"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world" - Maria Montessori

Today I'm going to take a break from philosophical ramblings, and tell my story with photos. I am hoping they speak for themselves, as they epitomise (to me) what life (and love, for that matter) are all about. I should mention that as I am based in Taupo, the following pictures are not a regular occurrence which made today all the more magical. I should also mention that the photos were snapped via iPhone, so excuse the quality! So much for letting the photos speak... Enjoy...

Humpday High 5

I thought that it was about time I started actually making an effort on this "blog-thing", after much hassling from my friend Renee over at "Memoirs of a Mother". Her blog is simply amazing, and I can't believe how much time and effort she spends on it. Now that I am facebook-free, and have moved the computer back downstairs into the warmth, I really have no excuse. From now on, each Wednesday I will be sharing my "High 5's" of the week. They will be in the form of:

1.  "Thumbs Up For..." (obviously for my favourite things) 
2. "Face-palms for..." (for the "what were you thinking??' award) 
3. "Top Tips" (exciting new things/blogs I have discovered).

Since I've lost my blo-jo (Renee's delightful name for "Blog Mojo") of late, this week's "Top 5's" will more than likely span that of the past month... but I will endeavour to keep it concise! Here goes....

A bit of a blog...

My dear blog, I have done it again. I am guilty of serious neglect, and for that I am sorry. It has been a bit of a muddly sort of month for me. Just when you think you're getting back on track, life tends to throw another spanner in the works. It's all part of the parcel, and certainly keeps you on your toes! As a result of certain gossip-mongers and pot-stirrers, I have made the decision to remove myself from the drama.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that’s all” - Oscar Wilde

Today I have had yet another mortality check. I love skydiving: the people, the thrill, the sport... but I hate the fact that it has claimed yet another life. One of the main reasons I have decided to give it up, is not my safety. It is not for my son. It is because I felt myself becoming immune to mourning. The reality is, if you are a skydiver, your friends will die. But it is also an industry (and lifestyle) which enables people to put up walls. I don't want to be a person who just shrugs, has a beer and then accepts that yet another comrade has fallen. I want to be able to feel sadness and rejoice that we were able to share memories and moments together during our short time on this earth. The attitude among most is one of acceptance. I never want to become complacent with life, and certainly never want to stop living... I choose to feel emotion, and not to block it out behind a front fuelled with bravado. 

A derby sort of a day...

I'm hoping this works... Please see below links to our awesome Roller Derby Article in the Taupo Times!

---

Taupo Times
10 Jun 2011

---

Taupo Times
10 Jun 2011