Taking out the rubbish



So, as I've said before, I don't do New Year's resolutions, but I have made something of an effort in the Housekeeping department.
Not HOUSE keeping as in sweeping and bed making, housekeeping as in my actions which directly relate to how I operate and ultimately feel.

Difference between this and New Years Resolutions being that there's no pattern of unrealistic promise making, trying something for a while, getting distracted and ending up disappointed with myself by the first week of February.

I'm taking out the rubbish.
De-cluttering.
Tidying up a bit.
Here's how......

1. I unfollowed all the Facebook pages that mad me feel inadequate, underachieving or anxious. Sometimes you start following a great page because you feel inspired by the content and you connect with the writer/writers. Then one day you feel anxious because what they're presenting is so damn soft-focussed and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, you feel ansty and a little bit angry..... you might even roll your eyes. I realized, it's not me, it's you.
I look at my Facebook news feed pretty regularly, so I need to be amused by it, not depressed by it.
Unfollow.

2. I stopped reading helpful articles and pages and magazines that keep telling me I need to buy stuff to be happier or more organized. BS. The way I see it I need less stuff, not more.
Be gone.

3. I left my two on-line cancer support groups. There is a normal rate in life at which bad things happen. Ditto things that break your heart, ditto things that are unfair, and unjust. When you belong to a cancer support group with 700 members, the rate of devastation is much higher than the regular amount we are meant to endure to remain mentally healthy. I felt that the support I was able to offer the other members, the daily heart-break and the path I'm on now, just didn't marry up. So I took my training wheels off and I left the two groups. Going it alone, when I was used to the contact with these people almost daily was daunting, but honestly, I haven't looked back. It just wasn't for me anymore. There are people in my life I am sharing the breast cancer experience with but they are real flesh and blood and I care very much for them. I cant be on that trip with 700 people it's just too heavy.

4. You know those undies? The ones that you hate so bad but you never realize you're wearing them til its too late to change, and you spend the whole day yanking, tugging, adjusting reefing and swearing at them. Chuck 'em out. Its an act of self love. Cause you know what happens, you'll put them in the wash, put them in your drawer and before you know it, you're spending the day in the fuckers again. Get Rid. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life. I already feel lighter and more carefree since I banished all the crappy old knickers in my life.

5. I stopped reading anything that has the word "Organized" in the title. And as it turns out, I'm actually not as tragic as I was starting to believe.

That's my advice, take out the rubbish.
Much love. xxx

Deep alien grief

There is a profound sense of horror when our fellow man hurts another.

It can only be more unthinkable when the victim is unsuspecting and the crime bloody.

What about law abiding and completely innocent?

Surely then, the profundity is most extreme when the victim is a child.

What about several children?

Witness to trauma, the likes of which you or I can never fathom.
And then turned upon, themselves.

The horror and bloody scenes that have played out in the last few days in Australia have shocked and devastated millions.
I am one of them.
I cant make sense of it.

I am left, like so many of you wondering what the fuck is going on. And why.
I am not superstitious, but really, the gravity of recent events is beyond normal comprehension.

I am feeling so heavy of heart.
And confused.
So confused.

How can anyone hurt a child, ever, in any way? How could anyone hurt someone they don't even know? For no reason. Robbing children of a mother. Robbing babies of their lives.

There is a very definite loss of innocence when we experience these kinds of events.
These kinds of events?
Who am I kidding?
This doesn't happen.
This is exceptional and unthinkable.

Bloody massacres and mass stabbings?
Its a horrible, awful nightmare.
In real life.

It changes us and scars us and makes us different.
Harder.
More numb.

The injustice is just a withering weed and our bewilderment is only a puff of smoke.

No reaction can measure up to the brutal reality which is essentially someone else's actual reality.

Empathy is stretched to beyond limits and there can only be heads shaking and tears rolling.

No words that make any sense.

Just deep alien grief.
Grief that doesn't belong, and never should have been.

Dad gave a speech...



So, I'm just hearing a few whispers around town about something that happened today.

My dad gave a speech today.
He's a teacher, it wasn't like a spontaneous rant at the pub or anything.
He's the deputy head of a pretty big school where I live.

He's been at that school for a little over twenty years.
I didn't go to that school, but I get the idea that my dad is a pretty well-liked guy at the school.

Any way.... today he addressed the students on their last day of 2014.

And received a standing ovation.

I don't know if you know many teenagers, but I don't imagine that standing and applauding teachers is something that they do every day. Or ever.
That makes me really proud.

Point here is this, he had something to say to those young people which was supposed to inspire them. And from all reports it did.

