A Reason, Season or Lifetime

People come into your life for a REASON, a SEASON or a LIFETIME and when you are mindful of which one it is, you will know what you can do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have conveyed.

• They’ve come to assist you through your struggle and offer direction and support.
• To help you physically, emotionally or spiritually, where they are a godsend to your aid.
• They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to a close, without any fault on your part.

Sometimes they decease. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they take action that will force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need is satisfied,

our desire fulfilled, their job is done.

The prayer you sent above has been answered

and now it is time to move forward.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, develop or learn.

• They provide a sensation of pleasure or make you laugh.
• They may teach you something you have never experienced.
• They usually deliver an unbelievable amount of happiness.
• Believe it to be real, but only for a season. 

LIFETIME relationships will teach you lifetime lessons; 

• There are things you must build upon to establish a solid emotional foundation.
• Your job is to accept the lesson. 
• Love and accept the person.
• Place whatever you’ve learned to practice in all relationships and areas of your life.
• It is said that love is blind, but friendship is intuitive.

Rosie

My Dear Rosie: 18th Dec 1995 – 4th Jan 2010

Rosie

Thinking of you Rosie, as my eyes well up with tears

We lost our little sweetheart of more than fourteen years

Your name was chosen from the flower “the rose” and it’s true

This beautiful flower in any garden will only remind me of you.

The day we brought you home, you dazzled us from the start

Your gentle nature and cheerful spirit sure did melt my heart

Watching you waddle from behind was just the cutest sight

One leg was entirely black and the other completely white.

Determined to get inside the house, it wasn’t long before

You figured it out by walking back, against the sliding door
Dancing on your back legs wearing a tutu and hair in a bow

You won 1st prize for “best trick” one year at Busselton Show.

Even though we can no longer touch, we’ll never be apart

The memories and the love we shared will stay within my heart

The house seems quiet and empty, now that you have gone

But I know you are all well again, happy, pain free and strong.

Playing in Rainbow Bridge, green grass and skies so blue

Running with all the other dogs, including Candy too

One day, you will both look up and get a big surprise

For I’ll be there with arms wide open looking into your eyes.

First Written: 5th January 2010

Awakening the Goddess Within

Namaste

Recently I attended Tara's True Nature “Goddess Awakening” Transformation Class, specifically created for women.

The class began with a basic philosophical briefing on the origins of goddesses - women and their instinctive strong feminine influences, forever bringing sustained peace and love across the lands.

Gradually since those ancient times, women have lost much influence in maintaining the peace and harmony the world needs, due to the empowerment of the masculine rule.

Sadly over time we have also disconnected with the goddess within and have merely conformed to doing what is expected of us and often feel we are taken for granted and doubt our worth.

Though I am grateful and take pride in being a mother, grandmother and friend and so on, sometimes work, worries and stresses of my daily life leave me feeling tired, drained and I forget who I am. I’m sure a lot of women can identify with me.

Tara’s classes allowed me to awaken the goddess within me, appreciate and love myself for the strong, intelligent and caring woman I am. Through this class, I gained a better understanding of my real self, my worth and realised that I need and deserve time out for myself without feeling guilty.

Gentle feminine yoga stretches, poses and salute to the moon, followed by a deep and sensual meditation that we practiced during the class ultimately left me feeling spiritually uplifted, strong and physically relaxed with a clear and peaceful mind.

I never thought how special and important I really was until I attended this transformation class. Tara’s unique way of explaining and guiding me to identify and tune into my own needs, has prompted me to be kinder and attentive to myself. It makes sense, for if I neglect myself, then how can I go about my life to be strong, communicate and give to others?

Lotus Flower

I now believe, we women are the deity of life we are given. Instinctively and unselfishly, we bestow much love, understanding and nurturing to others and in order to stay connected and continue with the wonderful work we do, we deserve to love and stay true to ourselves spiritually and physically.

I thoroughly recommend all women to take a little over an hour of their time to relax and pamper themselves.

Try these beautiful, healing transformation classes for yourself... it’s your time.

Goodnight My Little Man

Stephen 28th May 1979 to 30th June 1979

Stephen Paul

My precious baby Stephen... I gave birth to you - not much more than a child myself.

Only 4 weeks and 5 days later, you passed away peacefully in my arms and every day since, I reflect on those precious days when I nursed and held you close.

I clearly see your angelic face framed by soft, dark hair that once drew everyone’s attention.
The emptiness and pain of never being able to embrace and nurture you again in this life has become tolerable over time, but it never diminishes.

I chose your name because I loved the way it was spelled and pronounced. I wish I could call and hear your name daily, speak about you and hear you, as I do with my living children.

