tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48385245757687759722024-03-13T12:36:22.992+11:00Reflections (& ramblings)A collection of life's snippets by MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-7011496365672140272020-10-28T01:14:00.027+11:002020-10-29T01:03:33.579+11:00Best Essential Oils - Australia<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've always liked burning incense and then I discovered oil burners that required tealight candles. Lately, I've enjoyed burning madison candles. The best brands have been the most unlikely ones! Organic Choice candles from Coles are surprisingly good, particularly the Indian Coconut and Lime fragrance. Ecoya also makes great quality candles, especially the French Pear fragrance. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1Taa3UHp8k/X5l13MWQgrI/AAAAAAAABa0/5gFpLmTyu2kuo0jpm1sMTnThaFC40V6gACPcBGAYYCw/s2016/Ecoya%2BFrench%2BPear%2BCandle%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1Taa3UHp8k/X5l13MWQgrI/AAAAAAAABa0/5gFpLmTyu2kuo0jpm1sMTnThaFC40V6gACPcBGAYYCw/w300-h400/Ecoya%2BFrench%2BPear%2BCandle%2B1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">With Glasshouse, it depends on the fragrance. I find Tahaa a little strong and chemical-like; it gives me headaches as the living space needs to be larger than mine. Circa Home's Coconut and Watermelon candle is to die for.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xq4toAn4I0/X5l2CO7GfrI/AAAAAAAABa4/yaL5ZVfi3LEzFVCK4mpkzKMw-figS4oawCPcBGAYYCw/s2016/Ecoya%2BFrench%2BPear%2BCandle%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xq4toAn4I0/X5l2CO7GfrI/AAAAAAAABa4/yaL5ZVfi3LEzFVCK4mpkzKMw-figS4oawCPcBGAYYCw/w300-h400/Ecoya%2BFrench%2BPear%2BCandle%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p>More recently, I purchased an ultrasonic diffuser. I had always wanted one but wasn't sure of which one to get. I settled on one from a big appliance store due to having to spend some store credit there. What an incredible little device! While this diffuser is reliable and easy to use (although not as silent as I anticipated), the quality of available oils differs wildly. Fragrance oils are considered to be hazardous because they are made synthetically in labs using petrochemicals. Only pure essential oils should be used, but the quality of these can differ too. 'In Essence' essential oils are some of the best I have tried so far. 'Perfect Potion' also makes top quality oils. For both brands, the price is a little higher for 5 or 10 mL, but the potency can be up to two times stronger than that of other common brands. </p></span><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aD0nPDHCBuY/X5lEUs6xNFI/AAAAAAAABak/K3T9T2DSyPAJdozX4DAjlwl3GlPYQKYWwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/Ellia%2BRelax%2BDiffuser.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aD0nPDHCBuY/X5lEUs6xNFI/AAAAAAAABak/K3T9T2DSyPAJdozX4DAjlwl3GlPYQKYWwCPcBGAYYCw/w300-h400/Ellia%2BRelax%2BDiffuser.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>But then I decided to purchase a whole bunch of oils online without smelling them first. They were so well-priced that I even bought a little box to store them in, thinking that hundreds of positive reviews about these oils couldn't be wrong. However, it would appear that this common brand, which I won't mention directly, epitomises the 'emperor's new clothes' phenomenon. It seems that people like to be sheep, or they have not tried other brands, or less-than-complimentary ratings are not published on the website. The reality is that the oils just aren't up to scratch compared to ones I have been diffusing from the aforementioned companies. Some fragrances even have a toxic smell about them. The difference in quality is obvious, something I didn't expect at all. Whilst a little cheaper per millilitre, more of the inferior product is required to create a scent that permeates the air. I do not know how I will use these oils up (as some are rather unpleasant), but I'll create some blends where possible. The lavender oil is OK, so I will be liberal with it in all of my blends, but will be on the hunt for a quality lavender oil once this bottle runs out.</p></span><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Some people own upwards 50 of these little bottles, but perhaps they have never tried alternative brands. I do not know why the difference is so perceptible to me, but I won't be buying any more bottles from this company. I will gradually use them up (because I can't justify wasting them) and purchase top-quality oils in future. I have learnt the hard way that you definitely get what you pay for!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcQchDuvzR4/X5grPqp3i5I/AAAAAAAABaU/fOq1Ez-CAjwWfhM52LxpD6WXpeZJB2TXQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/In%2BEssence%2BDesert%2BBlend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcQchDuvzR4/X5grPqp3i5I/AAAAAAAABaU/fOq1Ez-CAjwWfhM52LxpD6WXpeZJB2TXQCNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/In%2BEssence%2BDesert%2BBlend.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The 'In Essence' essential oil range is amazing</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></i></span><p></p>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-7218975405791968332020-07-15T13:51:00.006+10:002021-05-02T00:47:25.927+10:00Simple life...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I lead a simple life by most people's standards, yet I'm busy every single day. I'm never idle and don't have much time for leisure activities at present. Yes, it's a bit of a treadmill sometimes, but I still try to make time for the important things in life. I do what I can for the students I teach and tutor. Compassion was once shown towards me at the public high school I attended in Sydney. These actions made a huge difference and I am forever grateful to those educators. Although my skill set is not always recognised within the school context, every so often some sort of acknowledgement by students or parents is received. This keeps me going for a little while longer. Small encouragements mean so much and they cost nothing to give.<br />
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<i>Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.</i><span class="p"> (Proverbs 3:27)</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-74545167724532353792020-05-13T10:11:00.003+10:002021-05-02T00:48:17.959+10:00Encouraging feedback...It's quite a rare occurrence, but every now and again a parent will take the time to send me a simple message of thanks for my tutoring work. It makes it seem worthwhile when I know I'm making a small difference in some students' lives. I have had students where the parents are very instructive towards me (as though I don't know anything after 20 years of teaching). In those situations, I usually start to realise that it will be hard to make progress with their child. The tutor does need some agency. I am sometimes relieved when these clients discontinue tutoring, whatever reason might be (usually financial). You invest a lot into helping their daughter or son (hours and hours beyond what you're remunerated for), and their child never meets their unrealistic expectations. It's difficult to witness.<br />
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But here is a lovely message I received yesterday. This particular parent wanted me to bill her for three hours rather than the two worked due to my preparation time, etc. (such decency is rare indeed). Of course, I said that the payment for two hours will be perfectly fine.<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-62424630727554369032020-04-19T01:25:00.001+10:002021-05-02T00:48:56.906+10:00Essay Introduction - The Truman ShowI was supervising an exam recently and thought I'd give one of the essay questions a go. I haven't studied the film (but have seen it), am not an English teacher by definition and have no real idea of the purpose of the Module, but thought I'd challenge myself for 10 minutes.<br />
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Conclusion: it was mighty hard! I have been tutoring students for a while now, but not usually Stage 6 students. I did once tutor a very gifted Stage 6 student who ultimately achieved a Band 6 in English Advanced, but this involved hours of preparation each week and days worth of professional learning. I made no money out of the gig but all of my efforts continue to help me in my EAL/D teaching role, so I don't see it as wasted time. You never stop learning, and what you learn is always transferable to other contexts.<br />
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<b>Exam essay question:</b><br />
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<i>An <span style="color: red;">engaging</span> text will <span style="color: blue;">skilfully</span> <span style="color: magenta;">blend </span><span style="color: lime;">ideas</span>, <span style="color: orange;">language features</span> and<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> form </span>to generate a <span style="color: blue;">considered response</span>. </i><br />
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Discuss this statement, making close reference to your prescribed text.<br />
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<b>My attempt under exam conditions (Introduction only):</b><br />
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Peter Weir's <span style="color: blue;">careful composition</span> of the film <i>The Truman Show</i> <span style="color: magenta;">merges</span> <span style="color: lime;">conceptual components</span> with <span style="color: orange;">language features</span> and <span style="color: #6aa84f;">form</span>, resulting in a <span style="color: blue;">timeless and meaningful text</span> that continues to <span style="color: red;">challenge its viewers</span>. <span style="color: blue;">Significant</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: lime;">ideas</span> such as the importance of <span style="color: lime;">self-actualisation</span> and <span style="color: lime;">human liberty</span> are <span style="color: blue;">sensitively conveyed</span> via <span style="color: orange;">film techniques</span> and <span style="color: #6aa84f;">narrative structure</span>. Similarly, the insidious nature of <span style="color: lime;">deception</span>, verses the refreshing qualities of <span style="color: lime;">compassion</span> and <span style="color: lime;">integrity</span>, is <span style="color: blue;">adeptly highlighted</span> through <span style="color: orange;">casting</span> and <span style="color: orange;">camera</span> <span style="color: blue;">choices</span>, as well as through <span style="color: #6aa84f;">flashbacks</span> of Truman's past. Of particular <span style="color: blue;">profundity</span> is the cautionary element of <span style="color: lime;">corporate-driven storytelling</span><span style="color: purple;"> </span>which is infused within the film. This <span style="color: red;">connects directly with contemporary viewers</span>, compelling them to <span style="color: red;">question</span> their own <span style="color: lime;">voyeuristic tendencies</span>. The final product is a <span style="color: blue;">consciously <span style="color: magenta;">multilayered</span> <span style="color: black;">text</span></span> that exposes <span style="color: lime;">human strengths and weaknesses</span>, leaving an <span style="color: red;">indelible mark on diverse audiences</span>.<br />