I once met a guy that Dad taught some time ago, and he told me he remembered exactly what my Dad had said to him and his class on their last day of high school. THIRTY YEARS AGO.
And he said he followed his advice, which was to go out and see the world and grow through experience.

So, I guess what has really occurred to me is this.... words are powerful.
Really powerful.
They build people up and they can strip them down.

I'm not denying that it takes a certain kind of person to stand up in front of 1000 people and hit the nail on the head like Dad did today, but we have all had people cross our paths who have made a difference.

So, anyway. I'm proud of my Dad, for certain, but I am also happy for the students who have been inspired by his wisdom and acknowledgment that he also learns from them every day.

This ties in closely with what a lot of mums my age are going through at the moment. Uncertain of what lies ahead for them. Baby's off to school, out of date qualifications, lack of confidence, fresh starts, relaunching old careers or embarking on new dreams.

Dig deep and think of a time you were inspired.
Dream big.
Remember, someone believes in you.

xxxx

Christmas gift guide #3 Presents for Teachers!

 

I know I said I would be doing a series of three shopping guides but I have just thought of this one and so there might be 4.

Or 5....

 

Teachers! So beloved to us all. Hardworking, patient, dedicated, long-suffering.

How on earth do you thank them for guiding and nurturing your children for a whole year?

Its tricky.

Here a few cute ideas.

 

This key fob can be personalized and is practical and cute. I found this one on Etsy.

 

LocalLURE is a graphic design business based here in the Southern Highlands and they have just created this range of limited edition prints. So sweet and stylish. Perfect for teachers.
http://www.localluredesign.com/

 

I also found this on Etsy. Literary tea! How perfect for a book loving teacher. William Shakespeare blend. Too gorgeous.

 

This divine bracelet is from Hard to Find dot com where you'll find plenty of unique goodies. I think this bright bauble would be terrific for a favourite teacher.

 



 

Another local lady here in the Southern Highlands, Nicky is producing some beautiful embroidered tea towels as well as message boards and bunting for her label 'Beats Working'. So sweet and totally teacher worthy. Just call Nicky for product enquiries 0414244923

 

 

 

More personalized goodies. How could a teacher not love this mug? Again, thoughtful and practical.

 



 

Got a teacher with a wicked sense of humour? Is this the best bookmark ever? I just love it. I found this on Etsy too.

If you have ever tried Jacqueline Evans body products, you'll know they are pure luxury, and surely any hard working teacher deserves a good soak at the end of the day. These products are available on Hard to Find as well.

 

Just a few ideas for you.

xxxx





Shopping guide #2 Ethical shopping ideas

Thanks so much for having a look at this, my second guide for Christmas shopping.
These guides are really just supposed to be food for thought.
The idea for all this came from the universal feeling of stress and dread that this time of year can bring, especially when it comes to traipsing round a Westfield in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
Do we really need more stuff?
Is the reason you cant think of what to buy friends and family because they don't need anything?

Here are a few ethical ideas for gifts for the man, woman and child who already have everything.
xxx

1. WWF. http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions.aspx
These affordable gifts are seriously divine.
When you adopt an endangered animal, which you can select from a long list, you have supported the cause to help protect these animals and their environments. You also receive a plush toy of the animal, an adoption certificate, a gift bag and a photograph. So beautiful, and still gives children something to unwrap.

 

2. Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia http://store.hamlin.org.au/

If you don't already know the story of the incredible Australian surgeon Katherine Hamlin, check out this site, you'll soon be converted to this wonderful cause. You can purchase gifts for the hospital such as sheets and blankets, you can support the midwife training project, or you can purchase items such as jewellery, coffee, scarves, books and handmade home wares. It's impossible to overstate the worthiness of this incredible organisation.

 

3. Oxfam Unwrapped https://unwrapped.oxfam.org.au/?utm_source=howhelp

This is a deadly one.

Essentially you can feel great about the gift you're giving through Oxfam to people in developing countries by giving them what they ACTUALLY NEED. You can give a goat to a village, a chicken to a family, clean water to a school, even cow pooh to farmers. Basically you are making the gift on behalf of your friend or family member and you give them a gorgeous card telling them how insanely meaningful their gift was. And pretty much no packaging. Win - win - win.

 

 

4. The Green Pavillion http://www.thegreenpavilion.com.au/categories/ECO%252dCHIC-BAGS/

How snazzy are these bags?

They're made from recycled rice sacks and recycled newspapers. They also have recycled tyre bags!

