Things I Know About Love Your Sister Supporters

Right now the first thing I know this week is that my head is currently bursting with things I want to write about.

From the moment that I received the email saying I would have the opportunity to talk to Samuel Johnson when he came to town I just knew great things were in store for me.

Now I know this to be be true!

I know this photo really made my day.
Well actually my day was already pretty awesome already by this stage, this was just the icing on the cake

I know that the fact the Love Your Sister campaign has such great supporters and sponsors makes all the difference. This means that ALL funds raised go directly to breast cancer research. 

I know that the Bendigo Bank are just one of many businesses lending a helping hand.

I know I was going to list them all but there were a few to many and this page already has it covered. 

I know I mention Bendigo Bank over the others because today local workers were hard at work cooking snags and raising funds. They also held a raffle, with the prize being to swim with Sam and Chopper the Croc

centre photo: Bendigo Bank mascot with Mick, winner of the swim with Sam and a Croc raffle.

I know that the event put on today in the mall was all kinds of exciting. There were live animals, whip crackers, great dancers and of course crazy unicyclists.

From top left: Mick from Mick's Whips shows Sam how to crack a whip, One Mob Dancers, Sarah and a big snake
From bottom left: Sam rides a very big uni, Joseph (15yrs) does so to, Sam rides a not so big uni and cracks a whip

I know that I was a bit proud of myself having the balls to go up and introduce myself to the Lord Mayor who was there to welcome Sam to town. She had just retweeted me though so I thought it was only appropriate. (Hi Katrina if you're reading)

I know that it is frightening to think that one in four women diaganosed with breast cancer are under the age of 50. While the average age of those being diagnosed is 68 breast cancer is not something that only old women get. In fact 1% of cases are male.

For more breast cancer information check out this info sheet from Garvan.

I know the sooner we can find a cure for breast cancer the better.

I know that earlier in the week I promised more on what it was like when Sam went swimming with Chopper the crocodile. Rest assured I have not forgotten, there just turned out to be so much that I wanted to share, I have had to change my original plan a little. (yes those that know me well, I did really have a plan and as always nothing went to it :)

I know that if you pop back on Tuesday I will share more of the swimming with the crocodile antics. 

For now though, have you met Chopper the Croc?

I know that to help spread the Love Your Sister story as far as possible I am linking this in with both Grace and Miss Cinders. 

Please share amongst your friends and make everyone booby aware.

Thankful for so many things

When I wrote on Tuesday that I had a couple of big days at the office ahead of me, I didn't  actually realise just how big, big was. Sitting here now, late on Thursday night, I don't think my head has still fully comprehended just how big the past two days have been. 

I am so thankful they have been as wonderful as they have been as well.

I am thankful I had my photo taken with these guys. The One Mob Dancers.
These guys are so awesome they get a post of their own, well in a few days or so they will
On a side note, I really wish I had of chosen a different pose. A model I am not

Kenny Rogers is gently crooning in the background. His voice soothes my soul in a way words can never explain. Though tonight the music has a duel purpose, help my buzzing brain find clarity and block out the constant droning buzz created by the various night bugs that inhabit my home and garden. 

I am so thankful that last year I had the chance to see Kenny sing live.

Now Kim Carnes has joined Kenny for a duet and I am instantly transported back to my childhood. Waltzing around the lounge room, duster in hand. Banks of metal louvers apparently in need of a good once over. 

My mother was a domestic goddess and some how managed to convince my brother and I that playing records and wiping windows was fun. Interestingly enough my sister never seemed to fall too much for this. 

I am so thankful for my wonderful family. 

Family truly is an amazing thing. The last few days I have been watching the power of love that is created by family. Hearing Samuel Johnson talk about his sister Connie is proof of that. As is his quest to spread breast cancer awareness across  the country. And when I say across the country I mean in the most literal possible way. 

I am thankful that I got the opportunity to share some of their time in Darwin. 

Particularly because it meant I got the chance to take photos of these family members.

Connie and her cousin Cindy who lives here in Darwin

Connie and Sam  

Sam and Cindy. And a really big snake.

