Red Face!

It's been an embarrassingly long time since I've visited this blog, and even longer since I posted, which leaves me feeling the need to confess why ...

I little bit, kinda, sorta, maybe .... forgot about it!!

You see, there were these lads ... whoa now, keep it clean. The lads I'm speaking of are The Underlads, a comedy duo that came to town for Melbourne's International Comedy Festival. And what a festival it was!

Every year, in April, Melbourne is over run by comedians. They walk the streets, some in costume, some with props, some handing out free tickets to try and fill their 200 seat theater with more than 3 warm bodies.

It was an amazing month for a laugh, especially if you're a wee homesick Kiwi girl who just landed back in Australia after crying on the plane for the 3 hours it took her to cross the ditch again.

Yes, me. I'm talking about me. Stop judging me - it was an amazing holiday! My 1000+ photos tell me so.

And there you have it. I blissfully spent April going to free comedy shows, other not quite free but cheap enough to forgive their badness comedy shows, and some pricey comedy shows that really should have been better than they were. I found myself on dates with a guy from work who was equally enjoying the laughs after splitting from his "psycho girlfriend", and I spent way too many school nights out past my bedtime with my own darling "psycho" girlfriends.

April was hands down a winner of all months, and I lost track of time.

And then today happened! So much goodness and I'm runnning out of oomph to be giddy about it all!!

Summary:

1. I discovered a website made of awesome thanks to one my favourite writers, Pamela Ribon

2. One of my favourite projects off kickstarter.com, Seattle Folk/Rock bank Ivan & Alyosha sent me presents!! (Photos to come another day)

3. Part of Ivan & Alyosha's present (their album) was played in the office, which lead to much bliss on a cold and rainy Monday. This led to one of my favourite work colleagues becoming a bonifide work chum as he spent the day sending me links to HIS favourite music while we bonded over our Music Monday.

4. I came home to find one of my favourite designers AB Chao posted an entry about ... of all things ... MUSIC

and long story made longer ... everything came full circle bringing me back here!

Today's soundtrack of awesome:


Ivan & Alyosha

The Felice Brothers - Ponzi from Ravenhouse LTD. on Vimeo.

Fleet Foxes

And on that note I must say good night! I will be back, I still have those 1000+ photos of New Zealand to share with you guys!

Much love to you and yours! I hope you're doing well! Xx

land of jandals and chilly bins ...

... I'm on my way!

Heading home to NZ for the week - a trip very much past overdue. Last time I was back was June 2009.

While I'm gone do check out the lovely Victoria Westcott and Jen Westcott. They have 9 updates on their kickstarter page which should keep you entertained - their teaser trailer is one of my favourites! I'm really looking forward to this movie but time is running out to pledge (20 hours and counting!) so check our their campaign...




If that's not enough for the week, you can also check out a write-up about Adam Taylor Music. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the new album which is due soon!

Have a lovely week!! I'll be enjoying some Pineapple Lumps for my favourite Pineapple Shaped Lamps who have 12 days left on their Dr Horrible's Sing-along-Blog campaign.




Love and hugs! Xx

happy weekending to the WORLD

It has been a HUGE day for me today. HUGE!! I got my first ever PEDICURE.

I'm just kidding around .... except it really was my first ever pedicure today and the poor wee girl working her foot spa magic barely survived. Turns out I am VERY ticklish! Even now, almost 12 hours later, I have terrible nightmares of my heel smashing into her pristine little face and breaking it as easily as if it were a watermelon.

I think they would have charged me extra.

But the REAL reason it's been a big day today, is - MY SISTER IS ON HER WAY!!!!!!!

TO MY HOUSE!!!!

I damn near pass out from the giddy excitement every time I remember. Luckily I'm bad at remembering things.

As of right now, she is in the air, I'm guessing she's getting closer to Sydney. I'm going to text my darling friend Sydney-Jasmine to get her to wave at random planes. She won't. She'll roll her eyes in my general direction and quite possibly groan or mutter random obscenities and tomorrow question why I would interrupt her date with instructions that make her look like she's on a day pass from the asylum.

Or alternatively, her date could be over and she would have had enough red wine to join me in my giddy.

Yes, I will be randomly waving at planes. Not till 11pm though. It'd be a bit silly otherwise.

I hope you're all having wonderful weekends that are filled with much love! And if you see your sister or brother, hug them tight! They move far away from you which, contrary to what you hoped for when you were 11, ISN'T THAT MUCH FUN!

Much love to you all!!!

do you like mystery surprises ... and other updates

I LOVE surprises! Unless I'm sleeping and the surprise is that you scare me awake. Don't do that. I won't like that.

But mystery surprises of the GIFT variety spark my inner child into red cordial hyperdrive. Alright, so all that really happens is insane giggling but let's pretend the hyperdrive thing is true, who doesn't love a bit of sci-fi on a Tuesday evening?

The mystery gift is being offered by Girl Clown - The Film, to any new backers that pledge $20+ or existing backers that pledge an additional $10+. Time is short. There's only 37 hours left before pledging closes!

If you love surprises, cute clowns, sweet stories, independent creative projects, why not check out this project? Hands up whose excited about production starting? \o/ \o/ \o/

Next:

Theresa Loong has posted a short video of my favourite human being, her father, as he tries to return an ornament she made when she was a child. In his words, he doesn't need it where he's going. I think it's beautiful that he doesn't want it to get thrown away.

