creaky old convicts

It's time for a break in "the weather"...a post not related to our New Zealand trip. Here's a bunch of photos I took last week of my gorgeous hairy husband on the footy field. That beard will be gone in just over 2 weeks!!!! I think I'll throw a 'the-beard-is-FINALLY-gone' party. Sorry, I digress. Ben has been playing footy almost every Sunday afternoon since we moved here. He LOVES it.  At first he wasn't allowed to score a try...well, the team is for oldies you see.... but now, he's OLD yay (over 35)!!!! Now, he's legally allowed to score a try, and better still, he can compete in the Golden Oldies Rugby comp!

This week Norfolk Island hosted a Golden Oldies Rugby competition with teams visiting from QLD and New Zealand. It was a week long wild rumpus of footy and socialising. I hate footy. I never watch it, EVER! But I have to confess, I loved every minute of trying to capture the fun these Creaky Ol Convicts were having. Their enthusiasm was completely infectious; just a bunch of guys (and a few gals) of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels running around together, having a laugh....all with the aim to get a ball over the line...apparently! Ben is the youngest player and the oldest, Ian, is 80 years old. His gold shorts are a visual reminder to the other players that he's untouchable!

Before we moved here, Ben read about the Creaky Ol Convicts here, on Cristina's blog. He said then and there, "I want to play with those guys when we move to Norfolk". I'm glad he's living the dream! lol

I won't lie...I've TOTALLY lost my blog mojo of late....not only have I lost the inspiration to keep up with writing posts, I've barely even dropped in to read anybody else's blog (and that alone is very unlike me!). My focus lately has been photography. It's all I want to do! I've just learnt a bit more about shutter speed so I've been trying to capture as much action as I can. I still have SO much to learn (and I'm having a lot of fun)!

The Leibster Award

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. So, what is a Liebster?  The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Isn't that sweet? Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.

A HUGE thank you to Elizabeth of Lilybett and Boy who nominated Norfolk Exposure for the Leibster Award! So what's this all about? Well there is no real award as such (so nothing to frame and hang on the wall above my computer - oh dang). Of course there are no official judges, and from what I can determine through Googling, the rules have varied slightly over time. There's no website with an official team to congratulate you or hand over an over-sized cheque.  The Leibster Award is pretty much a chain letter; a blogger to blogger award where you nominate other bloggers. If you receive the award, you can i) accept it and/or ii) pass it along or iii) do nothing at all! I'm into the idea of sharing some blog love so I'm happy to take part!

  

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus...

3. Create 11 questions for the people you’ve tagged to answer.
4. Choose 11 people to nominate and link them in your post.
5. Go to their page and tell them.
6. No tag backs!

so here we go... 

 

Eleven Random Facts About Me:

1. I hated olives...until I fell pregnant...and then I craved them. I continue to love them!

2. On my 30th b'day I happened to be dining in the same restaurant as Jimeoin - my friends asked him if we could have a photo together - not only did Jimeoin oblige, he scooped me up in his arms!

3. A late bloomer, I didn't lose my first tooth until I was in grade two

4. I rarely shave my legs in winter! Yes I've got cave-girl style

5. Call me old fashioned, but I refuse to own a mobile phone

6. I hope to visit Alaska and Canada one day

7. I could live on ham and cheese toasties!

8. Three of my photos were selected to appear here recently

9. As a child I was sure I'd grow up, get married and have 5 children!

10. Litter bugs drive me crazy! What's so hard about putting rubbish in the bin?

11. Best-ever childhood TV viewing: Secret Valley, Degrassi Junior High, You Can't Do That on Television, and Punky Brewster.

Questions Elizabeth asked me:

1. How do you normally find new blogs to read?

I seem to stumble onto new blogs in a few different ways. Occasionally via Facebook links, or sometimes I follow a comment profile and at other times I follow a bloggers suggested links.

2. What's your preferred leisure activity when you have a spare hour to yourself?

Sleep. Seriously, I'm a bear. I'll always put my hand up for an afternoon siesta. I love reading, watching movies and yoga too. I like sewing also, but I'm never truly happy with anything I make!

3. What's your guilty pleasure?

Ooo sugar because I mainly eat sugar free.  Now and then I indulge in something sweet. And if it's in the pantry, I have my hand in the crystallized ginger jar when no one is looking!

4. When and why did you start blogging?

I started my blog two years ago as a way to share our new island life with friends and family back home. My lovely sister first introduced me to blogs, both as reader and a writer herself. She inspired me!

5. What's in your handbag?

Um. I don't have one. I never have. I don't even know what I'd put in one. Is that odd?

