tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56352067759782681232024-03-14T09:37:03.477+10:00 Heart and Soul PursuitsHeart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-32899766826240674192022-08-27T13:13:00.020+10:002022-08-27T14:26:16.954+10:00The Filling<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6QA2VhuHGyM7owkW2F5WxYNb-9_eXpbA9LG3GCGfEPsyQNcx0aag0-8h6hhnOCQfQ-PYJ9j-IZzYuJcXJFJfxCq9i0sRSpmux8rl56wUeTiYfRO8KxKpIpbFibqYpb6Vyqfco7blD4ovT_9oXNmUYuymLYNedssFzmbLErZwhtwgMtABoZ0Cyojw/s914/IMG_2827.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="744" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6QA2VhuHGyM7owkW2F5WxYNb-9_eXpbA9LG3GCGfEPsyQNcx0aag0-8h6hhnOCQfQ-PYJ9j-IZzYuJcXJFJfxCq9i0sRSpmux8rl56wUeTiYfRO8KxKpIpbFibqYpb6Vyqfco7blD4ovT_9oXNmUYuymLYNedssFzmbLErZwhtwgMtABoZ0Cyojw/w520-h640/IMG_2827.jpeg" width="520" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span>God calls us out of mediocrity to live more purposed, more devoted, more destined. He whispers to us to rise above the hum drum of ordinary living to go deeper with him.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Deeper into love</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into to mercy</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into forgiveness</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into selflessness</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As we step off that ledge of the known, as we let go, as we trust and relinquish, we push past the weight of this world and all her hardened, vain glorious opinions. And in that place of letting go and unwinding, in that place of holy surrender, in going deeper, the grip of this world falls away, her clutch lessens, her ties unfurl, no longer are we slave, but free.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Deeper into love</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into to mercy</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into forgiveness</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into selflessness</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But going deeper costs, living unbound has a price. It is a journey into the wilderness. This crossing into the wide open expanse of letting go, of less self, will test every inch of you. The letting go of everything you know, the letting go of rising dreams, the letting go of everything that made sense, the letting go of purpose, is scary - because trusting God in the letting go, in the laying down to traipse the depth of a valley, feels emptying. It feels less, not more.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Deeper into love</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into to mercy</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into forgiveness</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into selflessness</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Walking through the rough terrain of the valley is lonely for when the testing comes, the trial can come hot - fiery, piercing and gut wrenching. The fire in this crepuscular landscape will try to consume you. But it is in this place of heartache and despair, that being empty is needful. In the emptying, in the purging of the fire, when a life is spent and everything the world offers has finally fluttered away, one human - blood bought life still remains, but for the grace of God. For without HIM, I have nothing, I am nothing.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Deeper into love</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into to mercy</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into forgiveness</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Deeper into selflessness</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>It is in this act of laying self down, of setting dreams adrift, of releasing deeply encumbered burdens to heave them at the foot of the cross, that the passage to purpose is paid in full. A</span> soothing wind seeps in, a holy exchange takes place and the filling comes. A filling of grace beyond this world finds its way through the loss, on through the heartache and past the pain. A filling that is only possible, because the fiery emptying prepared the way.</span></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">For my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9.</span></i></div><p></p><p></p>Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-63470898522878893612020-04-07T22:03:00.001+10:002020-04-07T22:30:52.574+10:00The Galilean from Nazareth <br />
A year ago today, we were in Israel, Nazareth to be exact. Having just left the Sea of Galilee, we meandered up the winding pathway of Mount Precipice bubbling with excitement. We were here, really here, in the place where the Nazarene walked 2000 years ago! Each step felt monumental, sacred and wholly surreal. Our gaze soaked up a view so expansive that it was hard to comprehend the vastness of the landscape. A gentle breeze swirled around us, stirring up scripture deposited long ago. It was easy to imagine the multitudes here. As far as the eye could see, in every direction, breathtaking serenity extended everywhere. We looked out over mountains and plains and Nazareth. Nazareth, a curious mix of modern and ancient buildings all meshed tightly together, no obvious boundaries separating the old from the new. This is where Jesus dwelled, where he worked and fulfilled prophecy, where he lived fully human, amongst family and man.<br />
