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“Tough times don’t last, tough people do”. My friend Olivia gave this quote to me last year when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I’m feeling like that again. Thank you to everybody who has emailed me to ask about my brother Phil. It’s not good news. He is about to embark on a very rough and tough journey. We hope and pray for a positive outcome as we hand it over to God and the Universe.
Last night our friends Jan and Colin dropped in unexpectedly. It was so nice to see them. But what made it even nicer was that Rob and I were actually in the T.I. hospital – Rob had been admitted the night before. Two weeks ago while lifting boxes in the cold room he felt a bit of a twinge which has since developed into severe pain.
Last night he was resting after an intense day of blood tests, an ultra sound and an x-ray as they try to determine what is going on. At this stage they can't work it out so he is being air lifted to Cairns on Monday. It’s been a roller coaster ride, so Jan and Colin’s visit was a great booster – a rainbow at the end of a cloudy day.
When things like this happen, if you let it, you can feel quite isolated. But here’s the thing – we’re not. Through the wonders of the internet I have been able to share with friends near and far my tears and fears. Through the wonders of telecommunications I have spoken to my family and we have been able to share our worries and hopes about Phil.
And Rob and I, while far from our home base, are definitely not alone - last night was proof of that. And today more phone calls from people we know, offering assistance and a promise of a visit. You only have to reach out and you will always find a hand to grasp.
To be honest I have felt like shutting myself in – there’s too much going on. But what would that achieve? Rob needs me, he needs us and I need us.
And this evening while he was having a little snooze, I waited outside and was privileged to see the most beautiful sunset over the mountains of the neighbouring islands. The water, the sky, the clouds, the breeze - I felt so lucky to be here.
“Tough times don’t last, tough people do” – and while I’m not feeling very tough right at this minute, I’m feeling a kind of energy that is buoying me up and will not allow me to fall. I’m feeling that once I wade through the crap I will see a path and that the path is walkable and manageable.
Right at the moment though - life is challenging.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
So far away
Life at the moment is busy busy. I work from Tuesday to Thursday at Tagai high school as a tutor with the year 8 and 9s. Starting this Friday I will be running a weight loss program for a small group of women who are wanting to embrace a healthier lifestyle. On Tuesday night I am conducting an information evening with a view to starting up a Toastmasters club. And let’s not forget choir practice, Rotary meetings and ….. trainee check-out chick.
Add to this some amazing friends, a busy social calendar and a great community spirit. All in all, I love living here.
But life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. Yesterday my Mum rang. My brother has been having a series of tests. The doctor has rung to tell him that the results are in and ..... well, they could be better. I will have more news this afternoon. I wish was home.
At the moment – life is fragile.
Add to this some amazing friends, a busy social calendar and a great community spirit. All in all, I love living here.
But life is what happens when you’re busy making plans. Yesterday my Mum rang. My brother has been having a series of tests. The doctor has rung to tell him that the results are in and ..... well, they could be better. I will have more news this afternoon. I wish was home.
At the moment – life is fragile.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Calling all singers
Last year in November calls went out for singers to join a choir - a Torres Strait choir. I didn’t get around to it then so imagine my delight when I recently saw posters around town calling for more singers and advertising rehearsal times and places. This time I made time :-)
The choir is in preparation for the Queensland Music Festival’s event which will take place here, on T.I., in July and specifically concert night – Sunday July 17. We, the choir members, will have the chance to work with several leading Australian music identities, including five soloists, and the highly acclaimed Queensland Youth Orchestra.
We have been in workshops with Louisa Gordon the producer, Erica the project manager and Alison Rogers who is our conductor. Last week we met Damian the musical director; Peter who will conduct the orchestra; and the set designer who shall remain nameless as I have forgotten his name. Yes, it’s a big deal.
Now – I can’t sing. Well I can after a couple of wines, but normally I would put myself in the non-singers gallery. However, Alison’s method of teaching is such that I, and the other choir members, are standing up there with confidence and aplomb and belting out songs to our hearts’ content. Songs such as “Panis Angelicus” (yes! Panis Angelicus and in latin too, thank you very much), “Non nobis dominie”, Coldplay’s “Fix You” and “Do I make you proud?” as well as a selection of traditional island spiritual songs and hymns.
