Talented young people

You may or may not have come across these young gifted children.

This little girl is so cute and being well trained in His word.
GodTube.com - Little Girl and Psalm 23 - Bluefish TV

This little girl sure can sing. I love how they have let her be innocent and not done a Brittany Spears.
YouTube - Connie Talbot Sings LIVE! at GMTV Album Launch (4:3 version)

This young boy made me cry. How brave is he? And what a voice!
YouTube - Britains Got Talent 2008 Andrew Johnston Good Quality

So you think you can dance? This little lad sure can.
YouTube - Jalen Testerman Shows Ellen His Dance Moves

This young girl is (gifted, genius, a miracle, blessed). Mind boggling.
YouTube - Star King #8 - Five Year Old Blind Genius Pianist (en)

I think they are beautiful and my hearts danced and my tears flowed. I only pray that these children do not get exploited. I was discussing with my friend the pro's and con's of revealing to the world child prodigy's or young talented performers performers. What are your thoughts?

Beep..........Beep......... Beep.....

I have often sat and pondered (and wondered) what it would take to finally topple me over the edge of sanity.


Well, I need ponder no more!

I really can't think of anything worse (at the moment) than that insistent, mind bending, gonna scream, holding on to the edge sound that the (potentially life - saving) smoke alarm gadget makes when it is trying to alert you to a battery change.

Problem/s is (are)

• This place has high ceilings (way, way high)
• I am height challenged
• I do not own a ladder
• My neighbour (who does) is at work
• I can't stand one more beep
• The landlord said (last time) that we were not to touch the smoke alarm (under any circumstances) as it had high voltage
• They called in a very expensive electrician
  
• Landlord has changed his mind (no doubt due to the excessive account from sent electrician)
• I have dragged my chester drawers from my bedroom (the tallest, sturdiest thing in the house) on my own
  
• I think I may have scratched the floor
  
• Standing on tippy toe I just reach the circular thing that houses the battery
• Clearly I'm not up with the technical terms
• Superman clearly screwed it on tight
  
• I have somehow managed to unscrew the cap and have given the electric cord a little tug
• It's now just dangling down
  
• I have this white powdery stuff all over me - oops!
  
• I can't see the battery
• Have to have a fiddle, poke and prod (an obvious death defying act)
• Just spoke to friend whose husband is an electrician ( Sorry Ali, one more beep and I'm over the edge - but thanks for the offer)
• Friend suggests I turn off the power
• Thank God for sane and rational friends
• I've had another coffee and I'm now ready to kill that beep,....beep.... beep....monster
• Have I mentioned that I get a little dizzy when I look upwards. No?
• No problem, I'll just feel my way around without actually looking up (can be done - I hope)
  
• Damn!!!!! It needs one of those four pronged screw drivers.
• Anybody seen that screwdriver thingy- me -bobby?
• My fix it yourself mutterings has woken eldest daughter (can anything else go wrong?)
  
• Eldest daughter not to good in mornings (not exactly crack of dawn!)
• Anybody know how to cut off power?
• Okay, power stays on!

Well, just in case this is my last blog.

It's been fun guys!


------------------------------------------------------------

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

My eldest wants me to make it very clear that she was absolutely instrumental in providing such a positive outcome.

Thank you eldest - you truly are a life - saver!

Mixed emotions

My emotions mirroring the skies above
Dark grey clouds, whitish fluffy clouds, pinkish - purplish murky clouds, hint of clear blue skies
All this within my view
The last show of sun determined to peek through and have her presence acknowledged
One drop of rain felt
Thunderous drops soon follow
I look, I ponder, I listen
Waiting for spirit's whisper
My emotions so like the skies
Tempting to see the deep darkness
Ignoring not, the sun's mighty effort


It's Sunday night. School goes back tomorrow.
A phone call will determine my future.

Day trip

Youngest daughter came into my bedroom (very early) to alert me to the fact that she had rung in 'sick' from work and that she was going back to bed to catch up on some sleep. "Good morning dearest, as soon as I'm fully awake I'm going to come into your room and let you know that I am now awake. And I sure hope you're sleeping at the time!"