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As we descended the mountain, a volley of gunfire rang out, startling us. We made a beeline for the bus not caring to find out what was actually going on, hearts in our mouths, legs like jelly, unfamiliar to the thudding sounds ricocheting across the valley. We scrambled for the open door of the bus with a sense of urgency, falling into our seats, the serenity pierced through. In that moment, I was <i>'fall on your knees' </i>grateful to be whisked away. The door slammed shut and we skirted rough terrain, chugging past biblical landscapes and sheep grazing the hillside, on past the little church of Cana. W-A-I-T a minute, the Church of Cana, where the wedding took place according to the apostle John? I craned my neck, glimpsing the church exterior just visible above the tree line. Our guide, Yosef, diligently pointed out the sites from his position perched at the very front of the bus. He implored us in his Jewish-English accent, as was often the case, to 'Look, my Beloved' as he jabbed the air, directing our eyes to the sites steeped in history, all the while unfurling scripture before our very eyes. Through the tree line, I squinted at the little turrets peeking out from the foliage, spotted a green roof or two and wondered if this church was built upon the ruins of the old or was it a namesake monument? The initial foundations of many of the sites we visited, were still visible today, thousands of years later. I squirrelled this image of this little church amongst the trees away in my mind, filing it carefully, absorbing the details so that I could easily pull this very scene when I read the passage next.<br />
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A sense of other worldliness exists in this place. Time has indeed stood still. It is not difficult to be swept up in the stories or the context of scripture from so long ago. When all is said and done, there is a palatable sense that this land holds holy stories, beckoning us to marvel and unravel its mysteries.<br />
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This is a land still waiting for her history to unfold.<br />
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-45550964196708385142019-12-24T05:02:00.000+10:002019-12-24T05:11:45.750+10:00Congratulations Son!<br />
This son of mine has just graduated his university studies and now has a degree in Bio Medical Science. Proud is an understatement! After three years of slogging it out, he has now decided to further his studies by going in to the teaching profession. Following in his Mama's footsteps, cheers to a lifetime of making a difference in the lives of our young people. Could not be more proud of the young man he is becoming!<br />
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-52797874848777393632019-10-13T09:34:00.000+10:002019-12-24T05:12:10.898+10:00Misadventure in Greece<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So this year saw us take a Mother - Daughter trip to Europe. The trip I had been planning for so long that it felt like deja vu.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First stop was a quick 2 night stopover in Greece on our way to SANTORINI, the one Greek Island I have been dreaming about since forever. As we flew in to Athens at night, we stayed at the only hotel near the airport and we were not disappointed with the swanky Sofitel 200 metres away. Definitely a good recommendation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The following morning we caught the train into Plaka and experienced our first pick pocketing fiasco. Having read up on the plethora of online travel forums about the alarming number of Pickpockets that frequented trains and specifically targeted tourists, I felt that I was sufficiently prepared. I had bought a travel bag with the necessary locks on all zips to deter any would be Pickpockets. However, you can't really imagine what traveling loaded with suitcases and bags is actually like until you are running for the train amidst the hustle and bustle of boarding passengers, navigating foreign signs, jam packed escalators, unbelievably long stairways and errant wheels on a malfunctioning suitcase. Leaving you all a little overwhelmed, decidedly hot and ridiculously bothered! The perfect scenario for the crafty Pickpockets out there just waiting for this EXACT scenario!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Therefore, being caught off guard myself, my daughter (being a little more savvy), noticed a clean cut gentleman getting a little too close as the train pulled up to the station. The doors whizzed opened, and we exited luggage laden. She looked back as I yanked my suitcase over the gap between the platform and the train directly eyeballing the man with my passport holder IN HIS HANDS! Being the fearless warrior that she is, she yelled out and everyone standing inside the train turned to see what the commotion was about. He dropped it straight away but the doors were closing. I could see it laying there all forlorn on the floor of the train. Panic stricken, I put my hand out towards it and miraculously a kind stranger whisked it up and into my hand just as the doors bumped together. Disaster averted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We did end up having a rather nice day exploring the Acropolis and doing general touristy things in and around the delightful Plaka neighbourhood (despite being a little paranoid about anyone who came too close!) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parthenon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acropolis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left;">The Erechtheum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hans and Gretel, Monastiraki</td></tr>
