathe in ~ and oouuttt* So I have made the big decision :

With one 'section' of the market not 'for' the current product yet 85 % of the market is - to focus on the 85 % ~ should the non-focused area change in part to consider, bonus.  If not, this is not part of the current target market focus.  It is not necessary to focus or target 100% or concentrate the 'sell' to the disinterested - however remaining considerate and with no intention to offend or alienate while not the focal consideration...

why focus on the continual, unsuccessful try-to-chase the 10% market share who wish for me to reduce my value, standards, beliefs in order to get me the way they want me for their own benefit ~ when it is time to give to the 90% who do have, want and/or desire some of that which I am, the way that I am, reasonably & realistically ~ so I close the door over, without locking it to those who may choose to enquire from outside... 

Let's be honest, perhaps blunt even - not everyone met in our lifetime will like us, let alone be a friend but do you want everyone you meet in your lifetime to be your friend?  Those who truly like us know we are not their possessions, that we are capable of lack of thought, loss of judgment, that we are not perfect, make mistakes and are not to be exploited in friendship, love and respect because that is what we do for our good, true friends, loves and relationships.  So truly focus on those who do like us, develop and grow with those who you like and admire for being themselves, not because you feel obliged to like them. 
"Just because you conceived me doesn't mean I owe you, still you need to know am truly grateful and thankful ... "

I am going to print this out ~ define, refine and remind myself this is the true way to selfless happiness.  At least, even if only recognisable and understood by me at the moment, I get it.

Life is good

I am so grateful to have a wonderful partner - even with the stupid manic hours there is a smile, the hope of quality family time and some warm sunshine on our faces. 

We are about two months short of two years since the fusing of two verbetrae, inserting 2x2 sets of bolts and a couple of plates into my spine ~ despite being flippant about the actual real gravity of this invasive op, I have realised its not a broken arm or twisted ankle - and it has been a seriously invasive operation which had some consequences I refused to acknowledge as possibly outcomes.  Yes, we've had foot flop, nerves spasms & paralysis, muscle wastage, weight loss, mood swings, memory perspectiveness crap out - and some doosey moments attributed to meds, more so with a few muck ups!

As it is part of my reformation to have increased energy and flourishing positivity, the time is nigh to shut up shop for the night and get to sleep.  Hoping to have a wee read of a book called 30 things to know before you die or something like that.  Will let you know what I think, if appropriate.  *grins* 

Have family things to do, to attend ~ hoping to give my sister a call (oooo - which one!?!?!) and I must get into the GlowCave to pass on some thanks and news.  But the big lesson to implement ?homework? is to develop a system, set it and follow it that will enable a good sleep routine, menu planning and food-land development.

ColourMeMandy (jingle - take1)

I'm with Rich

I'm his lover

I'm your daughter

I'm your mother
 I'm your friend
Like no other
A complicated
Mother Fucker
Be assured
You will discover
You can never
Find another
☮ ❤ ☺

ི♥ྀ ĜɚяĐeη کթгﻨռĸlεร ི♥ྀ

✿¨`*•
. (ړײ) .
ռﻪოﻪรϮε

On a technical note...

Let's call this a word of warning - a heads up and be readying for evasive manoeuvres - if your dear, darling, disputably better, nay, other half says 'oh, I know what that is and why it is happening, sort of.  Can fix that.  Its just a quick *insert plausibly technical descriptive* will only take a few moments' - do not fall for it, unless they are suitably qualified with the relevant certificates (and that's not certification or certified *grins* ) because its liable to take and cost a heck of a lot longer...  Be firm, but fair - and get them to back slowly away from the problem...

*sighs*  I've had a weeny little glitch on the laptop for months - due to my own silly error of unplugging some hardware without unmounting it first...  Oi - head out of the gutter, its a technical term!  Sheesh!!  Just spent last night off line (sorry - no meanderings update) and all morning resetting mail etc on DS10's pc. Crikey his room is cold!  And this 'puter is not the newest, bestest, fastest type of machine - anything but actually.  Plus I've got no pics *sob* no phone access *sniffs* and no comfy chair to sit on *cries loudly*

Much better this evening with most 'important' stuff back.  Oh I have missed my Glowies, my FairyFriends and all the antics on FaceBook. But at least I am able to get back on line.  Just in time to say Happy Birthday to my cousin Kristin and SIL Belinda!  I think Kristin gets the better deal as it is warmer at her end of the world!!