If you haven't already, check out Love Your Sister

This post is linking in with Thankful Thursday over at six by the bay

Hanging with the Love Your Sister gang and a croc or two

So today rather that tackle the mountains of dishes, clothes and endless household chores waiting to be done, we did something a bit different.

Though if the truth be told since today was the day that Miss Eleven became Miss Twelve, I probably wouldn't have tackled any of those things and nor will I tomorrow for that matter.

We decided to take some time out from the birthday celebrations and come here

to see this man, Samuel Johnson. Maybe you have heard of him before? 

He is currently on a rather exciting adventure as he rides a unicycle 15 000km around this fair nation that I call home. He is hoping to raise awareness about the importance for women, all women, of all ages, to feel their boobies. 

Early detection of breast cancer means the chances of fighting it are greater. 

As Sam and his sister Connie say 

Don't fall into the booby trap, 

be breast aware!

Samuel is also hoping to raise $1 million

For all the details check the Love Your Sister website. 

You can donate here

Watching Sam feed the crocs was only half of the reason we were there. He had a much tougher challenge ahead. 

 One that involved him getting up close and personal to a certain crocodile called Chopper.

Don't be fooled by his calm appearance here. And with that I mean both the crocodile and Sam because it got a lot more heated after this. For now though I will leave it here. I have had a big day and it is now heading towards late, so you my lovely readers will just have to wait. 

It's ok though, I promise I will be sharing plenty more about all the fun and excitement of today. In the meantime go check out Love Your Sister and make sure you stay booby aware.

Joining in, for the first time in a long time with


with perhaps a not so wordless post, but a very important message.
One that I know is close to a lot of our hearts xxx

Big day at the office

Actually it is going to be a big couple of days at the office. Today and tomorrow will see some super exciting things happen in my little part of the world.

Image from here

Today I have been a mother for 4382 days. Which makes tomorrow Miss Eleven's twelfth birthday. Told you super exciting things were happening.

It is hard to believe that this time twelve years ago I was not so patiently waiting for my little bundle of joy to make her appearance. Like most mothers to be I can still clearly remember those first early signs that indicated labour was underway. I was particularly relived as it meant that I had managed to closely escape a greatly unwanted induction.

From the moment I felt the first twinge to the moment my darling first born appeared was a little over twenty four hours. With my then partner and I spending only the last eight hours at the hospital. At the tender age of 23 I knew nothing other than having a baby was natural and I would take it all in my stride.

Which is pretty much how it all went in the end, save for the few moments where I said I had had enough and wanted to go home. I am sure all labouring mothers go through that though.

So how are we celebrating the arrival of my eldest child all those years ago?

We are off to watch a man swim with a crocodile.

Mind you it is not just any old man that we will be watching.

It will be this rather lovely man

Image via the Love Your Sister Instagram feed

To say I am beyond excited is the understatement of the year. At this point in time my mind is still blank in regards to what I might actually say. I am hoping that when the time comes auto pilot will kick in and I will wing through it with the grace and poise that I so often wish for.

In case you hadn't heard Samuel Johnson is riding his unicycle across this great nation in a bid to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. It is a twelve month journey that will see him pedal himself some 15 000km and hopefully raise one million dollars for cancer research.

Check out the Love Your Sister Facebook page for all the latest on what is happening.

For now though it is Tuesday and I have blogged. Which means only one thing. 

Joining with all the fun that is

I must confess some of my crazy thoughts

The other day I shared an insight into some of the crazy thoughts that have popped through my head. In all honestly I cringe at the thought of some of the things that I said in that post. Even as I sit here typing this I am gently rocking back and forth in my chair wondering whether this is something I should keep pushing on with.

You see I am slowing beginning to think that we all have equally crazy thoughts at times. Some may be slightly crazier than others and others may have them slightly more often than some. But at the end of the day we are all full of our own little cup of crazy.

Which to me makes it not so crazy and more like normal.

Which I think is why I am thinking that sharing a few more of my hide in the cupboard crazies is a good idea. To create a whole new normal not just for me, but my readers at large. Failing that let's just hope it is at the least in some way entertaining.

So in there interest of normalising crazy, particularly mine here I go.


Before arriving at the Digital Parents Conference I had a whole heap of expectations. One of which was that I would be inundated with people who couldn't wait to meet me. And to some extent there was and please if you are one of those people reading this I really was touched and it did meant the world to me.