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com4Athens, Greece37.9838096 23.72753880000004837.8836966 23.566177300000046 38.0839226 23.888900300000049tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-39337467406995971612018-12-31T10:03:00.001+10:002019-12-24T05:03:09.711+10:00Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little cherub, graduated uni earlier in the year and moved to Sydney. My heart still hasn't recovered from this little bird flying the coop, but trust that spreading her wings has launched her fair and square into her future! Well done little bird, the world is your oyster!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFCTo7xcsAdvm_SGxSINm6Bn7KpMf75SbJC4g19jvYfUJRle_2GSVMaXO6zUF9hjCYzrhyy7ncJkjZeN7jMLK6WmhoRGA7Af41DRlwF-wh6gR_3mcDinPe8NhyphenhyphendKPlwZdNE0I243GzHU/s1600/Grad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFCTo7xcsAdvm_SGxSINm6Bn7KpMf75SbJC4g19jvYfUJRle_2GSVMaXO6zUF9hjCYzrhyy7ncJkjZeN7jMLK6WmhoRGA7Af41DRlwF-wh6gR_3mcDinPe8NhyphenhyphendKPlwZdNE0I243GzHU/s640/Grad1.jpg" width="585" /></a></div>
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Video - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq9h0xDFz_b/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet">What I want to be when I grow up!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82Itt5-9cLX2wKFTP8b-PO3a5dBu_HDeE7Oi-3ngzB7YUzr1n01fAXQ8N5qRjKrhUS9YeZitDfnu2W9TP8YpuZFTRnbrdN6g1RLDOZnC70v2axVn8G7zkX67lk9ObsvDp4clji10IVSE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-12-31+at+10.06.46+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="926" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82Itt5-9cLX2wKFTP8b-PO3a5dBu_HDeE7Oi-3ngzB7YUzr1n01fAXQ8N5qRjKrhUS9YeZitDfnu2W9TP8YpuZFTRnbrdN6g1RLDOZnC70v2axVn8G7zkX67lk9ObsvDp4clji10IVSE/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-12-31+at+10.06.46+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-39139941869346360272018-09-30T09:32:00.002+10:002018-09-30T16:30:56.977+10:00Galavanting About<br />
So I just realised that I have let 3 months slip by without posting ... all because I have been busily preparing a little galavant around the globe and who knew how time consuming that would be! Safe to say, flights are now booked except for that one little flight to Santorini!! Yaass, S-A-N-T-O-R-I-N-I-!! Still pinching myself just dreaming about that one. Four weeks of accomodation through Greece, Italy, Switzerland and France now under my belt and carefully planned down to the very last detail, although that does keep changing depending on the reviews I'm currently reading! So many quaint out of the way spots to explore!<br />
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Earlier this year, I contemplated looking at investment options to secure my financial future and was knee deep in debilitating decision making, when overwhelmed with all the financial pathways (and money warrens) before me, I just decided to hell with it and latched onto the idea of taking that dream holiday pre retirement instead!! Not that I'm in the slightest bit near retirement (although I might nearly be over THE hill having traipsed up a number of smaller hills of late) and having that one little bird eager to fly the nest, I may just be feeling the effects (and trauma) associated with impending empty nest syndrome. It just seemed as good a time as any to take that trip to those far flung places and dreamy jaunts that I have always dreamt about. Although, I do keep discovering new places that I've actually never dreamt about and have happily added them to that never ending list of places to visit.<br />
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I'm currently galavanting around Tuscany from my laptop, working out if I want to go to Siena and San Gimigano while staying in the Chianti region. I just read a review about this awesome little Italian guy who does the most phenomenal taxi tours and tailor makes the trip for you. I was expecting to travel back to Florence by bus to catch the train out to Pisa and Cinque Terre but realised after reading the 'Discover Tuscany' website that I may be able to squeeze in a great deal more sightseeing in Chianti if I can get a reasonable taxi for half a day and completely bypass going back to Florence. Fingers crossed! I'm waiting to hear back from Daniele in Panzano.<br />
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While I wait to hear back from Daniele, feast your eyes on this glorious view of the rolling hills of Chianti.<br />
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<a href="https://italyxp.com/en/tuscany/excursions/small-group-chianti-florence">Source</a><br />
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-71876018747688620492018-05-27T13:08:00.000+10:002018-09-30T09:46:39.611+10:00Mother's Day Poem<br />
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A Love Second to One</div>
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You loved me before I was born,<br />
Wove my body inside your own,<br />
Mended my buttons when they were torn.<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />I never had known<br />A humanly love so overflown.</span></div>
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Comfort in your voice,<br />
In your scent and your warmth<br />
’Tis not a moment or day,<br />
But a lifetime of joy.</div>
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You gave of yourself<br />
What no one could ask,<br />
Your time and self-interest<br />
For my blessing and best.<br />
This was, no doubt, your never-ending quest.</div>
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I remember dearly our endless days<br />
When you baked peanut butter cookies<br />
And I watched, amazed.</div>
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There is but one love, which outstrips yours -<br />
A love more perfect than a human can show.<br />
It is the one everlasting, older than dinosaurs,<br />
The one I know, in part because of you.<br />
His love is greater, I delight in it with you!</div>
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Happy Mother’s day, you loving cuckoo!<br />
I am lucky to say it and I bid you, adieu.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jaidyn-Tyler <i>(Thanks my darling boy xx)</i></span></div>
