Tiili Peninsula

Welcome Hunter

2012-08-21T23:06:00.000+10:00

Welcome to the world to a very special little man

(maybe not that little at 3.7kg, lol)

Born at Cairns Base Hospital on 16th August.

Brother for Dave and a first son for my boy.

Now home and sleeping 3 hours at a time.

One very proud mum!

and yep, all that hair! What a sweetie!

Aunty Melissa is very pleased, Logan is ecstatic there is another boy in the family because "Boys Rule"

and I can't wait for my first cuddle and sloppy Grandma kiss on those gorgeous cheeks

What really is pretty?

2012-06-25T16:30:00.000+10:00

I used to hate my nose.
I used to wish my parents could afford braces for me.
I used to think my arms were too hairy.
I used to think I needed big boobs.
I used to think my ears poked out a little too much.
I used to think my skin was embarrassing.
I used to cry about my stretch marks and post-baby saggy belly.
I used to think my calves were too skinny.

I thought there was more wrong with me than right. I thought about it a whole lot.

Well, I used to. Being pretty is the easiest route to validation. Superficial validation. Your chances of being accepted are inherently better. It just is.

But, the question is, whose validation do you seek?

If you are seeking validation from the men at the gym, the women at church, the neighbors, and the mothers at the school, you will find no satisfaction. You almost need to be prettier... prettier than the rest. It's a daunting, impossible task, with very little reward. Sure, maybe you get a few cat-calls, jealous glances, and gobs of compliments. But, is that enough? Maybe for some, but not for me.

I have come to know there is more I want for myself. I don't want to spend my time and energy worrying about not fitting into society's mold of perfectly pretty. I definitely want to feel attractive to myself, but far above that...FAR ABOVE THAT, I want to be a beautiful person. You know, beautiful on the INSIDE. And, to me, beauty is dictated by our priorities. I used to want to be pretty, more than a lot of things. But, then I grew up.

Now, I want to feel good about who I am.
I want to be a good friend.
I want to be a great mother.
I want to inspire and teach others to live their best lives.
I want to be a good example. I want to serve others.
I want to constantly improve myself.

If I can do and be those things, I am beautiful. I have validated myself. I don't need to be pretty. I know that there is a purpose for me...big nose, crooked teeth, saggy belly, and all. I have come to realize that all my supposed flaws are what make me real, what make me human. Obsessing about them whittles away at my beauty, robs me of a happy life, and leaves me with very little to offer others.

Do those insecurities ever still creep up on me? Sure. But, I just give them a good smack in the face, and they take off mostly. Everything about me knows that I am more productive and appealing to myself, and others, when I'm just real. When my priorities are straight. And, there's something about feeling good about who you are inside, that makes you sorta...pretty.

Grandkids and their breeding patterns

2012-06-25T16:12:00.002+10:00

Well I have been off here for quite some time so here is a quick update:

The twins are happy, healthy and (although identical) very individual.

Ivy Mae is the rough and tumble kind, while Piper Rose is "the evil one" but I find the most adorable. Miss Piper loves clothes and shoes, what more can I say!

Ivy is mobile so heaven help the new house and that resides within

Master Logan is the best big brother ever!

And peoples, now I have another Grandson on the way. August 8th. mark that in your calendars for a trip to Cairns (ps take my Mum with you and deposit her beside the pool with a book or 3)

Barbie and Mr Becker

2012-01-19T14:43:00.003+11:00

Andrew Becker, a director of media relations for the American Cancer Society, drew ire after posting a controversial blog post on the American Cancer Society’s website called ”Bald Barbie Demand Is an Over-Reach.” In the post, Becker said the Bald Barbie movement could “do more harm than good for kids and parents.”
“If they are mass marketed, many of these dolls will end up in the hands of girls who luckily aren’t likely to be touched by cancer in themselves or their mothers. But could they end up being terrorized by the prospect of it in a far outsized proportion to their realistic chances? There is no reason to create this sort of fear,” Becker wrote.

"When I set out to write I wanted to raise questions about activism and 
social media around disease. I did not mean to imply that I or the 
American Cancer Society believe that sick children are not important." 

