Friday 31 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 31

Hidden.


My lovely puss Lucy, hiding her face from the world :)







Magnificence Is Dead

Last night, as I was watching one of my favourite shows 'Better Homes And Gardens', I was horrified to learn of the death of one of the most magnificent creatures on earth. 

The most magnificent creature to me.

Mohan, the 'King' of Tiger Island at Dreamworld, had passed away at the grand old age of 17.


Now apparently this happened back in June, but we didn't hear anything about it here in Melbourne. Obviously down here, it just wasn't that bigger deal.

But it's a huge deal to me.

Back in 2003, I met Mohan personally. And it was an experience that, to this day, nothing has surpassed.

I had booked in to have a photo taken with the tigers at Dreamworld and I was so excited! I can remember, while my hubby (then boyfriend) and I were standing outside the enclosure with one of the keepers waiting to go in, saying something along the lines of I was going to wet my pants, and the keeper replying "You don't have to be scared." "Who's scared!" I said to him. "I can't wait to get in there! Let me at him!"
I think that might have actually scared the keeper a little bit!

Once I stepped into that enclosure, my life was never the same again.

Lying on a low timber deck, was the most enormous white tiger I had ever seen. And I mean huge! Sure, you see them on television, and at zoos, but it's not until you are standing right next to one, can you fully ascertain the enormity of this creature! Power emanated from every pore, and I went from feeling so confident and excited, to feeling vulnerable and minuscule, in a heartbeat.

His head alone was so big, that I would have had trouble putting my arms around it. Not to mention the fact that my arms would most likely have been ripped from their sockets in seconds, as easily as I could tear strands of cooked spaghetti.

His paws were twice as big as dinner plates, and I imagined him flinging me across the entire enclosure with the slightest little flick of his massive wrist.

His fur was so deliciously soft and the colour of Hokey Pokey icecream. I desperately wanted to throw my arms around him, and lie there with my head resting on his huge frame, but instead I slowly patted him like the keepers showed me, and barraged them with questions.

I needed to know everything about this majestic animal.

Mohan was one of the original Tigers that came to Tiger Island when it opened in 1995. He came to Australia as a young cub from the U.S, and is the father of Rama, Sita, Sultan and Tai, who were all born at Tiger Island in 1998.

At one point, Mohan decided he wasn't comfortable and stood, and I briefly saw a flash of fear in the keepers eyes. They were beside him instantly, urgently telling us to step back, while they got him resettled, and then we were able to move next to him once again. They gave him his favourite little carton of milk, and then he had a little doze while we all talked around him.

I think the whole visit took about fifteen minutes, but for me, it was over in the blink of an eye. As I was led from the enclosure, I looked back at him and we made eye contact. I felt like Mohan looked into my very soul.


Meeting this most awe inspiring being was one of the happiest days of my life. And yesterday, hearing of his death, is one of the saddest. There are no white tigers left in the wild. That makes me feel sick as the words roll off my tongue....White.Tigers.Are.Extinct.In.The.Wild. 

And their orange and black striped family members are not far behind.

Humans. Sometimes I'm ashamed to be one.

There is so much we can do to help, but that is for another post.

For now, I just want to say "Goodbye old boy. Thank you for allowing me to share your space, even just for those few minutes. The tears I cry now may not last forever, but the impact you had on me will. You were, and always will be amazing, and I treasure the way you touched me, and so many others.
May you spend eternity running through the rainforests in the stars, where you will always be magnificent, safe and King. Never forgotten, my wannabe furry headrest. I will always remember the feel of your fur on my hands, and have love for you in my heart. Run free my friend."




Linking up with Grace and the others for FYBF.













Wednesday 29 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 29

Down.


Looking down from the ladder while spring cleaning.
I'm not a fan of heights....can you see where the photo is slightly blurred?
That's my hand shaking! lol








Tuesday 28 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 28

Clock.


The clock in my car, with some rays of sun thrown in for free!
:)







The Faerie Picnic



Ari rolled over and opened her eyes,
And glanced out the window at clear blue skies.
She yawned and stretched; on her face was a smile.
She hadn't seen it so lovely out for a while.

All of a sudden she sat up and gasped.
Her waiting had come to an end at last!
Tonight was the night she looked forward to most.
The Fruit Faerie Picnic was awfully close.

Ari is a Pear Faerie with wings of green,
And emerald robes with a shimmering gleam.
Her friends are faeries of Apple and Lemon,
Orange, Grape and French Persimmon.

In fruiting season they gather round.
To celebrate all the fruit abound.
They work so hard and deserve some fun,
And party long after the setting sun.