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-9737380617790402212018-01-31T21:26:00.000+10:002018-01-31T21:40:03.499+10:00Six Days in India<br />
'Six Days in India' is a little snippet of our week in India at Rock High in Hyderbad. Such a privilege to make the film, share this story and highlight how one ministry organisation is changing the lives of India's poor and at risk children.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05VhEhNfz8I">Video link</a> to shortened versionHeart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-29520619871347404942017-10-30T03:43:00.000+10:002017-10-30T03:56:41.215+10:00Sony A7 Mark 2 - Nepal unedited!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd4uoEnaeq0Plu8zZzybA8swNqz0inPeuW-r3V06v5SYYsnE8FHYptXg_mtE8YncQp-iOuPOcnIaPExemZKo28LbwS23sXbwQXqaLC1OwpH19i8kVsD0_DOpytJwL1J9ceny5CuvFIvU/s1600/nepal6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="1600" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd4uoEnaeq0Plu8zZzybA8swNqz0inPeuW-r3V06v5SYYsnE8FHYptXg_mtE8YncQp-iOuPOcnIaPExemZKo28LbwS23sXbwQXqaLC1OwpH19i8kVsD0_DOpytJwL1J9ceny5CuvFIvU/s640/nepal6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Mount Everest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Everest - The tallest peak</td></tr>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-71681241367835260562017-08-30T21:11:00.000+10:002017-08-30T21:12:33.878+10:00Hike to Elabana Falls, Lamington National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXCmIEwnSU06yBmWpOwJ6YrftzmadD6pzbdespgflRS0F8bqBU6tAlVG2PuPxn7PYXZyuAueiXdFjEpjyJ-kNo8GXuzB8UYikSAo4jKNeikISQ2HW4QJtYE7MWgBQjWbbLBcxZOUeQB0/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXCmIEwnSU06yBmWpOwJ6YrftzmadD6pzbdespgflRS0F8bqBU6tAlVG2PuPxn7PYXZyuAueiXdFjEpjyJ-kNo8GXuzB8UYikSAo4jKNeikISQ2HW4QJtYE7MWgBQjWbbLBcxZOUeQB0/s640/image1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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An easy 8k walk out to Elabana Falls and a little rock hopping gets you this spectacular view. This makes five hikes over the last 6 weeks and just a little more ready for a 3 day hike in Nepal next month. We started on the Border track and then took the route to Picnic Rock. Mountain views and ancient trees make this an outstanding place to take in the beauty of nature.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos taken with the Sony A7 M2 and the FE 28-70 mm lens.</td></tr>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-31237379068618046522017-07-31T20:12:00.002+10:002017-07-31T20:12:58.217+10:00Sony E 50 mm 1.8 Lens on the A7 Mark 11While deciding on whether or not I was going to splurge on the sony Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA lens, I tried out the E 50mm F1.8 on my full frame, meant for my A5000 and crop sensor camera. Using the APS-C format on my A7 M11 turned out better than expected. These are all SOOC (Straight our of camera). The last 2 photos were taken with the sony FE 28-70mm OSS lens. Lighting was just magical!<br />
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-85516169500313444382017-06-27T22:04:00.002+10:002017-06-28T00:34:28.378+10:00Sony's E 50mm F1.8 lens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was rather excited to get cracking on using the Sony E 50mm F1.8 lens and to check out its bokeh performance. The lens had been on sale but out of stock, however 3 weeks later I got the call and went in to pick it up. I'm pretty happy with the results of my newest lens for the Sony A5000. These photos have had a few basic colour and contrast adjustments using Sony's Capture One 10. I'm so loving the Sony experience that I couldn't resist the mid year sale and Sony's $200 cash back on the A7 mark 11. Now I just have to work out which Zeiss lens to get while the Sony offer is still available!</span></div>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-71420519441985195372017-05-29T06:12:00.000+10:002017-05-29T06:12:36.648+10:00Slow Shutter on the Sony A5000<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago I had no idea how to use the manual settings on the Sony A5000. My first challenge was getting off Intelligent Auto and shooting a slow shutter speed. As an amateur learning the ropes I love the versatility of the Sony A5000 as an entry level DSLR, even though it is a mirrorless camera and not a DSLR at all! The E mount allows for switching between lenses and loads of options as the world's lightest interchangeable-lens digital camera. As a crop sensor camera it doesn't do too bad and packs a powerful punch for 20.1m. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These photos were taken on the 16-50 power zoom lens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Challenge no. 1 done and dusted!</span></div>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-18005889069449743462017-04-16T12:28:00.001+10:002017-06-28T00:35:28.886+10:00Easter Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8pr7c16m0dr0afcSJRyvqh6PCN8fGCz0oAdS8EvCC-fbTQ187OPS5dIihZGVJ2hcAXOYkmH1ddO0F4rKt_ArMq6p-MoxsoCFmHOtNTlLWGqbdkcSUM991zQ2LdaQn8QRZ3tO2uJGLqY/s1600/communion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8pr7c16m0dr0afcSJRyvqh6PCN8fGCz0oAdS8EvCC-fbTQ187OPS5dIihZGVJ2hcAXOYkmH1ddO0F4rKt_ArMq6p-MoxsoCFmHOtNTlLWGqbdkcSUM991zQ2LdaQn8QRZ3tO2uJGLqY/s640/communion.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And this is our assurance,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">guards were posted at a tomb,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">religious leaders intervened,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">every precaution was take to ensure that what was spoken never came to pass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But no rock, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">no seal, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">no guard, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">no earthly intervention</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">can supersede heavenly declaration,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">nothing can stand in the way of resurrection power, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">NOTHING!</span></div>
Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-17125217797226231062017-03-26T19:23:00.002+10:002017-03-26T19:23:21.904+10:00Decide to be!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXkFMghziqfwkqaUIaVKXvmVO0nHHS61gLWOv-Cl5YMhI0w54Mc4Y2wqfbuARmbvVjBjPCpDZW1rXM02fKY4WPSFq-7HYeSYSHr9lQI8P8pndLWeROktNswHhlUJIL7KNKiEIZUoaXhU/s1600/ralph-waldo-emerson-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXkFMghziqfwkqaUIaVKXvmVO0nHHS61gLWOv-Cl5YMhI0w54Mc4Y2wqfbuARmbvVjBjPCpDZW1rXM02fKY4WPSFq-7HYeSYSHr9lQI8P8pndLWeROktNswHhlUJIL7KNKiEIZUoaXhU/s640/ralph-waldo-emerson-quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Decide to be the person you are destined to become!</i></span></div>
Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-86446492690889242082017-01-29T20:58:00.003+10:002017-01-29T20:58:55.625+10:00Live well<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14sJyVXuIcRehrAEQy7q3eKN4uWJp3zTmsq6wU6BXjFlqg43WRoLLw9Luzl5kryNwan6YURdM9NHjjTh7qO9ZsIGfOXVpi1_iLT25FQqF3Tg55aATZB5FQKXU1Kfl7uxzZo9xdVR5CEM/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14sJyVXuIcRehrAEQy7q3eKN4uWJp3zTmsq6wU6BXjFlqg43WRoLLw9Luzl5kryNwan6YURdM9NHjjTh7qO9ZsIGfOXVpi1_iLT25FQqF3Tg55aATZB5FQKXU1Kfl7uxzZo9xdVR5CEM/s640/images+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-40106631308452775352016-12-21T15:04:00.001+10:002016-12-21T16:10:23.880+10:00Happily Ever After!So I thought today would be a little hard, I've been expecting this day for awhile. Would I feel sad, a little despondent perhaps? I look at this girl in the picture and guess I feel a little reflective because I've learnt a lot. Today marks the day twenty five years ago, that I became this bride. I had dreamed of that day forever! Twenty five years of living and lessons have brought me to this very day. Twenty five amazing years spent raising the greatest two blessings any Mama Bear could wish for and I <i>do</i> count the blessings every day. That day was one of the happiest and best days of my life <i>(Yes, even today) </i>even though I'm now divorced (aahhh, hate that D-word!).<br />
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But here I am, all child-rearing done and dusted and empty-nesting beckoning. I married believing in the fairytale and living my happily ever after. The only thing is, happily ever after ended up looking so very different than I could have ever imagined. Hard years followed but so did happy memories. Happily ever after meant three instead of four. Happily ever after was a heart filled to bursting with little arms that enveloped you and hugs that encircled you. It was mornings of pure delight and butterfly kisses at night. Happily ever after was purpose through pain.<br />
<br />
If you had told me then, on that day, that I would spend ten years building a crumbling marriage, then five years fighting to save it, and finally just trying to survive it, I wouldn't've believed you. Not then, not that day. That day I arrived at the chapel so expectant and full of dreams for the future. The pipe organs chimed out their glorious tune and they signalled everything I was hoping and believing for. I can still hear them today. I began the slow walk down the aisle to a new and brighter future, a future that involved two people committed and devoted to each other, a future that meant sailing off into the sunset and living happily ever after, right? ... Wrrroooong! And oh how wrong I was!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Wait a minute, hold it right there! </span>How does that happen you ask? ... Or perhaps you are thinking, <i>'Where did it all go so wrong? ' </i>These are the questions that plagued me too. Surely if two people love each other enough, anything is truly possible? Yep, that was the biggie! I struggled with this question over many long years.<br />
<br />
Okay, so lets back up a bit. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. SO if I was to tell my twenty year old self a thing or two, I would tell her this, being in love and doing love are entirely different things. A profession of love, means nothing when it is not backed up by doing love, day in and day out. I was naïve. I thought love really would conquer the mountain. I thought a whole lot of love could fill an entire ocean of aching, hurting need. I would tell that twenty-year-old to look carefully at the current behaviour because it is a damn good predictor of the future. I would tell her that aching brokenness can only ever be found in the arms of a loving saviour. No amount of human loving can change a person, if they can't conquer the mountain <i>with</i> you.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time! </i></span><br />
<br />
So why didn't I believe it the first time? Because I thought love was enough. And the truth is love <i>should</i> be enough. But love, <i>real</i> love, is actually doing something, not just saying it. Love is gritty and raw. It is not pie in the sky. It is not just blue skies and summer breezes, although it is that too. It is blustery and time weathered. Love is summer and winter, the sun and the moon. Love is hot and cold. It is valleys and mountaintops.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails'. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7</i></span><br />
<br />