While catching up on the Simple Savings forum ~ funny discussion about the dreaded sock-basket, missing pairs and more ~ stumbled upon a brilliant advert for driver safety - the value of wearing a seat belt.  It is not scary, not bloody or horrific but sends out the clearest message I have seen for a long time.  I think there is audio but not being able to hear on this old clunker, I cant know for sure if the audio is as impacting as the visual.  It might be the 'real' sounds of the horror of car crashes, just not sure.   Belt Up ~ we should all know that by now, its the law and it is sensible in this day and age.  Embrace This has given a clear message.

I'll come back to edit some more, maybe have a new pic or two from MyMan, maybe a poem ~~ or maybe time will get away from me and I won't catch up until Monday.  Just in case, that is the case - still haven't selected items for the suitcase, let alone packed it *big cheesy* ...  The SmallBoy reckoned you'd like his choice of picture from his computer.  Mind you - if it doesn't load - maybe it won't be here yet either :D

ռﻪოﻪรʈε 

₩εεĸℯռδ  ოﻪցﻨ८

See there were these two bums . . .

I'll be heading back to the Happy House this weekend - and while there has been some homework assigned I have, of course, done it a little differently. *cheeky*  See, as homework it is ordered, boring and therefore I can't get into it.  I can, however, get into the joys of this blog so I combined the two.  That's what the pleasant experience, daily news and points of gratitude are all about.  It's kind of good to have them to look back on.

The countdown to Kirra Kirra / Coffs Harbour has begun.  The Kirra accommodation is booked and we are considering staying at the TreeTop resort in Coffs if we don't stay with friends.  For three days, mid week its a bargain.  This is part of the Wyndham Holiday Owners accommodation which have membership and would be happy to refer anyone on to *hint hint* and we have this for life!  Come on GlowCave convention - - getting airfares Friday as there might be bargains for the end of month travellers.


It's been as icy as these last few morning - and today the crew were in at 645 to capture the morning as it happened.  Oh boy - it happened.  *roars of laughter*  My alarm went off at 730 - hit it.  MyMan rang in at 735 - answered, hung up. The alarm went off again at 739 - hit it again.  Moaned, groaned and grumbled so the 'other' alarm went off to keep the momentum going.  Hit it. MyMan called again, answered and sat up.  Lay back down again.  It was cold and I am really not a morning kinda-gal.  Still up and moving by 750.

To quote Dolly, I tumbled out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen, put on the kettle and added wood to the fire, started cutting up fruit and got the yoghurt out.  Small boy was impressed, more so when his eyes opened. *grins*  We sat, chatted, he got dressed, I made lunch and we left the house (another time for the camera please) and left the house, and made it to school on time.  Huzzah!!

Oh listen to the rain as it falls down

The sound of tears from above

Watering the ground

Not a little shower, a dumping of a storm

Grey clouds racing by

Watering the lawn

The frogs play on happily as the darkness falls

Throaty chatter calling out

Occasionally a pause

The noise of day time happenings come slowly to an end

When the light returns to us

It's time to start again

Live, love, life

Today's visit out to Buninyong was so good to do - getting out and about is exciting.  I am so grateful to have friends who not only care, but are willing to give a little of themselves and not demand things go their way; no unsaid rules to inadvertently breach; that pleasant encouragement makes me stronger as a person and as a friend.  It is so good to be able to give back to those who have been by my side with no expectation of returned thanks *smiles*  Of course, now I can offer selflessly in return - that's friendship!

Friendships are so precious aren't they?  There is no possessions in a true friendship, only offers of support and care.  No bitterness, only patience.  The rewards returned are able to be open and honest.  While not always as hoped, I am honoured by those who understand the difference.  Today I got to say thank you for that support and care and it was wonderful!  My world is richer for true friends.

I am so grateful and appreciative of the strengths and empowerment I am achieving through Renegade and the Happy House.  I had wanted to share this experience with a special person, but I am glad that was not possible now - I would not be where I am and who I am if I'd continued along that route and maybe, just maybe, the special connection will be reignited in time.


Tomorrow is a day of catch up ~ catch up on invoices *sighs*; catch up on housework *groans*; catch up on picking up the little TV and new (old) toaster *TY Freecycle* and catch up with my husband *big cheesy grin*  - almost tempted to say we'll have pies and ketchup  *cringe* - I mean sauce - for lunch.  Ok - bad joke!!