She hugged herself and jumped with glee.
So many wonderful friends to see.
Flinging open the shutters on her house of pear.
She felt the breeze blow her strawberry blond hair.

"What food will I take?" she wondered aloud.
Needing treats to feed the faerie crowd.
Hours of baking are what's in store.
Pear Fluffs, Pear Fancies, Pear Drops and more!

Ari baked throughout the day.
So many favourites on the way.
She went and changed when it was time,
Into a gown the colour of lime.

The sun went down and the light grew dim.
Night was finally settling in.
The Fruit Faeries all made their way.
So eager to have a dance and play.

Faerie lights sparkled in the trees,
And lanterns swung in the breeze.
The Elven band was playing a song,
And the faeries started to dance along.

Ari, looking so devine,
Chose a glass of strawberry wine,
And mingled in amongst the crowd,
Which was starting to get quite loud.

They danced and partied all night long,
And ate until the food was gone.
With bellies full and tired feet.
Most needed a comfy seat.

The picnic drew to a close,
And Ari decided it was time to go.
She bid all of her friends goodnight,
And disappeared in the morning light.

Closing the door of her little pear house,
Creeping up the stairs like a mouse.
She sighed as the birds began to cheep,
And was smiling as she fell asleep.




Linking in with Penny from A Mum In The Wild for Short Tale Tuesday.

Also linking in with Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT.













Sunday 26 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 26

Dream.


This is where I do most of my dreaming!
Hmmm. Feel like a bit of a snooze now actually! :)






Friday 24 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 24

Path.


The path leading into my son's school.
Of course it was raining at pick-up time! Just for something different!






Things I Know ~ I ROCK!!


Earlier in the week, Dorothy from Singular Insanity put out a challenge to all of us gorgeous girls, to make a list of thirty positive things about ourselves. I knew that I wouldn't find it easy, but I was quite surprised at just how difficult it was for me. I guess it isn't something that I think about often. It's funny isn't it? How we can be so quick at finding the positive in others, but so lacking in thinking the wonderful qualities that lie beneath our own skin!

So after days of thought, and copious amounts of wine, here are the thirty qualities that make me, me.

1. I am kind.
2. I am caring.
3. I am considerate of others.
4. I am friendly.
5. I am dependable. If I say I'm going to do something for someone, I do it.
6. I am a passionate animal lover.
7. I adore reading, both to learn and to escape.
8. I am creative in lots of different ways.
9. I'm funny, and I love making people laugh.
10. I'm incredibly loyal.
11. I'm very trusting and always see the good in people.
12. I am totally empathetic. If someone cries, I cry too, whether I'm with the person or they're on T.V.
13. I am sympathetic.
14. I am understanding.
15. I am persistent. If there is something I want to do well, I keep trying until I do.
16. I am compassionate.
17. I am unselfish, by putting others before myself.
18. I am intelligent.
19. I am mature.
20. I am supportive.
21. I am almost always punctual.
22. I am capable of anything I put my mind to.
23. I am completely faithful.
24. I am honest, but never brutally. I will always find a nice way to say something bad.
25. I am polite, especially to strangers.
26. I am appreciative, especially of the little things.
27. I am proud of my family and home.
28. I am reliable. You know you can trust me.
29. I am humble.
30. Ok, so I'm not completely unattractive either ;)

Well , that's it. Phew!

So, how about you give it a go. You don't have to show anyone if you don't want to, but as Dorothy explains here, it's just a good exercise. And it really makes you think!

Go on! I dare you! 
:)




Linking in with Dorothy for Things I Know.

Also linking in with Grace for FYBF.






Thursday 23 August 2012

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 22

Home.


A spider's home!
Lovely and delicate.







Wordless Wednesday : The Gift Of Freedom

On the weekend, we did a possum release.
Releasing a wild animal back into its natural habitat is a feeling second to none.
This girl, Lucky (named by the family that found her), came to me as an orphaned baby, after her mother was hit and killed by a car.
She was in my care for twelve months. 
It finally came time to say goodbye.


Possum box (containing possum) nicely secured in the back.



Looking for the perfect spot.



Securing the box in the tree.


I'm doing the ladder holding......sooo not into heights!


My boys watching on.


When we've finished you can just catch the slightest glimpse of the possum box. (The tiny shiny bit in the middle of the tree trunk).


And now you wouldn't even know it was there at all!

Bye Lucky

All the best girl.
xx



Good job hubby!





Linking in with Trish for my not so Wordless Wednesday.















Tuesday 21 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 21

Cool.


The coolest thing ever!
Chocolate that's actually good for you!
Woo Hoo!!






Proficient In Hand To Mouth Combat!

I'm here to tell you that 'Wonders' do exist.