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<b>Explanation of Introduction:</b><br />
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OK, so I have no idea of the thrust of the Module and just went out on a limb based solely on the question. That's a vital skill in order to achieve anything above a 'C range' result; you must be able to adapt to the question and fashion your repertoire of knowledge under timed conditions. In this case, I had no knowledge, so could not continue writing. But, I had <i>enough</i> knowledge to write the general statements required for an introduction that addresses the question.<br />
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The word <i>engaging</i> in the question is significant as it points to audience response. Word choices related to this are <span style="color: red;">red</span>.<br />
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The words <i>skilfully</i> and <i>considered response</i> must also be considered when reading the question because they allude to how well the text is composed to meet its purpose. Related word choices are <span style="color: blue;">blue</span>.<br />
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The word <i>blend</i> is important to address because it describes the interplay between ideas, film techniques and text structure. Related word choices are <span style="color: magenta;">pink</span>.<br />
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References to ideas are <span style="color: lime;">bright green</span>. References to language features are <span style="color: orange;">orange</span>. References to form are <span style="color: #6aa84f;">dark green</span>.<br />
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<b>Possible approach to Body Paragraphs:</b><br />
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Body Para 1: The concepts of self-actualisation (Truman's search for meaning) and human liberty (Truman's desire for freedom) should drive this paragraph. In terms of film techniques, you could discuss the camerawork which highlights Truman's growing realisation that he is not living the authentic life he thought he was. In terms of narrative structure, you could discuss the rising tension that is created as Truman questions: his inability to travel, the unresolved relationship with his father, etc.<br />
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Body Para 2: The idea of deception verses truth should drive this paragraph. In terms of filmic choices, you could focus on the casting of Truman's best friend, as well as his wife, and how their acting styles reveal their disingenuous relationships with Truman. By contrast, the various close-ups of scenes with Lauren convey the intimacy that Truman has rarely experienced in his life. Flashbacks to these scenes, as well as edits that cut to her perspective as a real-life viewer, provide a powerful insight into the alternative role an audience can assume.<br />
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Body Para 3: The concept of corporate-driven storytelling should be the focus of this paragraph. You could comment on Christof's detachment from reality as he pursues commercial success.<span class="st"> The ethical issues of a person being adopted by a corporation could be discussed in relation the collective culpability of the feckless viewers.</span><span class="st"><span class="st"> The juxtaposition of the various </span></span><span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">mises en scène with Truman's vivacity serves to expose the detrimental effects of passive media consumption. Make reference to how the film-going audience is taken from a position of being entertained, to experiencing empathy, to feeling elation by the end of the narrative.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">Well, that's just a few ideas anyway. I'd have to actually watch the film to fill in the gaps. Also, never lose sight of the question. Just as I have illustrated with the colour-coding, these threads should be woven right throughout your essay. Imagine the colours scattered within each paragraph. Red and blue should feature heavily in your conclusion.</span></span></span><br />
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<i>If you are a senior student who has read this entire blog post (and found it helpful), could you please take a minute to leave me a comment? (anonymous or otherwise) I am trying to gauge whether my blog posts appear in search results. I am charged a nominal sum by Google each year, so think they owe me some exposure on the web. Cheers.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>ext by Melanie © <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2020</span></span></span></span><i> </i><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-26630520161667129472020-04-18T15:08:00.004+10:002020-04-19T02:04:22.456+10:00The state of Christianity in the 'West'<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Throughout the relatively short course of my life, I have seen Christianity decline in Australia. The sons and daughters of those who never had much (or any) belief are out in full force, and now having children of their own. They're followers of the world's ideologies, not of Christ's teachings. I must confess, it's getting harder to live in a world where so many people hold a different worldview to mine. I frequently cry due the callousness and ignorance of those who openly oppose Christ. Yeah, sure, they often have some sort of moral compass, but when it comes to the sanctity of human life, many are driven by agendas that fly in the face of Christianity. Is it Christians they can't stand, or Christ himself? I think it's both. To them, anything that challenges hardened hearts must be eliminated at all costs. It comes down to the discomfort they feel when considering their own 'humanness'. No one wants to wake up to themselves - they're having far too much fun self-serving to do that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I recently read a small news segment in the October 2019 edition of 'Forward in Christ' magazine (Vol. 12, No. 3, p. 4). These magazines are always an interesting read, but there is a common thread: Christianity is continuing to be warped and twisted by those who have no desire to know Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Seminary Confesses to Plants:</b> In a bizarre chapel ceremony in September, students at Union Theological Seminary (UTS), New York, confessed their sins to a collection of potted plants. The verdant seminary described the event on social media, tweeting, "Today in chapel, we confessed to plants. Together, we held our grief, joy, regret, hope, guilt and sorrow in prayer; offering them to the beings who sustain us but whose gift we too often fail to honor. What do you confess to the plants in your life?"<br /><br />One seminarian answered, "Here was my confession. ‘I confess that even as I’ve waxed poetic and theological about how indispensable you are, I’ve privileged my own comfort and convenience over your well-being.'"<b> I’ve privileged my own comfort and convenience over your wellbeing?</b> Seminarians at UTS might want to apply that same line of reasoning to abortion, which the school enthusiastically supports.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image credit: South Pacific Prints</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>"These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.<span class="p"></span> Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God." (Matthew 15: 8-9, New Living Translation)</i></span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-9692722061064750062020-04-12T20:21:00.003+10:002021-05-02T00:50:00.517+10:00Seeing your significance...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes it can be difficult to see any significance in what you do. You work hard, try your best, give it your all. You try to better yourself, learn more, give more. You do it to share your skills, your understandings, your life lessons. Sometimes, however, your reach seems so limited and your efforts worthless. At this point, it becomes harder to see your purpose in this world. I'll always remember a priest who spoke at a Sydney youth festival: "A lot goes into a person." It made me reconsider what my parents wanted for me and some of the conscious choices they made.<br />
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Each one of us is unique, the product of a myriad of experiences and teachings and interactions. Each one of us has so much to share, but sometimes the opportunity to do so is lacking. I've worked hard in my life to learn new things, improve my knowledge, be the best teacher I can be. But, I have learnt that I can't please everyone in the way they might want. If they want a 'yes-man', then I'm definitely not who they're after. If they want someone who is happy with being undervalued and disrespected, I won't ultimately work out for them either.<br />
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I've spent a lot of time in my life trying to impress the wrong people. Only now in my forties have I come to recognise my worth. All those public holidays spent studying. The many all-nighters spent planning the perfect sequence of lessons as an RFF teacher. The intricate feedback comments that were barely read by students and parents. The hours and hours of preparation put into single lessons or tutoring sessions.<br />
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This time and effort has amounted to something. The product is a teacher who thinks critically, who has something of great worth to share with her students. A person who has never been motivated by the pay cheque is a person who will ultimately shine as an educator. I have been very fortunate to receive fantastic feedback in recent years from parents whose children I tutor. For the first time, my teaching is being witnessed in their homes, its merits evaluated. It's like everything I have worked towards is finally seeing fruition. This was never going to happen in the school context, where my role as a diverse learning teacher is often looked down on by superiors. In schools, limits are set on what I am able to contribute, but outside of that context, the sky is the limit.<br />
