Back then, my husband and I didn’t know how he’d take to the whole idea of doing piano lessons and practices. But, we figured that since he was showing some interest, we might as well encourage him to try.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing all the way due to a variety of reasons. But, in spite the fact that he had to change schools, and later, change piano teachers… The Boy continued to show his interest in playing the piano.

Fast forward to one year later. A few weeks ago, we were told by his current piano teacher that The Boy was invited to take part in the school’s piano concert. My son was really excited about it. In fact, he even took pleasure in doing “pretend concerts” at home.

On the day of the actual concert, The Boy told us that he was nervous about performing. So, we talked about stage fright and learning how to overcome nerves.

At 5 years old (well, 5 3/4), he was the youngest performer at the piano recitals. That didn’t seem to bother him.

And, being the silly parents that we were, we realised that we forgot to bring his piano book on the day of his performance. We were worried that he wasn’t going to be pleased about that situation, even though we knew that he can play his pieces from memory. With this in mind, I had to ask, “Do you think you can still play at the concert without your piano book?” He looked at me like I was out of my mind for even asking, and then he replied, “Of course I can!”

So, he played two of his favourite pieces – “When The Saints Go Marching In” and “Ode to Joy”. Choosing his pieces before the concert was even an interesting exercise. Especially the part on playing “Ode to Joy” as he had managed to teach himself a few different arrangements for the song. The one he finally chose for his recital was the version he felt was ‘easiest’ for him to do, although he was aware that it wasn’t necessarily the fanciest. It was all good.

In the end, he said he was quite happy with his performance, even though he felt that he didn’t play his pieces perfectly. Of course, we assured him that he played just wonderfully.

Anyway, since I’ve been meaning to share a video with you for our 52WoC #46 Task, I thought I’ll do so by sharing this moment with you —

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It’s amazing how different emails can make you feel different things within a matter of minutes. Recently, I’ve had the strange experience of receiving a series of emails from different people under varying circumstances that had contrasting effects to my emotions.

The first lot of emails made me seethe and weep. The other lot of emails made me smile. Even laugh out loud. Feel excited.

All the emails were coming within minutes of each other.

If anyone was watching me at the time, they’d probably think the computer has driven me insane. (Not hard to imagine, right? )

As my conflicting emotions from these emails tried to battle inside me, I made the choice not to let the smile-erasing emails win. Go the smile-inducing emails, I say.

Not an easy thing to do for me, mind you. Normally, negative emotions overtake whatever positive emotions that I might have. I think it’s because our psyche has the tendency to feel the impact of negative emotions more. That’s why a nasty comment or a single episode with someone difficult can ruin an otherwise perfect time with great weather or wonderful company.

It’s not right, though. I think we ought to try to strengthen the effect of those smile-inducing moments and people in our lives more. And, give less power to the smile-wipers. I think that’s a lesson I’m trying to learn as I take the path of Blissology.

Anyway, enough of that… here are the style and photography notes from this shoot:

Style Notes:

Very, very casual look here, as you can see. It was the beginning of warmer weather this day, I believe. We’ve had such a long winter this year that finally getting 23+ degree (C) weather is such a relief. To celebrate, I wore my ‘Smiley’ shirt (it has a glittery gold smiley face design with the word ‘Smile’ underneath). I think this must’ve been the first time I wore a shirt in months (without layers, that is). The label says “Jack Pot”. I believe this was a gift from my mum and/or sis. Also, I was wearing one of my fave jeans (a hand-me-down from my sis), which I believe is from Bench. Although I wasn’t wearing shoes in these pics, I actually wore my favourite Wittner shoes from this shoot when I went out this day.

Where To: Off to attend a graduate school seminar at the Uni.

Photography Notes:

• Camera: Nikon D40x
• Lens: Sigma 30mm f1.4
• Lighting: Natural light, morning (around 9am)
• Self-portrait strategy: Remote control! Also used a tripod.
• Post-processing: Some iPhoto tweaks. The collage was created using Picasa.

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So, I’ve been thinking about 52WoC. Partly because I’m thinking of our remaining tasks, and partly because I’m already preparing for our 10th – and final – 52WoC Party.

As some of you veteran 52WoCers might know, that party will cover task numbers 45 to 52. Yes – our last 8 tasks. And, all who take part in these tasks will be included in our last 52WoC Party. Currently, we’re running 52WoC#46: Share Your Video! (no entries for this yet ).