Believe that? Please read pop over and read on:

http://cloakeynotes.wordpress.com/2012/01/18/yes-i-fight-like-a-girl-but-im-not-alone/

Oh and by the way "GOLD" ribbon for childhood cancer and just so you get it right Mr Becker:

Pink Ribbon : Meaning: Most commonly associated with breast cancer awareness, this ribbon is also a symbol for birth parents, and childhood cancer awareness (alternative color: light blue)

Yellow Ribbon : Meaning: We've all seen this symbol used to support our troops, but it is also a symbol for MIA/POW, suicide prevention, adoptive parents, amber alerts, bladder cancer, spina bifida, endometriosis, and a general symbol for hope. A yellow ribbon with a heart is used to represent the survivors left behind after a suicide.
Pale Yellow Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of spina bifida
Red Ribbon : Meaning: Most commonly associated with the fight against AIDS and HIV, this ribbon also is a symbol for heart disease, stroke, substance abuse, MADD, DARE, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.
Burgundy Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of brain aneurysm, Cesarean section (worn upside down), headaches, hemangioma, vascular malformation, hospice care, multiple myeloma, William's syndrome, Thrombophilia, Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome, and adults with disabilities
Purple Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, domestic violence, ADD, alzheimer's, religious tolerance, animal abuse, the victims of 9/11 including the police and firefighters, Crohn's disease and colitis, cystic fibrosis, lupus, leimyosarcoma, and fibromyalgia
Lavender Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol for general cancer awareness. It can also be a symbol for epilepsy, and rett syndrome
Periwinkle Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of eating disorders and pulmonary hypertension
Blue Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of drunk driving, child abuse, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), the victims of hurricane Katrina, dystonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), alopecia, Education, Epstein-Barr Virus, Save the Music, colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: brown), and anti-tobacco - particularly anti-second hand smoke (in Canada; alternative ribbon color: brown), I Love Clean Air/ILCA Campaign (Japan)
Dark Blue Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of arthritis, child abuse prevention, victim's rights, free speech, water quality, and water safety
Light Blue Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood cancer (alternative color: pink), prostate cancer, Trisomy 18, and scleroderma
Teal Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol for ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers as well as sexual assault, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and tsunami victims
Green Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of childhood depression, missing children, open records for adoptees, environmental concerns, kidney cancer, tissue/organ donation, homeopathy, and worker and driving safety
Orange Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of leukemia, hunger, cultural diversity, humane treatment of animals, and self-injury awareness

White Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of innocence, victims of terrorism, violence against women, peace, right to life, bone cancer, adoptees, and retinal blastoma
Pearl Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol for emphysema, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and multiple sclerosis
Black Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of mourning, melanoma, and gang prevention
Brown Ribbon : Meaning: This color is an anti-tobacco symbol as well as a symbol of colon cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue), colorectal cancer (alternative ribbon color: blue)
Grey Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol of diabetes, asthma, and brain cancer
Silver Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol for children with disabilities, Parkinson's disease, and mental illnesses such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.
Gold Ribbon : Meaning: This color is a symbol for childhood cancer
Jigsaw Puzzle Ribbon: Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for autism
Lace Ribbon: Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for osteoporosis
Pink and Blue Ribbon: Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death due to SIDS or other causes
Flag Ribbon: Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol for both the victims and heros of the 9/11 attacks. It is also a symbol of patriotism and support of our troops. In addition, it is a symbol of fireworks safety.
Rainbow Ribbon: Meaning: This style of ribbon is a symbol of gay pride and support for the GLBT community and their quest for equal rights.

Twins safe arrival

2011-11-18T00:15:00.000+11:00

I have been a bit late announcing this but life has been a bit on the weird side health wise for me.

So it is with great pride, joy, immense relief that I announce the safe arrival of 2 lovely girls and a healthy, happy Mum. Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at Coffs Base Hospital for their care and support

Welcome to the world Ivy Mae and Piper Rose

so cute ! of 4 feet

Waiting for double trouble

2011-11-13T22:39:00.001+11:00

I am still waiting for news of the twins. Since I have the concentration span of gnat at the moment I have taken to talking to inanimate objects on my desk. Webcam has taken up the duty of "Security System" and is currently watching a green tree frog sitting atop the downpipe. Hope he is recording it all so i know what goes on out there at night.
Which brings me to a Christmas beetle flipping over the keyboard! Why are they so dumb! I seem to spend most of December and half of November flipping them over, saving them from ants, tossing them back outside and generally saving their little souls. It is like having 347 Alzheimer's patients in one room (oh okay slight exaggeration perhaps but you get the drift.)
Back to the desk, I did say short concentration span! Where was I, webcam sorted, cricket just eaten by Marks dog, earphones need a home! Sorted!

