tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82457583027462869032024-02-20T09:30:09.685-08:00Inspirational PeopleLannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-51143364076345838632016-08-25T08:16:00.000-07:002016-09-14T21:19:13.943-07:00<br />
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<u>GLOBAL SISTERS</u></h2>
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<u><a href="https://globalsisters.org/">https://globalsisters.org</a></u></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FOUNDER AND CEO - MANDY RICHARDS</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">There are some incredibly inspirational people in the world. Some of these people have made their names and have become extremely famous. Others are very much unsung heroes - they are doing amazing things but, because of their anonymity to date, their efforts are generally going without being noticed, yet they are probably doing just as much good, if not more, than the 'celebrities' and they really do deserve to be noticed and applauded. </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It gives me very great pleasure to welcome and introduce an amazing entrepreneur from this latter group - the hugely inspirational <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mandy Richards,</i> founder and CEO of the non-profit group <i style="font-weight: bold;">Global Sisters</i>. A country girl from Armidale, Mandy spent some of her formative years moving from nation to nation - as she says - <i>'all over the place' - </i>including Indonesia where she attended primary school. As an adult, she lived in New Zealand and also worked in Botswana, Ethiopia and the USA. Over the 20 years prior to forming Global Sisters, Mandy has worked in both the commercial and non-profit sectors, while also studying <i>and</i> raising her four year old son! Being as fiercely passionate about human rights and the eradication of poverty as well as empowering women (all of which are so badly needed the world over) as she is, Mandy saw a unique niche, particularly relating to the empowerment of women - and decided to make it her mission to do something about it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennifer from Burma</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enter <i style="font-weight: bold;">Global Sisters</i>, which Mandy founded in 2014 and seems to be going from strength to strength. She also has an amazing team working with her - all supposedly part-time and based at home, including Mandy herself. And they are also scattered all over the place, although they do have office space, provided by Hub Australia. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mbalu - from Sierra Leone</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is also a full board of 10 members, as well as 10 ambassadors and Global Sisters has a number of supporting partners, including the <i>DSS - Department of Social Services, Citi Foundation, MYER Stores Community Fund, The Snow Foundation and the WeirAnderson Foundation.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mandy is inspired by the very women that Global Sisters helps. A lot of her feelings and passions are borne from her own mother's life.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pakao from Burma, and Samorn (business coach from Laos originally)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Global Sisters is unique - it's an Australian first. One of their aims is to connect women with the tools and knowledge needed to begin and grow businesses successfully. As Mandy says, financial independence for one woman can positively impact her entire community forever, adding that while the group is called 'sisters', they are not blood relations but are sisters through resilience, determination and compassion. Global Sisters provides women unable to access mainstream employment with an alternative means of income generation. By becoming business owners they can create a future of financial independence and standing tall. These sisters are provided with the tools, the networks, the knowledge and the resources to establish and grow their businesses - to use their talents. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleonie, an Aboriginal jewellery creator selling at the recent Citi Market Day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each sister is unique and different and they each have their own journey - there are four essential facets that the Global Sisters use to enable this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Business know-how: Sister School (a real life business program) as well as business coaching;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Marketing and sales: includes sales channels such as our online shop;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Micro-finance: affordable, accessible and safe micro-loans for the women to kick-start their businesses;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* Technology: we are planning to provide affordable access to smart phones in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Global Sisters also offers a 'sister scholarship' - effectively a year's support for the recipient to start and run her business successfully. Here's a way for the public to become involved - you can invest in a scholarship and then help that particular sister to stand tall and proud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are other ways for the public to become involved as well. A simple monetary contribution is always welcome. Or you can provide your expertise - they are always on the lookout for many different professionals. Then there's the 'Sister Circle' - this is a great reason to get a group of friends together for breaky, lunch, dinner or just a cuppa. You get the chance to look at some amazing handmade products as well as hearing the stories behind them.You simply organise your friends for whatever you like, at your home or office, or wherever you choose and the Global Sisters will do the rest:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* They will organise a showcase set of their most popular products;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* They will also organise for you to hear the stories mentioned above;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">* They will provide information and forms to order online.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You could also suggest that your friends and you might invest in a scholarship together and/or contribute. Remembering all the time that donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. To organise this and see further information, here's the <a href="https://globalsisters.org/host-a-sister-circle/">link</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And/or you could refer a business. Here's the <a href="https://globalsisters.org/refer-a-business/">link</a> - go for it! Or - if you are interested in actually coaching a sister, here's your <a href="https://globalsisters.org/give-your-expertise/">opportunity</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Their products that these amazing sisters sell are just superb and all completely handmade. They include a sweet stuffed red owl as well as a fox, different sorts of cushions and the most beautiful scarves. You can't go wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the future for Global Sisters? Mandy mentions that the group is about six months into a three year strategic plan. <i>'We're bedding down and refining our programs with the longer term goal of scaling and becoming self sustainable'.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This amazing lady spends most spare time with her four year old, Max. She is very much a water baby and loves the outdoors. She also enjoys travelling and is an animal lover. And of course, simply hanging out with friends and family - what else? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>This</i> is a woman who, to me, is inspiration personified, along with her team and all these wonderful sisters</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tigi and Mandy</td></tr>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-12950667937006072632016-03-01T01:21:00.001-08:002016-03-01T16:00:51.682-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>PLEASE WELCOME CANADIAN PIANIST FILM COMPOSER - </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>LEELA GRAHAM</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Please tell us a little bit about your childhood/background;</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I grew up in Victoria BC Canada and was raised by my grandmother.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had an extremely sheltered upbringing where music was my only creative outlet. My first piano lesson was at age four and from there I studied classical music through the Royal Toronto Conservatory of Music. When I was 16 years old I was involved in a major automobile accident. My right hand was broken in seven places and had to be held together by a pin. This event altered my life as I was told I would not be able to play like before.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 You are a piano film composer. Have you always wanted to be in the entertainment industry or did you want to be something else when you were younger?</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Music was my first love; only I had another passion - travel.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was fascinated with airplanes and wanted to become an airline stewardess. So I decided to go to school to learn French. This did not last long as I always felt a part of me was missing. I continued dabbling in various career choices that left me feeling frustrated and isolated.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 How long have you actually been composing your own music?</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been composing music since the age of four.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 Do you compose music for other musicians?</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't had the opportunity to compose for other musicians. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would love to experience more collaboration.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5 Have you ever been nominated for or won any awards?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Last year I was honoured to be one of the nominees for </i><b>Sue Vicory's </b></span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">short film "</i><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Absent</b><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">" at the SanDiego Film awards.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 You are also a music teacher. How long have you been teaching for?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finally decided that my purpose in life was to compose and teach music. So I attended the Victoria Conservatory of Music where I received my associates teaching degree. It was in school where I had my first breakthrough. I started composing a compilation of pieces that were published and performed for a children's story book and cassette called "A </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visit To The Circus".</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7 Who and/or what are your inspirations?</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My beautiful son, Kaleb (20), love, depth, heartfelt emotion - all these inspire and move me. I love watching movies, foreign films, dramas and documentaries. If I have writer's </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">block, I immediately practice playing some of my favourite classical composers, Brahms, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven etc...</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8 You have many other skills as well. Please tell us a little bit about them;</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Sedona Arizona, where I instantly fel</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l in love with the people, climate and spirituality. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was introduced to the Metaphysical Science program where I became a Metaphysical Science Minister.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9 What are your causes?</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Love, compassion, caring, educating, helping people in need.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10 What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My spiritual practises are very important. I love exercising, swimming, yoga, music, concerts, shopping, lol! travelling! Spending time with friends and family.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11 What are your short and long term professional goals?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other than winning an Oscar for best song lol! I would like to meet more directors and producers and have the opportunity to work on feature films and movies. I am always open to learning new skills.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 Are you professionally managed or do you represent yourself?</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I currently represent myself and would love to have an agent. I have been blessed to be in the right place at the right time thanks to social media.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">13 Have you performed on TV at all? Or has any of your music been used by others on TV?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I have not performed on TV. I did have a wonderful surprise back in 2012 when my music got onto the TV show '</i><b>Law and Order'</b><i>.</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14 Have you done any/many interviews?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In 2012 I was living on Maui and had a local news station do an interview with me, regarding my success on '</i><b>Law and Order</b><i>'. I was interviewed at the Sandiego Film Awards where I was one of the nominees for the short film "</i><b>Absent</b><i>" I have also had a few radio interview and had my music played.</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15 Have you had to overcome any challenges throughout your career to date? How have you handled these?</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, I have had some ongoing health challenges, yet I continue to persevere knowing the best is yet to come!</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">16 Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?</span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am very grateful I came into this life to share music. Please get in touch with me as I am always eager to work on new projects. Thank you very much.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>LINKS</b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> <a href="http://www.leahgrahammusic.com/">Website</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <i><a href="http://www.facebook.com/leah.k.graham">FaceBook</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="mailto:ttlkgraham@hotmail.com">TO CONTACT</a></i></span><br />