I can’t wait. We have been rehearsing twice a week for the past 2-3 weeks. Alison and the others fly back to Brisbane tomorrow and will return next month. In the mean time we will have weekly practises with Lassee, who is a music teacher at the primary school.
Erica is currently looking for funding so that our spectacular night can be filmed and recorded on DVD. Needless to say I’ll be buying a copy - for everybody and anybody who will show the tiniest bit of interest. You know, I always wanted to be a back up singer …. "doo-wop, oooooohh aaahhhhh" and generally enhancing the main singer’s vocals. Well my friends here I am at age 56 living the dream - and I want everyone to see it :-)
The concert will take place in Anzac Park which is an open air venue across from the foreshore. There is a rotunda already but it will be modified and made into a stage and a backdrop will be added. On the night we will share the stage with the Youth Orchestra. We will be back up vocals for the soloists as well as having our own segment. Our costumes will reflect the influences of music and spirit on the island lifestyle.
This is truly a spiritual event in every sense. The songs that have been chosen, while not all hymns, still have a spiritual message. The choir is made up of men, women, islanders, non-islanders, young, not so young, those that know they can sing and those that think they can't. We have all been made to feel welcome and wanted as we gather to praise and give thanks in song.
Bringing the island alive with music - life is good.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Mura Kosker - International Women's Day dinner
On Thursday night on Thursday Island 70+ women celebrated strength, resilience, courage and love. We had come together on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day in a spirit of sisterhood, support and to delight in the achievements of women in the Torres Strait.
Sylvia, our very boisterous and exuberant MC, kept the evening flowing as she introduced various women – “aunties” – who were instrumental in starting up a women’s support group known as Mura Kosker Sorority. It was formed in 1998 by local women who felt the need to work together on issues of women's health and how it affected their families. Today they offer emergency relief, education programs, older peoples action programs, domestic violence counselling and legal aid.
After dinner we listened as two amazing women shared their experiences. Margie, a community elder and founding member, told us how as a young girl she was encouraged by one of her aunties to not hold back, to speak out and to be confident. From a young age Margie was aware that there were others less fortunate - her Mum would often take in children who were victims of domestic violence. In this atmosphere of generosity and care, Margie grew up knowing that what she wanted to do was to help others.
At age 16 her auntie took her to New Zealand to an indigenous conference. Margie knew she had things she wanted to say but who was going to listen to her? She found out when, at the last minute, she was literally pushed her onto the stage and told her to say what it was she wanted to say. After that, she found her voice and years later, still encouraged by her auntie, she founded a support group for victims of domestic violence.
Margie had written out a speech for Thursday night but in the end opted to speak from her heart – and they are always the best speeches. She was passionate in her belief that we can do anything – if you want to do it, just go out and start - it will happen. I know that she has inspired me.
Our other speaker Sam is a foster Mum. Together with her husband John they look after 5 indigenous children ranging in ages from 3 to 14. I often see this loving family around the island and have always admired Sam's calm persona - well that's how it looks to me :-)
Sam’s talk was interesting as she recounted how as a young girl in England she dreamt of travel to far off exotic places and how once she started working that dream was realised. She eventually found her way to Cairns where she met and married John and soon after they made the leap further north to T.I. to manage one of our iconic businesses - Mona’s.
Sam's other dream was to look after children in need and again on T.I. that was to come to fruition. This lovely woman was so humble when speaking about the difference she and John have made to the lives of children who have come into their care. In 2009 their good work was recognised and they received the Foster Care Award.
The evening ended with music and dancing – and this is what Torres Strait people do very well. It was such a privilege to celebrate this day with this group of women where race, age and creed does not matter. What does matter is that we recognise that by our actions, big and small, we can make a difference. We recognise that we are here to support one another in good times and in bad, to delight in each other’s achievements and to acknowledge the strength, generosity and beauty that is Woman.