I love Mr Loong. I'm not insane, I know it's a little odd considering he's a complete stranger. But I dare you to watch Theresa's snowman short film and her kickstarter video, and not love him too.

Do check out this amazing project. It needs your love and support to exceed their goal and raise $34,000.

Lastly:

Pineapple Shaped Lamps held their auditions for Dr Horrible's Sing-Along blog. I'd post some photos to share the awesome, but they're for backers only. Are you a backer? You could be, and then we could share all their lovely backer-only updates!

I'd love to see these guys raise $1,000 or more for their production. Mainly because it could mean even more creative projects from this talented bunch of gorgeous people and who doesn't love a creative community?

And yes, I love you! Just as much as I love Mr Loong, Clowns and Pineapples. I hope you're all having a lovely week and enjoying your own creative bliss.

XoX

PLEDGE 7 = Girl Clown

My next-door-neighbours moved out yesterday. I'm not so cut up about it.

Their front door opens right in front of my bedroom window and somehow, without my prior consent, they kindly insisted on being my daily alarm. The ritual involved over-eager dragging of bicycles out for early morning cycle rides, with way more noise and enthusiasm than should be legal pre-6am. We had scraping of bike bits against the walkway railing, banging of bike bits against said bedroom window, noise noise noise, SLAM (that's the door being closed quietly), then a thump thump thump down the stairs.

Half an hour later, same ritual. Reversed.

They were fine neighbours, really they were. Quiet, polite, celibate - and you couldn't really ask for more.

Except I'm gonna. Ask for more. Let's see if you can guess what by reading about Pledge 7 (hint: it's not clowns!).


Pledge #7 : Girl Clown - The Film



GIRL CLOWN is a short romantic comedy about a girl named Laura, who is painfully shy.
She lives by herself, works as a secretary, and she's secretly in love with her next door neighbor. In a desperate attempt to overcome her shyness, Laura decides to become a professional clown.
This is the story of meek little Laura entering into the colorful and crazy world of clowns, and attempting to find true love.

This blurb broke through into my gooey centre and there may have even been a wee "awwww" moment. I admit to being my own version of "Laura", minus the clowns, and I am really looking forward to seeing this film get made.

Spring is my favourite season (disclaimer: I'll say the same thing when Autumn rolls around) and shooting on location in New York City, in Spring, is my definition of awesome. I hope this project is a dream made in heaven for all those involved.

Best of luck to Crystal Scott and the Girl Clown team.

Eeeek!

I know, I know, it's been AGES! Yet, you're all still very VERY pretty. Yay you!

I promise to see you all tomorrow, with a whole update and everything!

In the meantime, enjoy my latest obsession....










I love this series of videos almost as much as I love you all!

XOXOXOXOXOXOX

OH! P.S. You can find out more about Jonathan "Legacy" Perez on his website IAMMYLEGACY.COM ... or see more videos on his YOUTUBE channel ... and of course there's always TWITTER

Okay, REALLY love you guys but it's 1am so I am going before I swan dive off the couch!

But before I go, how about ONE more vid to tide you over?

love love love this song.




XOXOX See you tomorrow!!

PLEDGE 6 = Every Day is a Holiday

In my life, dads are a magical creation. From their terrible (I mean, awesome) dad jokes, to their contagious dad laughter, to their healing dad love ... dads are soul-defining. They are the foundation on which we build our life upon, whether they are an active part of our journey or not. In my ideal world, all our lives would be built on a foundation of pretty fuchsia and turquoise cement, sprinkled with beautiful glittery sparkles and regularly releasing bright and happy fireworks into the air.

Too much? But you get it, right? I love my dad.

My dad, my daddy, my tatuś, is my best friend and without him I wouldn't be who I am, or be where I am, or know how to use a power drill.

Dads, their love; their strength; their struggles ... is the reason I chose:


Pledge #6 : Every Day is a Holiday



The love that resonates off Theresa Loong and her dad, Paul Loong is not only beautiful, it's transformational. As I watched their Kickstarter video, I wanted to be right there with Theresa, having a coffee with her father, hearing his amazing stories and learning from his experiences and his wisdom. I wanted to make him laugh his gorgeous laugh. I wanted a hug. Or a high-five. I wanted a hug and a high-five.

I admire and revere stories from our past. There is a grace and a strength to them that moves me, and transports me back in time. There is so much to learn from what has been before, yet the majority of us are too busy forcing our way up and pushing our way forward. Theresa and Mr Loong reminded me of the importance to pause, and reflect. To remember, respect and honour our past.

Do check out Every Day is a Holiday.  A movie where "We discover why, despite much suffering, “Every Day Is a Holiday.”"

I think this is a beautiful project and I wish everyone involved all the very best.

January Wrap-Up

I'm thinking back on the month that was January, and I'm overwhelmed and maybe just a tiny bit teary remembering every delicious moment.

When I started this blog, I expected to have a few geeky moments when discovering creative projects to pledge to. I thought I might write a blog entry or two that my sister would enjoy, maybe even witness a few dreams come true as the artists reached their fundraising goals. But I never anticipated the abundance of gorgeous souls that would stop by here and wave a hello.