Though naturally born of a generous weight and perfectly covered, your little heart was weak and your breaths grew fast and shallow.

Still, the smiles you bestowed during your final days, remain unforgettable and something that no-one can ever steal from me. I never forget the first time you smiled at your little yellow duck, my heart melted and my eyes brimmed with tears.That same little duck was tucked into your arm when I viewed you for the very last time on this Earth.

Eternally I feel your presence, for everlastingly our hearts are immortally attached and I sense the connection to your divine, warm soul through the eyes of Danielle, Lisa, Brad, Lyla, Rocco and Valentino. Your spirit forever lives on within us.

My guardian angel, with you I feel confident and have faith. I pray to you often and you never fail to respond. You watch over and keep us safe and wherever I roam, I smile at every rainbow that appears before me for I know you’re just on the other side.

My baby, I am blessed and cherish those thirty three days we shared in this life following the nine months of nourishing your growing form within my body, carrying you with love, pride and devotion. You taught me so much my darling and I would never be the person I am today if not for you. You came to me for a reason.

Before drifting off to sleep at night, the same closing words are repeated, “Goodnight my little man, mummy loves you so much” that I whispered to you at the time you took your last breath.

Love forever and ever

Mummy xxx

My Affair with the Indian Ocean

Here we go again with those New Year Resolutions!

Like most, my resolutions have always been health related, though you will never catch me in a gym, so 2017 will be no different to my previous years (apart from spending less time on Facebook - ha ha!)

I intend continuing to take advantage of what Mother Nature provides, something I am always attracted to, yearn for, love immensely, is in unlimited supply and free!.......

The Indian Ocean off Western Australia

The ocean; will naturally cleanse, detox and tone your body.

Venturing to the beach for my regular walks and swims has an enlivening effect, where my senses are awakened to the taste and smell of the fresh salt air. My mind is cleared, my body is weightless and relieved of discomfort, I am stress free, content and at one with nature.

In doing a little research as to why the physical and spiritual appeal of the ocean has attracted people throughout history, I furthermore understand the profound medicinal benefits the ocean essentially contributes to our health.

Ancient Greeks bathed in hot tubs of sea water in addition to drinking and inhaling sea water for health. Regular massages, facials and body wraps, using seaweed and immersing in sea water pools were common practice, providing hydrotherapy and opening the pores, thus eliminating body toxins.

There is a specific word for the consumption of seawater in health restoration and maintenance, which was first written about by “Hippocrates”, the Greek Father of Medicine. Thalassotherapy: comes from the Greek word "thalassa" - meaning water and "therapia" - meaning to heal.

Today, sea water is used in fashionable spas, upmarket resorts and rehabilitation centres to reduce stress, detox the skin, boost circulation, increase mobility and strength, weight loss and control cellulite.

Engaging directly with the ocean provides further remedial therapy for a healthy body. It contains all the essential vitamins and mineral salts needed for our well-being. These substances are easily absorbed during swimming, wading or bathing in sea water and the effervescent waves of mineral gases deliver a stimulating, cleansing massage to our body. Relief from arthritic pain, aching muscles and anxiety is also gained by immersing, relaxing or actively exercising in ocean water - and I can vouch for that. Our body becomes more toned, resilient and utterly refreshed.

Mullaloo Beach

Fancy a walk along the beach? - This is just as beneficial, without even getting wet!
The gas particles within the ocean mist generate a vapour loaded with negative ions. These exceptionally small particles within the vapour, enter the body through the respiratory system and strengthen our body’s immunity.

Through practice, I believe the same therapeutic effect is attained through a meditation or yoga session on the beach. Concentrating only on my breathing, I'm effortlessly able to block distractions through the passive, rhythmic sounds of the Indian Ocean.  

Nourish your body and Soul

Taking a brisk walk along the beach at dawn of a new day is enlivening for me, as is exfoliating my body with the wet, salty, white sand or observing the sun descend beyond the horizon signifying the end of the day.

Kabbijup Beach (Three Bears) - Yallingup

The ultimate for me, is relishing in a glorious sunset on a balmy night

and raising my glass of champagne with a gratifying salute to

The Indian Ocean - Western Australia

Value Your Friends

Life is what you make it and no matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes,

it's a universal truth.

Stewie and Penny

The good part is YOU get to decide how you're going to mess up and

how you’re going to make it right. Only YOU are responsible for that!

Candy and Oscar the possum

Throughout life, some people will come and some will go.

The ones that stay with you through everything and never lose

faith in you, are your truest friends, so don't ever let go of them.

They see you for the worthy person you truly are.

Savvy (left) celebrating Rosie's Birthday

Sometimes, your heart may fall heavy and your spirits sag,

then immediately you’re in the presence of friends, your

heart is lifted and you’re submerged in your

mirth and contentment once again.