Eldest daughter cruised up to me, smiled, asked how I was, what I was up to (subtle as a sledgehammer) and then asked how I felt about her going over to her friends place for the arvo and the evening cause they had made THE BEST pumpkin soup. (N.B she has been spending a lot of time there lately but not doing her share of the chores and is clearly running out of excuses). "NO! But I am happy to go buy some pumpkin and we can make our own pumpkin soup to take on our ' dusk on the beach' family 'togetherness' moment we talked about only 30 min ago. And what do you mean they make the BEST pumpkin soup. I am fairly certain that my pumpkin soup used to be THE BEST. Daughter now in her room chanting the chorus 'I'm bored!" "Well you shouldn't have challenged my pumpkin SOUP!" Daughter suggests that my dusk moment better be brilliant. "(Muttered under breathe) Oh, I'm sure if you're there my lovely, with your current attitude, it should be magnificent.

Went to treat myself to a Kit Kat and found the bag still in the food cupboard, EMPTY. "First born, you had better start running. That will be a great alternative to being bored!"

Eldest daughter comes out of bedroom and has just poured herself a Pepsi drink. "Excuse me, is that MY Pepsi Max you're pouring?........ I thought you hated Pepsi Max?......... What do you mean if there was apple juice you wouldn't be forced to drink my Pepsi Max?....... Exactly how many litres of apple juice is good for you?.......... What do you mean it's my fault you're bored? (This one is definitely her mother's daughter! ) I do make THE BEST pumpkin soup!.... When did this become about the pumpkin soup? ......... I do not have Alzheimer's!

Youngest daughter wingeing and whining and driving just about everyone up the wall with a sore ankle. "Darling, the doctor said it was a very mild sprain". The face has gone like thunder. "I'm not suggesting you're a bit of a hypochondriac at all. The eyebrows are securely knit together and smoke is escaping from her ears. "It has been three days now since you ever so slightly went over on your ankle." There she goes hobbling to her room. "I think a little bit of pumpkin soup will make it all better, my dear." Door slams!


Well, call me weak, call me a pushover or just call me subtly controlling. Eldest went to her friends on the condition she took her sister along and that the next day ( ANZAC day) we were going on a day trip (no excuses, no complaints, no hysterics, no sleep-ins and no mention of pumpkin soup).

Our day trip

Rise and shine

While pretending to be checking Google for directions and attractions I checked on a few of my favorite blogs.

Took a deep breathe as I filled up with petrol (extraordinarily inflated at the moment)

Recovered a little with a coffee.

Okay, Already! I admit I was blogging instead of road mapping!

Waited for a very large bus (full of Americans) to have their turn at discovering the magic of the whispering

Then it was my turn. If you whisper up against one end of the dam it can be heard all the way around the other side. The Americans absolutely loved it and were quite impressed with my tourist guide skills (give me an audience and....)

Took in the view

Drove to Gummeracca to climb the largest rocking horse in the world (that's right, the world!)

Found Melba Chocolate factory and became their official tester.

Drove through a tiny little town (pop 20). Absolutely no shame!

Eldest daughter hijacked the car (something about pumpkin soup?))

Very popular German settlement (Hahndorf). They sell these things called 'bumburners'. Very Hot sausages. I kid you not!

Nearly home. Everyone still talking. I feel a bit embarrassed actually. I considered not showing this last photo. More junk food, after all we had eaten.

It was a great day. We had lots of laughs. By journey's end I had convinced Eldest daughter that I made THE BEST pumpkin soup.

Horton hears a who

Ali has invited readers to join in her 'quite a quote.

I have chosen

"A person's a person, no matter how small."

I recently went to see the movie version of this book and would like to share a few themes and thoughts that I think would make this book/movie a great read/watch.

