Happy New Year

so anyways i haven't been around for quite a while. some peeps might be wondering what i have been doing ..

well i have been busy .. i go out alot and then go to work and then sleep alot ..

i have become interested in and been frequenting local jam nights .. you know the type, local musicians get together and do their stuff .. i even get up on a regular like basis and sing and stuff .. (played the guitar the other day) ..

anyways here are some of the fellas doing their thing.

the first clip are danny and vic - vic is the master genius jam night organiser, he's pretty popular with all musicians throughout the city .. i do what i can to help him out on a wednesday at the muddy farmer, which is where this clip was filmed. the muddy farmer is purely acoustic, vic only takes 3 guitars along, it's more for the singers than the musicians.

the second and third clips are from the queenslander, serious musicians turn up here. the change is decked out with drums, acoustic electric and bass guitars, and usually percussion bongos and if someone brings them, keyboards. the guys in these clips were awesome, much much mucho better to see them live.

anyways here goes ! this might be my first and last post for the year .. haha

when the first presidency speaks

http://www.ldschurch.org.nz/pdf/news/ccnz.htm

For those interested .. the church has decided what to do with the CCNZ site and indeed all of the land surrounding the temple at Hamilton NZ .. They are going to return it too pasture .. you can read the full article at the above link .. I wonder if their returning to pasture includes the temple motels, teachers houses, and MTC ?? surely not.

What does ‘returning the land to pasture’ mean?
The Church will ensure that the components of all CCNZ buildings designated to be dismantled will be removed, including foundations and other construction elements. No building materials will be left in place. The land will be beautified and grassed. Fencing on the street boundaries will be built to high standards.

What buildings and structures will remain on the site?
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple will remain and will continue to be the Church’s spiritual focal point in Temple View. It is proposed that two CCNZ buildings, the Kai Hall and George R. Biesinger Hall, be retained and incorporated into the temple precinct. If it is determined that these buildings need to be upgraded to reflect seismic or other building requirements, this will occur after consultation with the appropriate civil authorities. The Church is assessing if it is feasible for the sports field, terraced seating, changing rooms and the parking area to be retained for the use of the local community. A decision to retain the sporting facilities is not a certainty, however.

What regulatory consents will be required for the Church to proceed with this proposal?
The church is in the process of determining what consents will be required to proceed with its plans. As has always been the case, it values its close working relationship with the elected officers and staff of the Hamilton City Council and will consult carefully with the relevant personnel to ensure that all legislative requirements are fulfilled.

What opportunities are there for creation of a local high school to replace Church College?
This is a matter for local parents and community leaders to examine. We have been informed that some parties have been investigating a proposal for a high school to be built in association with the existing Koromatua Primary School. The Church is not a participant in these discussions except with reference to being a potential source of real estate.

Has the Church considered other uses for the CCNZ buildings rather than having the buildings removed?
The church has considered other uses for the buildings. However, because they were constructed specifically for a high school, it has made it difficult for them to be altered to any other purpose. It was more likely that the buildings would have remained empty and potentially in disrepair for a considerable period and therefore subject to vandalism. This would have had a detrimental impact on the temple and also on the community. The Church was also concerned to ensure that no activities would occur in the buildings that would have been inconsistent with its own values. Thus, the Church decided that it would have been inappropriate to turn the facility over to other community groups or educational agencies.

Dean Vegas - very nearly the next best thing

I've seen Dean Vegas twice. Both performances were entertaining and well worth the trouble. This performance I saw this past weekend was probably my fave. Alot of that had to do with the 70+ yr old grannies throwing their undies at him. He took it all graciously and promptly threw their knickers at this band.

What I like most about this guy is that he doesn't impersonate Elvis, he entertains and does a tribute performance for Elvis. Some might say there's a very fine line between an impersonator and a tribute artist. I can tell the difference. I appreciate the latter much more. I appreciate Dean Vegas.

My mate is the keyboardist for his band. The band is made up of a guitarists, bass player, drummer and my friend on the keyboards. Can I just say .. my mate Fraser is the most awesome keyboardist I have ever heard. The last song for the performance was "American Triology" anyone who knows that song knows it's filled with huge instrumentals, Fraser managed to get every sound needed out of his keyboards. The crowd went wild. Well as wild as the blue rinse set can get, which all you young folk, can actually be pretty full on !

http://www.deanvegas.com/ <=== check out his website

SHE'S GONE

SKA GROUP SPACIFIX performing She's Gone



Saw these guys last week. Across the ditch tour, which was a blend of 3 groups and a dj thrown in for good measure. Renee Geyer headlined, 3 Houses Down followed, and Spacifix ended the evening. What an evening it was ! I am a ska lover from waaaaay back when Devo brang it out. These guys are a cross between Devo and Prince in style and sound and entertainment. One of the best concerts I have been too .. ever .. All three acts absolutely killed it.

