" I Hear Thunder "

Last night we had thunder and lightning, and Ifan, Morgaine and myself sat in the dark on the settee watching it and listening to it. Morgaine thought she might be a little scared, but after Ifan explained the science behind it, she decided she wouldn't be !

However, she was concerned for " her sweetie ". Her sweetie is actually a pet snail she has, ( of course we ask her to put it back in the bushes after she's observed it for a while and tell her the same one will come back next time ). I don't think she can tell the difference, that it isn't always the same snail we find.

" If Everyone Shared And Swallowed Their Pride.."

Right now I am loving....

a) Rufus Wainwright ( oh really...this is a surprise )

b) Steeleye Span

c) Nickelback

d) The Mediaeval Baebes

e) Medwyn Goodall

f) Blackmore's Night....and

g ) David Arkenstone...

A Unique Shop I Stumbled Upon In Launceston

I very rarely venture into town, but I am so glad I did. Last week I happened upon a gorgeous shop and even more impressive shop owner in George Street, Launceston.

Lured in by the pixie haired owner and how cool she looked, I discovered a world of stunning homewares and personal care items that will have me returning, and more importantly, spending in there.

Suzanne ( the owner ) will be soon selling online, so be sure to visit her at http://www.cocoonlaunceston.com.au for all your important classy home furnishings. I will also add the link to the side bar too for ease of access.

I am not affiliated with this shop in any way, but immediately thought, " hey the world has to know about this place ", so I am doing my bit...tell all your friends... I certainly will !

" Lorikeet Lane Awaits "

I am still plugging away with eating as much raw food as I can and am pretty much there, and at tea time when I get my food cooked ofr me, we are having more vegetables and healthy food, even though it is cooked. I am pleased about this and do feel definitely more bouncy, and whilst I don't yet look 18 again ( LOL ) I can notice that I feel a lot less " blahhhh ".

Thanks for all the comments about the house, I have to say I am looking forward to moving, especially because it will be on 35 acres, with dams and ponds too. As much as I still think I am city type at times, I know I am not, and neither do I wish to be. I have no interest in the city lifestyle ( even a Launceston city lifestyle which is quite moderate compared to other places ).

When we went to visit the house we saw an echidna, kangaroo and wombat trundling around, so I feel this bodes well for the cleanliness and country-ness of the area. I will be able to hang out the washing naked, and dance around without fear of any nosey neighbour seeing my lily white butt ! It does need a good clean however, so I will have to get my cleaning head on for a good few hours...it's been empty for a while and needs the love of some great incense and a brand new vaccum therein.

" Fear Not For Me Dear Ones "

Had word today, that if we go up another $10,000, it's ours. As we offered $25,000 under the asking price in the first place we figured that a good enough deal for us. So we'll be settling on the 23rd of November, and moving slowly from this place where we live now, to our new place. Hopefully once we have lessened our attachment to selling this home we are in right now and moved away from it, then the universe will see fit to ensure it sells. I feel confident it will work out well anyway, it always has done for us.

So now, I can release my breath.

" up there with a smashing mature man 'elpin' me into me stole "

Am holding my breath waiting to see if our first offer for the house has been accepted...ring damnit, ring !

Ok it's 8.49 pm, and no word from the Real Estate Agent. Might as well go to bed and wait for tomorrow.

" ...and I'll come back and get ya "

If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.” Thich Nhat Hanh

I read this saying the other day and almost suspended my thinking. This is one of the most profound things I have ever read. I love reading it and thinking it to myself, for it seems so true.

On another note, Ifan and I were discussing that neither of us really dress up anymore. I guess this is why it is so easy to be releasing everything from our lives that we no longer need.

The only things I buy these days are :- food, books and computer stuff. Ifan :- food, books, car and motorbike parts and that's it. We can't wait to move to the other place, I really honestly think that this fascination with downsizing and becoming more earthy will be very easy. Did I mention the new house has an AGA stove ? How romantic is that ? I will post some pictures presently.

