Pizza Boy

6:30am:

My alarm goes off

‘I’m not up for work today’

I call and tell my boss

 

I roll over and go back to sleep

11am:

I hear my phone beep

It’s the psychologist’s office returning my call

‘This week we can’t get you an appointment at all’

9am Monday is the earliest timeslot

But when you’re depressed, four days seems a lot

 

11:30am:

Still lying in bed

Negative thoughts taking over

Like clouds in my head

 

12am midday:

I walk to the shower

Clutching my towel, crying,

Trying not to fall over

Although not visible, I’m hurting inside

Wondering whether this feeling will ever subside

 

1pm:

My friend sends a text

‘How are you going?’

I send her one next

She calls me, we talk,

I cry and she listens

I tell her, ‘I don’t see the point of existence’

 

2pm:

Haven’t eaten all day

Order two pizzas to be on their way

 

2:40pm:

The doorbell rings

I look for my wallet in my big mess of things

Go downstairs, open the door

Take the boxes of pizza and place them on the floor

 

As I give him the cash,

We both ask the question:

“How has your day been?’

With a caring expression

 

‘I asked first,’ he says with a smile

I tell him I’m sick, a little white lie

 

He tells me he hopes I have a good day,

And I think to myself as he walks away

Pizza boy brought me more than just a margherita

He gave me just what I needed along with my pizza




 

♪ ♬ Sunshine... on my window...makes me happy...♫

 

When my brother was born, my parents planted a white Camellia tree at the side of their house, and when I was born they planted a pink one next to it. What a beautiful act so many years ago that still brings joy.

 

Needless to say, I love these flowers :)  

 

Little reminders that can help in a big way...

 

 

Hero Board

One of my first posts here on the Pretty Inspired Blog was about the power of creating a vision board. During a conversation about a recent mind-blowingly fun experience I had that was on said vision board, a friend of mine suggested I also create a hero board. 'What's that?' I asked.  

 

The purpose of a hero board is to work in conjunction with your vision board, so you not only strive to achieve your set goals and visualise and plan for good things to come in the future, but you can also look back on and feel proud of what you have already worked hard to achieve. It can also remind you of past moments you made happen that brought you joy or made you feel alive.

 

I have placed my hero board on the same wall as my vision board, either side of my computer desk, so I can be reminded daily of past moments I made happen that brought me joy and made me feel alive! It may look a little empty right now, but don't you worry, I'll change that!

For You, My Friend

I know it's so so hard

To believe that it's true

When your world feels so dark

You don't know how to get through

But those beautiful moments,

They're worth living for

You will feel them again

Like you've felt them before

When you stay in the car

To hear the last of the song

Your favourite tune on the radio

You haven't heard in so long

When the sun pokes out

Through the clouds in the sky

and shines down on the earth

As the birds fly on by

When you score a good goal

For you and your team

That winning feeling

You can't help but beam

When you laugh so hard

Your cheeks start to hurt

With the girl that you like

It's good fun to flirt

When one of your friends

Goes out of their way

To call for a chat and ask,

'How was your day?'

For however long it takes

For you to feel these things again

I will be here for you,

As your loyal friend

 

MOJO

Used in a sentence: 'To get one's mojo back.'

13 points!

Potted Polyanthus Prettiness!

 

 

 

Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unexpected of places. In this case, it was the supermarket! On an otherwise unexciting trip to Coles, I was drawn to these colourful, vibrant Polyanthus plants on display. I knew straight away what I planned to do with them and where I wanted to put them. Re-potted and placed either side of the front door, they would help to make the space feel more warm and welcoming.  

 

I lack patience and appreciate immediacy, so choosing my favourite colours of the pretty flowers on display to buy on the spot instead of growing seeds and having to wait weeks to see them pleased me greatly - instant joy! I left the supermarket smiling, I was feeling pretty damn happy with the pretty little purchases in my trolley.

 

I then sourced my modern long grey pots from Bunnings and got to work, with help and know-how from my Dad and my boyfriend. Dad tells me my Grandpa was always happier when he had a thumb in the dirt.

FACT: Gardening can help you live longer!

Polyanthus are perennial, so there's a good chance these plant babies will grace me with their presence next year too! Now I love coming home to such a beautiful bright front entrance.

 

 

Mexican Sand Art Terrarium

This was a fun little project!

I wanted to make my own terrarium, seeing as the craze has taken off again big time recently. But I wanted to make one with a twist, so I blended the idea of sand art and a terrarium together, and the idea came to me like a lightbulb moment to put a mini sombrero on top of the cacti, to add a little Mexican character!