It is about:

• A lovable, affable elephant named Horton.
• One person's determination, against all odds (being ridiculed, humiliated, sent away, chased, bullied,persecuted), to save a community destined for destruction (death).
• Recognizing the value of all people regardless of their culture or beliefs and that all are worth saving.
• Standing firm in your faith (what you believe).
• Trusting your convictions.
• Encouraging others to stop, listen and hear the truth.
• Hope coming from the smallest in the community (a joey).
• Complacency from people who are more than content with their lot and are not willing to see beyond their own needs and survival and happiness and security - in spite of being in danger of self destruction.
• Fear of humiliation and rejection.
• Seeking your own pathway in life.
• Honoring your families past (heritage).
  
• Family relationships (loyalty).
• Wifely loyalties.
  
• Fear of children being brainwashed by 'public' education.
• Protecting and defending those who can't protect themselves.
• Community living (all should be valued).
• large families.
• Parenting - Mayor attempts to connect with each child individually (he has 96 children)
• Exploration of faith in things unseen (if you can't see, feel or touch something it doesn't mean it does not exist).
• Fear of losing control.
  
• Bullying tactics.
• Rage and anger.
• Name calling.
• Disrespect from child to parent.
• Science lessons (what is lighter than a feather?)
• kindness, integrity, respect, responsibility, persecution, faith, encouragement, change, rejection, fear of humiliation, vendetta's, disrespect, parenting, individuality, creativity, bullying, aggression, persistence.
  

The movie also has some laugh out loud parts. I believe this movie has honored so many Christian values without turning it into a sermon.

Exactly how clever am I?

(Original photo taken along the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia)

Recently I have been getting very excited over this whole new blogging world. The very fact I got one up and running was cause for a song and dance celebration. Last week when I accidentally figured out how to link was a slightly bigger song and dance moment.

But absolutely nothing has compared to tonight's mighty effort of navigating around photo shop.

Okay, so it's not exactly a new or even tricky tool. However, I have found it and now every photo is going to get the photshop make-over.








How absolutely cool is that?

More to the point Exactly how clever am I?

Definitely worthy of the Hallelujah Chorus (at the very least).

Now as soon as I can figure out how to get rid of a few (maybe a few more than a few) kilo's I will put a photo next to my profile and introduce myself proper like.

Reflections

I have thought long and hard about the wisdom of sharing personal trials and troubles through this avenue of blogging. I know that I have given little glimpses but I'm also aware that I want to be brave enough and trusting enough to reveal, like Linds , another 1% of the real me.

Hello my name is Mary and I am going through an incredibly difficult time. I am hurting. I am emotionally vulnerable. I am disappointed in certain people and feel betrayed by others.

I am working through my emotions. I am starting to breathe more easily. I am feeling more and more peace very day.
I am drawing nearer, nearer, nearer to His precious bleeding side.

I feel the closest to God when I survey His wonder and His majesty and His determination to reveals himself (through His creation).

Pausing on the beauty of His creation reminds me that I am on a journey. I am part of His bigger plan.

Traveling along the narrow road. Eyes ahead. Watching, waiting for the beauty that is just around the bend.

Standing strong and tall.

Knowing that at times things will come crashing down but the life giving water will continue to flow. Maybe the walls had to come down.

Holding on tight when the pressures of life rages against you.

Aching knees, lungs whistling, pounding heart. Just one step at a time!

And then you can raise your arms to the heavens . You made it!

Stop and wonder at His majesty - you are even more beautiful.

I had a dream

Two nights ago I had a dream.

In my dream I was recounting an incident that happened 8yrs prior. It went like this -

' I went to a garage sale at the Church. Found a few educational resource books but not much else. My friend came up to me and showed me this oldish brown leather briefcase. My heart did a little flutter as it reminded me of a little leather brown satchel I had once when I was a little girl (I don't think I owned it as money was a huge problem - I think it was loaned to me so I could carry my stuff on a girl guides outing - suffice to say that I was so proud of having this satchel - very rich indeed). Anyhow, my friend had scooped this briefcase up (before the doors where even open) and was proudly parading her 'great find' (we were both studying at the time and it was an ideal case). Well I just said how great it was and smiled in acknowledgment of her thriftiness (she only paid $1). Deep down my thoughts were not as generous. I admit that I was actually seething inside with jealousy. I wished I had stumbled on the case. My friend showed me where she had discovered it - on a pew along the side just in case there was something else there ( I didn't tell her about my childhood satchel - ever)'.