Dang it - plans change while I type.  Poor hubby is still in the big smoke and not going make it home tonight.  *pouts*  Getting a show organised takes time but these 4-day weeks sometimes seem to have 6 days of work in the them! 

Love to all - the shop is getting ready and hopefully the de-cluttering of the house will be super successful - although I'll be happy with simply successful.

Gotta love Mondays...

Don't know why - but you do!  It's the start of a new week ~ you can make it what you want.  I want chocolate!

Hope you have had a great weekend ~ I know ours was interesting and full of realistic goal setting and more.  Sunday is pocket money day in our house.  MyMan gets his $50 fast money, SmallBoy gets $10, MudGuts gets $100 (he has to buy his food, fares, fun from this) and I get $40.  We had to explain the purpose of pocket money to the SmallBoy - one does not get pocket money simply for being here...  Shame that really! *grins*

Trying to work out a 'per head' meal amount that is budgetable and we seem to be averaging $3per day per person for food over the three meals and that is keeping the grocery shop arouond $100 per week.  I have actually put on another kilogram - so feeling really good about that.  It is still there on Friday I will be over the 45kg mark for the first time in about a year!  Woo Hoo


I had planned to visit a girl-friend today, however it was great to hear she was able to see her doctor today and not wait for weeks for an appointment.  Something in the timing and it was really rather important - so it was just as good to chat on the phone for an hour or so.  Tomorrow I am going to see another friend and, all going well, we might even get to go to the new cafe in Buninyong for a cuppa, cake & chat.  That is the pleasurable event for Tuesday.  Might even score an hour or two at the op shop *chuckles* gee I love the op shop.

And then MyMan will be home - beef stroganoff for dinner is the plan and I've already got cut mushies ready to go!  Had a little bit of a shop today - actually fancy some of the vintage cheese right now. *ponders*  Is 11pm too late for a little snack - - nah!  Might indulge!!

Some days it is easy to know what you are pleased or grateful to have - other days its like nothing is worth thanking anyone for waking you up.  Today is not one of those day *grins*  Today has been unbelieveable!  Ultimately its not the big things either - letting go of the poisoned past has occurred and all of a sudden real friends are piling on in...

So today I must say I am terribly grateful for the support and care provided by those renegade rascals.  Such a lovely bunch of flowers to sit upon a gorgeous tablecloth -

Then to the small boy (with a little help) for clearing the dining table so we could sit, eat dinner, talk and laugh.  I am so grateful for having a little chap with such a wicked sense of humour! *winks* 

As always - gotta be grateful for red gum!  Right at this moment (11.14pm) it is -1.6C outside and a lovely 21C inside away from the fireplace.  In front of the fire, its a scorcher!!  *whew*  So grateful I am inside!! *cheeky*


Its been a long day, a fun day - and I could write for hours... but I won't.  I've done myself a wee injury and am very stiff and sore at the moment, so it is time to toddle off to bed.  SmallBoy is snoring, I can hear him from here - I do hope that is not his cold returning. I've just managed to avoid the sore throat loitering long.

Ahhh - rambles - I do love them so.  But this one is from tiredness and is neither witty or thought-provoking so I shall take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Monday (morning or night) and catch you when I have the brain in the right gear and not trying to get under the pillow while my body remains in the lounge room.  Maybe that's part of the reason I have a headache!

Night all - no pics or prose tonight.  I'll make it up to you tomorrow.

☸

βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ їռ ოﻪցﻨ८  

☮ ❤ ☺

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ 

 

A Treasure Chest ~

It's been a something of a saga trying to organise a garage sale ~ almost five years in the making, this time.   Each move, its been on the agenda to clear out, throw out and have a sale.  Pfft ~ we make great plans...

Part of the SMARTER CHANGES approach is to have achievable tasks, learn something in the process and, most of all, have some fun in its undertaking.  Now - over the past few years being away from the office/business environment I have lived in for the past 25+ years - my current skills and internet knowledge has slipped a little.  To rectify this, I've joined the world of Internet Stores and Sales and created my own little Treasure Chest.  Its main purpose is to reduce the clutter, re-home the stuff and reuse the funds for the realigning of the finances.

Goodness me I hope it works!

