tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63421879834164123772024-03-13T10:12:53.780+11:00Birdy num numBecci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-12131915910141616742015-09-15T23:06:00.002+10:002015-09-15T23:12:55.076+10:00The night I met Mia Freedman and Rosie Waterland<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">So I've put myself out there again, all
by myself. I wrote this post while waiting for my ride in the very mellow
bar in the Intercontinental Hotel in Double Bay and having a very mellow glass
of wine.</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
I didn't even attempt asking if anybody I know was going to the Mia Freedman /
Rosie Waterland talk tonight. I really didn't even give it a second's thought
when I bought a ticket. I thought Bugger it! I want to go, I don't need anyone
to hold my hand. I'm sure somebody will talk to me and somebody did. A very
lovely Laura who I knew I had to say hello to because one, she was standing
there with a glass of bubbly in her hand looking alone too and two, because she
had this jacket that talked to me because it was covered in birds (not real
birds of course, that would be weird, and a little Hitchcocky). And you know
how I'm obsessed with images of birds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">During the great chat between Mia and
Rosie I didn't even think there would be question time (duh!) but when it came
about I thought I had better ask one or I would regret it. I'm so glad I
did. It wasn't a bad question (I know this because lovely Laura said 'great
question!') and Mia gave a great answer while looking straight at me ( I was in
the second row).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">I had read<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780732292386/mama-mia-a-memoir" target="_blank">Mia Freedman's books</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and she was somebody I greatly admired
because she went out there and got what she really wanted. And it was what I
wanted long ago and didn't have the guts to go after. After Mia finished
interviewing Rosie, I shook the nerves off and walked up to her and virtually
made her stop and meet me. Of course all that intelligent greeting I envisaged
went out the window and I gushed. At least she was as nice as I had imagined
and tolerated my fandom faux pas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
I had a chance to pull myself together a little as I was standing in the queue
for Rosie to sign my book and hopefully I sounded a bit more grown up by the
time it was my turn. I'm sure she has no memory of it anyway so maybe, one day,
I can meet her in a more relaxed situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
Wouldn't it be nice if when you met somebody you admire it was in a casual
environment, maybe sharing a couple of wines and bonding on equal terms and
admiration. Aah to dream. Anyway I achieved my purpose and met both Mia and
Rosie and even Rosie's friend (Jimmy?) who I revealed some of my story to. So
glad I got to hug Rosie and thank her for 'favoriting' some of my tweets to
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">(I'm looking a little
gothy-stalker next to the rosy Rosie)</span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Now I'm sitting in this swanky hotel bar
and the publishing company, which seems entirely made up of 20-30 yr old women
(no kidding, there are ten of them and the oldest couldn't be older than 32)
(god I sound old and bitter), have formed themselves in a circle celebrating
their successful night. And good on them. Wish I was one of them! How you can
make a decent living out of selling books made of paper these days is a wonder.
Maybe there is hope for the printed word yet. I know many of those present
tonight bought a copy of Rosie's book so it looks like the 20-35 yr old
demographic is still buying in the good old fashioned style of paperback and
not ordering on their Kindle or iPad or whatever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The day I heard Rosie's book was out I
rang Berkelouw's to put mine aside that day. Something to be said that it was
the quickest I had ever read a book. I knew it would be good because I've been
reading Rosie since she's been publishing at<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/" target="_blank">Mamamia</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and cannot watch The Bachelor without<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/tag/rosie-reviews/" target="_blank">Rosie's Recaps</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
If you haven't read<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460750643/the-anti-cool-girl" target="_blank">The Anti-Cool Girl</a>, it's the story of
Rosie's life, so far. From in-utero to the moment she finished writing her book
in her blanket fort. I imagine there aren't many people who have experienced
some, or any, of the things Rosie experienced in her upbringing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
So much wrong. But somehow she makes her tragic life funny, without belittling
the seriousness of her situation and showing a whole lot of chutzpah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
The book doesn't put the blame on anyone (except the system and how it failed
her and her sisters). It also has a lot to say about the effects of mental
illness on generations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
I can't wait to read the next one. Or maybe I better get off my bum and write
my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
Have you written your story?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.essentiallyjess.com/watch-whip-watch-pretend/" target="_blank">**I'm joining with Essentially Jess for
IBOT**</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-28830135141258395212015-09-09T16:17:00.001+10:002015-09-09T22:53:33.267+10:00Dreams and reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy8jxlT6yHStWX-b5riG-QjJAaQfxZwYvYhrDZX7_LJQwHqd-LpTis17iogNKNVFfR96uTS87H4ax0PcgfMnYbEaBE-2VP2oBBwtZYAyIQFLgojmuKBm7VbgNM8atYqsKR-GqcL7vVcY/s1600/lucid-dreaming1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy8jxlT6yHStWX-b5riG-QjJAaQfxZwYvYhrDZX7_LJQwHqd-LpTis17iogNKNVFfR96uTS87H4ax0PcgfMnYbEaBE-2VP2oBBwtZYAyIQFLgojmuKBm7VbgNM8atYqsKR-GqcL7vVcY/s320/lucid-dreaming1.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/" target="_blank">(From here)</a></span></i></div>
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I had a sick day today and felt the need to sleep in until 11am. That means weird morning dreams. You know the ones, they're really vivid and sometimes a little shocking. My dream was the type where you are dreaming inside a dream.<br>
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Briefly (because most people switch off when they're listening to somebody else's dream), I dreamt my parents had died (and they had in real life, several years ago) but I woke within the dream in their old flat on their old couch and they were sitting up at their old dining table.<br>
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So I was quite relieved that it was only a dream, but Dad was on my iphone (which didn't exist when he was alive) just finishing a call from my boss letting her know I was staying home sick today. I was frustrated with him because he wouldn't tell me what she said and he didn't know how to hang up. So I forgot my relief that he was alive and took the phone off him.<br>
<br>When I woke for real I was both sad, frustrated and ashamed. Big, deep message in there for me somewhere.<br>
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***<br>
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To anyone that has been reading this blog for awhile, my apologies for not writing for such a long time - I have a million excuses but it mainly comes down to very little energy and next to no motivation. I forget this place is for having a chat and I think I can't do a post unless it's perfectly done and interesting, informative or insightful with just the right picture. I've realised if I wait for that miracle to happen, I would never write again. And I quite enjoy writing.<br>
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I promise I won't leave it so long next time.Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-28781778029309810192015-04-17T12:10:00.000+10:002015-04-23T20:41:59.976+10:00Fresh is Best! A Mother's Day Hint. #FYBF<i>*This is a sponsored post.*</i><br />
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For those of you that are mothers you might be really looking forward to Mother's Day next month. Or for those of you that have mothers (or a mother-in-law) you are either planning the perfect gift or tearing your hair out because you're afraid of getting it very, very wrong.<br />
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I think there's way too much pressure on gift giving. Some people go to a lot of trouble and think that the more lavish the gift, the more the giftee thinks you love them. But guess what? Mothers are different (well most mothers anyway). They'll most probably just be glad you remembered them.</div>
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When my kids were little I loved that they went to the trouble of making a card and picking some flowers from the garden. As they got older I would give them $5 to buy something from the Mother's Day stall at school, which would invariably be some lavender hand cream, a coin purse or a glass figurine you have to hide in a cupboard for about 40 years.<br />
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<i>I often used to get a version of this home made treasure:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4wiB4T_Wk2fVjxcPJrSORKHEoqRrM77YUR8oM4od3eyNFokpyc4kVo6xE1Cl9-TJWwchXPsvJlBeLkg1TJ4zu0uBZb9UolJ49Ltog7806bXjc8vG3VPO5It-2kr32TYZos4mm2P0a_s/s1600/mothersdaycard.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4wiB4T_Wk2fVjxcPJrSORKHEoqRrM77YUR8oM4od3eyNFokpyc4kVo6xE1Cl9-TJWwchXPsvJlBeLkg1TJ4zu0uBZb9UolJ49Ltog7806bXjc8vG3VPO5It-2kr32TYZos4mm2P0a_s/s1600/mothersdaycard.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.ellentv.com/2013/04/17/its-almost-mothers-day/">(from here)</a></i></div>
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Now that they're older and, I assume, a lot more capable of taking themselves up the shops and spending their own pocket money on a very heartfelt gift they would spend weeks thinking of .... , in reality they mostly leave it to their Dad to buy a present on their behalf. Sometimes I let them know what I would like but I secretly wish they could magically know and present me with the perfect gift. </div>
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So I have become that Mother. I've become bored with being a matyr and now demand their love be demonstrated by a gift chosen (and sometimes purchased) by me.</div>
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As I do quite a bit of online shopping for gifts for family and friends (OK mostly for myself), I've started to subtly email links of my wish list to my husband and kids when it gets close to special occasions, like Mother's Day!</div>
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But it would be wonderful if they were to plan a bit more than a day before that special Sunday and actively go to a website and buy something beautiful delivered in time that they could present to me while I languish queen-like in my bed eating smoked salmon omelette and champagne (or in reality, burnt toast and cold tea).</div>
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Which brings me to <a href="http://www.freshflowers.com.au/">FreshFlowers</a> - this is a total hint, family! - absolutely beautiful bunches of blooms (and chocolates!) that can be chosen from the privacy of their room, delivered same day or next day, hidden in their closet and sprung upon their wonderful Mum first thing on Mother's Day.</div>
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Also it is the perfect solution for that mother-in-law that is impossible to buy for - you can even leave it for the last possible moment!<br />
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FreshFlowers also offer a great Reminder Service where you can sign up to receive an email for all those birthdays and anniversaries that get forgotten until the last minute. You'll look like a star! Personally, I think I"ll sign the hubby up to receive the reminders, that way he'll never forget the 101 anniversaries we have (first met, first went out, first started living together, wedding - you've got to celebrate!).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkdCmqM1BzIhtFBeGvrfBrcbj68MdRop-bhWNCuxXyXEe__OYfD64DTbXDZw0KQZSRE7knAFSQStkXVzTrCmC16TaSk2dTrxgmy_vquhqdEXwPUOY54VOQQ8QayolUfHywBGx3RnRWpU/s1600/roseschocs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkdCmqM1BzIhtFBeGvrfBrcbj68MdRop-bhWNCuxXyXEe__OYfD64DTbXDZw0KQZSRE7knAFSQStkXVzTrCmC16TaSk2dTrxgmy_vquhqdEXwPUOY54VOQQ8QayolUfHywBGx3RnRWpU/s1600/roseschocs.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hint, hint!</td></tr>
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Aside from offering <a href="http://www.freshflowers.com.au/occasion/mother-s-day.aspx">Mother's Day flowers</a>, another big plus for me is that they support Daffodil Day and Heart Research Australia. Love it when a company gives back.<br />
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On top of all that they have great prices. I know with previous experience in sending flowers through work that many companies charge an arm and a leg for flowers which are pretty ordinary, but FreshFlowers are not only very reasonable every day, they have regular specials like:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_NFlbjUin8b5h1BicV6GQWlMAkVSdYPv1FgDCmNiIp6qsymKlxX-ZhNreX4vDCNXkm3aCX9L7SXoZHQ2O98Yd1lIgIjDf5k4C4F7K1Wv5mp-AaJRA8SABgnUHU7lJI3IFENgMago3ic/s1600/roses.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_NFlbjUin8b5h1BicV6GQWlMAkVSdYPv1FgDCmNiIp6qsymKlxX-ZhNreX4vDCNXkm3aCX9L7SXoZHQ2O98Yd1lIgIjDf5k4C4F7K1Wv5mp-AaJRA8SABgnUHU7lJI3IFENgMago3ic/s1600/roses.JPG" height="320" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freshflowers.com.au/style/presentation-box-roses/red-kisses.aspx?catid=2">Find out here!</a></td></tr>
