Category Archives: FRIENDSHIP

Moody Monday

07 Monday Sep 2015

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Book shaped word cloudWhat is your mood this Monday? Me? I’m quietly optimistic. This afternoon I spoke to my friend in hospital. She said she is feeling better and I was glad to hear that she sounds more like herself too. This weekend I’ve got her okay to visit. Roll on the weekend. I’m feeling very protective of my friends at the moment. I don’t want to lose any more and she gave me a real scare. They kept her in Intensive Care for so long.

My submissions of Torn are coming together nicely. I so love these characters and I love all the twists and turns that happen on the way through the book. I entered it in a writing competition some time ago and got some great feedback. One of the judges said that it was a cracker of a story but that my writing didn’t live up to the story. So, I was determined that I wouldn’t bring the story down to my writing but I would lift my writing to the story. It’s taken some time but I’m quietly optimistic.

There are some other changes happening in my life which I’m not at liberty to talk about. Then I’m hoping that I will soon be taking in a little more editing work. Not enough to interfere with my writing but enough to keep my hand in.

So, nothing earthshattering but that’s the way I like it for the moment. Chipping away at things and getting there little bit at a time.

Mary’s short story: Whale Watching…

28 Friday Aug 2015

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whale familyMy friend Mary Church is a reader from way back. She doesn’t tell everyone that she has also dabbled with writing, children’s book, fanfic and little bits and pieces here and there. She sent this one to me after a whalewatching trip out. I loved it and with her permission I’m posting it here for you to enjoy too. Please help me encourage her to write more.

Whale Watching…

Mum, Mum, are we going watching today?
Yes we are little one.
When Mum?
Just as soon as you have eaten your breakfast.  We have to leave early to catch the boat.
We’re going to the boat?
Yes we are.  Now hurry up!!

Are we there yet Mum?
Almost.
When can I see the boat?
If you look very carefully you will see it in the distance.
Is it that small white thing on top of the water?
That’s it.
What are those things on the boat, Mum?
Those are people.
What are they doing?
They are watching us.
Why?
We don’t know for certain.  They just come out on the water and watch us.
They look funny.
Yes they do.
Are we going somewhere else now?
I thought we might swim out into the bay further and sun ourselves for a little while.
O, yes please Mum!  I love sunning.

Thank You Thursday

27 Thursday Aug 2015

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Happy lazy dog English Bulldog on a leather armchair sofa

Well, my little pity party is officially over for now but there are lots of people I want to thank for their support over the last little while. There are too many to mention everybody’s names but if you were one who gave me a hug and/or some encouraging words this is for you.

Thanks to Simone McKinnon who was for years a wonderful wise woman, fantastic friend, marvellous mentor, my sounding board, my walking and swimming buddy who dragged me out into the sunshine literally and figuratively. I wish you could have seen your book published. I will never forget you.

Thanks to my family who rallied around and took on the jobs that threatened to overwhelm us. It was good to see you all even though it was a sad occasion, you made it a fitting tribute to our mother, the heart of our family.

To my writing family, thanks for a wonderful conference. I was able to immerse myself and forget my woes for three days. They say that friends are the family you choose for yourself. Well, your kind words, encouragement and hugs warmed my heart and got me through my darkest hours with at least a little of my sanity intact.

To my employers who have been so supportive, sent such lovely flowers and gave me the time I needed. I owe you.

Special mention to Sylvia. I will be holding my breath while I wait for the news on Monday that you are safely through your surgery.

To my special friends Mary and Cass, I hope I can be as good for others as you are to me.

And last but never least, my dear husband and his other girl (the small dark exotic in her winter coat) thanks for everything. It’s really great to be home.

AWOL again

25 Tuesday Aug 2015

Posted by in FRIENDSHIP, LIFE, LOVE, MY BOOKS, THE WRITERS' LIFE, TORN

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Wild seal on the beach, Cannibal Bay, New ZealandWell, what a topsy turvy month this has been! A month of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Feeling a tinsy bit manic actually, there seems little solid ground between the two just now. Would howling like this guy above help do you think?