Colouring sand is super easy, all you need is food colouring. Put as much sand as you want in a shallow baking tray and add the food colouring, then mix it with a fork and leave to dry. No need to add water to the mix (tried this and then realised it was an unnecessary step that just made it harder to retain the colour).

I already have some more sand art ideas floating around in my head, watch this space!

Zumba, I found you (again)!

 

We all know it. As well as a good diet, we need regular to exercise to stay healthy. So why does it sometimes feel so hard?

My thought is this: there is too much focus on the word 'exercise', and not enough emphasis on the word 'FUN!' If you think of exercise as something you have to do, rather than something you want to do, you will continue to have the struggle with your own mind each time as to whether you even go in the first place. All of us have felt it at some stage. The feeling of not wanting to go, not wanting to start. Wanting to stay in bed in the morning or lie on the couch all night. I get it and oh I have felt it too!

It is not always as simple as to Just Do It (sorry Nike, I love you otherwise). You have to want to do it. If someone were to tell me I need to exercise more, my next move would most likely not be to go and put on my joggers. It's like when someone tells you to calm down when you're angry. Yep, it has the opposite effect! It has to come from you.

For a period of time, I recently stopped exercising almost altogether. I felt flat and unmotivated. Of course there were external contributing factors, it wasn't just about physical fitness. But I needed a boost to get me back into action. What I was doing wasn't working, so I had to try something else. Something fun. That something else was Zumba (you've all seen the infomercials, and maybe you've even bought the DVD, but I much prefer a class to dancing at home by myself)! I have done it before and loved it before, but not for quite a while.

So the first step was finding a good class. My googling lead me to the website Ditch The Workout, Join The Party, where you can search for and find a class near you.

The second step was breaking the cycle of seeing movement as something I didn't want to do. That first class back was really not easy. I was just going through the movements, hoping for adrenaline or endorphins to kick in like I know they had before during a Zumba class. The reason for this is you actually have to re-train your brain to think positively. I got lucky and found an amazing instructor with such a positive aura (Angelina at Northside Fitness Centre in Dickson). She is bubbly, upbeat, fun, wears inspirational tank tops and is always smiling! I had a feeling this class was the one to help get me moving again. I made a pact to myself that I would go again the following week, knowing the hard part was over and I would probably enjoy it more next time, as I had done in the past... and I did! 

The third step was adding the class I now think of as Get up and Dance Fridays into my weekly routine. What has kept me going back every week? The feeling of pure joy and euphoria that I now experience every time I go. I look forward to that time of the week when I can dance and feel free (and also negative thought- free!).

Finding the right kind of movement that you actually enjoy will have you excited to get there, feeling good while  you do it and you will leave feeling better than when you arrived.

This can also change over time. Something that worked for you this month may not work for you next month. I personally get bored easily so mixing it up ever so slightly is key. Do what you feel like doing, whether it be dancing, bike ride, lifting weights, yoga, team sports, running, jogging, surfing, swimming, skipping, rock climbing, hiking, you name it!

Do what works for YOU!

(Photo) Adventure Time!

 

'These boots are made for photo adventures, and that's just what they'll do...' ♪ ♫

 

We're Coming!

  

 

 

Our work on hold,

Our feet off the ground

Time to change our money

From dollars to pounds

 

Say our farewells,

But not our goodbyes

We'll be back in a few months

Mum please don't cry!

 

Adventure time begins

The unknown awaits

It's time to explore...

...and make some new mates!

 

A few weeks in,

My heart is so happy

The thought of life back home

Just seems crappy!

 

New languages, currencies,

People and food

I never knew experiences

Could be quite this good

 

Ate paella in Spain,

Went paragliding in Switzerland

Travelled to so many countries

After beginning in England 

 

Island hopping in Greece

A month into the trip

To break up the cities

We jump on a big ship

 

Made a bucket list in Italy

Of things I want to do

Had conversations that inspired me

To keep living the life I want to

 

Saw a show at the Moulin Rouge,

Walked all over Rome

It's been the most fun I've ever had

But now it's time to go home

 

A suntan, souvenirs

and my travel diary 

Along with unforgettable memories

To take home with me

 

Travel has lit up my soul

and opened my mind

To experience more of this word

So I'm not just confined

 

To a life of just bills,

Work and no play

To ordinary years,

Months, weeks and days

 

So it's time to book another trip

To look forward to next year

Central and South America, we're coming!

Now that's a good reason to cheer :)

 

 

 

 

Books, Books, Books, They're Very Useful Things...