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Lastly, FreshFlowers know the joy that a surprise bunch of flowers can give someone and after reading 'Flowers and Faith in Humanity', I think I'll be sending a bit of that joy more often.</div>
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Or if you'd rather, send yourself a thank you for just being you, signed 'Anonymous Admirer' - think of the attention you'll receive from your partner after receiving that!<br />
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<a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-aint-no-couch-potato/">**Joining With Some Grace for #FYBF**</a></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-21037016433196577642015-03-20T20:43:00.000+11:002015-03-20T20:43:17.188+11:00Weathered vs Bitter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rQUX85NK3qQGPG1rdojvlyo4s01gSNjw3OtUEace6EHJHEIC42T-2aRYREbOGkKifktOly5u-bab1esy5wWdX84ljyqxG1tkfCiHNgZQUnhNCSXafFlgR9A7pRkwJmeaD9YG0KL976c/s1600/Female-driver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rQUX85NK3qQGPG1rdojvlyo4s01gSNjw3OtUEace6EHJHEIC42T-2aRYREbOGkKifktOly5u-bab1esy5wWdX84ljyqxG1tkfCiHNgZQUnhNCSXafFlgR9A7pRkwJmeaD9YG0KL976c/s1600/Female-driver.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://nadhafhas.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/women-drivers/" target="_blank">(from here)</a></div>
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Have you ever noticed other drivers looking exactly the same as you are feeling when you're on your way to work/school/home each day?<br />
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There are many versions of me driving the same streets as me every day. I see the 40 something mother trying to explain to her teenage daughter why its not a good idea to get her belly button pierced or ask her son for the 745th time to please put his shoes on before they get to training. Or the woman eating her pastry and gulping down a coffee in the bumper to bumper traffic. Then the time I looked across and a woman was putting her earrings on the exact same time as I was at the red light.<br />
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It's kind of reassuring that there is this evidence of so many people going through the same daily trials and tribulations as you. When you work almost alone each day (or you're at home every day by yourself or with your little people), you forget that we are all just a little part of a whole lot of everyday confusion, stress, boredom, excitement, frustration, satisfaction and busy-ness. That's why I like to veer off the highway on the way to work and grab a coffee from the little kiosk on the bay and look out for a moment over the water with my back to the traffic. It gives me a small smack of interruption to the chaos of mornings at home and before the chaos of mornings in the office. I can contemplate floating around on one of the many boats moored out there with a line in the water and nowhere to go. Or I just watch a passing pelican scooping up its breakfast whenever he feels like it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00FRKsRtzUapdpyGM7Vc0A2AsvINU8BhIx8SNIXqtoEWvFjPetXPeQhmCcqxMWiOU5SeuCkCiif45RGmUQzQL2yqVtm0IaDiuvRu_eFPvOFJx2fz-jm1HpmpN8j_UFPfY47NVlG0EUDY/s1600/Wild+Woman+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00FRKsRtzUapdpyGM7Vc0A2AsvINU8BhIx8SNIXqtoEWvFjPetXPeQhmCcqxMWiOU5SeuCkCiif45RGmUQzQL2yqVtm0IaDiuvRu_eFPvOFJx2fz-jm1HpmpN8j_UFPfY47NVlG0EUDY/s1600/Wild+Woman+quote.jpg" height="400" width="226" /></a></div>
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<i>(Posted on Elizabeth Gilbert's page)</i></div>
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I read something today from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GilbertLiz/posts/793397364075714:0" target="_blank">Elizabeth Gilbert</a> that a friend posted on Facebook. Elizabeth explains the point women can reach in their 30's/40's/50's when they can make a choice to be bitter and mad at the world for all the bad things that have happened in their life and the disappointments they may have with their lot or they can choose to have "weathered happiness". I really like that idea. It's fought for and earned. I know many women at this stage, some become more and more mad at the world and in the process make themselves more miserable, and some crawl back up and change and decide that it's about time they got happy as no one else was going to do that for them.<br />
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Have you reached this fork in the road? Or have you always been on the happy team? Is it real happiness with yourself or a mask you're using till the true thing comes along? Or are you feeling the pull to become the grumpy old woman (which is a very comfortable place to be by the way) and you're feeling "pissed off and pooped out". <br />
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If so, surround yourself with puppies - that always makes me happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4K3GHfMSAv4_go5yft-QhQ3RCtWSHrDxSx1CHEwIYPm73EUjIlL-tmsl_wRDC1hNBed5nfDcyHQ9hR29K9JF6C7MFzCQykV0YFXRJNeSOMwTlCYCJ0u3siv9qYqeSPC3nn1WOWNDHGk/s1600/cute-puppies-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4K3GHfMSAv4_go5yft-QhQ3RCtWSHrDxSx1CHEwIYPm73EUjIlL-tmsl_wRDC1hNBed5nfDcyHQ9hR29K9JF6C7MFzCQykV0YFXRJNeSOMwTlCYCJ0u3siv9qYqeSPC3nn1WOWNDHGk/s1600/cute-puppies-1.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cavancoco.ie/default.aspx?StructureID_str=255&guid=1169" target="_blank">(from here)</a></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-looking-for-omens/" target="_blank">**Joining With Some Grace for #FYBF**</a></i></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-80591338690060472892015-01-23T11:49:00.001+11:002015-01-23T11:49:54.428+11:00Getting back into the swing - plus Hawaii! #FYBFYes, I know, I've been slack again. Last post published was 9th December. I just haven't had the urge to publish lately. I've written a few draft posts and even got started on my book, but between Christmas up the coast, a holiday in Hawaii (I know!!!) and general lethargy realising all the things I COULD write about, I ended up posting zilch.<br />
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I've just checked through drafts of posts I've started and there is one that's so negative and down on myself about writing, that I don't think it will do anyone any good (particularly me) if I publish it.<br />
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I could start posting my first few pages of the book I'm writing that's loosely based on my mum's life that I started writing after the self attack above, but not sure anyone would want to start reading a story that may never be finished! But then again you lot might kick me up the arse to keep on with it. That's a bit scary. I'll think about it after I've added a few more pages.<br />
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So to get me easily back into the swing of things, I'll post some pictures from our surprise Hawaiian haitus because who doesn't love to see someone else having a great holiday(?) Yeah, looking for the sarcasm font there....<br />
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Anyway!<br />
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The sun rises on our arrival at <a href="http://www.outriggerreef-onthebeach.com/index.cfm" target="_blank">Outrigger Reef on the Beach</a>, Waikiki.</div>
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An ethereal tour of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Arizona_Memorial" target="_blank">Arizona </a>and its memorial to those that lost their lives at <a href="https://www.pearlharboroahu.com/" target="_blank">Pearl Harbour</a>.</div>
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A massive <a href="https://ussmissouri.org/" target="_blank">Missouri </a>- still functioning, just waiting for a chance to use those guns!</div>
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Some of the beautiful dancers at the <a href="http://www.chiefsluau.com/" target="_blank">Chief's Luau</a> at <a href="http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/" target="_blank">Sea Life Park,</a> great show.</div>
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A view from the top of <a href="http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/diamond-head/" target="_blank">Diamond Head</a> - a heart testing climb to the top.</div>
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You can see almost all of <a href="http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/" target="_blank">Oahu </a>from up here.</div>
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One of many just perfect sunsets at Waikiki.</div>
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Surf god <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Kahanamoku" target="_blank">Duke Kahanamoku</a></div>
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More on that trip another day.<br />
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*Linking up with #<a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-five-edition/" target="_blank">FYBF With Some Grace*</a>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-75248033405093115872014-12-09T23:06:00.001+11:002014-12-09T23:06:16.492+11:00Where I just want to crawl into a flower bedRecently I started a new, and permanent! job as an Administrator and Event Manager. Its local and in a beautiful heritage building with lovely people. So though its not shiny/glittery and exciting or fast paced, I'm finding out that it suits me quite nicely at the moment.<br />
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It also gives me more time to get back to this, Birdy Num Num. I've been very slack lately, no inspirational thoughts and frankly, no energy or desire to create anything by the end of the day. The new job is also handy in that I can finish at 4.30pm and it only takes me about 10 minutes to get home. So there was no problem about accepting <a href="http://www.sheridan.com.au/" target="_blank">Sheridan's</a> invitation to look behind the scenes at their head office in Ultimo recently (yes this is a review of a product, but its not sponsored and I just love to look at lovely bedding!) and get a preview of next year's designs.<br />
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Something I learned about <a href="http://www.sheridan.com.au/" target="_blank">Sheridan</a> products is that they not only have their own designers, they do the artwork in the actual head office with paints and everything! There was even a design that was based on one of the designers' little girls' artwork that she had bought into the office to put up at her desk. The other designers spotted it as something special and adapted it to this ...<br />
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I also learnt that they have branched out into lounge wear and candles, room perfumes and soaps, which base their scents on nature (beach, forest, flowers etc). In fact all of the new range is based on the sea and Aussie bush.<br />
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Their lounge wear have a vast range - from as casual as the trakky dak and tshirt style to the long, loose cashmere cardigan which I coveted and hope to be able to afford one day.<br />
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My favourite of the day was the children's bedding. It was bright, stylish, fun and lush - and not a Disney character in sight! Though my kids may be a little too old now for some fun kids' decor, it made me want to demand they make some of it in queen size. Once again its based on nature, it was reversible and the little touches like the tiny (baby-safe) pom poms on the cushion made me just want to slip into every one of those beds (which may have frightened some of the crowd). Feast your eyes on this (hopefully some of you are just as obsessed with pretty rooms as I am) ....<br />
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(look at those pom poms! and the other side is patterned)</div>
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Then there was the baby bedding - so gorgeous and gentle I was jealous I wasn't a baby myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlAmmCZNMbNFUv_vs2V9BDhRqRB1FQuncQhX9bhjTGCXxOurpZcxs9yIkbh8YP5CYWxmeu3_RYUamlyR3cHcKBp6QAKQPRA7ERqp9QFFSKfLQRtKUx9yZj_BVrPiuGBmm_rUHeh1Deek/s1600/KidsKookaburra-IMG_1709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlAmmCZNMbNFUv_vs2V9BDhRqRB1FQuncQhX9bhjTGCXxOurpZcxs9yIkbh8YP5CYWxmeu3_RYUamlyR3cHcKBp6QAKQPRA7ERqp9QFFSKfLQRtKUx9yZj_BVrPiuGBmm_rUHeh1Deek/s1600/KidsKookaburra-IMG_1709.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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All the materials used were thoroughly tested and approved by <a href="http://www.sidsandkids.org/" target="_blank">SIDS Foundation</a>.</div>
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Lastly came the towels and tablecloths and runners. One of the invitees, a twenty something boy-man, was particularly taken with the hooded towel for kids and requested that they make one for six foot little people - didn't sound like too bad an idea.</div>
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All in all I was pretty impressed by the goods and look forward to selecting one of these sets for my new improved, non cluttered and fresh new look 2015 bedroom. Which is your favourite?</div>
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<a href="http://www.essentiallyjess.com/man-boats-ibot/" target="_blank">**Joining up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT**</a></div>