Wonder Woman to be exact!

She is no longer a myth!

She is real flesh and blood!

How do I know?

Because it's me!



I'm sure you can see the resemblance.

Just glance to the right there.

See?

Oh yeah!!

A Super hero is in da house!!




You may be wondering what has prompted this slightly elevated ego of mine today.

Well......I resisted these!



I had to go to the bank, and decided while I was there to pop into Woolworths, but to get there I had to go passed Donut King! If you're a regular reader of mine, you will know that doughnuts have been my weakness of late, so I try and avoid those places like the plague!

Anyhoo, I turned my head the other way and got to Woolies without incident, but the whole time I was in there, I was thinking about it!




Ok, maybe not exactly like that, but you get the idea!

By the time I was on my way back out, I had doughnuts on the brain! The smell of them was taunting me, begging me to try and walk past without stopping, knowing I couldn't do it. 

And for a second I did give in!

I stopped, put my bags down, and reached for my wallet.

The patient salesperson stood quietly, watching.

Waiting.

I looked through my wallet for the money, but alas, I had no change!

So I said to the salesperson "Sorry, not today," picked up my bags and left!!

Before you start shouting "Anyone could resist without any money!", I did actually have some notes there I could have used. 

But I chose not to.

YAY ME!!

With that kind of raw strength, I have to be Wonder Woman!

Don't I!

;)




Linking in with Jess, and all the other Wonder Women!
















Monday 20 August 2012

Sunday 19 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 19

Hole.


The hole in the possum box.
This lovely girl was released today!
More on that later :)







Saturday 18 August 2012

Friday 17 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 17

Faces.


Just some of the faces around our place!
Pretty cute, aren't they! :)







And The Award Goes To.....

Back before my life went all 'Twisted Sista' on me, the lovely Grace from With Some Grace awarded me the Kreativ Blogger Award!!




   
I feel very honoured to have been given the 'shoutout' by someone I truly admire. If you haven't read Grace's blog (where have you been???), then you need to pop over and take a look. Grace is someone who never fails to make me smile!

Now, to get down to the buso, I was asked to answer the following questions....

What is my favourite song?


I'm sorry, but that is just an impossible question! Waaaay too many to choose from, and I just don't think I could. I can, however, tell you my favourite song of the moment, which is 'Broken Hearted' by Karmin. I go nuts when I hear this song! Love it, love it, love it!!






My favourite dessert

Once again, a hard one for a dessert fan like myself. However, my all time favourite has to be Lemon Meringue Pie. Mmmm, I can just taste that meringuey goodness! Bugger. Now I'm going to have to make one today.


What ticks me off?

Rudeness. Pure and simple. There's no need for it.


When I'm upset, what do I do?

Generally cry, scream to the universe, and then sit down with a cup of tea. Outside is usually best, especially if it's a nice day. (Just for the sitting down with the cup of tea bit, not the screaming to the universe bit! That I usually do in private!)


My favourite pet

Oooh, another toughey. It would have to be between my first cat, Tabatha, my last loss - cat Astro, and my ferret, Lewis. However all of my pets have been loves of my life.


What do I prefer, black or white?

I like them both, especially together. I've been told that white looks really good on me, but I tend to wear a lot of black, as it's slimming! Supposedly.

What is my biggest fear?

Anything bad happening to my kids, or my hubby. My family is the most precious thing in the world to me.

What is my attitude?

Generally positive, although I can get anxious and a bit down too. All part of my anxiety disorder which rears its ugly head from time to time.

What is perfection?

Nature, in all its magnificent glory. Including seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

What is my guilty pleasure?

Since I've stopped having sugar regularly, it has to be doughnuts. I'm fine as long as I don't smell them, but God help me if I catch a whiff! I just can't walk past.

And now I need to tell you..... 

Ten random facts about me


* In the past, I have worked as a fitness instructor, flight attendant and family portrait photographer. Not all at the same time though, of course!


* I sigh a lot. I don't know whether I'm fed up all the time, or whether I need more oxygen to my brain often, but half the time I don't even realise I'm doing it!

* The CD's I have on rotation in my car at the moment are:


Tony O'Connor - Kakadu

 

George Michael - Patience


The Beach Boys - 20 Golden Greats


The Nolans - Altogether 
(My CD cover is different to this though! Loving those leg warmers and headbands)!
(PS Don't judge me! My best friend and I have loved these songs since we were kidlets)!


Big Rock Candy Mountain - Various
 (more about that shortly, so stay tuned)!


* I despise green beans.


 * I would love to be able to draw, or paint. I have a vision in my head of me, sitting on a hillside somewhere, sketching or painting a beautiful landscape. Unfortunately I'm hopeless at it, so I'm left admiring the artistry of others.