Ok, so I'm no Oprah, (what with her book club, power and millions of dollars) but I sure love a good book discovery!

 

This week I have been especially grateful for my current read to accompany me in bed while I get over the flu. As there is many of us under the weather in Canberra at this time of year, I thought I'd put together a list of my favourite books I've ever read. 

 

I personally like to read a serious book followed by a funny book to mix it up, and continue along this pattern when choosing which book to read next. When I find a book that is both serious and funny, I feel like I've hit the book jackpot!

 

I can highly recommend the following line up to keep your mind preoccupied until you get better...

 

 

Room by Emma Donoghue: The first chapter will have you scratching your head. I had to re-read the pages over and over to grasp what was going on. A fictional story told through the eyes of a very young boy. I desperately want to tell you what happens, but I won't. Truly brilliant writing.

 

Fat, Forty and Fired and Overworked and Underlaid also by Nigel Marsh: I met Nigel at a conference a few years ago (he was guest speaker). A fellow attendee raved about his first book and how it changed her attitude to work/life balance when she truly needed it. Warning: You may want to quit your job after reading these books. But Nigel has also realised the need for BALANCE, not just one extreme either way. Also just as funny as their titles suggest!

 

Love Your Sister by Connie and Samuel Johnson: A life changing campaign for this brother and sister team to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. I can't recommend this book highly enough, as detailed in a previous blog post of mine earlier this year.

 

Bang Bang and Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me and Uganda Be Kidding Me by Chelsea Handler: Chelsea's shenanigans (btw best word ever) as a comedian and TV host of Chelsea Lately. I don't know how to say it other than she is disgustingly funny.

 

Beautiful by Katie Piper: The true story of how Katie endured a truly horrific acid attack, and fought to inspire millions with her spirit to increase awareness about burns victims. 

 

Drink Smoke Pass Out by Judith Lucy: I love a book about a comedian's  path to becoming successful, reading about that one show they did in the early days with one person  in the audience, to where they are now.  A spiritual journey for Judith here, but don't worry, her dry wit is still very present.

 

My Story (A Child Called It, The Lost Boy and A Man Named Dave) by Dave Pelzer: One man's honest recollection of his childhood abuse, his escape from him the torture and how it has affected him later in life as a father.

 

Yes Please by Amy Poeler: You’ve been living under a rock if you haven't been won over by Amy Poeler yet. But I will recommend her book nonetheless, as it didn’t disappoint.

 

 

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusac: An amazingly well written and captivating book that tells the story of World War II through the eyes of a young German girl who realises the power of the written word. A MUST read!

It’s Not You, Geography, It’s Me by Kristy Chambers: Kristy’s personal experience as to what it’s like when the black dog decides to join you on your travels (uninvited, how rude). I admire Kristy for writing this book, and thank her for showing us that humour can sometimes be found in the darkest of places.

 

Nineteen Minutes and The Pact by Jodi Piccoult: I've read many a Jodi Piccoult book, but these two stand out as my favourites. Piccoult is known for her big twists, and the last pages of these books sure will leave you shocked.

 

Tomorrow, When The War Began series and sequel series The Ellie Chronicles by John Marsden: Like many young Aussies, I read these books as part of English class in High School. I became a fan of the series and re-them numerous times. Marsden knows how to write for teenagers, about teenagers.

 

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan: I read Marina's title essay online (it went viral, read it here) and was blown away. Thought-provoking words  from a young college girl with undeniable potential, who was tragically killed in a car accident just days after graduation. These are her essays.

 

 The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion: Charming, funny and memorable, there is no other like main character Don Tillman. Just try not to like him, I dare you.

 

Happy reading! :)  

 

 

 

 

Set Me Free

(A message to my imagination, written at 4am):

 

Set me free from these nightmares

So my torment can end

I know they are preparing me

For when the sun descends

 

But do I really need to remember them?

 

Night after night

No rest for the wicked

This Nightmare Disorder

Means my dreams are so vivid

 

Don't bother me later,

Don't bother me now

Please let me just rest

When I lay my head down

 

So disturbed by the images,
Exhaustingly intense

So much confusion,

They so rarely make sense

 

Scared from their threats,

Their disturbing scenes

Like the most horrific movies

I'd never want to see

 

Imagination, please leave me

(Just not during the day!)

I've had more than enough,

Please nightmares go away!

 

I need you when I draw,

When I photograph and read

You help me to create beautiful things

For the world to stop and see

 

But tonight I need you to please set me free

Tonight, the night after, and the night after that

I desperately need restful sleep

Or at least let me peacefully nap!