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I've finally started to feel significant again.<br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-10889255820163588242020-02-07T15:56:00.001+11:002020-04-19T11:25:26.283+10:00A rare leader in education...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Every now and again, you meet a truly remarkable educator--someone with passion, wisdom and the skills to inspire. These teachers are becoming increasingly rare, or perhaps it's just that I'm not in the right place. Jenny, your leadership is greatly missed. Thank you for your encouragement and kind words:</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Dear Melanie,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">I hope you have a year where you feel challenged and given scope to forge your wonderful talents. The students benefit enormously from you because you know your subject so well and have the depth of intelligence and curiosity that makes students feel confident and trusting of you. I now view so much through the prism of what I'd like for my granddaughter and grandson, and my wish would be for them to have teachers like you. Treasure your career; you are so capable and have so much more to give.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Jenny xx</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-3647939338240165372020-01-03T00:42:00.002+11:002020-04-19T11:19:21.223+10:00Just be decent...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is OK as long as:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- your realness does not mean embracing your rudeness;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- your imperfections do not include unfair treatment of others;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- your flaws do not include continual dishonesty in all that you do;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">- your quirks do not include always putting on the tears to get your way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I recently worked with a woman who displayed the traits outlined above. She was always comfortable being herself. The only problem was that she was wily and manipulative. These kinds of quotes have many interpretations. They rely on the assumption that people are decent at heart. But what if they aren't? Should we just tell everyone to 'be themselves'? I get what the quote is saying, but some people spin it their own way (like my former colleague) and let me tell you, working with her was not my idea of fun. </span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-81455937603745115512019-12-17T19:14:00.002+11:002020-02-07T18:14:06.530+11:00Seeing right through them...<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you're person who has such deep beliefs about decency and honesty and fairness, it becomes increasingly hard to be surrounded by others who don't hold these values in high esteem. Perhaps they think they do, but delusion tends to run rampant in those who want to defend their daily routine of earning the most money for the least amount of work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the past three years, I have witnessed so many lies in action, so much cunning. I thought that my superiors wouldn't appreciate that element in their workplace, but I was sadly mistaken. No leader likes it when such glaring deceptions are pointed out because they tend to take it personally--sometimes they have even aided and abetted the dishonest ones for their own gain. Being able to see right through people is such a curse. You always catch a glimpse of something genuine, of course, but people's self-protective reflexes always end up slapping you right in the face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Over the past three years, I have witnessed lies about hours worked, jobs completed, colleagues' actions. It's been a dog-eat-dog web of deceit that has challenged my sensibilities to the core. Yet, I have had to remain a silent witness. It has affected the meaning I attribute to my job and disturbing questions have begun to emerge from the corners of my mind: Who else is faking it for self-profit, for self-aggrandisement? Who is willing to punish those who care because the carers ventured a little too closely to the truth?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A well-meaning gentleman was not offered another contract. Sure, he had his foibles, but it is only the weak-minded who uphold the deceivers and don't dig a little deeper to find out the whole truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The liars are bowed down to and the lazy are rewarded. And so it goes...</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-42519357312931309952019-06-01T12:24:00.002+10:002019-06-01T12:31:54.456+10:00Love this!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fL1haPCZ8og/XPHh2i43jSI/AAAAAAAABUU/Q_yVsxhu7y4jOf-vcrXDZLI5WPUG7rEfQCLcBGAs/s1600/57034700_1237520816411990_2757999664144842752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fL1haPCZ8og/XPHh2i43jSI/AAAAAAAABUU/Q_yVsxhu7y4jOf-vcrXDZLI5WPUG7rEfQCLcBGAs/s400/57034700_1237520816411990_2757999664144842752_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A - Appreciate; B - Build something; C - Connect; D - Do what is difficult; E - Explore; F - Forgive; G - Gather; H - Honour; I - Ignore the skeptics; J - Just be; K - Know you are loved; L - Listen; M - Make; N - Nourish body and soul; O - Observe; P - Plant a seed; Q - Question; R - Read; S - Stretch; T - Try something new; U - Unplug; V - Vote; W - Wonder; X - EXpress your gratitude; Y - Say Yes to adventure; Z - Get enough Zzzzz</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-70119384727474311312019-01-25T16:49:00.001+11:002019-01-25T16:49:27.326+11:00You deserve to be valued...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isE3wHrQowg/XEqin9KjEvI/AAAAAAAABTk/jyGU3wqWzNIQL2QNPXjZWVi6NJVanzLhQCLcBGAs/s1600/Random%2BBlog%2BPost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isE3wHrQowg/XEqin9KjEvI/AAAAAAAABTk/jyGU3wqWzNIQL2QNPXjZWVi6NJVanzLhQCLcBGAs/s400/Random%2BBlog%2BPost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-59840827867840698892018-07-28T14:19:00.001+10:002019-12-17T19:26:52.216+11:00Gladstone, Queensland<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was recently in Gladstone, Central Queensland, and it was a surreal experience. There was a bit of a disconnect: the people were very proud of their industrial town<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>whilst the many visitors from Sydney, Melbourne, etc. had difficulty viewing it through the same rose-coloured glasses. I applaud the great sense of pride the locals displayed, and Gladstone has certainly grown into a thriving town, but this is primarily due to the expansive industry in the area<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>such as the gas processing plant, el<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ectricity </span>power plant and the aluminium<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> refinery</span>. The environmental effects of this industry (e.g. dredging to expand it) made it difficult to see the place in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ame</span></span> positive light. I know that industry needs to exist and that it brings prosperity to a town like Gladstone and Queensland itself, but what will happen when the power plant shuts in 2028, or when many of the industry jobs become automated? I am interested in knowing how the town will be self-sustainable? A large percentage of the money is being taken by Rio Tinto, etc. (i.e. millions of dollars are going offshore daily), and at what price?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw1aR-Qzb9Q/W__f8TLuc7I/AAAAAAAABTY/R4JOFUm57NMAFI3dDybTxOnNPHdjePDEgCLcBGAs/s1600/Barrier%2BReef%2BDestruction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw1aR-Qzb9Q/W__f8TLuc7I/AAAAAAAABTY/R4JOFUm57NMAFI3dDybTxOnNPHdjePDEgCLcBGAs/s400/Barrier%2BReef%2BDestruction.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am not meaning to come across as a rampant greenie or ignorant of the situation—I know that the industry creates a lot of employment in the Southern Great Barrier Reef area. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As an outsider looking in</span>, however, I have been influenced by the conservationist cause. I welcome comments from Gladstone locals and am happy to be set straight. I'm sure that I have many misunderstandings about the whole situation. Please leave a comment below.</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-45390601091306432752018-07-07T20:39:00.002+10:002020-04-19T11:32:59.896+10:00Tutor Doctor, Sydney's North Shore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1gRbDOLtgQ/W0CYaTgf-LI/AAAAAAAABSU/_UQ-3pZtl-IQDx8UsVJ-7uF8Miwjg6FagCLcBGAs/s1600/Tutor%2BDoctor%2BLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1gRbDOLtgQ/W0CYaTgf-LI/AAAAAAAABSU/_UQ-3pZtl-IQDx8UsVJ-7uF8Miwjg6FagCLcBGAs/s200/Tutor%2BDoctor%2BLogo.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
have been an employee at Tutor Doctor for nearly three years now. My
colleagues ask me why I do it since it offers a lot less pay than my day
job, especially when compared to the casual rates available for my day
job. Well, the simple answer is that it's actually very rewarding work
for the following reasons:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1)
The parents are serious about their child's academic progress. They
purchase a number of hours in advance, understanding that progress is a
long-term venture and that success is not achieved overnight. T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he tutor is able to invest time and effort<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> into the student <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with</span> the knowledge that the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tuition will last longer than a mere six or so sessions. This <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ultimately<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">benefits</span> the student <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">once </span>academic <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">momentum</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">starts to kick in.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2) The employer <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">seeks feedback from the parents<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> at regular intervals, thus <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">building a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st">systematic evaluation of the employee's performance <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">over time. This <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">becomes</span> a va<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">luable connection for a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n educator<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> because it documents <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">their <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">teaching</span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">skills <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in a commercial setting<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">outside of</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the school <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">con<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">text</span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3) Tutors are tr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">usted to lead<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sessions according to the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ir expertise and experience. This is <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">more enjoyable that having to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">adhere to ri<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">gid curriculum topics and syllabi. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rather, the tutor is able to tailor the learning progression<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to suit the individual stud<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ent<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'s interests<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> needs. Tuto<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rs <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">are also able to get to know their students wel<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">l<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, ensuring that gaps in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">knowledge</span> and skills can be continually revis<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ited<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">reinforced</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4) The one-to-one tutoring environ<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ment <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">allows for exponential growth as the tuto<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">r provides scaffolds the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n gradu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ally </span>removes them.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dedicated ti<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">me spent interacting and engaging with an adu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">lt, a 'more</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span class="st">knowledgeable other</span>' (Vygotsky, 1930/78), is an invaluable experience for young children and adolescents.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st">5) Tutoring can be quite cathartic for a teacher. All of those school-based lessons that were never taught or fully resolved due to interruptions or student issues can be </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">efficaciously used in the tutoring context, providing the tutor with feedback for improving their teaching in subsequent sessions.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd yZ8quc">These are the main positive outcomes of one-to-one tutoring. If you're truly a dedicated teacher, and money isn't your main motivation, consider working for Tutor Doctor. You'll gain a wealth of knowledge as you prepare for diverse tasks on a plethora of topics and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">te<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xts</span></span>. You will grow as an educator as you also learn from those you teach<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Tutor Doctor.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>ext by Melanie © <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2018</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></i>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-66380203637033564042018-01-01T23:34:00.001+11:002018-07-28T14:49:12.045+10:00T2 'Packs A Peach' Tea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://vintage-frills.com/2017/06/12/refreshing-peach-iced-tea-recipe/</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although an avid coffee drinker, the notion of tea as a beverage has been creeping up on me for a long time (e<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">x<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cept <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">C</span>hai--<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been courting </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">C</span>hai for a while)</span></span>. I used to be dazzled by the wonderful fragrances that em<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a</span>nated from colourful packages at the supermarket and would buy the odd flavour or two. Unfortunately, I was never wholly enchanted and these teas would sit around in my cupboard until well past their use-by dates (i.e. for many, many years), only to be <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">eventual</span>ly discarded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have always liked herbal teas but would only drink them when offered. People have bought me T2 teas in the past and I have tried them but was never overly impressed. Recently, however, I walked by a T2 pop-up store in Hurstville Westfield. They were having a tea sale and I saw that they had peach tea. I have been drinking terrible alternatives for years such as pre-made, sickly-sweet iced tea from the supermarket or cordial-style peach tea mixers, also packed full of sugar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Pa<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cks <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A</span> Peach' </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">has a fantastic fruity fragrance and flavour.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">add</span>ed t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hree</span> heaped teaspoons <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">around <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">250</span>mL of hot water<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>to create a mixer for a 375mL bottle. I allowed it to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">steep</span> until the water had cooled down.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although I have bought the 2L T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 </span>ice tea jug for someone as a gift, I do not own one<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> myself. The best altern<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ative i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s a coffee plunger because the mesh does not allow even the small<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">est tea leaf particle to end up in the mix<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (I have found that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cylindrical teapot strainers, even<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> those</span> with the<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> tiniest holes<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, still can</span>).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After</span> I 'plunged' my tea to remove the excess <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">li<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">quid, I poured it into a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">glass drink bot<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tle<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and popped it in the fridge. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once cold</span></span>, I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">added sparkling mineral water to fill the bottle. This is the most refreshing dr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ink<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've ever had during the hot months<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of summer<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">; I've definitely been missing out until now!</span> It's also great to know <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is beverage is </span></span>not pa<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">cked full of sugar or excessive artific<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ial ingredients.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> Photo credit: T2 tea <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">website</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ve been</span> so impress<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed that I have now bought t<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">wo</span></span> more flavours: <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Lemo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n Sorbet'<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>and '<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Strawberries <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">&</span> Cream'. These are also fanta<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">stic <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">as </span>iced tea but <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Packs <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A</span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">P</span></span>each' <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">still the clear favourite. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T2 teas are so unique that I <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">will definitely be back to try more, especially in the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">c</span>hai range.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-53615486239221834622017-07-27T19:38:00.005+10:002020-04-19T11:20:17.015+10:00'Childmemory' by Michael Dugan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI-f6eezvV8/WXm0TGUg2FI/AAAAAAAABRQ/A5P5saV96GQMrwqyL8TpPWPbSU_pmazDwCLcBGAs/s1600/David%2527s%2BWillow%2BTree%2Bby%2BSusan%2BClark%2B%2528c%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="319" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GI-f6eezvV8/WXm0TGUg2FI/AAAAAAAABRQ/A5P5saV96GQMrwqyL8TpPWPbSU_pmazDwCLcBGAs/s320/David%2527s%2BWillow%2BTree%2Bby%2BSusan%2BClark%2B%2528c%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 'David's Willow Tree' by Susan Clark</span></span></i> <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The following poem<i>, Childmemory</i>, by Michael Dugan is filled with beautiful memories and imagery. Its environmental theme is poignant and powerful. At the time of writing, this poem is not available anywhere else on the web and is almost impossible to find in published books. However, I was able to discover that it <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">wa</span>s published in <i>Poetry Australia 32: Preface to the Seventies</i> (1970, p. 35). I am sharing the poem because </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">it is too wonderful to be forgotten forever. I encourage teachers to use this poem <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in their classrooms to explore <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the concepts of p<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ast, present and </span>preservation. </span></span></span>All credit goes to the brilliant Michael Dugan who composed this work. The year in which <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dugan</span> wr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o</span>te this poem is unkn<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">own.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Down past