* My two favourite movies are 'Australia' and 'Miss Congeniality'.


* My favourite author is Bryce Courtenay.


* I love seahorses! We were halfway through building a seahorse tank about two years ago, when we had to put the project on hold due to my hubby being retrenched from his job. Unfortunately we've never got back to it, as there is always somewhere else more important for our money to go! I'm hoping we'll be able to finish it someday soon.


* My favourite plants/flowers are orchids. I currently have two of them, and I continuously try my hardest not to kill them!


* I found it really hard to think up these ten facts!!


So now I get to pass the baton on, so to speak, to some other deserving bloggers!

And they are.....

Kelly from Five Pumpkins

Rhianna from A Parenting Life

Brooke from Slow Your Home



It's all yours, girls!! Have fun! :)


(All CD pics courtesy of Amazon)




I'm flogging my blog with Grace and the others!







Thursday 16 August 2012

Wednesday 15 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 15

Ready.


Our shoes ready and waiting at the door!
I'm looking forward to getting some shoe storage to hide these away at some point, 
but just haven't found what I'm after!








Tuesday 14 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 14

Arrow.


Arrow at the round-a-bout!
I never realised how busy this round-a-bout was until I tried taking a photo
without getting a car in front of the sign! lol






Monday 13 August 2012

Saturday 11 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 11

Purple.


One of the characters on the Mr Men Show!
I don't have a lot of purple in this house, with me being the only girl! :)








Friday 10 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 10

Ring.


My rings in my jewellery box.
I have to say, I'm loving that pink in the close up! :)






Things I Know ~ I Need A Cotton Pickin' Minute!!




Hello.

Remember me?

It feels all too long ago since I sat here at the keyboard and let my fingers pour out what is aching to be expressed from within my heart and soul. And now I'm not sure I even know how to get the words out. It's really weird. For weeks I haven't had the time to sit down and write about how I feel, and now it's almost like I can't.

I feel blocked.

I'll have to take it slow.

The last three weeks have been....well, hard is the easiest and the nicest way to put it.

I feel like I've lost myself somewhere back in July, and I'm having trouble finding myself again.

Shall I start at the beginning?

Hmmm. Now where would that be exactly?

I guess it would be when I started working again. I have taken on a part time job working from home for a sports photographic company, and since the day I started, I feel like nothing else has existed. It has been full time! It won't always be this way, I know. I'm slower because I'm learning, so it's taking a lot more time than it will once I've been doing it for a while. But I've always got lots of questions, and I can't continue until someone gets back to me. And I'm stressing the whole time until the job is complete, because I know it is supposed to be finished in 1-2 days, and it's taking me double that! More!

On top of that, I've had my son's 7th birthday, as well as taking our foster dog to meet potential new owners, and leaf collection for the possums, and trying to look after my family. I'm also in the middle of de-cluttering, so it looks like a bomb has gone off in my lounge room. You know how it gets worse before it gets better, when you're emptying out all of your cupboards and other storage? And that is how it has had to stay, because I haven't had the time to get back to it.

I look at it and I feel miserable.

Adding to my misery, is my worry of my last little foster dog Meesha. I thought last weekend she had gone to her forever home, but today I find out the gentleman is unexpectedly going to be in and out of hospital over the next few months, so is giving Meesha back. I'm just devastated! She's not coming back to me, but going to another carer with no other animals, (which is best for her), but I'm worried that people won't see what I see.




I see a beautiful, loving, friendly little dog.
I see a little someone who makes you her whole world.
I see someone who just wants to belong and have a place of her own to call home.
Everyone deserves that, and so does she. I wish people would look past her greying exterior, to the loving soul within. She's worth it.

The world on my shoulders is pushing me under.

I'm drowning.

I feel like I'm suffocating.

I can't breathe.

I just want everything to STOP!!

Just for a moment so I can try and pull myself together.

I know I can. It just seems to be taking me a while.

I also know that my stress is nothing compared to what other's are going through.

I will be myself again.

I just need a minute.







Linking in with Dorothy from Singular Insanity for Things I Know.

Also linking in with Grace from With Some Grace for FYBF.

I









Thursday 9 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 9

Messy.


My boy's playroom!
Definitely messy. Might have to start on that tomorrow!






Wednesday 8 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 8

Glasses.


Some champagne flutes out on the bench, ready for some girlies to pop over! :)
Yay, champagne!






Tuesday 7 August 2012

Photo A Day August ~ Day 7

8 o'clock.


8pm tonight on my husband's tablet.
We were watching 'Once Upon A Time'.....what were you doing?







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