Yes, the first 'item' is a token of Your Support.  It's very kitch, very blatently saying if you've a spare few cents laying about and enjoy the waffle, happy to put it to good use with many smiles and lots of gratitude and thanks. :D

Hoping to have few items up by the end of this week - just trying to get the pictures, prices and descriptions together.  Plus all the butt covering clauses which I guess I will need to do to ensure because there is always 'one bad egg' out there somewhere...

Thoughts, Events, Gratitude

Today's Pleasant Event or Experience was set and achieved - The Treasure Chest has been built and opened.  And it was fun!!

Tomorrow's Pleasant Event or Experience will be popping out for morning tea with a friend, at her place!!

Today I am so grateful to have my husband - what a great man I have, how well we can sort through problems, together...

And from there I need to express my gratitude to the Small Boy - wise beyond his years and willing to share what he has

Lastly, I am so terribly grateful for dry red gum - for its ability to burn hot, strong and for many many hours! 

It's been a little bit of a roller coaster today ~ MyMan has really only been here for 12hours this weekend, barely at all this past week, and not at all the last week.  He is so tired - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  He loves his job, his work-mates and the new challenges - the travel, hours and remuneration just don't balance it all out to make the work to live right.  It's not even living to work sometimes.  

We had some big words (and some little rude words) turning what could have been a major argument or blame chain into a very open, honest discussion over possible ways to reduce the stress and strain.  It was rather amazing and ended up with us sharing with the other just what it is we love, admire and appreciate in each other.

To end - this is for my love

Sometimes the words come out all wrong

Its not like another can explain

Each time I try to get it clear

There's feelings of fault or blame

Yet once that heated pain is felt

We choose our next reaction

To yell, to scream, to walk, to cry

To stop and remember passion

It might not be the best advice

But if it works it was correct

Breathe deep, think slow lover mine

Take time and  just reflect

I'm here for you and you for me

Its not the end for us

A new beginning every day

Proves we'll never fall apart

☸

βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ їռ ოﻪցﻨ८  

☮ ❤ ☺

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

Love you honey - always xx

SMARTER CHANGES...

A funny thing happened last night when I realised so many things had happened in not too great a period of time.  

Things have had to change - good choices, good futures, good gracious!!  So it is definitely time to make smarter changes.  As I was shown the SMART(ER) mnemonic as part of my journey to happiness and fulfilment, I decided to see a way to support the ways I can manage change without over/under-doing things or getting way off track.

• S - specific
  M - measurable
  A - achievable
  R - relevant
  T - tangible
  E - enjoyable
  R - reachable

• C - confidently
  H - honestly
  A - aligned
  N - noticeably
  G - gratefully
  E - engagingly
  S - significant

I think it reads quite well as a positive message from a few simple words.  And I'm not known for two word statements - its usually a bit of a novella!  Honestly!!

Time to implement some of these Smarter Changes ~ and do my 'homework' from the Happy House that I've not been very good at keeping up with.  While not strictly following the instructions, I've changed it to enable to do that which I am loving - this blog - and planning something pleasurable for the following day, noting my thoughts (helpful or not) to see the ANTs to stomp on.  I'll talk about ANTs and POT another day - no, not that for those of you thinking the worst... *cheeky*

I want to be able to record 3 good things that happen every day - even if it is just something others might think are silly - like toast cooked nicely on both sides, butter melted just right.  Perhaps even get a bit of alignment back into the savings, pantry, de-cluttering ~ I won't bore you to tears, just yet ~ trying to keep it a little simple, very achievable and extremely significant.

Blah, blah ~ should have said a cuppa at the top - or a Baileys, which I am thinking might go down a treat right now.  Had a big bottle in the pantry for I dont know how long.  Hubby is on his way, all systems are clean & clear - I am going to treat myself to a glass over ice.  Wonderful...

Indulge me one moment to defer this task ~ I will I will have it up tomorrow!  

Softly slowly, my cheeky monkey...

One happy little vegemite...

I am stoofed!  The Open Mic was overwhelmingly wonderful - as an experience, as an opportunity and as a successful introduction to the world of public words.  The poet who was the guest speaker (Steve Smart) gave me a huge hug - and I think he was the one who cheered as I finished.  He suggested that with the number of pieces I've got, maybe self publishing is not so far-fetched.

Oh I am tired!  It takes a huge amount of energy being terrified, followed by being ecstatic, then euphoric!!  But I am seriously considering going to another Open Mic on Saturday - but I can guarantee I will be at the next Writers' Group at Portico's.  This time I will use my full 5minutes - me and 'my entourage' had to leave to finish some filming.