I've been pretty lucky of late too become friends with fantastic musicians, who travel in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast, watching each other perform, performing or just jamming. I have to say my favourite outings are going to the jam nights. I even get up regularly now. Usually on command from Vic who runs them. This last week was one of my fave ever. After listening to the rockers it was our turn to jam R'N'B style. Ever heard James Brown "get on up" .. hah .. the boys knew the song but didn't know the words, so we were entertained too 7 minutes of outstanding musicians, showing their thang, singing "get on up" .. for good measure. Loved it. I did "Emotion" by the Bee Gees and also Georgy Porgy by Toto, both songs I have never sung before in my life, but did them anyways. Wasn't too bad I don't think.

Now I am on holidays again .. for 2 weeks. Yeah I know I have been getting the messages from you guys, asking when I am getting back from my last holiday ! .. sorry about that. I just got a bit busy and also had writers block. Meaning I just don't know what too write. So I'll try too let you know waht I've been up too in 10 words or less ?? heh ..

Went too New Zealand - Went too CCNZ reunion - it rocked ! seriously. I never went to Church College - but know plenty of people who have, and felt like one of the alumni, it was like going home too see old friends. 4 days of entertainment, laughter, tears, reminiscing, missing my dad, seeing my aunty, catching up with friends and family. My favourite part of the reunion was the Ball - I 'heard' there was close too 4,000 people in attendance. There were 4 different bands at the ball. The headlining act being Ardijah. Just one of my favourite bands ever !

For those who dont know. CCNZ is the church college of New zealand. A mormon church sponsored school that has been operating for 50 years. 2009 it will be closed down. A very emotional time for everyone in the community and all of those who have been a part of it. My dad was a 1st and 2nd year alumni. The college was built at the same time as the temple in Hamilton New Zealand and has been a very big part of the people, the landscape and the community. There are many different reasons and opinions as to why it is being shut. The thing is that the bretheren at church headquarters have given the call for it too be done, and so it will be done. Very sad, but all good things must come too and end.



After I got back from reunion I got very very New Zealand Home Sick and went about trying to get back there. Unfortunately things have not turned out that way. I have to be honest in saying I didn't put as much effort into it as I should. One reason being I had too go through some "life learning" experiences. You know the type of experiences you don't really want too go through. But I have come through the other side and am still trying to figure out just what it was I was supposed too learn, to be honest ! Though i am still on a mission to go back. Time will tell.

And that my friends, is that. for now.

Hoping you are all well !!\

Kia Kaha

On Holiday

Just letting ya know .. I am on vacation ! gone to NZ .. for a few .. will be back laters ..

Genie in a bottle

Well this is installment 1 of 2 - Abi wanted pics of my new place .. here it is ! in all it's unadulterated glory. Small but sufficient and full of things I love.

The kitchen sink .. that kettle I bought for .50c . Just my little bit of a splurge. The lantern a birthday gift and the glasses also bought at a bargain $1.00 for the lot.
The shoe rack. Since I don't actually have a washing machine and just go to my sisters to visit once a week to do my washing - I needed to use the space that the washing machine would go wisely - hence my shoe cupboard.
See how willing I am to shaer my life. This is the bathroom/toilet .. that glass panel on the right is the shower, unfortunately not bath for me !

This is where all the jams take place, under my marquee in the back courtyard. Looks splendid at night with all the candles going. We jam by natural means. No electricity needed. My dining room - really need to get rid of the cane chairs and get some others, but that can wait.
Looking from my hallway to the dining to the kitchen to the back door ! haha .. not really a hallway.

This is my entertainment, come library, come office space. All thanks to Ikea ! No home is a home without family photos aye .. even if they are stuck under the stairs.
The other half of the kitchen. Those wine glasses $2 ! yeah i am a bargain shopper. Note NO microwave, I don't happen to believe in them except for softening hardened ice cream. And since ice cream is no longer a part of my diet, I have no need for a microwave. Even though I have been offered many by many friends - no sir - I'm a cook cook.
The king bed actually looks a bit dwarfed in the bedroom - because the bedroom is a GREAT size ! there is another bedroom too but it's my junk/dressing room and will not be shown publicly ..
the foot of the king bed. hmm yes the curtains are an interim fix - I am looking around for better .. honest.
The lounge/guest room haha .. yeah both of those seats/couches recline to single and double beds - comes in handy let me tell you !
Just another look at the lounge. My friend danny who painted that portrait is doing another one of my father to go on blank wall, can't wait to see it finished !

