What is Alice up to?

Badger's Drumming Circle 14th August 2010

2010-08-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic night it was at the monthly Badger's Drumming Circle. The energy and the spiritual & heart connection with everyone was awesome. I took my friends , Sue and Christine to their very first drumming circle and they enjoyed it tremendously as you can see from the smiles on their faces.

Updates

2010-08-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believed that time has flown so fast and it has been nearly 10 months since my last blog. Lots and lots has happened...everything good and wonderful. I will fill in the blanks and uploads more photos as soon as I get time. Stay tune :-)

Spiritual Medicine for Relationship

2009-10-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Let there be spaces in your togetherness.
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but not eat from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

~The Prophet, Kahill Gibran

What have Alice been up to?

2009-10-07T03:42:00.001-07:00

Ok it has been a while since I last posted what I have been up to. Well time sure has flown so quickly. Blink an eye and it has been months since I have kept up to date with my blog. I definitely have not been idle at all.

Well, this is a brief update. I am in a relationship with Phil :-) YooHoo!!!!, hit my 40th birthday, saw Pink's concert on the eve of my birthday, started my scuba diving course on my birthday and finally completed the course, so now I have the licence to thrill underwater!!. Been abseiling, hand gliding, goddess retreats, meditation, been in a plane with parachuters and filming them (that was awesome!)and still am drumming and belly dancing. :-) Life is fantastic and I am still having so much fun.

Me abseiling backwards

Me abseiling forward..that was fun and fast!

Me getting ready to do a sprint down the hill with the gliderYeah...I survived with minor scratches!!!

Me and Phil

PREM Bank

2009-10-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of my little sister, Irene. She has been donating her excess breast milk to help preterm and ill hospitalised infants. This is a picture of her and her husband, Simon and Dr. Ben and Nurse Tracy at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

Attached is a letter from Dr. Ben in recognition of Irene's effort and the donation from Irene's work Alcoa.

Dear Julie and Rod,

Please find attached a photo of myself and our milk bank Nurse (Tracey Sedgwick) receiving the Alcoa Bravo Grant cheque from Irene Chai and her husband. The PREM Bank (Australia's first donor human milk bank) provides donated breast milk to preterm and ill hospitalised infants at King Edward Memorial and Princess Margaret Hospitals. Doctors looking after extremely preterm infants encourage and support all mothers to provide their own milk to their preterm baby as we know clinical outcomes are improved and artificial formula may be associated with significant clinical complications in these babies. However, as these baby's may be born up to 3 months early (at 23-24 weeks) weighing as little as 400g some mothers struggle to provide sufficient breastmilk to meet their baby's needs (these babies will not physically able to breastfeed for up to 2-3 months so mum will be initiating and maintaining her milk supply with a breast pump). For these babies, we now offer the option of pasteurised donor human milk (PDHM) which is provided by mothers, such as Irene, who are producing more milk than their own baby requires. The screening process we subjected Irene to was consistent with that for blood donation (questionaire and blood test) and all milk is heat treated and tested before being made available - with parental consent - to patients in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Now in our 3rd year of operation we provide donor milk 7 days per week and use 2-3 litres daily - on any day we may be feeding up to 20 babies in the NICU. Initially, a tiny 24 week old baby may only require 12mls of milk over a 24 hour period. This volume is gradually increased and we hope that supporting mothers with donor milk allows time for them to establish and increase their own supply.

We would like to thank Alcoa for providing the Bravo Grant which will enable the purchase of equipment to increase our processing capacity. More importantly, we would like to take the opportunity to thank Irene for her extremely generous donations which, over the course of her donation has helped many extremely preterm babies and their families.

Kind regards,
Ben
<>
Dr Ben Hartmann
PREM Bank Manager
Neonatology Clinical Care Unit
1st Floor Block A
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Bagot Rd
Subiaco 6008
Ph: 08 9340 1563
Fax: 08 9340 1266

A Spiritual Conspiracy

2009-08-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

A Spiritual “Conspiracy”

On the surface of our world right now
There is war, violence, and craziness
And things may seem dark.

But calmly and quietly
At the same time
Something is happening underground.

An inner revolution is taking place
And certain individuals
Are being called to a higher light.

It is a silent revolution
From the inside out
From the ground up.

This is a global co-operation
That has sleeper cells in every nation.
It is a planetary Spiritual Conspiracy.

You won’t likely see us on T.V.
You won’t read about us in the newspaper.
You won’t hear from us on the radio. We don’t seek glory.
We don’t wear any uniform.
We come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles.

We are in every country and culture of the world
In cities big and small, mountains and valleys
In farms and villages, tribes and remote islands.

Most of us work anonymously
Seeking not recognition of name
But profound transformation of life.
Working quietly behind the scenes

You could pass by one of us on the street
And not even notice.
We go undercover
Not concerned for who takes the final credit
But simply that the work gets done.

Many of us may seem to have normal jobs.
But behind the external storefront
Is where the deeper work takes a place.
With the individual and collective power
Of our minds and hearts
We spread passion, knowledge, and joy to all.
Some call us the Conscious Army
As together
We co-create a new world.

Our orders come from the Spiritual Intelligence Agency
Instructing us to drop soft, secret love bombs
when no one is looking. Poems ~ Hugs ~ Music
Photography ~Smiles ~Kind words
Movies ~ Meditation and prayer ~ Dance ~ Websites
Social activism ~ Blogs ~ Random acts of kindness…

We each express ourselves
In our own unique ways
With our own unique gifts and talents.
“Be the change you want to see in the world”
That is the motto that fills our hearts.

We know this is the path to profound transformation.
We know that quietly and humbly
Individually and collectively
We have the power of all the oceans combined.

At first glance our work is not even visible.
It is slow and meticulous
Like the formation of mountains.
And yet with our combined efforts
Entire tectonic plates
Are being shaped and moved for centuries to come.

Love is the religion we come to share
And you don’t need to be highly educated
Or have exceptional knowledge to understand it.

Love arises from the intelligence of the heart
Embedded in the timeless evolutionary pulse
Of all living beings.

Be the change you want to see in the world.
Nobody else can do it for you.
Yet don’t forget, we are all here supporting you.

We are now recruiting.
Perhaps you will join us
Or already have.
For in this spiritual conspiracy
All are welcome, and all are loved.
The door is always open.~

~Author Appropriately Unknown

Hillman Farm Skydiving

2009-03-01T22:41:00.000-08:00

Lesley and I did a trip down to Hillman Farm Skydiving Adventure in Darkan for Lesley's long awaited tandem skydiving jump. Phil organised the booking and for us to meet his lovely skydiving family. The weekend was awesome and here is the video to show the highlights. Check out www.skydivingadventure.com.au

Siblings Portraits

2009-01-28T03:36:00.000-08:00

The four are gathered together again for the famous 'Siblings Shots'. Since Pat now lives in Singapore, everytime he is back and when we are all together, we never let an opportunity miss out to take pictures.Pat, Irene, Alice & Kevin in the famous 'Sibling Shot'

The improper 'Sibling Shot' Part 1

The improper 'Sibling Shot' Part 2

As you can most definitely see that Kevin & I are the only ones that put our heart and soul in the improper shots, we gave it our 100%...what's wrong with the other two??? Bloody pikers!!!!!

Happy Chinese New Year & Australia Day 2009

2009-01-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

This year, Chinese New Year and Australia Day fell on the 26th Jan 2009. Such a auspicious occassion. This morning we had a Rotary/St Bart Breakfast Fund Raising at Victoria Gardens down in East Perth. The weather was gorgeous and the atmosphere was joyful and everyone was well fed and had an excellent time. Doris and I made it to the foreshore to view the spectacular fireworks and finale to a fantastic day.

Chinese New Year Eve

2009-01-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

The family are all together again for Chinese New Year Eve Dinner at mum and dad's. This year there are extra addition to the family, Pat and his wife and her family and the gorgeous Jasmyn. Extended family and friends were gathered together as well. Mum and Aunty Keng done an excellent job with the food preparation and as usual we ate so much and there were doggy bags to take away as well. Well done mum and aunty!!! The food was so yummy!!!

Dad teasing Mum whilst she is busily cooking

Gezzz...Uncle Pat..what big head/face you got!!!!

The terrible Geminis together again........

Yummo Food Galore!!!

Mum and Aunty Keng..well done with the preparation and keeping up with the traditions...Thank you.

The whole gang gathered for this special occassion

Jasmyn's First Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T16:13:00.000-08:00

It was joy to see Jasmyn's with her Elmo on Christmas Day. The three generations of Grandmother, Godgrandmother, Mother and Godmother together with gorgeous Jasmyn's are memories to be cherish forever.

Merry Xmas Everyone!!!!

Silken Rhythms 2008 School "HAFLA"

2008-12-07T01:34:00.000-08:00

PARTY!!! PARTY!!!!

Lazy Saturday Afternoon

2008-12-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today I managed to get free lazy time to bond with the kids and just chill and contemplate about life. Armed with my ipod with "The Power of Now' audiobook by Eckhart Tolle and lying on the rug in the back garden, listening to the soothing voice of Eckhart and getting into my 'presence' and admiring the vast clouds formation overhead, a joyful thought came and I grab the camera to take photos of the kids and the fun time we are having.

Sabre trying to inched her way onto my rug...give her an inch, she'll take a mile!!
See what I mean.....................

Maya wanna to play as well.

Zack at his hidey-spot, wondering what the heck is going on with the girls...., he came over to sus things out but when he found out there wasn't any food or bones involved...when back to his hidey-hole and left the gaggling girls to our own devices............typical male!!!!!!!!

Maya admiring my freshly painted toesnails for the Bellydancing Hafla party tommorrow. She has taste...Go girlfriend!!.

Definitely a great bonding arvo session with the kids and relaxing as well. At least I am not like the 'normal people' who are out there madly doing their Xmas shopping and getting stressed out. I can't wait for the Xmas hols to do more relaxing and chilling out with the kids.