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p.s. I just watched the last ever <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/" target="_blank">At The Movies</a> with David and Margaret - 28 years of movie love shared with the oddest couple on TV. There will be no others that could replace them, ABC.</div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-82513144950339691792014-10-28T22:09:00.001+11:002014-10-28T22:09:22.148+11:00Live Life Love MusicI spent a good part of my misspent youth watching bands do their stuff in pubs, clubs and outdoor concerts. In 1981 I was in Year 10 (4th form in those days) and I was faking my way into pubs and clubs using my sister's ID (no photo ID's then).<br />
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I still see a band now and then and a few times a year I may get to a music festival. I still have a big soft spot for those bands I first heard in my teens and a lot of the background noise to my childhood was the music played at my parents' parties and barbeques. Some of Mum and Dad's favourites were Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles. Then my older siblings brought in Captain Matchbox Band, Daddy Cool, ZZ Top, Rolling Stones and Creedance Clearwater.<br />
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It seemed all of my parents' friends were up for a party most weekends (especially in Summer) and Mum would rustle up a bit of lettuce and tomato or a giant potato and egg salad with a side of canned beetroot and corn on the cob. Dad would char some tiny, thin steaks and sausages on the big, metal plate he had suspended on bricks over a fire, which was his version of the barbie.<br />
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There was always loud music, lots of canned beer and cask wine, laughter, dancing and someone with a guitar. Dad would sometimes play the bongos, spoons or the tea-chest-base (which of course he made himself) and occasionally perform one of his party tricks (my favourite was when he would suspend himself in a perfect horizontal line from the clothes line pole, sometimes in his red striped pyjamas - I don't know why - but I was impressed by how strong his arms were).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(this is how I ended up on the Hills Hoist most times)</span></div>
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<a href="http://raywhitechatswood.com.au/chatswood-chat/we-need-a-backyard-with-a-hills-hoist/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(image from here)</span></a></div>
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When I finally got to escape the backyard BBQ (which were actually always good fun with Mum and Dad for entertainment), I discovered live bands (professional ones). My first concert was Midnight Oil on Wanda Beach where even after convincing two of my friends to go with me, they chickened out and I ended up in front of the stage with Peter Garrett's head sweat raining down on me (along with a torrential downpour). <br />
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Two of the earliest, and favourite bands were the Radiators and The Sunnyboys. I must have seen the Radiators about ten times over the years and, unfortunately, only saw The Sunnyboys a few times. The first time was at Caringbah Inn with my sister where, once again, I wiggled my way up the front to look at them up close. Not quite a groupie, but I was transfixed.<br />
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Zoom forward about 30 years and I was transfixed again watching the ABC special "<a href="http://thesunnyboy.com.au/" target="_blank">The Sunnyboy</a>". It was about the life of Jeremy Oxley and his battle with mental illness. Absolutely brilliant film and even if you're not a fan of The Sunnyboys, I recommend you watch it. Jeremy is an interesting man and, in the end, a Happy Man.<br />
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So did music play a big part in your youth? What was your favourite band?<br />
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<i><b><a href="http://www.essentiallyjess.com/dear-blog-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining with Essentially Jess*</a></b></i>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-86708460310666966002014-09-23T22:55:00.003+10:002014-09-23T22:55:57.887+10:00Losing my shitIt really wasn't a bad day, a bit boring if anything. I did all the work I could find, I helped out at Reception and I had a lovely lunch with a friend.<br />
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I applied for a couple of jobs, both of which were completely different but equally suitable. Seems I still don't know what I want. Or need.<br />
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Had a half glass of wine and a good laugh with the girls before leaving work. There was hardly any traffic on the way home and an interesting talk on Triple J. Then I went to take the turn on to my road and a car went right through the big, red sign that says "GIVE WAY". Then another big hoon-mobile shot through too, which almost cleaned me up and put an end to my moderately lovely day.<br />
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A great rush of hot anger went through me and I leaned on that horn like a mother.<br />
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My house is about four houses down from the intersection and the first car had pulled in to park outside my house while the hoon sped off. I went to go in front of the first car to park, but she then decided to first reverse then drive forward too so I was stuck out on the road in the traffic, not being able to even get in my driveway (which was occupied by Mr Moneymaker's car).<br />
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Getting even more hot under the collar I decided to park half in the driveway and half on the pavement and got out. Looking over at the parked car, two women got out in their Lorna Jane coordinated running gear, the passenger on the phone and the driver getting something in or out of her boot. Calming myself, ever the lady, I politely asked her "Did you realise that was a Give Way sign there?" She replied offhandedly "Yes, I waved you through, I did give way".<br />
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Steam. "No you didn't". I'm so polite I was grinding my teeth when I said this. Jogging bitch replied "Oh, I don't have time for this" and waved me off. For real this time. Her friend must have had a very interesting phone call because she did not pay any attention to us and walked quickly across the road.<br />
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You know when a situation like this arises and you think you know what to say and are sure that you will cut them down to size with your quick wit? No? Me neither. So I growled "Yeah, I don't have time, you don't have time, time to kill someone" or something just as nonsensical. She casually crossed the road as if I wasn't even speaking (well, to be honest I'm not sure she could understand my gibberish) and I stormed inside slamming the door. After I blurted it all out to Mr Moneymaker who was on the phone to his sister who said to her "hold on a minute, my wife just walked in really pissed off", I then thought of all the things I SHOULD have said straight at her. Like:<br />
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"What's your hurry? Late for your monthly jog?"<br />
"Don't park your shitbox outside my house, you're bringing down the tone of the neighborhood"<br />
"What's wrong? Lycra riding up your arse?"<br />
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OK, so they're not so witty. If you have any suggestions, please let know. I need to memorise witty comebacks for these exact situations.<br />
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After I came inside I was still shaking after twenty minutes. I was thinking of either parking her car in so she couldn't leave, putting a sternly phrased letter on her windscreen or keying her car. All really good revenge acts - if she hadn't seen where I live and what car I drive. So I just gave good glare out the window when she returned to make her think I had done something to her car. Also I decided that people like that will always be punished by Kharma. I hope.<br />
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<a href="http://www.essentiallyjess.com/toothpaste-ibot/" target="_blank">*Linking with Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-42926009009574906792014-09-19T13:37:00.001+10:002014-09-19T13:37:18.011+10:00Stuff happens - nose picking, yoga phone, Bachelor Eye Language - it's time for #FYBF!Stuff happens during the week that I really want to tell someone about, but by the time I get home or catch up with a friend, I've completely forgotten about it or too much time has passed for it to be relevant and then if I blurt it out randomly in some conversation with friends weeks later, I look like crazy-lady.<br />
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For example last week I was in the usual line of traffic trying to merge onto Epping Road after work when I looked across to the next line where a not unattractive young guy was busy discovering UFO's up his right nostril. I thought, hang on, this is disgusting but I wonder what he'll do with it when he finds one? Well he had made a thorough inspection of it on the end of his finger then, before the choice of where to get rid of it (steering wheel? door handle? seat? mouth?!?!), he looked across at me smirking and then guffawing out loud at him. The lights went green and both lanes moved on except he kept a constant car length back from mine. I guess he was more than a little embarrassed as I was virtually laughing in his face. I also made a vow to myself to NEVER be tempted to have a bit of a pick in the car. People are watching!<br />
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Then there was that time at <strike>band camp</strike> yoga where it was all zen and the hypnotising voice of Phil the yoga guru was getting us all stretchy and twisty when I look at the young Chinese girl in front of me who was half heartedly bending and reaching then twisting, all the while scrolling through her Tumblr on the iphone next to her. I let it get to me and instead of being all relaxed and peaceful, I was annoyed and holding back my old lady tsking while in resting baby pose. Why can't they get their hand off it for a minute?!?<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">show off! (from <a href="http://prestonfitness.com/category/fitness/" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></i></div>
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And I can't start talking about The Bachelor because the best bits were so well covered in this hee-larry-os review by <a href="http://rosiewaterland.com/" target="_blank">Rosie Waterland</a> at Mamamia - so read about <a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/rogue/the-bachelor-australia-2014-episode-11-recap/" target="_blank">Dirty Street Pie Laurina</a> and the Eye-Touching Trauma <a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/rogue/bachelor-australia-2014-episode-15-recap/" target="_blank">here</a>. Rosie really should be getting a commission from that show.<br />
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There's also the fact I've signed up at work for Steptember which is fundraising for Cerebral Palsy Alliance by doing at least ten thousand steps a day. I'm mostly getting them done by doing a lot of document deliveries from one end of the shopping centre to the other, circuits of the Bay Run and the yoga classes - yes they can be converted to steps! Its the asking of donations I'm not great at. So if you want to help me out there and help those living with Cerebral Palsy, please go <a href="https://event.steptember.org.au/donate/onbehalfof?id=b3ac90a1-f06b-4b09-aedd-410863852ec3" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Well, I'm glad that's all out of my system. I hope some more stuff happens next week that I can share with you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-unintentional-bloggy-makeover-edition/" target="_blank">*Joining With Some Grace for #FYBF*</a></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-3442048053996693842014-09-09T21:53:00.000+10:002014-09-09T21:58:44.239+10:00When a vision becomes reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not a complete sceptic when it comes to positive affirmations and visualisation, but I do believe in thinking positively with most things. It was only the other day that I realised I had actually visualised a life for myself almost 20 years ago that is now true. Whether it was coincidence, an accident or good planning, it came to me while walking around the bay on Sunday that while sleeping on my couch in 1996 and after being mighty disappointed that I hadn't been able to see Crowded House perform for the last time on the Opera House steps, I had what I thought was a vision but may have just been wishful thinking.<br />
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I had imagined myself divorced from The Plumber, sitting in a lovely, big house looking out on the water, having two kids (specifically a girl and a boy) and being in a happy relationship.<br />
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At the time it had been a bit of a pipe dream. Firstly, I had been with The Plumber since I was 16 (I was 30 in 1996). Secondly I had tried to leave three times in the last five years. Don't ask me why I didn't make it permanent, I can only say it was a combination of a lack of confidence and fear of the consequences. Thirdly, I was flat broke - most of our money went on the rent and some very stupid personal loans, along with an obsession with horse riding, breeding large dogs and an alcoholic husband who was mostly unemployed. We had been surviving on $30 a week for some time. Fourthly, the possibility of having children was already a lost cause as we had been trying to get pregnant for about five years. And I had got used to the idea. In fact I thought it was probably a good thing as The Plumber wasn't exactly father-material and I had realised I had only thought I wanted to have a baby so I could love something other than the four-legged creatures in the house.<br />
