Getting ready for a New Year....

(Photography - Gregory Colbet. Text (excerpts) 'The Principle of Emptiness' - Joseph Newton)

















As I reflect on the year that was and prepare myself for the coming New Year - I pray that I will know what to hold onto and what to release; What to pass on and what to embrace.

May my heart be open to His word, His leadings, His will and His plan for my future.

The Christmas that was - pudding n all!

The girls and I started off the day by going to The Salvation Army for their Christmas service. The elderly gentleman who was at the door to welcome people took my hand and said, 'Oh , I didn't recognize you - all dressed up!!!!!." That really had me thinking - Do I usually rock up to church a little too casually? Fair enough, perhaps I don't put on the pearls, or the white gloves, or the fancy hat, court shoes etc etc etc - but I really thought I was neat and clean? Mmmmmm...

As the service progressed it suddenly dawned on me that the only two people in uniform were the officers. Everyone else was in civvies. That must have been what the old man was referring to - he didn't initially recognize me out of uniform. Bless him! (I don't wear uniform).

After a lovely service us girls went home to check on the progress of the turkey. Now remember, Son had informed us that we were going to have fish for Christmas. (I am no fish lover). I decided I would sneak a turkey into the oven (stand by - of course).

Mentally I went through a check list. Christmas tree up? Pressies all wrapped and under the tree? Check!
Table set?

Ok, I will confess that I had completely neglected to organize the table this year. Then I remembered the Christmas table cloth in the cupboard. I borrowed Ellisha's plates from her glory box (we only have 4 in the cupboard - and 6 people were eating). A few candles, last year's serviettes (also found in the drawer) and odd cutlery. Well, they all matched except for one set - I gave myself the blue handled knife from the picnic set. I rang up John and asked him to bring some glasses - he informed me he did not have any decent ones. 'Me either', I responded. Clearly this was going to be my problem - out came the plastic champagne glasses from our 'Mama Mia' evening.

Table set? Check!

Son had requested I make some of those custard horns - I used to make them all the time when he was little. Now, how did I used to make them?

I know, I know, the pastry is meant to be cool - not all stretchy. Still, where there is a will, there is a way - right? (I am a much better creator in my head than in actual reality).

Not a bad effort!

I know, I know, you are meant to wait for the custard to cool before you add the swirl of cream on top. (I was under time presuure!!!!)

Out of the freezer comes the zillion calorie Ice - cream cake that I had been creating all week.


What do you mean? That is a Christmas tree on top - with baubles - if you please. So, I need a few more lessons on my icing techique.


Like I said before - I create brilliantly in my head.
First layer - Oreo biscuits crushed - melted butter - chocolate topping.
Second later - Vanilla ice - cream with cadbury flakes mixed inside.
Third layer - whipped cream - oreo biscuits - whipped cream.
Fourth layer - Double chocolate Ice - cream.
Fifth layer - melted mars bars.
Sixth layer - vanilla ice - cream with crushed maltesers.
seventh layer - oreo biscuits - cream
last layer - double choc icecream with a thin layer of vanilla ice - cream.
and then of course the icing.


Armed with my new Christmas apron I reminded the kids that it was, after all, their idea to share the work load his year. Come on then - who wants to help?


"Look Mum - the fish!"

Well done son, I see you have added calamari - yummy! (The turkey is looking good folks).

"Love to help mum, but last week I made the gingerbread house - and I am exhausted!".

Well done, daughter - it looks magnificent!

"Jenna, the custard is finished!" Nice try!


Time to eat. The best part was they all went on automatic mode and put their hats on without my need to plead and coherse! Actually, the best part was John saying grace (it's been a long time since we prayed together).

After our meal (which was by some small miracle- delicious) we hit the Wii games. Notice the stance on Ellisha? She's the competetive one (not at all like her mother;)) Actually, John looks pretty determined himself!

The girls invited their friends for dessert. I made them have a little bit of everything. I had a small piece of the zillion calorie cake (looked ridiculous - but tasted GLORIOUS).

Time for a game of Taboo. Cross eyes (Rhiannan) was on my team - we lost!

It took us 10 attempts to get this photo. One day I might just post the others (perhaps not!).

David (son), Jenna (daughter), Ellisha (daughter) John (ex), Val (ex M.I.L) and me.

There is the sequel to the pudding story - but I'll leave that for another day.

P.S. I have to confess to eating too much - woke up next day with a food indulgence hangover.

my 100th post

This is my 100th post. I was wondering what I could write about. I thought of many, many things.

Then I realized I just wanted to say a great big thank you to my new friends in blog land.