Silken Rhythms Hafla Rehearsal

2008-12-02T01:48:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday I had my bellydancing rehearsal for the end of the year school Hafla (egyptian for PARTY!!!!!) Met up with the rest of the girls from the other classes and did our routines and had lot of giggles and did silly poses for our photos. Sufficed to say it was an enjoyable afternoon and Carol and myself from our beginneers class had a hoot of a time.

Stay tune.................. as the party starts this coming Sunday and there will be a video presentation of the whole party with bloopers as well.

Jasmyn - Update

2008-11-08T00:48:00.000-08:00

My gorgeous niece, Jasmyn is nearly 5 months old and she is the apple of everyone's eyes. Here are some recent photos of her and she is growing so fast and have a beautiful sunny personality.

Playing with daddy.

With mummy.

Bonding with her aunty Alice.

Stretched out like a starfish with her uncle Kevin.

Have dummy, will travel.

Tasmania Adventures

2008-10-18T17:37:00.001-07:00

Our trip to Tasmania was awesome. Tassie is such a beautiful island and highlighted above in black is our 6 days journey of approx 1200kms from east coast to west coast and back again in our hired tour mobile ' The Nissan Tidda". The landscapes are so quaint and the drive so scenic with winding and bendy roads which made driving a thrill compared to driving in Western Australia. Our journey took us from Hobart-Port Arthur-Freycinet National Park (Coles Bay & Wineglass Bay)-Cradle Mt Lake St Clair National Park-Strahan (River Gordon Cruise)-Hobart for our journey home. Below are the videos of our awesome trip.

This is a Nature Shots of Tasmania video

We had another traveller with us on this trip, Pingu the Penguin and you can view his blog of the trip at http://pinguthekickarsepenguin.blogspot.com/2008/10/tasmania-adventure.html

Enjoy!!!!!!

Tasmania - the Apple Isle

2008-09-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

Rosemary and I are getting excited now that our trip to gorgeous Tassie is drawing closer and closer. Here a pic of us showing the map of Tassie. We were enjoying the nite with friends that have been there and they were giving us lots of tips on what to do and what to see and not to get lost!!!!! Suffice to say both of us will have the best nature trip and there will lots to see and do. The main attractions will be Cradle Mountain Trek and Glass Wine Bay and the rest are bonuses.Watch out for the video of Alice & Rosemary's excellent adventure of Tassie!!!!!!!!!

Black Creek Wetlands

2008-09-29T01:57:00.000-07:00

Today is a public holiday in WA. What a relaxing way to spend the morning walking Zack and Sabre down at our local Black Creek Wetlands Reserve. The spring flowers are blooming and it is such a joy to wonder around to see nature at its full glory and the dogs had a great time roaming freely. There were so many beautiful blooms and I just loved to photograph them.

Friendship & Love

2008-08-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

My gorgeous friend Leanne and her two beautiful daughters, Meg and Grace came to visit for a week in Perth. We had such a great time and the girls absolutely adored my trios. Pictures below to prove it. Meg showing the proper way to pet all three of the dogs at once.............................
Grace and Zac having a cuddle.......................Comparing the size of their 'paws'

Grace counting the fingers on Zack's paw and wonders why he has 2 fingers short???!!!!!The Quintets......................
The three 'pretty-ful' redheads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meg and Zack showing off the Olympic Gold Medals he won from the 'Farting" Competition. He won hands down!!!!
Grace painting me my "Tree of Love" present.

Girls shouting "Mum!!!!!!! I'm HUNGRY!!!!!.............."
My beautiful present from Leanne, Meg and Grace.........my "Tree of Love" painting, Pingu the penguin in his cute lifesurfer uniform and the gorgeous and sexy Gum Yin with chopsticks in her bun. Thanks girls!!!! Missing you all already and the trios are still looking for you all around the house.

Intermediate Drummers Graduation

2008-08-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

We just completed our Intermediate African Drumming Class!!!! A few weeks break and back to it again. Check out pics of the happy students with Jozina.

More Photos of Jasmyn

2008-07-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

Jasmyn is now nearly 2 months and boy has she grown. She is so gorgeous and has a temper just like her mother and no nonsense kickarse attitude like her favourite aunty Alice. A girl after my own heart!!!!!.

Here are more photos of Jasmyn.

Hassan Yossef & the Dervish Drummers

2008-06-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

Hassan, my tabla teacher and his troupe was performing at the Ra Bazzar Egyptian Store in Victoria Park today and I went along to see them perform. The girls looked great in their beautiful outfit and Angela looked so angelic with her Cleopartra tiara. Alli, Viv and Liz along with Hassan created such a fantastic atmosphere and everyone enjoyed every minute of it. It sort of reminded me to get my act together and start my lessons with Hassan again.

Full Moon Drumming 19th June 2008

2008-06-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Beginners Drummers Graduation

2008-06-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

Today is our last Beginners Drumming workshop and Jozina had a lovely little graduation ceremony for us. It was a blast!!!!!!

Niraka, Liz, Pamela, Alice, Dave, Emma, Kathy & Kelly.......Class of 2008....WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jozina for teaching us the african drums and rhythms and to release out 'the musician' inside all of us.

A close up view of both the male and female version of the graduates' medallion. Both are carrying a drum under the arm....not a beer keg in case you are wondering!!!!!! Intermediate workshops starts in 2 weeks time...check out Jozina's website http://www.jozinasdrum.com/

Jasmyn Tsen

2008-06-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

Introducing Baby Jasmyn Tsen. Born 11:30am 10th June 2008, weighing 2.71kg, 48cm tall. The long awaited baby and newest addition to the family. Everybody is so happy and joyous to celebrate her arrival. Mother and baby are resting and proud dad is beaming from ear to ear.
Jasmyn having her beauty-rest. Aunty Cindy, Irene (proud & exhausted mum), Aunty Alice & Baby Jasmyn.

Aunty and niece getting acquainted.

Bonding time!!!!

Aunty Cindy and Jasmyn.

Grandma and Jasmyn.

Angelic Jasmyn. Sound asleep but enjoying all the attention. Proud parents!!!!!!!!!

Pat & Jamie's Wedding

2008-06-08T00:27:00.000-07:00

My brother Patrick and his lovely bride Jamie had their wedding in Perth last Friday 6/6/2008. The whole family is together again to celebrate this occassion. Chinese Tea ceremony was held at mom & dad's place, the garden wedding at Kings Park overlooking the beautiful Perth city and the Moslem wedding the next day. Here are photos to commerate this special occassion.

Kevin (the best man), me and Patrick (the groom).
Smart and dapper men dressed in black. Pat, Simon, Kevin and Reece.
The happy couple...Pat & Jamie
The family waiting for the ceremony to begin at Kings Park.
Irene, Simon and baby Jasmyn (still in mum's tummy). Apparently she was pretty active during the day. She wants to join in the celebration of her uncle Pat's important day.

The kiss that seals the wedding vows. (go Pat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
The whole Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The gorgeous wedding cake and the glowing couple.

The gorgeous sets of sisters all united again for this occassion.
The groupies!!!!!

The Moslem vows the next day. Welcome to the family Jamie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bazaar

2008-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was a public holiday here in Perth. Maggie and I met up to visit the Bellydancing Bazaar held in Subiaco. Belly Dancers from all the local schools were performing and also there were stalls that were selling costumes, scarves, jewellery and music. Maggie's eyes lit up with all the 'blings' and I am happy with my tabla drum and tamourine purchase. Also we caught up with the troupe from my bellydancing school.

Maggie in shopping mode!!!!!!!

I love BAZAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR................

Sexy outfit!!!!!

I wonder if I look good in this?????

Silken Rhythms Dance Troupe : Deb, Lara, Linda, Julie, Kaz & Laura

Silken Rhythms - "Bellywood"

2008-05-24T16:20:00.001-07:00

My role as a camera/video person for my school's belly dancing troupe was very enjoyable and it was a great experience to be involved in behind the scene and get to see what actually happens behind the 'stage'. The girls Linda, Deb, Kaz, Lara, Laura & Julie all looked so exotic and beautiful in their costumes. Laughters, lollies (to keep up their energy) and jokes and commeradiere were abound. I had such a great time and it was fantastic to see the whole production in action after months and months of planning and rehersing by Sandy, our teacher and the troupe. Well done ladies!!!!!

XRF Queens

2008-05-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

This is my first field excursion in my new job. Maggie and I had to go to the lab and using this new handheld XRF (X-ray fluorence) machine to measure the mineral contents of the core samples from one of our tennement.
This is Maggie trying to look serious....I think she just got the case of the giggles!!!!!Here's me trying to look like "Lara Croft' from Tomb Raider.....trying really hard...... but not really succeding. I think I just haven't got the 'tight shorts' and the 'bee sting pout'.

This is how much core samples we had to measure with the XRF machine. It took a long time but it was all worth it to just get out of the office and play with the hand-held XRF and see all its features and to get familiar with it.

Full Moon African Drumming

2008-05-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the most awesome experience african drumming with a group of women from all walks of life who gathered together down at the beach under the beams of the full moon, singing and drumming and celebrating womenhood and sisterhood.

Jozina is my drumming teacher and she organises these monthly event. Check out her website www.jozinasdrum.com for more details.

Below is a video I did tonight and see how much fun we all had. At the end we even had chocolate cakes and Chai tea!!!!!!!

Money Mastery Car Rally

2008-05-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

I was cordially invited by Shelly to join her on a car rally with her Money Mastery Group. What a hoot it was. I met up with the co-drivers Greg and Quentin and they are full of fun and laughter. Shelly and I were the navigators and trying to find clues and looking out for landmarks along the way to fill in the sets of questions of each rally sets. I have never been in one of this exercise before and boy I am so happy to be invited to join these lovely people and it was such a enjoyable day.

We started out at the Raffles Hotel in Applecross and meandered our way to Mandurah, Pinjarra,Dwelingup and Danurup. Ended up at Paul Counsel's parent place at the Danurup called the Gold Mine Hill and had a lovely bbq with the rest of the rally group and admiring the views of rolling hills and seeing the estuary and Perth in the horizon.
Shelly and Quentin with the Set 1 instructions at the starting point at the Raffles carpark. Yeah!!! made it to the first checkpoint at Mandurah Marina. Shelly and Greg doing a celebration dance.

