Author: Amanda Viviers

Place: UNOH community centre

Poison: Mango Lassey

Favourite Things: Too many things all of them thai!

Okay so I know its been forever since I have blogged, but give me a break, i wish I had more time to write.

So, last night and today has been amazing, stressful, scary, inspiring, creative and a blast.

The stories are too long to tell right now, but they are crazy. we have spent the day working with an amazing organisation called ‘URBAN NEIGHBOURS OF HOPE’ who live and work in the Khlong Toey slums in Bangkok Thailand.

They are amazing people who live and breath inspiration, with a fresh perspective on love. Today we together created creative stations, where the children come to this oasis in the midst of much chaos.

We collected costumes for the children here who are doing a big christmas concert and brought 4 dance teachers in to work with the children on their dancing.

We slept in the slum last night, finding peace and security in the midst of fireworks, a suspected house fire, a bashing, a gang fight and vegemite on toast.

More stories to tell, crazy keyboards to use. On my way to the Golden triangle tomorrow and will write more.

I promise kymbo.

AMPS

Place: Mums House

Poison: Long Black

Favourite Things: Writing Granma’s Christmas Letter

Whilst doing research for Granma’s Christmas letter, she sends out to all her friends, I found this short history of where Christmas actually came from.

For those interested:

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

 

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.
In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.

So basically it was the time of year that people loved to celebrate in, then after the Birth of Christ it became the time of year Christians celebrated his birth.

To today when most people celebrate Christmas, even though christians and non christians alike don’t even know why.

Smile.

Humanity.

Love it!

A

PLace: My Office

Poison: Cold and flu tab’s

Favourite Things: rediscovered ear rings.

Today I picked up and starting reading a book called ‘Hare Brain:Tortoise Mind, How intelligence increases when you think less!’

It intrigued me, right from the starting line. I have not finished it yet, but I had to share some of its thoughts as it is really blowing my mind.

John Cleese wrote of the book ‘The essential guide to creative thinking!’

Only active thinking is regarded as productive in our society. Sitting gazing absently in your office or out of a classroom window is regarded of no value. Yet many of those whom our society regards as creative icons have spent much of their time doing nothing.

Some of my best ideas, rumenate in my heart and head for hours before I even have the ability to give any sort of shape or form to them. Yet I find myself staring at my watch, and clicking my tonigue in disgust when someone cannot give me an immediate answer.

To tap into the stream that unlocks creative expression, one must dare to wait.

In a world full of impatience, do we have enough character and self control to allow ideas, thoughts and wisdom to come through waiting.

I am sure more Gold will come from this book.

Standby, I fear this hare is about to be slapped in the face by a tortoise.

I need to slow down, to unlock the creativity and inspiration that is awaiting discovery.

A

Place: My Office

Poison: Diet Coke

Favourite Things: The holiday soundtrack

Things have been a little, no more than that, hugely stretching lately. More than once this week I have driven home blankly wondering what I did because the day was just so huge.

So, tonight whilst reading something, I was reminded that it is my choice to recapture joy in the little things.

Too often we view life as a series and difficult activity. Just minutes ago whilst watching the news I actually burst into tears because of the heaviness and craziness of the picture painted in the nightly news!

Tuning into the good not the bad, remembering fine moments rather than the tragic ones, really is just a choice.

Create a fun fridge, covered in all the photo’s of you favourite people.

Clean something out, from your wardrobe, to your shed, to your kitchen cuboards or to your fridge, guarenteed feel good mechanism.

Shop for Christmas tree ornaments

(our christmas photo for our volunteers from the events department)

Go for a walk in a beautiful area (beach, park, bush, whatever just get out)

Play your favourite CD or buy a new one, I brought The Holiday soundtrack. GOLD!

Go skinny dipping

Give yourself a beauty treatment

Hire a horse driven carriage and go through a part of your city you don’t normally.

Just do something small to recapture the joy!

Go on, I know you want too.

Amps

Place: Staff Meeting

Poison: Long Black

Favourite Things: Big weekend tatoo’s!

Well, yesterday was my bday and I was very spoilt! but mostly I enjoyed spending time with my nearest and dearest in rockingham last night.

Friendships are so much more important than most things in this world. Yesterday people loved me from all over the world, and I was so blessed. From love packages that arrived from LA, from forwarded phone calls from London, to facebook messages and gifts from Japan, Gold Coast and Perth, to a blog message from Chile.

The present that made me gasp, late last night when I arrived home was the travel mug decorated with pic’s of all my mates, made with love from Kym Rolle. I have it with me in our staff meeting right now, and I so felt the love!

Celebrating life is all aboiut those who you celebrate with…

Who are you celebrating this week.

Loving aplenty from this 31 year old.

Your 31st is the new 21st!

yeha!!!

A