I have fantasies about coming home from work in the winter to a curry and lentil soup cooking on the yellow stove...the house saturated with the smell of healthy food, warm and toasty from the fires and heaters, most abundant in the place. I can't wait to move to the 35 acres, Rosevale, here we come.

The Dogs Of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz

I really enjoy this writer, I feel attuned to him. He isn’t big headed or boastful, but is so honest with what he writes. I loved this book. 10 out of 10. I begun to read it the day after we put an offer in on the house ( farm ) we will are going to buy and his words basically consolidated what I needed to hear, that we are doing the right thing. He was like a counsellor without even knowing it. I love this man’s work.

See more progress on: read at least one quality book a week

" I Am An Elephant Of India "

Well I am still listing everyday and feel that I am moving forward somewhat with the whole decluttering experience. Ifan is also doing likewise, so check him out, he is user ifantwentythree. We are on a roll and none of it is hurting us. I feel emancipated. Still aiming for a minimum of five listings a day, I do usually list more, but it is a nice small figure that I feel I can achieve easily, after all the other stuff, called life is done.

We put our offer in on our new home to be today, we have the finances sorted so long as the owners accept. The way we have done it is that we don't have to sell our current home to be able to afford to move as houses in our area ( even ace ones like ours ) are not shifting as well as they might ( Thanks Pulp Mill assho$$$ ).

Anyway, if all goes according to plan, we may be able to move in a month or so.....we can take out time, and just move a bit at a time. However the cleaning of the new house will take a long time too, I have no doubt, it's rather spidery.

The thought of living on 35 acres fills me with happiness... maybe even room for little piggies.

" My Life Is Bins Bags And Laundry Baskets "

My once tidy and lovely home is now a perfect grave yard of dead clothes and fripperies no longer needed by me. The amount of stuff I am drowning in is quite hideous, and even though I am listing on Ebay every day, there is no end in sight. I am learning a very valuable lesson however about my past expenditure and happiness. The more I shed, the happier I am. The more I get ( or got, now, as the case may be ) the more hemmed in by life I felt, but no happier for having all that rubbish.

I am sick of stuff, but at least it is selling...

I have had so little time to write this week, and I miss it. Even when I write all sorts of trite rubbish, I still like to write something.

I am enjoying hearing about the men on top of the Batman Bridge protesting the mill. The cops tried to get them down, but as usual, got it wrong and realised after cutting a hole in the bridge, that the hole didn't enable person removal after all. Such twits....they should be actors on The Bill !

Still in a grumpy mood...oh no !

" Higher in metres "

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Gravelly-Beach-Wiccan-Services_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

I just wrote a really long posting that for some stupid reason didn't save. I am too crabby to write it again, I feel angry and horrible and I don't know why. If I could just punch something I would feel better. Must be because I ate shit and it hasn't agreed with me after two weeks 75% raw. Night night.

" Did it work ? "

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Gravelly-Beach-Wiccan-Services_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm




Please check my store out...if I have nothing you want...maybe you could tell others... I am very quick to post !

" Thank You "

Hey Toni, babe. Thanks for letting me know how to do the link thing. Will have to wait until I get to work on Monday, because the format on a Mac is different, but on the PC at school I can access the bit I need to.

My life is still for sale, five more items have gone up today, as per my promise to myself, so check out my Ebay shop if you feel the need to, and browse away.

PS Anyone who wants ebooks can browse my shop, tell me which ones they would like and I will send them free to you.

PPs I formerly thanks Gina for helping me, and i have now restored the thanks to the rightful helper. but would like to thanks Gina anyway for being ace and Toni for likewise.

" My whole life is for sale "

There is a strong possibility we have found a new place, we are going for a second look tomorrow. I have made a strong commitment that I am going to downsize, and have begun with the babystep of listing at least five things a day on Ebay. I am so sick of having stuff around, stuff that is not useful or lovely, so please, if you feel the need to have more stuff, please check out my Ebay store and auctions. If there's anything you want, please let me know as I am listing daily as I mentioned, but hopefully will list more than five things. I need to be able to breathe again.