All ethically traded and weather proofed to stand up to the job. All products are traceable back to the villages they were made in, which ensures your first world dollars get back to the producers of the goods.

 

 

5. Oxfam Calenders http://www.oxfamshop.org.au/bookscardswrap/16712444

Everyone needs a Calender. I've heard some of you even use them.

Oxfam's range are particularly beautiful. There is a stunning Aboriginal art Calender as well as other photography beauties. Most of your favourite charities will have their own Calender. They make a fab, practical and affordable gift that helps.



















So these are just a few ideas of how we might all do something different, give a rad gift and feel really good about it too.

xxxx

Local Shopping Guide for Spunks #1 - Handmade Goodies

So, its that time of the year again.

You're either decorating your tree as we speak even though its only mid-November, or you're burying your head in the sand hoping it might all go away.

Well, it wont. I know, I know.... I'm sorry.

Fact is you need to get on board. And you know when the times comes it's actually quite fun.

So, I thought I would throw this at you.
Let's try mixing it up a bit this year...
I have put together a list of amazing local folks who make stuff with their own bare hands.
I KNOW!

Cause you know gifts have to happen, they may as well be unique, beautiful and full of integrity.
I have included links to their Facebook pages and from there you can get to their shops.

This is the Southern Highlands in NSW, readers. Even if you're not from round here you should really take a look at the incredible talent that we have in this neck of the woods. You can buy from them too, even if you're miles away.
And you'll want to. They're just that good.

https://www.facebook.com/inkandweave

100% linen tea towels, from Ink and Weave, proudly designed & screen printed in Australia. They're just so cool, you can frame or mount them and if you really want to, you can even dry up with them. Divine.

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susie-Websters-Wearable-Art/229552670507957?sk=timeline

Susie Webster's Wearable Art is unique, beautiful, always evolving and made in her studio in the beautiful Southern Highlands. Susie's stuff is also available on Etsy.

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mr-and-Mrs-Munro/151519581687363?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

Mr and Mrs Munroe make incredibly beautiful timber and wire pieces. They use various materials, and their work is quite unlike anything else. Handmade, delicious.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/tenthousandpaces/photos_stream

Ten Thousand Paces is a shop not long ago set up in Springetts Arcade. It is full of stunning local artisans' work, and if you're after something completely unique, this is your spot to shop.

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/weloveclocks?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser

The Sydney Clock company are based in the Highlands where Matt makes these and other gorgeous clocks. His time pieces are also available in Ten Thousand Paces listed above.

 

 

Highlands Habitat is a range of divine goodies made by beautiful local lady Naomi. She has a gorgeous array of products including bath and body products and roll on fragrances available at Claytons Pharmacy, Bowral, or you can have custom made blends created for you including personalized labels. Heaven.

nberming@bigpond.net.au

 

 



Monday Lovin'



So, I let out a little secret today.
I love Mondays.
This was met with some.... horror.

I know its cool to hate Mondays and it's the expected behaviour for one to puff and sigh that it's Monday AGAIN.

Lemme outline why I love Mondays and why you should get on board, buck the trend and think differently of poor old Monday, who is quite frankly, only doing his job, under difficult circumstances.

Firstly. Am I the only one whose children are tucked all safe and sound at SCHOOL?????????
School!
School! School!!!

Best invention ever.
After the epidural.

I'm sorry but when I drop my baby's off knowing they are in professional, loving hands and not in my ear shot. I love the shit outta them so hard.

Monday, tick.

(Pupil free Mondays are an exception to EVERYTHING I write in this blog piece.)

Secondly. You know that wonderful weekend you had, hanging out with friends? Going to bed too late? Eating all that lovely food? Drinking all that gorgeous wine?
Monday? Brand new start.

Yes Ma'am, its a fresh chance to do better.
New years day, every week.
Healthy eating, healthy living, early to bed, all that, lots of water.
Bam.
You're welcome.

Third. The relaxed Saturday/Sunday vibe is still fresh.
Breathe deep and you can still feel the delicious down-time you just had over the weekend.
Hold hand's with that feeling and don't let it go.
Don't say goodbye at the gate, take in on-board.
Pop it under the seat in front of you.

Fourth. You know how we're all saying how fast the week goes?
Yeah, well, that's cause it does. And pretty soon it's Friday again which has its very own sexy flavour.
Hold tight, it'll be here before you know it.
Four sleeps.

Fifth. School.
Seriously.
So beautiful.

So cheer up Charlie, start hating on Tuesday instead, cause that shit sucks.
***insert previous exception regarding pupil free Mondays.***

xxx