The two navigators!!!! Our team name (after much deliberation and discussion) is TEAM "Fifi" & "Mimi". Direct translation being Female Intelligence x2 & Male Intelligence x2 (though in actual fact there is a deeper meaning to the name....but my lips are sealed!!!)

Checkpoint 2 at the tavern and the local bakery. We had a short break here for yummy scrolls and coffee here.

Checkpoint 3 at the Hotham Valley Train Station. We had to go and find clues to answers the questions at this location. I played tourist and even tooks photos with the historical landmarks.

This log is 12.6m wide and 400 years old!!!!!

The magnificent view from the last checkpoint at Gold Mine Hill for the group get together and bbq.

Greg's "Seafood Seduction" creation!!! It was so yummy!!!!! After the meal and presentation to the group for their effort, it was great to sit down and watch the sun setting over the horizon and it was time to made a move to get back to Perth. Today was a memorable day.

Oneness Blessing

2008-04-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

At Date with Destiny seminar we all had Oneness Blessings bestowed upon us by Tony and his wife Sage. We went through an hour long meditation and each of us have different experiences.

My first oneness blessing was like watching a film of my life from the very begining of birth right to the present day. The good and the bad, the happy and the sad, achievements and disappointments. I felt so light and so free and could feel my body swaying to rhythmic motions. Faces of people kept on flashing in front of me. People from eons ago and present. I cried lots of tears of happiness and sadness of events long gone and past. It was like a release and my heart opening up to new possibilities.

Towards the end I faced my mother and father, and them facing their own mother and father, my grandma and grandpa and them facing their own parents, my greatgrandma and greatgrandpa and so on.........Each of us forgiving each other and receiving forgiveness from each other as well.

The picture that stayed with me is that I appeared to be standing alone looking forward into the future, but when I slowly turned to look behind me I saw my mother and father and behind them both sets of grandparents and behind them both sets of greatgrandparents and so on....... And there appears to be a bright shining light from the tops of their heads and lighting up the whole space and when I looked forward again in front of me, there is a single bright beam of light shining a path in front me to show me the way. Tears flowed even more as I now know that it may seems lonely at times when I face the world alone but in actual fact I have the whole clan and family behind me and with their guidance and my faith I can overcome any hurdles in life. I have drawn a picture of the image and I called this "Ancestral Guidance"

It was a very powerful experience, one that I won't forget for a long time.

The second blessing I had several days later was very peaceful and I seems to be floating and flying around for nearly one hour. Felt very at peace and very relax. I might have even dozed off for a few minutes into the meditation.

Just by experiencing these two blessings, I have made up my mind to attend the Oneness University in Fiji for the Oneness Process Level 1 and in India for the Oneness Process Level 2 next year. To find out more about the Oneness Blessing go to www.onenesscentre.com.au or www.onenessuniversity.org

My Mission Statement

2008-04-15T05:43:00.001-07:00

Mission Statement:
The purpose of my life is to be a shining beacon that radiates light, love, compassion and gratitude to myself and others around me.

Towards Values & Rules

1. I experience Love / Connection anytime ……
-I am loving and warm to others.
-I am loving with my thoughts or actions or feelings towards others.
-I am alive and breathing.
-I see the love or connections of others around me.

2. I experience Gratitude / Appreciation anytime ……
-I am grateful of others through my actions or thoughts.
-I see random acts of kindness or love or gratitude from others.
-I am free and with nature.
-I am breathing every single second of the day.

3. I experience Passion and living life to the fullest anytime……
-I am alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. I experience Intelligence / Flexibility anytime…..
-I have the intelligence to make the right decisions or do the best I can in the present moment or to get the bigger picture of the overall scheme of things.
-I have the flexibility to change or amend my decisions or actions to suit the situation I am in.

5. I experience Faith / Trust anytime….
-I believe in myself and the Source Energy.
-I am alive!!!!!.

6. I experience Compassion anytime…..
-I know that I am only human and so is everyone else.

7. I experience Strength / Courage anytime….
-I know everything I need is within in me NOW!!!!!!

8. I experience Joy / Happiness / Playfulness anytime…
-I am breathing and alive!!!!!!.

Away Values & Rules

1. Consistant debilitating illusion of failure and vulnerability.
Only if I were to consistently focus on the false beliefs that I can fail instead of realising that I have succeed everytime I learn something new or have given my 100%.

2. Consistant inappropriate illusion of negativity.
Only if I were to consistently believe in the false illusion of negative emotion in events or people instead of knowing that I cannot control how people react in their world and that I alone can only have the power within me to decide the meaning and how I feel.

3. Consistant inappropriate illusion of anger and frustration.
Only if I were to consistently react to situations or people with harshness or intensity or try to improve others and situation instead of knowing that people have different values and rules and they are doing their best they can with the resources they have and it is not just about me. I am alone have the power and control to make anything happen and how I feel.

My new primary question is How can I give even more love and gratitude and joy that I already have within me and share it with others around me.

My Power Virtues: Courage, Faith/Trust, Love/Connection. Gratitude/ Appreciation, Compassion, Strength, Playfulness.

Top 4 one year Goal for 2008-2009
-Meet my soulmate.
-Let my feminine bloom!!!
-Let my heart be open and to receive new relationships & opportunities.
-To attend a oneness university blessing

My relationship vision
Full connection with the emotional, physical and spiritual being and to open my heart and self to experience everything I can.. To be passionate, sensual and to be the greatest that I can be.

Date with Destiny

2008-04-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

I been at the Gold Coast for the last week attending Anthony Robbin's "Date with Destiny" workshop. It was totally awesome and exhausting at the same time. Daily attendance was from 9:30am to 1am the next morning. It was pure immersion and high intensity dealing with values, rules and relationships and creating the destiny that each and everyone of us wants. I really admired Tony and his wife, Sage for being who they are helping individuals all around the world.

There were about 1500 people from 12 countries attending this workshop. I was in Team 12 and here is a group picture. That's me on the bottom second from the left in the orange top. Angela to my left is my buddy at the workshop and we are so alike that it wasn't funny. We were meant to meet and buddy up together. The universe works in mysterious ways.

I have discover that my purpose in life is to be a shining beacon that radiates light, love, gratitude and compassion to myself and everyone around me.

My primary question is how can I show even more love, compassion and gratitude that is already within me to others that surrounds me.

My power virtues are Courage, Faith/Trust/, Love/Connection, Gratitude/Compassion, Passion, Strength and Playfulness.

This is the mantra at the workshop:

Now I am the Voice.

I will lead, not follow

I will believe, not doubt

I will create, not destroy

I am a force of good.

I am a Leader.

Defy the odds.

SET A NEW STANDARD.

STEP UP!!!!!!!!!

..............."All I need is already within me NOW !!!!!!!"..................

Welcome to my destiny!!!!!

Curry Puff Song

2008-04-04T02:32:00.000-07:00

Tracy Lundgren, a belly dancer in my group is such a talented lady and she has written this "Curry Puff" song as well as chereograph the dance moves and video the whole thing by herself. And she said that she is only a beginner. Wow!!!!!! Hope for more to come. The song grows on you so watch out!!!!

Curry puff from Tracy Lundgren on Vimeo.

I make Vindaloo
Nice and hot for you
Prepare my coconuts
Co's you love them lots
I serve Tandoori
In a hurry
There's something else you want
But don't you worry

I'm saving the best for last
Co's I know what you're gonna ask

(ch)
You want my
Curry Puff
You just can't get enough
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh

My chicken Korma
It gets you warmer
And my Chapati
Makes you happy
Oh and my pappadums
they get you going
But what you really want
baby is cumin

I'm saving the best for last
Co's I know what you're gonna ask

(ch)
You want my
Curry Puff
You just can't get enough
Oh oh oh
Oh oh oh

Moonbaki Performance

2008-03-29T01:00:00.001-07:00

My choral group "Moonbaki" performed at the John Mercer Lodge today. The residents there were so sweet and so proactive and it was a joy to see them clapping and smiling and really enjoying the performances. It was quite humbling for me to be in a room with so many people with years and years of experiences and life and even though their body is weak and old, there is so much intelligence and life in those eyes looking out to us. We have so much to learn from them.

We are so happy to at least do our part to bring joy to them. It did get quite teary eyed for us during the performance.

Curry Club

2008-03-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

My friend Nancy is organising a dinner group to try out all curry eating houses in Perth. It is going to be called the "Fancy a Curry Club" inaugral-dinner-get-together-once-a-month-membership.

I am trying to be proactive and wanted to go the whole hog and even have a theme song for this club. Mind you it hasn't gone thru to the club members as yet to see if they will approve. Anyway here is a snippet of it. Enjoy!!!! :).....what do you think????...hehhehhhhe

Easter Monday Birthday BBQ

2008-03-24T00:21:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Yee Yee's birthday down at the Burswood foreshore with a BBQ lunch. Sammy, her rotti was there too. Unfortunately I did not bring any of my dogs there as it would be a handful to take all three and it wasn't fair if I only bring one and leaving the other two at home.That would have created dis-harmony between them.
The three smiling siblings!!!!
The birthday girl!!!!!

Handsome Sammy!!!!!!

The boys hard at it cooking the sausages and meat. Well done!!!!

It was a really relaxing day and as usual there were so much food to literally feed an army. It was nice to catch up with all family and friends amidst our busy lifestyle. It has been a great 4 days easter holidays to re-charge and re-guvenate.

Perth Zoo Excursion on Easter Saturday

2008-03-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

Maryanne & I spent Easter Saturday at the Perth Zoo. The last time I was at the zoo was about 5 years ago and what a pleasure it was to see new enclosures and habitats improvement all over the place.

The animals are well looked after and seems quite contented and happy. My favourites are the meerkats and the elephants. The meerkats are such inquisitive creatures and looked adorable. I loved elephants and there were two of them performing and showing off to the adoring crowds.

A major improvement was the enclosures for the orang utans. The building structures looked so futuristic and the lookout view for them must be like the multi-million dollar view from the surrounding South Perth mansions. Well done!!!!!