The address is http://stores.ebay.com.au/Gravelly-Beach-Wiccan-Services_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm

If anyone can tell me how to put the link so you can click on it and it will take you there, I would love to know.

" More House Hunting "

Our house sale fell through, so we are looking again. We have found an hexagonal style cedar home on 35 acres that might be a go-er. Ifan is dead set keen, I have some reservations, due to the fact that I can't decide if I want luxury or rusticity. I do not know my own mind.

Anyway, we are going for another look, to take pictures and do some more talking. The area is sublime, the house is very reclaimed, and I love that. But I need to think....and work out how long the 12 x 18 barn will take to erect that we need for cars, motorbikes, Ebay and office....I'll keep you informed anyway.

Crossing Over by Irene Garrett

Not to be confused with the book of the same name by John Edward, this is the story of a lady running away from her Amish roots. I quite enjoyed it but felt it lacked real depth. She wrote in a fairly superficial way I thought, would have appreciated more information on her upbringing prior to leaving the order. 6/10

See more progress on: read at least one quality book a week

Ending Your Addiction To Cooked Food by Victoria Boutenko

Ok, I began by loving this book, but by the end I found it boring and annoying, repeating the same thing over and over. It’s ok, but the amount of typos in it too, not my scene. 5/10

See more progress on: read at least one quality book a week

" NO PULP MILL "

Get it into your thick dollar addled skulls Lennon and Gay, no-one wants this soddin' pulp mill.

Lennon and Gay, your illegal, back pocket filling cronyism is an insult to every intelligent, forward thinking human being. Lennon, to call yourself Premier is an insult to the English language. You are a national disgrace.

Shame on you.

Bob Brown however, is a truly great and passionate orator.

Photograph copyright of Ifan G Thomas-2007

" Poor Kev "

We went out on our mate Kevin's boat today, and as it was an impromptu jaunt it was extra fun, but on the way back the engine decided it didn't want to go and we had to be towed back to the dinghy. We had a good time though, and it's ace looking at the places you see everyday from a different angle. You see so much more. Damnit there are some fine houses on the shores of the Tamar. Morgaine liked sitting in the dinghy best because she could be at one with the water and put her fingers in it, the other boat "AONE" was a little too large for danglage over the sidage.

Anyway, remember Tasmanians, to put your clocks forward tonight !

Lit From Within by Victoria Moran

I enjoyed this book too. Lots of common sense ideas for bringing out the inner beauty in all of us, no matter what size we are. I like how Moran writes, she is like a mate you’d have a chat with over a cup of herbal tea. A quickish read too in that she writes in short chapters. Hurrah.

See more progress on: read at least one quality book a week

" May A Plague Descend Upon Thee "

John Gay and Paul Lennon, how do you sleep ?

May you get what you TRULY deserve.

Democracy is dead, long live democracy...yeah right.

" Thank You Jacqui "

I became hugely inspired by fellowess blogger Jacqui the other day. On her blog she had written about going through every last item in her wardrobe and re-assigning it to a rightful place.

I knew I had to do the same.

Since 9.30 this morning I have been pulling stuff out of my wardrobe, listing it on Ebay, chucking it out or finding people to give it to, and I haven't even got a fifth of the way through.

So a few things spring to mind.

1. I have too much stuff. I know this, have always known this and I want to do something about it. It's not just a case of me having a lot of stuff, it's a case of me having unfeasibly large amounts of stuff. I mean 200 pairs of trousers. Why, why do I have this much?

2. I have always bought what I liked, whether I needed it or not. Just to sort of prove I could have anything, when I wanted it. Isn't this bollocks ? What did I have to prove to myself and anyone else, nothing....? But I still bought.