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<br />Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-13585804049302486142016-02-07T20:33:00.003-08:002016-02-21T23:57:44.520-08:00<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">FROM MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, PLEASE MEET SINGER/SONGWRITER</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">INGRID SCHOENFELDER</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'I was born in the Royal Women's Hospital on the 6th July 1962. Both my parents were German and migrated to Australia in the late '50s with my five brothers on a ship to make a better life as everyone did. I was the only girl in the family and we were all very close and my mother and father always provided for us and made sure we didn't go without - although it was a big struggle with six children - but they never showed it. We were all happy and there were a lot of family parties. As we got older, my father and mother got old as well and I had looked after them for 11 years and when my mum passed away after my dad I decided it was time for me to do something for myself but found out I had cervical cancer and had the operation at 35, took what I was given and fought with all my might and became healthy again.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'Then all of a sudden I became epileptic - have no clue how it happened but since 36 I have been struggling with seizures. Well, I am still fighting and won't give up.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Ýou see, the only way I could feel worth something was through my music as I am not able to work in the workforce - this is the only thing that keeps me going.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Ás my son got older as well, I started going to jam sessions with my son and loved performing and decided it was my calling.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Í decided to buy a bass and started writing songs and found that I had a lot of words and music inside my head. I started to really take it seriously.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Í have written quite a few (songs) and once I finalise my CD you will notice some of the journeys I have made in between and my stories in my songs will tell all from having everything to being homeless.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Ýes, I have struggled greatly since the passing of my parents but became stronger and more independent and I have nearly reached my goal in being stable and happy.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Í started out in a few bands but decided I wanted to do my own thing and started up </i><b>'Blackshaws Beat'</b><i> which is now called </i><b>Íngrid and Blackshaws Beat'</b><i><b> </b>and through the years there have been many changes as there was the death of one of our band members and close friend, Michael Jeckic and I had to rearrange the whole band - but not too much. There are now five members, not six, as I am performing on my own now.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'The members of </i><b>Íngrid and Blackshaws Beat' </b><i>are: Ingrid Schoenfelder - vocals; </i><b>Geoff Spooner</b><i> - guitar (Jim Keays Band); </i><b>Wayne Albury </b><i>- saxophone; </i><b>Robert Chuggs</b><i> - bass (Twisted Willy) and </i><b>Mike Hirsh - </b><i>drums (session player </i><b>Marcia Hines </b><i>and other various known artists. </i><b>Essential</b><i> is a trio with my son, </i><b>Aydin Selek</b><i> on vocals and guitar and again, </i><b>Geoff Spooner</b> - <i>guitar</i>. <i>This is an eccentric trio with a modern twist.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Í have another acoustic trio with </i><b>Gil Tangey, Geoff Spooner </b><i>with a country twist. All bands are up and running and awaiting my CD which I am so looking forward to.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'My all-time favourite lady musicians are </i><b>Brenda Lee, Susan Tradeski, Connie Francis </b><i>- there are quite a few more and they all deserve a big credit in the industry.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'This is the beginning of my story'.</i></span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-46531007097052956922016-01-10T01:21:00.000-08:002016-01-19T06:29:32.616-08:00<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX255175486" style="background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>WARREN RODWELL - INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURER/</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>HOSTAGE SURVIVOR/SPEAKER/SONGWRITER</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>THE LONGEST HELD AUSTRALIAN CAPTIVE OUTSIDE WAR - IN-DEPTH PERSONAL INTERVIEW</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">by Lannah Sawers-Diggins</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US">1 </span><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="color: #1f4e79; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US">Please tell us a little bit about your childhood, your background;</span><span class="EOP SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></b></span><br />
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<div class="Paragraph SCX255175486" paraeid="{56b2e274-5c56-4340-a2b2-81eeb1686d2e}{160}" paraid="334883364" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: -1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US">I am a W.A.S.P. (White Anglo Saxon Protestant), born on 16</span><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX255175486" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">th </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US">June 1958 at Inglemere Private Hospital in Homebush, a suburb of Sydney, famous these days for the Olympic stadium. My mother often claimed, in all seriousness, that my father (deceased 1990) never paid the hospital bill.</span><span class="EOP SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwYBYfl7eT4KcMueslcGGV2VoQIr3HBqdFe-6GRXIKpmnKuUzd2FxuumgbWaMMpQQ6GEmIYSAiXbcG4oxJv_GZZOA50SZUFQO10oYj9g7pSUZ3cXRTz1_HJ9Xf-8oc5b3QEWrQAId1Dgn/s1600/WARREN+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwYBYfl7eT4KcMueslcGGV2VoQIr3HBqdFe-6GRXIKpmnKuUzd2FxuumgbWaMMpQQ6GEmIYSAiXbcG4oxJv_GZZOA50SZUFQO10oYj9g7pSUZ3cXRTz1_HJ9Xf-8oc5b3QEWrQAId1Dgn/s320/WARREN+1.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="EOP SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></i>
<i style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US">My ancestry is British, with the first of my namesake forebears being transported in 1838 from Salisbury, Wiltshire, England at the age of 19 to Hobart, Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) for stealing five silk handkerchiefs. After emancipation, David Rodwell and his young family (including my great, great grandfather David Cornelius Rodwell) followed the gold rush to Victoria.</span><span class="EOP SCX255175486" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<div class="Paragraph SCX66035275" paraeid="{ebc88b8e-13a3-4415-9b24-a84d6b8e3bad}{190}" paraid="1810559285" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">In the early 20</span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: super;">th </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Century, David’s grandson (my great grandfather Samuel Richard </span><span class="SpellingError SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rodwell</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">) pursued the lure of gold in western New South Wales, where he subsequently coughed himself to death through years of labouring in coal mines and a cement works. His son (my grandfather Stephen David Cornelius </span><span class="SpellingError SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rodwell</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">) and bride, along with their three primary school age children (including my father, David Richard </span><span class="SpellingError SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Rodwell</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX66035275" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">, who later became a bricklayer), moved to Sydney during the Depression years. At the start of World War II. Stephen enlisted in the Australian Army. However, his marriage did not survive afterwards.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX66035275" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX66035275" paraeid="{ebc88b8e-13a3-4415-9b24-a84d6b8e3bad}{200}" paraid="520398515" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">My mother, Ellen Scott, had served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during WWII. Her family and free settler English/</span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">(paternal) </span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">Scottish grandparents hailed from the New England region of northern NSW. Ellen’s father and grandfather were government railway employees during both world wars.</span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX66035275" style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">My parents were keen dancers. This is how they met in the early 1950s in Sydney.</span><span class="EOP SCX66035275" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have an older brother and sister, with whom I have intentionally maintained relatively close and continuous contact with over the years. Our mother suffered with serious physical and mental health problems. She split up with our father and firstly placed us in St Christopher’s (Church of England) Home for Little Children, Taree NSW when I was 18 months old. Most of my formative years were in institutional Protestant care. There has been media mention in recent years that I was a ward of the state. This is not correct.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We were placed voluntarily in church care due to family circumstances, ill health and povertyIn fact, the official title given to children of that era/scenario is “</i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Forgotten A</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>ustralians</i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">” (FA). A national apology to some 500,000 FA’s (including voluntary placements,state wards and British child migrants) was given by the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Federal Opposition leader, Malcolm Turnbull, on 16th November 2009.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On 23rd May 1965 (approximately three weeks before my seventh birthday), </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ellen Rodwell (nee Scott) managed to get us out of Burnside Presbyterian Children’s Home in Parra-matta (Sydney) once she was able to secure a centrally located two bedroom State HousingCommission flat in her hometown of Tamworth NSW and an invalid pension. Two pounds (four dollars) was all she had in the first month. There were no supporting parent benefits or community support programmes at that time.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Coincidentally, Ellen Rodwell died (at age 55) 16 years later on the same day – 23rd May. The causes of death were recorded as: i) Acute heart failure (days); ii) Emphysema (years); iiiUlcers (years) and iv) Malnutrition (years). Her demise can only be regarded as nothing less than a merciful release.The inscription on her plaque reads, “</i>The suffering is over, but the pain lives on for </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">those who remember our ever-loving mother”.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tamworth West Public School was diagonally across the road from us. Classroom learning and after hours study captured my young imagination and suited the quiet home environment my mother required. A few years earlier, at the age of four in church homes, it was noticed that I had not started speaking. Apparently, my speech was undeveloped. My siblings and I were in different age groups and church homes and I didn’t really have anyone to talk to anyway. I attended speech therapy whilst in third and fourth grades, absorbing myself in as much formal education as I could. Here was a field of endeavour, in which I was free to research, ask questions and explore to my heart’s content. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For most subjects, I was placed in classes two years ahead of my age. By the end of primary, I was school dux and vice-captain making public speeches (on auspicious occasions, such as ANZAC Day and Easter), as well as a recipient of a bursary for the first four years of high school.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Swimming (and sunbaking) at the town public baths was my preferred sport/pastime during summer. Any coastal vacations were relished. Playing and </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tackling as a rugby league second rower during winter, provided me with </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">camaraderie and some useful strategic skills and attitudes for life. We did not have a family car, so the main modes of transport available were walking or bike riding. My older brother introduced me to cycling as an interest and sport.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the age of 12, all seemed stable, even dandy, until my mother’s health deteriorated further. She suffered greatly through intense bouts of loneliness and depression, accompanied by a nasty addiction to prescribed medication. My siblings had already left school and home and were working.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the first six months of high school, I was placed in the notorious Salvation Army Gill Memorial Home for Boys in Goulburn NSW. Even though the privileges of being No. 1 or head boy were extended to me, I absconded and returned to what I regarded as my hometown, attending Tamworth High School. Over the years since then, the city of Tamworth has become known as the “Country Music Capital of Australia”.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After leaving school, I gained employment with the NSW Railways, completed relevant specialized studies, performed platform and clerical duties in the telegraph/parcels/booking offices and goods shed on the mid north coast, before relocating to the metropolitan network in Sydney. A few months prior to turning 20, I voluntarily enlisted in the Australian Regular Army.This was during peace time.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My mathematical/analytical abilities saw me initially allocated to the Royal </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Australian Survey Corps(map making). I later transferred to the Royal Australian Engineers corps and trained as what is now referred to as a combat engineer (roads, bridges, airfields, trenches, water supply, booby traps, minefields,explosives, firefighting and first aid). With the rank of sapper; ingenuity, resourcefulness and improvisation were key characteristics.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Upon discharge from the military, my sights were focused on gaining formal tertiary qualifications and hands-on managerial experience in business (finance, property, conveyancing and insurance). As I successfully climbed the corporate ladder, I realized that I did not possess any excessive levels of greed. My conscience steered me away from the commercial world into personal counselling roles, particularly those burdened with monetary concerns, much the same as my own mother, who had spent hours alone crying at night over the kitchen table.