We spent almost 4 hours walking thru the rainforest and the australian bushwalk and looking at all the animals, "oohing" and "ahhing" as we went along with all the mums and dads and kiddies crowd. Time went so fast and by the end of the excursion we were quite exhausted and very very happy.

Check out the website: www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au for more information.

Inspirational Quotes for a Fulfilling Life

2008-03-21T05:27:00.001-07:00

Make sure you have - and preserve - your own set of eyes. ~Laurie Beth Jones

Insist on yourself. Never imitate. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. ~Abraham Lincoln

All significant battles are waged within the self. ~Sheldon Kopp

Some people see things and say, "Why?" But I dream things that never were, and I says, "Why not?" ~George Bernard Shaw

To rise to the top, you must first get to the bottom of things. ~Robert C. Savage

Follow your inner moonlight. ~Allen Ginsberg

Let your soul stand cool and composed before a million universes. ~Walt Whitman

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unqestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour. ~Henry David Thoreau

Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living. ~Anais Nin

Light tommorrow with today! ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Life is like a trumpet. If you don't put anything in, you won't get anything out. ~ W.C. Handy

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. ~Lao Tzu

Life engenders life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneslf that one becomes rich. ~ Sarah Bernhardt

Some things arrive in their own mysterious hour, on their own terms and not yours, to be seized or relinquished forever. ~ Gail Godwin

And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more. ~Erica Jong

The road to success has many tempting parking places. ~ Steve Potter

I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward. ~ Thomas Edison

Never, never, never quit. ~ Winston Churchill

The shell must break before the bird can fly. ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

The test of success is not what you do when you are on top. Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom. ~ George S. Patton

There is no education like adversity. ~Benjamin Disraeli

The more he gives to others, the more he possesses of his own. ~ Lao Tzu

Living in balance and purity is the highest good for you. ~ Deepak Chopra

What we called the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. ~ T. S. Eliot

Humpback Whales - Up close and personal

2008-03-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was left in awed when I came across my very first experience up close and personal with a pair of humpback whales in a zodiac in Antarctica. To admired such beautiful, playful giant creatures of nature just left me so totally breathless. It is an experience that I will never forget. Not to mention the different species of penguins and also the different types of seals and birds of Antarctica. This is an adventure totally different from what I have ever experienced.

I also came across a few other adventurers who had also shared experiences with these gentle creatures. These are the videos below.

Sculpture by the Sea - Cottesloe Beach

2008-03-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

I went down to Cottlesloe Beach this sunny afternoon to view the "Sculpture by the Sea" exhibition on the beach with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop. There were 50 sculptures scattered around the beach and the foreshore. It was an amazing combination and also the different type of materials used for the sculptures. Some were good and some were way out there.....

I took lots of amazing shots and strolling on the beach, enjoying the sunny afternoon and the relaxed atmosphere down at Cottlesloe Beach.

Check out the website http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/ to read more about this exhibition. Below are the photos I took this afternoon.

Every Woman's Dream

2008-03-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

My lovely friend, June bought presents for us single ladies at our Choral Singing Group from her trip to New Zealand. After hearing our endless laments about "Where are all the good eligible single men????" She got proactive and this is what she got us.....

And the instructions are on the back.......

Hahahhahha what a sense of humour!!!!!!!!!!

If only it can be that easy.....grow your own boyfriend.....every woman's dream!!!!!!!!!

Antarctica Adventure 2008

2008-03-03T02:44:00.000-08:00

Antarctica Adventure Part 1

Antarctica Adventure Part 2

Antarctica Adventure Part 3

Santiago & Ushuaia 2008 Adventure

2008-03-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

Santiago De Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina - the end of the world, the begining of everything.

Tahiti & Moorea 2008 Adventure

2008-03-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Antarctica - Here we come!!!!!

2008-02-07T02:06:00.000-08:00

Luggage all packed and everyone is ready for the journey to the southern most continent - Antarctica!!!!!!! Princess Magic and Pingu are so excited and rearing to go. Check out my itinerary on www.madventure.com.au

I have also received a video from the Nik Halik & Peter Bland's group which I was meant to go with last December just gone. The reason I pulled out was the timing of it all as I would have only just gotten back from India with a week spare before heading off overseas again. The cost was quite expensive being peak season in December. So I opted out and am now going with the Madventure Group instead. Below is the video of their adventure on the Adventure Odyssey.

It looked like the group had a ball!!!!!!!! So stay tune as I will be recording my daily journal of my most exciting trip down...down...under..... on the Lyubov Orlova.

Chinese New Year Eve

2008-02-06T05:36:00.001-08:00

Today is Chinese New Year Eve where the whole family is together again. We all went out to the Sheraton for a buffet dinner with our closest family friends to see in the new year of the RAT!!!!

All four siblings are together yet again and off course photos opportunity must be abide by.

The normal pose...........................The silly pose..............................

There is much to celebrate this year. My sister, Irene is going to be a mummy and I am going to be an aunty!!!!! WoowwHooo!!!! My brother, Pat is getting married this year and the youngest, Kevin is going for his PhD....he will be the first Doctor in the family. My parents are beaming for ear to ear and are so proud.

The party animals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aurora Australis

2008-02-03T04:11:00.000-08:00

Check out this video clip on the Aurora Australis taken by Anthony Powell in Antarctica. I hope I will get to have a glimpse of this phenomena when I get there soon.

Tranby House

2008-01-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

Today is a public holiday in celebration of Australia Day on the 26th Jan. Rosemary and I organised a kayak paddle from Garrat Road Bridge to Tranby House for a visit and a morning breakfast picnic. The morning was glorious and the waters flat as. Lots of feathered birds and other kayakers around.

Rosemary looking cool as always.

A friendly pelican gliding near me.A shag sunning itself on the branch along the Swan River. The Swan River is spectacular with lots of walk tracks and bicycle tracks along the banks of the river and it is great to see so many people enjoying the morning and friendly 'Good Mornings" and "Hellos". We are blessed with this beautiful reserves and parks along the banks.
We moored near the jetty where Tranby House is located in Maylands. It was quite worrying as we noticed alot of dead blowies on the banks and along the river as well. I wondered what has happened. Rosemary is going to call the Swan River Trust to notify them of the find.

After a quick breakfast picnic......with me scoffing down crackers with tuna and peaches with mango sauce...yummo....that's my breakfast and lunch rolled into one. We strolled thru the Tranby House gardens. Unfortunately the house is closed for renovation until Feb. The grounds itself is beautiful and the views are spectacular.

check out the website: http://www.perthvista.com/tranby-house.html to read about the history of Tranby House.

LIFE IS GLORIOUS & WONDERFUL!!!! We had a fantastic time today and heading back home now for a "nanna nap".

Australia Day 2008

2008-01-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

Celebration of a nation.....26th Jan 2008. Proud to be an Australian!!!!!!

Creative Motivation

2008-01-20T01:20:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was full on physical activities with undergound tunneling and moonlight kayaking. Today I am just relaxing and recovering at home and gettting creative with pictures, videos and updating blogs.

I have created a couple of new blogs for:

Princess Magic: http://www.adventuresofprincessmagic.blogspot.com/

Pingu Penguin: http://www.pinguthekickarsepenguin.blogspot.com/

My babies: http://www.the3stoogies.blogspot.com/

I always have fun doing these blogs and it really does stimulate the creativeness in me!!!!! Do regularly visit these sites as you never what the mischevious buddies are up to!!!!!

Sunset / Moonlight Kayak

2008-01-19T14:47:00.001-08:00

Straight after the Tunnel Tour, we meet up with Terry's kayking group for the Sunset kayak on the Canning River. Terry owns "Canoeing Down Under" and checkout his website http://www.canoeingdownunder.com.au/. During the summer months, he will gather a group together and organise a sunset/moonlight and picnic kayak for socialising and enjoying the beautiful waterways and the viewing of numerous feathered wildlife.

This is my second moonlight kayak with Terry and his group. Rosemary have been to quite a few, the times I missed out was either when I was on the drilling rigs or gallivanting overseas. It has been a while since I dusted the kayak and brought it down to the river.

Christine and I having a little "bumper kayaking" I couldn't stop in time.....getting a wee bit rusty in my controlling techniques!!!!!!! Hmmmm....need more practice.
Rosemary looking very professional indeed!!!!!!.
Kayaks all parked up in the embankment of Kent St Weir after the first leg of the paddle through the Canning River from Shelly/Riverton Bridge. Out came the picnic rugs, wines, cheeses, crackers, nuts and nibbles. Having a chin wag with good friends and new friends.
An very enjoyable day indeed..................

Fremantle Prison Tunnel Tour

2008-01-19T14:23:00.000-08:00

Rosemary organised a tunnel prison tour for us last Saturday. Alicia, her daughter was our guide. The tour was very interesting as we learned about the history of Fremantle Prison, Western Australia in regards to the convicts and prisoners doing hard labour digging through the limstone to make "aqua ducts" tunnels to supply fresh drinkable water to the colony and the prison itself.

We were decked with safety harnesses, fall arresters, boots, helmets and overalls climbing up and down ladders, going to labyrinths of tunnels 20m beneath the Prison on foot and boat. When we kept really quiet we can actually hear traffic above us outside the Prison compound.

The boat ride was very interesting. There was a caravan of boats and Rosemary & I were the last in the group and somehow being on the back of the boat and not familiar with the oars I was making the boat hitting the wall left and right. It turned out that I was trying to 'kayak' rather than 'canoeing' with the oar. When rectified, we finally cruised nicely along enjoying and letting the history sink in. There were 'solution ducts' where tree roots had barrowed into the limestone. Very interesting indeed. This is so far my second tour to the Fremantle Prison, the first was the Night Tour laast year. I highly recommend making a visit to the prison and learning more about the history of WA. Check out their website on http://www.fremantleprison.com.au/.

Antarctica

2008-01-12T03:38:00.000-08:00

My trip to Antarctica with the Madventure Group is drawing near and near. Below is a you tube clip filmed in a duration of a year in fast time lapse at a communication station in Antarctica. ENJOY!!!