However there honestly was a part of me that expected a little more. In some ways I envisaged a whole range of different people racing up to introduce themselves to me for one reason or another. And yes one of those reasons might have been to either offer me a book deal or sign me up as their number one writer for something or another.

Not surprisingly (when you have reality firmly gripped) I was not mobbed upon my nearly late arrival to the conference on day one. I was however greeted by the lovely Tina who engulfed me with one of the warmest welcome hugs I have ever felt. My first thought was "I think she might actually know who I am" which naturally made me feel all kinds of special.

However my special feeling quickly dissipated when others did not get so nearly excited upon my entrance. Which again is totally understandable for those who have a strong relationship with reality. Unlike myself at times.

For me the entire conference was spent on an internal roller coaster trying to determine where I fitted in, not just in the blogosphere but almost in the world at large. For as much as it felt great being around so many like minded souls I also felt incredibly isolated and alone at times. Which may or may not have been a pure result of my crazy thoughts (actually it is but like I want to admit that).

As I mentioned in my last post I let my crazy thoughts get so carried away I missed out on meeting the rather lovely Tiff. Only she wasn't the only one. Oh no, there is a whole long list. For the most part I am not beating myself up about it too much but there are few that I am just gutted I didn't manage find the balls to really talk to.

Top of that list is Robomum.

Another who requested my where abouts during the conference.

@aparentinglife Where ru ?
— RoboMum (@RoboMumBlog) March 20, 2013

Only by the time we actually managed to be in the same room at the same time there was barely enough time for a quick hello hug before we both had to rush off somewhere else.

At the time I was a bit relieved because by this stage I was on the verge of my mini meltdown, though I don't think I realised it at the time. My levels of overwhelm had soared to new heights by this stage. The thought of actually having to talk to anyone, regardless of whether I knew them or not, made my stomach turn a thousand different ways.

As I think about it now I really wish that I had pushed myself a little further. Robomum was on my list people I was hoping to connect with and I had the opportunity to and now feel like I threw it away. Not only that I have heard from numerous sources that she is as awesome in real life as she is on her blog.

Talk about rubbing salt into the wound.


The irony of the whole no one wants to talk to me despite me not being able to actually to anyone is not lost on me. Total crazy I know.

Whoa! Will someone please stop the crazy talk?

A long, long, time ago, long before Lori's life took a directional change, RRSAHM was one of the blogs that I would regularly go and read. To my littlest fish in the ocean eyes she was a much bigger fish, and with good cause. Her posts were always quirky and interesting. She was the blogger that I dreamed to be.

Especially since our blogs both had the words random and rambling in them. At the time I was blogging at Rhianna's Random Ramblings. Not that I actually had any readers, or patiences to keep going to see if I got some.

Me, after lunch, pushing myself to be silly and let go
Also evidence of my crazy and delusional mind

In my obviously crazy and delusional mind I decided that there was no space on the Internet for two bloggers who both used the words random and rambling in their blogspot address. Particularly since I was certain that our writing styles were so similar.

I worried that should anyone ever stop by to read my humble little blog they may accuse me of copying her awesomeness. (Yes I seriously thought this, mainly because we both did lots of small fonted brackets and no one else did)  It was about this time I stopped reading Lori's blog. That way if ever accused I could honestly say there was no risk of any copyright issues. Never mind all the awesome posts that I would never get to read. Told you I had a crazy and delusional mind.

As time went on I gradually forgot about RRSAHM and Lori and for a while even blogging. When I did return to have a read of the crazy jelly bean lady who had my blog name (not really though only in my crazy head) Her life had been turned upside down and I felt terrible for resenting her blog had such a cool name.

A couple of times at DPCON13 I found myself standing in amongst a group of people, Lori being amongst them. I may have managed to be on the outskirts on the conversation but there was no way that I could bring myself to actually talk to this amazing woman. You know like really talk. To say, hey I have read your blog for ages, you are a great story teller, thanks for sharing.

No there was nothing like that. I was certain the poor woman was sick of wannabe bloggers fawning over her and singing her praises. Because I am sure that really happens, just as I am sure one would tire of it eventually.