That day, twenty five years ago, as these very words lifted up and out across family and friends gathered in the wooden pews, I didn't know that love would be lost or the path ahead of me would stretch me in impossible ways. That day I thought it would be us against the world. Love wasn't meant to fail. I didn't know that the world would snatch that love right away. Nope, I had no idea of the heartache that was before me, not an inkling of the turmoil that would arrive at my doorstep in those early years. I could NEVER have foreseen how quickly my world would tilt and go off kilter.<br />
<br />
In those last, love-exhausting years I was drowning under the weight of a marriage falling apart, no matter how much loving was dished out. I didn't know that plain ole loving of this hard gritty kind could be so consuming and that it could carve out a big old hole in your heart and soul that felt like you were being dismantled piece by piece.<br />
<br />
<i style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Surviving, not living!</i><br />
<i style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Drowning, not waving!</i><br />
<i style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And when you have done all the loving you can, what then? </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What do you do when love has lost her way? What do you do when love hurts?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You keep on loving, through it all and despite the pain. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And when it falls apart, you pick yourself up and walk the path of love some more, all through a divorce of the gut-wrenching, messy kind, and all through the hard, lonely, single parenting years. You just learn to love on purpose. You practice it, day in, day out.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Because little eyes are watching and little hearts are learning.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But also because you have realised that love actually never fails. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love found you in the most unlikely of places. In the deepest darkest moments, a love so full and breathtaking wrapped you in sweet heavenly arms. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Love was found when all was lost.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> A deep, never-ending, all encompassing spring of LIVING LOVE flooded over desolate terrain seeping into the deepest and darkest recesses. A love so real and tangible AND completely unquestionable was finally found. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And so, a new way of loving was learnt.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i>Love is patient when facing mounting financial costs,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28670A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> love is kind in the face of lawyers, uncertainty and </i></span><i>absent fatherhood. It does not envy </i><i>successful marriages but rejoices with them, it does not boast, it is not proud. </i><i>It does not dishonour your children's father even if it feels warranted and self justified (especially when little hearts are </i><i><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">breaking and you are mad as hell that this is happening). I</span>t is not self-seeking but rather self-sacrificing,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28671C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> it is not </i><i>easily angered when the rules are continually broken,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28671D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> it keeps no record of <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">wrongs and forgiveness is given freely </span></i><i>because little lives are being shaped ... and because it keeps your heart and soul uncluttered. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">L</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">ove does </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">not </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">delight </span>in <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">evil<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28672F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but seeks the truth, pursues the truth, embraces THE TRUTH. I</span></i><i><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">t always protects what you say about their father (because your children are still developing their identity and self-worth), </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">and it looks for </span>the best in everything and every circumstance - there is always a silver lining, somewhere! </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>It<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">always trusts that God has your back (and He does - He is always, always faithful), it </span>always hopes for a better </i><i>day, it always perseveres up the toughest mountain, even on the hardest and most trying of days under the </i><i>most difficult of circumstances. There's always <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">someone </span>worse off than you. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><i>Because little eyes are watching and little hearts are learning.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love really does triumph every time!</span></div>
Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-17663218363011541092016-11-27T17:51:00.001+10:002017-06-28T00:36:00.956+10:00Happy Birthday son!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Birthday son!<br />