But, here’s the good news: I’ve already started collecting some giveaways for the party! My plan is to have TEN prizes… for TEN winners. Yes, it’s going to be our biggest party yet.

And as always, the more times you participate in a task, the more entries you get. Each participant can get more than one prize as well, so… more opportunities to grab some goodies.

Anyway, one of the prizes that I managed to score is a copy of “Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a Chick Lit Novel” by Cathy Yardley. Cathy, the author, actually sent me a few copies of her book to use for my various sites and projects. Actually, I managed to find out that she was donating copies of the book via her Twitter account. So, I contacted her and introduced myself. Instead of giving me just a single copy for my library, she offered 5. All I needed to do was pay for shipping. More than a fair deal, for sure. So, I decided to save a copy for 52WoCers. And, right now, I’m also giving away another copy via eWriteLife. So, do join eWriteLife’s giveaway if you want another opportunity to own a copy of the book soon.

Some of the other prizes that I’ve managed to collect recently include: a DVD (”Hope Springs” with Colin Firth), two sets of grooming products (courtesy of Nuffnang), and a bottle of L’Oreal Day Cream (one of my favourite beauty products of the moment). So yes — five prizes already. I’m definitely planning on collecting five more. Hmmm… I wonder what else I’d find between now and our virtual party?

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That’s sort of how it felt like the last few days when my eldest child ran high fevers and complained of stomach pains. He was taken to the doctors a couple of times before finally going to the hospital yesterday for some tests.

Thankfully, after a shot of IV and some meds, The Boy’s health started to improve. He is not 100% yet, but he seems to be on the mend. We got back on home ground this evening.

What a relief!

Unfortunately, this scenario has happened more often than we’d like over the last few months. For some reason, the kids seem to have fallen ill a lot more than usual this year. Three hospital stays (two overnighters and one 3-day stay) in about five months, I think. Plus, all the other non-hospital sick moments we’ve had.

Times like these, The Hubby and I really feel the pain of living so far away from relatives. Yes, the kids have no grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins to call on easily, as our relations are dispersed in different countries (Philippines, South Africa, USA, and UK). We’re the only ones living here in Oz.

On one hand, it’s good exercise to find different ways to make things work within our family unit. On the other hand, it can get really tough and lonely.

I mean, I find it even sad knowing that my younger brother and his wife haven’t even met the kids yet (and his kids haven’t met my hubby and their cousins). And, my other brother hasn’t met The Girl yet. At least, not officially anyway. Skype Video helps to bridge the gap though, as we’ve all managed some kind of virtual family reunions every now and then. Gotta love technology for that, hey?

And yes, even though The Hubby’s sister and her husband haven’t met The Girl yet either, they’ll be able to do so this December. During the upcoming Big Trip. We’re all so looking forward to it!

It’s really incredible how things look different during moments when life shines on things that matter most, isn’t it?

Pic Note: Yep, that’s The Boy. Photo taken at the hospital today, using Neve’s camera phone function, with the aid of a new mini gadget (will talk more about this in another post!). Edited with Photoshop CS4 (+ a bit of Picasa).   

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Well, okay, I’m not quite on the 60th day yet – officially. I only wrote down the 60 Days to Something Plan on the 1st of September. But, I’ve pretty much been putting it in to action since mid-August. Yeah, more than 2 months ago. Definitely past 60 days unofficially.

So, hopefully, I’m close enough to know that it seems to be quite a good strategy for me. And, this has even become more exciting for me today.

Hmmm… okay, before I go there… let me backtrack again a bit.

Over two months ago, I started writing again. As in, really writing. Like I mentioned once before, an idea for a story came to me during REM sleep. It was one of those ideas that was just all consuming. I couldn’t think straight. I was totally and utterly distracted. So, in order to get rid of it, I decided to start writing about it. I just pretty much wanted to do a brain dump. So, I began writing. The story kept growing, and I kept writing.

Since that story had something to do with celebrities and filmmaking, it somehow ended up launching a new hook in my life: FILMS. I couldn’t get enough of them. I just wanted to keep watching films. Reading about them. Thinking about them. And, not too long after, I started wanting to write and to make them.

Crazy, I know. I can’t tell you just how annoyed I was with myself for even thinking about that idea. Not just because of everything else that I have on my plate (graduate school, work, family, existing web projects…). I did, after all, just decided that I am finally going to finish a novel again in my “spare” time.