Phone on charger (novel prospect) , papers in a pile (not going to even look at them) and wow rubbish for the bin! Better stop or I will see woodwork, oops too late there is some peeking out AND I have an uninterrupted view of both monitors!

Hold the phone, I have a mouse pad, cool bananas, Oh dear the rest is too hard, Sorry to leave you in the middle of whatever this is, but I will go wait somewhere else in the house.
Will let you know when the girls arrive.Everything is ready and waiting so I am not alone

Times 2

Just the one

Times 2

times a zillion

Never enough dresses

times 2

times 2 @ $40 each

Twins and the wait continues

2011-11-07T01:34:00.002+11:00

I am still waiting impatiently for the twins to join us in the world.

Every day they keep us in suspense will be worth every moment and every grey hair.

I so eagerly await that first time I hold them and see their little hands and feet. All those fingers and toes, the marshmallow cheeks that have shown up on the ultrasounds, will be covered in Grandma kisses and love.

I thank God every day for the miracle of birth and trust He will keep my baby girl safe

The joy of having the opportunity to call them by their already chosen names, instead of Twin 1 and Twin 2, is another moment I will cherish. I am sure their Mum and Dad have selected lovely ones, Master L's one of Harvey and Norman (as well as various suggestions by friends that have been given to them) I am sure will be disregarded.

Ho hum.

Why is it so many of us are not satisfied with the names our parents choose for us?

But we do get on with our lives and live with it.

Lets hope this isn't the case with these much adored already cherubs (but I very much doubt it)!

Sunday Photo, Chelsea

2011-11-06T00:30:00.000+11:00

Thanks for the memories, the love and the laughter

Run Free, and rule from above

Chelsea, the end of an era

2011-11-01T05:04:00.001+11:00

Rest in Peace Chelsea

February 29th 1992 to November 1st 2011

Passed away in my arms at 3 am

19 years of love and laughter

I would like to start by saying Thank You to the best little dog I could ever hope to meet.

let alone have the honour of owning

You will be very much missed and it is too soon to know how far you have stretched those little paws and your big heart, but I wish I could stay in denial forever.

Run free little one

Coffs Harbour Botanic gardens

2011-10-31T23:46:00.000+11:00

I thought I had better get around to downloading my pickies of my holiday and sharing them with you all. Not a lot of words in this post as nature speaks volumes for itself so come walk with me through the gardens.

The Aboriginal Plant Walk was very interesting with fabulous signage

Above is a Tree Waratah and below is Flannel Flower (which is being grown in a new Heathland area that I will definitely go back to to see how it is progressing)

It was a real delight to all the senses with the fluffy flowers and textural walks and paths

These Lillies were amazing and weren't in flower last time I was here, so pleased to see them this time. The variety of colours was a real treat

Trunk seat

The endangered orchid that is lovely to see, but would prefer to see them in the wild instead of houses and concrete

This sign had to be the understatement! I was followed by a rather large lizard who stopped whenever I did and we had a lovely chat. I was told he follows the workers around usually, Guess Tilligerry Habitat never does really rub off,

and of course the Fungii that abounded all through

Thanks for taking the walk with me and I hope you are as chilled, refreshed and astounded as I am whenever Nature takes over.

My boys toys

2011-10-30T02:04:00.000+11:00

Sunday Photo for this week is a

Thanks to my boy for being himself.

(and acknowledging that mining destroys our land)

Twins today?

2011-10-21T00:58:00.000+11:00

Mum is in labour

Doctors are trying to stop it

She is being flown to Royal Randwick Hospital at 2am

Huge hugs to my girl

the Big Brother and their Dad

and of course the 2 new additions to the family

Prayers and good thoughts

Holiday Notice

2011-10-05T09:24:00.002+11:00

I am off on a holiday, be back in about 10 days

Be good, blog lots and see you when I return with stories to tell and photos to share.

Staying here so if you are up this way, give me a yahoo and we can jump in the spa with a wine or your beverage of choose

This is a My Mum free zone

Hoping to "see" the twins still cooking, Master L, my boy down from Moura,

sil and the Butterfly farm

Little does she know, I provide the stand and take up her offer to cook.

well, I am on holidays and she does amazing cakes!