 

I won't ask for much more,

I just want this one wish

So my sleep time can once again

Be time that I cherish

  

 



'Without the rain, there would be no rainbow'

 

 

 

 

I often buy cards with no particular person/occasion in mind... then end up keeping them for myself because I like them so much and can't bear to give them away!

 

Sometimes you just know you will appreciate it more than anyone else :)

Budding Passion for Floristry!

 

With the passion to learn how to make pretty flower arrangements and bouquets, I signed up for a two- part course at Jamison Flower School. With no knowledge of how to arrange and care for flowers, it was the perfect class for beginners. By the end of the first class I was keen to practice my newly learnt skills at home. By the end of the second class I felt confident I had learnt the basics, and eager to learn more!

I am on the call list for the more advanced class which is soon to be announced, I can't wait!

Here are just a few tips and tricks I have learnt (although I would highly recommend doing a class yourself to learn hands- on, the floristry teacher and horticulturalist are very knowledgeable and very patient!):

• Your vase should be filled with 1/3 of water.
• The water needs to be changed every 2-3 days.
• Remove the leaves of the flowers and foliage that will end up below the water line, as they contaminate the vase water and look unattractive.
• To make an arrangement, hold your thumb and middle finger together to make a circle, then cross stems through the middle, holding very loosely.
• Start with foliage, then add a focal flower to the middle, then keep adding your other flowers, creating a curved dome shape. Always use odd numbers.
• Add more foliage to the outside if necessary.
• When you are happy, check where the flowers will sit in the vase, and cut the stems accordingly.
• Be careful not to cut too much, remember you can always cut more!
• Cut stems individually and on an angle, so they can absorb more water.
• Stems should not touch the bottom of the vase.
• To make a bouquet (as opposed to an arrangement), once you have removed the leaves, spiral the flower stems in one direction instead of using the crossing technique.

 

So whether it's cutting flowers from your garden or a friends, buying stems from the florist, or buying a bouquet from the supermarket and rearranging them how you like, give it a try and brighten up your home!

 

For whoever sees them, it might just brighten up their mood too!

 

25 Words or Less

Recently I was asked to 'Tell us about yourself in 25 words or less' to apply for an exciting new experience. Quite the challenge, I thought. But an interesting little task.

Here is what I came up with:
 
Wanderluster, photographer, book obsessed, ice-cream enthusiast, right brain, first on the dance floor, chaser of sunshine, adventure, that perfect wave and that perfect light!


What 25 words would you use to describe yourself?

Succulent Sunset

 

Loveliness on my balcony at sunset one evening...

 

What I love about this space is that when the sun comes out, it is just so warm and inviting.

 

 

 

Again (see previous Chamelion Cacti post) I chose a brightly coloured box from ISHKA http://www.ishka.com.au/ for my new succulent to live in.

 

All they need to survive and thrive is a lot of sun and a just a little water!

Custom- designed Glow In The Dark Sticker

As the big kid I often am, I was looking everywhere for a company that makes cool glow in the dark stickers. There was none in the shops, so I went online. I found a company called Dezign with a Z http://www.dezignwithaz.com/, who take orders for custom designed glow stickers. So I sent them this moon face and stars drawing I did last year, and they made it into a glow in the dark sticker for me...  so cool!

 

 

I love the result! It was too tricky for them to include the fine detail seen in the original drawing, but I am happy with it otherwise, and although I am not able to get a photo that shows the full effect, I can tell you it glows beautifully! The perfect addition to my bedroom ceiling :)

2015 Artwork

I drew this picture on the first day of the year. I coloured this picture today, nearly three months later. That's how scared I was of ruining it!

Sick Day Feels

 

He stayed until midday,

my caring boyfriend

Brought me breakfast from the cafe,

and we snuggled in bed.

 

I coughed, sneezed, and felt pretty gross

But still, my morning time friend stayed close.

 

The big hand struck 12,

and the little one too

He had to leave,

had things to do.

 

So me and flu will hang out today

Not doing much, just passing the day

With blankets, warmth,

and a hot chai latte.

 

 

Love Your Sister and Camp Quality

Love Your Sister, love this book! My brother gave me this book for my birthday and it has been one of those life changing reads that will stay with me forever.

This book is co- written by brother and sister team Connie and Samuel Johnson, after Samuel embarked on and finished the longest unicycle ride in the world around Australia to raise awareness 'Don't fall into the booby trap' and funds (over $1.8 million raised) for breast cancer. At the age of 33, sister Connie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. This was Connie's third cancer diagnosis, after being diagnosed with cancer at age 12 and 22.

