Guess what....

We have the net here... in our apartment. JOY.
This of course means that I MUST post a couple of snaps taken over the last two days.
Here is one of my little monkey girl in the pool taken last night....

And this one with a Ulysses Swallowtail butterfly on her cap. And I confess to having a teary when I saw that I had captured this moment. Usually they land with their wings closed.

We are having a beautiful time. Looking forward to just RELAXING tomorrow... no "things to do and see" planned at all for the day. In the evening we may go to the night zoo. And during the trip... we are contemplating Bungy jumping.
Yep.
I know!!
Hope you are all well.
B x

Ciao Ciao....

TIME to RELAX !!
We are off for eight days...
And seven nights....
Me, Nath and Kaela.
Nath's bestie Tom and his wife Rach.
Nath's sister Cassie and her hubs Matt.

I'll tell you all about it when we get back.

I cant wait to catch up on your blogs and adventures when I return.
Right now... its time for BED - we need to get up at 4am to catch our flight. We are all SOOOOO excited. But especially Mikaela bella *grin*
Take care loves.
Bx

Inspiration...

My mind is going NUTZ with creativity at the moment.
Maybe because I know I will actually have some *TIME* to use all the stuff (((inside my head))) that gathers over months and months. Until my hols...
Here is my creative spillage *grin* to share the love and joy....it is what I am all about *grin*

So this year.... it (my let loose style) started with this.






























I was further inspired by this amazing weekend.













And then this.















I am constantly and SO heavily inspired by Leonie, Celine, Kristina, Ali, Elsie... and Emily.
PLUS the Freestyle and MeBlog challenges ROCK SO MUCH!!

This weekend I got this magazine.










And this one {RIOT }...























I am totally LOVING collages.. and the like at the moment. These magazines are just beautiful. Not *at all* scrap related magazines... refreshing and FRESH stuff indeed. When on the beach I intend to immerse myself in them... savour every page and detail. Sit still. WOW !!
I have made a promise to myself while on holidays.... NO SCRAPPING actual physical layouts!! (You like that little disclaimer *grin* ~you see I AM taking my laptop... if the urge becomes unbearable I can always do some digi layouts)

SO... WHAT to do instead of scrapping?? An Art Journal.. that is what! I am SO looking forward to it. Paint, clue, collage... And Mikaela has hers too!

These items here... I have had my eye on for a while... they remain on my WISH list:
Collage Unleashed... By Traci Bautista - GORGEOUS.

A Kick in the seat of the pants...by Roger von Oech
The Me Book... Autumn Leaves
Designing with Colour

And that is about all I can fit into this post. It just scratches the surface of the things I am inspired by, but I hope you like and enjoy my share.

Peace and Love out... Bx

Loving THIS...

Oiw, so sweet. Thanks for those of you who helped with this difficult decision. Order is in and CAN NOT wait to SCRAP. Heaven on earth these two!! And to SCRAP these photos... man you will NOT be able to TEAR me from my studio. JOY!
Bx

Happy Monday...

Today is different for me.

Different because SHe is not here anymore.

I dont like it.

I feel a bit sad.

My life is changed. Empf.

SO what is a girl to do???

Go shopping.

Thats right peeps!

Gonna get myself a new bikini.

Only two more sleeps till our holiday.

I need new togs (that is what us Aussies call them :-))

Oh ... and swimmers, we call them swimmers too. Heheheh.

So The Jodes is gonna help me at lunch today.

Always need a bestie to help in the cossie (another Aussie term?) selection.

You know they are honest (as they need to be) , and sort of blind to some of your less attractive bits.

Oh, okay - they kindly ignore the orange peel on your thigh... and tell you honestly if the cossie suits *you*.

Serious friendship *grin*

Hey... maybe this will be good fodder for Susannah's new blog? Oiw, no!

On other matters... weekend was GOOOOOD.

Scrap Day yesterday with my sisterhood... just not long enough !! Not enough hours.

I woke up this morning... getting into my "office" clothes, wishing I could just stay home and scrap.

I so wish scrapping/photography WAS my JOB... not just my obsession.

Last night I even managed to tear myself away from my obsession to watch The Brother's Grimm with my guy. I really enjoyed it, and NOT just because of Heath - tho, you know, may have had A LOT to do with it *grin*

Loving this bright sunny weather we are having right now.