Lost Loves.

IT’S ALL WORTH IT

Hey, wake up ! Let’s go fishing
We don’t have a fishing line
Don’t be a party pooper.. bring your sleeping bag
We don’t have a tent
Don’t worry it’s not going to rain
So, fishing we went
Sleeping on the side of a cliff, using shrubs
As a barrier to make sure we didn’t roll
Over into the ocean
In the morning looking at the glistening
Pools of water, we spotted a mermaid
A nymph playing and splashing amongst the rock pools
Then it was time to fish
What a bounty of fish there was to be had
You should have seen the ones that got away
Ever seen the sunrise ? on an undisturbed horizon
Is this how our lives are blessed daily
Is the beauty in this little bit of Heaven, our
Assurance.

You went away so long ago
But I have never forgotten
I never will
Your last words
That touch of heaven - It’s All Worth It

Still miss you Ed.

Advice to teenagers ? All I can say is if I do anything wrong don't follow me. - ELVIS

Yeah that is me as a baby. Lotsa hair. I look at my nieces and nephews nearly every day and imagine what they will be when they grow up. Now it's time to start looking at myself !

BTW HAPPY NEW YEAR !! ahem ..

Anyways I think many might get the gist that I have come to a point in my life where I have decided to make changes. Here are a few things I've done over the past year, things I have put off or dreamed about doing for a life time.

1. Got my health and weight back to what it should be
2. Start to paint
3. Learn to hit a golf ball
4. Learn to tap

This year alone I have started doing some other stuff - one of which is going to make a HUGE impact on my life.

5. Buy a guitar and learn to play it - which I have done and now have Killing Me Softly down pat and just broke my first guitar string and have blisters on the tips of my fingers - yeah I think that validates me :D
6. Get a flat - signing up for one as we speak ! a two bedroomer all for myself in a gated complex with pool and onsite manager. Because lets face it, me alone I can't be too picky, I need to get what I can afford and so would be in a neighbourhood that wouldn't be anyones first choice ! haha .. But I think the journey and growth I will get from being on my OWN for the first time in my life will be something to cherish.

ps tonight a friend has convinced me to follow him to a open mic jam session at the local tavern. All the local musicians get up and sing, play, entertain. He's a great musician and is trying to get me to get up and sing to his accompaniment. We'll see ... I have only just got over my fear of karaoke !
That's all :D :D ..

elf

click here for a little elf magic

God gave me my voice. If I ever turned my back on Him, I'd be finished - Elvis

Don't take the Christ out of Christmas

I just wanted to wish everyone a really wonderful Christmas. This time of year to me is so joyful. People stop and reflect, even if they don't believe in Christ per say, they do believe in something and at this time of year most tend to stop and remember that something.

I've had a pretty interesting couple of months. I am not going to give a run down here of what I have been up too. Except to say I have been on a journey that I have never been on before. It's taken me over 30 years to get up the courage or determination to take this journey. I don't know yet where it's going to lead. Although I must admit the path is not an all together righteous one. Don't fret my testimony is not shaken. My belief in my Heavenly Father and my wonderment at his being and purpose is still in tact.

Do you believe that people come into your life for a reason ? I mean even those of you who I know read this blog. You have all touched my life at some point and in some poignant way. We are all interconnected, through our acquaintence.

I have had some people come into my life recently. A crowd I would usually steer clear of. But I think it was because of my own prejudices. I'm not talking racial prejudice, but religious prejudice. Although I have always thought I was accepting of anyone and everyone. Yet through my church upbringing I know I would purposely stay out of places that would exclude me from meeting a whole bunch of people. Recently I have ventured into these places - with my wonderful friends as guardians - to discover a whole completely different world. A world full of people whose paths might not be exactly like mine, but our paths do cross. It's a whole new learning experience. One that I am currently enjoying being a part of. I have never really felt quite so alive for so so long. I actually feel apart of the world. Which is ironic because I have been taught all my life to stay out of the world. And this my friends is why I said earlier my path is not an altogether righteous one. Yet it is one I feel at ease taking and learning from.