Connie herself talks about going through her childhood friend she met in the hospital dying, her struggle with bullying at school while going through chemo and losing her hair, and now her worry for her children's future - Connie and Samuel's mother committed suicide when they were very young, so they have very little memory of her- will Connie's children grow up knowing anything about their mother?

Although there were times I had to put this book down and have a break, as the writing is extremely honest and really tears at your heartstrings, it is also one of the most uplifting and inspiring stories I have ever heard. What inspired me so much about this story was how this huge campaign changed Connie's life, and how she changed Sam's. Sam's zest for life was re- discovered while doing this unicycle ride. As a celebrity (I watched him on the Secret Life of Us as a teenager), he previously struggled to trust people, often feeling people were just after his money, and became deeply unhappy, also dealing with loss and suffering from bipolar disorder.

Connie asked Sam for the biggest favour of his/her life. To ride a unicycle for over 100km every day for a year, then each evening attended fund raising events in over 150 towns around the country. He ticked things off Connie's bucket list on the way, and partook in dares to raise money such as eating a live huntsman spider, to dressing up in an outfit specifically from Fyshwick in Canberra (woohoo Canberra!). Although Sam was himself left poor after the 3 years total of unemployment and full-time devotion to the Love Your Sister campaign, after meeting so many generous, everyday people and experiencing countless priceless moments, he spent many a night on the road wondering how he deserved such riches.

In Sam's words: 'This is about life, it's about finding meaning in the madness, it's about making something positive out of something negative, it's a happy story.'

I love this book, I love this story. I urge you to read it. It has inspired me to register as a volunteer for Camp Quality. Connie spoke in the book about how much she appreciated being able to go to these camps when she was younger, as she felt safe in the knowledge that the other kids at the camps understood and accepted her illness. I can't wait to hopefully be a part of brightening some young lives just a little with 'Fun therapy'.

To register as a volunteer, visit the website: http://www.campquality.org.au/public/how-you-can-help/volunteer.aspx

The Girl with the Rainbow Umbrella

The girl with the rainbow umbrella

Has more to her story

If you ask she will tell you

Her shield, her armour

Her camouflage, her barrier

With her umbrella in hand

She steps out puddles

Without her umbrella

Her mind is just muddled

The spring in her step

Doesn’t come easily

In her world

It rains almost daily

So until the sun appears once again

She will keep her umbrella

In the hope that

It doesn’t stay winter forever

For The Love of Beautiful Things

 

 

In Absolutely Beautiful Things, designer Anna Spiro shares secrets from her life in decorating, gives practical details on how to work with pattern and colour, and provides a room-by-room guide to furniture choice.With Anna's help, you'll find beauty in unexpected places, see your old belongings in a new light, and have the confidence to put together a layered and very individual home using elements you love.

This book has inspired me very much. I've recently taken an interest in interior decorating, and get so excited for my next purchase or project, and finding that perfect piece. 'OMG, cushions/textures/that colour!!!' I have thought to myself with glee on more than one occasion. I get more excited to go to a homewares store than I ever used to think would be possible, and I can get quite obsessive. When I fall in love, I do it completely and entirely. Once I see a piece I love, it has to be mine (within reason of course). I believe your best china, so to speak, should not be left on the shelf for when Julia Morris comes to visit (hilarious Aussie comedian I would love to have for dinner). Use them often and appreciate them often.

What I have learnt from Anna Spiro: Not everything in your home must match. 'Mix inexpensive with expensive, modern with antique; timber with metal; objects with different heights; the rough with the refined. The contrast will create a wonderful, eclectic and purely individual style in your home.'

My favourite quote from the book: 'Your house is a self- portrait of you. The greatest compliment you can receive is if someone walks in and says, this house is so you.'

Here is a selection of some of my own beautiful things (photos taken by myself)...

Hand- painted box: ISHKA
Hand- painted vase: Decoria Homewares

Hand- painted candle holder and jewellery tree: ISHKA



Hand- painted bowls and plate: Decoria Homewares

 

Wall stickers: Top Bargain

Maxwell & Williams Birds of Australia mugs: Sauvage Urbain

Tallboy and bedside tables: Harvey Norman

 

Cushions: ISHKA, Decoria Homewares

Key hook: House
 

 

 

 

Mosaic candle holders: Bed Bath N' Table

Mosaic lamp: Project Lighting

 

Matching teapot and teacup: Tree of Life