Peace and Love out...

Bx

I am loving....

.... and so grateful for (in no particular order) these things TODAY, now:
* My newest lifer friend, Shazz... and her NEW BLOG!!
* This woman's blogging.... She is so refreshing.
* This woman's blogging (and our emails) ... She is one talented and sweet sista!
* Having the pleasure to work in the same building as one of my besties {Kim} for some months (it was so much fun), and saying farewell to her today.... as she moves onto a new role that suits *She* and her *family* much better (I am so proud of you Kim) !! And I am really going to miss you!
* She and He... and our happy sunny home this morning... much laughter and general FRIDAY excitement!!
* NOT breaking an arm (or leg) during my night ride last night.... down some crazy steep hills and hairy single tracks. Tho one of my shins is a little mangled!
*Having a Scrap Day on Sunday... with my lovely girlfriends. Yah .. so can NOT wait for that.
*The weather ... 26 degrees. BRING ON SUMMER.. whoo hooo.
* Lunch with my workmates (including Kim) outside ~in the sunshine ~ at the beer garden!

* BBQ fun @ ours tomorrow with a few of Nath's lads from Sydney (and Uni days)... fun stuff.
BTW.... I AM aware that a couple of these things making me *so* happy... are "future" things... but I am kewl with that, cause they are making me happy NOW.
* LIFE !!!
I wish you all love and a *gorgeous* weekend.
Peace out
Bx

Living simply...

That is all I want.
That is all Nath wants.
And all we want for our children.
A simple life, with simple desires.

But it is hard.
Certainly much harder than it sounds.

I ask Nath "What are your TOP 5 dreams?"
He only has 2:
A happy family and home.
Financial security.

Mmmm.... sounds easy.
Its not *easy*
Life is busy, complicated, demanding...
However, it is not impossible to create a simplier life... of peace and tranquility, of quiet and ease.
Contentment and happiness for who you ARE (not what you *do*)...

It is true that because something is "simple" does not mean it is "easy"
The simpliest and purest things come with hard work.
And persistance, and mindfulness of what is really important.
*FOR YOU* and that is not the same for each person.

Manifest plainness,
Embrace simplicity,
Reduce selfishness,
Have few desires.

Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)

That is what I am doing at the moment..... stripping my life down.
Making it simplier.
And easier.

This is *my* life.
The way I live it is entirely up to me.

I SO LOVE THAT.
The power of choice.

A busy life... or a simple life.
I know my preference, as *hard* as that may seem to achieve sometimes.
Choose. Or perhaps it is just all about attitude?
What you consider easy or difficult... is a choice.

And here is some simple fun:

Your Theme Song is Beautiful Day by U2

"Sky falls, you feel like It's a beautiful day Don't let it get away" You see the beauty in life, especially in ordinary everyday moments. And if you're feeling down, even that seems a little beautiful too.

What's" Your Theme Song?

Peace and Love out....
Bx

I am lost without Ella...

I wanted to post some more photos of my dreamboard... so you can see it properly. But the instant digi, its not so good, and none of the detail is shown well. It is on my "things to do list".
So I captured this little piece instead.

I did this last night. The journalling I wrote about 10 months ago (before we were living together), hence some of the statements no longer apply... like "I love that you tidy the kitchen or lounge when I am busy with Mikaela"!! *grin* My sketch title was "All the little things J'adore ..." but I had already pressed the lettering using Kyles fabulous QuicKutz tool !! Mikaela has her Annual Kindergarten Concert and Party "Out of Africa" today. She is dressing as a princess. I am really upset that I dont have Ella for this... but thems the breaks I suppose. Mini digi will just have to do. Edit, 830am: She just came by with her Dad... to get into her costume. I got back to my desk and watched them from my window, I can see them walk for about 1km. It is a bright, sunny morning ... I watched as she skipped her way to school. SO very sweet. In her little white dress, and big pink wings bopping along. The concert is at lunch and I know I will have a teary {I always do}... she is sheeez, you know! As gorgeous as your kids are! Simply wonderful!!

