Avatar - 3D

Much has been said about this film, good and bad so I'm keeping this short.

3D - hmmm...I struggled at the beginning (a) I already wear glasses so was a little uncomfortable wearing two pairs (b) I was a tad too close to the screen and (c) I was watching jarheads and computer screens.  My eyes watered profusely at first and I felt a little sick, motion sick.  How was I going to survive three hours of this?  I experimented with glasses, without glasses, 3D glasses, without 3D glasses and nothing helped - grrr....until...

...we arrived in Pandora where I entered into a visual feast.  3D suddenly made sense. The foliage within a fingertips reach, the gorgeous and I mean stunningly gorgeous landscape, not to mention the Avatar's themselves.  Rich and beautiful perhaps even sexy? It was mind blowing and all the struggling at the beginning was worth what I was now experiencing.

The graphics and CGI were incredible and while James Cameron could be considered brilliant I think Weta digital are gobsmackingly brilliant!  They are the brain child behind films such as Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Heavenly Creatures, Jumper, I Robot, X-Men - The last stand and more recently The lovely Bones. 
I don't remember Wellington (at least when I lived there) as having world leaders in creativity - who knew?
And lo and behold - the movie was filmed on location in Hawaii and New Zealand - no surprise there!

A great cast with Aussie's own Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez and the hugely talented Giovanni Ribisi.

Yep, the storyline is nothing new - but then what story is...I didn't feel hit over the head with its message.  It did have one even though some critics say there was no sub text!!!   Hell it even made me cry in one scene, Zoe Saldana is brilliant at stirring the emotions.  I think James Cameron took the beauty of our world and mans destruction of it along with totalitarianism, segregation, and genocide and placed it in a landscape so extraordinary that unlike watching a hard hitting doco we still get the message - put simply: It's about opening your eyes and seeing things clearly.  The importance of how we see things. Living as one with nature, its animals and its people and being respectful of all three.  Ah, if only man would stop fucking it up!!

Midnight Rambler gives this gem: *****

1 Giant Leap - What About Me? TV Trailer Video by 1 Giant Leap - What About Me? - MySpace Video

I have to blog about this because I'm so passionate about this project... Jamie Catto the brainchild behind this amazing film - also part of one of the most brilliant bands/collaboration ever Faithless not only put together a brilliant album 3 or so years ago '1 Giant Leap'.  Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto have done it again and made an audio-visually stunning masterpiece 'What about me?' Click the link below to view the trailer and if you can get your hands on the film you won't regret it. It is available at One World Music


1 Giant Leap - What About Me? TV Trailer Video by 1 Giant Leap - What About Me? - MySpace Video

I made a video...

Well after being so disappointed at not being able to find the song Shine online anywhere I decided to make a film and add it from my own CD collection.  I made it from old stills scanned and of not the greatest quality but the thought was there. Now I feel much happier...

I would've liked more recent photos but they're all still in boxes somewhere or they're too heavy to pull down from high places - so I went through the photos I had in albums and this is what I came up with.

This is my little tribute to my mum and my debut in film making :-)

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance...

Listening to: Wendy Rule - Shine

It's my Mum's anniversary today (11 years).  I miss her still. 

The picture to the left (Mum dancing, Grandma clapping) epitmosises my wonderful memories of my Mum, her laughter, love of music and dance.

I really wanted to play you a song Shine by Wendy Rule, a song I dedicated at Mum's funeral service, a song that I adore and always, always makes me think of her.  But...I cannot find it anywhere on the net for you to listen - so the best I can do is include the lyrics below:  
For you Mum because you shine

You were bound you were lost you were captured

With your infinite soul counting hours

In a web where each thread held a future

And the future holds infinite powers.

You are braver than mythical heroes

You have rescued the child of the dreamland

You have conquered the beast of the shadow

The universe is centred on where you stand.   

Feel the world at your feet

Freedom calls you from time
And all because you shine

You are drinking the nectar divine.