Macartney’s farm</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">beyond a wilderness
of waist high thistles,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">willow trees
caressed the creek.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We would come to the
willows</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">along a secret path
of our own making,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to leap into their
feathered greenness</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and, clutching
handfuls of whiplike branches,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">would swing, eyes
closed, above the stream,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">rejoicing in motion,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with the bitter
taste of willow leaves in our mouths.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Later we tied a rope
to the highest branch,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and riding its arc
like a pendulum,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">would pause at the
point of timelessness; to drop,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">breaking the pool’s
glass surface</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">into ever widening
sculptured circles.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One summer night I
crept silent to the willows</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and swung for hours,
feeling the cool sweet air on my face,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">watching stars
reflecting in the pool,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">like trolls’ eyes
staring from the black water.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Returning fifteen
years later,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">factories pour waste
into the creek,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">no one remembers
willow trees<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>.</i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Michael Gray Dugan</b> (1947-2006) was an Australian poet, children's writer and editor. Born in the outskirts of Melbourne<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>Dugan recalled writing stories and poems as a child of eight or nine. In 1968, he first published 'Crosscurrents' magazine from the Melbourne suburb of Canterbury. He also worked as poetry editor of 'Overland' magazine and served as vice-president of the Victorian Fellowship of Australian Writers. In the 1980s, he was a consultant and an editor for the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs. Along with his works in children's literature, Dugan had an extensive background in Australian <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">h</span>istory. He wrote numerous historical textbooks published by Macmillan Education Australia.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>There are over 200 book titles in Dugan's name<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>inclu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ding<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fac<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">tual books</span></span>, fictional stories and poetry anthologies<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Other publishers h</span>e wrote<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>for include Oxford, Jacaranda<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>Penguin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hodder & Stoughto<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n.</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-90694151425948932822017-02-03T15:52:00.000+11:002017-07-28T10:29:32.249+10:00Lifou is magical...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4O8yn6cFWw/WJQg2lo70kI/AAAAAAAABO4/o-ZFR0efeVMszWMgfO22og8JmSSdDS1cQCLcB/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2017%2BSantal%2BBay%2BLifou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4O8yn6cFWw/WJQg2lo70kI/AAAAAAAABO4/o-ZFR0efeVMszWMgfO22og8JmSSdDS1cQCLcB/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2017%2BSantal%2BBay%2BLifou.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Santal Bay, Lifou</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've just come back from Lifou in New Caledonia and it was amazing. The colour of the water a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">round the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">island</span></span>, which ranged from bright aqua to deep turquoise, was absolutely st<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">unn</span>ing (m<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y</span> camera just couldn'<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t capture th<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ese vibrant h<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ues</span></span>)</span>. And there were butterflies everywhere.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">..they <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">were in the air <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">all around you</span>. </span></span>It was like something out of a dream. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i12_QQnRwZ0/WJQwWwO4ytI/AAAAAAAABPk/gH7VACl_zx4RYqYGMX6Qnev8I81lwrU7gCLcB/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2017%2BButterfly%2Bat%2BLifou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i12_QQnRwZ0/WJQwWwO4ytI/AAAAAAAABPk/gH7VACl_zx4RYqYGMX6Qnev8I81lwrU7gCLcB/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2017%2BButterfly%2Bat%2BLifou.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Butterf<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ly at Easo, Lifou</span></span></i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he morning began with snorkelling i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jinek Bay. The coral was still in great <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">condition</span> despite the increase in tourism that Lifou has experienced in recent years. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The local people have been very con<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">scientious a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">bout looking af<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ter their marine enviro<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ment<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, w<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hich <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is why I needed <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to purchase a pass to enter the water. After that, I visited </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st">Our Lady of Lourdes chapel</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> at</span></span> the top of the hill<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. Butterflies <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">filled</span> the skies and I to<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ok some video footage of this entrancing p<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">henomen<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">on.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Back in the village<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>I ate fr<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">esh papaya and mango before heading off to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">see the </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="st">Saint Francois Xavier village church</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Eas</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>o village church, Lifou</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next to the church<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, I happened upon a sign that described <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a vis<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">it to </span></span>a fresh water pool in a cave for $10. I wasn't sure what to expect <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s I </span>de<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">scended<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a steep, rocky path b<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ulging with buttress roots. At the bo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ttom<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> of the path, </span>it was slippery and dark. I had<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n't prepared and was wearing Hava<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ian<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a thongs--it was a b<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">it touch and go and I had to take<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> it easy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <i>Path to Cave at Easo, Lifou</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a cave a</span>t the v<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ery</span> bottom<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and </span>other tourists were jumping into the deep, dark pool of water so I decided to give it a go. It was very invigorating and brought back childhood memories of jumping into freshwater pools in Australia. When it got a bit crowded down there, I walked back to Santal Bay and snorkelled near the wharf where I swam with a turtle for a while as it ate seaweed and intermittently came up for breaths of air. It was a fascinating sight to behold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> Jinek Bay, Lifou</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I</span>t was such a magical day. Time has not passed so slowly for me in years and it was all a bit surreal, like <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">some kind of </span>spiritual awakening. There is so much beauty in this world and we really need to nuture and protect it.</span></div>