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Therefore the dream/vision was pretty unattainable to me at that time. But it was such a strong picture in the depths of a very depressing time, that I've remembered it perfectly. And with all the things that's happened in my life since - divorce, marriage, kids, buying homes, travel, happiness - I've only realised recently that the vision I had on that old couch in a miserable rented house in 1996, has become my reality.<br />
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Visualisation seems like it might be a real thing! Unfortunately I haven't seen Crowded House since.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-GmpBnNDLA" target="_blank">(Don't Dream It's Over - my little Neil xx)</a></span></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.essentiallyjess.com/5-knew-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a></i>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-11471830677007491482014-08-26T23:18:00.001+10:002014-08-26T23:18:25.402+10:00Think. Plan. Do.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(This is what I looked at for an hour tonight)</i></span></div>
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There's not many opportunities for me lately that let me just sit and think about stuff, but the traffic has been so bad getting to and from work lately (what is it about rain that always puts a stop to everything? Its just water for goodness sake!), I've had plenty of time to tune out of bad drive time radio and just THINK.<br />
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Besides a really interesting session on Triple J the other night about the furore over the blog showing women explaining why they don't need feminism (so frustrating hearing twenty something women saying they are against feminism because they make their own choices in life and are enjoying equal rights - not realising if it wasn't for the generations before they wouldn't have this freedom! grrrr!), I tend to wander around in my head (in between singing Its All About The Bass 'Bout The Bass, No Treble).<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This was built for revenge - to block the view of the tree killers on the bay)</span></i></div>
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Some of those thoughts are what job would I really want to do, or how could I make a living from home, or why do I keep saying what I would like to do and don't actually do anything about it!?!?! PLAN!<br />
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So when I saw that this subject keeps popping up in front of me, I realised I can't say "I wanna" or "I'm gunna". So I've applied for this free session (you may have seen my blatant plugging of Suzi's <a href="http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=076f37dc00caebf379c69049c&id=1b09e5ffc6" target="_blank">3 Month Coaching Program here)</a> and if you would like to get your own 45 minutes of free coaching, <a href="http://us3.campaign-archive2.com/?u=076f37dc00caebf379c69049c&id=87a82236d4" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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(Some graffiti is just great art)</div>
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<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/same-same-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a></i>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-91775110218541482712014-08-23T00:49:00.002+10:002014-08-23T00:58:16.056+10:00When Memory Lane has been renovatedIts not always wise to visit the streets of your past.<br />
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They may seem smaller and less sparkly than you remember, but sometimes, even worse, they look exactly the same.<br />
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To explain myself, I spent last weekend with my sisters (Sister T and Sister D) playing in the suburb I grew up in, Cronulla. I haven't lived in the Sutherland Shire (it wasn't called "The Shire" when I was there) for almost 18 years. But last weekend I had a bird's eye view from the sixth floor of the Rydges Hotel. Even with the rain and the black clouds, the beach was still beautiful.<br />
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Of course the first point of call was the lounge downstairs for a quick cocktail then, after way too long getting ready, we took ourselves down the mall and found a trendy bar that wouldn't have looked out of place in Newtown or St Kilda. It was furnished with beaten up old wooden furniture with a feel of Southern Moonshine. The bar was very hipster so we sat in a quiet corner to have a drink. OK that's quite different to what we would have done 20 years ago but even more telling that time had definitely passed, is we were ordering food - shock horror - and sadly had to bring out reading glasses to read the menu.<br />
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But we couldn't sit still, as usual, and went out to find some music. We headed towards the RSL where a lot of nights were spent dancing at the Friday night disco in our youth. It was now about twice the size and unrecognisable - or as Sister T said "walked down memory lane and discovered its been renovated". And there was no music! We had heard there was music in Gymea so assumed it was at the Tradies' so hopped into a taxi - nothing will stand in our way of a night of dancing.<br />
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Turned out the Tradies' had also exploded into a glass and steel monolith - and no music. The night was turning into a dud. We were all dressed up and nowhere to boogie. Luckily the reception guy at the Tradies' told us about the Vinyl Room which we had heard rumours about earlier. This sounded right up our alley and it was only a billionty metres down the road (well it felt like it in high heeled boots). Upon approach our dim dark memory was awoken and we realised it was a bar we used to go to way back when. After paying the door girl a whole five dollars(!) she said yes, its been there even before she was born (hurrumph) and it was called Cascades. It all came back to us and in unison we said "Oh God, its Catch Aides!!" Well that's what we all called it in the 80's.<br />
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It was a desperado type pick up joint but because they played all our favourites we always ended up dancing there all night. Even our brother was known to lurk in the corner. And yes, they still played all our favourites and everything else from before 1990. At that stage, around 10pm, there was only a handful of mostly single males there but it soon filled up with dozens more drunken, dancing dudes. And some girls. And of course we ended up on the dance floor as well. Its easy to dance when you know all the words.<br />
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The next day was a late breakfast in the mall, shopping for stuff to wear that night (Rundles is still there!) and reminiscing about shops that had disappeared - like the toy shop, the pie shop and Jolly Rogers. Three staples as a kid. I remember saving up my pocket money to buy a piece of tiny, wooden reproduction doll's house furniture each week, then it would be treating myself to an apple pie with cream and as a teenager buying my very own records (or cassette tape) - my first was The Chipmunks (I was so cool).<br />
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We spent the afternoon at Northie's in Old Joe's which is a reproduced Milk Bar that was situated next to the old Cronulla Worker's Club over the road - now torn down and fancy restaurants in its place. They've put in the stuff you would expect like a pinball machine and Space Invaders game table (I wonder if they had come from the old game parlour, Flashez, where I used to spend all the change I pinched from Mum's pokie money?). There were old photos of Cronulla, a Jackson surfboard (Sister D's husband used to work at Jackson Surfboards in the seventies, so had to take her picture in front of it of course) and retro furniture - which I loved so much I Instagrammed it.<br />
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Besides the Kettle of Tea With Norma (a very tasty jug of cocktail goodness), the best thing at Old Joe's was a ping pong table. It's taken over forty years but I think I may have found my thing. Its a sport that I both really enjoy and I'm quite good at it. Sister T and I spent so long playing table tennis, Sister D was able to pop over to the hotel for a Disco Nap. We had so much fun we're thinking of buying a ping pong table. Or just getting the net to stick over the dining table.<br />
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That night Sister D had a school reunion at The Taren Point Hotel so Sister T and I <strike>tarted up</strike> got dressed up again and went looking for somewhere to eat. We ended up meeting some friends at the Cronulla RSL for dinner and stayed to hear a band called Too Many Guitars which were a group of teachers who played pretty good covers (even fitted in a couple dances, even though my feet were still killing me). <br />
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The 'old girls' eventually turned up and there was more dancing. It was still pouring rain by the time we left so three tired 'ladies' huddled under an umbrella and hoofed it back up to our room.<br />
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The next day we donned our very bright matching hoodies (a coordinated rash online purchase a couple of months ago) and hit the mall again for breakfast which for some wanky reason was served on a square slate tile similar to what I used to have on my kitchen floor (have you ever tried to eat poached eggs off a tile?). We did drew out our grumpy old ladies card and asked them to be brought back out on plates. They won't forget us in a hurry.<br />
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I kept forgetting that we looked like a very unfit sporting team on their end of season weekend away and wondered why everyone was giggling at us. At least we could find each other - we stood out like very bright dog's balls!<br />
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Have you had a recent run down memory lane? Has it been demolished or spruced up since you were there? Have you ever looked as ridiculous as these three?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2_omDrDq0ztFQdXCJW2Dc7PLIIhuhewdCj4EJozbQQepRaMs8aZ-c01GqIBdezeTBtbgUwpUZbda4H4nSg4_9dAwYPR5cWI7FGIA2X-dgfB4oqRmYvleGunFr8-9hLSQ4mpxSA8y0JA/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2_omDrDq0ztFQdXCJW2Dc7PLIIhuhewdCj4EJozbQQepRaMs8aZ-c01GqIBdezeTBtbgUwpUZbda4H4nSg4_9dAwYPR5cWI7FGIA2X-dgfB4oqRmYvleGunFr8-9hLSQ4mpxSA8y0JA/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> "It's a Bird Thing - you wouldn't understand"<br />
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<i><a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-happy-chaos-edition/" target="_blank">*Joining With Some Grace for #FYBF*</a></i></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-63610296074508072202014-08-19T22:26:00.002+10:002014-08-19T22:26:56.051+10:00Coaching Program and Retreat Deal - #IBOT<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/room-tea-cakes-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a></i><br />
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After the sadness of <a href="http://beccibird.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/when-funny-goes-away.html" target="_blank">last week</a>, I think its best that instead of trying to work my tired head into creating an original blog post this today, I use my space to promote an opportunity my chiropractor told me about yesterday. He started the Petrozzi Wellness Centre where I've been going to keep my bent spine in working order for about the last ten years.<br />
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The resident psychologist, Suzi Petrozzi (who also happens to be my chiro's wife), has developed a coaching program specifically for women which includes a 3 day retreat in Kangaroo Valley! She can help you achieve your personal goals and be the best you can be (read more about it below).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px;"><i>Suzi Petrozzi is a coaching psychologist, and an expert in helping women who are at a life transition step into their calling and start living a life of upliftment, purpose and meaning.</i></span></div>
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It sounds wonderful and as it's a saving of $900 off the regular price, its a bargain too! The deal runs out on the 29th August 2014 and places are limited so get in quick! You can call them on 02 9518 0096 or email Suzi at suzana@petrozziwellness.com.au - I might even see you at the retreat! <br />
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 14.166666030883789px;">Save $900 on 3-Month Coaching Program with Suzi Petrozzi</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 56.79999923706055px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-weight: normal;">Move Forward Creating Your Ideal Life…with this 3-Month Coaching Program for Women</span></a></h1>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;"><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />Are you holding yourself back in life from achieving more? Are you tired of the 'same old, same old' way of life? <br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />Are you feeling disconnected from the people in your life?<br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />Are you yearning for the freedom to be authentic and loving?<br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />Are you ready to become a recognised leader in your personal and professional life?<br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />Would you love to work with an expert Coaching Psychologist who knows how to move you forward...closer to your dreams?<br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />I've worked with thousands of people just like you and coached them to create amazing changes in their life.<br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />I invite you to join my exclusive <strong style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;"><a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">3-Month Coaching Program which includes a BONUS 3-Day Retreat</span></a><a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6dc6dd; font-weight: normal;"> </span></a>in the heart of Kangaroo Valley. </strong><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Join me for this exclusive program where you will:</span></div>