And this one is beautiful and I can't wait to see all the different type of penguins especially the babies!!!

This is another clip from another adventurer in Antarctica. Just watching his video clip is making me excited now for my trip. See how beautiful the scenary and the wildlife is.

Zills - fingers cymbals

2008-01-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

I started beginner's belly dancing class since I got back from my India trip with the group of bellydancers. I was the only non-belly dancer as well as 2 other husbands on the trip. Sufficed to say it gave me a very good impression to start up this creative activity when I got back home.

I have been to 4 classes so far and loving every moment of it. It great to let the feminine and inner child side of me come out and play. Tonight we were introduced to zills which are 2 pairs of finger cymbals.....wow I have discover a new favourite toy!!!!!

I loved the sounds, it reminds me of my tibetan singing bowls and bells. I wished I have a couple sets of hands so I can be a one-woman orchestra and make beautiful melodies!!!!

The three stoogies better get used to my new toy fast as I will be doing lots of practice, practice. The neighbours will hate me for this. hahahahahah!!!!!!!!! (evil laugh)

Rio Carnival Revisit

2008-01-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had a phone call from my friend Patricia. She said that she saw me on National Geographic program "Inside Rio Carnival" on Foxtel. She was so excited and she asked if it was really me!!!!

I remembered whilst I was getting ready for the carnival, stuffing paper into my 'too big' slippers, Angie nudged me to look up and there was this tv camera person with his camera up close to my face.....and the first thing I said..."I can't believe I am actually here doing this...I must be crazy or mad (something along that line) The camera person started laughing as he recognised my aussie accent, which threw him out a bit as he must have thought that I was a japanese and when he started talking....bloody hell he was an aussie as well. Talk about a small world. I completely forgot about this episode until Patricia's call tonight.

Wow it is exactly 11 months since I danced at the Sambadrone last Febuary and the Carnival 2008 will be starting up again next month. Time sure has flown.

Here are some photos to reminisce. Spectators at the Sambadrome. Bottom left hand corner are some of the Madventure guys.Me, Angie and Jason are down below within the crowd doing our dance number in front of 80,000 spectators from all around the world. Precisely where we are??? I haven't a clue!!!! Me, exhausted and exhilarated and walking on cloud nine. It took me ages to wind down as I was in such a hyper mode.Jason and I in our carnival costumes. Angie was the other part of the trio but unfortunately she wasn't seated with us and was in another part of the grandstand.

Overall that was such an experience that I won't forget and will cherish the memories of my time in Sth America especially the Manchu Picchu ruins.

Inspirational Video

2008-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

I came across this inspirational video on u tube and wish to share it with everyone.

The words are so beautiful and the messages so humble and inspirational.

Xmas Eve

2007-12-24T04:04:00.000-08:00

Xmas Eve was spent eating and more eating and dozing and taking photos of my photogenic babies. After gorging ourselves with junk food that wasn't really good for us (but hey it is Xmas Eve and only comes once a year...so it is allowed). We were all relaxing in the garden sated and happy and being playful. Zack is such a show-pony....absolutely loves his photos taken and boy can he pose!!!!! It there is a Doggies Pin Up calender he will be in it!!!!

Pin-Up Boy

The Three Stoogies.... The Vicious Rottis...(yeah right!!)

This Xmas at least we all together. Last year I was stuck on a Drilling Rig out in the Timor Sea off Darwin during Xmas and New Year. Plus I have been away alot this year for travelling and seminars and the babies really appreciate the time we spend together as a family. So cheers and Merry Xmas to all and don't eat too much!!!!!!!

Merry Xmas And Happy New Year!!!!

2007-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

Doris came over today to help me take photos of me and the babies so I can send a e-xmas card to everyone. It took a while and quite alot of pics to get just a few great shots. Its true what they say about working with children and animals...it damn hard!!!!!! Believe me its all true!!!!! Trying to get all 3 to pose and look at the camera....almost a miracle. I finally have 3 of the best to send as e-cards. What do you think????
MERRY XMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pingu the penguin

2007-12-14T03:16:00.001-08:00

Meet Pingu the penguin. He is the newest addition to the family. He was sent as a Xmas present to me from Leanne's daughters Meg and Grace. He and Princess Magic will be accompanying me to my next adventure to Antarctica. A bear and a penguin....hey what more do a girl want!!!!!!

Pingu getting chummy with the rest of the gang.

You can see the girls ( Sabre and Maya) looking so angelic when their photos are being taken with Pingu (luckily they didn't licked him to death or have a tug of war session between themselves with him). Zack is such a typical male.....in the end he is just bored with the whole thing. Look at his face!!!!! Hmmmm....hurry up mum, just take the damn pictures and feed me cos I am soooooo....hungry. Yep he does look like a starving marvin doesn't he????

With the Kama Sutra Under my Arm

2007-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I read this book earlier on the year to gain some insights to India before my anticipated trip. It was a damn good book. After my trip to India, I picked up this book again and started reading and now I can understand all the emotions and thoughts of the author and and really relate this to my own personal experiences. All the monuments, places and the emotions that Trisha felt and talked about made sense. I laughed about the antics of the locals and also their driver getting lost as this happened to me and Leanne one day in Delhi as our driver hasn't a clue where he was going and after passing India Gate for the 4th time in a roll, I knew this driver was a dud!!!!!!! Hahaha it was frustrating at the time as we had planned to do alot that day but looking back now it was an EXPERIENCE!!! That's what life is all about!!!!!.

I recommend this book to anyone and apparantly there is another one in market called "The Holy Cow" and I will get this soon and have a read.

Princess Magic Blogsite

2007-12-01T00:08:00.000-08:00

As promised Princess Magic Blogsite is now officially up and running.

Check it out at:

http://www.adventuresofprincessmagic.blogspot.com/

My Spiritual Indian Trip

2007-11-29T04:11:00.000-08:00

I took almost 2000+ pictures whilst I was in India and it took me ages to sort them thru and have compiled the best together to make these videos to dedicate my Spiritual Trip to Rajasthan.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Day 20 Delhi - Singapore - Perth 21st Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

Goodbye Delhi and may we soon meet again in the near future. Arrived in Singapore and had a look at the Christmas decorations at Changi airport and goodbye hugs to Leanne and Princess Magic as I head off to Perth and the duo heading home off to Sydney.

I can't wait to get home and see my three babies again. I betcha they must have missed me heaps and me too. What an experience and what a adventure I had in India. I must definitely go back there again and next time will explore the southern part. So I better rest for a while and my next big trip will be ANTARCTICA in Febuary. Penguins and seals here I come!!!!

Day 19 Delhi 20th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:19:00.004-08:00

Today is our last day in Delhi. We visited the Laskmi Raya temple which was the first temple we saw when we arrived in Delhi 19 days ago. This time myself and Leanne went in to say goodbye to the Goddesses Laskmi and Darga. Before the India trip, I gave each other an Indian goddess's name. Mine was Laskmi as I am into having a wealthy lifestyle and prosperity in life and Leanne is named Darga as the protector of children and mother of the gods and goddesses.

Then to the National Museum and I came across this rock ancient inscriptions. Then we went to the Garden of the five senses. It was a lovely walk and stroll to pass the afternoon before we head off to the airport.
I came across this swing in the garden and I wished I could have this in my garden back in Perth. Though I think my three babies will be sitting in it all day long and there might not be enough room for all four of us on it!!!!!

Day 18 Delhi 19th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:19:00.003-08:00

Today we visited Dr. Manju who is a Indian midwife/lecturer that Leanne had kept contact with back in Australia. The purpose of this visit is to exchange ideas between Australian and Indian midwifery issues and organisations. I just tagged along to keep Leanne company but found the visit and the topics very interesting indeed. We also met up with 2 government officials from the CEDPA society and advocates of safe motherhood. Leanne conducted an interview with them whilst I videoed and took pictures. Checkout the website http://www.whiteribbonalliance.com/

We bid Manju farewell and endeavour to keep in touch from time to time.

Then we went to a market to look for a Tibetan singing bowl. It took me ages to find the right one that reasonates with me. I went to about nearly 10 shops when the owner of one caught my eye. He has such a gentle winkled face and a warm smile. I felt a connection there and as I was walking into his shop he had a Tibetan Chant CD playing and it really soothes the soul. We spent about 1/2 hour trying all the bowls he had and finally found one that I liked. The energy and vibration from the bowl as I am working it, is really awesome!!!! This had defiinitely made up my mind to go to Nepal/Tibet in my future global adventure.

Day 17 Delhi 18th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

Had a fairly relaxing day today and visited Rahul's home and met up with his lovely mother and she showed us how to cook up some indian food.

That night we just visited the local market close to our hotel. I bought lots of indian music cds and a few bollywood movies to take home.

Day 16 Udaipur - Delhi 17th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:18:00.004-08:00

We had a guided tour to a local village from Kristian, our receptionist from the retreat. There were so many smiling people. They are so friendly and loved their photos being taken and all had a giggle when I showed them their digital portraits. They don' have much in the material sense but spiritual and humanitarian and community sense they have lots.

We then had a goodbye lunch with the owner of the retreat as he was celebrating his birthday. Champagne and dancers and dancing were abundant. The dancers were wonderful and the weather's sunny and beautiful. It was a relaxing afternoon and later we have a connecting flight from Udiapur to Delhi and the rest of the group are flying back home to Spain, Australia and Bali. Leanne and myself are staying back for 3 more days at Delhi.

Air India was delayed and most the girls missed their connecting flights overseas so had to stay a day or two before they can get another flight out. There were riots at Indira Gandhi International Airport as alot of travellers were stranded for 2-3 days.

Day 15 Udaipur 16th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:18:00.003-08:00

We had our lake cruise to the Lake Palace situated in the middle of the lake. This was once the exclusive summer residence of Udaipur's maharajas and now an equisitely a romantic 5 star hotel. The palace has been reserved for the night as there was going to be a big wedding there. We were lucky to have permission to come over during the day to spend a hour then and watched the preparation of the wedding reception.

The palace is so beautiful and the preparation for the wedding was in full swing. What a fairytalk wedding reception it will be for the bride and groom.