Filming?? - I hear you ask?  I'll let you know more soon, but it is all about getting healthy, weight gain, mentally happy and moving positively forward!  What's more - it is working :D

Only a little piece today:

What a wonderful world we have

The sky, the trees, the breeze

Sometimes I can't absorb it all

I'm brought slowly to my knees

And just when all seems to be so lost

It's barely a blink of the eye

The world will shift

My heart gets a lift

And that negative moment flies by

For love and hope and friendships

Do fill the silent heart

Patch all the pieces back again

Allowing a brand new start

Go on

Don't stop

He is

You're not

☸

βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ їռ ოﻪցﻨ८  

☮ ❤ ☺

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

Only had the first two lines - the rest, although quite random, just flowed out. I still don't know where it comes from, it just does.

PayPal ~ to use or not to use...

Had an idea to get the cash flow up ~ considering we are waiting on a few people to pay for extra concert tix we now have been left with.  Looking for suggestions on how to link paypal up to this blog.  I'm not sure if I need to use ebay or something like that ~~ I've used Frugal Friends & Buy Swap Sell type pages.  Like I said - any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.

And, before we hit pumpkin o'clock, here is today's offering.  Something for a very special lass over oceans, far far away - and she who has encouraged me to write more, share more, laugh more and for that I cannot thank MsSara enough...

            For someone very special...          

♒ Fairyland Sara ♒ 

Fairies dance on moonbeams
They flitter in the night
Watering the wild flowers
Keeping out of sight
Sometimes the chance comes
And she is spotted giving help
Little Laila & her friends
The gentle sprites and naughty elf
This ode is here to thank them all
No matter what is done
In fairyland the peace is real
And every day is fun!

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ
☮ ❤ ☺

♒ βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ ☄ їռ ☄ ოﻪցﻨ८ ♒

 Copied from FaceBook Fairies

Another Manic Monday...

Another amazing day!  Shed off several anxieties and stressful issues ~ and it feels like I could conquer the world!  Some things in life are just not worth worrying about when its not your problem.  I said to my sister I felt like the pieces of a puzzle were finally falling into place and I have been writing like a woman possessed.  The piece below popped into my head about 10 minutes ago - I had no idea what I was writing tonight and had actually given myself permission to skip tonight's entry and BANG - look what came into my head.  

If you can - try reading this one with a happy, bubbly, boppy kind of swagger.  Stretch out some of the words into almost syllables and it just rocks along.  I really love how it gives an almost cartoon like image in my mind of the spider and then getting out of that web into the arms of the one who loves you, respects you, knows you.  I really was surprised this one just rolled... 

♒ Passion ♒

Turn me up; Turn me down

Send the sparkles flying a-round

The drum beats to your own tune

You create your own doom

Said the spider to the fly

You got nothing in your eye

Cos it has all been sucked out

It's all gone, there's no doubt

Time is fleeting

Lovely greeting

Opened up my door

Pushed down to the floor

Memories of the best of times

Wrapped up in a web of crimes

Passion of the heart

When did all of this start

Looking in the mirrored glass

Our loving life went so fast

Finally we're happy

Singing in the same key

In wonderful abandonment

We rolled along the pavement

Finally together

And we'll be forever

Time is fleeting

Loving greeting

Opened up my eyes

Stunned in surprise

Loving you

Is all I wanted to do

Hugging you

Feeling born a-new

Kissing you

Sees the colours true

Forever

Together

Whatever

Life brings

We sing

Passion

☸

βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ їռ ოﻪցﻨ८  

☮ ❤ ☺

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

The end of school holidays...

 Pic by the SmallBoy of TeddyCat

Today I did a cartwheel...

Actually ~ today I did three cartwheels and filmed the third one.  Felt SO good, so free, so smooth and easy.  And I am chuffed.  It's been three years or so since the last time I did that - but I chose not to do a handstand.  It was a bit of the 'just in case' I over balanced because I don't think I could move into a forward roll if I did.  

Now that might not impress many - but it might even taking into account that I'm not going to see 40 again - even more so know that it took a fractured spine to stop the 'wheel' turning for so long!!  OK - yes, I am a little achy right now and probably should have stopped at two cartwheels, maybe one but what's the fun in just one!  For so many things, one is never enough *grins* - - and three is just a little too much.  