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So proud of who you are and who your are becoming. Eighteen years went way too fast. Not sure how we got here, to this moment, but inevitably we did. You really do have to seize each moment and live it fully. You are good at that. You have faced life with fierce determination and every storm with quiet assurance. You measure every moment to the tiniest detail and the intricacies of life with thoughtful precision. There will be times when throwing caution to the wind will be expedient so you can fly by the seat of your pants. Just do it! The world is waiting for you to make your mark. Your future is bright. I love you to the moon and back.<br />
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So, get to it!<br />
xx</div>
Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-21591062574060677862016-10-30T19:49:00.004+10:002016-11-27T18:10:27.727+10:00Well done son!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Logic will take you from A to B but imagination will take you everywhere. ~ Albert Einsteen</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Congratulations to this boy who graduates year 12 in the next few weeks. You have excelled in all that you have put your hand to and I couldn't be prouder! You have persevered with dedication, discipline and determination. The world awaits ... and the sky is the limit, anything is possible with you at the helm! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>May all your dreams come true!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Here are a few messages from your Primary school teachers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Year One</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Year Two and Three</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Year Four</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Year Five</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Year Six</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Year Seven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Love you to the moon and back!</i></span></div>
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And so the year of <a href="http://heartsoulexchange.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/a-year-of-lasts.html">lasts</a> comes to an end!</div>
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-67360436291707409112016-09-27T21:14:00.001+10:002016-12-10T07:47:46.158+10:00They didn't know!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">They tried to bury us, they didn't know we were seeds!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">When the cares of this world weigh heavy,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">when the soul seems burdened beyond belief,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">when your heart has been heaped with pain,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">just rest. Rest in the soil of purpose, the seeds of destiny are biding their time. You WILL flourish again.</span><br />
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-15438628940285957132016-08-29T19:42:00.004+10:002016-08-29T19:54:51.054+10:00The smallest act of kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">There are people who take the heart out of you and then there are those who put it right back! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The smallest act of kindness makes all the difference. Today I am so very grateful for offerings of sweet friendship. Friendship is a beautiful gift. Kindness is in the little things ... it is in the small details of a life lived open and outward focused.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">May we all pause to value the gift of friendship and the wisps of kindness that extend from these kind souls, for without these sweet bonds, life would be intolerable!</span></div>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-74171599734424452912016-07-29T19:38:00.003+10:002016-12-10T07:29:01.638+10:00Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiBWyr55ACVHJ3IFEckrdrZoUBH8FhGxoRfse9ZkuvmV5RGLVGtuGrXo8jKgrT1uMFWh5iS_3bwzAzkFtZR2FN8v0EWVRi00O_ziGXKOifh9TGph6DdwyEx6_Mafyqrc7d5nxeXm2icg/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiBWyr55ACVHJ3IFEckrdrZoUBH8FhGxoRfse9ZkuvmV5RGLVGtuGrXo8jKgrT1uMFWh5iS_3bwzAzkFtZR2FN8v0EWVRi00O_ziGXKOifh9TGph6DdwyEx6_Mafyqrc7d5nxeXm2icg/s640/images.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happiness is found not in the pursuit of selfish ambition, but rather, in the pursuit of a life totally poured out, heart and soul!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my firm conviction.</span></div>
Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-38194623669904772652016-05-28T19:55:00.002+10:002016-12-10T07:45:28.193+10:00Choose, Look, Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49OtSLcTzqYGeOj-ORlEFRYTp4JdxsOfBflXXIFpuxNAzhaDXXUOLL-uDzDDrd-93teU3-q6ljz48WNdj_mFNrQ7KLQQDHodFI3oRdjtGmPkuh-R_XPU5Pt6NU2-brP3NfS6gnXoWwGE/s1600/IMG_5478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49OtSLcTzqYGeOj-ORlEFRYTp4JdxsOfBflXXIFpuxNAzhaDXXUOLL-uDzDDrd-93teU3-q6ljz48WNdj_mFNrQ7KLQQDHodFI3oRdjtGmPkuh-R_XPU5Pt6NU2-brP3NfS6gnXoWwGE/s640/IMG_5478.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">We are confined only by the walls we build around ourselves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">I have discovered that what we see, is firmly entrenched in our outlook. What is your focus?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">We can see the glass half full or half empty, and then, there are those of us who see nothing at all and complain about what is in the glass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;">Shift your focus!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Choose</b></i> to see beauty in everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Look</b></i> for the good everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Love</b></i> on everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>In everything, everywhere, for everyone!</b></span></div>
