Sunday 28 July 2013

Week 3 Readers seek asylum in AWR

This week one AWR reader requested that I write on the topic of Asylum seekers, since it's a big issue in Australia at the moment I decided to take on the huge task of attacking a topic that confronts many people in Australia and indeed other nations. I hope you like the finished project...feel free to comment.


Week 3- World seeks asylum from inner hatred #rawwrites
You are worthy. You are loved. You are no more significant than the next person.

These simple things are concepts that the world has lost. We can try and label Australia as being the only country with serious border issues but we would be being naive. We would also be naive if we neglected what underpins an individuals ideology seeking asylum in our country- the basic needs to feel safe, have clothing, water, food and shelter. It's really not asking much of our leaders. But is it that simple?

Currently the Australian Government has an epic task on their hands to decide how the 'boat people' as their so disgracefully known, will be dealt with. No government has been successful at it to date, none probably will (considering its complexity) and no level headed Australian can suggest one party is more successful than the next. The reality is our service men and women have a better idea of the truth of who we let enter the country then we are lead to know. Even still they assist these people.

Politicians tasks are difficult, they are not a popularity contest despite what media and society in general promotes them to be. A great politician considers his or her people with no regard for the criticism they receive because their purpose exists beyond selfish means. It will mean some people won't like what they do or say, but ultimately if they are liked entirely for what they do the question begs, what have they actually done?

Asylum seekers are seeking refuge from the painful things that bind them in their own countries. Corrupt governments, military, police; racial and religious wars that are entrenched based on the notion that one person's life is more valuable than the next. It is not. You only need to comment that a family should forgive the person who murdered their loved one for their severe shortcomings and your an enemy of the state; current society. What happened to developing a belief that difference is valuable, forgiveness soul replenishing and naivety destructive?

This is not bound to one generation either. Parents tell their children, sort it out with a fight boys; treat them like this back because they don't deserve any better. Races tell other races that they are better because of their knowledge never recognising that if we collaborated we would be the wealthiest beings the world has ever had; because of knowledge.

The task of turning people away from your country is difficult, but whether people are turned away or accepted does not change the fact that people will do whatever they must to get their basic needs. Ultimately it is not a question of to accept a person into a country or not, it is the inability for individuals to see the basic concept that all are equal. Get that right in our own countries and our own backyards and the demand for somewhere greater will be removed.

That is not an Australian issue that is a worldwide issue and its not about asylum it's about respect for human life and decency.


-If you like this original post written by Julia Trask, please share the link with them. Alternatively go to A Written Revolution's Facebook page & get liking!

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Confessions of a house sitter


Slide open the curtains, peer through to the scenery as you lie in crisp bed sheets rested in a house on top of a hill. As the sun hits noon, the heat warms the skin and makes the Jacuzzi seated on the deck even more appealing then in the early hours of the morning. The golden retrievers walk around the edge of the spa wagging their tails in excitement for the fact that they have company, ball clenched tightly in their jaws ever ready for a game of fetch. This description is an image of just one day with one client's pets in their home, it is the answer to the frequently asked Friday question...

What do you do on a weekend? Common place question asked by a host of people on your average Friday. But still I find that when people ask me what I do on weekends and find out that I house sit they get excited and quietly start planning their holiday away from home. Little do they know, their home becomes a sweet little oasis of freedom and a chance to make a dream a reality if for just a weekend at a time.

For several years now I have been wanting to get a dog, it has become even more apparent after I lost my precious dog Samantha 1 week before I was due to return to Australia from the UK. Combine that with my desire to own a home (despite not having the funds because I'm putting adventure first) and you've got a 'Faux Pad' complete with pet.

For the last year I have been house sitting in my local area and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The first time I wasn't unsure about how I felt about it all, but I grew to love it quickly. Saving up for travel living with the olds & using house sitting to earn extra cash on top of my 'real job' and all the while getting to 'own' someone else's pet feels just as good as having my own minus the mass responsibility.