You're all just so PRETTY! Thank you for enhancing the creativity in my January! I hope to get to know you all better in a super non-creepy way, and I hope that 2011 continues with its awesomeness!

And January really was awesome over here! This is it all neatly wrapped up (please imagine a nice big red bow) just for you.


All my love to:  MyCharity:Water!!!

This was my first pledge and I fulfilled my dream of starting a Charity:Water campaign. Unfortunately, no one in my personal life, other than my sister, knows about this blog so it makes it hard to fundraise. But maybe you'd like to show my campaign some love?

Charity:Water has been in the news lately with Adam Lambert's fans crashing the site in their attempts to donate for his 29th birthday. I'm not above confessing I was a little jealous of Adam Lambert. That's tough to admit to. Even just a dollar will save me from myself but more importantly, it will save lives by bringing fresh water to children and their families. Won't you consider helping me out?


Best wishes to:  Ivan & Alyosha!!!

I&A have raised 70% of their goal with 14 days left to get the rest for their North American tour. They've been breaking my heart a little with their recent "Going to Nova Scotia" and "We're playing Halifax" tweets. I don't think they realise how excited (read: insane) I get about my October trip to New York and Canada!! They're really not helping. But we can help them! Do check out their kickstarter page and help them exceed their goal! And then when they tour near you, you can go, take some photos, tell me what an awesome night you had. And I will try not to get too jealous.

Unrelated to their kickstarter project but equally as awesome, Ivan & Alyosha have released their EP! It will be playing on repeat at work today. Check it!


Congratulations to:  Pineapple Shaped Lamps!!!

PSL have successfully reached their fundraising goal and will be bringing their adaptation of Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog to the stage - and for a Whedon fan(atic) this is OVERWHELMINGLY EXCITING news!! PSL are already in the planning stages for the show and will be holding auditions February 14th & 15th. If you're in the Wilmington area do go along, audition, take part, make your Valentine take part, and then come back and tell me all about it. I'm all for living vicariously through you. It's not creepy at all. Shush.

Remember, even though PSL have reached their modest goal, it's not too late to make a pledge and help them raise even more money to make their show truly spectacular. They are adorable people with equally adorable rewards in return for your generosity. Check 'em out!


Best wishes to:  Lindsey White!!!

Lindsey is nearly halfway to her goal, and call me selfish but I really want to get a postcard from her and Lolly! Can we make it happen? Lindsey only has 13 days left to fundraise, so do check out her kickstarter page and drop by her blog to give her some ideas of where she should travel, what she should see and maybe you have some great music suggestions for her road trip?


Congratulations to:  Adam Taylor Music!!!

Adam and Kate have been posting many updates, mostly to express their unabashed and genuine love for all their backers. They have also raised their total funding which means an Adam Taylor album will soon exist on my ipod. With the extra money pledged, they may be able to tour and bring their music to a town or city near you! They are such sweethearts that I'm sure you'd love to see them at your local. Do check out their music and the rewards they're offering! You too can be the proud owner of their record two weeks before its release!

All these projects have added a new dimension to my January and my days have been filled with great music, funny stories, lovely comments and so much creativity that I wonder if I'm going to burst in a big cloud of sparkles and streamers!

This blog, these artists and YOU, have made a huge difference in my life and I am welcoming February with a light heart and fulfilled Spirit.

Happy February!!!!

thanks to Ken Mueller

I discovered the website PledgeMusic today.

My mouth is still making that "oh" expression where your brain is stunned by the awesomeness of what you see and my eyes are still dazed from the wonder that they have just witnessed.

I am the spitting image of a stunned mullet.

It's not something I'm proud of.

Ken Mueller is the owner of Inkling Media and is a social media guru. He very kindly made reference to my Adam Taylor Music pledge on his blog entry about Adam's success at Kickstarter and then Ken's blog lead me to pledgemusic.com.

"where artists and fans work together with charities to make music for change."

Just when I thought I couldn't fall more in love with music, artists or the internet, I am in pledge heaven.

Ken now has a place in my heart alongside Pineapple Shaped Lamps, Ivan & Alyosha, Adam Taylor, as one of my favourite and most treasured discoveries of 2011.

And it's only JANUARY!

This year has truly started off in an amazing way thanks to kickstarter.com, the artists, and thanks to those who drop by angelvibe for a visit.

If you feel a warm fuzzy tickle in your heart today, it's the kisses I am blowing in your general direction.

Much love to you all!

sharing the monday morning love

Just a super quick post from me this morning as I worry a long-winded ramble will result in the sudden realisation that I am up at 6am and my holiday really is over.

The Call of my work stationery is deafening.

As is, for the moment, I am happily perched on the edge of my bed with my yoghurt and muesli, checking out my step-niece's new photoblog, and cherishing the sound of the rain which has generously stayed away while I've been holidaying.

I love the rain.

I love my bed.

I love my step-niece.

I'm not a huge fan of 6am.

Wishing you all the best for your monday mornings!

Bella Xx

PLEDGE 5 = Adam Taylor

For me, there is nothing as powerful as love and very little that is as powerful as Best Friend love. Best friend love is chosen and if you listen carefully you can hear your soul hum with the energy from the connection.