My dream then changed a little. Time had moved.

'I went back into the church and walked towards the same pew and saw the case exactly where my friend had found it.'

I woke up and forgot about the dream.

So I took my daughter to the garage sale (8 yrs on) as she was helping with the barbecue. I was just going to drop her off and go shopping. However, I decided to have a browse and found a few more books. Then I received a phone call to say that the person I was going to meet was running a little late. I went back inside and decided to try and find a 'great' bargain.

I walked towards the pew on the side.

NO WAY!



There on the pew was THE case. (My son has my camera so this is not the actual case)




I kid you not.

I found my friend (in the kitchen peeling onions) and asked her if that was the case she found 8 yrs ago.

She tells me that the night before she was sorting through stuff to take to the sale and was undecided about the case. Her son took the case out of her hands and made the decision for her.

We both agreed that I just had to have it.

I shared this wild story with the lady with the money bag and she said that seeing as my friend paid $1 for it (8 yrs ago) I could have it for 50c.

Are you kidding?

I gave her $1 and sang all the way out the door.

Was this a sign? A blessing? About dreams? Memories? Dementia? (I just went and checked and I still have the case - Phew!). I think God had his hand in it - waiting to figure out the rest.

Do it yourself?

So I rang the vacuum cleaner experts and inquired as to the cost of a service. "How much?" So picking myself back up off the floor I inquired as to the cost of a new super duper booster head. "HOW MUCH?" So I fessed up to accidentally sucking up my daughters MP3 player (tragic) causing an awful whirring sound and he adds a couple more obscene dollars to the 'Quote'. "Couldn't I buy a new cleaner for that much?" So I thanked him profusely, hung up the phone and grabbed a screwdriver. "How hard can this be?" So I was momentarily distracted from my power of rational reasoning. I am no fix it yourself queen. (Well, there was that one time when I was moving house and had to get the oven door all cleaned up. The double glass had slipped and grease was trapped on the inside. I manically unscrewed ever screw and pulled out every shelf and ledge and glass and scrubbed away. Then I held my breath and put it all back together again. What a clever fella I am!). So based on that one success and completely ignoring all the other disasters I unscrewed every screw, removed every tube, hose and thingy bobby and fiddled away.

BIG MISTAKE!

So one hour later I had somehow managed to put the screws back in place ( completely ignored the odd shape). So I plugged it in and........ NOTHING. Not even the whirring sound.

OOPS!

(one-word) answer meme

I love lists (I mean memes). So imagine how excited I was when I jumped over to Barbara's blog stray thoughts and found one. (I am learning about linking so I hope that works). Anyhow, drop over to visit Barbara cause she is a real good read. Barbara invited others to grab the list and have a go. As you can see by the title the original rule was to keep it to one word responses. As in Chinese whispers things alter slightly as you pass it on. Never mind! I did fess up to Barbara that I was unclear of the term meme. So I looked it up and I'm fairly sure this definition mentions it can alter (hurray).

So whether this is a 'meme' or not here's a little more about me.

You’re feeling: anticipatory
To your left: garden
On your mind: blogging (almost compulsive)
Last meal included: eggs
You sometimes find it hard to: sleep
The weather: warm
Something you have a collection of: Vicar of Dibley Dvd's
A smell that cheers you up: fresh-sun-drenched-linen
A smell that can ruin your mood: smelly- drains
How long since you last shaved: not telling
The current state of your hair: Don't trust a dye that claims 100% grey coverage?
The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): coffee-cup
Your skill with chopsticks: reasonable
Which section you head for first in a bookstore: educational
Something you’re craving: peace of mind
Your general thoughts on the presidential race: enough already!
How many times have you been hospitalized this year: P.T.L (zero)
Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: waters edge
You’ve always secretly thought you’d be a good: actress
Something that freaks you out a little: mice
Something you’ve eaten too much of lately: CALORIES.
You have never: lied (oops)
You never want to: get dementia