You have broken the rings that hold Saturn

You are shedding the clothes of your sorrow

And the summer is singing its passion

And the universe calls you to follow

Feel the world at your feet

Freedom calls you from time

And all because you shine

You are drinking the nectar divine

~ Wendy Rule ~

My mother, my friend - I will love you until the stars fall from the sky!!

Midnight Rambler signing off...

Missing England and snow

This post is for all my English buddies and for those who have been touched by the magick of England.  And for those who just like a damn good song...Listen here 

Midnight ramblings and tinsel...

Listening to Muse: Uprising

It's that time of year - we're approaching Christmas at a rapid rate that is scaring the shit out of me!  I was going to have a bit of a rant because I have a million mixed feelings about Christmas (well maybe not a million) but you know what I mean...

I'm probably not going to say too much about it all anymore.  I had a wonderful day with my writing group Authoria (website coming) but here's a link to Kat's blog who describes who we are really well...

We had a fabulous pre-Xmas share lunch courtesy of Sharon in her lovely, ambient and energetically peaceful home.  We gathered over yummy food, champagne and hearty laughs and some of us tears...we talked writing, movies, books, publishing, diving, basically everything that ignites our souls collectively and individually.  We read excerpts of our novels and short stories out loud with passion even if it was tinged with a little bit of uncertainty.  Uncertainty because we're still all new at this - new at promoting ourselves but vowing to be brave and let our voices be heard.  And heard we are - hoorah!!  And it's wonderful and exciting to be part of such a special group of women, who are also writers, bloody good writers too.  I'm honoured and stoked to be a part of our journey as Authoria, as women, writing in different genres with different backgrounds yet united.  I can't quite think of a better word - all I know is that none of what we do or have done divides us. There is no prejudices. Our friendships are honest and authentic and formed from our collective love of writing and respect for each other. How special is that?

So my rant about why I don't like and at times hate Christmas no longer seems important.  I've always loved the essence of Christmas, being with people you love, sharing food and wine, perhaps exchanging a small gift, a special gift bought or made with love.  Acknowledging the birth of Jesus and not pandering to a jolly fat man in a red suit and making Westfield's richer, celebrating through friendships and appreciating what we have and not what we don't have. 

Just like the novels we read, December really is the beginning of the end with Christmas the great finale and boxing day the epilogue...The year ended, the book closed and finished and time to begin a new one.  A new chapter, a new beginning, middle and end for 2010 and because it's your story - your journey, you can write into the pages of your life whatever you want it to be.  And even if you don't have control in some of your story because characters turn up unannounced and perhaps even unwanted.  Characters that may bring joy or sadness, ulitmately you are still in control - you are the master of your own story and you can choose your outcome.  Remember, you are the author of your own life - so make 2010 count. 

So in the spirit of Christmas and creating my own ending to this year - I choose friendship, love and laughter, good food and wine, celebration and song.  When you sit down to do your new year's resolution think about them as you would when you plan a novel.  Plot out your year - how do you want 2010 to be?  You can call it a dream board if you wish - it's all the same really.  It about intention and law of attraction and getting back what you put out.  So be discerning and passionate and believe in the power of words and imagery and you will get what you wish for...

Happy holidays!!

SONG OF THE MONTH....

Okay in the spirit of Christmas, thought I should post a song appropriate for this time of year.  Hmmm...I have mixed feelings about Xmas but some of my fond memories have been through great songs. 

My most favourite is probably 'Please come home for Christmas' by The Eagles.  I decided this song wasn't going to be the song of the month though, because while it's my favourite, it makes me cry. 

So hurtling backwards to 1961 here's a fabulous song that was played year after year in our house not to mention all the other Chubby Checker records that followed and lots of 'Twisting' in the lounge room.  For those of you who don't know 'The Twist' is a dance :-)

Play and have some fun.  If you'd like a wackier version have a listen to Billy Idol's rendition...