You may never really know just how much you have blessed me.

Have a wonderful, glorious, peaceful, blessed Christmas.

Sorry, I tried and tried to get this ecard to fit on my page.

"May the blessing of the Lord be upon you." (Psalm 129.8)
"May you rejoice in the blessing of His love this Christmas and always."

Back on the road again

My friend Rose and I both agree that it is way too easy for both of us to get caught up in the stresses and pressures of the Pre - Christmas - shopping centre - commercialism supreme - "oh why isn't it snowing?" mania/ madness that bombards our senses every year..

My friend Rose and I are very similar in that we find ourselves being rather emotionally vulnerable at Christmas time. As hard as we try we usually end up 'disappointed'.

Rose and I have our own secret dreams / fantasies / visions of what Christmas ought to look like - but in essence we agree that it hardly ever turns out to be what we would hope it to be.

So, last year Rose and I decided to escape for a few days during the crazy days. Last year was a great success. We soaked in the beauty of our land and breathed in the goodness of God while many others where madly dashing around spending money they didn't need to. Purchasing 'goodies' they had no idea they really needed until they had them hurling through the pushy checkouts.

So successful was our Pre - Christmas madness diversion last year that we decided (on the spur of the moment) that we would do it again.

My friend Rose and I loaded up her van and hit the open road.

We decided on the Yorke Peninsula this time. Check out the view we had from the van.


If you were driving towards these magnificent clouds wouldn't you be in glorious anticipation? We were! Man those clouds were just AWESOME!!! This was going to be a great diversion.

Come on - admit it. That water looks inviting - right?

And not a manic shopping centre in sight - Blessings.


Tempting right? Unfortunately the tide was low (excuse number 1) so Rose and I decided to just reminisce about the days when nothing would have stopped us from running into that water.
Some of our excuses were
- age (55 and 59) - lot's of verty young swimmers were hanging about.
- not sure if knees would cope with the steps?
- What if we scare the other beach dwellers with our lumps and bumps (they don't sell neck to knees anymore;))
- excuses, escuses, excuses.

We sat and viewed the wonderful deserted beach and pondered the goodness of God.

As I was enjoying the view a thought came into my head. "What if this was Christmas day - right now - Christmas day. Would I feel blessed? Would I be disappointed in the day? The answer was simple. If it was Christmas day I would be so grateful for the peace and love and gratitude I was feeling as the warm breeze caressed my face; as the serenity of the water soothed my soul; as the friend sitting next to me embraced my reflectiveness. Sure, I would have like it more if my family were there to share the view, the blessings, the relaxed wonder of His goodness.

Christmas - does not need shopping centres. Christmas - does not need fancy wrapped presents. Christmas - does not need stress and disappointments. Christmas - does not even need snow, or lights, or decorations, or turkey or....

Please do not get me wrong. Christmas can be enhanced by all of the above. I think that is part of my vulverability at Christmas - the expectations. People can be blessed by all of the above. All of the above can draw people together.

Hold on - I don't think I am expressing myself very well here.

I guess I will just say that as I sat on that bench and looked at the glistening water and the crazy clouds I was so grateful that I was not getting stressed to the max in some shopping centre. I was having my soul restored.

The water was inviting.

Rose and I were directed by a bloke with a surf board (who was there one min and invisible the next- now I am not suggesting he was an angel - although ......) to a path that supposedly led to a 'beautiful' part of the beach.

Why not?

We followed the path. We climbed some sand dunes. We entered a secluded stretch of beach.

It was indeed beautiful.

It was indeed secluded.

Very secluded.

Rose looked at the water and then looked at me.

Could we?

Should we?

"But we don't have our bathers!" we both chorused (with a little giggle).

Like I said...

It was secluded.

Very secluded.

So, we stripped down to undies and ran (at superman speed) into the very cold, refreshing, revitalizing water.

We smiled at each other.

Lifted our hands to the sky.

Did a little joyful dance.

And then ran right back (at double super man speed) to our clothes.


Such a fantastic trip.

Thanks Rose.

Thanks God.

New chapter - day one

I am not one for finishing work and then relaxing and enjoying the freedom of not going to work. No siree. First day of the new chapter (loosely translated - first day as unemployed) I opened the carport doors - starred at the boxes and boxes and boxes of resources that I had lugged back from school (I so thought I had only taken the bare essentials - wrong!).

I shut the door - made my self a cuppa - drifted around blog land for awhile - and then, armed with a determination that could possibly bring about world peace, I re-opened the carport and got stuck into it.

