A foreign exchange

So, here we are again. We must stop meeting like this. Too many late nights and thoughtful moments for our own good. Alas, here we are and we might as well make the most of it.


I've been thinking: Nepal is one helluva good escape from life. I mean how can leaving everyone and everything you know for 2 months not change things. If there was ever a way to forget, move on, appreciate, acknowledge, or make decisions about life, away from all you know sounds like the dandiest place to do it! In a foreign country, with new people and a new culture surrounding you, why not try and escape? Oh that might be because the one things that transcends distance, countries, cultures and people is your attitude. I'd love nothing more than to leave Australia with a good life, and return to a nicely 180 degree, Donna Hay, fluffy sponge cake life that is beyond magnificent and all thugs acceptable by the CWA.


Shame it is then, that I have the ability to make tomorrow a better day for myself just by choosing to do so. Jetting away would be so much more fun and exciting, but I suppose sometimes you just gotta do what you've just gotta do even when you don't feel like doing it. Bring on Nepal and all it's goods and bads, in all it's glory and misery. I'm sure by the end it will have seen my best an worst. I hope it brings me the dreams I'm forever chasing, but I know it's also up to me to keep on running hard and fast to reach them.


All I can say is, sometimes having insight into a situation is more painful than biting your own tongue and releasing blood. However it's definitely better for you ;)


Until next time amigos
Xx






So please forgive my little pessimistic moment. We all have them, I know, but you weren't obliged to hear it out

Hope... a fickle word.

So late last night I began the arduous task of cutting out pieces of my favourite fabric to make a small quilt to take with me to Nepal. Now I say 'arduous' because I like the end product, but not the actual effort involved in making it. It's truly evident when you look at it, it's not very good. Anyhow, I'm sure a piece of home will be welcomed as the days go on. The blanket is slightly sentimental in quite a daggy and selfish way. When I have been asked to make an item, I often give the client the final choice on what fabric they would like me to use. Frequently I have strange people that trust my judgement, but for those that don't, there are a few who choose my favourite fabrics. Now, to be a favourit fabric of mine is no easy feat. I have hundreds of pieces of fabric, and have only around 10 loves. If Big Brother had his watchful eye on me and deep voice surrounding me, he would be awfully concerned to see that I need a moment, or even several before I cut the fabric and give it away. Sometimes even shed a tear. Why? Because in it I assign hope that is attached to history. Some designs remind me of my grandmother, who, in my mind, is second only to Jesus. We share uncanny similarities and I wonder what she would've made with the fabric, if I make her proud, or if she has beaten Aunty June at poker yet. Simultaneously I find myself thinking about how I'd like to incorporate the fabric design into my wedding, how my children will be wearing an item I have made from the fabric for them, how my garden will be just as beautiful and as rich as the flowers imprinted upon the cotton, and how, when I'm old, I'll be able to give my loved material possessions, in every literal sense of the word, to someone I love and treasure.

Now I don't pride myself on being a thoughtful person. Frankly, if you have half a brain, and you can think, then you are a thoughtful person. However I do admit to stumbling upon evenings such as these where this is nothing that can resolve my 'situation' as I like to call it, but to write. I will promise you that this will all relate back to Nepal in some way or another, but be prepared for a round trip that takes 3,295 days on the road with flat tyres, hitch-hikers and can't-be-passed-up-because-they-need-to-be-surfed-with-a-piece-of-cardboard sand dunes!

It's said evening that remind my of my dream book. Its a gloriously handmade book from somewhere in the beautiful wide world, that has hidiously penned marks throughout it that are simple attempts of a young woman to convey hope and remind herself of the train tracks ahead. I will also admit to being scared to look at the pages in the beginning. I wonder if the person who penned those pages was out of her mind, in a state of complete faith, or me? Rereading those pages makes me tear up just like I do in the last 10 minutes of watching The Notebook. Written infront of me is all I've ever wanted. None of it is unattainable, but that's what makes it beautiful. There is beauty in simplicity and beauty is individual. Someone else may want more than I, but that is more than ok.

I learnt something pivitol to my life the other day. That is that hope can range from mere wishing to a strong desire for something. While faith is hoping for something, but a step further in that we are atiently waiting for it to arrive. So, I still have hope for the days ahead. Hope is apart of faith, they are borther. But I have FAITH that what is penned in my dream book will be fulfilled. They are in God's hands now because I have asked. All is left to do is wait, because I believe.

The amazing thing is that not only can I see glimpses of some dreams down the tracks of my life, but some have already come and gone in their full glory.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living Ps 27:13

So namaste, and keep believing.
Yours sincerely,
xx

P.S. Thanks to Ms Adele and Mr Mayer for accompanying me during this time

New years resolutions

So, I'm sitting here wearing the latest gear I scored today in preparation for Nepal. It's not much, just a jacket and gloves. Snow ones that is. But no, it won't be snowing where I am in the valley, just damn cold. A bit like Tasmania I think. I'm so excited I'm typing this one handed so I can experience the luxuriousness of this glove. Did I mention the gloves and jacket match? AWESOME!


If only you could see me now. Even I'll admit I look like an idiot.


I had an epiphany today. Maybe that's exaggerating it a bit. Anyway, I had a 'recollection' (for better use of the word) that my 2011 New Years resolution was to buy a kyak and go for the biggest paddle down the Nepean River. Nothin' fancy, but something I've wanted to do for a long time. However, four months into 2011, Nepal happened. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) not the country, but the idea of the trip. This means my little university student and nursing finances became as tight as size 6 hot pants on a rugby player. Not much room for freedom. To put it into perspective, the price of an average quality kyak could pay for a one way airfare to Kathmandu, my spending money for the 7 weeks, or about 4 of the best paragliding trips in the country.


Now I'm not the kind of person to change my mind about something I want to do (admittedly that's a good AND bad thing). I'm not one for excuses, to quit or run the other way. On this occassion I have made some self adjustments. Where I am staying is at the base of a wad of mountains, in a valley, covered with beautiful lakes. Real postcard style scenery. What goes on lakes? Kyaks, canoes and paddle boats baby!!! Best part is that it's the dry season and the sky is clear, so perfect boating weather.


Consider the problem resolved. Now, yes, it will be 2012 when I fulfill my 2011 resolution, but I'm sure the sky won't fall in just because of me, so I can rest easy! I might very well fulfill 10 years worth of resolutions while I'm there. Who knows. I'll keep you posted.


Now it's time for me to take this glove off. Typing one handed is a tough gig.
Over and out
xx