Peace, joy and Christmas cheer...

End of an era...

Listening to: Groove Amada - SuperStylin'

What a great night I had on Thursday at the QWC (Queensland Writing Centre).  It was their last ever Xmas gig  at Edward Street, Brisbane.  It's exciting times as they move to their new home at the State Library, South Bank, early 2010.   Their new programme for workshops and seminars has been launched - details here

Congratulations to Jenny Stubbs for winning this years Johnno Award.

It is with some sadness that I write this. It was a nostaligic night as we moved from laughter, awards and speeches and into the workshop areas of the QWC to write on the wall for the last time.  But with that sadness comes new beginnings, fresh starts and whole new adventures, opening new doors and embracing change.

It was wonderful to catch up with friends, writing peers and industry professionals, some I see often and others not so often.  And of course meeting new faces.  Either way it all felt like yesterday in a good way.  The energy that filled the room with a bunch of passionate and dedicated writers is a force to be reckoned with.  Any lagging energy I had upon arrival had dissipated within minutes.

I just adore industry nights, workshops, crit groups and the like because I always come away feeling like Wonder Woman, no not in the way that I wear super hero outfits and save the world but in a way that makes me believe anything and everything is achievable.  It doesn't matter that I've complained all week about the lack of time, or sleep, or too much energy spent on things that don't fuel the passion.  Feeling like Wonder Woman makes everything possible. 

I want to write and write and write even though come mid week I will want to sleep and sleep but in between times before I hit the slump I've already put heaps of words on the page and I'm being true to myself again. 

I'm a writer and I need to write.  Write every day.  It's like a drug I can't possibly do without and events like these fuel the passion to keep going for longer each time.  It's exciting, wonderful and I don't ever want to come down!

Thanks to QWC, a wonderful writing community, and wonderful friends, I Love and treasure you all...

Peace...

Midnight rambler signing off.

And the winner is....

Listen here for Sarah Blasko who won best female artist award at the Arias last night. Her album 'As day follows night' and particularly the featured song here speaks to me in volumes and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Sarah is a brilliant artist and her album is fabulous!

I actually missed the ARia's last night as I caught up with a friend. An oldie but a goodie. We have a lot of great history and it was excellent to sit and talk about music, gigs, festivals and great musicians including how bad we play the guitar. Well I should say how badly I play the guitar. We always pick up where we left off which could be a week, months and up until recent times it was years. They are the best kind of friendships don't you think? We forgive each other for our slackness/busyness and pick up the thread like a dropped stitch. If you pick it up freely, easily and with love, these friendships never unravel.

So...back to the Aria's. I'm not sure I missed much - caught the last half hour and gorgeous Rove wore a shirt that seriously sucked and I couldn't take him seriously! Hang on! Can I ever take Rove seriously? Caught Kiwi chick 'Ladyhawke' who picked up an award for Breakthrough ARtist. She rox but needs to reconsider those panda eyes!



And what was with the presenters? Kate Ritche and Gyton Grantley, they just didn't seem to fit but then hey, I did miss practically the entire show and seeing things out of context can have detrimental results. Yes, I'm nitpicking - I guess that's the point I'm trying to make. We often criticise things especially when we see or hear snippets of conversation, whether it be TV programmes, overhearing the distressed mother or dissatisfied wife in a coffee shop and so on...

I'm sure the Aria's was fun and I'm just stoked other great bands like 'Empire of the Sun' picked up so many awards. There were so many great contenders, the lovely Lisa Mitchell, Eskimo Joe, (I was a tad disappointed they didn't pick something up) and too many others to mention here. Click the link above to visit the ARia site for more details...

Rock on to friendship, OZ music and Sarah Blasko!!


Time to stop rambling
Midnight rambler signing off...

Song of the month...