After just over one day at home I was off to the RWA Conference in Melbourne. It was an excellent writers conference over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I’ve been a member for 9 years and try not to miss a conference. It’s great meeting up with long time friends and new ones too. Our organisation is stuffed full of generous, wonderful writers. Everywhere I went they were especially lovely, plenty of hugs and sympathy along with so much to learn and to keep my mind off myself and on learning what I need to know to be a better writer and get this new career on the road.

My pitching went well too. (That’s a 5 minute opportunity to try to get a publishing professional interested in my book).  I got three requests from three pitches (translates to they wanted to read some of my writing) which was very encouraging and had me on a high. Torn is the book of my heart. It’s been a long time in the writing and I’m hoping the agents and editor like it too. The ultimate goal being that it gets published and everyone gets a chance to read it too!

The downer came again at the end of the conference when I learned that one of my close writer friends passed away on Saturday. Damned cancer. Two lines is not enough to communicate what I’m feeling but I think it will have to wait a little longer. She was a very special person and I’m only one of the myriad who will miss her very much.

So, I’m back at work, busy getting my submissions ready to send and tired. Emotionally and physically exhausted. How do you go on? Yes, I’ve lost four of the most important people in my life over the last four months. But I know there are others out there who have lost more.

This is why I started writing Torn. I wanted to understand how you could not only survive but thrive after going through the heaviest of losses. Maybe my lesson is “be careful what you wish for”!

And to finish off with a new high – How do you like my new banner? Isn’t it great! “New Horizons”. I don’t remember naming this series but I’m assured that I did! Sometimes I surprise myself. So, what New Horizon are you looking forward to? What kind of stormy sea do you have to navigate to get there and how will you ensure you thrive when you get there?

Thank You Thursday

30 Thursday Jul 2015

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Green heart stone WPGratitude is the Memory of the heart. I love that saying. I saw it in a greeting card years ago and have never forgotten it. Don’t you love it?

Today I’m feeling gratitude for many things so I think tonight is time to say thanks to:

1. My main man as always, who cooks so I can do what I do.

2. My critique group, the Moody Muses, Elsa Holland and Elton Kirby who have been very generous recently. I can’t say much more except thank you very much. You have inspired me.

3. My HR Manager at work, Penny, for your support, kindness, and I loved today’s lunch complete with inspirational speaker.

4. My good friend Sylvia. We’ve come a long way together and though I love how our husbands get on so well, I’ve missed you while you were away and I think it must be time for some one on one time. Can’t wait to see you on the weekend.

5. Mary and Cass for your friendship, support and for being my cheer squad. Love each of you.

 

Another 100 Word Story

24 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by in 100 Word Story, FRIENDSHIP, LIFE, LOVE

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“Hi Honey. I wasn’t expecting you to call so late.”

“Mum, do you remember my best friend at school, Josie?”

“Of course. Lovely girl. Beautiful, bright, respectful and kind. Lovely kid.”

“Yes, she was. So lovely that we named our eldest after her, remember.”

“Sure do. Such a shame what happened to her. Joyriding with boys wasn’t she?”

“Yes, a real tragedy.”

“Of course. Our Josie is beautiful, just like your friend.”

“Mum, remember what you always said about history.”

“If you don’t learn the lesson, history repeats itself. Oh no. Don’t tell me. No. Not our beautiful girl.”

“Sorry Mum.”

This one’s for Mary.

16 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by in FRIENDSHIP, LIFE, LOVE, POETRY

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Tea
FRIENDSHIP

Anon

Two old ladies, we sit down to tea
I’m eighty-four and she’s eighty-three
I hate her and she hates me
But we’re the only ones left you see.

We meet every Wednesday at half-past three,
I go to her, then she comes to me.
I bore her and she bores me
But we’re the only ones left you see.

She talks of Henry and I of Fred
And all the things they did and said,
We both tell lies and never agree,
But we’re the only ones left you see.

She boasts of the party at Number Three
When Fred kissed her instead of me.
I wear his ring, so it’s plain to see
Why I hate her and she hates me.

