If you could have something named after you, what would it be?
If I could have something named after me, I would like to think it would be for someone who has mental health issues and is creative like me, being given a grant to work on their creativity, maybe writing materials, or art materials, or money to put towards publishing their works. I guess we can always dream of that sort of recognition.
What makes you laugh?
I’m a person who appreciates a good sense of humour, I love genuine Wit. I don’t find sarcasm to be funny. People who can see the genuine humour in everyday life are what I like. I don’t take myself too seriously and find humour in my experience of mental illness. I always tell people that I lost my marbles many years ago. Some people don’t like the fact that I can laugh about my disability, normally these people are those who think sarcasm is funny.
My favourite comedians are Sandi Toksvig and Adam Hills. Sandi is just so intelligent, warm, and witty, and she is a remarkable host of QI, one of my favourite television shows. Adam Hills is very funny, and I love how he has made a living laughing in a really healthy way about his disability., but I would hsve to say I most like him as the host of Spicks and Specks, here in Australia.
Probably the think that brings me the most joy and puts a permanent smile on my face would have to be my dog Lily. She brings me so much joy, and her innocence 💕 is just so lovely. Having Liky helps me to be optimistic about life. Life is better with a dog 🐕. W
When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was five, I longed to be a ballerina when I grew up. From an early age, I definitely wanted to be an author. When I was a little older, I wanted to be a vet, like Vicki on A Country Practice, a popular drama series here in Australia. I always knew I would end up being a writer.
How has technology changed your job?
Technology has changed the way I work to such an extent that I use my phone for just about everything. Because I always have my phone with me, I can use my phone for my writing ✍️ as soon as I have an idea and feel inspired. Who would have thought that our personal computers would become so small that we could hold them in the palm of our hand and use them for just about everything we need Technology wise. It is quite amazing.
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?
In recent times, I have become better at saying NO to things that interfere with my goals or when something just doesn’t feel right. I no longer put up with people treating me in a way that interferes in my life, and I certainly no longer reward bad behaviour in my life. For my own peace of mind, I am getting better at saying no. I feel that as I get older I am becoming stronger and better at saying no.
What is your favorite type of weather?
My favourite weather would have to be the weather we experience in late spring or early autumn here in Australia. I love the fresh crisp morning air and the mild sunny temperate days of up to around 24 degrees Celsius. I like wearing a light cardigan in the morning, and I also love the feel of the crisp fresh air on my skin. I like it when it is still, or only a gentle breeze. I can’t stand really windy weather. Mild warm and temperate is my favourite weather.
What is your favorite type of weather?
My favourite weather would have to be the weather we experience in late spring or early autumn here in Australia. I love the fresh crisp morning air and the mild sunny temperate days of up to around 24 degrees Celsius. I like wearing a light cardigan in the morning, and I also love the feel of the crisp fresh air on my skin. I like it when it is still, or only a gentle breeze. I can’t stand really windy weather. Mild warm and temperate is my favourite weather.
I am writing ✍️ this post as a footnote to the post 📫 I wrote this morning about my most influential teacher Mr Guppy. Upon reflection there is no such thing as coincidence and everything is part of Gods plan for us
I received a lot of positive feedback about that post from fellow bloggers and friends. I have a friend who takes me shopping at ALDI on a Friday as part of my NDIS support here in 🇦🇺 Australia. We have become friends, and she occasionally reads my blog. When she read today’s blog, she realised that we had gone to the same school and both had Mr Guppy as a teacher. We both thought he was a legendary teacher, and both went to his funeral a year after he helped me get into a prestigious government school. Unfortunately, Mr Guppy had committed suicide in a single vehicle accident with a tree 🌳 after his marriage broke down. They played the song 🎵 To Sir With ❤️ Love” at his funeral, and every time I hear that song, I think of him. He definitely took me from crayons 🖍 (art supplies) to perfume. He helped shape the lady I became, and I think my friendship with Sherree was meant to happen. God moves in mysterious ways, and I’m sure that Mr Guppy was born to teach and help as many students as he could. He was the one who introduced me to the John Lennon song Imagine 🎵 and shaped my belief in social justice. Just like the teacher Robin Williams played in Dead Poets Society, he taught us Carpe Diem (seize the day!!)
Who was your most influential teacher? Why?
Mr Guppy was my most influential teacher because he recognised both my writing ✍️ talent and beliefs in social justice and nurtured both in me. He helped me get into a more prestigious government school, which led to tertiary education for me…… He was an amazing teacher who once had written on the blackboard all the lyrics to the John Lennon song Imagine 🎵 and asked us to think about those lyrics and what they meant to us. He was a teacher ahead of his time, who sadly passed away the year after I began studying at the more prestigious school. I have him to thank for the journey I ended up on, and I know he would be proud of my achievements.
What do you wish you could do more every day?
I wish I could spend more time with my friends and loved ones and do more of the things that make my life meaningful, like writing ✍️ and showing my love in creative, fulfilling ways.