Finally the song of the month. I've been slack...the last song I posted was in June, that's been oooh, almost 5 months! I have a bit of catching up to do or at least keep on top of it from now on. This month I've chosen British India a great garage band from Melbourne which fits in nicely to 'Ausmusic month' currently being featured on Triple J.

Scribbling...

Listening to: Vanilla - British India

Here I am at long last. There's a lot of reasons why I haven't blogged. I'm sure you're familiar with them all: working the second job (you know the one, the one that pays the bills), moving house (yes again!) studying Arabic at IML - UQ and passing my first exam - YAY! business trips for the first job - cons, retreats, meetings :-) as you can see time has been an issue - or lack of for writing, communicating both physically and in cyberspace, updating blogs...

Finally, I get some pockets of time, mostly on the train while travelling to that second job. I make the most of that time by writing like a mad woman with pen in hand scribbling across page after page and if I find another pocket of time I can be found in my downsized office space, amongst the still to be unpacked boxes typing up my indecipherable yet precious words.

I've managed some how to write two short stories, one of which is my first ever vampire story! It was an exciting exploration of a genre I love to read but never been game to write.

If you are finding time to read this then it would be great if you can find time to drop me a line and tell me about your writing progress...blogging is such a great way to stay connected. Note to self: blog more often.

Now...I must go and find my plot outline for the new novel...it's here amongst the books and piles of useless paper with scribbled notes and ideas...I just have to find it!!

Until next time - Ma'Salaama...

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost...

This is a separate post to the song of the month – it’s about music, storytelling and culture and something I wanted to share with you all. If like me, you life is affected and touched by music then this is a must see DVD and definitely a must have CD to add to your collection.


This CD is very rarely off my player – it’s so brilliant. And with the brilliant minds of Jamie Catto from the British dance act Faithless. This is brilliance at its best. Catto has produced numerous Top 10 hits worldwide. His 1 Giant Leap counterpart Duncan Bridgeman has produced and worked with Transvision Vamp, The Eurythmics to name a few...


I Giant Leap travelled to over 25 locations in 20 countries worldwide - Their Mission?

• To celebrate unity through human diversity with musicians, storytellers, film makers, artists and thinkers from all cultures of the world.

View this little snippet into an amazing wonderland of cultures and music. It’s visually spectacular and one of the most incredible albums produced in recent years.

View here click on view DVD and click to stop the music from CD just above it. View in full screen mode for the best appreciation and visit here and here for more info on the project.


Ma’ Salaama :)

From Leftfield...

It’s June already and time for another song!

Leftfield is one of my favourite bands and since June is my birthday month the song I’m going to choose is ‘Afrika Shox’ but the clip is from one of my favourite movies ‘Vanilla Sky’ - seriously brilliant film clip and most brilliant scene and best Tom Cruise movie ever!!

Feel free to leave a comment - about the music, the film, Tom, but most of all I hope you enjoy this as much as I do :)

Hint: Turn this up loud!

One last thing...before zzz's

Finally, I think I’ve figured out this whole ‘subscribe to my blog’ thingy. I’m slowly getting a handle on the whole blog thing and my website will be up and running properly soon – (my project for next week before I knuckle back down to write) I mean write as in books…novels and such like not just blogging.

If you feel like giving it a go, just for the hell of it, hit subscribe to Midnight Rambler... and let me know if you get the updates. I think I’ve finally got it, but hey, I could still have it all wrong.

Time for zzz’s big day tomorrow. Have a terrific weekend everyone.

Mirrors & Mythology

Listening to: 'A book like this' - Angus & Julia Stone

Mirrors – A fantastic, surprising thriller directed by Alexandre Aja of ‘The Hills have Eyes’ fame with Kiefer Sutherland.

I hesitated at borrowing this DVD each time I visited the store. The blurb on the back sounded like a flimsy plotline but about a few weeks ago (yes, I haven’t had time to post before now) I really wanted to watch a thriller and Kiefer always usually entertains me in one way or another.