Best friends help to shape you throughout your journey in this life. They fulfil your basic need to vent until you laugh -> laugh until you cry -> cry until you drift off to sleep.

And then they make you pancakes.

Best friends are soul-mates that have chosen to share the good times and the bad, and they help us find our way.

I chose to pledge to Adam Taylor because he reminded me of that today.

When I saw Adam's photo I was transported back 20 years to the days when I was attached by invisible rope to my best friend, Vince. I staged an excavation in my wardrobe to find some photos from my high school days, to compare, but it seems I didn't bring any to Australia. I probably feared being searched at customs and wanted to avoid being banned from entering the country on account of bad 90s hair.

Instead, I've decided to post a photo of Adam, as they're IDENTICAL TWINS!


This is the look that Vince used to give me when he was patiently listening to my most recent teenage drama. It was the look that told me, "I love you dearly, but I will mock you if you don't cut it out soon. We need to walk to English now".

I don't know 33 year old Vince, I wish I did. I wonder if he's still completely inappropriate, still making people laugh till they fall off park benches, still making people he talks to feel like they can do no wrong. He really was one of the kindest, sweetest and funniest people I've ever known.

With that overly nostalgic story I bring you:

Pledge #5 : Be Adam Taylor's Record Label

Discovering Adam and Kate has been a delicious treat. Their music has filled my lounge and my neighbourhood, while the friendship in their videos transported me down memory lane. I found myself immersed in Adam's blog and his website, all the while their music looped in the background. Discovering their youtube channel as well as the creativity and writing on their blogs has been as enjoyable as discovering their music.

Plus, I adore Kate's hair.

I wish them much love and luck in finishing their album and can't wait to see what the future brings for these two. They are adorably funny, super talented and seem genuinely in love with what they do. Their love for music is contagious and I hope they can continue to share it with the world.





I hope you enjoy sharing your day with Adam Taylor Music as much I have.

May your day be filled with the wonders that Best Friends bring.

Love to you all!

PLEDGE 4 = In Search of the Miraculous

I am huge HUGE fan of road trips. HUGE! I can recount many ninja-stylz planning sessions during tediously long work hours. Emails and messages being sent back and forth about the route we should take, the music that is ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN to come within A HUNDRED METRES of the car, the picnic basket must-haves. Do we have room in the car for the dog? Yes. Do we have room in the car for John? No.

Just the mere mention of a road trip brings a scary sized grin to my face and people start to back away. I get a little excited. Maybe you've noticed? I am currently in the process of planning a 3 week road trip around Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (Canada) for October and the level of giddy requires naps at regular intervals.

With this, I bring you:

Pledge #4 : In Search of the Miraculous

My top 3 reasons for selecting this project:

1. There's a dog called, Lolly.

2. In Search of the Miraculous is a gorgeous name for a project.

3. It's a road trip to discover and photograph the magic in the simple things in life.

Lindsey writes:

I’ve chosen the title of my project to be “In Search of the Miraculous”, which comes from a project with the same name by the artist Bas Jan Ader, who set sail in his one- person ship in 1975 from the east coast to Europe.  His voyage captures a similar romantic motive and adventurous pursuit that I not only admire, but wish to pursue. I believe he was setting out to solve a mystery for himself and leaving his artistic practice open for an intuitive process to take hold. I wish to pay homage to his playful spirit and daring determination as I drive cross-country discovering new places and making artwork as I go. Unlike the great Bas Jan Ader's fateful trip, I'm hoping to return safe and sound! Much of my work is inspired by finding and constructing scenarios from the simple magic of everyday life, and I desire to push my practice further by leaving it up to chance on the open road, allowing my ideas to change with every town and terrain.

Doesn't that just inspire you to hit the road and see where the magic will take you? And doesn't Lindsey White sound like a sweetheart?

If you'd like to help Lindsey out, you can visit her Kickstarter page or pop over to her blog and leave her an encouraging note. She's looking for some helpful ideas on where she should visit, or the music that you think should accompany her trip, or maybe you just want to tell her how cute Lolly is?

Best of luck, Lindsey! I hope you're successful in your fundraising and that your trip is overflowing with precious memories and joyous experiences.


MyCharity:Water Campaign

Summer + Holiday = Bliss

Today is only day 2 of my 5 day holiday, and I am already in holiday heaven. I've been scooping watermelon with a spoon, enjoying the hot hot sun and listening to some funky beats and mellow tunes. I love the days where the windows are wide open, where you can hear the clinking of ice in tall glasses of lemonade, and children's laughter calls to your inner child to see if it can come out and play.

Summer days, when you're playing hooky from work - are one of my most favourite things in this life.

That said, check back in 6 months time when I will be opening my birthday presents in front of the gas fire, probably listening to the rain fall and the wind howl, inhaling the delicious smell of melting marshmallows in my hot cocoa, proclaiming that Winter days, when you're playing hooky from work - are one of my most favourite things in this life.

Favourite things make my toes dance and my fingers sing. I worry that when I dance my way through my house, clapping my hands and stomping my feet, my downstair's neighbours sigh a little and look forward to the day they see the moving truck parked outside.

I'm not quite sure how to tell them, this house is one of my most favourite things in this life.