Since beginning house sitting I have experienced both highs and lows of the job. My first client lost one of her dogs to old age and it felt like I was losing Sam all over again. But I was kidding myself if I thought I wasn't going to get attached to other people's animals. In the high moments I have seen babies walk for the first time, taught dogs new tricks, met some fabulous people, but most of all I love how happy people become knowing their pets are safe whilst they are travelling. Its the perfect win- win situation.

 It probably wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone then that at this point in time I am house sitting and when this house sit is over, I have yet another house sit. I enjoy the variety of pets and clients- especially getting to know the different family dynamics. It's also super lovely when you're greeted by a pooch who is ecstatic to see you. So whilst I enjoy lavish perks that some of my client's houses offer the best is still in the company of man's best- the dog.

Monday 22 July 2013

My Liebster acceptance questions answered!

 

It’s been a while coming, a few months ago I was nominated for a Liebster blogging award for little blogs that grab people’s attention, it’s a kind of pay it forward process and something of which I felt quite privileged to be listed as a part of somebody else’s list. Since then however I have been meaning to answer some questions as part of acceptance of this award, so I have finally done it. Here we go…


  Questions for my nominees

1. How do you normally find new blogs to read?


I find blogs through Pinterest, Google plus and a lovely little blogging community Aussie Blogs to Love- which is growing exponentially. I also find blogs when I’m just looking for something specifically through google (eg; travel ideas/tips etc).  I typically follow smaller blogs like mine; it feels great to support fresh new talent in the blogging world.

2. What's your preferred leisure activity when you have a spare hour to yourself?

An hour to myself- singing around the house or more recently at the beach, bare feet in the sand & with no regard for the public.
 

3. What's your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure would be head to toe pampering sessions at the local beauty salon. Guilty? Because it’s ridiculously expensive to get everything done. Cheaper guilty pleasure- bath tub, bottle of wine, acoustic playlist.



4. When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in January this year (2013). The reason I started was to have a means of getting my writing out in the world and hopefully start getting known for what I love doing. I was significantly encouraged by a publisher I met in Cork, Ireland to get my work out there in as many means as possible, so I followed his advice., albeit about 6 months later and still with nervousness about my website illiteracy. However, A Written Revolution is also very much something that is just for me; achieving little goals like new readers, comments and nominations are just an awesome bonus!


 5. What's in your handbag?

Wallet, glasses, memorabilia from my late Grandmother, lipstick, tissues, water, mints, camera, pen, paper.

6. Name your three desert island albums or movies.

My acoustic playlist, Remember the Titans and Amazing Grace.


7. What philosophy do you live by?

Don’t care what people think, do what you want to do and be happy about doing it. Never reject experiences for things & remember when life gets dodgy remember that everything happens for a good reason.


8. Are you doing your dream job? If not, what is it?

I don’t think I’m doing my dream job, but I know that I am good at my job and I’m making a difference. Plus it pays the bills & my dream job typically doesn't have a great track record for financial stability. My dream job would be singing acoustic covers and originals in a lounge bar with a grand piano and an acoustic Fender as accompaniment, as a supplement to a writing career.


9. Favourite item of clothing?

Probably cute hats & sweet accessories. I guess that’s not clothing though hey- but they do completely change clothing.


10. Favourite apps or programs for blogging/photography?

My favourite apps for photography are Instagram and Instaframe. I also enjoy using the Blogger app on my iPhone as well, gives a bit more freedom- however the layout never turns out as well as I would like.

11. Describe your last 'aha' or 'forehead slap' moment.

I was telling my brother recently of some great little ‘firsts’ I had accomplished on my holidays, first time I had been to a zombie film, first time I’d eaten Turkish and then he asked ‘so you’ve never had a kebab? They’re Turkish food.’ Yeh, total aha moment. Like my family and good friends say, ‘She’s very intelligent but sometimes I really wonder if there’s anything there, I guess something’s gotta give.’ Got to love the old backwards compliment. Hahaha.

