My Guest Post

Photo credit - shho

I was asked by Our Little Books to write a guest post on their blog, I am humbled and I am honored.

The networking and creativity of blogging is truly alive and if you have been thinking about setting up a blog then here is a bit of encouragement for you. Click this link to be taken to my guest post.

3 cheers for Entrecard !!

Picture credit - entrecard

Entrecard rules...ok

So, there I was sitting at my faithful computer...madly dropping entrecards on all the sites that had dropped on me...it can take me up to an hour some days and dragging myself from my slumber to do so is fraught with danger until that cup of coffee is in hand.
I had noticed a lot of blog posts about entrecard and thought to myself that there was a lot of people that liked EC (entrecard) and so I must be on a good thing.

I then spied a blog post that mention a 5000 credit of EC  (click on link to go to competition site) and thought to myself as I sipped my hot char...how'd I miss that one. So faster than superman I leaped over to my blog and let my fingers do the talking.

I am in love with EC...not only does it direct more traffic to my blog...after all who doesn't want more traffic? But it has allowed friendship develop between a few EC droppers. I love the fact that people we the human race...the one and only under the sun...can travel into each others worlds for a EC stop over.

I am blown away by technology and still marvel over how the humble telephone works. Congrats to you EC and your efforts have been noted. 5 stars and the moon to boot on a job well done.

Ok, back to EC dropping...oh and a new cup of coffee, the other one is cold now.

Henry - part two

Photo credit - cwd0107

Read part one first !!



Looking to the sky as it changed from bright blue to darkish grey, He sighed heavily, as deep thunder rolled on the mountains edge. The weather turned nasty and a swirl of dust and autumn leaves weaved under the legs of the horses. Fidgeting they pranced: keen to move away from the impending storm. Henry unhitched them and led them to the barn. One horse was a grey mare issued to him when he signed at Bellow Bluff Creek. The other, a brown horse, belonged to his cousin Ralph, who fell at the battle of Red Tree Hill.

Henry's callous hands pushed the heavy oak doors open and the roof beams creaked loudly. A loft of pigeons hasty to retreat, flew out leaving a swirl of dirt, dust and straw. Peering through the dust, Henry could hear his father's voice echo as he retold the story of the barn.

One hundred years ago, his father's father had lumbered every plank from the forest by the creek and had forged every nail. Like the aroma of home from a Sunday roast, the barn stood as a symbol for he and his ancestors.

The shadows disappeared as the day darkened and a deep gurgling rumble of thunder heralded the storms arrival. Henry shoved his hands deep inside his pockets and sauntered back to the manor. But as he sat on the steps of his family's home, he felt enriched by the legacy etched in his veins.

A tear, rolled down his cheek when he remembered, what he promised his mother, at his father's death bed, he vowed to return.

The war hardened him. His face grimaced. The reflection of blood shed stained in his pupils.

But, as the drops fell, he was reminded of what his father scolded to him all those years ago, there was no place like home.

Gorilla Marketing Online Secret Santa Blog Carnival 4

Gorilla Marketing on-line angels in secret Santa hats,

the forth (Carnival)

Welcome to the forth chapter of secret Santa Carnival only for those Gorilla Marketing on-line angels with updated blogs posts.

To be apart of this fun and engaging carnival: join our web traffic and marketing tool.

Megan at Imaginif...the spirit of Christmas lasted sniffed out another excellent traffic generation tool. In Does TRAFFICadbar generate website traffic? Megan promises to test the site on behalf of all we secret Santas and is even using the site she gorilla markets for as a guinea pig! Her first reports are positive – in just 24 hrs, Megan’s website Buddy (Hayley the gorilla artist http://www.hjgillespie.com/) received 115 visits. That’s an awesome secret Santa gift. It is early days but if you would like to try this out for yourself and your website buddy, Megan has provided a link on her post to take you straight to the registration site. Just click on the red ad in Megan’s post.

Reuse and Recycle, Cairns is hitting all the right buttons (either clothes or keyboards) and taking a stand for the environment, world and human kind...thanks for caring. So please...do not stow or throw it, but reuse and recycle it. With Halloween approaching check out these funky skeletons.

NOTE: Sunday, @Reuse Recycle, Cairns has a trash n treasure garage sale (not before 6am! peoples)
315 Lake St~ 0406 123 381 We are passing on a chunk of funds to TocH (youth charity). Please share with your networks...