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-59886938636022310402016-12-31T23:05:00.001+11:002017-01-05T16:37:14.257+11:002016 is almost over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yoSmJh-vVs/WGedaqxHLWI/AAAAAAAABOU/HYFj-xCyPvQF7hjg-njMfr1BIRESaRbNgCLcB/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2016%2BEveleigh%2BSydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yoSmJh-vVs/WGedaqxHLWI/AAAAAAAABOU/HYFj-xCyPvQF7hjg-njMfr1BIRESaRbNgCLcB/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2016%2BEveleigh%2BSydney.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a strange year 2016 has been! I'm not quite sure where all the time went and am left feeling a little perturbed. Does time really pass by more quickly the older you get? Sure seems like it. This pic, taken earlier in the year at Sydney Technology Park, represents the unknown future. It is also a reminder to self to stop banging on closed doors<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and walking <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">past the open one<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2017 brings the need<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> for great change <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to certain aspects of my life<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and </span>I feel positive about what can be ach<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ieved<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> over the next 12 months. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm actually going to attempt this thing called w<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ork-life balan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ce. It will be a juggling act (and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> completely new experience for me). It will require <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">discipline and focu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s and consciousness. I just realised the other day that I have been attending the m<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">arkets as a stallholder in Leura for 7 years. I told someone that it had been 5 <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">years </span>but when<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I reflected back, I re<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">alised that I started in 201<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">0.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Due to <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">various reasons, it r<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">eally is time for me to move on from this <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">venture</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I've gone from 100% attendance (5-6 times a month) to sporadic attendance due to<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">working <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and living in Sydney. It is only right to let it go<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, thereby</span> opening up my spot for someone else<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. I'm not going <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">again until March 2017 s<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o have a bit of time to expl<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ore other avenues.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Change is in the air!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-30723044349350846272016-07-31T12:21:00.002+10:002020-04-19T11:33:58.167+10:00Love this!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvyoGfZf9UI/V51eOdf6_oI/AAAAAAAABN0/sES7QZEPKyk4oukVe5sjzf_5chZwMIP0wCLcB/s1600/Happiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvyoGfZf9UI/V51eOdf6_oI/AAAAAAAABN0/sES7QZEPKyk4oukVe5sjzf_5chZwMIP0wCLcB/s320/Happiness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we were young, most of us had dreams (most if us still do). I always had simple, fairly realistic dreams. Most of my dreams were based on feeling freedom, happiness and escaping the anguish of my home life. Since many of these dreams were met when I left home, I possibly stopped dreaming...it doesn't really take much for me to feel happy. I think too many of us agonise about holding onto this precious life on earth, wanting to experience every kind of perfection that the world has to offer. There is nothing wrong with this but it can be a trap. I think a person's reality is very much defined by<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>what they think about and do on a daily b<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">asis</span>. Too many of us are obsessed with a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">self-pleasin<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">g</span></span> reality. I believe in living in the moment and being conscious of my contribution/interactions. I am not overly into <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">seeking</span> some kind of ultimate goal as I find <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">smal<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">l per<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">sonal </span>challenges just pop up every da<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">y. It<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'s not healthy <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">put all of on<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e's eggs in the same basket--there is just too much that is out of our control. I think that people i<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">n Australia sometimes <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">don't realise just how <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fortunate </span>their lives already are. The things that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">they</span> nitpick about <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">frequently bo<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ggle my mind.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Life is too<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> short to bemoan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">its</span> shortcomings<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">; instead<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>I try to turn it <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">into something that edif<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ies others.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-50101779780981477582016-04-29T21:34:00.001+10:002016-08-12T21:30:34.708+10:00And love...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4qdnbrRtZA/VyNDs2PjSuI/AAAAAAAABNk/WTEk69567WcWnX3UEJ7uJJ6sD2iNC552wCLcB/s1600/Cool%2BPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p4qdnbrRtZA/VyNDs2PjSuI/AAAAAAAABNk/WTEk69567WcWnX3UEJ7uJJ6sD2iNC552wCLcB/s400/Cool%2BPoster.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Although it's been circulating around Facebook for some time, I love this<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>poster<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. It </span>encompasses everything I believe (with gorgeous imagery to match):</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be kind - I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and show compassion to people less fortunate than myself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Work hard - I always work hard, perhaps too hard. I have had the odd colleague take advantage of me but I do it for the sake of doing my job to the best of my ability.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stay humble - It's important to be aware of <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">where you stand in the the scheme of things<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. H</span>owever, <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have found <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the need to exude more </span></span>s</span></span>elf-con<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">fi<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">e</span>nce in order to be taken seriously<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. The younger generation have<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> a heightened sense of self<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-</span>imp<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ortance </span></span>and I am constantly <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">being 'pipp<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ed at the </span>post' by them<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> these days.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Smile often - I do this as often as possible despite my serious and studious personality type!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keep honest - Honesty underpins all aspects of life. I have come to realise, however, than many people have alternative views on the definition of the word. I have learned to be on my guard around those people.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stay loyal - I'm a consistent person who isn't easily swayed.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Travel when possible - I'd love to travel more as it's always such an amazing and mind-altering experience.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Never stop learning - Well, this is me to a <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">T</span>; I don't believe in stagnating and am always trying to better my knowledge and skills.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be thankful always - Every day, I try to be thankful for what I have rather than bemoaning what I don't have.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, "Above all, love each other deeply<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">..." (<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peter 4:8).</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
</ul>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-37258917155876782342016-01-17T17:15:00.000+11:002016-01-17T23:28:37.104+11:00Photographic Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ8CNIdVQrk/Vps0x_rIQBI/AAAAAAAABNU/LLLnDL0D6X0/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BOrnamental%2BKale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ8CNIdVQrk/Vps0x_rIQBI/AAAAAAAABNU/LLLnDL0D6X0/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BOrnamental%2BKale.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-VpHwZtEoE/VpsxWxcvwFI/AAAAAAAABNI/j5BF_pcExnI/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BBlossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-VpHwZtEoE/VpsxWxcvwFI/AAAAAAAABNI/j5BF_pcExnI/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BBlossoms.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Although
I classify myself as an amateur (obviously), I have sold a number of my
photographs over the years. I just love the top image of a dew drop on the leaf of an Ornamental Kale plant. I would like to try to widen my audience in
2016 as it is really rewarding when someone appreciates a well-framed
shot (albeit lacking the level of clarity that a top lens can achieve).