6. Name your three desert island albums or movies.

Oh POP goes my heart....yep, the movie Music and Lyrics...I love it. Any Jane Austen movies...although...I could be tempted to bop Mr Darcey on the head after a few hundred viewings! As for music? I really don't know if I can narrow it down. I have pretty eclectic taste; everything from show tunes to Jamiroquai! 

7. What philosophy do you live by?

 I have this on my fridge...

 8. Are you doing your dream job? If not, what is it?

Yes I am. From a very young age I was certain I'd grow up to be a school teacher. But if I could have been, well you know, anything, I would have loved to become a ballerina!

9. Favourite item of clothing?

Probably jeans - they are so versatile. I'm a dag...really. Trackie pants and pj's are my home clothes of choice. I'm happiest when my clothing is comfy. I'm a 'ditch-the-bra-as-soon-as-I-get-home' kinda gal.

10. Favourite apps or programs for blogging/photography?

I use Feedly and Pulse for following blogs on my android. Personally I think Feedly is better than Bloglovin. I follow some great photography blogs for inspiration. I haven't yet delved into Pinterest or Instagram because I already spend so much time reading blogs. I've got to draw the line somewhere.

11. Describe your last 'aha' or 'forehead slap' moment.

You know, I've only just worked out I can respond to blog comments via email. Dur.

Questions for the Nominees

1. Imagine a historical figure had written a blog. Whose would you have followed? Why?

2. What's one thing you always pack in your bag when travelling?

3. Can you change a flat tyre?

4. What is your favourite movie quote?

5. What makes your blood boil?

6. When eating out, what's your preferred option? Italian or Chinese? Mexican or Indian? etc

7. What camera do you use? Do you have a favourite lens?

8. Can you remember the first CD you ever purchased/or listened to?

9. What is one thing you are really good at?

10. What chores do you hate the most?

11. What are your thoughts on blog etiquette? If you comment regularly on someones blog, do you expect that person to follow yours?

Who I'm nominating...

1. A Little Bit Country

2. The Hills Are Alive

3. All In A Daze

4. Piper and Poppies

5. Rosehips and Spiderwebs

6. Sunny Day Reverie

7. Imogen Eve

8. Everyday Miracles

9. Tea Cake and my Boy

10. The Heart Shaped Truth

11. Little Beds

So, will you pay it forward? Go on...

the joy is in the journey

Did you read yesterday's blog post? Yeah...well......I do tend to OVER-THINK! Even my yoga teacher tells me I over analyse...apparently it shows up in my practise (can you believe that?) - she's the most intuitive person I know, that yoga teacher of mine. She knows things about you, before you know it yourself!!!

But getting back on topic...it's now clear I don't require much direction after all....I just need to follow my heart. When I sat and thought, it wasn't difficult to work out what makes me return time and time again to your virtual space. Many of you write with such honestly, humour and openness - sometimes it's so real I may as well be sitting at your kitchen table. Images and words entwined, your personalities shine through.

As long as I write about what is important to me, that I portray my personality, passions and ideas with frankness and truth, then hopefully you'll continue to drop in. I just needed to remind myself that the joy is in the journey. Who knows where it will take me?

And now I'm off to yoga....to live in the moment for NINETY whole minutes! You can't imagine how much I love yoga (I'll tell you all about it some time).

PS Thanks for your words of encouragement, especially Christina. Your wise words (on FB) made complete sense to me.

lost, confused and blog blocked

Imagine you travelled a long forgotten country road that led to a small rural hotel. Oh dear....with a start like that you may be thinking I'm leading you through a guided meditation...although come to think of it, if that were the case I wouldn't be guiding you to a pub, right?

Anyway where was I? Oh yes... inside the hotel you found a publican, three or four locals and perhaps, just maybe, a lost traveller or two. A happy, comfortable enough place, life here was safe, predictable but not overly exciting. Ultimately, the publican longed for something more; new acquaintances, exciting stories and connections to like minded souls. This imaginary hotel is my blog. It started out just like this; a small insignificant space visited by a few friends and family. In the beginning it served one purpose; to share our new island life with the family and friends left behind. Not long after, I started dreaming of making bigger connections, whilst simultaneously promoting Norfolk Island - a place not known to many.

My current scenario is a bit different and the journey continues to evolve. Lets take another trip shall we? This time you take a slightly more travelled road. You still find yourself in the country, but the traffic is more frequent. As it happens, this road passes through a village, also with a hotel, no, lets make it a general store this time, the kind that sells fuel, milk and everything in between. The owner is friendly, open and honest, but a wee bit sheltered and perhaps a little naive.  Just like the quiet isolated hotel, this store is also supported by loyal regulars (most of whom are related to the owner). But guess what? A few others stop by too. Yes, visitors drive past frequently and some even take the time to stop and chat. Some even return again and again! The travellers come from all around, speaking openly and sharing their experiences. The store owner enjoys meeting these interesting and genuine folks. She finds that, to her surprise, their stories give her enjoyment and inspiration.