Batman and Twinkle Star

Always believe in yourself, learn by your mistakes
and value your friends.

Savvy and Duck

All photos are of our family pets, though some of them have now passed on.

Treasured One's

Expressing gratitude for the ones that have enriched my life.
For the ones who generate unconditional love and happiness.
To those who compassionately give to others less fortunate
and to the ones who strive to make this world a better place.

Precious Grandchildren

My Granddaughter Lyla

My Grandson Rocco 2 years old

My Grandson Valentino

“As a child of the universe

through those inquiring eyes,

may your heart forever be

captured by the raw beauty

that surrounds you.

Learning about the natural

world, will be one of the

most enlightening

lessons in your life"

-Julie Annette

Small Things with Great Love 

Today unfortunately there is far too much unnecessary cruelty and suffering that can bring

about fear and anguish into our daily lives.

Most of the destruction on our beautiful planet is caused by utter greed, ignorance and egotism.

As a lover of nature and a grandmother of three, this fills me with immense sadness and I ask “what are we doing to our children’s planet?”

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa quote:

“We cannot do great things on this Earth,

only small things with great love.”

Mary Hutton - Sun Bear Rescue

Leif Cocks - Orangutan Project

We can all do small things out of great love for our planet, by being aware, volunteering,

signing petitions and donating to various, legitimate organisations we sincerely care about.

Also messages of support and praise to others who are selflessly doing their best in helping

to preserve our planet goes a long way.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power,

the world will know peace"

- Jimi Hendrix

Life is a Beach

Appreciating myself, nourishing my body and mind by eating healthy

and getting plenty of exercise and taking time out to relax is what I do.

07/12/2015  Morning Delight

Mullaloo Beach

Cleansing Ocean

Early Morning at Mullaloo Beach

Crystal clear waters of Mullaloo Beach

Singapore

Yet another significant holiday to reflect on:

Raffles Hotel - 21st April 2010

Raffles Hotel 

A generous gift from my beautiful daughter Lisa for my 50th Birthday, included five sensational days in delightful Singapore, followed by a further five therapeutic days in tropical Langkawi, Malaysia. 

Elegant dining with John

The number one highlight of our stay in Singapore was experiencing a supreme one night’s accommodation in the famous, historical Raffles Hotel.

Numerous prominent guests have stayed since its opening in 1887.

We took up residence in the very suite that renowned movie actor/director/producer, John Wayne frequently occupied in earlier years.

John's Luxurious Bathroom

John's suite housed rooms filled with an abundance of fascinating memorabilia about the legendary man himself. I felt privileged to experience a slice of his history.

Though Lisa had indeed heard of the great man, she was inquisitive to gain further knowledge by reading John's biography in the short space of time we were there.

I am amazed at how fast that girl reads.

Lisa with JW looking on

Never had I indulged in such elegance as the momentous Raffles Hotel with its vastly polished timber interior, antique furniture, glistening chandeliers and oriental carpets. Complete with our own butler too of course.

High Tea was fashionably sophisticated as you can only imagine, complimented with the traditional Singapore Sling, the cocktail invented within the hotel itself.

The charming waiters were ever so obliging and cheerful, as Lisa and I giggled with anticipation over the feast of mouth-watering sweet and savoury selection of platters.

Sophistication and Style at the Raffles

Roving Reflections

Wherever I go, so does my journal, recording my utmost experiences

and precious moments. My journals are my most precious souvenirs,

enabling me to reflect upon over many years to come.

J'aime Paris - 23rd September 2007

Once we arrived at Hotel Mercure La Défense 5, we only had 45 minutes to freshen up and change before boarding our coach for our first night of sightseeing in the heart of Paris.

We travelled along the impressive Champs Elysées, apparently the second most expensive shopping boulevard in the world (first being Fifth Avenue) before the legendary Arc de Triomphe came into view.

Champs-Elysées Avenue

My goodness, I only sighted these prominent landmarks in books and on postcards.
"Now, I am actually in the postcard".

Merging into one of the busiest roundabouts in the world, where marked lanes are clearly unheard of, certainly is an unforgettable hair-raising experience.

Apparently, the objective is to avoid eye contact and push your way in. Truly hate to think "what if there was an accident?"

Absolutely total chaos - you really need to experience it to believe it!

Our driver Fabio, dropped us off - enabling us to wander and absorb the alive and enticing French capital.

Me outside the Notre Dame Cathedral

On entering the Cathedral Notre Dame meaning “Our Lady” in French, a mass was in progress, so we silently drifted through, observing the celestial beauty of this glorious 14th century gothic structure.