Next was the Jagdish Temple and the marble carvings and sculptors is magnificent!!!!

This is our last night in Udaipur and we had an early dinner at a roof top restuarant overlooking the Jagdish Temple watching the sunset and listening to the arti chants of the temple. This is so relaxing and mediative.

Day 14 Udaipur 15th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:18:00.001-08:00

Udiapur is one of the most romantic cities in all of Rajasthan and also better known as the City of Lakes. This beautiful city is built around the shores of Lake Pichola and is full of temples, palaces and havelis. The Palace Retreat is the most beautiful haveli we have been so far. There are so many paintings and antiques all throughout the Retreat. One of my discoveries is the kama sutra pictures all over the wall next to the staircases. Wow!!!!!! This is definitely an artform.

We did the City Palace tour first up and it is the richest palace museum in Rajasthan. Lots to see.

This is the view of the city from one of the windows of the City Palace. We then proceeded down to the markets and the place definitely have a hippy type feel to it. Elephants roam thru the tiny streets and I even got offered hashish here!!!! as if I look like a habitual smoker!!!!! There a lots of roof top restuarants here. Myself, Leanne and Shari had a beautiful meal and admiring the view over the city. What a relaxing afternoon.

Day 13 Mt Abu - Udaipur 14th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:17:00.003-08:00

Checked out from Jaipur House and we had a few hours to explore the town in daylight before we head again. Most of us felt like celebrities as the Indians all want to take our photos and to shake our hands and say hello. I still think they must have mistaken me as Lucy Liu (god knows how...but..)

Leanne and I discovered beautiful wooden stamps and had our palms design stamped with henna.

We wondered off to a Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum. Beautiful pictures and sculptures depicting all different religions as originated from one source.

I bought a few literature booklets from the bookshop and one was called "Thought for Today" One page stands out for me and here is an except:

It may seem almost useless to talk about peace when all around us we see a continued state of "peacelessness". It is this state that forces on us the necessity of finding our source of peace to draw upon and live from.

Consider the flowers. They too live in this peaceless environment. They too have to endure the pollution and decay of the world of nature. Yet, wherever they are found - by the congested roadside, near the swamps, in the desert, amid the thorns and sometimes even on the dung hill - they are eternally beautiful, gay and fragant. It is not by chance that flowers are given for every occassion, even the most sorrowful. Flowers call forth images of peace and tranquility. It is their nature.

We are also like flowers. We are the flowers of the garden of God. In this worldwide garden of everyday hustle and bustle, we too are threatened with pollution and degraded circumstances. Being flowers, we are expected to live in our natural state of peace and spread our fragrance all around us.

When we realise that the original nature of our soul is that of peace, we can combine with God who is the Ocean of Peace and so become embodiment of peace....a living, thinking flower. .....

Wow !!!That was so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!! felt so humbled after reading that booklet.

Then we visit the Delwara Jain Temple which is dated back to 11 century. This is such a beautiful temple and unfortunately we couldn't take any photos as a form of respect but I got some postcards and this is how the interior looked like:

Words just couldn't described what I was seeing right before me. Left me quite breathless indeed. Magnificent!!!!

Day 12 Puskar - Mt Abu 13th Nov o7

2007-11-25T14:17:00.001-08:00

Goodbye Pushkar!!! Whole day was spent on the bus towards Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill resort. This is pretty popular with the honeymooners!!!!!!!! We arrived late in the night and after a quick dinner, Leanne and I ventured from Jaipur House to check out the town. Up from our hotel the view was spectacular as we can see lots of holidaymakers paddling on the Nikki Lake and lights were everywhere as people are still celebrating Dewali. The air up here is fresh and quite cold. I had to search out for my Kathmandu jacket and long pants to keep warm!!!

Everyone was so friendly and wanted to shake hand and say hello. We only staying for a night here as we will be heading off to Udipur tommorrow. Another long day on the bus....Urrgh!!!

Day 11 Pushkar 12th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

Not far from Pushkar is Ajmer. There we visited "Dargah Sharif" a sufi mosque and last resting place of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chiti. This is India's most important shrine for the Muslim. The day we visited the place was packed!!!!!. People come here for all religions for healing, peace and spiritual growth. The energy on this temple is extremely powerful.

I felt crushed and a wee bit claustrophobic when I was in the shrine as there were so many people inside. I said my prayers and asked for my wishes to be granted. As the story goes, the shrine has granted almost 99% of all worshipper's wishes. So stay tune to see if my wishes will come true. Whilst I was inside, I must admit that there definitely was an electrifying energy and powerful aura in there. I did shed a few tears whilst I was circling the shrine and getting blessed by the priests. What an experience and I am so glad that I am here in person to witness this.

We were the only Western foreigners there and what stares we got from the locals. No one could believe me when I told them I am Australian. I got called Korean, Japanese and one even called me Italian....belisimo bambino....Made in China???...No.. no.. made in Australia..yes.. yes??

It was back to Pushkar for the afternoon and more shopping at the bazaar. Leanne and I went back to the gnat on Lake Pushkar to see the place in daylight. We were there on the first night when we arrived. There we met up with another Brahman priest and this time we did a personalised blessings each.

Today is definitely a day of blessings and may all our wishes and dreams come true. May we all have a fullfilling and enlightening life.

This is our last day in Pushkar as we have an early start tommorrow to head south-westward to Mount Abu. I really loved Pushkar and rest assured that I will be back here again soon.

Day 10 Pushkar 11th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:15:00.002-08:00

We had a free morning to explore the township and also the markets to do more power-shopping!!!! People were all getting ready for the Camel Fair and more and more tourists are pouring into the quaint town.
Saw this loveable character all dressed up and had to take his picture. Apparantly he is supposed to be the God of Business and Wealth. He is a cheeky little fellow!!!!!!

The camel ride at last!!!!!! This is event that I have been waiting for a long time.

Of all the camel booked, I chose thisone as I like the decorations on him. Only when I saddled did I find out his name is "Black Cobra"..ooops...apparantly he is quite fiesty and like to go up front and take charge. Hmmmm....

It was smooth riding though there were a few moments Black Cobra went full throttle forward. It was fun. I must say this has been the best ride I ever had for a long time (take it whatever meaning you want!!!). The journey was almost 3 hours long and we were heading towards a desert venue for Valerie's 72nd Birthday Party. We passed several villages and the kiddies waved and smiling as we passed through. Dusk quickly fell upon us and it is such a tranquil experience to be on a camel and riding in the desert and the quietness and the stillness of the place. I was quietly mediating but gotten interrupted when the mobile phone of my camel handler started ringing. Talk about damn technology even in the desert!!!!!!!!.

Day 9 Jaipur - Pushkar 10th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:15:00.001-08:00

We left Jaipur this morning and heading westward toward Pushkar. Pushkar resembles a pearl droped in the desert. It is a very peaceful and interesting town with a smooth spread of white-domed houses and temples reflecting the Pushkar lake.

We all gathered in one of the gnats surrounding the lake to get our blessing from a Brahman priest.I felt so peaceful and serene at this location. Whilst getting blessed and following the chants by the priest, I really felt a strong pull to this place expecially at the edge of the lake. The blessing translated " Washing our sins and guilts away, Have a healthy life and long life, Prosperity, Family life be sweet and prosperous and make our auras stronger and brighter."

Has my life journey brought me to this place for a special reason? Time will indeed tell. I most definitely felt more joyful and playful during this trip. It is almost like letting my inner child come to life. As the song goes "Don't worry, be happy" definitely resonates here.

The lesson I learn here today is: The more you learn, the more you know, the more you understand."

The air here is much cleaner than Delhi and Jaipur. There doesn't seems to be much motorised vehicles here. Camels are everywhere. The town is preparing for the annual Pushkar Camel Fair but unfortunately we are only here for a few days and will miss the event. Being here in the desert really has a romantic feeling about it. I feel recharged, refreshed and ready to face more life challenges.

Day 8 Jaipur 9th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:14:00.003-08:00

Today is Dewali day!!!!!! Our driver Ramesh and his assistant Sanjay had decked out our bus with garlands and garlands of flowers and tinsels.Agenda for the morning is a quick visit to the City Palace to view the museum of paintings and textiles and then its off to the local cinema to view the international release of the Bollywood movie "Saawariya" ("The Lovers"). It was really a hoot and the whole experience is very interactive. Audiences singalongs, whistling, mobile phones going off and clapping and catcalls throughout the cinema. The girls and I enjoyed ourselves immersely and this was our very first introduction to a real Bollywood movie.

The Jaipur Times also did a front page feature of us today.

It looked a bit hazy. Hopefully Terezka will have a copy of the paper and do a scan and emailed it all of us so I can replaced this picture but in the meantime it will have to do. I am on the second row third from the left and Leanne is up the front, first from the left. We had to do all sort of hand poses.

We had the rest of the afternoon off to get dressed up for the Dewali fireworks celebration tonight and Leanne and I can't wait to wear our saris!!!!!!

Don't we both looked stunning??!!!!!! It was fun playing dress-up with all the makeup and jewellery. Notice the bindis on our foreheads?

We all went to the Lakshmi Temple to pay respect for this auspicious day and for the new year. The temple was built entirely out of white marble and it is so beautiful. There were lots of Indians there and they looked really happy to see us dressed up in their tranditional clothes and joining them for prayers.

Dinner was at the Singpura Haveli. We all had our hands henna as it was a auspicious occassion. The artwork looks so intricated.

There were lots of fireworks going off everywhere around us. It was awesome to watch and the whole skies lit up with so many colours and glitters sparks everywhere. The fireworks went on and on for hours and when we went to bed around 2am-ish, it was still going on. This is definitely event that I won't forget for a long time.

Day 7 Jaipur 8th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:14:00.001-08:00

The Amber Fort is next up on our tour. It is perched up high up on the hills. We have to ride up to the top by elephants. Our elephant is No.114 and he is so gorgeous and colourful. Leanne, Princess Magic and I having our self portrait on top of the elephant. Check out the view behind us.