Yes this is my blog now. A slightly busier space than before. But you know what? I've been struck down with a debilitating case of stage fright all week - a serious bout of blog doubt! Suddenly I'm asking myself 'What's this all about?' and 'What is expected of me'?. For sometime now I've visited your "village", getting to know what makes you tick. I've poured over your wonderful words...and gazed longingly at your amazing, inspiring photographs.

So here I am writing about nothing in particular. I've baulked all week long...wanting desperately to type up a post, but not knowing what to write, and wondering what direction I should be taking.  Thinking, thinking, reading and thinking some more and just feeling confused all round! Eeek...this blog business is supposed to be fun, right? I hope the bloggy-block shifts soon.

the upskilled blogger

image from here

It's no secret I love blogging. I really enjoy taking and editing photos, stringing images and words together and arranging and then re-arranging layouts and designs. It dawned on me recently just how many technological skills I've acquired since I first started. For me, getting the hang of applications like Picasa, Blogger, Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop is a big deal. Photoshop still eludes me somewhat, but Lightroom is becoming easier to navigate. And aside from negotiating software applications, all this writing has enhanced my grammar and spelling skills too. Whilst some bloggers have a gift for words, they definitely don't flow easily for me. I really have to work hard to put my thoughts into a coherent readable fashion; one worthy of your time anyhow! I type and read, type some more and re-read, re-word and hit 'delete' more times than you can imagine. Online thesauruses and dictionaries are my friends and I dip into them often, both with intent to expand my vocabulary generally and because I want make my writing more interesting. All this blogging and use of technology nourishes my thoughts and provides a healthy exercise regime for the old noggin. I think with those reasons alone I can justify why I spend so much time blogging!

Following a better path

Image source here

I lost my way in Blog Land recently. Boy, it's a rabbit warren out there. We bloggers are prolific! There are so many wonderful inspirational writers, not to mention photographers. The problem is, I found myself drooling, no....getting a bit caught up in the consumable blogs. I call them that because for me they are, in essence, like beautiful shop window displays; "selling" everything from designer mummy outfits and magazine style home interiors to perfectly-gorgeously outfitted children. Some portray this with intention (for business purposes), while others present this image because it's how they live and who they are. I love those (a fore mentioned) things, I do, but in my heart of hearts I know it's wrong. Well, not wrong, just decadent and indulgent and against my gut feeling 'that our beautiful planet is getting choked up with all this unnecessary materialistic stuff'. 

I don't know about you, but it's hard for me to not want stuff. Perhaps women have that 'gatherer' trait ingrained. We don't spend all our days gathering nourishment and sustenance anymore, so we've moved on to harvesting wants or desirables. Part of why I love our small island life is we are shut off from consumerism, on a big scale anyway. I guess you could label me an "anti-consumerist'. I avoid chain stores and mass-produced as much as I can. The appalling air and lighting in shopping centres naturally deters me from entering anyway. But I'm not going to sit here and make out I don't enjoy wandering markets and specialty stores. What is it about shopping? Why do we enjoy touching, seeing and smelling new things? I wish I knew.

On the flip side, burrowing further and deeper has led me to discover some lovely bloggers who seem to be a bit more like me.  People who get excited when they dig up a real op shop treasure. Folks who have outdated mismatched furniture, crumbs on the floor and kids wearing hand-me-downs or home-made. Tree hugging writers who think about food miles and free-trade, chemical free cleaning, whole-food living and recycling. People who celebrate simplicity in general. Ah, kindred spirits. You know who you are! Thank you for keeping it real and giving me SO MUCH inspiration. xxx

Friday Favourite...

.....on Saturday!

Here's Ben tickling the ivories - he's being doing this a A LOT lately. I love it when he plays. Our house is filled with music these days - Harry and Till on the piano, Harry on the guitar (Ben as well), and the newest instrument to fire up - the flute. Well Ben plays that too, but now he's teaching Miss Till. She's just at the learning-to-blow correctly stage, until her new curved mouth piece turns up in the mail (those little arms of hers just aren't long enough to reach the keys).
 

This is my favourite photo taken this week. I'd love it if you'd share your Friday Favourite too, just add a link to yours in the 'comments' below.