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My first wife and I met in Brisbane. Our three children (two sons and one daughter) are now adults leading their own independent lives elsewhere.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the turn of this century, I reassessed and reinvented myself by studying computers (hardware, software,internetworking, website design), thinking such skills would assist when moving abroad as an expatriate.There is no doubt that computer technology has played a significant role for me since hand.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Travel always appealed to me. Apart from broadening the mind, I felt that moving away from Australia and living as an expatriate for an extended period would allow me to better understand myself, the world and others. I had already circled the globe once, so I wasn’t venturing into the total unknown.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the age of 44, I challenged myself with climatic, linguistic and cultural shock by accepting an English teaching role in socially isolated provincial northern China.You could say that I did the hard strokes and paid my vocational dues there. The next natural step was to do formal training in Thailand the following year in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). I returned to mainland China afterwards via India, Nepal and Tibet.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Better familiarizing myself with the demographics of the People’s Republic, I accepted full time government university teaching jobs in preferred locations. The language departments/faculties taught business, culture, linguistics and literature. Business communication and culture were always my favourites, but I was also introduced to journalism by being given it as a subject to teach for a couple of semesters. Please bear in mind that my students were often post graduates (aged 22 -30) proficient in English as a second language.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chinese professors shared my philosophy that the purpose of education is to produce enlightened minds. Academia suited me well. Vacation breaks were frequent and lengthy, so I was able to travel extensively,domestically and worldwide. To date, I have been to 50 countries in Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, the Middle East, and United Kingdom.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Extra curriculum opportunities were often presented to me when contact was made from within and outside the universities that I was associated with. These included judging and compering national English speaking, singing and acting contests; attending official banquets and conferences; writing/editing </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">for newspapers and magazines; involvement as an honorary envoy for the local state association for friendship with foreign countries; collaborating with the production, promotion and distribution of a hardcover publication of a book designed as a comprehensive guide to the culture of Sichuan province in the southwest of China; as well as doing interviews for radio, television and printed media.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Separately, military history intrigued me, so my travels also included Changi </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prison and The Battle Box in Singapore; The River Kwai and Death Railway in T</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hailand; The Killing Fields in Cambodia; The War Museum in Vietnam, The International Peace Centre in Japan and Auschwitz Extermination Camp in Poland.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having been raised in church homes and being part of a generation that considered Sunday School to be beneficial and normal, I have been able to travel,work, live and interact in societies with different and mixed religious perspectives (Agnostic, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Judaism). My most significant voluntary stints to date include teaching English at a Buddhist University in Myanmar (Burma) to monks and local laypeople, plus participation in an education development programme in South America through the United Nations.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2009–2010 (aged 51), I returned to Australia for the best part of a year with the intention of completing a course in peace building for the troubled small nations of the Pacific Islands and South East Asia. Dates did not coincide and course structures appeared to have changed. Alternatively, I enrolled in a Christian counselling course. I determined that if counselling fell between the two stools of psychology and theology, then my own personal leaning would be towards humanitarianism. I subsequently did an external Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling) over the span of 18 months. However, government funding cuts drastically affected the (NGOs) non-government organizations providing such service to the general public.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An interest in anthropology had developed within me over the years of living in the world at large. Human migration patterns and cultural influences became more obvious. The latter part of 2010, I commenced teaching English at a medical college in the province of Inner Mongolia, northern China. Figuratively speaking, the world had turned by the start of 2011, and I was at a stage of life contemplating my future. Well, at least for the next five – 10 years.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before departing South America in 2009, I had been learning Spanish. I did </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Latin in high school, so reading Romance languages was not really of concern. The quiet stage of learning another language was passing. I had begun thinking in Spanish, but I wasn’t ready then to totally leave the English-speaking world. Allowing for seasons, a flight valid for one year was booked from Shanghai to the United Kingdom as a gateway to South America. With spare time up my sleeve, I visited South Korea and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The northern winter had been long and I craved some warmth. My life changed completely when I next travelled to The Philippines.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2 You have led an amazing life to date, including being held captive for 472 days. Please tell us something about this;</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have the dubious distinction of being the longest held Australian captive out of war, after being shot through the right hand when seized from my home at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines on December 5, 2011 by the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG),Islamic militant terrorists. It was necessary to eventually have a finger amputated.The ASG threatened to behead me if the original ransom demand for $US2 million was not paid. Both the Philippine and Australian governments had strict policies of refusing to pay ransoms. Australia formed a multi-agency task force to assist the Philippine authorities and liaise with my family. A news blackout was imposed. Filipino politicians helped negotiate the release. After the payment of $AUD94,000 for "board and lodging" expenses by my siblings, I was released 472 days later on March 23, 2013, and subsequently returned to Australia to rehabilitate, after .losing about 30 kilograms in weight due to starvation. March 23rd would have also been my late mother's birthday.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More than 15 months hiding in isolated tropical island jungles, including more than 15 months hiding in isolated tropical island jungles, including 10 weeks in a war zone during Ramadan, resulted in arthritis and neuropathy setting into both fee tcausing shooting pain up to and above my shins. Combined with the lack of food, exercise and nutrition, I was barely able to walk unaided. My vision and hearing diminished. Upon release, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), looking very much like a </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>skeletal prisoner of war. At my first media conference, reporter Zoe Daniel from the Australian Broadcasting Commission eloquently described me as “</i>a broken depleted human being<i>”, who appeared to have aged by 20 to 30 years.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3 How exactly did this come about?</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had previously been to The Philippines and liked the warm climate, beaches and friendly people. English was widely spoken and living costs were reasonably low. With the Australian dollar high and some reserve capital behind me (not enough to really do much with elsewhere), I embarked on a plan of setting up an international home base here, with the goal of eventually living between three countries; China, The Philippines and Australia.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did marry a Filipina, who wanted to live close to her family in a provincial region. This suited me because I had grown up in a country town, so I built a house over the span of six months, in a new subdivision on the outskirts of a small capital city. I was assured by the developer and local officials that I was in a safe region. This is where I was shot and abducted about three weeks prior to Christmas 2011. Fortunately for my spouse, she was at her parents’ home in another village when the kidnapping occurred. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SITUATION NOT NORMAL –Lyrics by Warren R Rodwell (2015)</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RbGJCS0iTjo">www.youtube.com/embed/RbGJCS0iTjo</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Shot through the hand</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Cuffed and dragged…</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Across the land</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Down to the boat</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>I heard these words from my host</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Situation, not normal</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Situation, not normal</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>See the state I’m in</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Frail and dampened</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Too stunned to grin</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>But now, not so handsome</b></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who can I trust in the place that we’re at No sense of rescue Somehow, we knew</b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>there’s no turning back</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Situation, not normal</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Not normal at all”</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Situation, not normal</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Faith is not mine</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Hope is just a false lie</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>A knife at my throat</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Reminds me I’m still alive</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Strung up, with hate</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>No chance of escape,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Bound and gagged,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Trapped in their crusade,</b></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>And all I could hear</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Were these words from my host</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Situation not normal, Situation not normal</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>With a media blackout</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>No one knowsmy plight</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Losing strength and weight</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Barely able to survive</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>With the pain of suffering</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Wasting away almost everything</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ribcage too big for my skin</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>And a head held for ransom</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Situation, not normal</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Not normal at all</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Situation, not normal</b></span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 Because of this nightmare, you have been extensively interviewed in Australia, the USA,the UK, Europe, The Middle East and Asia. Has </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this been through all forms of media? Can you please tell us a little bit about this?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Based on the official transcripts of interviews conducted with the Australian </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Federal Police and with my own collaboration, the biography “</i><b>472 Days Captive of the Abu Sayyaf -The Survival of Australian Warren Rodwell</b><i>” by independent Australian researcher Dr Robert (Bob) East was published in hard cover and electronic versions by Cambridge Scholars Publishing, United Kingdom (2015) ISBN 1-4438-7058-7. I</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n popular culture, Blue Mountains (Sydney Australia) techno Cow-punk band </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mad Cowboy Disease composed, performed and released “</i><b>Situation Not Normal”</b><i>,a song I wrote, based on my ordeal. I have included the lyrics in this interview for readers. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgFGYtRaRnGtHaBw72NDF_AwYZoW_jmQb0-qggX7yyRngSklIToal0qzlF1IQCxvZm_s8oZNp5GQSa9yi3W2-fmy0NaDU8nnXtrsZxZTw3eCZmQvwoph8PVmbIZBdlLaN3CvXaX1SZXOY/s1600/terror+abduction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgFGYtRaRnGtHaBw72NDF_AwYZoW_jmQb0-qggX7yyRngSklIToal0qzlF1IQCxvZm_s8oZNp5GQSa9yi3W2-fmy0NaDU8nnXtrsZxZTw3eCZmQvwoph8PVmbIZBdlLaN3CvXaX1SZXOY/s320/terror+abduction.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Award-winning Filipino journalist and CEO of Rappler, Maria A. Ressa wrote at some length about my case in the international edition of her Imperial College Press - published book </i><b>“From Bin Laden to Facebook: 10 Days of Abduction, 10 Years of Terrorism</b><i>' ISBN 978-1-908979-53-7 (Refer to Pages 265 -271) Crowdsourcing for ransom and social media (such as, Facebook and YouTube) </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>were used by Abu Sayyaf during negotiations. The author asserts on Page 270; "</i>Social media is changing what was once a closed dialogue between kidnappers, their victims and governments."</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Additionally, (reserve) Colonel in the Israel Defence Forces and research fellow </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>at the International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism (ICT), Dr Shaul Shay, analysed my terror abduction in:</i><i> '</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Global Jihad and The Tactic of Terror Abduction : A Comprehensive Review of Islamic Terrorist Organisations'. </b><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ISBN 978-1-84519-611-0 (Sussex Academic Press).