Saturday 20 July 2013

Week 3 Topic #rawwrites #project

So as you know week 3 of the Raw Writes project requires the readers of A Written Revolution to post what topic they would like me to write to. So hit me with it! If there is a large list, I will complete all of the suggestions, so no one feels left out. Please keep in mind- inappropriate suggestions will be disregarded. I doubt you will suggest anything of the kind, but its the net & I'm covering all bases.

Thanks for your suggestions & I hope you are enjoying your writing! xo

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Travelling Freedom!

One random morning when I was living in Greenwich, London I looked around the streets, up at the old church and through to the Greenwich marketplace and sighed 'wow'. It was that pivotal moment that months of planning, saving and nights in, lead to. I remember happily weeping at the joy I experienced knowing that I'd successfully made Greenwich my home. I had truly fallen in love with the place, the new culture, new creature comforts I had developed and people I had met. It is this kind of moment that I am now looking forward to enjoying again.



Prior to leaving for the UK I really had no idea on what to expect. Books and webpages will tell you things but nothing beats having a first hand experience for yourself. I continuously surprised myself with the ability to get out of my comfort zone on many occasions; it was a kind of selfish discovery of which I am utterly convinced I am a better person for. So this time round and now having seen parts of Austria, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Abu Dhabi (albeit with extreme jetlag) and with my previous experiences of cruising Vanuatu and New Caledonia I feel a little more equipped for what's next. And yes, I've become super pleased to share my 'great finds' with other travellers.

So what are my tips for travelling:
 
  • If moving to another country definitely read up on all the important things like emergency care, health etc & register with appropriate authorities; but especially expect banking to be vastly different (even in 'first world' countries) and budget as well as you can for it. Use cash more than cards, debit cards won't necessarily show the transactions you make till 2weeks after you have bought something. Any refunds? Don't expect the money for approximately 5 days. Australian banking is super quick- you will find out how spoilt we are when we go abroad- but the best part is that it takes you back to using cash and thinking in advance about putting your money to what you love the most on your trip.

 
  • PLAN where you want to travel before you go. I thought there would be nothing greater than winging some of it, however you are left with too many options. Once you get to Europe you'll realise exactly how cheap travel is and how close the neighbouring countries lie. You may find yourself spending lots of spending money on food and entertainment in places that aren't your top priority just because you love travel- save your cash.
  • This may contradict the previous one, but do NOT book flights/trips through your home country for Europe, use Expedia.com, TNT Travel & all the other various discounted trip companies- your money will go further!

  • Soak up CULTURE, HISTORY and everything that is UNIQUE about where you travel. Everyone loves the countries they were born in (typically) however it would be an injustice to the beauty of the world to travel with eyes wide shut.
  •  VOUCHERS, VOUCHERS, VOUCHERS...many places have travel cards for a  day/weekend. These are by far the best choice to make when it comes to transport around a city you aren't familiar with, you will pay more if you buy a ticket for each ride. Also, at some train stations you'll find 2for1 vouchers- USE THEM! At London Bridge, Paddington, Waterloo & Victoria stations you'll find booklets that include tours of football stadiums, high teas, day trips to the English countryside, discounted entry to palaces and more. For the London vouchers its a matter of paying for your train ride to and from the venue and showing your receipt, but it still always costs less than a full admission to sightseeing paradise.
  •  Buy the transport applications for the areas you are going to. Then once you have them on the screen of your smart phone take a snapshot & save it to your camera roll. This way regardless of signal you can map your next stop.


  • Budget what you think you'll need for your trip & then DOUBLE it. It might sound crazy but it's better than having travel & debt blues when you land back on home soil.
  • Use lastminute.com, expedia.com, tripadvisor.com to reduce costs. As well you can't go past the most authentic experience you'll every receive... AirBnb (airbnb.com). AirBnb is a company that operates across a host of different nations and brings back the tradition of old school bed and breakfast. You will stay with locals in their own homes and be informed of places to see, eat or indeed...places not worth your worry. Truly the greatest business concept going! If you stay with people in Ireland, like I did, you'll be sure to have a merry time!
  • My best and most important tip: Don't wait for people to travel with. Travelling alone is not scary, it is highly rewarding. The nature of life is, everyone is busy- it would be an epic shame to be waiting for someone when your circumstances change rendering you unable to go. Don't let anyone hold you back; as Nike says...Just do it! 
 
