Red leather sandals 👡

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

My favourite pair of shoes would have to be the red leather sandals 👡 i bought at Big W of all places.  They only cost about $15 and could be used for all occasions dressy and casual combined.  They were the most comfortable shoes 👞 I owned, and I loved them.  Unfortunately, one of the pair came to an untimely end when Lily was a puppy because she managed to get into the bottom of the wardrobe and chewed them.  Because they were my favourite shoes 👞 and well worn, they would’ve smelled of Mummy, which is why Lily chewed them

Lily the best gift.

Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.

As I am writing ✍️ this piece, Lily is right beside me touching me.  I would have to say that although thechnically I bought Lily I would have to say that she is the best gift I ever received. ❤️  She is definitely a gift from God, and I have grown to love her so very, very much.  Deciding to buy a puppy was the best thing I could have done, and Lily is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.

The joy and peace of mindfulness

If there is anything that I have learned recently, it is that the practice of mindfulness leads to true happiness, which in essence is peace and a feeling of contentment.

I recently had something happen in my life that could have brought on a resumption of my mental health issues, so rather then let this happen I decided to practice mindfulness and do all the things that make me feel good.  I know these things work for me.  There is a really good reason why hospital psych wards offer mindfulness and music and art therapy.  It is because they work in getting and keeping people well.

I practice mindfulness in my own life in several little ways. Everything from slowly eating and enjoying my food, to slowly patting Lily and concentrating on how soft and lovely she feels.  I definitely have been practising 🎶 music therapy as part of mindfulness,  by all day having the radio on in the background and slowly moving and swaying to the music.

The result of this focus on mindfulness is that I feel the most joy, peacefulness, and contentment in my life for several years.  I know if I can keep this up, hopefully I can stay well and cope with whatever curve balls get thrown at me in the future.

Now We’re Getting Somewhere

If there was a biography about you, what would the title be?

If there was a biography about me, I hope it would be called now. We’re Getting Somewhere after the Crowded House song 🎵 🎶 of the same name.   About 10 years ago, I tried to write my autobiography with that title.  This was quite therapeutic and cathartic for me, as I wrote a lot about my marriage and its ultimate breakdown,  but it’s not something I would want to publish for public consumption.   Writing it was like therapy for me, and I would still like the title of Now We’re Getting Somewhere because it think it shows that my life is a work in progress and just keeps on getting better 😌.

An old cottage

Write about your dream home.

My dream home would be a little old cottage somewhere in the Macedon Ranges and surrounds.  It will have 3 bedrooms and a small garden with roses lavender and daisy’s.  I will set up one of the smaller bedrooms as a creative space with a writing desk,  an easel, a comfy 💺 🪑 chair, and a bed for Lily.   It will be close to amenities and a nice park to walk Lily in.

LISTEN TO “OH HI” CROWDED HOUSE LATEST SINGLE

Last night, I was fortunate enough to hear the worldwide 🌐 launch of the new Crowded House song 🎵 🎶 entitled Oh Hi. Neil Finn yesterday teased his fans online through email and YouTube that this launch was occurring, so I knew with a couple of hours’ notice to tune in. The way Neil uses modern technology to spread his word is breathtaking. He is definitely a modern man, who is so talented, gracious, and loving

The song Oh Hi Neil has written about the children of Africa that he supports through the work of So They Can, a children’s charity in Africa 🌍 thst he supports in many ways.

Yesterday, Mum and I visited a mutual friend, and my mum was discussing Jesus and how he would be up on a hill, spreading to the 🌎 world his message of love and peace. I hope my mum hears Oh Hi. Since hearing Mum’s comment and hearing Oh Hi, it has made me think about Neil Finn and his wonderful loving compassionate generous life and the fact he has such a huge number of fans, who like me love him and support whatever he mentions with a passion. Neil’s fans and his family and friends, of whom he has thousand’s listen 🎶 to his words and treasure them much like the large numbers of people listened to the words of Jesus. I consider myself a disciple of Neil’s and talk about him and his remarkable life to my family and friends. Neil has been a part of my life since I was 10 years ol, and I love everything he has done musically ever since. Through his fan club 💙 I have learned just what a humbl, gracious, caring and loving man he is. I am a disciple for lif, and I encourage everyone to listen 🎶 to his musi. Itt is loving, healin, and empowering. He truly is a gift 🎁 from God.

A break from the everyday routine

Do you need a break? From what?

Yes, we all need a break at times. Right now, I could use a short break where I take Lily away to a dog 🐕 friendly holiday place, where I can get away from the stresses of living day to day life with mental health issues. Sometimes, you need to shake up the everyday routines we all have and practise a little mindfulness. Living in the moment and taking things slowly help to bring pleasure 🙏🏽 and a touch of peacefulness and serenity to your life. The events of the last 12 months in my life have taught me what I can do when certain occurrences theathen my mental well-being. I have learned from these events to turn what is negative on its head and do things that are really positive and helpful for myself. Last year, something very hurtful happened, and my considered response was to plan a short holiday where Lily received a lot of love and attention. The result was a lovely night away where Lily was blissfully happy. I was overjoyed because for days afterwards Lily was very at peace and contented in her life, and I constantly came out with happy little sighs. This was just so good for me and definitely far more healthy for me than lamenting the negative things I can’t change in my life. Turning the negative on its head and focusing on the good things and making good memories would be my advice to anyone experiencing trouble in their life. Do whatever floats your boat, be it creating art, listening to music, or writing a blog 📫. We can derive pleasure 🙏🏽 and peace of mind doing the things we love.