If you have a go, let me know.

potential insights

There I was sitting on the lounge feeling a little more than lazy. There I was sitting on the lounge feeling a little more than guilty. There I was sitting on the lounge looking at the carpet that would love me to death if I vacuumed. There I was sitting on the lounge, looking at the neglected carpet, feeling guilty, feeling tired (notice how I've changed from lazy to tired?) and watching Oprah. With great effort I get up and lug the heavy vacuum cleaner onto the carpet. I plug it in. I hold on tight to my super duper booster dust sucker-upper-er. It does not move. It only makes this pathetic whirring sound.

There I was off the lounge. May as well do the dishes while I'm up.

The 'Big' event

In 35 days time I will turn 50. So much emphasis is placed on certain 'milestone' birthdays - 50 years young being one such occasion. The problem for me is in the timing. It's come around at a rather inconvenient time. Thing is -I am not at my best. I do not look, feel or express my best at the moment. I do not want to be under all that pressure to be joyous and grateful and humble and insightful. I don't want to disappoint. I just want to put a rain check on the event. Thing is I don't want to regret this moment either (as in ignoring it completely). If I have to place some extra importance to turning 50 then I would have preferred to be in a more positive place than my current emotional/ mental and physical state. Truth is I'm flat out practicing gratitude and positive thinking while all the time wishing it was 2007 and I had another year to deal with the me of now.

What does turning 50 mean?

Come to me....

Yesterday a desperate plea escaped from the depth of my being. Yesterday I wondered what to do? what to do? I just don't know what to do?

Yesterday I labored under a heavy burden.

"Bring it to me."
'I'm so tired'
"Bring it to me."
"I'm tired'
"Bring it to me."
'So tired'
"I know, now bring it to me."

Today the burden, although still heavy, was a little less so.
Today there has been a little more peace.
Today there has been a little more hope.
Today I've been a little more grateful.
Today I'm not so tired.
Today I am hopeful for tomorrow.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."

Blah, Blah, Blah - all day long

I'm looking at the sink (I'd show you you a photo except I'm way too embarrassed). I'm apologizing profusely to the pots, pans, cups, plates and cutlery as they wait ever so patiently for some tender loving soap suds to come their way. I'm looking at the fridge (hoping like mad that there is some quick fix meal hidden in the freezer). I'm in my pj's in case I fall asleep watching T.V . I'm exhausted! Absolutely exhausted. I'm exhausted in spite of not doing anything remotely physically taxing. I really hope I'm not slurring my words, that's how tired I am!

My brain has not shut up. Blah, Blah, Blah - all day long. I've had spiritually enlightening thoughts, guilt thoughts (I thought negative thoughts), argumentative thoughts, 'save the world' thoughts, powerless to 'save the world' thoughts, save myself thoughts, what's the world coming to thoughts, "who am I?" thoughts, amusing ideas for future blog thoughts, more guilt thoughts (I had some cheesecake), inquiring thoughts (how can I be a 'better' me), even more guilt thoughts (why am I not a 'better' me?), soul searching thoughts, " am I going mad?" thoughts and even some "would I know if I had?" thoughts.

Exhausting.

Then I remembered.

I grabbed my camera and went for a little walk.



On the way out I stopped to smell the roses.




Found the park bench



Soaked up the view (My favourite part of the day - dusk).


Surrendered all my thoughts.

That's when I heard Him whisper..

"whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things".

I feel like ranting

I want to rant today
I want to rant and rave
I want to rant and rave and emotionally spew (sorry)
I want to rant today
I really, really do.

Clearly I'm not cut out to be a poet. So instead of ranting and raving and emotionally spewing I am going to flip my switch and try to re program my thoughts.