But I digress, as lovely as that story may or may not have been t'was not the one I wanted to be telling.

What I wanted to be telling you was the story of Tiff. Tiff who I do visit slightly more frequently and have on more than one occasion left a comment on her blog, but still don't have any expectation for her to know me or my blog, in any shape or form.

Tiff who tweeted me not long after the conference started, asking where I was in the room.

@aparentinglifewhere abouts are you?
— tiffany tregenza (@tiggymooshoo) March 19, 2013

Feeling all kinds of special because this totally amazing woman wanted to know where I was, I responded with

@tiggymooshoo in the middle towards the back, in purple top near @daisyrooandtwo I was only wondering this morning if you would be here
— Rhianna (@aparentinglife) March 19, 2013

Only now when I read it I want to face palm myself.

Naturally this was all before she had appeared on the blogging through adversity panel. Which I didn't really know about. I had kind of flicked over all those minor details regarding who was speaking when a few times but with so much going on minor details like that didn't really sink in to my somewhat dense at time brain.

When I realised what a tool I must of looked like, wondering whether a speaker was going to turn up or not I couldn't bring myself to face her. Why wouldn't she show up? Oh the shame of going to conference totally unaware of what was actually going on and who was speaking when.

What kind of try hard fraud was I?

As it turned out by the time the first session ended, my nervous coffee drinking habit, followed by a sudden desire to flush out my insides with water, meant my bladder felt like it was about to exceed it's limitations. (It didn't just in case you were wondering) Rushing off in the opposite direction everyone else in the bid to find the loo I soon began to fill my head with all kinds of nonsensical  notions.

The morning had so far gone less than I had planned and the reality I was facing myself with took a bit of adjusting to. The details of which are too much to include in this already essay length post. Suffice to say though I was not exactly being as kind to myself as I should have.

By the time I returned to the main area, fresh coffee in hand, my self esteem had become so battered and bruised I couldn't bring myself to talk to anyone. Let alone a brave woman about to take the stage and share her heartache, trials and tribulations with essentially a bunch of strangers on many levels.

Not that it actually mattered because by this time the next session was ready to get underway and all chances of interaction were suddenly removed from me.

I was so pleased as that meant a reprieve from the expectation of making conversation with people that I didn't know. Until I actually arrived the whole concept of actually interacting with these people had not found it's way inside my head. When it did I was overwhelmed with how to handle all of what was before me.

As I sat there listening to these women share how blogging has helped them get through some of their darkest hours and days, I started to cut myself some slack. After all, my life was suddenly becoming more appealing. If these women could get up and through each day after all life had thrown at them, then surely I could survive a two day conference?

Sometimes, when I write a post I find out that I have a lot to say. Too much in fact to say in one post. This is one of those posts. It all started when I went to share a few of the blogs I love for MTA's little linky. I wanted to share my love for the three bloggers who spoke on the blogging through adversity panel at the Digital Parents Conference I went to in March. It turned out there was much more than just love to be shared. Apologies if it was long winded, thanks for making it to the end.

What crazy thoughts have run through your head lately? 

I Love Your Blog -As you blog through adversity #DPCON13

This week's inspiration for the blogs I love comes from experiences at DPCON13. In fact so much experience has come from these three blogs that I have actually had to break it all up into two posts.

One of the discussion panels at the conference was on blogging through adversity. It was moderated by Grace from withsomegrace.com who by the way, did so wonderfully.

The discussion created by these amazingly strong and resilient women is one that is both heart breaking and warming. There strength, determination and pure ability to just keep on keeping on is of endless inspiration to me.

On the panel was

Lori from  Random Ramblings of a SAHM (RRSAHM), 

Tiff from My Three Ring Circus, 

and

Rachel from Mummy Muddles. 

Three amazing women, each with their own heartbreaking story to tell. Each doing so with beauty, poise and an honest openness that touches my heart in the most deepest of ways.

My Three Ring Circus and RRSAHM were both blogs that were already on my totally love list prior to the conference. In fact there is actually a whole other post about them here. Mummy Muddles however was one I had not before read. Upon returning home and having a read through a few posts, it didn't take me long to decide that it was on the totally love list.