And really, trying to write a book at this time of my life seems silly enough as it is. But, get in to filmmaking too? Totally Absurd.  

But, without trying to get in to the details, that’s how I ended up with the 60-Day Plan. I figured, I’ll give both the novel writing and the filmmaking time to incubate. See if anything interesting comes up whilst in the incubation period. If something comes up, great. If not, well… tough luck.

So far, the novel writing’s going well. I’ll most likely share more about this another time. All I know is that the writer in me has definitely come to life again. And, I’m thrilled.

On filmmaking… Well, I knew that from the moment I thought of it, I’d be facing too many challenges. For one thing, I’ve had very limited experience with movie-making. Yes, I’ve co-produced, co-written, co-presented, and co-edited an online video show a few years ago. Yes, I’m the official home video maker of my family so I’ve had some extra experience working with movie editing software. Yes, I had a friend who tried to introduce me to the world of scriptwriting for a series of children’s TV show over a decade ago. And yes, I’ve taken a workshop on video production and editing, where I ended up co-writing, co-starring, and co-directing a one-minute information commercial which was aired on community TV many aeons ago. But, that’s it.

But, writing a proper script and making it in to a real film? Uhhh….

That’s why I haven’t really talked about this idea with anyone before. I’ve only bravely mentioned it in passing with 1 or 2 people.

In fact, I’ve started to become too intimidated with the whole filmmaking thing after my initial research, that I started to wane a bit on the whole idea. It hasn’t been 60 days yet since I first started obsessing about filmmaking/scriptwriting, so I was almost ready to give up on it altogether. Especially while I haven’t invested in it too much just yet!

Then today, I went out to a casual dinner party. Something I don’t usually do, I must say.

At the get-together, I started talking to someone I’ve known for the last couple of years or so. We’ve seen each other a few times, but we’ve never really talked for real before. Anyway, we began the getting-to-know-you-better talk. You know that type of stuff — Where do you live? What do you do? What do you enjoy doing?

It so happened that we’re both mums to two kids (our kids are about the same age too; our eldest boys often play together when they see each other). She’s also a working mum, and she’s doing further studies too. Then, she mentioned that on top of it all, she just finished making her first ever short film.

So, I asked her to tell me the story of her journey. And, I was really fascinated to listen to it all — from how she had the first spark of an idea and how she revised her script to how she networked and made the whole thing with a limited budget.

She also had a lot of great advice about how to get started on the road to filmmaking.

She made it sound doable. Extremely hard, but doable.

And, if I had to take some notes and tips from her experience based on our talk, they would be:

1. Just get started. If you have an idea, just work on it. Then, keep at it. She said it took her about two years from start to completion of her short film.

2. Learn and be familiar with the resources around you. She said that reading a book on scriptwriting was one of the first push she had to get started. She also attended a couple of scriptwriting courses. Then, she found out other resources available locally. And, she started using them.   

3. Network, network, network. Filmmaking is not a solitary affair. Nothing is, really. But, when it comes to making films, she realised immediately that networking will be extremely valuable. So, one of the first things she did was to become a member of a local media organisation, which enabled her to be in contact with different players in the local film industry. Her contacts in the organisation helped her in many ways — from finding people to work with to getting access to funding and/or equipment.

4. Work with film students. They can be great collaborators, as they’re already trained and passionate about the medium. Plus, a few of them might be looking for different filmmaking experiences.

5. Get other people on board! Other than the network contacts and film students, work with other people who can champion your project too. Having someone to do proofreading and editing is valuable. Having more than one reader is also great. And, if you can have folks who can help you to do fundraising, that’s cool too.

6. Don’t be afraid to edit and to revise. Listen to input and adjust your project accordingly.

7. Know who you want to listen to! Yes, taking on feedback is great. But, you know your project more. Someone might have a particular vision for your project. Listen to it, but figure out if that also meets your initial vision for your work. For example, she has had input that her project may suit the educational market. However, she wanted to bring her film to the public. So, she sought another opinion and found someone else who shared her vision. The person who shared her vision was then able to offer valuable advice on how she can adjust her script to fit that vision.

8. Work with your budget. Find a grant. If you can’t get funding there, raise your own funds. If you have just a few hundred dollars to work with – stick with it. You can still make a quality film with a limited budget.