Gee I am proud of myself...

♒ Peaceful ♒ 

So quiet is the deep of night
It's gentle silence freeing
Void of light, ears sharpened
Hear Mother Nature breathing
Then little noises there & here
A mouse, a frog, a rabbit, an owl
Scuffles, sniffs & moving brush
A whoop, a squeal, a howl
The pitter-pat of rain & dew
Of distant calls from faery meetings
It's always peaceful late at night
When everyone is sleeping...

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ
☮ ❤ ☺

♒ βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ ☄ їռ ☄ ოﻪցﻨ८ ♒

School's back tomorrow ~ I think I am looking forward to having time at home alone to do what I need to do (like washing!!) and with 4 new chookies to aclimitise to the Taj - it's probably good timing!  Considering prepping one of the new cocks for roasting before they get to crow and that needs to happen when the SmallBoy is not about - and the husband - he's a little squeemish about it all!!

Night y'all - - chat tomorrow :D

Here's to a peaceful Sunday...

The last day of the school holidays are almost over - - and we have had a great time.  Two movies (the A-Team and Toy Story 3); several boys here for sleep-overs and the SmallBoy had a few nights over at mate's places; playing the park and walking through the markets.  It has been the most active holiday in ages - - not as warm as the QLD holiday but so much less stressful, cheaper and we will be ducking up north for the GlowCave Convention with a detour to Coffs Harbour.  We are so excited and looking forward to that.

♒ Hearts Wide Open ♒

 

There's a soldier looking down the road

Protecting all from the mother load

Sometimes when all seems clear

You don't know there's evil near

Should you every meet your nemisis

Don't be afraid or try to resist

You may be filled with much sorrow

The new day dawns to bring tomorrow

Always keep your heart wide open

Never leave kind words unspoken

You may not get another chance

To take the time to find romance

And when you feel you've lost the lot

Remember those you thought forgot

I guarantee you'll be surprised

Of friends who come out by your side

Take a moment, raise a smile

Despite the pain it's all worthwhile

With every loss there's much to gain

Your true friends will ease your pain

How can I know these things are true

I have a message to pass to you

No matter how you fell apart

Those true to you will heal your heart

Say a prayer for loved one's souls

And give them memories to hold

Remember life's a field of mines

Your protecting angel guide gives signs

☸

βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ їռ ოﻪցﻨ८  ☮ ❤ ☺

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

Two extremes...

I didn't think I would have anything in me to write tonight ~ however I need to thank so many people for care and support and understanding.  I did something I never thought I would do and I am mortified, disgusted even, at myself. Suffice to say ~ I was wrong, out of line and to A & ET - - I am so so sorry. Adults should not behave like that - you've had enough mis-truth, false promises & confusion and I blew it for you.

Let's focus on the good stuff...

Today I took many of the pieces of poetry you can read here to a 'real' writer ~ as a mentoring exercise, allowing someone else to read the works with no insight into me or my feelings, thoughts, personality . . . and apparently the pieces are really really good!  What a thrill!!  He could hear the melodies, saw the images I tried to impart, complimented me on the style and asked how much editing or changes I made to each as I wrote them.  See ~ I don't.  WYSIWYG ~ the words come out with either an image, a tune or a key line and it goes from there.

So he opened a letter from a lady friend in the UK and took a few words and said write me something in 5 mins.  This was the first line : "so it wasn't a romance" and this is what I wrote:

So it wasn't a romance

One I'd choose for me

But it was a most romantic time

Just like I'd hope it'd be

You took me to the garden

Laid a blanket on the grass

We talked & smiled & laughed & drank

This time's not made to last

If only for a moment

My heart belonged to you

And the memories I took away

Always seem so new

WELL ~ apparently it is not so common to write with such rhyme & rhythm without editing or searching for words that 'fit'.  Glad no one told me that because it would have made me doubt my works - 'cause I am good at doubting myself.  *grins*

So next challenge - which I have chosen to accept - is to write a short story.  Have no idea what to write.  It was wonderful to know I'm going in the right direction - and I am really thinking this writing for a career could be an all right way to go...

Night lovely people ~ please know you have made me feel so loved and cared for.  Sara - thank you for getting me started as writing for others.  You will be thanked in the cover of the first published book - in 12pt at least *winks*

Richard read my pieces for the first time tonight - he seriously almost cried.  He said after 16years I still surprise and amaze him.