From here, my partner Dean and I walked further along to a cafe strip and met up with one of the lovely Canadian couples on our tour. Together we came across a trendy little brassiere where the four of us enthusiastically chatted over a light meal.

My quiche lorraine (pictured) was delicious... so light and fluffy with succulent pieces of ham, served with crisp salad and a glass of chardonnay.

Our handsome waiter was extremely friendly and cooperative, speaking a little English which sort of complimented my attempt in speaking French. His service was superb and we tipped him generously.

Further on, having met up with the rest of the group, we followed our guide, Jelle a short way to board our boat, darkness had settled as we commenced our cruise along the river Seine.

By night Paris is transformed into a spellbinding fascinating city of striking illuminations.

Romance was in the air and I was intuitively consumed with love, taking in the magnificent architecture of the neighbouring buildings.


Everything was ignited under the balmy night skies.

The Eiffel Tower looked so outstanding and grandiose, sparkling in green and gold to commemorate the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final.

Once we were virtually under this magnificent land mark, I instinctively welled up up through anticipation and happiness as I beheld Dean's eyes. I still couldn't believe I was really here, in Paris!

For me, this was a dream come true.

Following our enlivening cruise we took pleasure in a scenic drive throughout the enchanting golden city of lights before retiring to our comfortable hotel and dream of Paris.



Sistene Chapel - Sunday 30th September 2007

My heart was pounding in anticipation as we walked through the doors of one of the most famous places in the world – the Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel) where I drowned in heavenliness and goose bumps creeped all over my skin.

Staring above, I tried to envision the four years of painstaking labour the great man, Michelangelo endured between 1508 and 1512. His outstanding knowledge in human anatomy is apparent in his meticulous saintly frescoes covering the entire ceiling.

Twenty years later at the age of sixty, Michelangelo was summoned back to the chapel to paint the renowned ‘Last Judgement’ on the wall behind the altar.

A depiction of the second coming of Christ, it shows Jesus as the judge with the Virgin Mary next to him, surrounded by saints and apostles. Above him, the celestial world of angels, then below to his right are those ascending to heaven and below to his left are those being hauled to hell.

This magnificent fresco took Michelangelo eight years to complete
and was unveiled in 1541.

“Many believe – and I believe – that I have been designated for this work by god.

In spite of my old age, I do not want to give it up; I work out of love for

god and I put all my hope in him.”

- Michelangelo

Burano Island - 2nd Oct 2007

Early one afternoon, a group of us opted to embark on a taxi boat from St Mark’s square in Venice and travel to Burano Island.

Immediately we arrived, I was struck and in awe of the sheer prettiness of the place.

Quaint little houses, painted in vibrant colours, stood in a row neat as a pin, even the fishing boats are equally as colourful and everything presented so impeccably clean and orderly.

Rather interesting to learn that to paint your house, you must obtain notice from the government for allocated shades permitted for that particular lot.

Every house shall always remain the colour it was originally painted.

When considering buying a home on Burano Island, you would certainly want to choose a colour that you can live with... I decided on a pink house! 

Window boxes and pots displaying a show of geraniums and washing suspended outside the top windows all made for a delightful postcard image.

Taking That Forward Step

I know I will never achieve anything if I don't pursue it and if I push through life without asking questions, I will always end up with "no" answers.

Greece

I wouldn't like to think of myself stuck in the same place only because I was too afraid to take that forward step, for there really is a lot to learn and experience in this wonderful world I live in.

'When you arise in the morning,
think of what a precious privilege
it is to be alive - to breathe,
to think, to enjoy to love"
- Marcus Aurelius

Fishing Boats in Greece - 10th October 2009

Oh, these colourful, pristine islands of Greece
Consuming me with contentment and peace

Sun of Apollo, shining and warm
On a rickety jetty - so tired and worn.

Amid the weathered fishing boats
Earnestly determined to stay afloat.

I breathe and taste the salty air
Relishing simplicity of a life so fair.

Julie Annette

Travelling Solo

Paros Island - Greece

When travelling alone, my soul is awakened, I tend to listen with my heart and become more spontaneous.

Additionally, my knowledge is furthermore enriched through experiencing diverse cultures and traditions. I’m attentive, not only to others but also to my inner self.

Seeing the beauty and feeling the love in everything and everyone is deeply fulfilling.

I am blessed with the freedom and ability to roam wherever I please, in knowing I always have a comfortable home to return to.

Engaging with people from all walks of life, is my passion. Even when there is a language barrier, one broad, open smile speaks a thousand words.




I believe wholeheartedly in Karma… whatever you bestow to others, you'll surely receive gratification in return.

All That's Left:

Ancient Greek Child's Tomb

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