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<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Get clear and focused on what you want in life</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">See things in your life finally start falling into place</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Be yourself, laugh and relax more</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Start attracting more positive people and experiences</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Have closer and deeper relationships</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Have the confidence to let go of things that don't make you happy</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Make decisions with confidence</span></li>
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<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;"> No longer worry about what other people think you should be doing</span></li>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">I invite you to join my exclusive <strong style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;"><a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">3-Month Coaching Program with a BONUS 3-Day Retreat</span></a></strong><a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">at a special price of $2097</span></strong><strong><span style="color: grey;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: red;">(this is a $900 saving of the usual $2997 when you book before 29th August 2014 midnight AEST). BOOK NOW! </span></strong></a><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">You will get:</span></div>
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<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><strong style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"><u><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Weekly</span></u></strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;"> 90min group teleconference coaching calls, over 3 months, where you will be coached on the framework to successful living</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">One monthly 60 min <strong style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;"><u>1:1 coaching session</u></strong> with me where you will have the opportunity to refine and action your goals.</span></li>
<li class="ecxMsoNormal" style="color: #606060; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 3px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">5 Modules over 3 months to give you unstoppable momentum</span></li>
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<span style="color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 23px;">Reserve you place now in this exclusive <strong style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;"><a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-weight: normal;">3-Month Coaching Program with a BONUS 3-Day Retreat</span></a></strong><a href="http://www.petrozziwellness.com.au/product/3-month-mentorship-program-with-bonus-3-day-retreat/" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: red;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black;">at a special price of $2097</span></strong><strong><span style="color: grey;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: red;">(this is a $900 saving of the usual $2997 when you book before the 29th August 2014 midnight AEST). BOOK NOW! </span></strong></a><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" /><br style="line-height: 21.773332595825195px;" />Suzi Petrozzi is a coaching psychologist, and an expert in helping women who are at a life transition step into their calling and start living a life of upliftment, purpose and meaning.</span></div>
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Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-6784545166863334592014-08-12T23:15:00.000+10:002014-08-12T23:15:08.072+10:00When the funny goes awayI know I'm not the only that was heartbroken to hear of Robin William's death today.<div>
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I've loved him since Mork 'n' Mindy and I watched the video of him in "An Evening at The Met" so many times in the '80's I used to know parts of it off by heart. I realised he was absolutely off his dial during these years but it did not take anything away from his comic genius, it was just really really fast comedy. </div>
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His movies were diverse, from Mrs Doubtfire (which is on tonight), to The World According to Garp (loved this book and movie), Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, The Fisher King, Good Will Hunting, Jumanji, The Birdcage, Night at the Museum, Aladdin and Happy Feet. He also appeared in the video Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin.</div>
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There wasn't too much said about mental illness in the '80's. But as time went on, more and more people in the spotlight came out and said they were suffering. It wasn't just drug and alcohol addiction but an actual illness that they were self medicating. I'm no expert, no counsellor or psychologist (I did do one term at TAFE as part of a Human Resources certificate - the only interesting part of the course!), but I believe there are huge number of people suffering an actual mental illness but seen as just junkies or drunks.</div>
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And to those that think depression is just a case of feeling sad sometimes, they haven't felt it or lived with someone who has.</div>
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How much do we know about depression and why do some people have it - what is it in the brain that just decides that it cannot cope with life. I'm not a researcher so have gone the easy way out and have included a Fact Sheet from The Black Dog Institute <a href="http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/Factsandfiguresaboutmentalhealthandmooddisorders.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Robin Williams loved to make people happy and worked hard at being the funniest man alive (in my opinion). But as he has said in various interviews, when he wasn't performing for an audience or a fan, he was a quiet and contemplative person. He watched and saw the comedy in everyday situations and made fun of serious people. </div>
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I absolutely loved Robin Williams and so did a lot of other people in the world - his wife, his children, his family, his millions of fans. And if all that love couldn't save the funniest man on the planet, what kind of fucked up sad disease is that?</div>
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(If you're feeling sad and need help, please find some useful information <a href="https://www.ruok.org.au/find-help" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
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If you want a laugh, watch this. Thank you Robin.</div>
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(An Evening at the Met, circa 1981)</div>
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and this from 2008 on my favourite British talk show.....</div>
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RIP RW x</div>
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(<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/floor-pie-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT)</a></i></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-55192487909876624912014-08-05T23:12:00.003+10:002014-08-05T23:12:53.706+10:00Sunday with Mizuno, Morgan, Lucy and ScarlettLast Sunday we found ourselves in a shopping centre with no real purpose except to find coffee. This was after browsing in a bike shop down the road for Mr Moneymaker (he's been riding, spariodically, a bent $20 model from the local garage sale for awhile now). So what do we do when we want to fill in an afternoon? We go to the movies!<br />
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The only movie that mum, dad and son could agree on was Lucy but it wasn't on for an hour so I took the opportunity to get myself a new pair of runners. I know, I don't run. But that morning I took part in the annual Bay Run and actually ran for some of the 7 kms. It almost killed me and I'm still walking two days later like I've had a double hip operation, but I ran further than I ever had before. Therefore I thought I had better get some good support. I had tried a pair of fancy ones on at the finish line (they had sports retailers hawking there of course) which were 'on special' for $180!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8pQvtonHuOQMslrpPqM2u6ThPwysqAn0hTI2vsOyghQcPJoVTy-nKmnslCHyjJLfpLT_UUvmYTOKsQe52ECeIs8CNU7htEJSn-jLGpFCWBYJUNN97Okinln5Ycu4YjpAUezaMlannX4/s1600/mizunoshoes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8pQvtonHuOQMslrpPqM2u6ThPwysqAn0hTI2vsOyghQcPJoVTy-nKmnslCHyjJLfpLT_UUvmYTOKsQe52ECeIs8CNU7htEJSn-jLGpFCWBYJUNN97Okinln5Ycu4YjpAUezaMlannX4/s1600/mizunoshoes.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=cdPgU72WIc7C8gfnmoBQ#q=mizuno+running+shoes&tbm=shop" target="_blank">Yes they are this ugly</a></i></span></div>
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I'm a bit frugal when it comes to spending money on clothes and shoes for me, so I couldn't really justify that much when I'm likely to only put them on twice a week at most. But I noted the Japanese brand (<a href="http://www.mizuno.com/running/" target="_blank">Mizuno</a>) which had great support and there they were on sale in Footlocker for only $80! Winner! The only downside is they are butt ugly. A sort of pinky purply colour. And not a nice pinky purply either. But it doesn't matter, they feel good and hopefully next time I wear them I'll be able to run and not end up walking like a wooden doll.<br />
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The movie <a href="http://www.lucymovie.com.au/" target="_blank">Lucy</a> was full on. If you don't know of the movie (in fact the title just reminds me of a troublesome Rottweiler I once owned), it stars Scarlett Johansson who inadvertently takes a new super drug into her body which, frankly, gives her super powers and then kills her within days. After growing her brain capacity to 100% of course. Sounds a bit science fictiony but I found it thought provoking. And pretty cool. Plus Morgan Freeman is in it. <br />
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There was a bit of shocking violence in it which in hindsight, was probably not appropriate for my 11 year old son to watch, but he enjoyed the action scenes and the concept that dolphins use more of their brain than we do.<br />
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So all three of us got something out of it as Mr Moneymaker now has a new star crush as he's sacked Cameron Diaz because she's getting to close to his own age. So thanks Scarlett, for making it that much harder for me to put the lights on ever again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun9pJ-p2Wv8bECH-gt5HjHovcsA8t3erOGB2_bjBFN03aHS-wury9PM44JtEVXUpbR_XVhpNxKSF4s5x8TWSrmkpgmxdo5kdwfbSFG8UeiERwTe5uxbm34EyliOX_5InShj4aYW4Qmgs/s1600/scarlettaslucy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun9pJ-p2Wv8bECH-gt5HjHovcsA8t3erOGB2_bjBFN03aHS-wury9PM44JtEVXUpbR_XVhpNxKSF4s5x8TWSrmkpgmxdo5kdwfbSFG8UeiERwTe5uxbm34EyliOX_5InShj4aYW4Qmgs/s1600/scarlettaslucy.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=scarlett+johansson+new+movie&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dNXgU57uONfaoAS2-oGgBA&ved=0CLkBELAE&biw=1073&bih=482#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=LGEGMvbZLDzxtM%253A%3B1KFB-A4AW8HBmM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcollider.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252Flucy-scarlett-johansson-1.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcollider.com%252Flucy-international-trailer%252F%3B540%3B380" target="_blank">Damn her 80% brain capacity</a></i></span></div>
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<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/not-quite-princess-part-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT*</a></i>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-29391465927997146642014-07-22T22:36:00.002+10:002014-07-22T22:36:42.943+10:00Dinner anyone?Tonight I'm not discussing getting used to driving to and from work each day and trying to find ways to keep myself amused for 40 minutes each way.<br />
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I'm not discussing how I watched the slow decomposition of a cute black kitten on the median strip of Epping Road every day, how I considered stopping the first time I saw it to check to see if it really was dead (which would have probably killed not only me but the dozens of drivers that were zooming up at me at 80kms/hr).<br />
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I'm not discussing how I attempted to dress as what I thought would be a sexy female gangster in a pin stripe suit for a Great Gatsby themed party on the weekend, but I just ended up looking like an old lesbian with a machine gun.<br />