Yes, there's a pattern. I'm almost sure it's intentional.

Here is my absolute last favourite thing (for today):

RedGage!!

I signed up to RedGage a few days ago and I confess I haven't had much time to look around it yet, but that hasn't stopped the outpouring of kindness from the people there. These sweethearts are divinely wonderful and are a creative balm for my prayers to be surrounded by kindred spirits.

Lovely ladies like the inspirational and healing JaqStone and of course my gorgeous, GORGEOUS sister, have made my days super shiny.

Then talent like TomClark moved me to near tears. Check out his photo "dancy motion" - to me it looks like she is dancing with her Spirit and that just visually completes me, like nothing else.

While you're here, and hopefully inspired, would you consider helping me out with my project pledges:

Pledge #1 : Charity:Water - I've calculated I need 2 people daily, generously giving $35 each for me to make my target. Or 4 people, generously giving $17.50. Or 6 peo ... oh you get it. If you're unable to contribute financial, would you consider sharing the link? I will send you kisses through the air, wherever you may roam.

Pledge #2 : Ivan and Alyosha - these guys are pretty much a permanent fixture in my head as their song "Glorify" plays a few times throughout the day and is hummed all the hours in between. They are halfway to their target, but it would be brilliant for them to get funded all the way.

Pledge #3 : Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog! Live Musical - PSL (we're on an acronymn basis) have had their project funded successfully, but every little bit extra that they can get beyond their modest goal will help them out. If you're a fan of your local theatre group and local productions, please check these guys out. They're a super sweet bunch and very grateful to all who help them out. You'd also be helping out my numbers OCD as that $561 is driving me NUTS! Can we make it an even $600? Or $700 or ... oh you get it.

Loving all you generous and kind-hearted souls!

I wish you Summer or Winter days filled with all your favourite things.

time for some more gratitude and a story

I am a Chinese Dragon sign, but a Western Cancer sign. If you take a look at the characteristics of these two, you may well laugh at the polar opposites. And if you know me in real life you are probably reaching for your phone to text the message:

"Holy monkey's uncle, that sure explains a lot"

That last part isn't true - I don't have any friends who say "Holy monkey's uncle".

Being both, a Dragon and a Cancerian - an extroverted introvert, has been tricky. For everyone involved. [Sorry, sweetie. You're a great sister!] But here's the thing - I love it!

I love drawing on my Dragon power at work and watching the impact on those around me. There are some days where I have to do a double take to check I didn't just whiplash someone with my Dragon tail [HR frown on that sort of thing].

I love drawing on my Cancerian power at home and seeing friends and family wrap themselves in love and comfort. My home is a sanctuary for all that walk through the door no matter the time of day or night [I do prefer 2pm. If anyone is taking notes].

I am very grateful to have both a kick-ass Dragon sign and a nurturing Cancer sign guiding me through life.

Which is where my story comes in...

A year or so ago I came across a Dragon pendant in an overcrowded and dusty glass cabinet. It shone like a beacon straight into my heart, and while I hadn't anticipated buying a piece of Dragon jewellery ... ever ... it suddenly dawned on me that it made more sense than anything in the world had ever made sense, and that Dragon pendant absolutely had to be mine and no one else's and lady please stop eyeing up my purchase! Thank you.

Purchase safely made, pendant happily owned, I proceeded to live my life basking in everyone's glowing compliments and feeling very bonded to my darling Dragon.

Until the day I lost him.

I KNOW!

The clasp had been a bit funny, some days I found him buried in my bra [sorry for getting so graphic!] and I never did anything about it.

Oh how I scolded! Myself. It was a sad day.

I turned my flat inside out and upside down. I checked inside shoes, I checked inside drawers, I checked inside freezers. Hush, you never know!

I checked under pillows, I checked under beds, I checked under socks. I checked everywhere and more than likely, I even checked your house.

I was one determined checker of socks. And freezers. But nothing.

My Dragon was gone. Packed his bags. Left home. Didn't even leave a note.

Then, last night I was happily ensconced in dreamland when I heard a big clatter by my head. I lazily lifted my arm to reach for my phone which I assumed had just landed on the floor. Couldn't find it.

Sigh.

Zombie styles I rose - must. find. phone. My phone is my alarm, if it goes off and it's not within hitting distance, there will be tears.

Do. not. turn. on. light.

Must. find. phone.

Do. not. wake. up.

I'm doing that maniacal waving of the hand all over the floor feeling for that reassuring coldness of the screen only to grasp what? Right under the bed within centimetres of my pillow .....

You guessed it:

My phone? In my laptop bag where it had been all day and night.

What fell? Nothing.

Dragons are LOUD when they want to be found, y'all!

May your day [or night] be filled with finding treasures!

Love!

Overwhelmedness

The below is a short list of the things that have overwhelmed my brain even before it has managed to successfully manoeuvre me into the shower.

It's Tuesday here right now, but it's MY FRIDAY! Don't be haters.

Tomorrow I get to make my yearly pilgrimage to the Australian Tennis Open!

There are 25 pills in a drug bottle next to my bed with the instructions "take TWO tablets TWICE a day" What happens on the last day when I only have 1 tablet left?

People leaving thank you comments and sending thank you tweets that make my face scrunch up into this bizarre "aaaaaaaaaaaawwwwww" expression and then making me be all lost for words. It'd be awkward if you were here.