So if one door gets slammed in your face . . .

Well - I can admit it ~ bit nervously excited!!  Tomorrow I am seeing my writing mentor - this is one of the most amazing opportunities and I was so overwhelmed when I heard I was to have the chance to show my works.  But wait ~ there's more!

Yup ~ I am going to be part of a writing group.  How cool is that!?! One door gets slammed in my face with anger & distain - and a dozen open in its place.  Oh I don't know how it could get any better . . . but it does!!  

In a few weeks, I will be back with my writing mentor to discuss works further.  And in asking a few friends which pieces, I think I will be taking 5 recent works and 2 old pieces from 'the old days'.  I wish I could share this with others, but for once I am going to be totally selfish and not even offer another the chance to share these valuable moments.

♒ Step Forward ♒

So what did you think I was going to do

Turn it around to only please you

I am not that kind of fool

I know when to stay cool

When you decided that things were to change

Didn't you think we could all play the game

We once worked as a team

Now things are not as they seem

See I am moving

I am now grooving

My life is fun and you aint the one

It is like lying

When you're denying

The future from woe - who needs to know...

Watch this flower grow

Holding my boy's hand close to my heart

He kept me together as we fell apart

Its a wonderful thing

To have some one like him

Taking the time to love me again

Thats what you do with the closest of friends

So let go of the toxic

Make most of the logic

So now I am moving

And happiness proving

It's time to go and get on with life's show

I am so loving

He said it above me

All I need to know is he loves me so

Watch our love grow

☸

βε(̆̃̃εїϑℯ їռ ოﻪցﻨ८  ☮ ❤ ☺

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

As old as dirt ~ clear as mud...

I was sent this by email from the lovely Odd Duck ~ I hit the 'old as dirt' level with 12 of the 14 known, remembered and done.  It is amazing the changes of the past 40 years!!  Please share your score - - especially any 100% scores!

OLD AS DIRT

Someone asked the other day, 'What was your favourite 'fast food' when you were growing up?'

'We didn't have fast food when I was growing up,' I informed him.'All the food was slow.' 
'C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?'

'It was a place called 'home,'' I explained.

'Mum cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate, I was allowed to sit there until I did like it.'

By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table.

But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I'd figured his system could have handled it :

Some parents NEV ER owned their own house, wore Levis , set foot on a golf course, travelled out of the country or had a credit card.

My parents never drove me to school. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed, (slow).

We didn't have a television in our house until I was 10.

It was, of course, black and white, and the station went off the air at 10 pm, after playing the national anthem and epilogue; it came back on the air at about 6 p.m. and there was usually a locally produced news and farm show on, featuring local people...

I never had a telephone in my room.The only phone was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line.

Pizzas were not delivered to our home... But milk was.

All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers -- My brother delivered a newspaper, seven days a week.  He had to get up at 6AM every morning.

Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. There were no movie ratings because all movies were responsibly produced for everyone to enjoy viewing, without profanity or violence or most anything offensive.

If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing.

Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it?

MEMORIES from a friend :

My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she died in December) and he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it.. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to make it a salt shaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to 'sprinkle' clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Man, I am old.

How many do you remember?

Head lights dimmer switches on the floor of the car.
Ignition switches on the dashboard.
Trouser leg clips for bicycles without chain guards. 
Soldering irons you heated on a gas burner.
Using hand signals for cars without turn signals. 

Older Than Dirt Quiz :

Count all the ones that you remember, not the ones you were told about.  Ratings at the bottom.

1. Sweet cigarettes
2. Coffee shops with juke boxes 
3. Home milk delivery in glass bottles
4. Party lines on the telephone
5. Newsreels before the movie 
6. TV test patterns that came on at night after the last show and were there until TV shows started again in the morning. (there were only 3 channels - if you were lucky enough)
7. Peashooters 
8. 33 rpm records
9. 45 RPM records 
10. Hi-fi's
11. Metal ice trays with lever 
12. Blue flashbulb
13. Cork popguns 
14. Wash tub wringers 

If you remembered 0-3 = You're still young
If you remembered 3-6 = You are getting older 
If you remembered 7-10  = Don't tell your age,
If you remembered 11-14 =You're older than dirt!

I must be 'older than dirt' but those memories are some of the best parts of my life.

Don't forget to pass this along!! 
Especially to all your really OLD friends....