What can go wrong? That is over here on another post

See you all soon!

Sunday photo October

2011-10-03T01:03:00.000+11:00

Happy 30th Birthday

May the girls have decided to stop playing long enough for you to get in some you time today

Love always Mum

2011-09-27T13:23:00.002+10:00

Many thanks to Morning Coffee

Prevent your Images from getting copied

With numerous social networking and picture sharing websites coming up every other day, one happens to wonder if all those personal images that you upload are safe? What if someone downloads it and uses it for illegal purposes?Is the internet safe to save personal information?
I would like to say here that, for a techie it is really possible to download any image from any website. It is next to impossible to make every picture of yours safe online. But then, there are some clever ways to prevent a straightforward download of your images. Read below:
First try to download the below images by using your usual “Save Image As” option from the right click menu option and see what happens

No there is no picture here because it works!

As you might notice, the downloaded image is just a blank picture. It is an easy way to accomplish this, what I have done is made my daughter’s picture as the background to another transparent image of the same size. Here is how you can do it yourself, if you upload an image it will appear like below in your HTML code:

img src=”mypicture.jpg” alt=”" width=”242″ height=”300″

To incorporate the transparent image on top of it, you need to make this as a table as shown in the below piece of code:

table style=”background-image: url(‘mypicture.jpg’); width: 242; height: 300;”>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><img src=”transparent.gif” alt=”" width=”242″ height=”300″ /></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

This is just one way of accomplishing the task, you might even think of possibly implementing the transparent image without having to include them inside of a table. Or else you might even disable the “Save As” option in the right click menu option by just including your image in a table without having the <img src> section inside of the <td>.
Image protection with a watermark – The most common, and possibly strongest, image protection technique is to place a visual copyright watermark on the image. Image watermarks come in a range of styles: from a full copyright symbol across the image to a small text in the corner of an image containing the copyright symbol, date, and name of the copyright holder. There is a trade off with watermark size: the larger the watermark the less likely one is to download or steal the image, but the larger the watermark the more of a visual distraction it becomes.
Disable right click option – You can possibly think of writing a small Javascript that will actually prevent the right click menu from appearing. This is also one of the common methods implemented in most of the sites to prevent users from downloading the images. You can find many examples of such Javascripts if you google, i will leave this at your descretion to use the most efficient one as per your need.
“NoFollow” for Images – NoFollow tags for your pages will prevent the search engine from indexing the entire page, but what if you want only your image to be “NoFollowed” or not indexed. Then you simply provide the below line in your “meta” section.

meta name=”robots” content=”noimageindex”>

This will put a “NoFollow” tag only for your images and not your post content. Another way to prevent search engines from indexing your images is to include them in the robot.txt file as below:

User-Agent:*
Disallow:/images/
Disallow:/image.jpg

The above code tells the search engines bots or spiders to disregard the “images” folder and also to disregard the “image.jpg” while indexing your website.
These were some ways to protect your images online and prevent them from mis-used or re-used by other bloggers. Do you think you have a better idea in mind? Why dont you share it with us and we can all benefit from the same. Thanks for reading.
Courtesy: Amit Agarwal

Trip to Coles Spring

2011-09-26T14:14:00.002+10:00

Well it isn't Autumn now so thought I had better update you all on what is on my walk to Coles at this time of year.

The wattle is finished it's flowering for this year and now the Lady Bugs have moved in to eat any nasty bugs on it. Ants are eating a sappy bug but they would not sit still to pose a photo.

Native Mistletoe is flowering

New acacia popping up (notice the first "leaves" to appear are different and go back to ancient times, apparently, but I wasn't there to verify)

Several plants are producing seeds from the flowers they bore now


Chinese Hawthorn looks stunning in the car park

Native Rosemary (also in the car park)

I do love Persoonia or Geebung, like the polo club!

Callistemons are popping out in flower. So the birds are very happy

Shame this was on the ground or I may have noticed! Oops, how long does a skin graze take to heal?

One of Tanilba Gates

Lemon Tree Passage Road and then home again

Remember my Autumn leaves on this tree? Well, new shoots popping out for some summer shade before making another lovely show for next Autumn

Not dropping leaves now just squillions of these to sweep up

with a quick check of the mail in case I have a parcel today

and if I do then it is off out again to the Post Office

which takes me past here!

I love Tanilba Bay!