Bronwyn continues to Inspire change with her attitudinal shifts. Take a road trip with Bronwyn and see how she continues to grow and learn from every golden moment she experiences. Come away feeling inspired and moved to make the most out of your experiences too.

Our Little Books challenges us to keep writing and writing well. For all you entrepreneurs a must read of featured authors. Read question 12 and 13...the answers are very inspiring.

Brenda from FNQ Apartments has the most amazing knowledge to offer around what to do when visiting our fantastic Far Northern Australia region. In Australian Aboriginal Three Day Outback Tour Brenda gives both thumbs up to an Australian Aboriginal rainforest, outback and sacred site tour. When you come to visit us in Cairns, be sure to connect with Brenda and pick her brains about what she can offer you for accommodation and tours. What that woman doesn’t know about holidaying here isn’t worth knowing.

Marion - ""I am advocating very strongly healing with Homeopathy. It comes back to trusting in yourself, listing to your body, fine tuning and working with what you have got, …because you have got all you need!!"" I will do more of that from now on.

Donna is keeping the world spinning by her finally tuned workshops. The women who shine workshop is happening very soon and is very empowering.

Hayley is just amazing. If there is one thing you need to do or have not put on your list of things to do...is to check out Hayley's art. Her painting of horses (and as a horse lover I am biased) are just magical.

Julie - Here at The Little Dun Pony I am moving along nicely. I've unbridled my horse and feel more like Pegasus. Keep an eye on what the ponies are up to...some exciting changes will be happening shortly. Mean time check out the latest lot of flash fiction.

If you would like to host this round up on your site next week, just let Megan know. By sharing the hosting, sites attract more incoming links that subsequently increase their indexing, ranking and traffic. The work load involves visiting each of the secret Santas sites (with blogs) and writing a short blurb around what they’re up to.

Ok..I'm done, had a very interesting time, spending time getting to know you all better. I hope this weeks carnival brings loads of hits and support. Take care Secret Santa's. xx

Tay and Me

Photo credit - plrang

Like a freeze frame photo, capturing that one instant moment of joy, laughter, tears, fear and sadness, I stared at her beauty of vision. Her red hair captured my intentions and her green eyes coloured my life and made me gasp for breath. I blushed as she looked up at me from the other side of the table, she caught me looking at her...soaking in her existence.

The tea room at work buzzed with people scoffing down lunch and yet through all the hype, noise and chatter, we shared a silent moment in heart beats. That silent connection of two people longing to be with another and it was then we saw each other.

Never before had we exchanged the idea of interest and never before had either of us been so open about it. We stared into each others eyes as if we saw each other for the first time, as if life its self was glowing alert signals of inhibitions spared.

The words 'girlee spot' flicked brightly in fluorescent pink. I liked the atmosphere of the club, I could be my true self. No masks and no hiding.

A group of girls stood close to me and their laughter exploded as they teased a girl sitting alone at the bar. She had been there for many hours, just sitting, staring deep into her drink. Stirring the ice cubes around and around with her straw. I was so occupied with fitting into this ignorant group of people I had not even looked at her and had blindly laughed at their hurtful comments.

“Look at her,” one girl said, stretching out her arm and with a sharp finger pointed.
Caught up in the shallowness of humanity, I pushed past the girls to spy a look at what dastardly thing sat alone at the bar. As I pushed through the crowd she turned to walk out and we stood face to face...it was Taylor.

We had worked together for three years. Pleasant and friendly, she kept some what to herself. What would she think of me being at this place......what did she think I thought of her being at the same club. Keeping work life and private life separate was easy up to now, but now I felt like a naughty little girl with my hand in the cookie jar.

“Hi Jilly,” her voice cheerfully.
“Hi Tay,” I mumbled out, ashamed of my primitive behaviour.

I couldn't take my eyes off her. Her red hair hung gracefully on her shoulders...she always wore it up at work...she flicked her hair back and a piece fell over her face, without thinking I gently brushed it aside, her hand caught mine and in that second my pulse raced around my body faster than a V8 hot lap.

“Can I buy you a drink?” Tay asked,
“Strong bow,” I answered.
She let go off my hand, I'm not ever washing my hand again...and put my hand in my pocket as if to preserve the impression she left.

The crowd I'd been hanging with stumbled into me...their fill of liquor obvious from the slur of words.
“What are you doing?” Their ignorance now became annoying. How the hell did I end up with them?
I looked at Tay and longed to take her...her smile said it was ok to leave, but no, I wanted to be with her.
“I'm having a drink with Tay,”
The group screwed up their faces like a pug dog and stumbled back into each other as they wafted back to the dance floor.