9. Finish it. Just get it completed. Wrap it up. Submit to film festivals where possible.

10. Sell film in different ways. Provide viewings and talks. Tap in to existing networks. Talk to possible distributors.

11. Get started on the next project! The only way forward is to keep making more films.

So yes, I can’t help it. I’m inspired again. It’s always exciting to learn how people can make things happen.

It helps me to believe that maybe, my crazy ideas aren’t so crazy after all.

Image source: Clix (from sxc.hu)

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It looks like we have enough folks to support an Ideaholics Support Group. I didn’t quite expect that. But, I find it really cool to know that I’m not on my own.

It was also interesting to read everyone’s strategies on how you manage all the ideas that come to you. And, as promised, I will share as much of my own strategies as I can. And, here’s one that I’d like to share with you right now…

It’s no secret: I’m a serial skill collector. I used to loathe the idea of being unable to “stick to one thing”, as people get all confused by such a situation in our niche-driven society. But, I’ve given up on having One Ultimate Passion.

I’m always going to want to learn new things. I’m always going to try and acquire new skills. I’m always going to be interested in a myriad of subjects.

That’s me.

Some people may consider this “lifelong learning”. Some may have not-so-nice names about such a thing. Me… Well, I you know that I refer to it as having a True Renaissance Soul.

However, even though I may have accepted this way of life, I am still prone to resisting the urge to fully give in to ‘the renaissance way’.

When a new idea comes up, I fight it with all my might. Telling it to go away, using a plethora of reasons in my arsenal -

• I have enough on my plate;
• I don’t have the time;
• It’s too expensive to start a new idea/hobby/project;
• There is such a thing as doing too much…

And on and on it goes…

But, the more I fight, the more I get antsy. I find it difficult to move in my existing projects. In fact, I even get all strange in my day-to-day life (as in, stranger than usual! ).

So, I came up with: “60 Days to Something”.

This basically gives me ‘permission’ to give in to whatever “Obsession of the Moment” that I may have at any given time. Instead of fighting my yet another project-in-the-making, I decided that if an idea persists with me long enough, I will give it permission to come to life. Giving it 60 Days for a chance to make something of it.

If I lose steam within 60 days, that’s fine. I’ll just hang it in my “Project Ideas Archive”.

If I actually get to do something with it in 60 days, then it can go in my “Renaissance Soul Museum of Life”. It’s where I’ll collect whatever project I have that gets some kind of “completion” within 60 days. Completion may come in whatever way I can muster in that time limit.

And, if I decide to push through with the idea past 60 days, then I know that it’s a “keeper” of an idea. Worth investing more time, money, and energy in, if I’m really keen.

But yeah, to start with, I can give any given obsession/idea a chance to flourish within 60 Days. During this incubation-action period, I should be able to work within these guidelines:

1. Just say yes to any idea that persists. Yes, all ideas that seem to want to stay. Don’t overthink it. Don’t overanalyse. Just say yes – then put it on the 60 Days Plan.

2. Identify why you like this idea. Then, make a list of what you wish to get out of this idea. For example, if the brilliant idea is all about learning how to play the violin – identify why you want to learn it. Then, identify at least one thing that you wish to get out of learning it (e.g., be able to play at least three chords/notes). Make sure that one thing is ‘doable’ – not impossible!

3. The new project may be given a set budget to start with, depending on complexity and available funds. During these 60 days, no additional expense should be made for this new project. New budget may be given when the idea stays for longer than 60 days.

4. With time and money plans in place, list down the top activities/priorities that need to be done to get the idea in to action. Some sample activities/priorities may include: enroll in a class, buy/borrow and read a book (or other resource), contact a person and talk to that person, do a feasibility study, etc.

5. Choose one of those activities/priorities in the list and get working on it. Try it – then, move on the next when the time is right.

6. Track your progress. Keep a log, if possible.

7. Evaluate – and decide where the project/idea is headed.

So, there you go. My “60 Days to Something” plan. Let’s see how this one works out!

Background image source: Photoexpress.com (zulla)

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Me? Well, I love ‘em shoes, clothes, gadgets, chocolates and food. But, I think I’ve learned to manage my cravings for them over the years. Sure, I still give in to impulse buying every now and then. But, I don’t do it that often so I can always find some justification.

However, there is one big source of guilt I have that I find difficult to curtail. It’s a source of great joy – and absolute frustration.

