Fairytales, puppets and friends...

Entering into a magical world and instantly transforming into our childhood selves, we explored the land of Camelot and shires.

Venturing past the babbling brook, the quirky creatures of the Furry Menaces joined our entourage.

Imagination ran wild as we pictured pixies living under mushrooms and saw the smiles on children’s faces as they explored the castles.

On our journey to the summit, Zan looked on in wonder at the sleeping possum who had taken refuge in one of the cottages.

Together we climbed and like true princes and princesses, we surveyed our kingdom...what a beautiful world we live in.

The land was at peace until we heard the growling from further in the castle grounds.

Cautiously, we crept past the colourful mushrooms...

...and Lewey couldn’t resist making a wish as we made our way closer.

With the growl now becoming a roar, we could see a dragon had entered our kingdom. 

Armed with a sonic screwdriver and determination, Jamie fought on.

The battle was fierce. The sonic screwdriver almost eaten.

But as in all fairytales, the hero prevailed and we happily skipped away without a scratch.

There was peace once more in the kingdom.

Music and peace in my heart

The last week has been such a beautiful, soulful time spent with family.

Together we have created wonderful music in front of the wood fire in our mountain hideaway and made our debut on the music scene.

We have shared laughter over silly faces, quirky dance moves and perhaps a bit of friendly cheating on the local mini golf course.

Time was spent with my mum crocheting away by the fire while Chris busies himself with poetry or music.

The wonderful people of Halls Gap Zoo allowed us to meet the gorgeous meerkats, stunning snakes and delightful deer. It was such an amazing experience with smiles all around.

With the television off, we were able to truly get in touch with the world around us and take time to just soak in nature.

As we prepare to leave the cosy town of Halls Gap, I can truly feel the music and peace in my heart.

Till next year Halls Gap!

Nestled away

As I write, I am snuggled up and nestled away in Halls Gap. With the beautiful mountains either side, it feels as though Mother Nature has wrapped her arms around us. A hug from Mother Nature herself.

Each morning I have woken up to the stunning colours of the stone cliff face and sounds of native birds calling to each other.

Kangaroos bound across winding pathways and occasionally make an appearance on our veranda.

Walking through the bush taking in all the small things; there truly is beauty all around us.

Time spent tucked away here has been good for the soul.

Time to reflect, to breathe, to relax.

We are all individuals

"Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!"

~ Dr. Seuss

One of the biggest quests in life is the search for self; to find the answer to ‘who am I?’

Society all around us tells us to be this and that. In high school, the pressures of trying to fit in and be the same as everyone else can be even worse.

During high school I found it quite difficult to fit in properly, I guess everyone feels like this as we try and find out who we are.

I had friends but sometimes it can be difficult to truly fit in when they don’t understand your sense of humour, or hobbies or your general nerdiness.

Nowadays, I have found many places where I feel I truly belong.

How? By embracing who I am and not letting society dictate who I am.

I am my family and friends, my passion for justice and a little bit of quirky nerdiness mixed in.

I am that girl who will fight for others when I see injustice.

The girl who will reference Doctor Who whenever there’s a chance.

The girl who will silly dance with children or by herself.

By embracing who I am, I have found friends who are just as quirky as me. Friends who get super excited over quoting Harry Potter in their exam or by free comic book days, friends who are obsessed with puppets or share my passion for peace and friends who love to join in with my silly randomness.

So my advice to you all is to disregard society’s so-called norms and embrace what you are passionate about. At the end of the day, we are all individuals.

Be proud of who you are!

Twenty years too long

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of mandatory detention for all asylum seekers who arrive here by boat.

This is not an anniversary to be celebrating.

Instead over one hundred community groups and many more individuals gathered at the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne to have their voices heard.

This year’s World Refugee Rally calls for an end to mandatory detention.

It has been twenty years too long.

Asylum seekers are just that; seeking asylum.

Yet when they arrive here on our shores, we ship them off to detention centres where the conditions are shocking. Talk about separation of families, suicidal ideation and occupational 

boredom.

God only knows what they have managed to escape from.

I have been involved with the local refugee community for a few years now. I know that these 

people would return home if they had the chance but with war, violence and risk of persecution...Australia is their refuge.

So instead of sending refugees and asylum seekers into detention centres when they arrive seeking help, why can’t we open our arms and welcome them into our communities?

Before mandatory detention was introduced, asylum seekers were processed within the community. Why can we not continue this more humane processing?

I will continue fighting. I will continue to make my voice heard.

Especially for those behind detention centre gates who cannot be heard.

Detention centres have got to go!

Halfway happiness

As I handed in my final assignment for the trimester, I could not believe that half the year has passed.

Around me, people in my course are celebrating the fact that we only have one trimester left of our course.

Only six more months and my uni course comes to an end.

Six months and my thesis will be complete.

Six months and we go our separate ways into the world of occupational therapy.

Nerves. Excitement. Celebrations.

So let’s raise a glass and celebrate our achievements so far. We’re almost there!

For now, I am in halfway happiness.

Living life to the fullest with my uni friends, embracing what uni has to offer and dreaming about next year.

With only a few stepping stones left ahead of me, life is good.

Surrounded by papers...

There have been many ideas for leaves on the Peace Tree over the past month.

However, when surrounded by papers and textbooks it can be difficult to find the time to write these musings down to share with you.

This week I will be completing my honours literature review and then I can return to sharing many leaves of peace with you all.

Till then I shall return to my papers of play and sensory processing.

May peace fill your lives.