Blessing 5. I am so grateful that my children are out at the moment (their saving grace)
Blessing 6. I am grateful for the change in weather (Hello to my granny p'j's).
Blessing 7. I am grateful for the days work I got yesterday
Blessing 8. I am grateful I was booked for two days next week

I am grateful
I am grateful
I am grateful ...... I am interrupted by some unfinished ranting and ravings in my head (stress, stress, stress)

Blessing 9. I am grateful that I have things to be grateful for
Blessing 10. I am grateful for the little girl who yesterday said "Have a lollipop for being a great teacher".
Blessing 11. I am grateful for turning 50 soon (well okay, that's a bit of a stretch)
Blessing 12. I am grateful that stress reminds me that I have people to love
Blessing 13. Dear Lord, I am grateful for this blog where I can rant and rave

and in doing so put everything into perspective.

Blessing 14. I am grateful for being directed to this Original Serenity Prayer

by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

My new weight loss program

Firstly, may I just have a little happy dance?
Yippee!!!! I got 5 comments. Why should this bring me so much joy? Who knows, but it does. Thanks guys for dropping in. Yippee!!!!!!!

Secondly, I would like to share about my recent weight loss. That's right- WEIGHT LOSS. Two posts ago I shared about my recent chocolate over-indulgence and now I am on about my weight loss?

Correct!
I have decided to drop a few big, fat, ugly moan and groans that weigh me down.

Weight loss 1. When I went back to get my higher school certificate (as an adult) I had to work with another mature age student on a health project. My partner was finding study a little more challenging than me, and our topic didn't help. I was a nurse back in Noah's day so I pretty much (in fact 100%) did this project. I made two copies (while I was at it) and my fellow student and I handed in our work. Identical except for the front covers. I had made then look different. Well, our grades came back. My project got a 98% (nothing to sneeze about). My partner got - wait for it - 100%. He loved it. Raved on to the rest of the class about it. My partner smiled and accepted the high praise. Apparently, the difference between our projects (2%) was the front cover. Fine, they're both mine! Grrrr. I have carried this gross injustice around for EVER. It is time to let it go.

I'm feeling lighter by the minute!

If only that chocolate would shift from my hips.

Practically Perfect - Quirks an all!

There is this huge likelihood, or temptation, of re-inventing yourself as a blogger.
I was recently catching up with a friend (Hi Dee) who tells it how it is. If there is a wart in sight - well!!! I let it out that I was a new blogger. In a moment of weakness / braveness I gave her my blog address. I found myself apologizing straight up. The 'me' that I am representing in this blog was perhaps a little different than the 'me' that I had shared with my friend. In my own defense I have to say that Both 'me' representations are more or less true to who I am, or have been or hope to be.
Recently I have been reading other blogs and was interested to see a
'Keeping it real' spot. http://familyrevised.blogspot.com/ (sorry! As yet I have absolutely no idea how to link, or grab buttons). Anyhow I thought this idea fit in really well with my thoughts on re-inventing yourself as a blogger.

So here is the beginning of my lists of imperfections (habits, bothersome irritants or quirks).

KEEPING IT REAL

1. I often leave the tap running while I clean my teeth.
2. I swig milk from the carton.
3. I have been known to let a rip snorting snore escape.
4. I watch way too much realty T.V
5. I practically over-analyze everything.
6. I commence my journey and then buckle up my seatbelt.
7. I use food as my comfort, reward or boredom buster.
8. I drum my fingers when stressed or when engaged in complex thinking.
9. I will tell a little white lie to save face or protect someone else.
10. I eavesdrop on other people's conversations while using public transport.
11. I possibly use way too much toilet paper for environmentalists.
12. I have participated in some gossip.
13. I have plagiarized.
(12 and 13 are confessions)
14. I tend to move in to 'lecture' mode when trying to make a point with the kids.
(working really hard on that one!)
15. I love wearing flannelet PJ's.

I am going to ask my kids to come up with 5 annoying habits of mine. I will post them later. May as well get 'really' real.