Actually just hearing Rachel read one of her posts later on that evening I knew I would love her blog.

The rawness of Rachel's pain and grief is very confronting, and I will be honest, I can't stop in there all the time, I am an emotional reader at the best of times. It is like I absorb the sadness and sometimes it can be hard to shake. Which I feel terrible saying because I am sure that is how Rachel must feel only she doesn't get the chance to click away or not go and read...Through all of this though Rachel's words are penned in such a beautiful way that it is a criminal for them not to be read. By everyone.

Have you got a blog you love to read? 

Join in the I Love Your Blog meme hosted by MTA

Things I Know - School Holidays, Birthdays and Interviewing Superstars

It feels like forever since I shared some of the things that I know. Which makes me want to say the first thing I know this week is that it has been all systems a go here for the past few weeks.

The excitement of the Digital Parents Conference led straight into the onslaught of birthday season in our house. It really feels like the last few weeks have been nothing but a blur.

But complaining I am not. For the most, perhaps even nearly all, there has been an abundance of joy, fun and laughter. Naturally there was the odd day where things all got a little too much but that is just part and parcel of living a life. I blogged, tweeted and shared and before long my worries seemed gone.

Image from here

So what is it I know right here right now?

I know I went to make this post all about my love of all things school holidays. But then I realised I had already done that here.

I know I then thought I could carry on about birthdays. Until I realised I had already harped on about birthdays quite a lot lately.

I know that every time I think about being in the same room as Samuel Johnson my knees seem to go weak. Not to mention the rapid increase in the beating of my heart. When I say beating I may possibly actually mean pounding.

I know that it is actually easier and possibly best not to think too much about it. Else I send myself into a state of worry that for some crazy ill fated reason it all never takes place.

I know I need to have faith that all will be ok. In the end it always is.

I know that the Love Your Sister campaign is beyond awesome. Really and truly. I could not urge people enough to get behind and show support. Have you checked it out yet?

I know I need to just remember that at the end of the day, regardless of what kind of acting superstar he is, Samuel is still just a brother with a very sick sister trying to make a difference.

I know that I am actually being super organised and writing this well ahead of time. Hence it is actually late at night right now. Which means it is time for this little blogger to head to bed.

Make sure you check out all the other things that people know and share with Miss Cinders

Imogen's Angels and Princess Ladybird

One of the many fabulous people that I had the pleasure of meeting (be it all to briefly) at DPCON13 was a lady by the name of Fiona. Fiona had the most coolest cards to handout.

Inside the little plastic bag that held her card was a little printed chick with some eyes and nose to stick on and create your own little chick. There was also a little magnet to attach to the back of the chick so you could stick it on your fridge (or wherever). Best idea ever I say.

Fiona blogs over at Imogen's Angels where she is full of good ideas and shares her love of all things craft. In fact Fiona loves craft so much that she actually has craft packs for you to purchase so you can have your own crafty fun at home. 

So why am I telling you all this?

See that lovely new button on the top of my sidebar?

It looks like this and belongs to Fiona.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://imogensangels.com.au/princess-ladybird/" title="Princess Ladybird" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z380/lourhi/Banner-280-pxs-wide_zpsbb3f36db.png" alt="Princess Ladybird" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

And this is why I am telling you all of this. 

Heartbreakingly in 2010, after a courageous journey through illness, Fiona's daughter Imogen, earned her soft feathery wings and joined the angels.

Imogen, 2009
Image courtesy of Imogen's Angels.

Imogen lives on though, each and every day through the creative magic that Fiona creates with her range of high quality handmade products that she sells through her site. 

During the week of April 24 to May 1st each year, Fiona sells Princess Ladybird brooch pins to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It provides her with a way to honour her beautiful daughter's memory as well as giving back to the organisation that helped Imogen fulfil a wish of her own.

Princess Ladybird brooch pins
100% of the profits go directly to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation
Image courtesy of Imogen's Angels.

The Princess Ladybird brooch pins will be available for sale soon. If you are in a position to buy one, or even two, it would be wonderful if you did. Alternatively spreading the word around family, friends and the Internet at large would also be great.

If you have a blog and would like to put the button on your side bar the code to do so can be found above.

For more information go here or check out the Facebook page