</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs1LZ2peevClieOINvxvHw1_J3utPtYNVTIPK8YXodH9u0msbMl0bXR_Gc5xLfq_MzoxVk6w1vm5P4fDQ-ACo25qSTLtuVeujpEVz3xHx-Ece77fzhZLzorpof3B4rlbyIRvAdyLqoWRt/s1600/SALLY-ANNE+SHOW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs1LZ2peevClieOINvxvHw1_J3utPtYNVTIPK8YXodH9u0msbMl0bXR_Gc5xLfq_MzoxVk6w1vm5P4fDQ-ACo25qSTLtuVeujpEVz3xHx-Ece77fzhZLzorpof3B4rlbyIRvAdyLqoWRt/s320/SALLY-ANNE+SHOW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>There has been extensive world media coverage of my case and I during captivity by all major media networks in various languages. This still continues as terrorists involved are captured and other international events unfold. Interviews I have done include television (For example: '</i><b>Today Tonight'</b><i><b>,</b> '</i><b>The</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Today Show</b><i><b>'</b> and '</i><b>The Sally-Anne Show</b><i>'), radio [Australian ABC Radio National '</i><b>Sunday Profile'</b><i><b> </b>and '</i><b>The Chris Brake Show</b><i><b>' </b>(four times) from the USA]. Topics </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>vary from terrorism to psychological, cultural, philosophical and historical insights. Newspapers and magazines have also run features on me. Many videos have been uploaded to YouTube. In so far as public speaking for training purposes goes, I have willingly cooperated with the Australian military. As a side note, the '</i><b>Sunday Profile' </b><i>homepage states that the program 'features major players in Australian life, with background information and detailed analysis complementing in-depth interviews'. I understand that my own original interview has been played on at least three separate broadcasts so far. From a public speaking stance, that is most satisfying.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXdWPJgOAbXbWVvmvV490L1w4lVMAw5Vj_Oat2crtw5nM7u5_pwKxGKMxrgWizrv2ImVigd4HgyZXoFg8R7Ue9ZJzV8JVD9J_CO6oMNPn-5WB0qG8s_tx_HxVNCfPZc22X7wWss6zHCl3/s1600/warren+-+longest....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXdWPJgOAbXbWVvmvV490L1w4lVMAw5Vj_Oat2crtw5nM7u5_pwKxGKMxrgWizrv2ImVigd4HgyZXoFg8R7Ue9ZJzV8JVD9J_CO6oMNPn-5WB0qG8s_tx_HxVNCfPZc22X7wWss6zHCl3/s320/warren+-+longest....jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5 And the Government now will not compensate you. What is their reasoning for this?</b></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is an Australian Federal Government compensation scheme in place for victims of terrorism abroad. The maximum amount available would cover the balance I owe my siblings for my release and life. To be eligible to make application, the incumbent Prime Minister must officially declare my kidnapping as an act of terrorism. Even though I have patiently gone through the correct channels by lodging a request to the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, the formal response is that the matter is now one for the Prime Minister to decide.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regardless of repeated efforts to communicate directly with the current or previous Prime Minister, as well as other significant politicians, I seem to be getting overlooked or ignored.This is rather ironic. As already mentioned, the present Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made an apology to Forgotten Australians when he was Opposition Leader back in November 2009. As time has passed, one could say that the Forgotten Australians have been forgotten again, not only in a collective sense, but also individually.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg-jvx2vpcbDHHl6KjUYVJHKEjbhg-43cZyJD_837p5gjm3H3MC6ma0RxA6LAQXS54hE3olFnbqPzM-2qgH3S7FXaGfAIBc5PcLkJWl0YFTQObrnvAlvo733vDaF2eanUhzinHDv250U8/s1600/forgotten+austs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJg-jvx2vpcbDHHl6KjUYVJHKEjbhg-43cZyJD_837p5gjm3H3MC6ma0RxA6LAQXS54hE3olFnbqPzM-2qgH3S7FXaGfAIBc5PcLkJWl0YFTQObrnvAlvo733vDaF2eanUhzinHDv250U8/s320/forgotten+austs.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>A newspaper story entitled: '</i><b>Threatened With Beheading, Starved and Held Hostage for 472 Days, but Government Won't Compensate Kidnapped Australian as Incident L Wasn</b><b>'t OFFICIALLY a 'Terror Event</b><i>' was published on 6th </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>April 2015 by the </i>Daily Mail <i>(Australia and United Kingdom). Although Australia had a different leader at that time, the now current Prime Minister and his assistant with counter terrorism, have also been notified. Even members of the federal opposition and other parties have been approached, but to no avail.</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the recommendation of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) with specific reference to my case, the Attorney General’s Department relisted the Abu Sayyaf Group in 2013 as a terrorist organisation: “</i><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning or assisting in the doing of terrorist acts”.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I was quoted in the Daily Mail as follows, “</i><b>The prime minister has no time for doing things like this</b><i>” and I attributed part of this situation to my low public profile. I was not a convicted drug smuggler nor a journalist. There were no political points or gain to be made through recognising me or acknowledging my eligibility for compensation as an Australian.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6 You also have many other skills. What exactly are they?</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Resilience, adaptability, versatility, pragmatism, perseverance and a dry sense of humour; all rate up high, with advanced maturity being my greatest asset </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(skill). It is probably the best benchmark for assessment of where I am at in my own personal evolvement. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having travelled extensively experiencing some wonderful yet unexpected adventures and reactions (positive, negative and spontaneous), surviving prolonged starvation and beheading threats, being shot and subsequently resettling back in my home country. All of these have yielded a greater self-mastery of emotions and attitudes along with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the world and life. By western standards, I could be viewed as being complex(sophisticated). However, a Chinese colleague once described me as being “a simple person, who does complex things”.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I usually take a top-down view of myself and diligently endeavour to understand, in simple terms, what’s going on around me, approaching tasks or problem-solving methodically and rationally. Mid-life crisis never lasted long. I acknowledge my own mortality and feel an inner peace from the acceptance of life, looking back on my accomplishments with some satisfaction, allowing for inherent natural constraints and restrictions. The media and history books classify me as “a former soldier, university teacher, hostage survivor and songwriter”. During the kidnap period, I was often referred to as an “international adventurer”. For general purposes nowadays, I would be inclined to endorse“academic/creative” as an enduring tag.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7 You are also a songwriter for the group ‘Mad Cowboy Disease’. How long have you been doing this for? Do you write all the songs for the group? Do you also sing and/or play an instrument?</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No. I do not professionally sing or play any instruments. My stage skills are normally applied through public speaking or media interviews.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was through social media, about one year ago, that I connected with the lead singer, Josie Critter. We clicked immediately. I had already penned lyrics and knew instinctively that Josie’s almost treacle vocals and passion for music could do the most justice to convey the raw feeling required.The tune, lyrics, instruments, and of course Josie Critter’s deep voice really come across as a finely crafted dark, powerful, haunting yet rhythmic, blend, timed to perfection.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The satirical cabaret-style techno cow-punk band '</i><b>Mad Cowboy Disease'</b><i> formed in 2007. They normally write their own songs. JosieCritter has been a musician for decades on end. My first published song '</i><b>Situation Not Normal'</b><i> is a gut-wrenching,almost danceable outline of my suffering in a frank non-bitter way. It was composed and performed with an “Arab blend gangster rap feel”. The band’s fourth album, as yet untitled, will feature '</i><b>Situation Not Normal'.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>My next song with </i><b>'Mad Cowboy Disease'</b><i> will feature the talented Patsy </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inclined, as the mood, theme, tempo and general style is different to Situation. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It would probably be imprudent for me to go into much more detail at this stage. Nevertheless, there is another well-established performer that I have had in depth discussions with over an extended time. His touring schedule is full, but he does have my lyrics of an upbeat piece and I understand he is progressively working on them, or at least, that’s what he tells me.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>8 You have many other interests as well. What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Neuropathy in both feet has slowed me down a lot physically, although that is gradually improving. For the first year or two of being back in Australia, my emotions were numb. I didn’t get out much. My way of reconnecting with the larger world that I knew, was to get active again on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter).I build my own websites and administer some discussion groups. My circles mainly include media personnel, life coaches, published writers and speakers. In other words, switched-on positive folk.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I keep abreast of world events, especially terrorism, as my own experience has given me considerable insight. Journalists and academics often correspond with me.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photography has been a continuous passion. My digital art flair has developed significantly. To date, I have created more than 120 YouTube video clips. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because I am waiting on a political decision regarding the official declaration of my criminal abduction as an act of terrorism, I have followed Ausan federal politics closely enough to understand its inconsistencies and contradictions. Having said that, I try to be as pragmatic as reasonably practicable and harbour no political aspirations of my own. At least, not in the foreseeable future.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>9 You have also amassed numerous awards. Please tell us about that;</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most recent award that I have received is a certificate of thanks from the Commonwealth Government in recognition of voluntary local community service. It is highly unlikely that I will ever get an Order of Australia medal, be made Australian of The Year, or anything similar.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Award ceremonies and formal dinners are delightful to attend. However, I craved hot potato chips with tomato sauce (ketchup) when I was close to death starving in the jungle for 472 days.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10 What are your short and long term goals for the future?</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am at a stage of life where I don’t really need to make long term plans. Except for basic living costs, I have no debt or burdensome relationship responsibilities/obligations. The consequences of being kidnapped will have consumed a five year span of my life by the end of 2016. If you recall, I had formulated a five year plan when moving to The Philippines in 2011. It is not advisable for me to return to the same region.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was my own concern to determine how much my siblings kindly and generously contributed for my release. My mid-term goal has been to repay them. Thus, releasing myself from that financial undertaking. Legitimate compensation for being a victim of terrorism overseas would see me straight. This may occur during the coming 12 months. If so, then the next five year plan could be considered.</span></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My current lifestyle is comfortable, but a beach, more physical exercise and social mobility would further enhance it. Whilst captive, I relished the prospect of circling the globe for a third time and possibly taking some dance lessons. A ship cruise would also be fun. However, those few options are yet to be seriously actioned. In the near future, I expect to have another song released. An extended play (EP) album tends to consist of five songs, so that is the total number I am heading towards, as the term “one hit wonder”, in my opinion, is rather lame. Producers of an international television series have already expressed interest in making a documentary of my story. Actors would be supplied. All going to plan, this project could be completed this year. That would suit me fine. In the meantime, I remain open to any other suggestions, opportunities or requests.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To avoid any potential misunderstanding, it should be noted that I am neither a philanthropist, nor an activist. Granted, the world has its problems. If the lucky among us have nine lives, then I have calculated that I have two left and I would prefer to keep the last one in reserve.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>11 Is there anything further you would like to add to this to share with the world?</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As part of the 2015 Australia Day Honours, Australian Army Lieutenant </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Colonel Paul Joseph Barta was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(CSC) for outstanding devotion to duty as the Assistant Defence Attaché Manila during the Australian whole of government response to my kidnap for ransom (and immediately following, the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan). At the 2015 Australian Federal Police Foundation Day award ceremony in Canberra, 14 AFP members received the Commissioners’ Group Citation for Conspicuous Conduct for their work in support of the Philippine National Police and Australian Government efforts to release me. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have nothing, but respect and praise, for all Commonwealth government agencies involved, especially; The Australian Defence Force (ADF), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)</span></i></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-82041051873593132892015-11-30T01:27:00.001-08:002015-11-30T19:21:02.414-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>THIS MUSICIAN IS USING HIS FAME TO FIGHT THE ICE EPIDEMIC</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>RHETT MAY</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I reckon there should be more Rhetts in this world. Originating from Calcutta, Rhett May is using his talents and fame to fight the deadly ICE epidemic. While there is a lot more to him than published here, along with his group <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">'Lucifer' </u> he has travelled through some of our mighty outback - and was wonderful enough to answer some questions about this. His answers follow:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>In the heady 70s, along with your band, you toured parts of outback Western Australia. Which towns did you actually perform at?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We performed at Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha, the US base in Exmouth, Port Hedland. Also Albany, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>How did you enjoy travelling the outback? Were the people friendly, warm and welcoming?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We absolutely loved travelling and playing to the differing tastes of the locals in each of those towns; of course, the Americans were simply the craziest for our music too - but everywhere we went the locals were incredibly supportive and friendly. Always inviting us back to their áfter parties'.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>I am thinking you would not have visited any of the sheep and/or cattle stations?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Unfortunately we didn't get around to any sheep/cattle stations, but we did meet a couple of families in their caravans camping beside a river in the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. They had lost their homes and all their personal belongings and simply fled Darwin.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You also visited some Indigenous communities. And have quite a story to tell about that. Would you like to tell us something about this too please?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We didn't visit communities specifically. We came across a number of Indigenous people during our travels on the road</i>. <i>One occasion was when we stopped off to investigate some smoke rising about 300 metres off the unmade road. We came upon a family camped beside a fire roasting a wombat on a spit. They offered to share their meal with us but we were on a tight schedule and after chatting briefly about their day, gave them some water and continued on our travels.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>On another occasion we were travelling fairly slowly over an unsealed, corrugated dirt road and suddenly, out stepped a couple of guys with their spears in hand. We absolutely freaked but stopped and had a discussion with them about their lives on the move. They had been travelling for a couple of days and simply wanted to see what this great big green truck was doing in the middle of the outback.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We went back to their campsite to see this huge eagle in a cage. It must have been a pet or lucky charm for them. But they opened the cage door and let it out to fly around. It couldn't go very far as it had a rope attached to one of its legs. They couldn't understand that we found it cruel to capture and restrict such a magnificent creature. We were assured that it was not on their menu.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What were your feelings about the outback? Positives? Negatives?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I didn't really think about the outback as 'positive' or 'negative'. To me, everything we did, everywhere we travelled and performed was exciting. All our adventures were fun and new experiences. We simply enjoyed ourselves. Those were simpler days where you took what came to you and made the most of it!! Thinking back, it was all exciting - times to be able to meet and share and experience!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Did you travel by van or fly to the cities/towns and then by car? How was the transport organised?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>We travelled everywhere in a convoy. We owned a huge van/truck which was painted lime green and had our name plastered right across, so everyone knew who we were as we entered the townships. Many a time we slept under the stars between towns and states.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Would you want to travel the outback again?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I'm certain I would if the opportunity permits. However, I'm not certain the experiences would be similar as times change and travel has sped up, so the languid and relaxed travel doesn't seem to fit people's agendas these days.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>How long were you in each town?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Most times, overnight. But we did a number of residencies for two to four weeks at a time. It was the travelling to and from that was the adventure and the most fun.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Is there anything else you would like to share with the world about this?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Just to thank you for your interest in my past and present and ask you to remind everyone that my music is still as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Please try to access my website (links are below) and my social media sites - listen to the message in each song, spread the word that Rhett May has fabulous and thought provoking songs that will also entertain!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>LINKS</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> <a href="http://www.rhettmay.com/"> </a><a href="http://www.rhettmay.com/">Website</a></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://goo.gl/0g8D6g">YouTUBE/Subscribe</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://facebook.com/rhettmaymusic"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FaceBook</span></a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://twitter.com/rhettmay">Twitter</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <b><a href="http://soundcloud.com/rhett-may-music">Soundcloud</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <b><a href="http://reverbnation.com/rhettmay">Reverbnation</a></b></span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-34048156943184480582015-11-26T22:19:00.000-08:002015-12-03T20:21:24.051-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Please tell us a little bit about your childhood and background, your culture and heritage;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Growing up in a small town called Dapto in the 70s was so fortunate for me. Wollongong, being a city in those days, driven by the steel works and mining. Being a Bundjalung man from the Illawarra region, I've become more aware of my culture and the diversity that exists, as I grew older. It wasn't something that you were aware of growing up as it was just part of your life. So going to school with kids from all walks of life and nationalities, racism wasn't really a big part of our life. Being one of a handful of Indigenous families in the area we blended in quite well with the vast majority of Europeans, Americans, British and Islanders and with that it was an interesting insight into other cultures through the mix of people from around the world.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You are a leading chef. Have you always enjoyed cooking? Please tell us a little bit about that - how long you have been cooking, what inspired you to start etc;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In my 30 odd years in cooking I have always seen the kitchen as a safe haven for myself. I love the environment and the creative aspects that the job brings. When you have the right mix of people and music in a productive kitchen it can be magic. Growing up watching my aunts and mum cooking was always enjoyable and as in a lot of Indigenous families the kitchen was a focal and social point in the home. I would sit and watch them mixing things together in a bowel and put it in the oven and it would come out cooked. As a kid that was like magic to me - which inspired me to start making biscuits and cakes around nine years old.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You now cook in city restaurants, on TV shows and universities/education institutions among more. Have you always cooked in the cities and in such situations or have you also cooked in the country, perhaps back at your childhood home, for large numbers of people?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I was trained in a city hospital. Seems funny but back in the 70s and 80s food was prepared fresh and every day. We as apprentices had to do time in the variety of stations around the kitchen. The salad, vegetable, dessert, meat and fish, dietary and pasta kitchens were big and when cooking for a 1200 bed hospital the task was huge but it was a great learning environment as well as social environment working with people from all over the world. These days I work all over the world in different environments and my training and people was a huge aspect to my success today. I love visiting different Indigenous communities, remote and regional cooking in camp and earth ovens, exploring the variety of foods and people and elders from those areas.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You have had your own cooking series. Please tell us about that;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I had an idea for a cooking show in the early 90s and it wasn't until I put myself through Melbourne's premier film school, VCA in Victoria, did I get the opportunity to develop the series and approach the ABCs Indigenous affairs programme, </i><u style="font-weight: bold;"><i>'</i>Message Stick'</u><i> to have a 10 minute cooking spot that it all came together. After that, the concept was developed to showcase our amazing country, bushtucker and Aboriginal culture and the series: </i><u style="font-weight: bold;">'The Outback Cafe</u>' <i>was developed in collaboration with Tourism Australia and the State Tourism Organisations and has been shown around the world and in Australia. It's been an amazing journey and there is a lot more than happened along the way but fundamentally that was how it all unfolded.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You have cooked on TV and in the above. Have you ever cooked in movies at all?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>When I had a restaurant in Sydney called 'The Midden' in the 90s I did cook for film sets which was a great way to be on set and see how all the machinations of the TV and film world worked and inspired me to get into film school and make short films and develop my ideas for a cooking series.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You have some pretty major clients, including Oprah. Please tell us about that;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>That was an amazing experience cooking for Oprah's guest whilst in Victoria. These people were taken on a trip of a lifetime and to meet them was a pleasure. They embraced our workshop and got to try kangaroo, emu and crocodile as well as the native fruits and herbs from around the country. It was incredible!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You do have your own business, a restaurant. Do you have more than one? When did you begin this/these and why?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I have had a restaurant and catering company and they are both hard work. I basically started them to get and give people an idea that we have this amazing produce in the country and we don't utilize them. We are blessed to have so much that others around the world are in awe of and that we as Australians take a lot of it for granted. On my crusade to educate our country of these amazing Indigenous foods and produce we have, I have been able to get it on the palate and consciousness of the Australian people which I hope in time will be our national cuisine.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2013 was a very big year for you. Please tell us about that;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Every year has been a big year and don't think 2013 was any different, only that my focus is to educate and inspire young Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids the value of what we have and I think that is where we have to, as mentors, is to focus on the next generation.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You have also been selected for 'Friends of Australia - Plans for the Future'. Is this correct? Please tell us about that;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>'Friends of Australia</b><i>' is Tourism Australia's advocacy programme where influential ambassadors and opinion leaders act as storytellers for Australian holidays in the mainstream media sectors. Through a range of initiatives such as media hosting and profile raising opportunities such as the recent Australia campaign at Milan's World Expo and Restaurant Australia, I get to travel and educate people all over the country and globe about Australia and its amazing food regions and fresh produce and Indigenous people.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>You have also trained under major European chefs. Please tell us more about that;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>'Rino is an Italian chef and came to Australia in the 60s after travelling the globe. He settled in Wollongong and I was fortunate to have a patient and hands on teacher to guide me through my career. We're still great mates and regularly keep in touch. Through my travels, I've certainly enjoyed working alongside other chefs including Indigenous chefs from other countries presenting Australian cuisine and creating fusion dishes from our respective countries.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>And you have published your own cookbook. Have you written more than one? Do you have plans for further books in the future?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Plans are in the pipe-works for a new book when I get a bit of time; also I want to develop product for the Black Olive brand, so watch this space!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What and/or who are your inspirations?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>My family and friends inspire me a lot. My values and attitude to life stems from them. A few chefs inspire me and growing up there wasn't much on TV so we had to be creative in a more practical and imaginative way, which I think inspired a lot of what we see today.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What are your short and long term plans for the future?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Another TV series, a new book, develop produce and retirement!</i></span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-11893693588770224632015-11-09T18:18:00.002-08:002015-11-09T18:18:46.218-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 22.8267px;"><b><u>RACISM - CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make no mistake - racism is alive and well worldwide, sadly.