Well, to my shock, surprise and delight (yes, I’m a little strange) this MA rated medium level violence film turned out to be a full on horror movie! For me that was delightful but for someone who hates horror and just wanted a thriller would’ve been upset or even disturbed. If you fall into the former category then you’ll love this movie!

I haven’t been scared by a movie (you know, the jump in your seat kind, or the look away can’t watch kind) since my teens but this one weaved its evil magic and scared me on more than one occasion. There was one scene that I couldn’t even watch (and it didn’t involve spiders). And by then the theme and plot line had already dug its claws in and I was compelled to finish the movie.

There is a great conclusion, not the Hollywood one I was expecting. I give it 4 ½ stars for unpredictability and for being a superb B grade horror flick.

While it was a fab surprise for me and could be a huge shock to those unprepared, either way it’s a damn good watch and a surprising find. I even recommend watching the extras at the films conclusion, not only is the mythology of Mirrors interesting and fascinating, it takes the scariness of the tale away long enough to sleep :)

The three www's...

Listening to: Inshallah – Eskimo Joe

No, I’m not talking about the worldwide web. I’m talking writing, walking and water and not necessarily in that order.

Finally, after months and months of constant computer issues, from rebuilding hard drives, to faulty motherboards (from a brand new computer) finally it seems to be functioning as it should.

During this time, I managed to pull out large chunks of hair to which I have to wear a hat to hide my sudden baldness eeek! *joking* I lost files, email contacts (if I haven’t contacted you, this is one of the reasons why), short stories, rewrites, photos and so the list goes on… I was in computer hell…

So once computer was back on track I had exactly one week to throw myself into work and meet necessary deadlines. Applying for the ASA mentorship (to which I was unsuccessful) then the preparation for a writing retreat in the hills, critiquing stories for retreat, editing my story for submission, the beginning of a rewrite of first novel while editing the second. Compiling ideas for an 8-12 year old and a YA story, subbing short stories and finishing another YA. No, I’ve only managed to complete some of the tasks – none of it was possible in a week but that week did help me find my rhythm and re-ignite my passion for writing YAY!

My morning walks tied in with morning pages inspired by Julia Cameron and being thrown into the deep end of meeting deadlines has been a worthwhile experience for me. Although some deadlines were missed, I’m still satisfied with my effort, but more importantly I’m writing again. Writing with passion and more determined than ever!

Would love to hear your experience of finding your way back into writing after stopping for whatever reason if you’d like to share :)

Song of the month...

Well it’s not hard to see that I’m way behind with my song of the month – perhaps I should rename this ‘song of the Quarter’

I hope to change this and be more prolific with posting like some other wonderful writer’s I know.

I have chosen a wonderful song called ‘Dog Days’ by Florence and the Machine Since we are now moving into winter – it’s a pretty pertinent song – don’t you think?

Dog Days

Definition: These are the hottest and most unhealthy days of the year. Also known as Canicular Days, the name derives from the Dog Star, Sirius. The traditional timing of Dog Days is the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11, coinciding with the heliacal (at sunrise) rising of Sirius. For us in the Southern Hemisphere it is usually between January and early March.

Enjoy

Friday 13th, Cats and the Full Moon...

Listening to: Live on Earth – The Cat Empire

This is what I really want to blog about – not sucky computers that don’t work! I’ve been trying to blog this since Friday 13th. Could the new/full moon have something to do with this? Lately, I’ve been a bit down and this past week have been inflicted with violent headaches that eventually turned to a migraine grrr…

It’s easy to feel glum and pissed off at the world when things like this are happening – but seeing The Cat Empire play LIVE for the 5th time since 2003 (they’ve been around for years playing the Melbourne circuit) but of course living in Brisbane I hadn’t the good fortune of knowing this until their first self titled album in 2003. Anyway, a damn good dose of the Cats…LIVE fixed me. Well almost. Yes, the violent headache turned to a migraine and it’s still blipping away at my temples as I write this. Yes, I still feel pissed at the world (well not always - just sometimes) but NOT so glum.