I have been up {and at-em} for some 2 hours now... riding - its good. I love to watch the sun rise. Mind you I got swooped by a Magpie this morning, I dont like that much. Didnt hurt me but did give me a bit of a scare!

Have a beautiful day angels.
TEN sleeps till PalmCove!! Whooohooo. (Nath thinks I am NOT excited about our annual mini-break, but I SO AM) !!! I just have to contain it *grin*

Oh - and other exciting news... me and a few of my galfrands (Kim, Kyle, Di and Mel) are going to PaperCrafts Festival the first weekend in November.... to do two Elsie classes. MUCH JOY about that one.
I *heart* Elsie's style SO MUCH !!
Bx

Our Jinky Art Gallery has arrived...

Check it out here.
I think Barb has done a marvellous job.
Considering how hard it was to capture Mikaela.
My camera shy girl.
I can NOT wait to get the prints done.
Fun stuff.
I love it.

And... Nath has an exam right now. I am thinking of you this morning sweets: Good luck *mwah*
Peace out...
Bx

Pretty in white...

Could she be any cutier?
A pretty good weekend we have had!
Cleaned out her room... which basically involved a very large garbage bag, a lot of purging... and some dymo label stickers.
Everything in its place.
Were it belongs.
Much Joy.
And order.
I like.

This afternoon... a gathering of our Womens Circle.
We created
"dreamboards" and here is a bad photo of mine (Meeges still has my Ella).
A collage of images of our dreams and desires... what we dream our lives to Be.
Mine has everything to do with Nathan, Mikaela... and little bubbas yet to join our family. Sisters. Home. Togetherness. Good Food. Fitness. Slow Living. Peace. Holidays. Growing old together. Also a lot about work and loving my work... including particular dreams I intend to make my reality. Having a job I am passionate and successful at. Scrap-didilly-isious!
Here are a couple of quotes on my dreamboard {there are a few}:

"Peace must be sought, above all, because it is the condition for every member of the human family to live a life of dignity and security." Kofi Annan

"Slow living isn't about doing everything at snail's pace; its about giving weight, time and urgency to those things that require it and relinquishing those things that just cause you anxiety."

Mmmmm... dreams are gooooood!
I love my dreamboard... and it has a fine home in my scrap haven.
Grateful, grateful... GRATEFUL ~Is what I am~ absolutely. Pinch Me. Nah don't!
Bliss out.
Happy Sunday.
Bx

Just so you know....

My new catch phrase peeps is "just so you know"
Let me explain.
I sent my love an email ~ a LOVE NOTE kinda email~.
Oiiiiiwwwww, nice, romantic.... even a little dorky.
Yes.

Only I didnt realise that when you scroll through my address book.
In my internode account.
That you are actually adding all those addresses to your To field.
So I scroll through the list... whistling here may even be appropriate...
cause I am in a happy, good, dorky love mood.. ya know!

Whistle, whistle, scroll, scroll.
I find my loves name... I hit the enter key.
Happy.
I start to express my love...
By way of a list of "just so you know" statements.
Like "Just so you know... I love you more than anything"

Yadda, Yadda... all very nice.
Press send.
All happy.

For some unknown reason ... I think to check my sent items, just to make sure it went off safely.
Can you imagine my horror when I saw a list ....as long as my arm... of who that email went to??
Okay.. thankfully some of them were non-peeps addresses as such (phew.. only you know there IS a person involved with that address somewhere out there, just without a "name")
Worse - a couple.... were womyn I HARDLY KNOW.... and only just started regular emailing.
AND EVEN worse... a couple who have just sent me a polite email relating to a comment I had made on their blog.
How embarrasssing!!

Thankfully Nath has a good sense of humour... and thought it was funny.
Okay even hilarious.
Me.. well I am an optimist, I immediately go into "well at least mode"
like "well at least" it wasnt raunchy (ya know those kind, you've sent them right... yeah!!!)

Thankfully I have lovely {and kooky} friends who also saw the FUNNY side.
And had me laughing... HARD... about it.
Really.
It IS funny.
And asides... I am just sharing the love around.
Its all good.

AND gives me another scrap layout idea : Just so *you* {and half the world}.... knows!

Peace, love... and the ability to laugh at oneself.
Dont sweat it loves.
Bx

Happy Thursday...

ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA.... and the winner, the lead singer is announced TODAY peeps.
Yep.
I already know its TOBY.
Yep our little "Thunder from Down Under"!!!
He is going to win.
Or I think he will.
I hope he does.
EDIT: Toby DID NOT win... amazing!! I was in total shock. I suppose I just thought he was a better "all-rounder" than the others. Oh well, I am sure the exposure will be enough for him to make it as big as he wants.

So what else... mmm not much.
Been mountain biking a fair bit lately.
And I am MOST happy with my progress.
REALLY.
STOKED.
Okay... I am NOT going to even RATE.
Compared to the REAL riders.
But I will be there... and I will ride.
So thats something isnt it?
Anything???

Nath, Kaela and I caught up with Alex and Di last night.
NICE.
I love those two, they are gorgeous peeps.
Mecca Bah. Really good food.
Delicious.
Kaela is hard to contain in a restuarant.
But this one has big bench seats and cushions.
Makes it slightly easier.
Plus Di and Alex are great with her.
Not to mention Nath.
HE IS SO GREAT with Mikaela.
SO Great!

I seem to "miss" stuff.
Without my camera.
Saturday night we had a "barbie" here to celebrate Nath's birthday.
A spring time gathering of our friends.
Dave, Rach, Kyle, Jas, Lachie, Cam, Charli, Jodes, Jake, Drew, Tim, Quinn, Callum, Kim, Sime...
A house full.
It was a great night.
Really fun.
Lots of children running about... was lovely.
Makes me most grateful.

So Oh.. yeah did I mention we (Rough Diamonds) won the grand final of our touch football competition last season, oh yeah ... we did. First time I remember. Exciting, no?

So its Thursday.... Kyle is on her way over for a coffee and a catch up.
Then you know... workie, workie.
Eventually.

This pic of me and my girl... I SO LOVE. Love her kisses. Sometimes I wish I could just put her in my pocket and take her with me where-ever I go. Yeah. She totally has my heart.

One other thing...BRING ON SUMMER !!
Bx

She is everything to me...

Here is one photo {of the MANY} taken yesterday by Barb of JinkyArt.
Fabulous talented womyn.
We have another session booked this week... because Mikaela is a little camera shy. AND NO... Barb says it has nothing to do with the thousands of photos I have taken of her since birth. Kaela just doesnt think much of being photographed. She much prefers taking the photos. I am so proud.

Incidently... my camera is with my sister Meeges for a few weeks. I am really missing her {my camera, not my sis *grin*}... ELLA.. come home to mama. Okay... I miss my sister too, sometimes. But my camera.... well I know you guys get it!

Barb Uil http://www.jinkyart.com.au Artistic Family Photography
Blog - http://blog.jinkyart.com.au Ph : 0400 388 974
Check her out... she is great!

Oiw... and YES {I have finally changed my banner for September}.
AND... so you know, I have changed to "Beta Blogger"... still some issues blogger need to iron out. But so far, so good. I like it. Does make commenting on other's posts a bit of a pain tho... hopefully they fix that soon.
EDIT: When commenting... one needs to use OTHER!

Happy happy Monday.
Peace and Love
Bx

I *heart* Sundays...

Sundays are *our* days.
Family days.
Or at least the mornings are!
Spent enjoying a leisurely breakfast and reading the papers.
Listening to music.
And lazing about.
Last weekend my sisters lazed with us.
There were picklets.
Berries.
Yoghurt.
And Paris ....{our cat}
It was a perfect Sunday morning.

At noon Kaela and I go to her horseriding lesson.
Usually she then goes to her Dads.
Tho somdays, like today, she stays with us if there is something special planned.
JOY.
Oh.... and more often than not, scrapping involved on a Sunday *big grin*
Happy Sunday peeps!!
Bx

A tribute to the boy who never grew up...

... as he once described himself to Denton!
And perhaps that is why so many Australians have been rocked by the death of Steve Irwin earlier this week.

He had PASSION, and excitement for his life...the animal kingdom... and his family.
And he was proud of it.
Not affraid of it.