One pile was for keeps (but needed to be re-organized into cute - color coded plastic containers.
One pile for the bin (I was ruthless).
One pile to give away to a homeschooling friend.
One pile for a friend whose grandchildren come up to stay and they love playing school (strange - I know).
One pile for the stuff that should go but, as yet, I can't let go!!!

Therapeutic - to say the least.

Then I went armed with my purse to the shopping centre and got the christmas pressies out the way. Must say - not only my presents for others - but also My present from daughter (love surprises) - daughters presents to sister and brother and dad and nanna etc etc etc. "Why not just give me your money and I will do it all next time?", I suggested. The look from daughter said it all (she's in complete denial;))

To finish off my first day of being unemployed I jumped on the scales - after several frothy coffees I was bracing myself for a gain.

Yippee!!!!

11 kgs down. I do not think I will make it to my goal for Christmas - unless I can loose 3.7 kg in 10 days.

What am I talking about? Of course I can!

Must run, I have to get into day two of unemployement by killing myself (this will be the first run I have done in say - oohh - forever!)

Actually the last time I had to run was to catch the train (couldn't afford to miss it). The girls ran on ahead and delayed the train. I wheezed my way to the platform. I looked up as I stepped onto the train - and through blurry, star stuuded eyes I thought I saw tens of mobiles poised ready to dial 000 emergency. This time of course I am carrying less weight - but there is that tricky, damaged knee that can come in handy when I have to stop running for safety reasons.

Must toodles now.

Catch you all soon.

Get a blessing from God today - He's handing them out free.

Love ya all!

End of a chapter -

So, my time at this school has come to a close. It was a lovely last day. The students hugged me (even some of the 'toughies'). The staff where very encouraging and said some incredibly kind and uplifting words.

It is with a truly grateful heart that I close this chapter.

Here are some of the kind words put on cards for me (from staff and parents).


"Mary, You are a fantastic teacher and I thank you for enriching my child's life with your style of teaching. I wish you the very best. How lucky for the children you'll be teaching next year."

"Thank you so very much for being a wonderful teacher to my son - I love you for it. Thanks."

"Mary, I've really enjoyed working with you."

"Dear Mary, you are a card! I'll miss your sense of humor and that soup diet. Great concert item!"

"Thank you so very much. You did an incredible job."

"Keep smiling girl - like the angel you are."

"You have made a huge difference to a group of very needy kids. Thanks for caring!"

"Dear Mary, I can not thank you enough for the last two terms work. Thanks."

"Keep making a difference everywhere you go. Thanks!"

"May the future be full of wonderful surprises - you deserve it!"

And now let the poor say I am rich
let the weak say I am strong
for what the lord has done for me
Give thanks.

8 hours before I am unemployed.

Give thanks with a grateful heart.... ok!

I am thankful for the job I have had for the past 6 months.
I am thankful for the opportunity of investing a little bit of stability and care (and maybe the odd bit of knowledge - who knows) into the lives of my students.
I am thankful that ALL the year 7 students made it to graduation (close call there for a while).
I am thankful that we will finish the year off with a wonderful / fun day at the aquatics centre.

I am thankful that new opportunities WILL emerge for me next year (added a bit of positive thinking in as well).
I am thankful that leadership acknowledge my hard work and said they would highly recommend me - and would have me back if only the school wasn't down one class next year.
I am thankful that I will be finishing this job with the knowledge that I did my best.

I am not sure how to make this real yet... but

I am thankful that In in 8 hours I will be unemployed - In His hands.

In everything give thanks.

I will admit to feeling a little jittery - but then again - This time last year I was feeling devastated - So for that I am thankful.

Christmas lights

What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday the thunder storms, grey clouds, stillness. Today the sun is a blazing yellow. There is a yellow / orange -ish glow coming through my fly screen. The doors and windows are wide open (and it is only 6am). The little birds are cheeping away. I am breathing in this goodness.

And at the same time breathing in some calming peace. Today is graduation day for my students moving on to high school. My fellow yr 7 teacher is a control freak (and a bit of a bully) so I really don't know what is happening - except I am to be there and I am to read her mind and I am to somehow make sure my kids get to feel it is there graduation. No mean task - I can tekll you. It will be a long day. The graduation is in the evening - we stay all day and then all evening. Still, I will be thankful (it will become real soon) and I will take some of this morning glow into the rest of my day.



And then there is this clip from You tube. Hope you enjoy.









Getting in the swing of it from my computer chair ;)

It is raining outside

When I went to bed last night (slightly overdressed in my flanny Pj's) I had to kick the sheet off to get comfortable (a bit of a warm night).