Sylvia, our very boisterous and exuberant MC, kept the evening flowing as she introduced various women – “aunties” – who were instrumental in starting up a women’s support group known as Mura Kosker Sorority. It was formed in 1998 by local women who felt the need to work together on issues of women's health and how it affected their families. Today they offer emergency relief, education programs, older peoples action programs, domestic violence counselling and legal aid.
After dinner we listened as two amazing women shared their experiences. Margie, a community elder and founding member, told us how as a young girl she was encouraged by one of her aunties to not hold back, to speak out and to be confident. From a young age Margie was aware that there were others less fortunate - her Mum would often take in children who were victims of domestic violence. In this atmosphere of generosity and care, Margie grew up knowing that what she wanted to do was to help others.
At age 16 her auntie took her to New Zealand to an indigenous conference. Margie knew she had things she wanted to say but who was going to listen to her? She found out when, at the last minute, she was literally pushed her onto the stage and told her to say what it was she wanted to say. After that, she found her voice and years later, still encouraged by her auntie, she founded a support group for victims of domestic violence.
Margie had written out a speech for Thursday night but in the end opted to speak from her heart – and they are always the best speeches. She was passionate in her belief that we can do anything – if you want to do it, just go out and start - it will happen. I know that she has inspired me.
Our other speaker Sam is a foster Mum. Together with her husband John they look after 5 indigenous children ranging in ages from 3 to 14. I often see this loving family around the island and have always admired Sam's calm persona - well that's how it looks to me :-)
Sam’s talk was interesting as she recounted how as a young girl in England she dreamt of travel to far off exotic places and how once she started working that dream was realised. She eventually found her way to Cairns where she met and married John and soon after they made the leap further north to T.I. to manage one of our iconic businesses - Mona’s.
Sam's other dream was to look after children in need and again on T.I. that was to come to fruition. This lovely woman was so humble when speaking about the difference she and John have made to the lives of children who have come into their care. In 2009 their good work was recognised and they received the Foster Care Award.
The evening ended with music and dancing – and this is what Torres Strait people do very well. It was such a privilege to celebrate this day with this group of women where race, age and creed does not matter. What does matter is that we recognise that by our actions, big and small, we can make a difference. We recognise that we are here to support one another in good times and in bad, to delight in each other’s achievements and to acknowledge the strength, generosity and beauty that is Woman.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A fond farewell
While our leaving the pilot house was under less than perfect circumstances, the crew and pilots still gave Rob a very fitting farewell. A BBQ, catered by the very capable Lady Liz, was organised for the night before we moved out. All the crew and some of their families turned up, as well as the pilots who happened to be in the house that night.
After dinner, Rob gave a very dignified farewell speech and as a final gesture gave each of the crew and staff a small momento. They in turn said some really wonderful things about him. I sat there listening to him, listening to the others and feeling very proud of what he had done and how he was handling it all.
We moved out the next day, not knowing what lay ahead. Originally we were to fly straight back to Brisbane, but we weren't ready to leave the island just yet. So to that end we put our things into storage and checked into a hotel - the Grand Hotel - for a week. If Rob couldn't find a job in that week - with accommodation - then we were homeward bound.
And immediately the doubts set in. Have we done the right thing? Maybe we should we have flown back home. What if Rob doesn’t find a job by week’s end? What if he does, but they don't need him to start straight away? What if he does and we can't get a house? What if, what if .........
Doubts occur when you focus on what you don't want to happen. I didn't want any of that to happen so I had to change my mindset ..... and fast. And as soon as I refocussed, and our talk and actions reflected that, yes, we were staying on the island - things changed, things started to work in our favour.
The rest, as they say, is history. He got the job with the house and they wanted him to start straight away. Our week at the Grand became only three days - three quite relaxing and enjoyable days as it turned out. Our things are out of storage and in the unit - it's very homely, warm and inviting. Friends have popped in for drinks, a meal and a chat.
It looks like we're here for a little while longer. We're not quite ready yet to bid farewell to this lovely island. Why would we? when life here is good.
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| Lady Liz and her amazing feast |
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| With Peter - one of my favourite pilots |
We moved out the next day, not knowing what lay ahead. Originally we were to fly straight back to Brisbane, but we weren't ready to leave the island just yet. So to that end we put our things into storage and checked into a hotel - the Grand Hotel - for a week. If Rob couldn't find a job in that week - with accommodation - then we were homeward bound.