“You don't have to stay,” Tay said doubting how much she was affecting me.
“Yes I'm staying...” I said confidently... “I want to know how this ends...”

The River Ride - part two



Photo credit - coniferine



Read part one 

I eased off, not really wanting to witness what I knew was going to happen. The horse didn't stop at the swollen raging river, he leapt into it, tripping as he went causing him to somersault into the water. The rider thrown under him, she disappear from site for a few seconds before thankfully surfacing on the other side, disorientated and hurt, but alive.

I yelled to her not to move and wait for help. There was a family nearby fishing who had witnessed the event and on my prompting them they came to her aid.

I then turned my attention back to young boy, he was slowly walking back, his sister walking next to him. When they arrived at the river, we decided that the young boy would have to be first to cross, as he was injured, we later found out he had cracked ribs. We had to cross at the river mouth, it was deeper and more torrent, but further up the river was quicksand.

His sister and I carried him into the torrent. I was wearing long riding boots and as soon as the water reached the top of the boots they filled with water and I lost my footing and was carried away beneath the foaming water for about one hundred meters. I surfaced gasping to take a breath, but swallowed more water than air. There was a fallen tree that I was able to grab hold off and pull myself to the safety of the bank.

Petrified of my near drowning, I got to my feet and staggered back, feeling obliged to get these young riders safely across. I took off my boots and jeans to keep me lighter. On the second attempt we made it successfully across.

Unfortunately, for me, I had to cross back to get my horse - the bottom of the river had a few exposed rocks and I unluckily tripped on one of these and again was swept away under the water. This time however I did not surface so readily, in fact I could feel the air escape from my burning lungs and wanted to gasp. I did gasp as a reflex and swallowed a large amount of muddy water. I couldn't see and I was unable to think as the torrent waters tossed me about effortlessly. My arms bumped into rocks and some how my psyche told me to grab hold. I raked my fingers threw the mud feeling for rocks and when I felt one I grabbed hold.

Holding onto the rock was enough for me to be able to pull myself above the water. Chocking and spitting out water my lungs screamed for fresh air. Those first few gulps of air I took felt like a knife stabbing my body and I could hear the water gargle in my lungs.

I dragged myself up the river bank and I felt something nudge me and opened my eyes to see Bindi standing over me. I heaved, coughed and spurted out muddy river water. I remember looking up at the sky, thinking, that was close.

I felt weak, my legs felt like lead. Somehow though I managed to crawl up on my horse and he walked along the bank of the river a few strides before he stepped in. I clung to him as tight as I could and he walked bravely into the river. The river swept us away briefly, but Bindi swam and he was strong horse, he pulled us through. I looked back at the other riders and could see they were all safe and an ambulance had arrived for the beginner and young boy. Satisfied all was ok, I said to Bindi 'take me home'.

Henry

Photo credit - woopido2

Part One

Strong dry and hot easterly winds stirred, they introduced the big black clouds looming on the horizon. White flashes of lightning impressed upon the drought stricken land that a definite change was coming.

Henry was one of seven children. He was the only son of an aristocrat father, who, scolded him the day he decided to leave. Stubborn until his dying breathe - his father blamed him, for abandoning the family legacy and bringing shame and embarrassment to the family name.

Henry broke generations of tradition and defied his father's will. The patriotic longing to serve his country was more profound than tolling the soil of the family heritage and it kept him away for to long.

The old carriage squeaked to a halt, Henry pulled the two tied horses to a stop. Their flanks, from haste, were dripping with sweat. Henry wiped the sweat from his brow, and he scanned the long track that led back to the manor. He noticed the calibre of oak trees had become over grown. The bright white paint of the wooden fences that lined the farm boundary had faded. The wooden panels were broken and in need of repair. The wrought iron gate that he and his father had built, and once proudly displayed the family name, was now rusty and swung from one hinge.

The easterly wind pushed hard and a loud crack startled the horses as a branch from an oak tree snapped off.
“Steady,” his voice, warmly reassuring.
Henry turned his collar high around his neck and pulled his worn hat further down.

A slight tap of the reins on the horse's back gave the signal to move on. Henry let the horses walk at their own pace. There was no hurry now he was back. The clip clop of the horse's hooves on the gravel combined with the carriage wheels, echoed soothing sounds. Henry felt a warm feeling sweep through his body. A flood of childhood memories clouded his thoughts. The years seemed to blend in together, fogging clarity, he realised he had lost track of time and places.