The fort was awesome with lots of corridors and rooms. It was like a maze and Leanne and I got a wee bit lost in it.

When we got back to the haveli a couple of hours later, a newspaper reportor was waiting for us to take our picture and we will be feature in the local Jaipur Times tommorrow as a group of Australian belly dancers holidaying and celebrating Dewali with the locals. Apparantly it will be front page new. How exciting.

Then Leanne and I rushed out in a tuk tuk to visit a vocational centre for abused, orphaned and destitute girls. Unfortunately because of the Dewali preparation the centre was closed when we got there. Bit of a bummer as this was one of my pet project to visit an orphanage and I wanted to see what I can do on my part for this organisation. Check it out http://www.ladli.org/

This was our only chance to visit it as the next day is a public holiday and we will be on the road again the day after that. Well I did try. Maybe I will visit them again when I come back to India next time.

The night program was a drive up on the highest lookout of Jaipur to view the city lights and watched the fireworks going off at different location thoroughout the city.

Day 6 Jaipur 7th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:13:00.002-08:00

Early in the morning, myself and Leanne went to visit the construction site next to the haveli. Yesterday morning we saw a lady making breakfast and waved at us and we organised for her to show us how to make naan bread but we really just want to visit with her and her family. They are really gorgeous people and though living in squalor and poverty in a little hut at the site, they are always smiling and seems proud and very hard working family.

They are really a smiling bunch. We bought wheat flour for the lady and lots of lollipops for the kids and didn't the kids just love it!!!!!!

The rest of the day was free to do our own thing. We all went to the local market/bazaar and shopped til we dropped. There were so much to see and we had to get a outfit each so we can wear on Dewali night which is in 2 days time. Shopping is pretty exhausting and we were loaded up to the hilt. Leanne and I had to take a tuk tuk back to the haveli and what an experience it was. My time in Bali and Thailand battling the traffic has nothing over this at all!!!!!. The road was chaotic, grid lock, exhaust fumes fallouts, noises, honking, people milling around like ants, lots of near misses with other tuk tuks, buses, cars, trucks, bikes etc.... but what fun we had. We just couldn't stop laughing and screaming at the same time. Thank god for insurance and our risky natures. My nose was pretty clogged up and my throat perched and our skins felt so grimey from the exhaust fallout and dustiness. I won't trade today for anything!!!!!

Day 5 Jaipur 6th Nov 07

2007-11-25T14:13:00.001-08:00

We visited a printing factory to see how fabrics are printed and also carpet making. I had a go at fabric stamping and I must admit it was a work of art!!!!.

Later at dinner we went to a nice restuarant to see some more Ranjanstani dancers and to ceelebrate Tulani's birthday. The best act was a girl piling on lots of clay pots on top of her head and dancing and twirling like mad to enchanting Rajasthani music.

She had 7 pots in total on top of her head and she did not even break out in sweat at all. Such talents!!! Me on the other hand could only managed 2 pots on my head and they were sure heavy!!!!
You got to give me credit for trying!!!!!. I think I needed more practice that's for sure!!!!!.

Day 4 Agra-Jaipur 5th Nov 07

2007-11-25T02:34:00.000-08:00

Got up early this morning and we all went on a horse cart ride from the hotel to the Red Fort. What an awesome experience dodging the morning traffic, near misses with buses, tuk-tuks and cars etcs and looking at everyone faces.The fort is amazing. Spectacular archways, sculptures,mosiacs and niches everywhere. There were lots of red sandstone structures hence the name the Red Fort.
This is my first pic with a holy man from India. I am pretty sure there will be lots of more of that to come. We got mobbed by more street hawkers outside the fort and this is where I bought my first Kama Sutra book. hehehhehe. Then we took off to Jaipur which is our next stop.
Leanne and I at the back of the coach having a giggle whilst we are reading our own copy of the Kama Sutra. Some of the positions in the book is unbelievable. You have to be a flexible contortonist to be performing some of the acts. What a hoot though!!!!!!.

We arrived at our 'haveli' (once a home of a rich and opulent merchant) and here I met my very first Nepalese people. All the houseboys here are from Nepal and they are the most gentle and sweetest guys. Leanne and I had our very own private puppet show near the pool area as the rest of the girls were getting ready to celebrate Deborah's birthday tonight.

Princess Magic surrounded by her new found 'friends'.

The birthday party was held at the Singpura House another 'haveli'. Lots of Indian food, India beer "Kingfisher" and Rajastani music and on the spot belly dancing by the girls and my clumsy attempts as well. It was a great night.

Karen, Deborah (birthday girl), Shar, me and Leanne.

Day 3 Delhi-Agra 4th Nov 2007

2007-11-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

Leaving Delhi today and heading off to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The trip took 1/2 day and everyone is soaking in all the sights and sounds during the journey.

The Taj Mahal is magnificient. The surrealness vision astounds me when I walked thru the doorway leading towards the Taj Mahal. I have seen pictures of this Seven Wonders of the World numerous times but to be standing in front of it really blew me away. There is no way you can judge the size and width of the monument until you are directly standing in front of it. Awesome!!!!!! Since it was Sunday and also leading towards Dewali, there were thousands and thousands of people there.

We spent hours here taking lots of photos of the Taj Mahal and the surrounding monuments and structures surrounding the Taj. There are intricate white marble designs and sculptures and mosaics designs. We had to line up to get inside to view the tombs of the Maharaja and Maharani. It took ages as the queue were limitless. By the time we got inside it was already dark. It was quite humbling for me to be standing in front of their tombs and relieved that in death, the lovebirds were united and resting side by side. The power of love holds no bonds.

The whole of the PT Group (Prakash & Terezka's group)!!!!!!

We were pretty exhausted and as you can see both myself and Leanne looked tired but still grining from ear to ear after the awesome experience at the Taj.

And to think that it was only Febuary this year that myself and Leanne had our picture taken beside a poster of the Taj Mahal at a Sydney Station and today we are actually experiencing and touching the real thing!!!!!

Day 2 Delhi 3rd Nov 07

2007-11-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Feeling rested and refreshed and getting to know one another from the group. Today will be sight seeing day in and around Delhi. I am amazed with the amount of people and the traffic here!!!! I thought that I have seen it all but this is a first!!! The pollution, noises, colours, people and monuments and buildings everywhere. Almost hurt my neck looking side to side from the windows. There is so much to see and to experience.

First up we saw the Laksmi Raya Temple and then over to Indian Gate and to the Parliment place of Delhi and Mahatma Gandhi Cemetery to see his monument.

Laksmi Raya Temple. It was pretty busy, we only stood outside to take photos and were mobbed by street vendors while we were outside the bus!!!.

India Gate. That me and Leanne in the middle and Prakash on the right hand side with the video camera taking in the sights and filming the whole tour.

We took a rickshaw ride outside a Mosque and I wished that I have 5 sets of eyes!!! There was so much to see and I just kept clicking with my camera just to try to capture everything. Wished I have a smell cam as well too. We all felt eyes upon us as we are a minority now in India. Everyone is so friendly and with wide smiles and the gentle nodding of the heads.

Me outside the Mosque with Princess Magic. Leanne and I decided instead of our coffee book of yoga positions of us in India, we will subsitute with using Princess Magic as the mascot and she will be featured in an adventure blog of her own and taking in the sights and people of India. Stay tuned for it.

Then it was time for lunch and whilst the girls were waiting, I went to the snake charmer and had a snake around me neck and a cobra on my lap. I did this to over come my fear of snakes. I might looked calm on the outside but rest assured that my heart was beating a tad too fast for my liking. But hey it was a risk that I wanted to take. (ps. the cobra is de-fanged so what is there to loose anyway)

Then it was off to the Lotus Bahai Temple. This reminds me of the Opera House in Sydney. It has similar arches and curves. With the sun setting behind, it makes a spectacular picture.

We finished off the night with dinner at a local restuarant and watched and participated with folk dancers of India. It was fun. I got dragged up stage and have to imitate the dancers with all their moves. Lots of laughs.

Day 1 Perth-Singapore-Delhi 2nd Nov 07

2007-11-23T12:05:00.000-08:00

Left Perth and met up with Debbie who is also from Perth. Both of us enjoyed a couple of Singapore Slings on the Singapore Airline flights. Gotten really merry and celebrating the start of our exotic trip to India. We were in transit at the Changi Airport for 5 hours and had a wonderful time exploring the orchid gardens and off course the duty free shops.Found this lovely 'peacock' flower arrangement and had to have my photo taken. Finally caught up with the rest of the Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland group in the tour. And of course Leanne!!!!! I can't believe that it has been nearly 14 months ago when she first told me about this trip and finally we are all here!!!!!

More Singapore Slings on the Delhi leg of the flight!!!!!! It was a pretty solid day of travelling and feeling quite exhausted when we landed in Delhi.

Feeling excited and tired at the same time. Each of us were adorned with beautiful and fragrant marigold garlands lei from our Indian tour representative.

There are 21 of us in our group. 2 sets of sisters, 2 sets of husband and wives, 2 sets of mothers and daughters and many sets of friends.

I dare say we will all have time to get to know one another in the days to follow and see what every is seeking from this spiritual trip of India.

India - Here I come!!!!

2007-10-28T05:46:00.001-07:00

Just a couple more days to go before my much anticipated trip to Northern India with a group of Belly Dancers from over East. This has been more than a year's planning. Rest assure that there will be lots of photos and videos and wish I can develop a 'smell' cam so I can share all sort of strange smells from India. I can't wait. Getting very excited now. The camels have been hired and will be waiting for us at one of the hotel destination in one the exotic places we will be visiting. There will be an elephant ride as well. I absolutely adored elephants as they are such magnificient animals. Leanne and I intend to do a 'coffee-book' with the both of us in different locations in India doing all sorts of Yoga poses. Opps..... that reminds me to polish up on the different yoga positions. Taj Mahal here we COME!!!!!!!!!!

Shrine of Remembrance

2007-10-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

I was in Melbourne earlier on this week to meet up with my Buyer Agent to purchase another investment property. I had a free morning and went to the Shrine of Remembrance to pay my respect. The monument was so magnificent and totally stood out on the top of the crest in Melbourne CBD. I spent quite a long time there and walked around to admire the statues and to soak in the atmosphere and ambinence.