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I'm not discussing how I vowed (yet again) to join the gym (which is a two minute walk from my office) and make the most of it by building my upper arms so that I won't end up with chicken wings and strengthening my core so I can attempt to run at least some of the Bay Run this year, but have only been three times in four weeks.<br />
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I'm not discussing how surprised I was that when I had to put my phone in for a repair, I really missed it. I worried my photos had disappeared into the big grey cloud and I would never see all those invaluable text messages I was keeping for some unknown reason.<br />
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But I do want to talk about something I would really love to go to and have been waiting about a year for the opportunity.<br />
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My favourite magazine, The Collective, is hosting a dinner at The Commons in Sydney next Monday night and if I buy myself a ticket, I can take a friend along for free! So if you're interested in really good food along with chatting with creative and inspirational people, plus an opportunity to ask Collective's editor, Lisa Messenger, any question you can think of - give me an 'Oi'. <br />
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You never know, that great idea you have in your bottom drawer might just gain some legs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZIQ9Eg6Qds4XNjEuSj0XD6NyQUGhPE4Zn6iiUkNBjyMU04hXIl9R0iVfh56KKTUBfXwE1PD-RAZ6g9O5YkGyV7h_0U_HCFSwmvOirQGhdXN0Wwy-eWSdWtgAEVAdHHKGgTQgVDuBY2o/s1600/Collective+Dinner+at+The+Commons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZIQ9Eg6Qds4XNjEuSj0XD6NyQUGhPE4Zn6iiUkNBjyMU04hXIl9R0iVfh56KKTUBfXwE1PD-RAZ6g9O5YkGyV7h_0U_HCFSwmvOirQGhdXN0Wwy-eWSdWtgAEVAdHHKGgTQgVDuBY2o/s1600/Collective+Dinner+at+The+Commons.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.renegadecollective.com/events/" target="_blank">Renegade Collective Dinner</a></div>
<a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/talk-encounters-personal-kind-baby-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT*</a>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-24933328590023186192014-07-08T22:54:00.000+10:002014-07-08T22:54:09.967+10:00Getting my Collective fix todayI've been working at a new job for two weeks now and though I've enjoyed it, I'm feeling soooo tired. And I don't think its even the job itself, even though it is busy its nothing I can't handle. I think its the driving 45 minutes each way, every day. I get home by 6pm which I haven't been used to for some years. Cooking dinner has become a little hit and miss lately (ie. whatever can be heated up or is made of mince). <br />
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Once that's all done and dusted and any taxi-ing to training or teen's work place, is over, I try to read the papers (well the weekend mags) that have been waiting on the coffee table all week (books are for reading at lunchtime). I also attempt to get through any blogs I want to catch up on, any social media posts or emails but my eyes scream protest after looking at a monitor all day.<br />
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I'm not much for magazines so I have one favourite one that I hold a treasured subscription to and today Issue 12 was delivered to my letter box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL16n0TU8M8FwRb0f_Fq4mpsSI3D-Ic8z5w36ecb62GziWfn8kWnmOdnnjjLxB6wy3uO0tdwqGWjrfnKn3TzJXGMHAZMdcPRUpsO3EStcjSAefQk5VTSRjqolh5COGFXuiiQlTVOaEsiI/s1600/CollectiveIssue12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL16n0TU8M8FwRb0f_Fq4mpsSI3D-Ic8z5w36ecb62GziWfn8kWnmOdnnjjLxB6wy3uO0tdwqGWjrfnKn3TzJXGMHAZMdcPRUpsO3EStcjSAefQk5VTSRjqolh5COGFXuiiQlTVOaEsiI/s1600/CollectiveIssue12.jpg" height="302" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.renegadecollective.com/" target="_blank">The Collective</a></div>
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If you know me at all, you know I've been blabbing on about <a href="http://www.renegadecollective.com/" target="_blank">The Collective</a> since Issue 1. I've talked a few workmates from my old workplace into buying a copy. They subsequently bought me a subscription for my farewell gift then bought themselves one for the office. When I visited them a few months ago, they have photocopies of the wonderful positive messages contained in <a href="http://www.renegadecollective.com/" target="_blank">The Collective </a>posted up around the office walls.<br />
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My replacement started to tell ME about the magazine when I asked about the pinup quotes. I made sure she knew I was the one that first showed it to the manager!<br />
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Anyway ... I'm putting the word out there because I don't think a fraction enough people know about this great publication. Every story is about someone inspiring. People who put it on the line to do what they love. People with great ideas that actually do something about them (I'm hoping some of that may rub off on me). People that start up companies that are not only popular but can help others too.<br />
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I can see no good reason not to read about people like this (and I read every word of it). There is a part of everyone's story I can take away. Whether they came from humble backgrounds and stuck to their guns to build up their dreams, or fought for others to achieve theirs, every defeat and failure that tested them was a reality check.<br />
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Most of the successful entrepreneurs profiled are young (well younger than me anyway) and it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling for the future of our society when its being looked after by these new kind of humanist kind of business men and women.<br />
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And though I haven't had a chance to read the new issue since it arrived today (well it is Tuesday, IBOT night!), I've had a flick through and a quote from the story on the cover girl, Lily Cole, gives you just a taste of what I'm talking about:<br />
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<i>"I think you should always follow your heart in life, so wherever that leads you, go with it. I know it's always scary jumping from one thing to the next ..."</i></div>
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Let me know if you read The Collective or whether you think you might want to - it just might be the best magazine you've ever picked up.<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/bidding-farewell-rainbow-school-ibot/" target="_blank">**Joining with Essentially Jess for #IBOT**</a></b></span></i>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-60636610300537401322014-07-01T23:03:00.000+10:002014-07-01T23:03:03.858+10:00Swapping with Strangers - #IBOTI love the thought of swapping stuff - clothes, books, ummm, pencils? Well, just not partners. No, not into that. But there are bigger things you can swap - like homes!<br />
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Recently I started looking into house swapping as a way to make a European holiday a reality. I even received a few requests from potential overseas vacationers that were keen to stay in our Sydney home. And fair enough too, the photo I posted on the site was magnificent, in fact I had lifted it from the real estate ad we had first spotted before we bought our house. All golden light and filters.<br />
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I can see how somebody freezing their family tail off in the suburbs of London would find it a very attractive proposition to swap their cold abode for our sun filled, bayside holiday home in the middle of an Aussie Summer. I love it. In fact, for the first three months living here almost four years ago, I felt like we were staying in a holiday home purely built for fun in the sun.<br />
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But as I want to holiday in the Northern Hemisphere, the time I would like to vacate is our Winter and their Summer - not keen on the cold. Funnily enough, those coming South want to do the opposite.<br />
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So I'm not sure how it would work out timing wise. Not only that, I know I'll be doing weeks of paranoid cleaning before hand and locking up valuable possessions like my teenage journals, wedding underwear and other secret stuff I can't tell you about.<br />
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So have you ever taken part in a house swap with total strangers? How did it go?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjTvIlt6te_BT9yQE9v8K8WY0sYc7kF67zN8V5e2jYJjQq6x1REMc41yk1Fs_F-h5yKSzvbbyoJPfrQ7DqgLCdzl_0Ttw31vQSX3D975-QHJrfnOw8TblG_4_BcD42y-H6fuEInQ0Bco/s1600/frenchhouse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjTvIlt6te_BT9yQE9v8K8WY0sYc7kF67zN8V5e2jYJjQq6x1REMc41yk1Fs_F-h5yKSzvbbyoJPfrQ7DqgLCdzl_0Ttw31vQSX3D975-QHJrfnOw8TblG_4_BcD42y-H6fuEInQ0Bco/s1600/frenchhouse.jpeg" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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(French holiday anyone - <a href="http://zuhairah-homeinteriordesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">from here</a>)</div>
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<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/blogging-mind-ladders-people-expect-ibot/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FvunWF+%28Essentially+Jess%29" target="_blank">*Joining up with Essentially Jess for IBOT*</a></i></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-31959975676296085622014-06-13T21:00:00.004+10:002014-06-13T21:05:32.283+10:00Simply SketchingWhen I was a kid I used to watch my Dad sketch in a notebook that was always lying on the coffee table. This was usually on a Monday or Tuesday night because that would be the only times my parents would stay home from the club.<br />
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He would sketch all sorts of things. Things he saw in front of him (the TV, the cat, a glass or cup or even us) - he also made used to chew bits of paper and mould them into tiny goblets which he would throw onto the ceiling where they would stick upside down). They weren't bad and it wasn't long before I started doing the same thing. </div>
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He showed me how to draw a person by sketching ovals for each part of the body and limbs. I struggled with drawing faces and especially eyes but I loved drawing hands. Hands drawing hands drawing hands drawing hands. In fact I made that my fourth form (Year 10 for you younger readers) end of year art assignment. Along with a painting of a photograph of my mother as a small child posing with her big brother for a professional photographer. It wasn't very good but I still have it and every time it is brought out to be moved to another house I am reminded that no matter how many times I tried, I could not get those faces right. My wonderful art teacher, Mrs Whitehead, ended up painting their faces for me.</div>
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For a few years after I left school I still dabbled in sketching, even doing a few life drawing classes with my Dad (he was besotted with the French teacher). But the most recent sketching I did was at my sister-in-law's hens night a few years ago where, among other activities, there was a nude sketching session. I forgot all about the young and muscle bound model reclining on the pub's lounge and the giggling women sitting alongside me and was totally immersed in getting those curvy lines just right (along with some dark shadows in the appropriate tiny undies area).</div>
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But recently I felt inspired to pick up the pencil again after reading a story in my favourite magazine, <a href="http://www.renegadecollective.com/" target="_blank">Renegade Collective,</a> about a gallery/library in New York called <a href="http://www.sketchbookproject.com/about" target="_blank">The Sketchbook Project.</a> </div>
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What a great idea! I would love to go to New York (well, yeah, duh!) and visit this place. I could spend hours just browsing through those wonderful books. But I will have to be satisfied with the Digital Library on their website.</div>
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So tonight, after I had poured myself a glass of wine and ate some pizza, I picked up a notebook and did a little sketching. Nothing fantastic but just stuff I could see around me - my dog, a couple of photos on the wall - and I quite enjoyed it. I could see the purpose of the simple pleasure of using the other side of your brain to doodle aimlessly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tonight's sketch - from top left: photo of daughter, sleeping Sydney, flower scribbled over a face which went wrong, photo of Mum and Dad kissing, my glass of wine (green bits are embedded in the handmade paper, flowers I think)</td></tr>
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I think I'll do it more often.</div>
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What's your simple pleasure?</div>
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<a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-art-happiness-edition/" target="_blank">*Joining With Some Grace for FYBF*</a></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-68322460300028603502014-06-03T23:11:00.002+10:002014-06-03T23:11:41.730+10:00Going slow really fastIts been two weeks since I've posted anything on here and feel I've gone back to "<a href="http://beccibird.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/slow-blogging.html" target="_blank">Slow Blogging</a>". Except for the fact I'm unemployed, I've been flat out (I won't say 'busy', apparently its not the word to use at the moment). Mostly applying for jobs, the odd temporary admin assignment and doing Mr Moneymaker's data entry.<br />
