Handcrafted tales from Portugal

I have never travelled to Portugal but after reading the beautiful threads from The Thimble Folk it is now on my list of places to see.

These lovely people, Rachel and her family, have travelled across Portugal taking in the amazing scenery and explored the local crafts, listening to the tales of the local artisans.


This is something I would love to do myself one day.

To travel to another country and see firsthand the stunning colours and intricate embroideries, hand moulded ceramics that bear a fingerprint and most importantly pieces which hold such rich stories.


So when Rachel and her family returned home with many treasures from their travels, I was very excited to go into their little shop and come home with many delightful goodies.


“Every piece has soul and respects the hands that made it.”


These words make me happy. It was one of the reasons I just loved working in at the Oxfam shop as well. I love pieces that have a story behind them.

Whether it is hearing about the grandmother who embroidered slippers to the gorgeous clogs and bags made from silk scarves, there is skill and soul in each piece.


If only all shops would embrace this wonderful attitude and respect the hands that make their products.


Imagine the stories that could then be told.

Keeping promises

This time last year, there were campaigns across the nation which were successful in ensuring that the government kept its promise to foreign aid.

Along with close friends, I lead the High Five for Point Five campaign to remind the community about the government’s promise to foreign aid.

This promise is to increase its foreign aid budget to 0.5% gross national income (GNI) by 2015.

If we, as a nation, are to achieve the millennium development goals and put an end to extreme poverty then this promise is essential.

Last year this promise was reaffirmed.

Now, through colleagues within the MakePovertyHistory movement, I have heard that the Cabinet is considering scaling back foreign aid in the 2012-2013 budget.

This cannot happen.

We have made change before, together we can do it again.

As Tom O’Connor says, “These ministers might control the levers of power, but ultimately they answer to us.”

So to make sure they answer to us, we need to make our voices heard.

Head to The Oaktree Foundation for some more information about how you can help.

We will be heard and they will keep their promise.

United we walk

Over one thousand people gathered and embraced the sunshine yesterday afternoon to raise awareness for autism. 


For my dear friends and family, I walked in support for you.


Geelong walked in support for you.


Friends and family you shall never be alone.


Words cannot fully express the overwhelming support from the Geelong community for people affected by autism, so I shall share images from the walk with you. 

We will continue to walk side by side on our journey together.

Let's walk side by side

This weekend, I will be walking for a cause. As part of International Autism Awareness Day, I will be joining many others in showing my support for people with autism and their families.

I have grown up knowing some beautiful families who have experienced the many challenges of autism. My dear friend Christina has recently started her own blog about the relationship between her fourteen year old with autism and his assistance dog, Indie. I recommend that you read her words.

Hers is just one story. There are many more stories of autism out there.

Autism is a spectrum disorder which means that an individual who has been diagnosed can have a high or low functioning level as well as anything in between.

It is a developmental condition that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, to socialise and to think flexibly. This ultimately impacts on the way they interact with others and can often find the world an overwhelming, confusing place.

Although there is no defined cause to why people develop autism, there are things that can be done to help those affected by autism.

As an occupational therapist, I cannot stress the importance of early intervention enough. The earlier a child is diagnosed and receives help, the more positive an outcome for the child and family.

There are support services, respite and funding available to those who have autism. However, it can often be a difficult journey to ensure you receive what is best for your child.

There is no cure all for autism and so it is a condition the individual will have with them throughout their life.

So join with me this Sunday as we walk along the beautiful bay of Geelong to raise awareness for autism.

With awareness, comes knowledge and solutions.

We can work together for a better future for those with autism and their families.

For more information on autism:

Autism Victoria – Amaze

ACT Now – Autism Consultation & Training Now

World Autism Day message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Classic love, true love

A beautiful woman whose personality is just as gorgeous stands beside a gentleman.

A classic gentleman with the kindest soul who looks at her with such love.

Their eyes meet and you know that, to them, they are the only two in the room.

Christina and Edi are two of the loveliest people in my life.

Kind. Generous. Welcoming. Loving.

They are a couple that I am happy to call my friends. I am glad to have celebrated their engagement last night.

I hope that one day I will share a love like theirs; a true and classic love.

I wish them peace and love on their journey together.

At least I can count to ten...

At the start of Lent, I had the great idea of creating a photo gratitude journal.

My 40 day photo journal where I would take time to photograph some of the things I am grateful for each day.

It was a lovely idea and I loved taking the photos.

Unfortunately, after Day Ten ... I may have lost track of the days.

I did consider making up what day I took each photo and posting them. However, for a Lenten promise I didn’t feel that was very honest and I do prefer telling the truth.

So here I am, telling you that I made a muddle of my photo journal.

But, good news...at least I can count to ten.

Smiles and love,

Tara

P.S. Thought I would take the chance to share with you some of the things I have been grateful for below.

P.P.S. I may have even taken more than one photo on some days. No wonder it was difficult for me to keep up with what day I was up to. Oh well, at least I am still practicing being grateful.

The gorgeous view at uni down to the sparkly bay. Love it!

Seeing the Oxfam goat available in your local supermarket is definitely cause for being grateful.

Being a part of the Karen family group where we made this beautiful banner for International Women’s Day.

Being so proud of my gorgeous girl as she corrected her own piece of work with little guidance. Very grateful, very happy. She has definitely earned the Top Model book she’s been asking me for.

For pretty flowers, delicious cupcake icing and catch ups with good friends I am very grateful.

For friends who support me in my work, I am so very grateful. I appreciate it like you wouldn’t believe. Thank you.

Illusions and Mind Tricks

Everyone has rough patches. Times where it seems the world is against you. Or you feel you don’t truly fit in anywhere.

Anxiety can creep in and begins to play tricks with your mind. Twisting truths and creating illusions to convince you further that you are alone, that you are not really wanted.

Sometimes it can seem like a constant fight with these negative voices.

A fight that you feel you won’t win.

But you can.

Everyone is allowed to feel down from time to time but don’t let it define you.

These negative mind tricks and awful illusions are not who you are.

Sometimes I feel that we do not show enough appreciation for others in our lives. We often take it for granted that they know how much we appreciate them.

However, it doesn’t hurt to say “thank you”, “I love you” or “you’re a great friend”. So why don’t we say it more often.

You never know just how much it could mean to someone.