Never trust your best friend, they say,
And I don’t trust her to, not to this day,
But the rest are gone – so we’ll pour some tea
For we’re the only ones left you see…

I’ve not found out who this particular “Anon” is. If you know, please tell me. One of our elderly “North Pine Bush Poets” performs this so well, I always hear Mary’s voice when I read it.

Friday Friend

10 Friday Jul 2015

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Kylie

Today I am doing something new which I know will become a regular highlight of my week. This post will be the longest I’ve done yet. I’d like to welcome my gorgeous Friend, Kylie who is a Remedial Massage Therapist registered with Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT). You can find her at www.karmtherapies.com.au or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KARM-Therapies/179616745410762

Kylie, what is your passion in life?
Holistic Wellness and Self Care. You can only be the best person you can be if you take care of yourself. Physical and Emotional Health go hand in hand. Educating and assisting others to be able to incorporate self care into their busy schedule and seeing them flourish is so rewarding.

What do you love most about your work?
The people most definitely. My clients are all treated exactly how I would like to be treated myself. Like attracts like.

How did you make your passion become your job?
I worked in Human Resources for about 7 years, struggling, missing out on quality time with my 3 young daughters. I asked myself “If I could do any job in the world, what would I do?” My angels sent me a very strong response MASSAGE THERAPIST!!!

After 2 years study on top of my work schedule I was able to complete my Cert IV in Massage as well as my Cert IV in Aromatherapy. KARM Therapies (Kylie’s Aroma Relaxation & Massage Therapies) was born – July 2009 and I have never looked back. 2 years ago I also qualified in Remedial Massage and oh what fun I have each and every day.

Most of us dream of working from home. How did you make it work for you?
I did some contracting which made me realise how much I wanted to do things my way. Finding the balance between keeping my business thriving and keeping house and spending quality time with my kids wasn’t easy I modified my work routine and my hours so now my ship is steady, powering along nicely.

I get to do my housework in between clients during the day. This means that I don’t usually stop all day, however the plus side is that once I finish work for the day, everything is done and I get to sit down and put my feet up – or better still soak my feet in a tub of warm water and a handful of Epsom salts.

What’s in store for the future?
In 12 months I would like to get myself to Bali for my first 5 day retreat – something I have never done before, I don’t have a current passport anymore.

In 2 years I would like to accompany my eldest daughter on a humanitarian volunteer trip to Asia and Pacific Islands.

In 6 years I plan to have finished my Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. A New Life Path at the age of 50.

Tell us some fun facts about yourself?
Over time I’ve been a lot of places, backpacking Europe for 12 months. I’ve lived in most capital cities in Australia as well as 14 months in Cambodia, and also in London. We bought our home in Brighton almost 12 years ago and don’t ever see myself leaving, it is just the best place to be.

IKEA is my Disneyland, I love the place.  I once celebrated my birthday by spending an entire day there with a group of girlfriends, I had the best day.

I have 3 sisters, 3 sister in laws and 3 daughters.

Love Love Love Chocolate

My favourite TV characters are from Friends. I have the boxed set and still watch episodes every week (I and my kids can recite episodes). It still makes me laugh out loud all the time.

All-time favourite TV shows: West Wing and Newsroom (Aaron Sorkin). I love the politics side of things.

Favourite Music: Bernard Fanning, Hoodoo Gurus, Crash Test Dummies and Noiseworks. I am also heading along to my 3rd Taylor Swift concert this December with my daughter, one her biggest fans, but I also quite enjoy her music.

Love to exercise and keep fit; mostly gym or Personal Training Sessions most of my adult life as a kids I played basketball.  Loved it – wasn’t great at it as I am just 158cm tall. This year I had QLD Firebirds  Season Pass for Netball and I am beginning to understand with the help of the kids.

Are you a reader?
Of late (the last 7 years or so) my reading has been educational and study materials – textbooks. I love to set myself up in a garden chair in the sun and catch up on my Prevention, Womens Health or Clean Eating Magazines. When we go camping a couple of times a year I will head to a second hand book store I love the adventure and the hunt. Usually Biographies. I will read mostly anything though.

I don’t read novels much anymore – It is an addiction. Once I start a book I have to keep reading and reading until its finished. Even if it is really really bad and I am not enjoying it I will finish it.