Rounding the last bend in the road Henry smiled, as he saw the grand manor still standing tall. It's grace was a little worse for wear. The gable hung loose and the roof balustrade was missing. The once shining white columns, weathered. The prestigious and vibrant garden beds that laced the crisp cut lawns had become overgrown with weeds. The pristine roses that bloomed annually had withered and died. A sad lonely silence filled the air.

Returning home was not quite what he had pictured in his mind. The last time he had returned five red setter dogs came barking out to meet him, followed by six boisterous boys and two blonde curled girls, the children of his siblings. The fresh perfume of newly budded roses and the sweet smell of fresh cut oaten hay, scented the air. Workers cheerfully whistled, busy in the garden grounds. Henry's heart sank, saddened by reality, that the bustling field activity he remembered had ceased long ago.

...To Be Continued...

Go directly to part two

Inspiring change - Bronwyn Clee

Photo credit - hosttas

Love your life, laugh often and leave the path

you walked a better one

for those that are yet to come this way

 

http://www.bronwynclee.com/

 

 

What a beautiful and awe-inspiring affirmation.

Words that speak loudly and directly to the heart.

Sentences that make the soul sing.

 

I found this inspiring site when flicking through a list of sites attached to a secret Santa/gorilla marketing campaign.

 

Bronwyn Clee: is passionate about being the inspiring change in her life. With that statement a firm affirmation; Bronwyn can also help you. Well catered for programs and workshops setup to help you realise your full potential, self development and goals. Apply this to the workplace and you have an all round mentor and coaching facilitator in one.

 

Bronwyn has recently released her new ebook 'Conversations with my Qualities'. A must read for any self help enthusiast.

 

If you want to be enriched, inspired, moved and take a stand for YOU check out Bronwyn Clee.

 



The River Ride - part one

Photo Credit - Vixs

Often after a long days work, a few of us would saddle up and go for a relaxing ride along the beach. There is nothing more quaint, than a ride on a pristine white sandy beach with crystal blue water washing on the shore. The continual roll of the waves caressing your inner soul peacefully.


That day, I decided to ride bareback so I could take my horse, Bindi, in for a swim. Swimming a horse is an amazing experience, you put your feet on the horses chest and hold on up near the bridle. Their power in the water as is out, is awe inspiring and the way they propel you through the water like the bow of a ship is pure unbridled strength.


Six of us were experienced horse riders, but one girl was a beginner and no one seemed to take heed except me. I kept a close eye on her, as the horse she was riding could be a handful.


We got to the main beach and the tide was out, which meant we could cross the river with ease. However, none of us were aware that within minutes of us crossing, the tide turned and turned into a raging torrent, leaving us stranded on the other side.


We were unaware of our misfortune until I noticed the waves were crashing further up the beach than normal. A panic surged through me like the tide and I stopped everyone.
“We have to go back, I think the tide has turned and we are going to get trapped,”
Everyone agreed although a little disappointed that the laughs and fun were cut short.


A boy of fourteen began to panic, he said that he couldn't swim and was scared of the river being in full flood to cross. I assured everyone we would be ok, as the eldest of the group they all looked to me. However the young boy spooked himself and took off at a mad gallop. The young boy's horse was a tall ex racehorse with an unusually high wither. As I galloped along side him, I noticed his saddle slipping back, but by the time I could tell him, it had slipped all the way back to the horses tail and the boy fell off. The horse gripped by fear changed direction and galloped directly into the sea. The saddle fell off down his back legs and tripped the horse, who fell beneath the waves. He was found several hours later eating grass at the local caravan park. He was ok, less his ordeal.


I pulled my horse up to check the boy was ok, the others had stopped to help, he was badly winded but no broken bones.


My ears filled with the screams blowing on the wind and I saw the beginner rider having no control over her horse as it bolted. Now the rule is: you never chase a bolting horse, as the bolting horse thinks it becomes a race and goes faster.
Afraid she would fall off, I sensed a disaster about to happen and cringed at the thought. I made a split second decision knowing the rule of chasing down bolting horses. This was an exception and I had had experience chasing bolting horses and knew Bindi could catch him.


Bindi reared as I dug my heels into his flanks and did my horsey noise...”sssssss,”
Within a few strides we were in full gallop.

