"Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come.

Remember everything you have faced, all the problems you have left behind, and all the fears you have overcome."

Nice. A timely reminder for me today and hopefully for you too. x

It is so rewarding when someone purchases, or praises, your work.  "Your book made a difference to my friend when she most needed it" was said to me this week. How nice is that - better than chocolate.  I truly believe that peoples lives can be happier through a touch, a nice word. It doesn't take much from us.

Sit with me

just for a while.

Take a break from life,

give your worries to the wind.

Together we'll make it right.

(Julie Holland, ' A Nest Twice Built')

Never lose your sense of wonder.... after having dinner with friends who have just returned from Africa how stimulating it was to listen to their adventures. Volunteering with animal sanctuaries, paddling down mighty rivers (including being threatened by poachers who were after a crocodile their canoe was hiding), and many more fabulous tales. And this from a couple in their 60s. What a pity magazines don't write more about these places and people than the shallow celebrity and reality TV nonsense. Love peoples travel stories!

There's a saying I like - 'The caravans move on, but the dogs still bark'. It means that there will always be people in your life that aren't always on your side (whether you realise it or not); that as you move on with your life/plan/dreams some kind of resentment or jealousy stops them feeling happy for you. They may whisper, smirk, begrudge or criticise. It's so important (but difficult) to keep on your path. Live YOUR life.

Just had a week with my boys who all live interstate - what a joy. I am so proud of what they are doing with their lives. The three are so individual yet have the life values that 'we parents' always hope they will have. Each one is fulfilling his OWN dreams, not someone else's or what society demands. They have each succeeded in their own right and yet don't yell the fact from the rooftops. Love you boys - always have, always will. xxx

It's very exciting being presented with an opportunity isn't it  - do you/don't you/should I sleep on it or take a quick plunge ..... so many decisions.  Things just seem to happen sometimes - we think it's a coincidence but I believe it's a plan. By who I'm not sure but a chance comment, lucky meetings and opportunities happen all too often; so I prefer to take a good look and usually take action.
'What if....' are two little words with endless possibilities.

Sigh.  I wish, with all my heart, that the world would take a breath. To realise what a beautiful, inspiring place we have here. I wish that those who keep saying "Conflict is part of history, it's always been this way" would stop and plan for a better future for our world and us all. Enough is enough.

BUTTERFLIES

A hothouse of butterflies flutters within,

my heart races to the chequered flag.

But my smile is wary.

I am so excited at what lies ahead.

I don't know what it is ...

but I am so there.

(Julie Holland, 'A Nest Twice Built')

I had a lovely lady in our shop today who wanted to let me know that my framed words which she had bought for her sister had helped immensely. They take pride of place in her house. It is so wonderful to receive this feedback and inspires me to get cracking on my next 'little book of inspiration, observation and humour'. Am thinking along the lines of Seasons .....

What is it about certain movies that just get you in. Last night I watched (again) the 1985 Out of Africa. Love it. I even have the CD soundtrack. I think it overwhelms me because it's a BIG movie - the scenery, the times, the landscapes and when you know it was based on (as much as Hollywood can) a real life then the human story is big too. Not too much schmaltz nor gratuitous violence. It reminds you of the errors of colonialism and the importance of animal conservation, and I admire her storytelling skills. Beautiful.

Friends, so wonderful. Had a drink with a couple of girlfriends last week. We get together so rarely due to other commitments but what fun. Lots of swapped stories, ideas, advice freely given and accepted..and encouragement. Isn't that what friends are for too? To encourage; not to be jealous, nor to be absorbed in their own world all the time, nor ignore others' thoughts and lives.

The day is out there.  Waiting.
Tapping its foot. Waiting.
Counting off the minutes. Waiting.
And do you know what -
  If you don't go out there.
                                     Now.

The world will miss
  the joy of you.

(A Nest Twice Built' - Julie Holland)