Rows and rows of medals on display underneath the monument.

Path to Wealth

2007-10-16T04:00:00.001-07:00

Guess who is featured in the local Canning Times newspaper?????!!!!!

Path to wealth.....here I come!!!!!!!!! Yee Harrrrr!!!!!

Spring in the Valley

2007-10-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the "Spring in the Valley" festival at the Swan Valley. My friend, Abby stopped to thru Perth from Johanesburg on her home to Melbourne and this is her first visit here. We took a leisurely drive to the valley and stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and a few winery and craft stalls.

This is my favourite painting at the festival.

This is Abby's choice.

Couldn't resist taking photo of me in front of the "Yank Tank - Hummer" at the Festival!!!! My head just came over the bonnet of the tank!!!!!.

A Tribute to Myself

2007-10-04T04:48:00.000-07:00

Me, Myself, I

Radio Competition

2007-10-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

Darryl, my work collegue won a place with the local radio station 96fm to have the opportunity to win $30k worth of shares. Him and 87 other participates were invited down to the city for breakfast and were given a number and to pick a key to unlock the truck that is holding the share certificate. He invited me along for moral support.

It was a pretty big truck. After our coffee, banana bread and fruity muffins, everyone was getting antsy to get started.

Matt the pom, Fitzy and Tony were the radio DJs hosting the competition. Darryl's number was 88 (which is a very auspisious number). Unfortunately for Darryl before he even had a chance to have his turn, Participent 43 has turned the lock and opened the truck!!!!!

Here he is being congratulated by the stockbrokers. He looked pretty calm but there was a slight tremour in his speech. Well done. Bummer for Darryl but there is always a next time.

Moonbaki Choral Group

2007-09-30T02:35:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I been to the Moonbaki Choral weekly practice. Due to my hectic schedules of seminars, workshops, holidays and work commitments I have been missing out alot of practice and performance with the group. This Sunday I had the day free and went along to the practice to catch up with old and new members of the group. Lovely June gave me a copy of the local paper featured write-up and introduction of the Moonbaki Choral Group (see above)

Its quite surprising that I still remembered the words and the dance routine when we practice today (see I still have the 'touch'!!) Learnt a couple of new songs too. The group will be performing quite regularly in in the next couple of weeks leading to Christmas. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend any of the confirmed performances as I will be away again. But I will most definitely try to make it to a rehearsal at least to keep up with them and also to give moral support to them.

Varekai - Cirque de Soeil

2007-09-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

This is my first ever experience with a Cirque de Soeil show. The theme was "Varekai". What really amazes me was the colourful and unique designs of the costumes and the amazing acrobatic and graceful performaces of the troops. Fantastic. I was "oohing" and "ahhing" along with the crowds. Too bad I wasn't allowed to take any photos of the performers in their exotic costumes. I did manage to take photos outside the tents with the 'animals' though.

Unleashed the Power Within Me

2007-09-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

Unleashed the Power Within seminar with Anthony Robbins was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 days of intense immersion with 4000+ like minded people from all over the world. The energy was so intense and unbeliveable. One the first day we did the firewalk which really is a metaphor that we are conquering our fear and going forth towards the future of our extrordinary lives.

I highly recommend that if you have a chance do go and attend this seminar. It can change your life and bring out the BEST in you!!!!!.

Unleashed the Power Within

2007-09-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

I am going to attend Anthony Robbins Unleashed the Power Within seminar in Sydney this weekend. I am so EXCITED!!!!!!!. The Law of Attraction is definitely working for me as I put an idea out there to find a way to attend this particular seminar a few months back. Lol and behold two weeks ago 21st Century Academy was giving up free tickets for this event and I qualified for two of them. Yippee!!!! Marie-Lise and I are off to Sydney and getting all hyped up to do the fire walk on hot coals this Friday nite at the event. Wish us LUCK!!!!!!

My Soul Mate

2007-09-12T06:22:00.002-07:00

I came across MindMovies.com site to create a movie to attract the things that I want in my life.
This mind movie is about attracting my soul mate/ideal life partner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boqwwYQrhgQ

Films Reviews

2007-09-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

The White Planet was having an Advance Screening last Sunday which was Father's Day. Since I am going to Antarctica next year, I thought I better at least go and see this film. Was not dissapointed at all!!!!!. Beautiful cinemagraphy and beautiful shots of scenaries and gorgeous animals from polar bears down to microscopic palnktons. It must have taken years and lots of patience to get this film done. The soundtrack to it was so haunting...Inuit chanting and angelic voices and musics. I am now frantically searching to get a copy of the soundtrack. This is definitely a MUST SEE!!!!!

Another film I saw was "The Home Song Stories" an indepth view thru the eyes of a boy on his journey from Shanghai to Australia with his sister and his mother. The film is mostly on his relationship with his mother and her erratic behaviours and their accceptance and their transition into the Australia society and culture.

Farewell and Safe Journey

2007-09-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

In the month of August, there were sad passing of family and friends. My grandma from Malaysia, passed away peacefully. She was 81 years old. Sadly missed by all. An uncle died from liver complication. Sumo, the gentle giant rotti from next door was diagnosed with bone cancer and a dear friend, Ian from Queensland passed away from two brain tumours. Times like this is so sad and I do comtemplate about LIFE and the MEANING of LIFE.

Ian was a gentleman to the end and such a gentle soul. Every year without fail he always gives an update of his life to all his friends together with his Xmas best wishes. And he even wrote a goodbye letter to all his friends. Thanking them for making his life such a wonderful journey.

Here is a copy of his letter that I want to share,

Very Dear Friends
>
>I may not have another chance to write to you as the Doctors have said it
>is a matter of time, definitely weeks and not months and might even be
>days. This letter is coming to you courtesy of Cathy, my daughter, who is
>sending it on my behalf. The cancer has spread and I now have two large
>growths pressing on both sides of my brain. These have, for all practical
>purposes taken away my sight, but not thank God, my ability to think and
>remember all of you.
>
>I have been very privileged in my life to have had, not in the least, some
>marvelous, high-quality friends. For example, this morning a chap rang up
>to say that for the last six weeks he has been spending his time aboard a
>ship tied up to a devastated West African wharf as the electrical engineer.
> This is why I have been unable to contact him for several weeks. Thank
>you all for your friendship. The business part of this letter tells you
>the essential contact details that now apply, but basically it is now
>through my son Ross.
>
>I have had marvelous support from a lot of friends who have contacted me
>and this really does matter and is very much appreciated.
>
>The things that really upset me at present are not so much the unknowns
>facing me, because thanks very largely to John Dunn and George Logan, I
>have regained my faith. It is more those I leave behind that I am worried
>about. But time heals all and I like to think fairly quickly, starting
>with my doggie.
>
>The offer of my friends in the dog park to walk Jasper and to give him the
>extended company of other dogs is very much appreciated. I know it will be
>even more appreciated by him than even by Mavis and me.
>
>May God bless all of you and once again my thanks for your friendship.
>
>Yours sincerely
>Ian

I cried my eyes out when I read his letter. Why is it that we don't value and appreciate things when they are in front of us, but once gone, we missed them so much. This is a wake up call, most definitely. Life is joyous and live it to the upmost and apreciate everything that comes into your life. I want my journey in this lifetime to be the most joyous and to know that when the end does comes......I have lived it with compassion, love, and fullfillment.

Goodbye my dear grandma and friends, may you all have a safe journey to where-ever you are going. Bless you.

Egyptian Antiquities From The LOUVRE

2007-09-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

Today Rosemary and I headed into Perth City to visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia to see the Egyptian Antiquites from the LOUVRE. We plan to visit Eygpt in the near future to visit the pyramids and sphinxs. So what better for us to get familiar with the history and artifacts on Egypt. One thing really amazes me is the craftmanship on the busts and artifacts that was created with natural stones ( hint, hint...ideal visits for geologists as well as there are lots of rocks to get excited about!!!) so many eons ago with primitive tools and technology. The embalming techniques and how the artifacts are preserved after all these years is amazing.

These are Canopic Jars used by the ancient Egyptian during the rituals of mummification processes. These were used as containers in which to hold the internal organs of the deceased that was going to be mummified. The ancient Egyptians before mummifying their pharaohs and dead took out the internal soft organs. These organs contained a lot of fluid and could cause the body to putrefy and decompose quickly. The jars had lids or stoppers that were shaped as the head of one of the minor funerary deities known as the Four Sons of HORUS.

The baboon-headed Hapy guarded the lungs. The human-headed Imsety was the guardian of the liver. Jackal-headed Duamutef guarded the stomach and upper intestines and falcon-headed Qebehsenuef guarded the lower intestines. Very interesting isn't it. Did I ever tell you I loved gore and horror????? If I didn't study geology, I think my next field of interest would have been forensic science or pathology.

This mummified cat on display is so cute!!!! I am not being disrespectful or anything like that. This is just a initial reaction when I saw this. Imagine having pets mummified with you to follow you to the next after-life. Mummified my three dogs?????....I don't think so......

Well I have a good time and it was very educational. I was in total awed of the craftmanship and also being in the room surrounded by all this history and to see them perserved all this time. And how lucky for us the modern society to have a chance to learn and see these all first hand. I also had my 'rocks off' by seeing the different type of rocks...diorites, limstones, sandstones, granites, jaspers and even semi precious stones such as lapis azuli, turqouise etc.....

Yes....I am very easily amused........

What the??!!!

2007-08-24T23:03:00.001-07:00

I was at my mum's place today and guess what I found!!!!

Damn freaky lemon!!!!! look at the size of it!!!!! She got it from the neighbours' lemon tree which overhanged over to her garden. See close up.....

I wonder what type of fertiliser the neighbour is using for his garden or rather what he had buried under the tree. Notice the "legs" on the right hand side of the freakish lemon. Hmmmm...

I Promise Myself

2007-08-24T19:58:00.001-07:00

I Promise Myself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my piece of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.
To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

~CHRISTIAN D. LARSON