I’m a writer with a PASSION to write, a PASSION to put bum on seat and churn out story after story even though of late I’ve been struggling to find that magick – until Friday 13th. Who would’ve thought Black Friday at the Tivoli would deliver positive magick and happy vibes. I watched these guyz. I drank them up, their music, their energy (Harry knows how to raise the energy) he’s a natural born chanter :)

Most of all I witnessed their PASSION as I’ve done so many times before. The Cat Empire literally glow on stage. They have oodles of PASSION in what they do and it shows one thousand fold. This is what I learned as I danced and sang in my tiny spot of the otherworldly charming venue: Write, dance, sing, whatever – but most of all LIVE WITH PASSION! for living with PASSION ignites the soul.
Put simply: Life without PASSION is no life at all!!

Rock on!

Click here to watch 'Two Shoes' - a fabulous black and white clip filmed in Cuba 2006.

IRRITATED

Listening to: Invaders must Die - The Prodigy

Pretty annoyed with cyberspace and computers right now. Facebook is totally in your face! Myspace is a pain in the arse to operate and friggin slow...what the...or is it my computer? Lost USB ports again! So no saving of files for back up's, no access to saved files, no downloading of pix from camera, no updating of music to MP3 and worst of all no access to printer! I've had it with computers...I'm fed up and going to bed!

Sunny Afternoon...

Hiya people...

Well it's March already and time for a new blog but that might have to wait until the weekend before you'll get any updates. In the meantime - it's that time again.

Time for a new song for the month. This month I've chosen a song by my favourite OZ band singing a fabulous number by a very classic band. One that I had the pleasure of listening to and rocking out to in real time back in the sixties :) Rocking out back then mean't either dancing the 'go go' or the 'twist'. Now that's a whole other post!

On the triple J website there are two areas to listen to. If you want to hear the version of this song and not the interview click on the play symbol in the bigger window. Yep, the one with gorgeous Felix at the microphone. Enjoy and tell me what you think of this version....

Post Clarion and other musings...

Listening to: Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

I want to share Chris Lynch's latest blog on his experience at Clarion as it resonates so much with me and I found it extremely thought provoking. His three lessons really hit home for me particularly the third lesson as I found Chris’s depiction of Clarion spot on. It was an intensive time with some serious intensive learning and I feel privileged to have had such an amazing opportunity to work with such talented people. Just look at the achievements of Clarion, the ‘class of 2007’ that Chris has posted on his blog.

After reading Chris’s blog, I ask myself where am I two years on? My lessons don't feel anywhere near as profound as Chris, but I do know after having returned from Egypt that travel and writing go hand in hand for me. It’s almost as though I can’t have one without the other. Well, I guess I can but let’s say that travel, especially to third world countries truly inspire me and it seems I have all kinds of stories I want to tell from all kinds of perspective/angles from any one of my experiences.

I’ve sent a lot of short fiction and novels out since Clarion 2007 and last year I was pretty stoked to receive an honourable mention from Writers of the future for a story I wrote at Clarion. That list of subs and rejections was topped off today by my rejection slip from Interfictions so that pretty much puts everything I sent out as being sent back. Encouraging rejections, but rejections nevertheless. Not much point in getting down about it. I slump with disappointment for about 2 seconds these days as I’ve been rejected many more times than published, as it is for most writers. I’ve been doing the submitting, rejections, published gauntlet for over twenty years now – you kind of get used to it LOL.

But hey, it’s kinda nice to get swept up in the joy of having a story accepted once in a while. Aaah, I wait with keen anticipation… Oh wait, I guess I need to send out more stories… Now, there’s a mission for next month :)

Midnight rambler signing off…

New Song...