As I was approaching the beginner rider I could see the river swollen with the high tide. I knew this wasn't going to end pretty.
“Pull on your reins...pull on your reins,” I continually shouted at the frightened girl. But fear gripped her and she could not hear me.


To be continued...

Read part two

Gin and Tonic for me please...

The room felt like I was standing on a white sandy beach on a deserted island. The sand squished between my toes and my long hair blown and tangled by the afternoon breeze. Licking my lips I could taste the salt from the sea spray and squinting my eyes to peer through the hazy smoke hoping to spy a face I might recognise. I lifted my Gin and Tonic to my dry lips and sucked it down, cringing as the gin burnt the back of my throat.


A guy looked in my direction and my heart began to beat faster and my palms became sweaty that I nearly dropped my drink. To avoid his eye contact I made out that I was looking at my watch. Thank gawd for that, the last thing I needed was some guy pinning me down to rattle off his exploits.
I kept scanning the room for a familiar face or a laugh I recognised, but nothing, no one.
If I don't see someone soon I know I'm just going to burst.


I flicked my hair back and put my hand on my hip trying to look casual. I took another swig of my drink and it went down the wrong way and I began chocking; I was spitting and spurting the gin back out when I noticed her.


Ok then, chat time, go for it.
I regained some composure and gently patted my lips with the serviette they gave me at the bar with my drink. I tried tucking my hand in my pocket and remembered I was wearing a skirt, I slowly sauntered over to her, being mind-full to take small steps in fear of slipping over on my high heels. Not a good look to see a woman sprawled, legs in ever direction on her back with knickers up her crack on the dance floor...
“Hi,” I said relieved that my ankles and elastics were in tact.


Gracious as ever, she took her hand and with her thumb brushed a splash of gin off my chin...yes kiss me now...just do it...
Embarrassed, I felt my cheeks blush and thought great now she thinks I'm a slob. I held the drink up and plainly stated it was not my first choice of alcohol beverage, I'd rather a cold frothy beer and to show that I was capable of making an informed decision, I promptly signalled the bar attendant.


I slammed the glass that had housed my gin and tonic down on the bar and it sloshed out over my hand. She giggled at my feeble attempt of impressing her. Leaning over the bar to hear the bar tender and shout my request of drinks we knocked heads...great not only am I a slush but an idiot as well...'beer and...' I pointed at the drink she held and the bartender nodded.


I sipped my frothy cold beer and smiled as I looked into her green eyes. She was amused or interested...whatever, she was still here. She stepped in closer and her soft lips touched mine...oh yes...yes...her tongue slid out and she licked my beer moustache, great...turned on by a beer moustache licking lesbian.


I felt the room vibrate and heard cheers from the crowd as the music grew louder. She took my hand and led me to the dance floor and it seemed like eternity before she danced around my body. Every now and then, teasingly, she bumped into me.


Unable to delay gratification, I grabbed her and pulled her to me, my breath quickened with her vivacious smile. Her hand went up the back of my blouse and shivers of anticipation rocketed through my system. She lent in and kissed my neck and whispered “You know, every woman in this room has eye's for me...” yep that was obvious, “...and you're the one I want.”

The Callings

Yearning to belong to this country; I have openly moved my being to greet the elements.

I have over the years of my journey felt the longing call and the inner psyche pull to scoop up pieces of this country's vast history. A shell here, a pebble there.

Each has given me memorable pleasure of self compassion and self development.

The marble of Dimbulah: helped me to see that no matter who you are, it is what you can offer to yourself and then others that is important. My spirit feels the bridled passion of home. Among the red dirt and green gum trees my spirit stands; naked to the presence of this country.

The gratitude rock: reminds me to be grateful to all that has been in my life, the good and the bad. I am consciously aware of my existence.

The angel rock: holding it close to my heart, I feel the angels of loved ones past swoon around me. Their peace and contentment gives me strength and hope to continue on my life's journey and adventure.

The Bloodstone rock: allows me to self heal and believe in the natural healing of the universe.

The owl: (Pictured) called to me while having coffee. I walked along and without thinking where I was going found myself in a quaint second hand shop, tucked away in an arcade. Completely out of my comfort zone I put faith and wisdom in the owl and it led me to see my own eternity of self.

I have answered most calls, but there are a few that I didn't, not being aware that the universe was giving me what I was thinking about. However, my psyche fresh and honed, ready for all that the universe provides is an awaking reality of my purpose here and now.

The treasures are many and many are the stories. The yearning to belong has ceased and my yearning is to be one with you, now and forever in earthly eternity.