And yes, it seems that there certainly are barriers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel incredibly proud to be connected with quite a few of
our amazing Aboriginal people – they are all lovely and they are absolutely and justifiably
passionate about their heritage and culture. When I was asked to write this
article, I turned to some of them to gain their perspectives of the above
problems. And their responses have stunned me. They shouldn’t have – I should
have had some idea of how bad racism is in Australia – but I didn’t. And what
they have told me is literally only scratching the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking at medicine, for example – it seems that the number
of Aboriginal doctors is rising but trying to gain access to resources that
they need to achieve their ambitions, apparently is causing huge problems.
There are countless barriers that need to be removed for these people to get
ahead. Simply because of who they are, it’s not happening – or if it is, it’s
much harder for them than for anyone else. Racism is rife in every sector.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too many white Australians still believe that Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people are just lazy and are no good – at the same time,
these are the people who want to challenge the narrative that Muslims are all
terrorists. In my opinion, this is not true. None of it. However, if you want to think about it –
seriously, just remember that remaining silent in the discrimination of others
really makes you just as racist - not that that is going to make a bar of difference to many. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people – you know, the First Peoples to inhabit our nation - have faced
systematic oppression for centuries and have always lived in a situation where
they are shunned and belittled by migrants and colonisers alike<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my friends asked me which aspect I was actually
interested in – education, housing, health, employment, economic development,
sport, media, land rights – whoa! The list continues. Then she asked whether I
was asking about systematic racism, institutionalised, online – or ‘just’ to
your face? She added that there are just so many barriers occurring across the
board, due to racism that it’s really only those that are unable to access due
to racism that are acutely aware of it. It seems that the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people no longer even try to access any resources that do not
show any sign of Aboriginal cultural understanding. How tragic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have problems trying to access private rentals, as do
other immigrants to Australia, from what I understand. All racism. Access to
varying services. Access to information. Barriers abound everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was given a lot of examples by my different connections,
all of whom I consider to be friends, but really far too many to even think
about covering here. One lady recalled an incident that her son experienced. It
involved the boy being falsely labelled a thief – there is a considerable story
to this, too much to recount here, but suffice to say that the mother said she
had to teach her son to just deal with it. She felt it was useless for them to
fight the accusation because no-one really cares anyway. They would be told
that they had ‘misinterpreted the actions’, 'pulled the race card', 'acted
irrationally', 'had other problems' - or they were just not needed as a customer.
Given that the entire thing was not the fault of the son, I find this amazing –
I would not have thought any business at any time could afford to lose
customers. It’s a store I wouldn’t be
going near again. Barriers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the times of the Black Civil Rights movement in the
60s and 70s, the Aboriginal Elders and supporters met to create the very
foundation of basic services for their people who live in the capital cities on
the eastern coast of Australia. In doing this, they fought for things that <i>should</i>
have been taken for granted – legal and health services, access to
education and public housing etc. These are <i>basic</i>
services, for goodness sake – services that<i>
all</i> mankind <i>should </i>have access to.
They are <i>not</i> luxuries but even now
they are only in the city centres. For Aboriginal people living in remote
communities – these services do not exist, pure and simple. <i>They should exist – </i>but they don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treatment of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
is unacceptable. One of my friends tells me that she has the ‘gift of the gab’
which has helped her talk her way past the inbuilt racism that they see
whenever they try to step in to the ‘white world’- a term many detest using. It
seems that most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are living in two
worlds: at home, they can be themselves and be black, but when they go to work
(if they are lucky enough to <i>have </i>a
job) they try to act white. She adds that those who cannot step out of their
‘black world’ are the ones who fail. So sad. This is a result of past
experience and treatment of their Elders – it seems their people who do not
live in such a way are seen as too radical if they have different views to the
majority. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, yes, there is racism everywhere and many, many barriers
exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Another friend also
mentions that the worst kind of racism she has found is the role that
mainstream media portrays of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Indigenous
(which she explains is actually the lazy term the media prefers to use the keep
the word count down) people. She adds that it is very fortunate that we have
the ABC and SBS who do go out and find positive stories, but sadly the negative
stories aired by the commercial channels are the ones that create the vacuum
seal of the worst things happening in our communities. She adds there is never
a thought about the struggles the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people
live with on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She also recalls an argument she had with one of her
relations in the 1980s. It seemed he, like so many white Australians, was
complaining that Aboriginal people get everything for free. This is a complaint
that I can verify as I hear it regularly too. But it’s not fair. Not at all.
And this is a very typical example of one of those barriers. My friend
explained that earlier that week, her niece (step-daughter of the
above-mentioned relation) unsuccessfully applied for Austudy. The reason for
the failure? She is related to a white man who earns too much money and because
he is married to her mother, a black woman, the lass is not eligible for
Austudy. Seems to be to be a very clear barrier.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another friend, an artist, tells of some very blatant racism
that he has endured. He mentions that sometimes it is the covert body language
of Non-Indigenous persons that convey their inner racism. When this talented
artist has attended workshops, he could ‘feel’ Non-Indigenous people looking at
him in a critical way. How absolutely shameful. It seemed he was the only Aboriginal person in
the room at one stage and when the workshop ended and it was time for mingling,
he was left standing alone despite his own efforts at trying to approach
people. They just turned away. Attending other art award evenings he has simply
been ignored. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people claim they are not racist at all – but they are.
And there are times when my blood boils when listening to conversations around
me. People making racist jokes, at the same time claiming that they are not
racist. And I have heard non-Indigenous people claiming that certain things
should not be accessible to Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander people. <i>Why not</i>? I have asked, only to be
ignored. So, effectively, they are encouraging those barriers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My artist friend continues by adding that Aboriginal people
have an inner radar for the ‘vibes’ that other individuals give off. It’s all
about energy and believe me, they feel it. Even through his amazing artwork (which I have
had the huge fortune to see and write about) he is connecting to country – his
style of painting is a blend of landscape and also some ancestral dreaming work
from his inner visions. It can also be dictated by distinct areas of Aboriginal
culture. Looking at his work and having grown to know this man (and his wife)
through emails etc even I am starting a feel a little of the power that he
talks about. But then, I am not racist. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When this artist recently applied for an arts grant (still
pending approval), he was rather – <i>interested</i>
– when approaching people to write letters of support for him. As he explains,
some were helpful, others not interested. Some were outright rude. When I was
approached, I felt so privileged that I wrote one which I can only hope will
help him achieve the success he so deserves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This amazing man and his wife have gone on to tell me some
amazing stories of pure and blatant racism which has been displayed to them.
They have not been included here as this article is calling more for barriers –
and anyway, my blood is now boiling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I cannot understand and continues to annoy me so much – <i>why</i> are there barriers in place for our
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when some of their skills, as in
the works of the above artist, could do so much for Australia, for all our
homeland?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But racism and those associated barriers are not confined to
our Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people. Australia, like most nations,
is blessed with an enormous multi-cultural population – but so many of these
people, whether legal immigrants or not, share that feeling of racism. A German
friend of mine tells about some of her experiences and those of her family,
when they first came here in 1964. As Germans – you know, normal people - they
were subjected to some awful treatment, being called everything under the sun.
Horrible. As my friend says, she still feels bad about the shame she was made
to feel simply because of where she was born. While she has not mentioned any
particular barriers, I have absolutely no doubt they were well and truly present.