Slept soundly.

Woke this morning with the covers tucked up near my chin and the rumbling sounds of distance thunder in my ears.

Unlike the last time I woke to the sounds of thunder - this time I was thrilled to bits.

How cosy.

Ok, the alarm interrupted my snuggle in to the doona moment.

But I ignored it!

The sky is grey. Not the tiniest bit of blue sky around. The rain is coming down. Certainly not in buckets - just that nice pitter patter kind.

The cup of tea is in hand and I am SO wanting to just sit here and take in this atmosphere.

Trust me - when you live in the driest State (as I do) then rain makes everything GLOW.

The bricks are redder. The grass suddenly gets a greenish colour. The earth smells like -ok, that part is not so pleasant!

Excuse me a minute - the rain is pelting at the moment - must go and take a look. Really this is an opportunity to give thanks - yes indeed.

I am grateful that the dark grey skies are comforting me and not stirring up darker moods.

The students will have to stay in the classroom today - rain - no play policy - crazy! Still, with only three days to go before Summer break - I am sure we will do just fine.

I am looking at the clock and I realize I had better get my skates on if I am to get dressed and be ready for school (in time).

Oh what a pity!

Just a few things of update.
1. I had my hair coloured yesterday - auburn/brown with caramel highlights.
2. I have 300g to go and I have lost 10kg.
3. Ellisha's basketball team won the grand final - and she got fairest and best from the association.
4. It has been confirmed - by son - that we are having fish for Christmas (I will cook a turkey as well).


Thinking of you all (well not all - but definitely my drop in people).

With 10 min to go (before I need to be in car)I have to iron jeans, dry hair, get lunch ready (soup) make bed, clean teeth - what the heck - I'll leave the dishes!!!!

That now makes 9 min so I must run.

Toodles!

The pendulum affect

Ah, the pendulum affect - was in full force today.

On one swing you have the humble practice of gratitude. On the other swing you have an appalling display of the wobbles - which I will call - 'The complete lacking of any display of gratitude which results in potential high blood pressure syndrome'.

Today I was a pendulum!

I've considered revealing all. But I think I might just leave it with these clues (they are not excuses - honest!)

Worship at Church - swing.
Phone call from friend with a not so subtle backing down of enthusiasm for a movie date (which she requested) - swing.
Certificate of acknowledgment for an emergency services orientation course completed - swing.
Packed to the rafters shopping complex (no parking spaces) - swing.
Table offered to have lunch from family who saw I needed a seat - swing.
Arrogant sales assistant who overcharged and then had a 'whatever' attitude - swing.
Kris Kringle present successfully purchased (within budget) - swing.
Daughter with a bucket load of attitude (we were there for her, after all!!!) - swing.
Phone call from same friend with a renewed enthusiasm to meet for coffee / movie - swing.
Car blocking my driveway - swing.
Finished School reports - swing.

So far the pendulum is on a positive swing - so this is what I will give thanks for.

Being thankful and displaying gratitude is not a guarantee for a perfect day. Days will be filled with all sorts of challenges, frustrations, disappointments, stresses and packed shopping centres - filled with pushy, stressed out shoppers. However, I believe that the more I practice noticing and expressing thanks for the positive things in my life (be they big or small) then I will be in a better place to accept the disappointments.


After all - let's put those negative swings into perspective - hardly catastrophic right?

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them".
John. F. Kennedy

The gratitude test

1= strongly disagree
2= disagree
3 = slightly disagree
4= neutral
5 = slightly agree
6= agree
7= strongly agree

These are the things which you are to grade -
- 1. I have so much in my life to be thankful for.
-2. If I had to list everything that I felt grateful for, it would be a very long list.
-3. When I look at the world, I can see so much I can be grateful for.
-4. I am grateful to a wide variety of people.
-5. As I get older I find myself more able to to appreciate the people. event, and situations that have been part of my life history.
-6. Very short amounts of time can go by before I feel grateful to something or someone.
-7. I practice saying Thank you to those who deserve to be thanked on a daily basis.

The higher your score - the more grateful you are.

My score was 33.

According to the scale, a score of 41 and above suggests you are intensely grateful. Under 27 may suggest you could probably use a bit of 'Thank You power' in your life.

I was able to identify the area that I can improve on. For me it was to practice displaying this gratitude and recognizing on a daily basis things I have opportunity to be grateful for. I also recognized that although I can make an intellectual list I need to allow The Spirit to move it from head to heart.

What I have decided to do (or been led to do) is take on the challenge given by Deborah Norville in her book, 'Thank You Power', and record daily at least three things that I could and should be grateful for.