And they’re… IDEAS.

Yes, blasted ideas.

They come to me in REM sleep, the shower, while caring for the kids, or in the midst of doing some other task…

I begin to think of possibilities. Do research. Come up with lists and plans.

Then, I get excited. Obsessed, even.

If there is such a thing as an ideaholic, then that would be me.

Mind you, they’re not always great ideas. I think a lot of them are crap, really.*

But, when they get a hold of me, I feel like I’m in the verge of… Well, you know that feeling of pure anticipation and reckless abandonment? That’s how I feel when I come across a new idea.

But, what’s so wrong about having ideas?

Well, for the most part, they’re great. It’s how I come up with blog posts, projects, business concepts, paintings, crafts…

The problem comes when I need to complete lesson plans and 2,500-word essays for major Graduate School assignments – and I end up researching about world-building and language creation… and beginning to write novels that rack up about 5,000 words (without even starting Chapter One!) instead.

The idea-generation begins to bug me when I ought to be focusing on finishing a project… and I end up getting all distracted with another project. So, instead of… say, focusing on writing A novel during my “spare time”, I end up starting about SIX novels… And, I end up running around in circles.

Or, I end up having so many ideas, I don’t know which one to work on first. Or, I end up second guessing myself.

It also starts becoming a hassle when I have yet to spend a couple of hundred dollars (or more!) on books or idea-related items that I end up pursuing very rarely… or hardly at all. Not that that’s too bad, as I do enjoy skill/hobby-collecting.

And yes, it may all be a part of being a Renaissance Soul. I already said that I’ve been learning how to accept all that… and embrace the whole concept.

That’s why recently, I had another idea (surprise, surprise!). Instead of fighting the whole “idea overload” thing, I’ll give in to it. To a point, of course. So, in my next post, I hope to share part of this system that I developed on how I plan to manage my ‘ideaholism’.

But, before I share all that, perhaps, you can share with me YOUR own system for managing your ideas. What do you do with them? How do you act upon them?

Also, since we’re on the subject of guilty pleasures, perhaps you’d like to share yours?

Image source: SXC (slightly edited)

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Mac Apps

• Alarm Clock 2 – This simple app allows Mac users to use an alarm / stopwatch / timer on your machine. I find this to be useful when giving myself some time reminders while working on the computer, as it’s easy to lose of track time when you’re busy writing/blogging/surfing the web/researching. Handy too, if you want to set yourself a time limit for certain tasks (Set a timer for when you’re allowed to go on Facebook or Twitter, perhaps? Eeps.).
• The Hit List – I’ve always been a fan of GTD-type applications. I like making lists. I know it’s useful to have a good organiser. I’ve tried several already, but I can’t seem to stick to one system for some reason. My latest attempt at organising my To Dos and such is The Hit List. I’m really loving it so far. But, we’ll see if I love it enough to pay the $49.95 licensing fee to keep it.
• Aeon Timeline – If you’re trying to sort out some kind of timeline for genealogy, your writing, or any other possible project, this free app might suit you. It’s still currently in beta and available for free.

Education

• 10 Most Common Science Questions – and their Answers! – Why is the sky blue? Where do babies come from? If you wish to find out some of the answers to these perennial science-related questions, this article might be of interest to you.
• Rules for Good Handwriting – Do you think yours will be up to par?
• GameGoo – Some fun, educational games on the web for kids.

Miscellaneous Goodies

• Many Thanks (Free Card Design Printable) – A free cool-looking printable thank you card from Susan Connor.
• Ovi Services by Nokia – If you have a Nokia phone, then you might want to take a look at this site. Lots of cool apps that work with your phone.
• Themes Junction – A repository of free Wordpress themes.

And, since you know that I’m currently working with Nurse Uncut, I thought I’d bring your attention to some NU stuff again…

• Contest: Imagine a World Without Nurses – Aussies get a chance to win a $2,100 getaway. Just send some of your creative ideas on or before 16th of October.
• Nurse Uncut Champion Bloggers: Round 2 Call – If you’re a nurse based in NSW, Australia, and you wish to take part as a Nurse Uncut writer, then please contact us on or before the 13th of October.
• Some new posts from NU – Two Nursing Tales, Nurses in Australia who Twitter, Nurse: Angel or Temptress?, and 10 Tips in Choosing a Nursing Specialty.

May you enjoy your web travels!

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