So this is how I am leaving behind this year. On a journey of self discovery and learning and testing. I hope I stay on my feet, and if I fall someone will catch me.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone. I sincerely mean that.

kia kaha ki te rongo pai

I discovered the above when I created my Ldspacific website (which I really need to visit more often) .. it became the theme for the site. It means "to be strong in the gospel". Over the years it has become my mantra. Although I have modified it a bit, my mantra being "to be strong in your beliefs". That we should all be confident in our choices and decisions and own what we choose. Even if it turns out bad, we should use that as a learning experience and grow from it. Just never try to justify our wrong choices by blaming someone else ... does that make sense ??? This can then apply to everyone and everything. One thing that I am a big believer in is owning the choices we make. Take responsibility. I can never be critical of anyone who accepts the choices they have made and 'owns' them, even if those choices are wrong. I think it actually takes alot of courage and shows great character to stand up and be responsible.

That's all I wanted to say .. have a good day !

Operator Please

Wanna know what's the hottest hip thing to hit our radio's lately ??

Well remember back in high school you dreamt of getting a bunch of your mates together and making a band .. you'd even practice during lunch .. then the school had it's local talent quest and you and your group entered .. and did your first and last performance .. remember those days .. the days you look back on now and laugh ..

Well these kids had that dream too . and have made a band . and won the local high school competition .. but they didn't stop there .. they kept going .. now these high school kids are one of the top acts in Australia . winning this years Break Through Single of the Year ARIA .. yeah .. they are 'still' high school kids too ..

I can see why they are popular with the younger crowd. I dare you to try not to bop your head to their break out song .. "it's just a song about ping pong"

Remember when Michael Jackson was hot ..

Humbling somewhat..

http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/
I am highlighting the above blog and also adding it to my blog list. I stumbled across it only today. It's a blog written by a lady from Iraq. She has since moved with her family to Syria. Nonetheless reading her blog is both sobering and thought provoking.

Also, remember that painting I have been doing ? Well it's still not finished. I need to adjust and do some stuff to it. But here it looks pretty much finished so I reckon I'll show it. Now consider I am not an artist and I am definitely not a painter, in fact this is the first one I have ever done. This painting however has a story - personally I think that all artwork has a story and it's not until I hear or see that story that the painting comes to life. Anyways here it is, so far. I don't think I am quite ready to share what it all means though. Tell me what you think.

Just Call Me Mary ...

My boss called me into her office on Friday ... went something like this ..

boss: so Trudy got something you wanna tell me ?
Trudy: ummm let's see ... NO ! ?
boss: are you sure ... everyone else seems to know ! except me ...
Trudy: know what ... gulp ... what have I done ...
boss: the rumours in the branches are you are pregnant !
boss/Trudy : rolling on floor in fits of laughter ...
Trudy: breathe.huh.breathe.mepregnant.breathe.why?
boss: well you know ... some women get incredibly skinny when they get pregnant .. in the first stages ... and the factory guys that came down for training last week .. have reported back to all and sundry that you are looking so skinny, you MUST BE PREGNANT ! ..
boss/Trudy : crying ... tears of laughter ... people poking their heads in the office wondering what the commotion is.
Trudy: well just tell them to start calling me Mary if that's the case .. btw .. that's a compliment right ?

I've been tagged !

I have to tell 6 things about me that none of you know .. which should be quite easy ! heh ... Ursula did it.

PS I am supposed to tag another 6 people .. so whoever reads this you are tagged ...

I'll go in order of memory .. aye ..

1. When I was little us neighbourhood kids made a go-cart and we would spend days having turns on it. One day I had my turn and went tearing down the hill which was our street, hair blowing in the wind (yes my long hair) ... suddenly my head was yanked back ... can you imagine .. my long hair got wrapped around the wheels ... Suffice to say there was an entourage of neighbourhoods kids marching back to my house .. Me walking in front crying, neighbourhood kids behind holding up the go-cart .. we couldn't untangle my hair ... The only way to do this was for my mum to cut it off .. hence my first bowlcut style hair cut ..

2. When I was a whee thing I was in a beauty contest .. I came second .. I was humiliated, not because I came second, but just that I had to parade in front of all of these strangers .. have hated beauty contests ever since .. and being in the public eye for that matter. It's all so very superficial .. I think it actually has led me to being quite shy, I hate people looking at me ! don't look ! hah

which is really weird because my next tidbit would probably make you think that's not true ..



3. When I was a teenager, my mum put us kids in a maori culture group - the daughter of the guy that runs the culture group at PCC was/is one of my mums good friends, it was her group. My bit in the limelight was to be the solo hula dancer. I loved it, even though one could say the costume was a bit revealing .. long white skirt with split up the side and bikini top .. (yeah back then I had the body for it and the grace). But I really loved the dancing aspect of it. Telling a story with the hands. Plus it was usually in the dark with a spotlight so I couldn't see anyone watching.