The question, "why are cookies for breakfast a bad idea?"

And that's your insight into my faux-friday morning! I wish you all a day filled with cookies and awwww moments!!

XX

PLEDGE 3 = Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

One of my earliest school memories is of trying to explain to my Polish Mama about Jack and The Beanstalk, and her obligatory mothering duty to create a wondrous costume for my leading role [I was Jack, not the beanstalk. Just to be clear].

I only vaguely remember running on the spot, waving my little 7 year old arms wildly, demonstrating my determination in climbing that imaginary giant beanstalk. It's only now that I realise maybe the audience wasn't actually laughing WITH me.

I felt like a celebrity in the playground!

A little later in my school career, I remember the most beautiful mermaid's tail being designed by Mama for the end of year concert. I was to be perched on the edge of the stage and following on from my earlier theatrical success, I was again waving my arms. I didn't last long up there. I believe I fainted. And possibly bounced.

Luckily, this fall didn't completely curb my enthusiasm for school productions, although it did take a fair bit of convincing on my sister's part to get me involved again.

Throughout the different experiences, the friendships and camaraderie that was discovered in kindred spirits, I developed my love for musicals and stage shows. Even all these years later, I still get a nostalgic heart palpitation when passing a high school billboard announcing this year's show, or riding past a flyer advertising a local production.

With this back story, I bring you:

Pledge #3 : Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog: Live Musical!

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps is a theatre company made up of film and theatre students. Not only are they adorable (see video above) but it appears from their strategically placed merchandise that we share a passion for Joss Whedon's work.

I was bemused to be their first pledge and wondered how long it would take the Whedonverse to discover this project and get it fully funded.

Today, I have an answer. It took a day. One day! How AMAZING is this community?

I can only imagine the fun and excitement this theatre company are going to have in planning this show and putting it all together. I'm already a little jealous.  But more so, I am incredibly proud to have been a part of their project.

Break a leg, Pineapple-Shaped Lamps!

[Question: Does anyone really say "break a leg" any more?!]


NOTE: While Pledge #3 is fully funded (yay!) may I direct you to the other projects still looking for support.

Pledge #2 : Ivan and Alyosha
Pledge #1 : Charity:Water

PLEDGE 2 = Ivan and Alyosha

Disclaimer: My giddy love for this pledge has not yet calmed its way out of my heart, so this post may be all nostalgic and sappy . I have faith that y'all can deal with it.

I spent the better part of my 20s in love with an incredibly talented punk rocker who wanted to take over the world, one local town at a time. We were young and naive but our hopefulness and passion kept our relationship going even when the love had gone. I don't regret a second of it. I learnt so much from our time together and it was with him that my love for creativity blossomed and evolved.

I have so many precious memories inspired by him and his band.

I remember the excitement when they finally had the money for their first session in a professional recording studio. I got a kitten that day. I remember all the friends gathered around the pool table till dawn, to help assemble the CD cases and album notes. I fell in love that day. I remember being on the door for the album release party. I awoke my passion for photography that day.

And I remember the expense. [God, do I remember the expense!]

I am forever in awe of the independent musicians and singer/songwriters who keep pushing forward, most struggling to make a buck, yet they still manage to make a difference in people's lives with their music. One local town at a time.

Music feeds my spirit. The right lyric, the right hook, the right beat, these are defining moments in my day. And while I am fickle and I have struggled throughout my life to decide on my favourite genre, I can finally say with some certainty that folk music is my true love.

Ok, I can't say it with any certainty because as we've established, I am incapable of deciding on a favourite anything. But folk music currently features predominantly in my life. And with that, I am happy and excited to introduce you all to:

Pledge #2 : Ivan and Alyosha's North American Tour




I'm gonna let them speak (sing) for themselves. They're funnier.

LOVE!

so many pledges ... & then I had to go find an honorable mention

Sunday was my reward day to head out and take some photos of Melbourne with my brand spanking new camera (say hi to Hank everyone) but I had to go and ground myself.

And while the sun is shining brightly and people are laughing and playing outside, I can't be all begrudgey (I don't think that's a word?) because I have spent the better part of this morning on kickstarter.com finding some AWESOME projects and falling in platonic love with some AMAZING artists.

All will be revealed later today and throughout the week but I have to make an honorable mention to a project that I think is adorable as! Its fundraising time is ending in a few short hours and the project is still some way off meeting its target.

If a project doesn't meet its target, the artist doesn't get any of the pledges.

All together now ... *SAD FACE*

The Project is called: The Museum of Messages - Thoughts in the Public Realm

Helena V. de Vengoechea is a photographer capturing images of the messages that people have left behind. She explains it beautifully in her kickstarter video:



I love this idea more than I can possibly describe. Largely in part, I believe, because I see hidden meaning in almost every part of my day. When I wake up in the morning and I have a song I haven't heard in years playing in my head, I have to wonder where it's come from. When there is an odd message scratched in chalk on my driveway, I have to wonder why MY driveway.

My imagination gets carried away thinking about the types of people that left these messages and that is why I love Helena's concept. I really hope that in the last 3 hours she manages to raise the $1730 required to exhibit and publish her work.