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<br />Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-13818560549612616722016-04-01T06:04:00.003+10:002016-04-07T21:34:14.265+10:00Pearls of wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDcqkFxUWcLCuF-JV8QXT-k1GHa5hUP1m9F3FTWxr6Fsa-ALSfieTajGRmbzyoxkZVbPzoUzw0iHu4oj3402txv2cr57nXCzwThit8u3Z1aqCt-kNC5m5TMSkui8hUI9TBlkfhwoU5Dg/s1600/Decisions-Determine-Destiny-Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDcqkFxUWcLCuF-JV8QXT-k1GHa5hUP1m9F3FTWxr6Fsa-ALSfieTajGRmbzyoxkZVbPzoUzw0iHu4oj3402txv2cr57nXCzwThit8u3Z1aqCt-kNC5m5TMSkui8hUI9TBlkfhwoU5Dg/s640/Decisions-Determine-Destiny-Quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My twenty year old daughter moved out of home recently. She has been talking about it for a year now. My head was ready for this but my heart faltered. I knew the day was coming, expected it to be difficult, was ready for whatever feelings would swamp me, yet one can <span style="font-size: large;">never</span> fully prepare for how one will actually feel in the moment. It's difficult to explain the angst of letting go. TUG-OF-WAR!<br />
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Why are there no parenting books for parenting your young adult? There really should be some kind of book that helps this transition to adult-independence because it really does feel like you're finding your way in the dark. Your young adult wants you to stop worrying about them but they still do things that keep worrying you. They still keep you up at night! They should know by now that questionable decisions are ALWAYS cause for concern. Please stop making them and I will have no need to worry!<br />
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Every young adult needs to find their own way, and make their own mistakes. It's just really hard to sit on the sidelines and spectate when parenting has been up until now a contact sport. Sitting on the sidelines is really <span style="font-size: large;">really </span>hard after you have been in the game for twenty years and when shouting the game plan from the sidelines results in raised eyebrows <i>(carefully manicured ones at that)</i>, even the most robust of us tend to wither inside. The raised eyebrow is now focused on you! You quickly learn that your pearls of wisdom are better given as rare gifts. Better to give your gifts of wisdom sparingly as remarkable treasure, than to give too many and see them discarded and left unopened. Better to wait to be asked your opinion than to hand out advice not valued or appreciated. Holding my tongue has become a new sport!<br />
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I<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> have learnt </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(by trial and error)</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> that it is expedient for your young adult to learn some things the hard way. These lessons are often the most valuable and never forgotten. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Exp</span>erience is a great teacher and she does a good job. Hence the tongue holding when everything within me wants to direct, persuade or push them in the right direction. How do you explain that the certain amount of worldly expertise you have actually accounts for something. Yes, I do know a thing or two about life having lived it for awhile now!<br />
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The question is, </div>
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'Which <strike>mistakes</strike> decisions do you let them make and which ones do you challenge?'</div>
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Some things are definitely better learnt by experience, like closing your bank account instead of just canceling your bank card when some online hack attempts to take money from your account. Although, had I been asked about this, I would have given my pearls and advised against it. Unfortunately pearls were not sought. <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Whoops</span>, cancelling the <b>whole</b> bank account can be very tricky! We didn't think about the fact that the fortnightly pay might not find its way into the shut account or that transactions being direct debited might attract unwelcome attention. Lesson learnt! Yes, there is value in lessons learnt the hard way and what do you know, suddenly my advice was sought!<br />
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So last night <i>(on an entirely different matter) </i>I sent my twenty year old this quote, <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">'Decisions determine destiny'</span>. </div>
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It was one of those moments when I just needed to press in and not hold back. It was a moment where everything that needed to be said could be summed up in just three words - three simple pearls. I think this will be my new mantra!<br />
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635206775978268123.post-30941515655334743972016-02-29T20:06:00.003+10:002017-06-28T00:38:59.196+10:00The little things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPdUr9lK4MCOkCR-AjcWB0tC6MGARSptgPOXNFdSJtMt-nnsz4n8coILzp9I_uHZWG6F4DcUInAG_DDcWFFHGcJLGkTHv_uzZmz6GEl1inZprlFjbo96peY8hxhUm5Cx0gMFUaIAqbWc/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPdUr9lK4MCOkCR-AjcWB0tC6MGARSptgPOXNFdSJtMt-nnsz4n8coILzp9I_uHZWG6F4DcUInAG_DDcWFFHGcJLGkTHv_uzZmz6GEl1inZprlFjbo96peY8hxhUm5Cx0gMFUaIAqbWc/s640/IMG_0960.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympus FE-340</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realise they were the big things!</span></div>
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Heart n Soulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03233699754317590360noreply@blogger.com