The Recording Studio

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?

The television 📺 program that I wish I could experience again for the first time would be the ABC program The Recording Studio which first aired in 2019. I would have to say that program remains my all-time favourite.  I would love it if the ABC would ever do another series of it.  It was the program that first introduced me to Scott Aplin,  my all-time favourite music 🎶 director and pianist. It was so genuine and heartwarming.

Money or material goods bring happiness

What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

One of the common misconceptions about happiness is that having lots of money or owning lots of material goods will bring happiness.

I am not a very financially well off person but I am happy and grateful for what I have in this life and am wealthy in terms of quality of relationships in my life.  I try to live within my means. I’ve seen those around me get into shed loads of debt because of their addiction to having the very latest material objects yesterday,  getting everything on credit then are unable to pay their debts and ending up in financial crisis.

I have learned to live simply and I believe the practice of mindfulness has be bought me peace, serenity 🙏🏽 and happiness beyond the instant gratification of acquiring more material things.  Taking pleasure 🙏🏽 in the simple things in life is what brings true happiness.

To take your time and not be afraid to ask for support

What is one way you have grown this year?

The way i have grown this year is to take time when making life decisions and to not be afraid to ask for support. I am strongly independent in my life and life has thrown me some major curve balls that were unexpected to say the least. It meant that I had to take stock of my life and work out what is important to me. It meant that I had to reach out to my family for support which was challenging for me because I am strongly independent, but I have learned that in some circumstances you need that support and there’s nothing wrong in asking for this.

Don’t focus on finding romance

What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?

What I would tell my 20 year old self is to not be so focused on finding romantic love. Not everyone has the best of intentions and don’t be swept off your feet until you know the object of your affection really well. Sometimes a wolf wears sheep’s clothing. Be wary.

There are many types of love in the 🌎 world and enjoy the many varied types of love ❤️ that can come your way. The love of true friendships and the unconditional love of a pet can be better and more fulfilling than focusing on romance. The universe is full of love for those who have the best of intentions and goodwill.  Don’t feel any less of yourself if romance isn’t in your life just yet. You will experience many kinds of love ❤️ if you are a good soul.

Rob Hirsts legacy

In the nearly six months since Rob Hirst passed away I have watched a lot of YouTube footage of him in Midnight Oil and his various other musical projects.  The first thing I realise was what a totally attractive and captivating man he was. As a teenager girl whenever I saw Midnight Oil on the television 📺 i would watch Rob play the drums 🥁 and it would stir something in my teenage hormones. Whereas my Dad was laughing at Peter Garretts style of dancing i was far more interested in watching Rob.

I’ve learned what a humble man Rob Hirst was. He was the backbone and the heartbeat of Midnight Oil and also he wrote so much of Midnight Oils vast collection of 🎵 lyrics but never took the main credit for them.  I particularly love the story of his long lost daughter Jay O’Shea and the music 🎶 they made together is truly remarkable and very different to Midnight Oil. I think because Rob was such a decent human being he was very loved in our music 🎶 industry and would be sorely missed. His MidnightOil drum kit sold for a massive $90,000 at a charity auction for cancer and is going to be on display at an arts museum in Queensland.  Im so glad that Rob found out days before he passed that he had be awarded a order of Australia 🇦🇺  for services to music, culture,  indigenous issues environmental issues and politics.  A very well deserved honour. RIP 🙏🏽 Rob the world 🌎 is a better place 🙏🏽 for your life well lived.

Thinking of Kathryn

Today my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏽 are with my friend Kathryn.  Nearly 2 years ago to the day her son Joshua passed away. No mother should have to bury their child under any circumstances.  Kathryn is brave, but it definitely is a struggle for her, particularly as she cares for her elderly mother as well.  I wish I had the power and wisdom to give goodwill in a bottle 🍼 for those who suffer unnecessarily in life. May you know God’s Grace Kathryn.

Kangaroos on the streets

What are the biggest mistakes people make when visiting your country?

Probably the biggest mistake people make when they visit Australia 🇦🇺 is that they expect to see kangaroos roaming the streets in the suburbs and cities. I laugh at that  I live on the outer fringe of the suburbs of Melbourne and I have only seen a kangaroo loose on the streets of Sunbury twice since 2012 when I moved here

Something So Strong

What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?

The song 🎵 that always puts me in a good mood when I hear it is Something So Strong by Crowded House.  Neil Finn wrote such a happy, positive and optimistic song 🎵 about love in general and how good that love feels.  It is not just about romantic love, but also the love of friends and family. Whenever I hear it I think of Susanna and many happy memories of time spent in her company.  We truly did share a love ❤️ that was Something So Strong.

Half glass full attitude and mindfulness

What’s the best way to build self-confidence?

The bestt way to build self confidence is to approach life with an attitude of the glass half full.  This can take awhile to achieve and it helps to practice mindfulness along with it. Take it in baby steps as it can take quite awhile to consciously change your thinking,  but if you can consciously stop yourself when you feel low self esteem and find yourself getting negative thoughts. Like learning a new language or a musical instrument, practice and dedication to the outcome can progress at a rate that increases with practice and commitment.