Sunday photo

2011-09-25T17:04:00.000+10:00

When a shoe becomes a work of art it

deserves a home in any Gallery in the world!

Isn't that just the coolest shoe!

Buddy the Masked Bandit

2011-09-25T16:52:00.000+10:00

Meet Marks adorable Mutt

Innocent face (don't fall for it!)

For a "not full bred Stumpy" he sure has all the traits.

The Stumpy Tail (albeit cross bred) that still wags

Now why is he on the outside of the gate and I am in the back yard?

Easy for him!

Through this hole, then dig under neighbours gate and he has all the brains all of a sudden, until I came home early one day.

So what is a Stumpy Tail?

At first glance the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog resembles its longer tailed cousin but closer scrutiny reveals a slightly different conformation. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog has a squarer build, the Australian Cattle Dog being a little longer in the body in relation to its height at the shoulder. Neither does the blue Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog have tan markings like the Australian Cattle Dog. Of course the most obvious difference is the tail. They are not docked. The pups are born with tiny stumpy tails, which according to the standard may not exceed four inches when fully grown.

Group 5: Working

Energy Level: moderate to high

Original Function: Herding

Temperament: very alert, watchful and obedient, affectionate and responsive to its owner, but reserved towards strangers.

Characteristics: Possesses a natural aptitude in the working & control of cattle. It is ever alert, watchful & obedient, though suspicious of strangers.

Recommended for: Working Life, Active people & families.

Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Height: Dogs 46-51 cms (18-20 ins)

Height: Bitches 43-48 cms (17-19 ins)

Facebook Solution

2011-09-22T15:46:00.002+10:00

On September 30th 2011 Facebook will start charging you for your account. To avoid this, you MUST get NAKED, stand on your dining room table and do the Macarena, all while singing ”I Will Survive”. After filming and sending it in a private message to Mark Zuckerberg, then, and only then, will he come down your chimney to tell you that your account will stay free. Pass it on, it must be true because someone on Facebook I hardly know told me..

Hope he doesn't get stuck and block Santa from getting in!

Facebook changes

2011-09-22T15:14:00.000+10:00

Don't growl at me, I am not Facebook

Broken Facebook

3,801 people like this.
View all 2,414 shares
and not just for the cute factor!

Free means no rights? NO

Understatement here, but I do get the drift.

Dr Seuss does Facebook

Nobody does it like Dr Seuss so maybe with a Green and Eggs and Ham delivery en masse to Facebook might get a message through

If it ain't broke, I never fix it

Now they can follow us around and tailor those advertisements to suit our News feed, not sure how because I have trouble following my News feed lately, Bet there are no ads or links to the FB known issues page!

http://www.facebook.com/KnownIssues

not that you will get a reply, an automated response, yes, but at least that keeps their servers busy!

Just in case you thought that you had heard, seen, cussed, and generally ranted enough. guess what? There's More!

Some of Facebook changes have gone live earlier than others, and there are a few live tests in the mix, but the unannounced features include:

* Posts can now be as long as 5,000 characters, ten times the previous maximum length.

* You can no longer accompany a friend request with a message.
Part or all of the navigation bar can remain on the screen even when you scroll down the page.

*You can create bookmarks, labeled favorites, in the left-hand column.
Birthday reminders appear in the upper right side well-wishes now show up as notifications on the upper-right-hand corner of the screen, near where you see poke notifications.

*Friend lists that existed before the new smart list prompts have an entirely new management interface.

*The poke button has become a link tucked into a pull-down to the right of the add friend button.

* A thumbnail image of the user, and his or her name, appears int the right corner of the top blue navigation bar; when one surfs the site using a page alias, the name and main image appears in the same place.

Oh and by the way, that bit where we could change our language in Australian to English UK was good while it lasted but now they are getting the roll out of this. Good Luck over there, take on skating for the night if all else fails.

Off to Twitter,

hope to see you scrolling down my right hand side of my FB page (if it's still there when I get back that is)

Meanwhile, please leave my buttons alone, pressed enough lately, thanks all

Don't do it!

tried to warn you!

Shoes for little feet

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000+10:00

I have not spoken of a couple of my obsessions lately so need a fix, come along for the ride. It will be fun, trust me I am female, I blog and so therefore need no further proof.

That aside, welcome to shoes for little feet!