Stay tuned, this project has well and truly kicked (ha!) off this week (yay pay day!) and I am giddy beyond comprehension!!

Loving you ALL! Y'all are just so pretty!!

my gratitude isn't as sporadic as my blog posts

I did vow to share a little more of myself through this blog during 2011 and then I went back to work. I know, right?

Work = a management/project co-ordinator role in our customer care department but it started two years ago as 2nd level technical product support for our staff. This means I now spend the majority of my day, usually 10 to 12 hours of it, swinging like a pendulum from compassionately geeky to analytically bossy.

It's exhausting!

But I don't want to use that as an excuse for not keeping up with this project.

Which brings me to my Gratitude entry #2 (Pledge entry #2 will be revealed tomorrow).

This week I have been grateful for the generosity of strangers. You hear so much in the news about all the bad stuff that goes on and all the terrible things that we're doing to each other. Very rarely do you ever hear about the next door neighbour running out and taking someone's washing off the line just before it rains, knowing that someone (read: me) is at work cringing as those first rain drops start to fall.

On a grander scale. With the recent floods in Queensland, seeing everyone across the country and across the world reach out with their hearts and their paychecks to help those in need.

I am also grateful for my family. My gratitude for each one of them is immeasurable! From the Saturday morning Skype chats with Mama, to the late night delirious messages from my sister. No matter the day I've had (see above re bossy) they always lift my Spirit and make me feel adored even when I feel least deserving.

Lastly today, I am grateful for technology. It takes absolutely NO effort to send someone a quick text, a quick photo or a quick email to say, "love you!" or "can't wait to see you soon!" or "I hope you're having a blissful day". We can make someone feel loved and cared about in a second. That's pretty powerful!

Love, love and more love to everyone!

If you have a spare dollar this week please consider helping out our beautiful Queensland state here: www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Or contributing to my Charity:Water project here: MyCharity:Water Campaign

Conundrum

If someone was to strap me to a very uncomfortable chair and shine one of those bright interrogation lights into my eyes in an attempt to discover what my most favourite thing in the world is... ever... there would be tears.

Maybe mine.  But probably theirs.

I imagine my response would go something like:

DANCE!

oh.  no, wait ...

MUSIC!

except.  wait ...

PHOTOGRAPHY!

but then.  sorry, one sec ...

FOOD!

although...

So you can imagine, I'm sure, the pain I am in as I try to select my very first pledge from kickstarter.com.

I haven't quite resorted to strapping myself to a very uncomfortable chair and shining a bright spotlight into my eyes, but that's only because I ran out of duct tape during Aggie's last visit.

My self-imposed deadline for my next pledge is this weekend which leaves me TWO days!

TWO days to pick from all my favourite categories.

And there are Lost and Fringe DVDs to watch. [Just so you know, I can't make a pledge to J.J. Abrahms - that's called a salary.]

Wish me luck ... and sleep.

And if you have a favourite category feel free to share!

Wishing you days filled with all your favourite things! XX

I think I might be stalking Doreen Virtue

Now, Doreen Virtue has always struck me as a lovely lady. I believe I can say that with some authority considering the various books and oracle cards I've benefited from over the years, and I also travelled to see her speak at a conference in Auckland. She exudes warmth and authenticity and objectively speaking I'm sure she wouldn't mind me following her on youtube and twitter and facebook and angeltherapy.com. But at what point do I start looking a little bit like a creepy fan?

I started obsessing a little about that while shuffling my Doreen Virtue Daily Guidance from your ANGELS oracle cards. I know, probably not the best thought use of my quiet time. But the creation of this blog has consumed me over the last couple of weeks, I allow it because I know time will bring me peace of mind.  But my aversion to social-networking has also had my brain cogs churning and I'm not sure time will bring me peace with that one.

So, I was shuffling and obsessing away and, naturally, a card falls out of the deck. For those not familiar with the symbolism of this, I'll share my interpretation.

"Bella!!!! Pay Attention!!!!!"

But said a lot gentler and kinder, Angels use exclamation marks a lot more sparingly than I do.

The card that fell out?

NEW PARTNER
"A chance meeting is no mistake.  It is Divinely orchestrated as a catalyst to set the wheels in motion for the fruition of your prayers.
Pay careful attention to new people we send into your life. You will recognize them by your sense of familiarity, comfort and safety"


I really just need to be clear here.  If I happen to bump into Doreen Virtue at some point in my day or week or month, it is not my fault!  It is a Divinely orchestrated catalyst!

I had to share this reading with you because it cracked me up!

And with that, I wish you all a Divinely orchestrated day filled with much laughter, love and Doreen.  Go, follow!  Take the pressure off me for a while!




MyCharity:Water Campaign

Cream Coloured Ponies and Crisp Apple Strudels

I've never really cared for social networking.  Quite unexpectedly and somewhat disappointingly I found myself to be of the "get off my lawn" and "turn down that music" crowd, despite being decades too young to be so technologically old-fashioned.  In saying that, I am often in awe of the communities, romances and friendships born from people making heart-full and mindful connections online.  But even with the proof and the hope of there being MANY kindred spirits in this world, I have shied away from establishing an online identity.