My photographic cards currently sell for $2.50 each, plus postage. Packs
of 8 are available for $27.50 (including registered post). Please drop
me a line and I'll email you the current link for purchasing them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll be exploring the possibility of selling my handmade items at other markets this year. The markets in the Blue Mountains have become very slow as a result of a drop in tourism to the area. People are also preferring to buy mass-produced items at chain stores at unprecedented rates. Economically, confidence also seems to be down at present. It is quite expensive to attend markets out-of-area due to the expense of the travel and stall costs. I do need to give it a try though because I'm just wasting my time and money as a stallholder in the Blue Mountains these days. I'm often making a loss each day I attend now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hopefully, some better avenues for selling will become available in 2016!</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-27916900756982602432015-07-29T16:22:00.002+10:002020-01-29T11:46:40.482+11:00I liked 'Aloha'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpzPRxYdEN0/Vbhvey_eRpI/AAAAAAAABLY/kyHW3rz73vk/s1600/aloha01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpzPRxYdEN0/Vbhvey_eRpI/AAAAAAAABLY/kyHW3rz73vk/s400/aloha01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I saw 'Aloha' last night. Ordinarily, I wouldn't have gone to see it as the trailer put me off due to the military overlay (which rarely excites me); however, it was being offered as a double-feature with another film ('Far from the Madding Crowd') so I thought, <i>Why not?</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Far from the Madding Crowd'</span> was over, I wasn't too keen to stick around as I wasn't inspired by the thought of 'Aloha'. I had heard nothing at all about the movie but the trailer gave enough away to make it seem sappy. It turns out that I was pleasantly surprised. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the end of 'Aloha',
everyone in the cinema seemed confused and comments of that kind
circulated around the room. It was depressing to realise that I was,
seemingly, the only person who understood the film. People had missed whole chunks of the subject matter and characterisation somehow. But<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>for me, that was the beauty of the film--you're forced to stay active in it. You really have to pay attention because the pace is fast in the first 8 minutes. As the plot unfolds, you make sense of it as you go. The movie is like a journey--I found myself being able to identify with each of the characters in some way. It's not dissimilar to 'Jerry Maguire', except that Bradley Cooper is a more likeable protagonist.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVVWINKf2qo/Vbh0F3nfvBI/AAAAAAAABLk/UPvxJe_lRjg/s1600/aloha-bradley-cooper-01-636-380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVVWINKf2qo/Vbh0F3nfvBI/AAAAAAAABLk/UPvxJe_lRjg/s400/aloha-bradley-cooper-01-636-380.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Aloha' is definitely more <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">figurative</span> than literal in nature. Like most films, you can't pick apart every mistake, you just have to feel it. The film is multi-layered and moved me a lot without me really expecting it (as Crowe films tend to do). It set out to achieve too much but that worked for me for the following reasons:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1) It resonates with similarities in Australia in regards to people's treatment of the indigenous population. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The movie took me
through a whole range of emotions, including disgust </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">at what Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper) was there to do</span>: abuse the trust he had somehow
previously gained from the indigenous community. I think a lot of North Americans don't like the film because it makes a statement about land rights and past maltreatment of Hawaii's indigenous people. It could be considered anti-nationalist by some. To me, the film depicts the present-day reality of a people who were overturned in much the same way as indigenous Australians were. It serves as a reminder that land, culture and language were unrightfully taken away. Efforts must be made to preserve and respect Hawaii's rich heritage. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCcNKjmPH4/VbiYg_bR7VI/AAAAAAAABL0/IKtum6AOJcw/s1600/aloha-movie-love-letter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCcNKjmPH4/VbiYg_bR7VI/AAAAAAAABL0/IKtum6AOJcw/s400/aloha-movie-love-letter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2) Similarly, I like the Hawaiian mythology that is woven into the film<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> despite it being </span>rather clumsy and tokenistic at times. I was reminded that the indigenous people's connection with the sky and the land is of cultural and spiritual importance. Although technological development is a reality, and we all benefit from it in our daily lives, the film touches upon the conflict between advancement and heritage. It also hints at the ruthlessness of American militarism as it expands its global strongholds in the Pacific at all costs. I like to hope that the lack of military intelligence in regards to Carson Welch's (Bill Murray) true motives was a far-fetched plot line. It is a truly scary thought that ordinary citizens of incredible wealth may be able to wield military power. It's scary enough when the US government does it.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8epMtfWMV0/Vb8t9I_2UQI/AAAAAAAABME/Kj205LT_ylE/s1600/Bradley-Cooper-Rachel-McAdams-Aloha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8epMtfWMV0/Vb8t9I_2UQI/AAAAAAAABME/Kj205LT_ylE/s400/Bradley-Cooper-Rachel-McAdams-Aloha.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3) It depicts a broken person, both mentally and physically, in Cooper's character--a consequence of his egotistical jaunts. It is pretty clear from the outset that he has become disconnected from himself somewhere along the way. He was so selfish </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">in his past relationship with Tracy (Rachel McAdams), always putting his career first, but is forced to 'face the music' both personally and professionally throughout the film. It portrays his gradual transformation and growth, presumably originating from the serious injuries he sustained in Afghanistan<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>and culminating in his decision to cause Welch's satellite to explode. The film puts Gilcrest in the driver's seat of his own redemption. It's story of hope to anyone who finds themselves at the bottom of the heap. One may never rise again to the heights of former glories but, somehow, that doesn't matter anymore when things are put into perspective.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upjEqIhm-_E/Vb8ypVZx_gI/AAAAAAAABMU/HHZmPj4AEa8/s1600/welchgilcrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upjEqIhm-_E/Vb8ypVZx_gI/AAAAAAAABMU/HHZmPj4AEa8/s400/welchgilcrest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4) Bill Murray's character is repugnant and representative of North America's filthy rich individuals whose greed has no bounds. He played the character beautifully, capturing the eccentricity and narcissism that some billionaires possess. He is charged with the delivery of one of the most poignant lines in the film: "The future isn’t just something that happens. It’s a brutal force, with a great sense of humour, that will steamroll you if you’re not watching." This is so true--life creeps up on you so fast--and it can be ridiculously overwhelming. In the context of Welch's character, he deals with this by 'getting in first' and 'staying one step ahead of the game'. This is how most people think life should be approached but there are other people, more unassuming, who do get steamrolled. Perhaps<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>they are just too honest or different or gullible. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But i</span>t doesn't make them lesser people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone interprets a movie differently. To me, the movie made bold statements about militarism, globalisation, selfishness, greed, self-understanding, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">self-identity (the 'daughter' subplot) </span>and loyalty. These ideas came across powerfully--I didn't have to think about them. The dialogue, acting and cinematography are very raw; you're right there amongst it and there's no escape. In this way, I think that 'Aloha' is quite a confrontational film because it really makes you question your own existence<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, </span>your affect on individuals and groups. We all play a part in this world<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span>however insignificant it seems at times. We have a choice each day in the way we interact with those we love as well as with the wider community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-2844767997995249342015-07-24T14:20:00.001+10:002016-12-31T10:19:45.068+11:00Cliches of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTNr5w-I-SE/VbG7lroTnFI/AAAAAAAABLI/2m7VNnxGh6I/s1600/11742860_989022037797368_6464110498392408089_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTNr5w-I-SE/VbG7lroTnFI/AAAAAAAABLI/2m7VNnxGh6I/s400/11742860_989022037797368_6464110498392408089_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A well-circulated quote, almost a cliche, but still a great reminder for each of us to value the lives we have and to make the most of each day. I am definitely guilty of flitting my days away at times--I could be so much more than I am. But, then, I start to question my priorities. Do we live each day to yearn after some kind of worldly success? To create some kind of notoriety for ourselves? This is ultimately a futile act in my opinion. We are here to encourage others, to contribute positively to the lives of others. Life isn't about fame, fortune or prestige; it's about acting kindly, fairly and with compassion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I get about in this wonderful city of ours (Sydney) and use public transport a lot. I've seen so many people from all walks of life over the years. I've seen traits of humility, arrogance, selfishness, loveliness, anger and downright rudeness. In the CBD in particular, these human traits are more exaggerated: people walking down the street screaming into their phones, people who are still capable of giving eye contact despite the intense busyness and noise, and people who are so damn condescending and inconsiderate that you just wonder if they have any idea at all (when was it that they lost total touch with human decency/reality?).