Life is too short Kylie! But I must admit I’m similar. What are some of your favourite books?
I hold dear a treasured item a signed copy of Wayne Bennetts book “The Man in the Mirror” (Brisbane Broncos Coach) which I got at an instore book signing. He is my hero and I was speechless and could not communicate when he spoke to me so the inscription reads just Best Wishes. I don’t care, I have his book with his signature.

Also Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life. I buy any second hand copies when I see them and then give them to friends/family or clients if they are interested in reading. Last count I have bought 26 copies in 10 years!

What’s next on your TBR (to be read) pile?
I recently bought some Deepak Chopra books, I got a little fire in my belly when watching him on TED TV and remembered how much I loved him so I dug out and found some of his books to re-read.

Who are your mentors/heroes in life?
I think I learn from each and every person who crosses my path, there is always something to be learnt from others. A lot of people I admire are everyday people, and they may not realise just how much they inspire and impact other people’s lives. I want everyone to know that in being the best possible version of yourself you will always inspire others to be better in themselves.

My books are about family and friends. What do you value most in your family and friends?
I love hanging out with my husband and daughters, we laugh a lot and be sill; watching TV; telling them stories about when they were little kids, remember when…

Being open and honest are 2 qualities which I consider most important. I love that I can say how I am really feeling and thinking and that there is no judgement. If I need to be kicked in the butt, they are the ones there to pull me back into line.

My husband is very good at reminding me about my priorities and he always supportive in everything I do and I love him very much for that!

Do you have a favourite saying/mantra/poem?
I can still recite the Lord’s Prayer and it warms my heart.

Thank you Kylie for being my first Friday Friend and for being you. I couldn’t do what I do without you, your magic hands and your gentle reminders to care for myself. Oh and just to clarify, this does NOT mean I’m only your friend on Fridays. But you know that.

Thank You Thursday

02 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by in Elsa Holland, Emmylou Harris, FRIENDSHIP, Jupiters Casino, LIFE, LOVE, music, musicians, Rodney Crowell, THE WRITERS' LIFE, work

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Hund Welpe schlafend am LaptopHow was your day dear? Woke up tired, pushed yourself to work, a crazy busy day and you’re exhausted? Yes, so was mine but I have a lot to be thankful for today.

Why was I so tired? Because I have the most wonderful friends! My friend Cass was offered tickets to see Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast. Though she tried very hard, she just couldn’t make it so she suggested that our mutual friend and I might like to go. She knows us so well! So well that she’ll always be my friend, she knows too much!

So reasons I’m thankful today? Do you want them in alphabetical order? No? Oh well, here are just a few reasons:

We were given the opportunity to see a great show which reminded me how much I love music. Especially music where I can hear art in action. I heard each fabulous instrument played by a professional, an artist. Where the singers/songwriters are so talented that their words (which I could hear!) evoked emotions reminding me why it’s good to be alive, I could sing along, mostly silently but I apologise to the people around me for when I couldn’t keep completely silent.

My wonderful friend Mary collected me from work and drove us down and brought me home even, a generous thing to do involving at least 229 kilometres, arriving at my place after one o’clock this morning. Thankfully she stayed at my place to sleep for a while before attempting the drive home.

After about four hours sleep, I pushed my eyes back into my head and set off to work where we are still finishing off last years’ accounts. We haven’t quite finished yet and the tidy up will take a while but I could never have got as far as I did without the generous and cheerful help of Amanda, Grace and our new colleague Paige.

My lovely friend and critique partner, Elsa Holland, has been helping me to establish my platform as a writer and in celebration of all my lovely friends, long term and short, both real and cyber, she shouted my favourite steak sandwich while we discussed our goals and plans for the next few months.

After a frantic afternoon back with the accounts, to top things off, Paige and I caught the train together; the wrong train as it turns out. But you know what, we only went one station in the wrong direction before we realised and when we got out of the train, away from our phones and looked up, there were the last vestiges of a gorgeous sunset. The train back and the right train came along within 5 minutes each so no harm done.

So, thank you everyone who made my day such a good one. Lastly but not least, I’m grateful for my lovely warm bed which is calling to me now. Sleep well. I know I will!