3. So many things have the tags on, or the tags off but have never been worn.

4. How many pairs of shoes do I need ? Over 100 ? No I don't.

5.How much money have I wasted ? ( oh my god, I can't even begin to guess ).

6. What hole do I have in my world that means I need all this crap ? Or think I need it ! I don't think I have a hole, but maybe I do....answers on the back of an op shop docket dear readers please :)

7. Mess upsets me, I hate mess..so why are all my drawers and ottomans like crushed up, squashed up scary places ? The outer rim of my life is tidy as, but the drawers well..heinous....my god IS THIS ME ????

8. I will not keep anything faded, with holes, rips or tears ( not that I ever wear anything enough for this to happen like ), or anything, because it was expensive.

9. I will keep at this until I can hang things up and they don't get massacred and squished, because of having to cram.

10. I will be proud of myself.

11. I am not what I wear.

12. I am a size 14, so keeping a size 8 pair of pants is just stooooopid ! I am getting smaller and tighter, but I am not and have not been a size 8 since age 14. At my happiest I am a 10-12. I will return there but as yet I am not this size.

13. I love my Rufus Wainwright tees and they will always live with me EVEN if they do get faded.

14. The money I make from selling my unworn clothes will go into my savings account, the one I can't touch or use frivolously for pitiful, of the moment purchases.

15. If I don't feel good in it or I hate how it makes me feel, it really has to go.

BREATHE GIRL, BREATHE !

" If Everyone Cared "

Call me a flawed human being, but I like the band " Nickelback ".

I am sat here with a pounding headache for the second night in a row. Yes, I am trying to give up the caffeine, and yes, I can feel the effects of the fact that my body is addicted to caffeine. I am ousting the take away coffees, do you know how much they were adding up to each week....? Yes, about $50 ! Then with the first drink of the day being a coffee, I wake up dehydrated and then have a diuretic coffee as the first drink...no wonder my wrinkles are becoming obvious. Then an afternoon Pepsi Max or two...god damn it, no wonder I felt like ass, so much. So am having a light cup of tea, green tea and hot water. I know that still has some caffeine in but..it's a start and my head, well it poundeth away.

On another note, I read some Macbeth with a grade ten class today and my passion for this literary style came flooding back to me, I am motivated to re-read some Shakey...I have mentioned before that some people think I speak in this way at times, and I always find it a compliment. It's for a good reason old Billy still holds ranks four hundred odd years later. Or as legend has it, perhaps Christopher Marlowe was the true author !

" R-E-S-P-E-C-T "

I have thought a lot about why I behave still like a kid in front of my parents, inasmuch as I keep things from them that I know they won't approve of, and I am not sure it is because of respect. Well it might be to some degree, but what I really think it is about is, approval. I can't bear to think they would think ill of me, but I think that they probably would. Even though my mother often says ' you're an adult now, you do what you want...' I don't actually think she means it. There are so many things I don't say, but want to, I feel I have a lot of surpressed anger towards them, but maybe it is just towards myself, for being so spineless and lily livered. I like my tattoos, I do not, nor ever have regretted them. Yet, ( once again they are the example ) I don't want to " upset them " and then have them judge me.

I guess I am angry at myself most of all.

There are others in my family ( no Duncy not you ) who have really ballsed up their life and have done some pretty naughty things to others, mean and stealingy type things, who just act like they have done nothing wrong...yet me, who is well educated, saves for a rainy day, owns my own home, works hard and is a damn good mother, still feels like I have to apologise for things like buying a new ipod ( $ 499 with 16 MB, internet, itunes, youtube and finger sensor movement ).

So I guess I am the problem.

I am too gutless to basically believe in myself and my convictions, yet I do. But I always feel I have to explain myself to my parents. I have to say I always felt the love I received as a child was conditional, " we'll love you if you.....", but I don't know if this is just in my imagination... I am sick of being scared of them, I mean me, for fu**'s sake, bold fearless me...why do I allow my parents to reduce me to a nervous child again. Dammnit.