As I have mentioned previously, I recently made a mistake that has impacted the timeliness of certain things in my future. I have endeavored to find the positive within the situation, which isn't always easy, but important none the less. What is clear to me so far is that I am so very lucky to have a supportive partner, who always wraps me in kindness, warts and all. I am none the less unhappy about the debacle and in an effort to turn my continual frown upside down, have taken up a photo challenge. The challenge is to take a photo of something that inspires me, makes me happy or takes my breath away with beauty every day, For at least 7 days. I was nervous at first that I would not be able to find something worthy each day, I live what I would call an ordinary life. I go to work, come home exhausted during the week and see friends and family over weekends. My life is not, what Instagram so kindly tells me, a photogenic life should look like. It is now day three and I have taken a good 30 photos so far. There is so much that is around me that gets my creative juices flowing or makes my heart sing. It is Autumn in Melbourne which is probably my favorite season. I always thought it was summer but a warm day in Autumn really is like no other. I love the bright green trees that look almost illuminated by the sun, the golden yellows,ruby reds and aubergine leaves that provide such a beautiful contrast to the shinning blue sky. The noise of crunching and childlike glee as you stomp through the fallen leaves. The beautiful breeze in the air, bringing such a delightful relief from the summer heat and warmth from the cool change, that stirs in the in-between season. Watching my beautiful pup stand still while the wind envelopes him, eyes closed, ears blowing, just enjoying the sensation, We have such good food in Melbourne. We are blessed with flavorful produce and juicy meats. I made a Risotto the other night and it was magic in my mouth, like all of Italy had a magnificent party right there, in my mouth, with every bite. Pleasure. Happiness. Love. It is all around us, it can be found in so many different ways. Its how you embrace it, how you open your eyes and accept it that will give you the most joy. Flows and Ebbs, Hills and valleys, I am always grateful for my life.
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I have to share, one of my guilty pleasures is reality television, Hear me out. I don't love all reality TV shows, there are plenty we can do without. But I do love the premise of what it could be. Essentially there is a reason why reality TV took off so quickly and has become so deep rooted in our community. People like people. Whether you are an extrovert and cant stand to be without people around you physically or an Introvert who spends a lot of time alone but will most likely be watching or reading something involving people. We fascinate each other and ourselves. Reality TV either connects with who you are, who you wish you could be or who you are glad your not.
I will also admit that I am a glass half full, rose colored glasses kind of girl so I can (usually) overlook a few of the negatives of a show and enjoy the good bits. Take the Kardashians for an example. I am not going to bother listing what is wrong with this show, I am sure you will already have a list of what you dislike however I love watching family interactions. I come from a small family which was fractured from divorce when I was in my late teens. Seeing a large family, who so effortlessly speak their truth with one another and have a visible love for one another is very enjoyable. I love the conversations this show has added to my little household. Yes we are worlds apart because of material possessions but the crux of the show, the issues they deal with in the episodes are fairly generic and are generally community issues. They encourage debate and exploration of you and your family or friends perspectives. Addiction, body image disorders, marriage breakdowns, sexuality, mental health, these are all prominent issues in today's society. And watching a family tackle these can be extremely helpful so those who are lost with what to do. And this is where my frustration with 'Married at First Sight' comes in. This show involves 4 couples who have never met get married and spend 4 weeks trying to make it work before they legally decide if the marriage is to go ahead or not. Don't roll your eyes, stay with me! The positives of this show is the people who are selected are 8 individuals who genuinely want to meet someone they can love and be happy with. They are invested in the relationship and are not trying to get their 15 minutes of fame. However there is usually a reason someone gets to a point where they are so frustrated by past relationships they choose the most exposing method of finding a mate. Over the 4 weeks you witness these couples fall in to bad habits and end up blaming their paired mate or the show for it not working. There are two psychologists who observe and talk to the viewers about what they are watching. There a millions of single people around the world who replicate these conflicts every day. This show should be a platform to help people work through their emotional niggles to help them see a better way to communicate and be at peace with them selves to achieve their ultimate goal. I would like to state there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to be single, but for those who are not happy, who want to have a partner but do not know how to overcome their obstacles, why not try help them? This is where networks and faceless men take away all that could be great with reality television and turn it into a blood bath. All four couples show promise of living happily ever after, if you could just step in, help them out, talk through their problems with them, help them become the people they so desperately want to be rather than pointing fingers for entertainment. The people at home watching could use relate to the problems the individual are facing and take on board the advice the psychologists are providing. Something amazing could come from a show like this, the world could be a little bit brighter, and then reality television wouldn't have to be a guilty vice, it could actually help people. Last week I received some terrible news. I have been striving towards a goal for a few years now, by September this year it should of been accomplished, However I made a made a few errors, took a short cut in the hope to get to what I so badly desire a little quicker and I am now paying the price. Although I acknowledge my mistake it is very disheartening and to begin with I did curl up and have a good cry and a bit of a pity party. The universe is a funny thing, it can trip you up, knock you off your feet, and then reach out and help you get back up. My job enables me to travel a little and this week I found myself heading out into the Gippsland region of Victoria. Gippsland is a beautiful area, predominantly dairy farmers, lots of rolling hills, with a stunning coastline. I was lucky enough to have some free time. Generally in these instances I would find a spot and work remotely but the sun was shining and the scenery was singing to me so I detoured and stopped in at a few look outs, said hello to a few of the four legged residents and just sucked up all the surroundings. It was a great time to stop and think, reflect. Sometimes just getting out of the everyday and connecting with whats around us can really help perspective. Yes I am still mad at myself but I am still on a path to achieving what I want, not all is lost, just delayed. Something great is still just around the corner and whats in front of me just this second is still pretty darn brilliant. "Don't surrender all your joy for an idea you used to have about yourself that isn't true anymore" - Cheryl Strayed
Its a wet Melbourne Tuesday. Yesterday was 26 degrees. The weather lady kindly told us we had just experienced our last day of Summer sun. We are now on board the Autumn train and wont be feeling the warmth of the suns rays until we get off around September. I have always loved the sun. Coming from a country that was literally named after the 'long white cloud' Its always been something of wonder to me. I moved to Queensland, Australia, 'the sunshine state' when I was 21 and set myself up in a beautiful coastal town. I would basque in the sunshine everyday, walking around shaking my head in disbelief that day after day the sun would rise and bring with it so much scrumptious heat. When I sit back and close my eyes I can teleport myself back to those days. They are so vivid in my mind. The power of the warmth when you walked out of your front door. Running down the road to grab a coffee, not a far distance only 100 meters, it would always trick me. By the time you get there you just buy a bottle of water, coffee seems ludicrous now your body is ramped to what feels like 50 degrees. I eventually left that little town for the city life of Melbourne. A broken heart and empty wallet can do that to you. So now I get my sunshine hit 3-4 months a year, another few months of teasing and a fair few months that remind me of home and are quite nostalgic in a way. I no longer hate the cold, I have found a sand bar to stand on, It doesn't swallow me in misery, I appreciate the seasons mother nature throws at us. There is something quite special about finding a quite corner in a cafe while everything is wet and hectic outside and you get to hide with a big mug of coffee and write your minds wanderings on a blog no one will read. |
AuthorWoman. Lover. Fur Mother. Creative Archives
December 2016
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