 

 

Tuesday 16 July 2013

Topic writing- what to choose?

books

Topic Writing


At times we involve ourselves in projects that require us to write to topics, like the Everyday in May project I completed earlier this year. When we have a very specific topic it can become hard to identify ways to enthral an audience, especially if we know hundreds of others are writing to the very same topics. So what is the best way to write to topics? I have compiled a wee list of suggestions to nail topic writing.

  • On a monthly project have a look at the topics and decide what the overall mood of the topics are- choose which ones you are going to add comical colouring to, make sure there is enough variation between the different days.
  • Think about the topic based on the idiosyncrasies that exist between people and situations involved around that particular topic. For example: If your writing topic is 'luxury' you could always write a piece on how the avid luxury traveller becomes confronted by the flip flops of a lastminute.com guru mid Sheraton experience.
  • Think of different ways to present the writing. Can you create a quote or image that is just as effective as a paragraph of work?
  • Research images on the topic (some of us admittedly don't have the ability to witness the topics we are required to write about) to get the juices flowing. You'll create a mental Rolodex of descriptors that will cohesively connect your thoughts together in a clever piece of writing. My suggested place to go...Pinterest.
  • Be brave. Sometimes people react the most to hearing about YOU. If that means sharing with your audience some inside information let them in. After all, people will read what they connect with and nothing could be more real than yourself!
I hope you find these tips helpful. Please do share any others you have found useful. What's the good of knowledge if we aren't sharing it anyway?
Emotions

Monday 15 July 2013

The 2nd week #rawwrites

It's been a while, apologies for the mass break in between posts- turns out that its way harder to alter most things about what's going on in your world whilst trying to complete a project you designed. Either way, I am back on track. You will DEFINITELY have the next 4 weeks straight up- one today, another next Monday and well...I think you get the drift! Hope you like. And that you haven enjoyed your #rawwrites project

Week 2

 
 Photo: Week 2- the raw writes project; your wishes. #rawwrites

Sunday 14 July 2013

What's new & next?

50 Business Quotes

Well its definitely true that things happen when you are happily busy. The last little while I've improved my diet, responded to body alerts to 'take it easy' and got my self acquainted with new people that are now part of life's little circles. There's been travel, adventure travel plans altered due to weather, first birthday celebrations and a new job. A hectic yet lovely ride. I'm so pleased that what I managed to get down on paper and napkins can now make its way to the blog!

How brilliant is it to start something new? It doesn't matter what it is, it always gives you a fresh beginning; it is definitely as good as a holiday! On Monday I entered my new office, clear shelves and desk and immediately I was a buzz with all the opportunities you have to decorate it differently, make it my own space, a total reflection of who I am.

Each day we should wake up and rejoice in the Lord, knowing He has chosen us and equipped us to do what He says we can do.

It's probably no big surprise that a big part of me has been my travelling experiences, living in London and learning about different cultures. I miss it immensely. I am lucky to say that since nailing down, having bare bones weekends of enjoying the free joys like the beach and focussing on fitness I have finally got myself into a position to think seriously about travel again (I also have to thank my new job stability for that!). It is such a nice feeling, living in debt, yeh totally not fun- but do I regret it for the experiences I had? Hell no! So the question is...where to?

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer

I have made a list of itineraries (I love that sort of stuff- whether its for me or others) and now its up to sitting down and nutting it out! With budget book, Lonely Planet, previous experience and a couple of magazines to widen my mind to places I may have not thought about yet- I'm feeling excited about that next chapter!

Oh o. Something's happening :D #love #travel #live