These shoes are made of 100% leather and feature a soft suede sole, as recommended by the experts. The elasticised ankle collar and fastening strap keep the shoes fitted snugly whilst the textured suede sole provides superior grip when crawling and walking.

These pink shoes feature a soft suede sole, as recommended by the experts. The elasticised collar keeps the shoe fitted snugly around the ankle and the textured suede sole provides superior grip.

Okay, baby girl obsessed? Well here try these!

and talk about obsessed! Want these!

They do come with other critters but I love Koalas!

What is that I hear you yelling at your monitor?

Where do you get them?

Skeanies of course!

All SKEANIE Shoes are designed in Australia and are Fair Trade Made.

SKEANIE is a Preferred Provider of The Australian Podiatry Association (NSW).

Not only that you can be sure of a perfect fit with the very handy sizing sheet (with a diagram and instructions, charts, all easy to read and understand!)

and just because it is my blog and therefore I can, What about making these treasures?

Aren't they just adorable!!!!!!!!

I could just squeeze those little podgy legs too

Frustrated Grandmother? Yep sure am, can't wait but I will

Sunday Photo

2011-09-19T15:09:00.000+10:00

I couldn't make my mind up which of these I loved the most so am doing both.

I know how unlike me to be indecisive, well guess what - did you not notice that this is also a day late????

They are twins in case that slipped your mind and these are for the girls.

What twins, helloooooo, where have you been while my hair greys??

The twins story so far

RU OK?

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000+10:00

Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK?Day.

It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.

On that day we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?".

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.

It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.

What is depression and how common is it?

Everybody feels sad or 'down' from time to time. It is a normal reaction to unpleasant or upsetting events. Usually within a few days or a couple of weeks, we start to feel better and our mood returns to normal.
Clinical depression is different. People experiencing clinical depression have lost the ability to function as they normally would in their home life or at work. They often find that strategies they normally use to lift their mood don’t work. This loss of energy and low mood makes it hard to cope with day-to-day life and can also put pressure on relationships.

Clinical depression is a serious illness and will often require professional help from a doctor.

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses experienced by Australians and research tells us that one in five Australians will experience depression in their lifetime. Moreover, 4 per cent of us will experience a major depressive illness in a 12-month period.

Clinical depression is nothing to be ashamed of and it is always worthwhile to ask for help if you think you might have clinical depression.

I may not see you in person but I am asking RUOK?

I am some days and not others, but this is all about you

Some links to help, please have a look at your leisure, you just may find out how many of you are out there! You are not alone, there are lots of us.

Just a few of them. there is help out there, so hug someone and ask someone RUOK

The Flannel Flower, an Australian native, is a national symbol to promote awareness of mental health.

Flannel flower is commonly found growing wild in the Australian bush, which has a wonderful inherent beauty and strength and is known for its extremes of weather and landscape.

To survive the extremes of Australia's climate the Flannel Flower has had to be adaptable, in the same way all of us, regardless of our life circumstances, need to develop resilience and the ability to adapt to change, in order to strengthen and maintain our mental health.

The Flannel Flower, with its soft silky texture, encourages contact and is thought to help people express their feelings verbally and to develop sensitivity.

Being open and empathetic to a person's expression of distress can help not only the recovery of a person experiencing mental illness, but to change the negative attitudes of our society to mental illness.

Sunday photo that I do not want to repeat ever

2011-09-11T12:14:00.000+10:00

May we never forget the families and those

who are not with us now

twins shopping latest

2011-09-05T01:00:00.000+10:00

I know they are still not here and for that I am glad.

Too soon to meet us yet so I couldn't resist this picture

Yes they have had a 4D ultrasound done and are doing well.Although this Grandmother is yet to see the pictures!!!!! ho hum,

so all that is left for me is to shop and surf the internet and shop

and make a nappy cake

I may be biased but mine is prettier (photo when finished, so watch this space)

Will be looking for a little red wagon as wrapping for the gifts as I adore this and I do love little red wagons


Could be fun!

Wall Art or Blanket, haven't decided yet

Got a lovely Pink Stand ready for this

and then as I was touring the www I came across this little pearler of a pickie

In case you didn't know Mum's name, you do now!

and she is one heck of a cook, her cakes being my favourite of course, unless she is cooking my Grandchildren and has excelled at that on the first run.

From Mummy's loving oven to Grandma's loving heart and a family who will spoil them rotten. Just as it should be!