When I lived in Italy... The Crocodile Hunter ... was shown there.
Steve Irwin dubbed in Italian... tho you could still hear the cricky in the background.
The three boys I cared for, thought Steve was hilarious... they loved him.
I'll admit to being embarrassed.
Was this Aussie bloke really our ambassador... did people across the globe really see us like this loud embarrasing guy??
I just didnt GET it, or him.... or what exactly he was about.
Until I saw this interview with Denton in 2003 and realised how very wrong I was.
BTW... click the link and you can watch or hear the interview too... and if you can listen to it without crying.. you are a stronger person than I ! He is fabulous.

Denton asked Steve about Aussies being embarrassed by him, he responded with this: I'm very embarrassing to look at. You know why? Here is why I'm embarrassing. There's a little bit of me in everybody. I'm like the boy who never grew up. I'm very, very passionate about what I do. I mean, I love what I do. I'm so - I wake up in the morning on fire and people are like, "God, give this guy a valium or something. Can't he have a bad day", and I'm not. I'm not. I guess people, especially Australians, they are so, "Yeah, yeah, Stevo, whatever." Australians are like that. They're very "Yeah, yeah, take it or leave it, whatever. He's too hypo. The bloke is on fire." I guess that little bit of me in everybody kind of must be embarrassing.

Plus there is this interview with his wife Terri and son Bob from 2004 (after the dangling Bob over a croc incident). A great read too.

Steve loved his family, his parents, his wife, his children.... passionately.
His LIFE ... passionately.
THIS WAS A PASSIONATE AUSSIE BLOKE - not afraid to SCREAM IT TO THE MOUNTAINS.

I sat there with tears streaming down my cheeks, and snot pouring out of my nose... honouring this man.
And wishing we were ALL just a bit more ALIKE him.
I got it.

Leonie described him as a Yang man... and that he was. Her favourite memory is such a sweet one. Take a look.

I write this today... to tribute this Aussie Legend Steve Irwin.
A man honoured and remembered by all Aussies.
The thoughts of his wife (Terri) and children (Bindi and Bob) are in all our minds and hearts during this time.

EDIT (1429hrs Tuesday 12 September 2006): Adding this poem Kyle just emailed me... gorgeous:

THE CROCODILES ARE CRYING

Endless visions fill my head – this man – as large as life
And instantly my heart mourns for his angels and his wife
Because the way I see Steve Irwin – just put everything aside
It comes back to his family – it comes back to his pride

His animals inclusive – Crikey – light the place with love!
Shine his star with everything he fought to rise above
The crazy-man of Khaki from the day he left the pouch
Living out his dream and in that classic ‘Stevo’ crouch

Exploding forth with character and redefining cheek
It’s one thing to be honoured as a champion unique
It’s one thing to have microphones and spotlight cameras shoved
It’s another to be taken in and genuinely loved

But that was where he had it right – I guess he always knew
From his fathers’ modest reptile park and then Australia Zoo
We cringed at times and shook our heads – but true to natures call
There was something very Irwin in the make up of us all

Yes the more I care to think of it – the more he had it right
If you’re going to make a difference – make it big and make it bright!
Yes - he was a lunatic! Yes - he went head first!
But he made the world feel happy with his energetic burst

A world so large and loyal that it’s hard to comprehend
I doubt we truly count the warmth until life meets an end
To count it now I say a prayer with words of inspiration
May the spotlight shine forever on his dream for conservation

…My daughter broke the news to me – my six year old in tears
It was like she’d just turned old enough to show her honest fears
I tried to make some sense of it but whilst her Dad was trying
His little girl explained it best…she said “The crocodiles are crying”

Their best mate’s up in heaven now – the crocs up there are smiling!
And as sure as flowers, poems and cards and memories are piling
As sure as we’ll continue with the trademarks of his spiel
Of all the tributes worthy – he was rough…but he was real

As sure as ‘Crikey!’ fills the sky
I think we’ll miss ya Steve…goodbye

RUPERT McCALL 2006

Bek ~Aussie Chick~ & PROUD fan of Steve Irwin xxx

EDIT: I just found out that Brockie died today... two Aussie icons in one week... its just a bit much frankly!

Womyn's Synergy of Energy....

So Leonie, Vanessa and I brought about a group of women.
To begin.
And be in.
A women's circle.
** and no, my lover... it is NOT a "man hater's group"... der!
Our first meeting was held this past Sunday.
And it was so lovely.
All these goregous womyn brought together to honour their higher power.
To really connect with themselves and each other.

