The Last Day of July 2006..

I really can't believe it's the last day in July. I passed a remark to P the other day saying that we are now on the downhill slide to Christmas. I have decided to think differently now. We are always on the gracefilled journey to eternity. Jeff Lucas told me this morning to take one day at a time - never rush life - don't worry about tomorrow and trust God for the future. How much I needed to hear those words!!


I took this photo of my beautiful new daphne plant last year on the first day of Spring. It has now grown so much that it is producing flowers - oh how I waited for this! I love the scent of beautiful daphne in a garden and promised myself that I would have one in my own garden when I was older. These little moments of beauty must be treasured. I waited and didn't worry - I trusted that in time the plant would grow and produce flowers. Aren't we all waiting to become a beauty and forgetting that the inner transformation is occurring in our hearts each day.

Just my little moment of introspection. Thanks.

M.

My Amazing Friend Megan Says...

It's not always good.

I feel sad. Sad that there again is war in the Middle East. Sad that the world is not at peace. Sad that innocent people are dying - women, children, the elderly, are dying because of where they live. On Ch 9 news last night, they showed a reporter come very close to the bombings and he ran and took shelter in an aged care home. The look on the faces of those elderly residents moved me to cry for them. The confusion, desperation and fear in their eyes. These people who have lived long lives and just want to see there last few years out peacefully. They were to old, to fragile, to be evacuated, so they wait. Wait for the end - whatever that may be - death, peace, ceasefire. Who knows? Their world has been destroyed. I feel so removed from all this turmoil, on the other side of the world. I'm in my own little world here, safe and secure. It doesn't really affect me at all. But it should. And it has. I will not stop turning off the news because there are those who are living this news first hand. I will not stop praying that peace will come to the Middle East and the freedom and love will ultimately win over. How grateful I am to live in such a blessed country.

My Response (Marina)
I can definitely agree with this Megs. I have been listening to 774 ABC to and from uni and work each day. Each morning I am moved to tears over all of this fighting. I saw an image in the Age which completely astounded me - that of a small girl drawing on a warhead. She drew messages of hatred for her enemy and pride in her 'side' of the war. For these children they know of only war and bombs. At uni I am learning how to get students interested in maths..how for apart can the worlds be? I pray for the children - that they may see peace and know kindness in their lives. You are an amazing person who doesn't let life simply pass you by, always remember that you have people who are also grateful for you.

Love M.

Just Precious

I am trying to add photos tonight. I have tried this before and it hasn't worked. Oh well - technology has never been my thing...hang on here it is! My two beautiful boys!! My Peter & my nephew Andrew.

How fast time flies..waiting for photos to upload or is it download...who knows!

Just heard a very interesting piece of information. Aparantly Mozart composed 'Twinkle, twinkle little star' at the age of 15. Does anyone know if that is a fact - I heard it on good authority.

P.S I have heard that 'The Screwtape Letters' is just as good as 'The Taming of the Shrew'. What do you think?


Thanks,

M.

It's Never Too Late to Make New Friends...Just Don't Forget the Old Ones!

Today I made a new friend.

Her name is Naomi (funny the same name as my sister) and she is amazing. She is in her third year of Primary Teaching studies like me but is returning to study after a time of deferrment for getting married and travelling to Africa. Conversation flowed so freely we both commented on how it felt we had been friends for years. I have spent one day walking across Deakin and sitting in a cafe having lunch with just the sort of person to lift you on a difficult day and listen when you are a bit down. You know when you meet someone who reminds you of yourself a few years ago and is struggling with the same things - well here she is! I felt like a big sister, friend and confidant all rolled into one. She grew up in 'the church'. I don't know where her faith lies now but she said she was drawn to me...just exactly what that means, I don't know. There are a lot of I don't know's...but I am willing to see just where God leads this friendship.

Her husband is also a teacher, and sounds just like Peter - kind, generous with time and funny. Can't wait to meet him too.

Anyway, isn't it amazing how a day that started out fairly sad can end very well.

As an aside - on the way home today from uni I called my best friend. She was there exactly where and when I needed some important chocolate advice...you know who you are - I love you heaps!!!

Thanks for an amazing day God.

M.

I'm Most Grateful

You know it's not everyday you find a friend who cares enough to update your blog! Megs, you know I love these photos of Peter & I at Bruce's party and had a ball dressing up - plus it seems that P's hair has recovered!

I'm really tired still after a Sunday afternoon snooze on the couch as the dreary rain and hail made it's presence known on our tin roof. Reminds me of Nora Jones...The fire crackling away - a perfect time to contemplate life and art.

Which reminds me, I have almost defined my concept for Visual Art studies this semester. The imagined destination for me is the actual location of my home. As Gaston Bachelard says in 'The Poetics of Space': "Memories are motionless, and the more securely they are fixed in space, the sounder they are."

I suppose I should take a few photos of my paintings and put them on here...just so you all can see what I spend my 'free' time doing.

Next time.


M.

They're sitting on my couch...

Hey guys,

Again I am getting used to the technical world. Hello to all those (how presumptuous) people reading this and being very proud of me. You must know me well. At the moment my fingers are recovering from all the suds in the kitchen sink...we just celebrated Christmas in July Olinda style. This means of course it was a real Christmas - freezing weather and a hot roaring fire in the background. Graeme brought the decorations, Megs brought the great food and Peter swung from a tree assembling the fairy lights. How beautiful. We ate till too full, drank yummy punch and laughed under the Christmas tree watching the sparkley lights. I won't forget tonight and all the fun. P, G and M are now sitting on my couch after teaching me how to upload, download, html, etc - but I still don't know really what I am doing.

I really need to get into a cosy bed and snooze for a whole night - any spelling mistakes please excuse and pray for a great sleep!

Talk again soon,

M.

Hey there Bloggers!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to think, write and actually respond to life in this space. Often I find I am incessantly chatting to friends and family about issues I don't understand and things I dond know about. I want to stop that and become more real...this is where it shall begin. So hold on, it will be an interesting ride.

Thanks,
Marina