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Also I spent a glorious four days away at the Broadbeach Blues Music Festival with my sisters and cousin. A veritable buffet of excellent live music, mosh pit dancing, wine, cheese, park dancing, champagne, seafood, beach strolling, margaritas, balcony dancing and a stint of slide guitar by yours truly on stage with a semi famous band. Yes, four very mature women can still act like teenagers when enough good music and liquor is involved (I may post about it all another time).<br />
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But enough about me, how are you? <br />
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Then again ... in other news, I recently had my eyes checked and even though I've been wearing contact lenses for about a <i>billionty</i> years, I now also need reading glasses to wear OVER my contact lenses! Aging sucks. I guess its better than the alternative, aging I mean. It will just mean its another thing I'll be searching through the house for because I was sure I left it right here! Anyway, a couple of hours after my eye test, The Project presented a story on eyes aging and advertised <a href="http://www.myeyesat45.com.au/" target="_blank">this web sit<u>e</u> </a>(coincidence much?).<br />
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So yeah, that's about me again but hey, its my blog eh?<br />
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While on me, this is stuff I've been doing lately:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Listening to: </b>Every possible performer at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uj54mG0yBQ" target="_blank">Broadbeach Blues Music Festival</a> (did not appear in this clip but there is a secret video held of me on stage with Mason Rack...).</li>
<li><b>Watching</b>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fargo_(TV_series)" target="_blank">Fargo</a> (though I'm two episodes behind so don't anyone tell me what's going on yet!). This is the best TV show I've seen since Breaking Bad - you must check out SBS on Thursday night.</li>
<li><b>Watching</b>: <a href="http://www.thevoice.com.au/" target="_blank">The Voice</a> - I've become strangely addicted this season, probably because of lack of Delta.</li>
<li><b>Reading</b>: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12543.Bird_by_Bird" target="_blank">Bird by Bird - Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamont</a> - a 'real' book about writing where the author 'speaks my speak'; and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Booky-Wook-Memoir-Stand-Up/dp/0061857807" target="_blank">My Booky Wook, a Memoir of Sex, Drugs and Stand Up </a>by Russell Brand - he's a very naughty but incredibly funny boy.</li>
<li><b>Reading</b>: <a href="http://www.renegadecollective.com/" target="_blank">Renegade Collective</a> magazine (time has got away, haven't had time to read the two issues I have on my coffee table but I really need to) - must have only subscription for inspiration.</li>
<li><b>Seeing</b>: recent movies - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2883512/" target="_blank">The Chef</a> - it made me want to go out and buy a taco truck and cook around the country; <a href="http://www.grandbudapesthotel.com/" target="_blank">The Grand Budapest Hotel</a> - a fun and silly movie by Wes Anderson.</li>
<li><b>Surfing</b>: Seek.com.au; LinkedIn.com; <a href="http://ethicaljobs.com.au/">EthicalJobs.com.au</a>; Teachers.on.net and any other job sites where I can find that perfect job (if such a thing exists).</li>
<li><b>Working on</b>: <a href="http://cigno.com.au/">Cigno.com.au</a> database (one thing I've discovered, there are A LOT of soccer club websites in Australia, thousands, in fact, and not all have contact details - so frustrating!).</li>
<li><b>Planning</b>: a secret business idea that needs input from you, the reader - more to come later.</li>
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So once again, I've been doing nothing and everything, just trying to find my 'thang'. What's yours?</div>
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<a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/long-young-good-looking-friends-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-90222953888932409392014-05-20T23:03:00.001+10:002014-05-20T23:03:45.749+10:00What wants to live forever?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://harbourlifehealth.com.au/atlas-orthogonal/" target="_blank">I want to feel this good</a></td></tr>
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I've had my health and wellbeing in my crosshairs recently (its probably because I haven't had a job and had too much time on my hands). I've realised that I talk a lot about keeping healthy so I can live a long and fruitful life, but there hasn't been a lot of action done in the past.<br />
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But if I don't focus on it daily, I'll just keep doing the same unhealthy habits over and over again.<br />
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Tonight I attended a talk by <a href="http://eternalhealth.org/home" target="_blank">Dr Michael Elstein</a> at my local chiropractor's. He's a wholistic medical practitioner who doesn't talk a whole lot of mumbo-jumbo, but uses scientific facts about the human body and its fascinating way that it works to grow and heal itself. I particularly took notice of why we need to sleep when it gets dark and wake when the sun gets up (she says typing this at 11pm - again).<br />
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On an aside, he also talked about a prediction by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Kurzweil" target="_blank">Ray Kurzweil</a> that we would all be living forever by the year 2045 or to quote Wikipedia:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">He believes that with radical life extension will come radical life enhancement. He is confident that within 10 years we will have the option to spend some of our time in 3D virtual environments that appear just as real as real reality, but these will not yet be made possible via direct interaction with our nervous system. He believes that 20 to 25 years from now, we will have millions of blood-cell sized devices, known as </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanobots" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" title="Nanobots">nanobots</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">, inside our bodies fighting against diseases, improving our memory, and cognitive abilities. Kurzweil believes that a machine will pass the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" title="Turing test">Turing test</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> by 2029, and that around 2045, "the pace of change will be so astonishingly quick that we won't be able to keep up, unless we enhance our own intelligence by merging with the intelligent machines we are creating".</span></blockquote>
Which means we will live on in our iPhones. Crikey, I better get my software updated now.<br />
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However, Dr Elstein made a lot of sense and as I couldn't take notes (I forgot my pen!), as soon as I got home, I ordered his e-book (only $5.99!), which will hopefully explain (at my pace) how I can get my system balanced through balancing my hormones.<br />
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I also attended a talk last week by Jean Kittson about her new book, <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/you-re-still-hot-to-me-jean-kittson/prod9781742612065.html" target="_blank">You're Still Hot To Me: The Joys of Menopause</a>. I'm not quite there yet (I only had two hot flushes a few months ago), but I thought I better get prepared. She was surprisingly informative (I was expecting just a whole lot of laughs, not facts!) and highlighted the fact that there is next to no scientific research into menopause. This is pathetic. I'm sure if men suffered from it (and I don't mean suffer the effects from their partners' menopause), it would be thoroughly investigated and treated.<br />
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I took the first step to cleaning up my system last week by buying a <a href="http://www.buythebullet.com.au/" target="_blank">NutriBullet</a> (well, I had requested it for Mothers' Day but ordered it by phone the next day). And I've been juicing everything in sight since, not just for me but for my family as well. I don't always tell them that I might have put kale or spinach or celery in their juice, but they've been drinking it down anyway! And my banana and mango smoothie is soooooo goooood! <br />
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Its only been four days where I've been having a vegetable/fruit juice in the morning and a banana/mango/yoghurt smoothie in the afternoon, so I'll let you know how I'm feeling after a couple of weeks.<br />
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In the meantime, I'll be ramping up my 'getting-off-my-arse' exercise regime (I actually ran a whole kilometre at the end of my bay walk on Sunday!). That's after I get a job. Oh, and after my weekend at the Broadbeach Blues Festival with the girls (well, a girl's got to enjoy herself!). THEN I'll get healthy.<br />
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Who Wants to Live Forever?</div>
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<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/story-woe-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT*</a></i></div>
<br />Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-71201608291495288322014-05-13T23:05:00.003+10:002014-05-13T23:05:17.758+10:00Walk ThoughtsAs I was doing my weekly bay walk with my furry friend (Sydney the Schnoodle, not Mr Moneymaker), I was having the usual hundred or so random thoughts zooming through my head which I was hoping would form into a blog post. Though no creative explosion happened, I thought I might have created a phrase for what happens in my head that I can create a list from. It is<br />
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<b>"Walk Thoughts"</b></div>
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So here are some of the Walk Thoughts that zoomed through my brain on Sunday:<br />
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<li>I've never seen a smiling runner.</li>
<li>I wonder if dogs are actually embarrassed when they use a tree as a toilet?</li>
<li>Why does my dog reverse his back legs UP the tree to have a poo?</li>
<li>Why do my sunglasses fall off everytime I bend over to pick up poo? Is my head too small? </li>
<li>What is that throbbing pain in my ankle?</li>
<li>I wonder if there is any wine left in my fridge?</li>
<li>Why would anyone take their dogs for a walk in a carriage attached to your bike? Don't dogs love to walk?</li>
<li>Why do cyclists still ride on a very narrow road when there's a perfectly good bike track right next to them? Do they realise how angry those drivers stuck behind them are?</li>
<li>Why is my knee punishing me?</li>
<li>Come to think of it, all the wine is gone. It will have to be a vodka and tonic.</li>
<li>I wish I could run, I might be able to get rid of this spare tyre then.</li>
<li>Damn, the hole in my shoe is getting bigger (mental note, remember to cut toenails).</li>
<li>Why does Mothers' Day never live up to expectations? Even when you have the most minimal of expectations (like wishing that everybody would just get along for one day!)</li>
<li>How does my phone know exactly what kind of songs I need at certain moments - can anyone notice that I'm walking in time to R.E.S.P.E.C.T.?</li>
<li>Why hasn't anybody emailed me back about all those job applications I sent out?</li>
<li>What is that dinghy which looks like an indoor shower (or toilet?) doing in the middle of all those boats? </li>
<li>Why does my dog hate black labradors? And more importantly, why does every cattle dog and pitbull type dog want to eat Sydney?</li>
<li>How come my knee and ankle pain moved to my opposite hip?</li>
<li>I hope I can still walk really fast for 7 kms when I'm in my 60's and 70's.</li>
<li>There's that woman that seems about five years older than me that sometimes runs around the bay in a funny stiff shuffle and sometimes walks (like now) with her dog (that is a blond version of mine) really fast, just like me. We smile at each other every time.</li>
<li>I think I might mix my vodka and tonic with that really nice lemon and lime cordial and sit on the balcony.</li>
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My mind keeps going but my body stops and goes upstairs to my drink on the balcony. Life's too heavy to think too much.</div>