Just because they were German. She does add that sometimes she feels the price
paid for trying to be a ‘true blue Aussie’ – is way too high. Agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A final word from one of my Aboriginal friends. As she says,
sadly the above is the image that most people who aren’t Aboriginal have of the
First Peoples of this country – and of some immigrants. In her own words: <i>‘Sadly this is the image that most people
who aren’t Aboriginal have of the First Peoples of this country. We live in one
of the richest countries in the world, but Aboriginal people are living in
third world conditions. We don’t choose to have poor health, poor education,
poor living standards or work in jobs that pay way less than what we can
possibly earn. This is life for most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people’.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, yes – there continue to be barriers everywhere, right
across the board.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-75581803120534215272015-11-04T18:42:00.002-08:002015-11-04T19:18:29.905-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>THIS CHARACTER ACTRESS, COMEDIENNE, AUTHOR, WRITER, RESEARCHER, EQUESTRIENNE...</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>HAD ME LAUGHING WITH HER OPENING SENTENCE.</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>PLEASE MEET</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>1 Please tell us a little bit about your childhood, your background;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I had no brothers or sisters to blame things on, so I was the sole focus of my parents' attention. This was both good and bad! My father was a police officer...for real! Always on the lookout for delinquent behaviour!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2 You are a character actress, comedienne, writer, researcher, equestrienne and published author. Have you always wanted to be in entertaining, somehow or did you aspire toward something different completely when you were younger?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I was always writing stories, as far back as I can remember. I would rush home at lunch time, writer a short script, then take it back to school, talk my teacher into letting us rehearse and then perform for the class. And we are talking elementary school here!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3 You have performed in quite a few TV programmes/shows etc. Can you tell us which ones and a little bit about that generally?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Well, my favourite was a TV series about professional wrestling; I played the physician in several episodes. This was awesome because much of it was filmed in their dressing rooms! But also because the director let us improvise and the scenes in the ring were filmed in front of a live audience. I remember him coming up to me afterwards and laughing: '</i>I didn't know where you were going with that!' <i>Some of the films I have been in - 'Hit Man', 'The Riff', 'Holiday in Her Heart', 'Painted Hero' and 'Slap Her, She's French'. Among the TV series are 'Walker, Texas Ranger' (two episodes), 'PCW' (two episodes) and 'Hawaii Five-O'. Commercials include 'Nike', 'Marcus Cable' and 'Disney'.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4 You also have some 'special abilities'- ie you can read at quite a few words per minute. Please tell us something about this;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>When I check out books at the local library, patrons are sometimes amazed at the quantity. I explain that I can read very fast and they always say: </i>'What a gift<i>!' I can read 1,189 words (per minute) with comprehension. This fact has made it very easy to research and in Diplomacy and Military Studies at Hawai'i Pacific University, I excelled in Open Source Intelligence Gathering. I like to listen to 'Big Data's' song 'Dangerous', because I was told by an instructor that as a great researcher, I was dangerous! LOL.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5 You have also done some teaching? When, where and what exactly?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I taught at both a four year university and several community colleges in Texas. My areas of expertise are: US History, US Government, Texas History, Texas Government and English Composition. I have also tutored students in writing. This was between 2004-2010. However, I did standup comedy for some years before this and I can tell you, standup was excellent practice for teaching college.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6 As a writer, what publications do you have on the market?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>In the past, I have posted some online stories/poems, on HauntedHawaii.com and PoetryMagazine.com. The only thing I really have on the market right now is myself. I am on sale today. Just so people know.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7 Are you self or traditionally published?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I have written for Lemons Newspapers, The Bastrop Enterprise, Lewis Newspapers, Indie Slate Magazine and Equus, among others. My column, 'Northern Lights' ran in several Texas newspapers in the 90s. I used it in my standup then, too! I have penned six screenplays and written numerous spec scripts.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>8 What are you working on at the moment, be it writing, acting or whatever?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I have a blog, <a href="http://www.sallystratso.com/">www.sallystratso.com</a>, in which I write material that I then use in my standup comedy in Waikiki. I am currently learning how to do the Moonwalk! I also promote several actors, directors and comedians on my website.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>9 Have you had to face and overcome any/many problems/challenges and/or adversities in your life?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>My life has been a soap opera - I broke my neck when a horse fell on me and I was partially paralized for a year; have had amnesia; double pneumonia; blood clots; a brain abscess; numerous broken bones, including a badly fractured tibia in 2014; and the absolutely worst chronic and acute case of stage fright that I have ever seen or heard of. (Eleanor Roosevelt said that a person must do what he or she fears the most, but I don't think she meant to do it every day!).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10 You are also something of an equestrienne. Can you please tell us a little bit about that;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>My family owned a stable and we boarded horses, gave lessons, trained hunters and jumpers and travelled to shows. Once, when I was nine years old, we had a horse that just defied everyone's attempts to ride it. I sneaked into the stable one night, climbed up on this horse, then rode it round and round until it was dizzy. The next day, I rode the horse out of the stall and into the stable yard. Incredulous looks were followed by a long spell of being grounded, not by the horse, never by that horse, but by my horrified parents. Another time, I trained a stubborn horse to get into a trailer by riding it in! Grounded again. I did break my neck when I was 23 when a horse fell with me and rolled over me. However, this was not really a bad thing because once I healed, I actually won way more championships because I had learned to slow down a little!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I have not owned a horse since moving to Hawai'i in 2010. Yesterday, though, I put an ad in the local paper. The ad begins: </i>'Do you have a bad-tempered horse that you would like to part with?' <i>I think I have it in me to train another horse! After all, I am only 62. 62 1/2.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>11 Are you professionally managed or do you represent yourself?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I am represented by the ADR Agency in Kaneohe, Hawai'i.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>12 Have you done a lot of media interviews?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Do depositions count?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>13 What and/or who are your inspirations?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Artist, actor, director, writer, philanthropist and friend <b>Jack Lord</b>...long story...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>14 What do you enjoy doing in your 'spare' time?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Spending time with my family, my pets - and now looking for a new horse.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>15 What are your short and long term professional goals?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I love doing standup; in the beginning, it took a bottle of Imodium to get me up on stage, but now I love it! I enjoy making people laugh; it's so good for them. I would also like to do more film work.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>16 Is there anything further you would like to share with the world?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The universe will speak to you if you only listen. What you put out there will come back to you, tenfold! People cross your path </i>for a reason, so help everyone that you can. Always, always be a cheerleader, for others and also for yourself!</span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-33208965747665329012015-11-04T00:25:00.002-08:002015-11-04T00:25:48.986-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>DIANNA CORCORAN - AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY SINGER AND GOLDEN GUITAR WINNER</u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Please tell us a little bit about your background;</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was born and bred in Parkes NSW, Australia. Mechanic dad and Avon Lady mum with a farming background. My life now takes me all over the world.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. You are a country singer. Have you always wanted to sing or did you aspire toward something else when you were younger?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mum said I was singing before I was talking. Music has always been in my bones and although I had dreams of working with animals or being some kind of visual artist, I think the universe made the decision for me. Music will be my life and is in my blood.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. How did you ‘break’ into singing?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Australia is lucky to have a strong network country music talent quests. My home town had a large one that got me into the genre. My parents made it their hobbies to get me around to as many of these competitions as they could manage. Sometimes traveling long hours on weeks ends. It never really mattered if I came home with a trophy, it was all about the music and going experience. I made great life long friends, too.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Do you have a manager or do you represent yourself?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a team here in the US but I have pretty much been unmanaged my entire career. I oversee most things while I have a label, publisher and PR company that take care of some details. A lot of my time is not spent on music unfortunately and a lot of people are unaware of the extensive work that is done in the office behind the scenes.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Have you won any/many awards? Please tell us a little bit about that;</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Including all of those little talent quests, I’ve actually accumulated over 400 awards. Some of the major ones include two Golden Guitars (Australian Country Music Awards). One for Female Artist of the Year and the Other for New talent of the Year.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. I understand you have also entertained some of our troops overseas. Please tell us something about that;</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is most probably the highlight of my career. I have done three entertainment deployments with the military and will be forever grateful for the experience and opportunity to share my music with a most appreciative crowd. I got to experience things that a limited amount of civilians will ever see.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. You have also travelled the world with some other major entertainers. Can we know who and where and when you have travelled?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the greatest gifts that music gives me is my traveling and experiences. I've worked as a songwriter and producer right throughout Europe, Asia, South Pacific, North America and the list goes on. I have a team of Grammy award winning writers, producers and artists that I’m lucky enough to work with time and time again.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. What other jobs did you hold prior to entertainment?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recruitment executive, Pizza Hut manager, elderly care worker and the list goes on. In the early days I held a lot of jobs in order to support the launch of my music career.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love anything in the outdoors. Hiking, camping and I LOVE to just watch TV. I’m not very good at switching off and TV helps me do that.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. Who and/or what are your inspirations?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life. Just life. I love to drive long distances and meet new people. These experiences are a constant source of inspiration.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11. Is anyone else in your family in entertainment?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All members of my family were musical. Mum sang, Dad played drums, Biggest brother studied violin and next big brother down is an amazing bass player. None of them pursued it as a career, though.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12. Have you many DVDs released?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never released a DVD. Yet :-)</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13. Have you done a lot of media interviews, including guesting on TV shows at all?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A LOT. My entire adult life has been filled with media ranging from TV to Magazine.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14. What are your short and long term goals for your career?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always feel guilty for answering this way, but I really don't focus on goals. I enjoy the journey and take every opportunity that comes my way. I guess if there were any goals, it is to simply get my music to the masses. Thats a big job that will continue for the rest of my life.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15. Do you also write your own songs as well as writing for other singers at all?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write all of my own material and also write for others. My songs are true stories and being an authentic story telling artist is important to me.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16. Is there anything further you would like to add to this?</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your support!!! </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LINK: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/diannacorcoranofficial"> </a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/diannacorcoranofficial">FaceBook</a></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New album and American Debut released January 29th 2016. Dianna Corcoran - In America.</span></b></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-72060589496923168582015-11-03T01:55:00.002-08:002015-11-03T03:21:16.445-08:00<div class="SCX228137834" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>INTRODUCING AUSTRALIA'S FIRST FEMALE BOXING CHAMPION</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>MICHELLE CHRISTOFFELS</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 Please tell us a little bit about your childhood/background:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Born in Germany and arrived in Australia in 1964.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>'No Glory For Me' </b><i>is an auto-biography which leads up to my becoming Australia's first registered, professional female boxer, dual Victorian Champion and Australian Champion Kickboxer. It continues to be my downfall years later, including time spent in psychiatric care and a criminal conviction. In brief, it is a summary of the price I paid for fame.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The book begins with the court room scene that changed my life forever. The first chapter covers my arrival at a migrant hostel in Victoria, Australia from Germany in the early 60s. The struggle to survive and overcome racism and associated physical violence.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>At 19 I opened my first 'women only' gay bar and shortly afterwards, a second. A car accident found me reassessing life's values and several events led me to join a local boxing gym. I trained until 1982 when, disillusioned after failing to be granted my professional boxing licence and just missing out on an opportunity to stage the 'first official women's bout', I retired.cha</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I eventually returned to the boxing arena and after several years of persistently challenging the system, was granted my boxing licence and became the first official, professional female boxer in the country.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I also had the first official female fight in Australia.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Due to a lack of opponents, I later joined a kickboxing dojo where I was promised a shot at a Victorian title.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I was drugged and raped by my trainer/manager a few days before my first match. I had to make a decision - should I go to the police even though there were no witnesses and I had no real proof, or should I say nothing and continue training? The auto-biography continues to take the reader through to the end of my career and what follows.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 You are a professional boxer as well as a kickboxing champion. Have you always wanted to be in this profession or did you want to be something else as you were growing up?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I wanted to be a vet. But my life became one of street survival and I learnt at a young age that the tough guy gets left alone.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3 How do you feel having the above titles? Australia's First Professional Female Boxer and Australian Super Bantamweight Kickboxing Champion?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I am proud of my achievements.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4 As the above, have you won any/many titles and/or awards?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I won countless martial arts tournaments in full and semi-contract fights.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5 Have you travelled the world on the boxing circuit?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>No - as per the above synopsis my career was cut short.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>6 Have you done many media interviews?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Yes - at this time I was constantly in the media.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>7 How do your family/friends feel about your chosen career?