Friday, August 16, 2013
to blog or not to blog
| Once upon a time, I had many blogs.... I also had the time to manage them, but that was before things in my life changed- Quite a few years have lapsed since the creation of these blogs, and it was during a recent "spring clean" of my home that I decided to do likewise with my computer. Imagine my surprise (or perhaps "shock" is a better word here) when finding file after file I thought lost, and hundreds of posts published from old blogs. I truly hadn't realised just how many blogs had been neglected until finding that most have since vanished from the internet, never to be seen again. Then there's the problem of losing access details...how I EVER managed to remember so many usernames & passwords is beyond me! Quite annoying and particularly frustrating seeing the vast number of blogs created but now having no control over? Luckily, there were also a few remaining which can still be accessed so seemed like a good time to refresh with a few new posts. This one is to hopefully bring you up to speed on where I have been for the last few years. Since June of 2010, I have resided on the N.S.W Central Coast, a move I made after my father had become quite ill. It was a move that I was actually excited about, but also a bit nervous for I was moving on my own.. ..the first 6 months or so, the only company would be that of my dog, Sophie, as the "boys" had other commitments to attend to before they could join me. Leaving the western suburbs of Sydney behind, I quickly settled in to my house by the sea, welcoming the peace & quiet of a much smaller town and friendlier environment. Life was definitely slower in this community, less traffic, less crowds and less pollution...such a blessing. A walk to the shops, lake and beaches, and just a stone throw to dad's place, I knew I'd made the right move, for more reasons than one. Dad's health had been a constant concern, so I spent most days visiting and helping him with daily tasks....but after a couple of years he began to deteriorate at a quicker pace, eventually the time came where I could no longer care for him without assistance. We were lucky that he was accepted into private accommodation courtesy of the Ex-War Vets, a lovely modern set of units with around the clock nursing staff, all meals provided and lots of nice neighbours. It was such a nice place, and dad was so happy living there...but this couldn't last and during a stay in hospital to sort out his medical problems, dad passed away. This was 12 months ago, and I am still dealing with the "grief". For 2 years I have been employed as a Merchandiser with Hallmark Cards, (the job has saved my sanity on numerous levels) and have to say it's a position I would NEVER have sought only because I really never gave much thought to, but thanks to a friend putting in a good word on my behalf, I soon became one of the team. My goal is to learn all I can so that I can someday service my own stores....it's a real challenge but I am loving every moment!! The women are brilliant, so making new friends is a bonus plus! In between my paying job, there's still the "awareness" work for which I guess I'll always be doing....in March of 2010, I took it up a new level and created the Feel Teal Club. The whole idea came about shortly after the 2009 campaign, and we haven't looked back. A new website (which funny enough also comes with a blog) and new website host, I hope to find some new projects to embark on especially as we draw nearer to awareness month in the US. So this brings us to "today"....and once again, I face one more heartache. To read more about Sophie, please stop by the Freesia Fever blog. |
Monday, August 29, 2011
COMEDY HEALS
PRESS RELEASEComedy Love Healing PowersOvarian cancer has a new weapon, the healing powers of comedy love!North Sydney , Australia . 07 Aug 2011. Meet Shelly Ryan, Comedian,Blogger/Writer, Ovarian cancer supporter and now, Author of "Floor It!"Road Trips Down The Humour Highway", the latest venture by this "funny lady"! They say "laughter, is the best medicine" and for Shelly Ryan, this is all part of her bigger plan.
Michele Wendling (Shelly) Ryan was born in the kingdom of Minneapolis. After being enlightened by great literature(okay, storybook tales), she developed a vivid imagination. Being an only child this trait was useful, although her parents never determined how many imaginary siblings Shelly had. Children eventually have to decide what they want to be when they grow up. Not easy when your role models give conflicting messages. Could a happy medium exist between innocent fairy tale princess and buxom fashion model? Shelly thought this incongruity was funny! By high school Shelly realized a sense of humor was more than entertaining; it was therapeutic! This marching band nerd (who stayed home cleaning the fireplace waiting for Prince Charming to show up) spent her weekends laughing with Saturday Night Live, especially Gilda Radner.
Labels: awareness, book, comedy, feel teal club, ovarian cancer, shelly ryan, titans of teal |