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<a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/grow-2-0-ibot/" target="_blank">*Linking with Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-49941937090524931762014-05-09T16:10:00.001+10:002014-05-09T16:21:55.175+10:00International Blog Swap Day - Introducing Suzanne from UK's '3 Children and It'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'm going global today, well reaching the UK anyway. I've signed up to take part in <a href="http://digitalparents.com.au/" target="_blank">Digital Parents</a> and <a href="http://www.tots100.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tots100's</a> <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=399706" target="_blank">International Blog Swap Day 2014</a> where Aussie/NZ bloggers are paired up with a whole list of UK bloggers and we get to swap blog posts for the day.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=399706" target="_blank">You can see more IBSW14 posts here</a></i></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ-tMJAkyKIgHxEqWfK8qmn78vHVvXY1S435AekgAzkNBS-QiOaGaA-_4p2LtbtUtua-g824aKQ906yRw2s_x_r0BYlxVEVxp4ufcHeL7NFoXRzN__1NHZu6I-N_dr4OehT75S7VlrgM/s1600/IBSD14-badge-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was paired with the lovely Suzanne from <a href="http://www.3childrenandit.com/" target="_blank">3 Children and It</a> who lives south of London in a beautiful village. Please visit her blog and give her some Aussie hospitality. She's kindly answered some questions I've put to her so we can get to know her a little. I've also answered some of her questions and she has hosted me on <a href="http://www.3childrenandit.com/" target="_blank">3 Children and It</a> for the day. (Seeing this happens to fall on our Friday, I've also killed two birds(!) with one stone and linked up <a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-mothers-day-interview-edition/" target="_blank">With Some Grace for #FYBF</a>).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well this is all very exciting isn't it? If you're not quite sure what's going on, I'm Suzanne and I'm a thoroughly British blogger who has been given full permission to hijack Becci's blog for the day. I blog over at <a href="http://www.3childrenandit.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">3 Children and It</a> about family life and all the highs and lows that come with parenting 1 Teenager and 2 Tweens, plus a little pooch who we all love dearly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In honour of International Blog Swap Day (yes, it was new to me too) Becci has given me free rein to say whatever I like. Well not exactly, she's actually provided me with some alarmingly thought-provoking questions, so here goes....</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. What era/decade/century would you have loved to live in besides now and why?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">When I saw this, my heart sunk a little. I could conjure up some high falutin response but in all honesty, I'm not a romantic or a dreamer so have no burning desire to be anywhere other than the here and now. Having said that, I am somewhat drawn to period dramas (think Jane Austen) and although my husband rarely allows me to watch them, I do hanker after those cover-all dresses that hide a multitude of sins and the oh-so-polite courting that goes on. Wouldn't life be easier with teenagers in this era?!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. What 'thing' that you own, will you never never never throw out (eg. old teddy bear, photo or keepsake)?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So this one got me thinking. Most items that hold sentimental value for me are more to do with<i> my </i>children, than my own childhood. Shall I let you into a secret? I have kept every single one of their teeth! Yes it's a little bit gross but I could never part with those.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Something slightly less 'weird' would be books. I haven't been able to keep every single book we have ever read together but there are a handful which were poured over night after night and these ones will be kept in a safe place to read with my Grandchildren one day (not just yet please!). </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My mum recently 'blessed' me with all of my old school reports from age 10 upwards. We had such fun reading through them, realising that I wasn't quite the 'swot' that I thought I was - my kids certainly enjoyed that bit! Although they aren't a vital part of life, it meant a lot that she had kept them....obviously I've now got to find a home for them amongst all the clutter. Thanks Mum! (picture of school reports).</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What was the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you, either in childhood or adulthood?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Weirdly, I don't remember very much about my childhood - I take that as a good sign! I do recall referring to the teacher as 'mummy' on a few occasions (not cool) and my devoted mother offering to attend every school trip going (again, not cool). My sister and I eventually stopped bringing the letters home, in the hope that this would stop. Bless her, I know now that she was only trying to support us and her commitment to the cause was admirable but shameful at times too!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You may notice that I am avoiding talking about embarrassing moments from my adulthood. All I can say is it usually involves me and my big mouth....suffice to say, I'm learning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.459999084472656px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. What do you love most about where you live?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">We live in the South East of England (about 1 hour from London) in what can only be described as 'suburbia'. We can walk into a medium-sized market town, the kids can catch a train into a slightly bigger town with better shops but we also have lots of green and wooded areas in which to walk the dog. It is very family orientated and was in fact voted the best town for families to live in the UK - deeming it the safest place. Enough said!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><b style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">5. If you could be a person in history's mum, who would it be?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">Argh! See my first sentence in response to question 1! Gosh, what a loser, I can't think of anyone.....expect maybe Hitler, in the hope that I could stop him from doing all of those horrific things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;">On that (rather depressing) note, I will sign off. Lovely to meet you all *waves* and if you fancy hopping over to my blog then I would love you to drop by. I can't promise tea and cake but I can promise a warm welcome. You can find me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/3childrenandit" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;" target="_blank">Twitter </a>or 'like' my page on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/3childrenandit" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> too. No excuses!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><i>Thanks Suzanne! x</i></span></div>
Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-80901756585263912792014-05-02T23:00:00.000+10:002014-05-02T23:00:01.406+10:00Ladyboys, True To Be YouI was going to sit down and write a post about serious shit, like finding your place, mid life crisis, inspirational people and letting people know the true you.<br />
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But I watched '<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/ladyboys/" target="_blank">Ladyboys</a>' on ABC2 instead.<br />
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(Sahara on the left)*</div>
So much more entertaining.<br />
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Its about the Miss International Queen pageant (the transgender equivalent of Miss World) being held in Pattaya, Thailand, where we took the family a few years ago for a holiday. I guess the capital of Ladyboy city is a strange place for a family vacation, but it certainly opened their eyes.<br />
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You've got to give it to the those little boys who want to grow up to be big, busty, beautiful ladies. They know what they want, they've gone through so much pain, discrimination and harassment to be true to themselves, to their souls.<br />
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Not happy with your hair colour? Dye it. Not happy with your weight? Diet. Not happy with your genitals? Take hormones, get a boob job and remove your tackle.<br />
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But seriously (apologies for the last paragraph to anyone going through the transgender process), if they can go through all that just so they can be the person they were meant to be, why can't everyone?<br />
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I'm sure the majority of us are being exactly what we need to be, but for those who complain they've never felt free to be themselves (including myself), be it from family, work or cultural restrictions, have a think about the boy called Sahara. He grew up in Nigeria and was beaten and considered evil, not only by his community but by his parents because he was 'different'. Sahara couldn't help what he was, but he stayed true to himself, left the negative people behind and moved to London to become the beautiful woman who became First Runner Up Miss International Queen (of course Miss Thailand came first, its fixed I tellzya!).<br />
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Anyway, moral to the story - don't watch ABC2 on Friday nights when you should be writing quality shit.<br />
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Or the other moral to the story ..... be brave and let your ladyboy out! It probably won't involve genital surgery.<br />
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<b>*</b><i><b>Warning</b> - DO NOT SEARCH LADYBOYS ON GOOGLE IMAGES!!!! It is entirely X rated and will give the delicate of nature nightmares forever.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.withsomegrace.com/fybf-boing-boing-edition/" target="_blank">**Linking up With Some Grace for FYBF**</a>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342187983416412377.post-26878583018374630082014-04-22T22:38:00.001+10:002014-04-22T22:38:38.507+10:00One Cockatoo or Two?I've been a bit of a slack blogger lately, but a combination of suffering from vertigo, holding a baby shower for my sister-in-law, school holidays, friends staying for a week and just plain doing things off the interwebs, has given me no time or energy to get creative.<br />
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Last Saturday night the baby shower (or 'Baby Sprinkle' is apparently the term for the second baby) was bigger than Ben Hur, with 25 of my SIL's closest friends and family at my house for a pamper party. This is where one or three beauticians offer guests a choice of 15 minute facials, manicures, pedicures and general girly stuff for a bargain price (I highly recommend <a href="http://www.emmasmobilebeautyinnerwestsydney.com.au/" target="_blank">Emma's Mobile Beauty Service</a>). Though I was stressed about the whole event (never a fan of having to scrub my house before a party only to clean it all up again the next day), it turned out to be a great night.<br />
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About the time guests were arriving, my friend, D, her two kids and their dog from Melbourne arrived to stay for the week. We only get to catch up once or twice a year since they moved 3 years ago. We used to live at each others houses on the weekend and our kids are practically siblings. D and I used to work together and our partners raced each other to get us pregnant (that doesn't sound quite right). Our first borns arrived 8 days apart, our seconds one year and one week apart. We were there to swap babysitting nights for each other and she's the only one I can companiably cook in the same kitchen at the same time with.<br />
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I still had to work during the week (its been hard adjusting to not having school holidays anymore!), but we managed to have some lovely walks with the dogs and kids, a few games of cards, vodkas on the balcony and a night out with the Newtown mother's group (as well as a windy picnic at Coogee beach). Its odd to see these kids taller than us all playing together who, 15 years ago, were waddling around in the local beer garden stealing each others baby bottles.<br />
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After the Melbournites reluctantly left early yesterday morning (and we all had a lie in), I talked the husband son into a ferry ride to Cockatoo Island for the <a href="http://www.biennaleofsydney.com.au/19bos/" target="_blank">Biennale of Sydney</a> (could not budge the daughter into moving out of her now empty room). I've always wanted to visit the island (not just because of the name) and here was a definite reason. Not to mention the ferry ride. I love catching the ferry anywhere in Sydney Harbour and the trip is way too quick from Drummoyne to the island.<br />
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But nothing will beat the commute I used to do in 1997 from Lavender Bay to Circular Quay on the tiny old wooden ferries that have been since retired. That feeling of rocking around on the waves and looking up at that bridge is a great way to start a work day.<br />
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The island was huge and full of great big spaces and machinery where art installations were slotted in. They weren't all to our taste (or maybe we just didn't get the significance of a video of a half naked non gender specific human crouching on a cliff yelling for 10 minutes), but we enjoyed exploring the spaces. I loved the history of the place, particularly the ruins of the convict barracks. Just wish it had been at night. Maybe one night Mr Moneymaker and I could make a night of it, there was some great bars there and a row of tents available for glamping.<br />
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The ferry ride home wasn't so great. To just make the one stop from Cockatoo Island to Drummoyne, we had to change twice and it took us almost two hours to get home. Still better than driving in Sydney traffic though.<br />
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<i><a href="http://essentiallyjess.com/attack-zombie-ants-ibot/" target="_blank">*Joining up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT*</a></i>Becci Swanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10318081753954844803noreply@blogger.com2