We decided to set "homework" ...a gratitude journal.
Most of us are aware of this concept through Sarah's teachings.
THEN.... yesterday ... this is what Ali posted !!!
Maybe we are much closer to the Millionth Circle than we know?
It is a nice thought!

And I did this ... just for fun:

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have high extroversion. You are outgoing and engaging, with both strangers and friends. You truly enjoy being with people and bring energy into any situation. Enthusiastic and fun, you're the first to say "let's go!" Conscientiousness: You have medium conscientiousness. You're generally good at balancing work and play. When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done. But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Peace and Love peeps.
Bx

Thursdays are....

Ballet Days!

I love that Kaela is enjoying her ballet.
Really.
She is just so cute.
But I secretly hope she gets sick of it before she gets mangled toes.
Or has to do "hip rotations" at age 7.

Makes me cringe.

A funny little story about my nasty side:
Not so long ago at work... I was leaving early to take Mikaela to ballet.
A {not so nice, bit of a gossip... okay a nasty, bitter} woman I work with exlaimed:
W. Oh you are so lucky [leaving early]!
Me. Oh, I know... I am taking Mikaela to ballet!
W. Oh you cant make her do ballet...she'll get bad feet!!!!
Me. Listen (name of woman).... when I had myself a baby girl, I said to myself I want a daughter with bad feet and an eating disorder... so by cricky, thats what I'll get!!

And I walked away.

My friend and I burst out laughing... and most people about did so too.

See - I am a meanie!

Tho I admit to being just a little chuffed with myself in that moment - I dont get people who think others are "lucky"?

Luck is what you make of yourself.

Fools!

And another thing.... she had no idea of my thoughts on ballet, or why I have chosen to have Mikeala take lessons, or when *I* would prefer she stop. (thing is once you get them started on something... if THEY love it... bugger YOUR ideas *grin*)

Ehum... I digress.

So, I am wondering, will it be horses or ballet?

If my little cutie has my co-ordination, or lack of ~well, you know 'ballet grace'~, then it will be horses for sure *grin*
We will see.
I hope everyone is well and good.

Love
Bx

Happy Happy Birthday to the love of my *LIFE*...

Nathan babes...
You came into my life almost two years ago.
I never 'really' believed I could be so content sharing my life with anyone other than Mikaela.
I never knew how easy it could be.
To have faith and belief... even when that fearful voice tries to interfere.
To know you are with your *soulmate* is a remarkable feeling.
Of security and love.
And even when we Fight!!... there is no-one I would rather fight (or make-up) with than *you* !!

I wish you a HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Birthday !!!
I honour the day you were born.
The day we met... and every day I spend with *You*

I love you Nathan.
With all my heart and soul.
You are my best friend, my lover, my soulmate.
My constant companion for life.
Thank you.
Bx

Make A Wish...

... Ball was on Saturday night.
It was a beautiful evening.
My guy looked like a hottie in his tux.
And my sister did my make-up - all dark smokey eyes.
With that and my dress... I have never felt so "oh-lah-la" alla Marilyn Monroe!
Terrific.

It was hard (and totally unexpected, since the footage was 4 years old) to see Lachie and Kyle up on the big screen.
Kyle and I have become closer than ever this year.
And nearing Lachie's 5 year reunion for his end of chemo... brings up a lot of emotion.
Some expected.
Some not.
Kyle and I talk it through... sometimes I think I am helping ... sometimes quiet obviously not!!
Either way Kyles.... I will always be here for you.
To listen.
To be your friend.

I also felt for Drew and Mel... the words of the introductory slide show .. those words fit perfectly to their journey with Kate also. They had a HUGE battle too.

Four people sitting at our table of ten.... knew first hand the feeling of not knowing if their child was going to make it to the next day. It gives me chills. ANd I feel blessed to have these people as my friends. Their bravery and courage. Their determination that pulled thier children through... is so very inspiring.

This poem was on the cover of the evening booklet
And I wanted to share:

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading light?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance to fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance to fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and Say, "Hi"

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance to fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.

Life is not a race.
Do take is slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Much Love
Bx