Sorry my blogging has fallen off the wagon lately. Busy times for me, mostly in the work camp. I've had a few sleepless nights of late, not from worries, but from a head space filled with so many ideas and lists that my brain has been unable to switch off. I really should sleep with a notebook under my pillow. My job is all consuming at the best of times but with the start of a new school year the pace amps up quite a bit more. I'm enjoying my work more than ever. I don't know why. Perhaps it has something to do with my new guilt-free outlook. I feel organised, but I can't do everything, I can't balance everything - but somehow...miraculously, I no longer beat myself up about it. I'm being the best working Mum I can be and that's that!

Guilt-free in One Three - don't you just love it? I do.

What's this? Two photos?? Yeah, breaking my own rules again. But I do love this one. Love HIM!

Check out Cristina's Friday Favourite here - She is so clever with her camera!

Subscribe? If you want.

I am under no illusions about whether this blog is well read.  I can count on my fingers and a few toes just how many loyal readers I actually have (and most of them are related, oh bless 'em).  And I am cool with that.  I'm not aiming for fame or fortune.  I just enjoy writing a blog. Simple.  I see it as a kind of artistic expression -  a snapshot of our existence as a family, a place to display my random musings and importantly, my mediocre photos (ah, a basic photography course - it's on my bucket list). I don't keep a diary.  Every time I've tried it's ended dismally after a few entries. I take issue with my cursive writing - I can never keep it to a consistent size and shape! I'm a little bit afflicted by a condition know as "perfectionist" - just a wee little bit that is.

So now dear loyal related and non related readers, you can subscribe to this blog.  I don't even know how this function works.  But what the heck, it's on offer anyway. I had an email from my dear friend Kristy requesting such an option.  So here it is Kristy, especially for you!

I hope you can figure it out!! xxx

Holidays: Day Sixteen

I don't have any photos today. 

gasp What?

I know, I'm sorry.

It's terrible.  I suppose now you'll never ever read my blog again in protest! 

I have been, however,  reflecting on this blogging caper I seem to have got myself all caught up in.  And I've come to a few conclusions actually:

Firstly, I've always had an issue with any sentence beginning with the word 'and '- but I'm relaxing my rule - I'm guilty of starting lots of sentences with the word 'And' on this blog.

Making a commitment to blog everyday for the entire holiday period was a CRAZY idea!!!!!! I'll never do it again (but I'm pleased I stuck with it - once I start something, I like to see it through).

It's annoying when I discover a spelling error in a post, a day AFTER I've published it! Errrr...I always look so carefully. Sometimes those naughty misspelled words blend well, or put on a disguise, or think they are American!

Uploading photos costs a fortune and I'm well and truly breaking our up-load budget here! You mainlanders wouldn't understand!!!!! Not everyone has fast, reliable and affordable internet services!!! whinge whine....I'm allowed to (it's my blog after all). It's the price we pay for living in paradise - oh poor me! sob sob

Comments are nice.  Initially the sole purpose of my blog was to keep the related peeps at home informed of our daily grind. But then I heard on the grapevine of some lovely folks from Canberra, whom I don't know, passing on a message through someone who knows of me etc that they were reading my blog regularly and really enjoying it. I was flabbergasted - I just didn't imagine this would happen. It gave me a new perspective about how some aspects of my life are now "out there" for all to see. And (Oops, there I go again) I'm comfortable with that, really.  But back to the issue of comments, I didn't set out to write a blog to have people (besides my sister - it's mandatory for her) make any comment at all. After all, what would they feel compelled to say? But I actually TRULY get excited when someone leaves a comment.  I feel appreciated somehow - silly right? - and oh so egocentric I suppose! I'm now making more of an effort to comment on other blogs I read, out of courtesy.  It's blog etiquette I believe.

Well enough of that. I didn't feel so crash hot today and consequentially, I did almost nothing - lots of good old laying around. Although I did pick up the pace ever so slightly late this afternoon, as I have just returned home from seeing a movie.  It was called 'Red Dog'. Go and see it if you can, I loved it.  Come to think of it, we get movies here 6 months behind everyone else, so you can probably hire it from your local video store.

Tomorrow is a BIG day for us.....but you'll have to wait until then to find out why. I might even up-load some really bandwidth hungry photos!!

To blog or not to blog?

My sister does it, my Mum does it and now my cousins are doing it too. What are they all doing exactly? Blogging of course! I've been reading them for years. Some who know me well would tell you I'm addicted to reading them.  My favourites mostly deal with sewing, crafting and family life. It's been on my mind for a while now, that I should start my own. But can I write well enough? Do I have time? Will I be exposing my inner most private thoughts to the world? All questions that roll around and around in my head. But hey, what the heck, I might as well have a crack at it.

But where do I start this story of ours? At the beginning I suppose.