Please don't mistake my apprehension for blogging or commenting or connecting as an overall dislike of technology or the web ... or people.  I am a proud geek-gamer-girl at heart and my days are always filled to the brim with techie concepts and delirious web-speak through my job with one of Australia's leading online companies.  My love for my work, my love for pop-culture and my LOVE for all pretty things ever created and showcased online, often has me losing track of hours and losing track of days (translation: no sleep).  And while I have delighted in finding amazing online treasures, be they people, stories or art,  I have always been satisfied with just peeking in and smiling a secret noncommittal hello or shedding a quiet tear for the strangers whose stories I follow.

And now here we are.

As much as I would like to hoist up my caftan and retreat back to the safety of my online solitude, just me, my twitter feed and my lemon honey tea, I am determined to do things differently this year.  I have been inspired to carve out my own public corner of this world so that I can share my love of all the creativity that surrounds us.

In keeping with my conviction to break down my barriers to social-networking, I'd like to over time also share a little more of myself.  It's my way of encouraging those that stumble through here to stick around for a while and maybe find something that will inspire them in their journey.  Not only do I want this space to celebrate creativity, I also want it to celebrate people.  Or, let's all just CELEBRATE.

With that, I give you my first attempt at a Gratitude Journal.  Oprah has always said we need one and I don't think we're allowed to poo-poo Oprah.

I always find so many different things to be grateful for in my day.  From simple little things, like my housekeys being where I left them, to the more obscure things, like being the only one in my apartment block choosing to use the communal washing machine on the first and potentially only sunny day of the week.  Instead of making a boring list of all the things I love, I'm going to give you a random selection of 3.

I am grateful for the awesomeness that is/was/will be again - Gene Kelly.  As much as I believe that souls do reincarnate, I also believe that a little bit of Gene Kelly's spirit fuses itself to anyone that is lucky enough to watch him dance.  Or maybe I'm just biased because I love his movies so much?

I love(!!) old movies.  The black&whites, the slooooow drawn out westerns, the classics and the musicals.  Oh how I love the musicals.  But none make my heart sing as loudly as Gene Kelly.  The man could MOVE! (and sing and act), and it didn't hurt that he was also very pretty.  I am grateful that Gene Kelly existed in this world and I am grateful that his work still exists and maybe inspires future generations?

Next, I am grateful for the awesomeness that is Anna Beth Chao.  I have known of Anna Beth from her very first blog entry maybe 10 years ago?  I've watched her stunning daughter grow up in what feels like seconds, I've watched AB's creativity touch so many people's lives and I've been inspired to look at my life through a high quality lens and get the most out of the colours and angles of my day.  That's a metaphorical lens.  I was trying something clever there.

Anna Beth's humour, compassion and stunning designs are a gift to friends, family and complete strangers and after 10 years of inspiration my thank you is way overdue!

Lastly for today, I am grateful for the awesomeness that are deliveries! From groceries right to your kitchen bench, or parcels from distant family and friends, to Lost Season 6 rental DVDs right to your letterbox. Or in this case, my letterbox - please no one say anything spoilerish about Lost. Regardless of what the delivery is, that knock signifies a gift of some sort has arrived and those few footsteps to the front door are filled with a burst of excitement and if you're me, a brief musing about whether there's time to change this ratty t-shirt.

And there you have it.  A small peek into the inner ramblings of the person behind this AngelVibe project.  I wish you many things in your day that make your own gratitude list!

PLEDGE 1 = Charity : Water

Welcome to 2011 and welcome to what I hope will be a creative journey shared by many kindred spirits!  I am so excited!  Brace yourselves.  The plan for this year has been forming itself since the inspiration first hit and I have again felt the stirring of pure bliss starting at my toes.  I take great delight in being able to finally introduce - please imagine a drum roll here - the first pledge for 2011 ...


Pledge #1 : Charity : Water

I've tried not to put too much pressure on this first pledge.  But I have to confess that I've been cooing at it like a mother to her newborn, and more than once I've caught myself doing that little excited jig that makes people wonder if I need to pee.  I might.  I was so excited to be able to make this pledge that I couldn't even wait until 1/1/11.

For me, this first pledge is the game-changer.  Not only does it set the bar and set my intention for 2011, it's also fulfilling a love for a project that first moved me to tears in 2009.  Shit time flies.

I guess you could say I'm cheating a little bit here.  I've gone outside the scope of what I first planned to do with the kickstarter.com website.  And you'd be right in saying that this is not your typical creative project.  But there is no denying that the Charity : Water concept was born from an inspired and creative soul and as far as projects go, this is one that many people should be proud of.  I truly could not think of a better way to start my 2011.

While I don't plan on using this blog as a platform to fund-raise for the various worthy charities that are out there, I am using my first 2011 pledge to champion for this charity.  What they are creating doesn't just change lives, to describe it as such oversimplifies the amazing work that they do.  This organisation  is helping to heal developing nations and they are healing future generations.

Bless them for that.

I urge you to watch and read Scott Harrison's story and join me in celebrating him and all the people working with him.

If you already have a project running on MyCharity : Water please let me know so I can contribute to your goal!  Or, you can visit existing projects and make your own pledge.

And here's one I found via twitter: 7-year old Bridger gives up Christmas presents

Love, light and pretty rainbows to you all.  And may the new year bring with it everything that your heart desires.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!