4. I absolutely looooove peanut butter, honey and banana toasted sandwiches. and my sources tell me so did Elvis ! I also LOVE spinach ! although I don't have muscles like popeye.

5. I've been to the USA 8 times and stil haven't seen New York ... ummm or Abigail ... or Sherpa ... or Dan and Jaime .. or Daisy .. or lotsa people, crikey I need to go again .. on my way to Italy of course.

6. When I saw Bridget Jones' Diary for the first time with my mother. I spent the first 10 minutes of the movie blubbering, literally .. as I watched my life being played before my eyes. I don't think my mum even knew I was crying, coz she turned to me laughing saying "this is so funny !"

Sometimes it gets a little frustrating.

In the news we hear about so many children that are hurt by their parents. The incident of the toddler that was stuffed in a suitcase and hidden in the local waterway really made me angry. As it would anyone. Then it seemed the news that I read was littered with stories of parents that have killed their children. People who don't deserve the chance to bring these beautiful spirits into the world. I know that sounds very selfish and judgemental of me to say.

I am really getting frustrated. And it's probably got alot to do with my age too. So take that into consideration .. heh.

I usually keep these things very private, and maybe I should continue to do so ! eh .. But I'd like to know when it will be my chance. Seems that everyone else in the world has managed to find some sort of way to have a relationship that enables them to have offspring. Actually seems like everyone else has found a way to have a relationship, period - whether that relationship has been a failure or a success !

People at church and outside of church look at me like I have the plague. Personally sometimes I look at myself the same way ! Most of us who are members know what it's like to be in the church and be my age and not have had one decent relationship, not at least be married by now and most importantly not having any kids. Believe me those of you who may think that it doesn't ever cross my mind - you're freakin idiots. A friend told me that people outside of the church are not as concerned about these things. Guess what, they are.

Anyways it just makes me crazy mad when I see how some children are treated in this world of ours. And makes me frustrated that I have not / and probably will not be given the opportunity to show how much I am wanting to love and nurture my own.

PS. Don't get me wrong I love seeing my siblings own families grow and prosper, just as I love seeing my friends do the same. You are all awesome and those of you with children are so blessed and fortunate to have these spirits in your guardianship. Continue to treat them as the treasures they are.

I'm not afraid to die anymore, I've seen what lies beyond, and it is far more beautiful than anything in this life - Elvis

And yet in death he is still the King - and then some. From the latest Forbes richest dead celebrity list.

Elvis is top-earning dead celebrity

Just because you are dead, it does not mean you can't stage a comeback.

Website Forbes.com (www.forbes.com) said on Tuesday that Elvis Presley regained the top spot on its list of the highest-earning dead celebrities, ousting Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain who had beaten him last year.

Elvis shimmied his way back atop the seventh annual list of 13 top-earning legends that he had ruled since its inception, with estimated earnings of about $US49 million ($A53.44 million) in the year ending this month.

The rise from $US42 million ($A45.81 million) last year comes after CKX Entertainment, which bought part of his estate from daughter Lisa Marie Presley, embarked on a mission to renew interest in the late singer and actor.

Forbes.com said in a statement that the top 13 - who generated massive amounts of merchandising revenue - grossed a combined $US232 million ($A253.04 million) in the year.

In second place came Beatle John Lennon, who was murdered in New York in 1980 at the age of 40. He earned $US44 million ($A47.99 million) while the creator of Peanuts comic strip, Charles M Schulz, took the third slot with earnings of $US35 million ($A38.17 million).

Cobain was one of four who fell off this year's ranking. He debuted on the list in first place last year after his widow, Courtney Love, sold part of his song catalogue for a reported $US50 million ($A54.53 million).

Rounding out the top five on this year's list were George Harrison from the Beatles, who died in 2001, with $US22 million ($A24 million), and German-born physicist Albert Einstein with $US18 million ($A19.63 million).

Einstein has become a key trademark in child education due to the Disney-owned Baby Einstein brand of videos and toys.

The Beatles did well in the latest list in the wake of settling two long-standing legal disputes with the settlements believed to have exceeded $US100 million ($A109.07 million).

Newcomers in the list were actor Steve McQueen and the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown who died late last year. Rapper Tupac Shakur regained a slot on the list as did James Dean.

Rounding out the top 13 were pop artist Andy Warhol, Theodor Geisel, better known as children's author Dr Seuss, silver screen legend Marilyn Monroe and reggae superstar Bob Marley.

The other three bumped off this year's list were rhythm & blues pioneer Ray Charles, author JRR Tolkien and country singer Johnny Cash.

My next karaoke performance ...