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone has a story and we're all a product of our experiences. The trick is to never lose sight of the journey and the people along the way. "Go <i>confidently</i> in the direction of your dreams..." Does this involve treading on people along the way? I suppose some people might interpret it like this. Afterall, in these post-modern times, it doesn't really seem to matter how people reach their destination, it's the final destination that's applauded. I interpret 'confidently' as not resting on your laurels but getting up and actually doing something. It can be so tempting to lead insular lives but that's not what true community is made of. Does this mean we rant and rave about political or social issues on facebook, etc? Well, that's certainly not my cup of tea. In fact, I've been gradually scaling down my internet presence and bemoan some of the time lost thus far. People who aren't sharing minute-to-minute via facebook are still living valuable lives. They're just doing it in a more practical way. They're out there working really hard or spending time with other people in the flesh. In terms of my own reality, I'll never live the life I imagined unless I get out and physically do it: "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-19012343512302506842015-06-12T17:32:00.000+10:002015-06-17T17:39:59.932+10:00Blogging again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx3R2IA5eUY/VYDalv-bnKI/AAAAAAAABK4/u_fSTXs3__0/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BLuna%2BPark%2BEntrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx3R2IA5eUY/VYDalv-bnKI/AAAAAAAABK4/u_fSTXs3__0/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BLuna%2BPark%2BEntrance.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<i> </i><i>Luna Park entrance during the 'Vivid' light festival, June 2015</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzjQZZGr768/VX-oLXj9PFI/AAAAAAAABKc/XqVl9mdDsp4/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BHarbour%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzjQZZGr768/VX-oLXj9PFI/AAAAAAAABKc/XqVl9mdDsp4/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BHarbour%2BBridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Sydney Harbour Bridge from my favourite street in North Sydney, June 2015</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8C3kNIo5qtM/VX-rOrolisI/AAAAAAAABKo/-EpE6Ut-yOI/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BLuna%2BFerris%2BWheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8C3kNIo5qtM/VX-rOrolisI/AAAAAAAABKo/-EpE6Ut-yOI/s400/Green%2BGifts%2B%2528c%2529%2B2015%2BLuna%2BFerris%2BWheel.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<i>The Luna Park ferris wheel under a full moon, June 2015</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's been a while since I've had time to post due to various health reasons. I'm missing 'Green Gifts' but have not been able to get back into as yet. I still have some stock sitting around and will list it online soon. As for my handmade items, I will probably have to wait and see. I'm still recovering from an unfortunate wrist injury last year, made worse by a poorly performed surgical procedure. I was far too trusting and, as one colleague warned me, "Make sure you're completely comfortable with the surgeon before you let him cut into you." I wasn't completely confident at all--he was so busy and belittled me when I had questions, making me feel like it was inappropriate and unnecessary. But, he told me that he knew what he was doing and that this was my chance, before the bone healed incorrectly, to avoid early arthritis of the wrist. However, the bone had already healed... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, to cut a long story short, he did more damage than the original injury and the pain was extreme for at least 2 months. I still have difficulty using my left hand nearly 10 months after what was a relatively minor injury in its initial stages. Never trust a surgeon who won't let you discuss the procedure! He may not have adequate knowledge to actually help your situation. Don't let him bluff you with technical words and over-confidence!<i> </i>It's too late for me as I now have nerve damage and painful joints to contend with every day. I'll just have to find a way to carry on somehow despite the time and money I've lost due to the surgeries, endless appointments and the inability to find a job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On a bright note, I've had the chance to go to the city of Sydney and see the sites of late. I had a fantastic day the NSW Art Gallery and saw some of the Vivid light festival. It's such a wonderful city and I aim to live in the heart of it one day! There are so many more opportunities in all areas of life when you live in the city, despite the congestion and noise. There are wonderful things to see and do and I would relish in it. I'd always find ways to go to the city when I was young. I remember one particular day--I took a day off from school ('jigged') and went to the city to see a movie and window shop. Did I go with my friends? No. I simply hopped on the train from Kogarah and made a day of it. The feeling of freedom in a relatively safe city was amazing. I relived this a little at the start of this year. The summer weather was glorious and there was so much to do around the harbour :)</span></div>
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-37821445798561669052015-01-26T12:59:00.001+11:002015-01-26T18:49:31.099+11:00Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfDgeqqZOKU/VMWfaOb85PI/AAAAAAAABJM/T9N3JK_wCMA/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B(c)%2B2015%2BLeaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfDgeqqZOKU/VMWfaOb85PI/AAAAAAAABJM/T9N3JK_wCMA/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B(c)%2B2015%2BLeaves.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When I was a child, I wanted to be a photographer. All you needed was a TAFE qualification to get yourself up and running but my father was bent on me gaining a degree in a field that was more 'academic'. Little did he know just how visual our world was to become due to the emergence of the internet, the power of visual imagery, the globalisation of communities and the onslaught of capitalistic branding. My father wanted me to be a journalist--one of those upfront people seeking out the news. Although I am very good at asking questions, and would have been suited to being a journalist, lawyer or detective (this trait of question-asking drives the people in my life to distraction), I am actually a rather reserved person and feel more comfortable 'behind' the camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I am finally considering investing in a decent camera as I've never owned one despite loving taking photos. The pic above was inspired by a recent walk I did around the base of a mountain. I noticed that a particular tree had recently dropped its leaves and the colours were just amazing. I love leaves; their intracacies, designs and shapes are fascinating. I picked up a few and snapped a couple of shots. I stuffed the leaves in my pocket and two days later they were completely brown and dry!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Although I classify myself as an amateur (obviously), I have sold a number of my photographs over the years. I would like to try to widen my audience in 2015 as it is really rewarding when someone appreciates a well-framed shot (albeit lacking the level of clarity that a top lens can achieve). My photographic cards currently sell for $2.50 each, plus postage. Packs of 8 are available for $27.50 (including registered post). Please drop me a line and I'll email you the current link for purchasing them.</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4838524575768775972.post-12590677885748933302015-01-09T01:39:00.000+11:002019-10-13T14:21:31.551+11:00Hope is all I have right now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncyHce6JcnU/VK6LkQ0AbtI/AAAAAAAABIw/3CsM7rDLM0Q/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B(c)%2B2015%2BVintage%2BDesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncyHce6JcnU/VK6LkQ0AbtI/AAAAAAAABIw/3CsM7rDLM0Q/s1600/Green%2BGifts%2B(c)%2B2015%2BVintage%2BDesign.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Long time, no posting. The reason being is that I had a simple, yet unfortunate, fall about 4 months ago which has limited by ability to make things. Above is a card I made a while ago using a vintage greeting card. A lovely lady from my markets gave me large quantity of these 'cards from the past' and it has been a joy to 'upcycle' them. They sell for between $2.50 to $4.00 and each card is one-of-kind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In regards to my injury, it was a joint-based fracture of my left radius (non-dominant hand). I don't know how I would have coped all of this time if it had been my right wrist. I had surgery and the post-op x-ray is concerning when compared to the pre-op x-rays (the fracture isn't even discernable on those). The current x-ray shows a piece of bone (either a slither or something more) and the surgeon did not allow me to get a CT scan at that point (4 weeks after the surgery) to find out what is going on. He played it down and sent me on my way for an agonising 8-week wait before the next check-up (approaching soon). I am hoping that it is not a piece of bone from top volar corner of my radius (with a ligament attached to it). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pain has been terrible and is only just starting to settle down. I will try to get the bottom of this because my wrist is still feeling very sore and weak around my ulna and the regular sound/feeling of my ulna hitting the radius is disturbing and painful. I am hoping that my wrist is not out of general alignment due to this displaced bone. I don't understand why I couldn't get a CT scan at the time. I even begged my treating GP for a referral and he wouldn't agree because the surgeon told him everything's fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The pain has been worse than that of the initial fall and fracture but it has lessened of late and I feel a little better overall. I am still worried about the future of my wrist. The surgery was supposed to prevent early arthritis but I won't really know the outcome until I see the next CT scan. I am hoping that the imaging place does a fantastic job and that </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">everything will be clear to see</span>. It's my only hope to finally find out what is going on...</span><br />
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10567669068814051326noreply@blogger.com0