It's February already and time for a new 'song of the month'. If you missed last month's head on over to the song archives.

Enjoy :)

To know the road ahead, ask those coming back. ~Chinese proverb~

Listening to: Roots n all – Triple J

I haven’t posted since my return from Egypt and quite frankly I’ve had nothing to say – well at least I’ve felt like I’ve had nothing to say (surprising to some I’m sure, ahem). So many things happened on my return that it’s taken me this long to process what has happened and my reactions to them. Now, I feel I have some head space to say something. Attending the Aurealis awards on Saturday night had something to do with that. So good to reconnect with some very special people. And HUGE congrats to all the winners and nominees. Let’s not forget the nominees, having your work nominated is confirmation that these are amazing writers worthy of an award. And of course let’s not forget everyone else who was published in the past year but not nominated. Should we be offering them commiserations or still a big congrats for getting their work out there? I think I will go with the latter. I feel lighter and stronger for having these amazing people in my life. For all the award winners and nominees check it out here

So…to get back to having something to say – or perhaps more appropriate, having something I WANT to say. On my walk today the ocean was tumultuous, murky – a bit of a reflection of not so much my mood but my direction in life. My journey personally and as a writer. A journey that will no doubt take a different direction in the coming months/years. I’m at a crossroads – just what path will I take? Interesting times we live in. I returned to a global recession, which is bound to have an impact on all of us in one way or another.

On my walk I found myself so lost in thought and the murky depths of the ocean waves crashing against the rocks that I had walked much farther than I had planned. It is so amazing to be so lost in thought sometimes, even though I try to live in the moment, but for that moment I was. I was lost in nowhere space and it felt nice, comforting and creative.

In this moment of being ‘lost in nowhere space’ I was sort of in the past as well – no it was more like a ‘living in the moment’ kind of realisation. Never before have I found a place in the world I feel like I totally belong until now! I’ve travelled wide and far and don’t usually like to return to the same place time and time again (with the exception of Thailand). Even great hols in Australia – I like to see new places and experience new things. So this is a bit of a mind bend for me to realise that my heart belongs in the Middle East. I knew I always loved it, having spent a month in Egypt in 1991 and lived in Israel for 6 months near the Gaza strip (sad stuff that’s going on and has been going on for years) may peace be upon the region soon. I thought perhaps going back this time I would feel differently but now after this visit my feelings and thoughts are even more intense. Two months travelling Egypt and Jordan has made me question everything! From Islam, living in the East versus the West, third world countries and so on…

It’s difficult for me being back in Australia in so many ways. I have and am still going through some severe Ozzie culture shock, but for now there isn’t a lot I can do about it (it takes $$ to travel) but accept, and acknowledge my feelings, desires and the part I play in my OWN life. My life can be anything I want it to be, I can make my desires a reality. I have choices and that is magickal and important and I don’t take any of it for granted. So in the meantime while we go on this journey of an economic downturn I choose to immerse myself into my writing and make the commitment to be a better, stronger writer. Enjoy the journey with its ups and downs and learn from my peers and other writers. And as they say: ‘It’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey.’

So here’s to all of us on our personal and professional journey’s whatever they might be – May 2009 be a year of reflection, doing and achieving and perhaps even some soul searching. I made my New Year’s resolution and so far am adhering to it: ‘To honour and nurture my spirit.’

What resolutions have you made and are you sticking to them?

Midnight rambler signing off...Salaam Alaykum

Song of the month

Listening to: Kings of Leon

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Apologies for not posting sooner...Australia Day is almost over and I've been home for 28 days...more on that later. For now, enjoy the new 'song of the month'. It was a hot favourite of mine for last year and came in at No: 1 on the Triple J hottest 100 and deservedly so. I pretty much thought the Kings of Leon or the Presets would nab the number 1 position. The presets did very well with two hot numbers in the top 10. YAY for Australian music! A great day was had filled with great music. Enjoy :)