Deborah asks that you record anything that uplifted you,, brought a smile to your face or put your own woes into perspective. She then asks that you write down why this was good for your life/ journey. Finally, make a note of who, if anyone, played a role in what you've recalled for the day and how that person impacted on your life.

Why?

- It forces your focus onto what went right today, versus the inevitable things that went wrong.
- It brings you into the present not the 'woulda' - 'coulda' - 'shoulda' - looking at life.
- It reminds you of the interconnectedness of life - we can sometimes go days with out human contact. We need to be reminded about how others have contributed to our lives.
- It enhances self-esteem. Good things happen to good people - therefore I am good because something good happened to me today to which I will show gratitude.

Your frame of mind when engaging in the practice is important. I do not want to practice gratitude in order to simply achieve the benefit. I want to practice gratitude because Scripture says 'In everything, give thanks'. God gave us a key to a fruitful life. It is time I started thoroughly practicing. Let's face it- too much naval gazing on the woes of your life can be damn right depressing.

Well, I am off to start my day now.

Gratitude 1: I am thankful for this opportunity to share my journey through blogging. I recognize that friends such as Linds, Judith Crystal, Julie (and others) are faithful and encouraging and make me feel valued. Thank You.

Exciting times

Give Thanks

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Over the last few days these lyrics have nudged their way into my consciousness.

I find myself bursting forth in song.

Exciting times.

concert review

Well the school concert came and the school concert went

and my students were

BRILLIANT.


Me of little faith .......

A bit of this, that and the other!

Hi guys, thanks for dropping by.

Thought I might bring you up to speed with a few things that are happening my way at the moment.

1. The update on my weight loss is that I have SUCCESSFULLY shed 8 Kilograms so far. For those who work in pounds that would be approx 17.636 pounds. I am feeling good. My jeans which I bought and had to leave hanging in my wardrobe cause they had the potential of giving me a hernia if worn, now slip down a tad (belt time!). So, my plan to be back to the weight I was last Christmas is on schedule. 6 kilos to go - in four weeks - I can do it!!!!!

2. My eldest has just gotten her first car. It came her way by means of a very generous man who got it for his daughter. His daughter would not be seen dead driving it, so he offered it to Ellisha. What a blessing - well mostly anyway. Even though Ellisha has been driving my car for a year now it is kind of unnerving knowing she has her own. I mean I know my car. I know she knows that if she damaged my car I would not be happy. I know she knows that I want her to be safe first and foremost. I just hope that having her own car doesn't mean that she is never home now. Let's face it, when she was borrowing my car I knew she would only be out and about for a certain time. I know, I know, a little neurotic of me - still I am new at this letting go of the child/adult/child thing. (must say she is a responsible person - so I should not worry too much!!!)

3. I had a lovely time with God at Church on Sunday. I really felt His presence while singing His praises. Hallelujah.

4. My students have their end of year concert tomorrow. My son(David) and I have been teaching them the drums. I have hired a gorilla suit and one of the students is re-enacting the Cadbury commercial (In the air tonight). The other students are doing various percussion sets. Today was the dress rehearsal - they were shocking!!! No good denying it - they were SHOCKING. So, we went back to class and had a little discussion (kind way of saying - straight shooting talk). I reminded them that they were talented and that they had done a great job to learn the pieces and that they should feel proud of themselves and why not go out there and have a blast and..... So, we went and had another rehearsal. I rang David and asked him to come in to school (he was free so he did - bless him). The students rose to the occassion and were much MUCH better. It's up to them now. Tomorrow they need to BRING IT!!!!!

5. I have just finished writing the school reports - I am getting really good at creative comments.

6. Did I mention that I had a great time with God on sunday? I am fairly confident that some of you readers are doing some praying. And I thank you.

7. I am reading Max Lucado - 'Facing your Giants.' His focus is on the life of David as both a shepherd boy facing a giant and an adult - being a giant. I must admit to finding it a little tougher to get through than 'Traveling Light'. Discovering your Giants is clearly introspective and I think I have naval gazed a little too much lately.

8. I went to the doctors today to have my meds reviewed. My doctor was not there so I saw his replacement. He was Indian and I could not understand a word he said. I think he said my blood pressure was very good. Can I say he had a very interesting way of taking my BP. Seeing I have my own blood pressure monitor at home this was hardly a revelation. What I wanted to know was if I should reduce my meds - It was very high so they put me on triple meds and now it is low? My doc will be back in a week.

Well that is a bit of what is happening around here.

Did I mention I had a great time with God on sunday?