And immediately the doubts set in. Have we done the right thing? Maybe we should we have flown back home. What if Rob doesn’t find a job by week’s end? What if he does, but they don't need him to start straight away? What if he does and we can't get a house? What if, what if .........
Doubts occur when you focus on what you don't want to happen. I didn't want any of that to happen so I had to change my mindset ..... and fast. And as soon as I refocussed, and our talk and actions reflected that, yes, we were staying on the island - things changed, things started to work in our favour.
The rest, as they say, is history. He got the job with the house and they wanted him to start straight away. Our week at the Grand became only three days - three quite relaxing and enjoyable days as it turned out. Our things are out of storage and in the unit - it's very homely, warm and inviting. Friends have popped in for drinks, a meal and a chat.
It looks like we're here for a little while longer. We're not quite ready yet to bid farewell to this lovely island. Why would we? when life here is good.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Stuff
How much stuff can a person accumulate in nine months? How much stuff can a person honestly need when living away from home on a remote island? How many tops, skirts, pairs of shorts – and this is a good one – shoes, does a person need when you can only wear one thing at a time? Well apparently a lot.
I blogged about “stuff” when I was packing to come up last year. I said at the time that I was happy to leave a lot of stuff behind, that I was only bringing the essentials with me. And I did. But then when I got here I started to get other stuff, and on visits home I would bring back more stuff. To the point where now, when I was unpacking into our new unit I could not believe how much I had. I would open another carton or suitcase and wonder at what was inside, shake my head and say “ridiculous”.
But before I beat myself up any further, I’m reminded of a conversation I had recently with my friend Jan. Jan is the pastor at the Uniting Church and has been living here for the past two years. She said that when she got her posting a pastor friend gave her valuable advice – make it home. In other words bring whatever it is that you need to make it feel like home. Good advice.
So my friends, I do need that black skirt, my Country Road shorts, the bargain halter top I found at Vinnies and my green shoes (for dancing). I need Tupperware to keep my food fresh and the canisters look great in the kitchen. And why wouldn't I stock up big on toiletries? - they are so expensive up here.
So, all in all, my stuff is good stuff. And as long as I have it around me, being here does not feel temporary. I feel at home, belonged. My daughter Vera is big into de-cluttering - and that's not a bad thing. But stuff can also hold memories. And one day when we leave this island home, I'll pack it all up and bring it back with me and remember all that happened to us when we came to live on T.I.
Life is good.
I blogged about “stuff” when I was packing to come up last year. I said at the time that I was happy to leave a lot of stuff behind, that I was only bringing the essentials with me. And I did. But then when I got here I started to get other stuff, and on visits home I would bring back more stuff. To the point where now, when I was unpacking into our new unit I could not believe how much I had. I would open another carton or suitcase and wonder at what was inside, shake my head and say “ridiculous”.
The wardrobe space in this unit is unbelievable – and I have filled it! Even in the kitchen I already have a stash of Tupperware, and did I really need to bring up my retro canisters? And let’s not talk about what’s in the bathroom!
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| My kitchen - don't the canisters look great? |
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| Lounge area |
But before I beat myself up any further, I’m reminded of a conversation I had recently with my friend Jan. Jan is the pastor at the Uniting Church and has been living here for the past two years. She said that when she got her posting a pastor friend gave her valuable advice – make it home. In other words bring whatever it is that you need to make it feel like home. Good advice.
So my friends, I do need that black skirt, my Country Road shorts, the bargain halter top I found at Vinnies and my green shoes (for dancing). I need Tupperware to keep my food fresh and the canisters look great in the kitchen. And why wouldn't I stock up big on toiletries? - they are so expensive up here.
So, all in all, my stuff is good stuff. And as long as I have it around me, being here does not feel temporary. I feel at home, belonged. My daughter Vera is big into de-cluttering - and that's not a bad thing. But stuff can also hold memories. And one day when we leave this island home, I'll pack it all up and bring it back with me and remember all that happened to us when we came to live on T.I.
Life is good.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
New beginnings
Hi - I'm back. It's been ages, hasn't it? I've been on holidays in Brisbane, Rob has been flying backwards and forwards to and from T.I. during that time.
Truth be told, I was blogging during the Brisbane floods and I became so overwhelmed by what was happening around me that I deleted what I had written - it all seemed very trivial. I then just wanted to focus on trying to help those around me, if I could. To that end my girls and I volunteered for a couple of weekends, making sandwiches for workers, sweeping mud and feeling frustrated that we couldn't do more. That now seems so long ago.
Rob and I finally arrived back on the island on Tuesday 15th February. I was looking forward to starting work at the high school as a tutor, as well as getting back into Rotary and back into life on T.I. as we know it. For Rob however, an issue that had been ongoing for several weeks came to a head and on Thursday, 2 days after we got back, he resigned.
In the whirlwind of that decision many things came to pass:
* he was no longer employed
* we no longer had a house - we had 3 days to pack
* I found myself saying hello/goodbye to friends and acquaintances as they welcomed me back from my long holiday
* my head was spinning
* and I was afraid.
In the aftermath of that decision many other things came to pass:
* he found employment after 2 working days
* it came with a brand new house (the cutlery was still in its little plastic bags, the aircon remote still had the plastic thingy over the control buttons)
* the wonderful friends that we have made on this island since arriving last year offered us so much - friendship, practical help, emotional support, and then genuine delight at our falling on our feet
* I'm at the high school 3 days a week and absolutely loving it
* so many other avenues are opening up for both of us as a result of our new start.
* and I am no longer afraid
Rob are I are closer too. What could have turned into a blame game and a finger pointing exercise, became instead a lesson in love, patience, tolerance and trust. Yes - I had a cry. Yes - I told him how scared I was. Yes - I think he wondered if he should have done it, even though it was the right thing to do. Yes - he needed my support. And he had it.
What's he doing? He is now Assistant Manager for IBIS the grocery chain of the Torres Strait. He loves it :-)
So - new beginnings. And a new zest for life for both of us. And a new committment from me to start blogging again as I record the next chapter of my journey that is life on T.I.
Life is good.
Truth be told, I was blogging during the Brisbane floods and I became so overwhelmed by what was happening around me that I deleted what I had written - it all seemed very trivial. I then just wanted to focus on trying to help those around me, if I could. To that end my girls and I volunteered for a couple of weekends, making sandwiches for workers, sweeping mud and feeling frustrated that we couldn't do more. That now seems so long ago.
Rob and I finally arrived back on the island on Tuesday 15th February. I was looking forward to starting work at the high school as a tutor, as well as getting back into Rotary and back into life on T.I. as we know it. For Rob however, an issue that had been ongoing for several weeks came to a head and on Thursday, 2 days after we got back, he resigned.
In the whirlwind of that decision many things came to pass:
* he was no longer employed
* we no longer had a house - we had 3 days to pack
* I found myself saying hello/goodbye to friends and acquaintances as they welcomed me back from my long holiday
* my head was spinning
* and I was afraid.
In the aftermath of that decision many other things came to pass:
* he found employment after 2 working days
* it came with a brand new house (the cutlery was still in its little plastic bags, the aircon remote still had the plastic thingy over the control buttons)
* the wonderful friends that we have made on this island since arriving last year offered us so much - friendship, practical help, emotional support, and then genuine delight at our falling on our feet
* I'm at the high school 3 days a week and absolutely loving it
* so many other avenues are opening up for both of us as a result of our new start.
* and I am no longer afraid
Rob are I are closer too. What could have turned into a blame game and a finger pointing exercise, became instead a lesson in love, patience, tolerance and trust. Yes - I had a cry. Yes - I told him how scared I was. Yes - I think he wondered if he should have done it, even though it was the right thing to do. Yes - he needed my support. And he had it.
What's he doing? He is now Assistant Manager for IBIS the grocery chain of the Torres Strait. He loves it :-)
So - new beginnings. And a new zest for life for both of us. And a new committment from me to start blogging again as I record the next chapter of my journey that is life on T.I.
Life is good.
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