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I had lots of friends while I was winning and very few towards the end when I needed them..</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>8 What do you enjoy doing in your 'spare' time?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Playing drums and writing are my passions.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>9 What are your short and long term professional goals?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>To make this book into a movie. To continue writing and to be able to hold webinars and seminars to help others speak out.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>10 Do you support many causes? Can you please tell us about them?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Yes - Animals Australia and the Cerebral Palsy League and those who can't speak for themselves.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>11 Is there anything further you would like to add to share with the world?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>To all the manipulators, predators and bullies - watch out!</i></span></span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-1648095105441968532015-10-15T21:07:00.001-07:002015-10-16T19:46:19.840-07:00<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX70159887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>INTRODUCING MELBOURNE ARTIST</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">HELEN FRENCH - </span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">ONE VERY CREATIVE AND INSPIRATIONAL LADY</span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfpQADkoqzD2hyrs2L5W0_bxEqId-cA7Npib_iz_36S9uAEGoEkrxWfG_aXSKbxxwXGA1LekSO1dQeozu5PM8zQtCO4Ro2a2VdSk8cw3gHiqWoAqpvnRVOecLuc6QAvL7CxUUj4si4eo4/s1600/HELEN+FRENCH+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfpQADkoqzD2hyrs2L5W0_bxEqId-cA7Npib_iz_36S9uAEGoEkrxWfG_aXSKbxxwXGA1LekSO1dQeozu5PM8zQtCO4Ro2a2VdSk8cw3gHiqWoAqpvnRVOecLuc6QAvL7CxUUj4si4eo4/s320/HELEN+FRENCH+1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX7382018" paraeid="{ba309f66-0912-4a49-915e-df204ba987e8}{144}" paraid="1131083637" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I started my painting career very late in life, however I commenced to work as an artist very early in life. As a child I made objects all of the time. Anything from arranging stones in patterns, collecting feathers, wire, old tins, string or cotton to make into wall hangings. I had no decent paper, pens or pencils so I collected charcoal from the burnt out fire and used it to draw on the outside walls of my parents' house.</span><span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<div class="Paragraph SCX7382018" paraeid="{ba309f66-0912-4a49-915e-df204ba987e8}{149}" paraid="2040796172" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> I learn</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">ed</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> to sew when my legs were long enough to peddle the sewing machine and in my early teens earned money by making hats and jewellery.</span><span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i><br />
<span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX7382018" paraeid="{ba309f66-0912-4a49-915e-df204ba987e8}{152}" paraid="648157870" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><i> All my life I have been a maker. The first thought I have every morning is ‘</i>what will I make<i> </i>today<i>.’ The last thought in the evening is to look at the day’s effort and say '</i>I didn’t have you<i> </i>this morning<i>’.</i></span><span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX7382018" paraeid="{ba309f66-0912-4a49-915e-df204ba987e8}{157}" paraid="870728877" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> At 14 years of age,</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> I was refused any opportunity to study art or continue at high school.</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> I was sent to Flinders Lane in Melbourne to train as a dressmaker. My employers thought I had sufficient talent to become a designer and sent me to RMIT to learn fashion drawing and pattern making.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX7382018" paraeid="{ba309f66-0912-4a49-915e-df204ba987e8}{176}" paraid="602240235" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">Fashion was a new word to me, as my mother and aunts wore ‘clothes’ and usually the same ones for years. When </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> turned up on </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> first day at the workroom, </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> had no more than an old blouse of </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> mothers, which was worn out under the arms, a recycled skirt and school shoes. By the time </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> had finished training </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> was one of the smartest dressers in </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">Melbourne</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">. State Gallery Director, writer, critic- Patrick McCaughey once remarked ‘Helen you are so glamorous’. </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">My</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> reply was ‘But it is part of my job as a fashion designer'.</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">From my late teens I worked as a designer and became very interested in modern art, I admired the French artist Sonia Delaunay and liked the idea that art and fashion could generate projects together</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">.</span><span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">As a sophisticated young woman in </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> early twenties, </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> was already making a name for </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">self as a designer. </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> dreamed of going to Paris, an ambition that was interrupted by</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> forming</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> a difficult relationship </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">with the</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> young</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> Australian</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> artist Leonard French</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">.</span><span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">then</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> spent the next twenty two years as his partner and have had an intense involvement in the Australian art world</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> ever</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">since</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">. Although my career as a fashion designer was continually interrupted by this involvement, I constantly produced art pieces, particularly wall hangings, fabric collage, patchwork and fashion jewellery</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">.</span><span class="EOP SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX70159887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><br /></span>
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<span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> <i>During </i></span><i><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> time of confinement to home duties</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> and the birth of my three children, I</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> commenced </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> applique projects and when the family was living in London </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">in 1962 </span><span class="TextRun SCX7382018" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">undertook classes at the London Institute of Art. Two years later </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;" xml:lang="EN-AU">the family spent a year in New Haven Connecticut USA. </span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{86eb187a-43f6-473e-8b2b-36b5bd82d822}{231}" paraid="421345182" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> At Yale University </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> was involved in a program of lectures on Art and Architecture run by Vincent Scully (Author and Emeritus Professor of the History of Art) and took part in several painting workshops in New Haven where </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> work was exhibited. </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">travelled regularly to New York for exhibitions and to visit renowned art galleries. </span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{86eb187a-43f6-473e-8b2b-36b5bd82d822}{231}" paraid="421345182" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> Returning to Melbourne</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> Australia, </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> production and design skills led to a successful career as fashion designer with </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> own label ''</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><b>French'.</b></span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">My</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> boutique</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> and atelier</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> attracted South Yarra and Toorak clients and </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> became a celebrity figure in the fashion and art world. </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> ha</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">ve</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> had a consistent and bountiful involvement in the production of textiles, jewellery, wall hangings and garments</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">, which were sold through my business.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{86eb187a-43f6-473e-8b2b-36b5bd82d822}{254}" paraid="283863735" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{2}" paraid="845781105" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I always say that I made clothes for ‘the rich and famous’ and hung out with my artist friends - ‘the poor and famous.’</span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{2}" paraid="845781105" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{5}" paraid="403306010" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I divorced Leonard French in 1974.</span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{5}" paraid="403306010" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{18}" paraid="1362300703" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">I later wrote a memoir about that period of my life.</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> I have not found a suitable publisher and I’m not considering self – publishing. In it I write</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> the inside story about living with your not- so- average- sort of bloke</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">,</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">while maintaining my own creative output </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">in a male dominated world</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> and the challenges </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">of the</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> relationship of two highly creative people with many visual resources.</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{18}" paraid="1362300703" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{21}" paraid="785908643" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> 1974-1995 I faced many challenges in my life. One was expanding my career as a woman in the changing world and the important other was successfully bringing up two boys and a girl as a single mother. </span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{21}" paraid="785908643" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{31}" paraid="806372059" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">After I sold my fashion business</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> in 1995</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> it was natural to commence painting as I had been making art in various forms all my life. Painting was just an extension of my creative inquiry.</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">My</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> art has evolved from </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">my</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> life experience and a passionate interest in the history of textiles.</span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{31}" paraid="806372059" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{46}" paraid="2061606835" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">From 2000, I participated in a few group shows and several one person shows. I had some difficulty with fitting in to a system that to me was amateurish in </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">comparison with</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> my experience as a professional business director</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">.</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">In 2007 at the age of 75, I</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> decided to withdraw from exhibiting in unsuitable venues and</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> to achieve a better financial result by</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> show</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU">ing</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> my work from my own studio</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> -</span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> showroom.</span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{46}" paraid="2061606835" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX126780887" paraeid="{6576bbf7-982c-40f7-840c-dcef459a2cf1}{51}" paraid="1018729870" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; word-wrap: break-word;">
<i><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">n August 2015, my work was shown in a large survey exhibition at Glen </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><span class="SpellingError SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; background-image: url(data:image/gif; background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Eira</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"> City Gallery in Melbourne. I’m now working on a new series of paintings and drawings to exhibit in 2016 when I will be 85. </span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-AU"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCX126780887" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;"> </span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>SOLO EXHIBITIONS</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2015 - Survey Exhibition, Glen Eira Gallery, Melbourne - paintings and fashion from 1966-2015;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2007-2010- Yearly Exhibition of art work from the studio;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2006 - Intrude Gallery - paintings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2005 - McCulloch Gallery, Melbourne - new paintings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2000 - Aardwolf Gallery, Survey Exhibition - paintings from 1988-2000;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1996 - Spence Promotions New York - paintings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1976-1994- French Showroom, Melbourne - wall hangings, jewellery;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1994 - Julie Artisan's Gallery, New York - wall hangings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1990-2006- Marc French Pty Ltd, Melbourne - paintings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1994-2006- Studio Exhibitions - paintings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1987 - Acland Art Gallery, St Kilda, Melbourne - comprehensive jewellery exhibition;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1967-1995- Director of fashion business 'French'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>GROUP EXHIBITIONS</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2005 - Intrude - paintings;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2003 - McGivern Art Prize;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2003 - Metropolis, St Kilda - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2001 - Mahoney's Galleries, Hardware Lane, Melbourne - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2000 - Murdoch & Barclay, Clara Street, South Yarra - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2000 - Aardwolf Gallery, Melbourne - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1999 - Metropolis, St Kilda - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1999 - Aardwolf Gallery, Melbourne - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1996 - A.R.T Gallery Eden, Collins Street, Melbourne - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1996 - Spence Promotions, New York - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1992 - Acland Art Gallery, St Kilda - paintings;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1988 - Acland Art Gallery, St Kilda - Exhibition of small</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> paintings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>COLLECTIONS</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Work is held in various corporate collections, including the collection of Sofitel Hostels and numerous private collections in Australia, New York and Cologne.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Information and inquiries about Helen's work are on:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.helenfrenchartstudio.com/">www.helenfrenchartstudio.com</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On the website in Éxhibitions' there is an online catalogue of Helen's recent exhibition.</span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-1949042492375912142015-09-13T21:22:00.002-07:002015-09-13T21:24:12.280-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">INTRODUCING THE AMAZING </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">PHYLLIS LAWSON</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is an author with a story (and a half) to tell, the likes of which I have never heard before. Except perhaps in novels, or the movies or something where the story has been so amazing, almost to the point of being truly surreal. So I was quite stunned when I 'met' Phyllis Lawson and read about her - one of the above stories actually coming to life. It truly is unique - but I will let her tell you about it in her words. Please enjoy.</span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Please
tell us a little bit about your background</b>;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>I
joined the United States Air Force at the age of nineteen - I served for five
years. During that time, I had the
opportunity to spend over half of this period overseas. After I was discharged, I attended the
University of Maryland, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. After graduating, I worked as a Juvenile
Counsellor and Substance Abuse Specialist for twenty years. In January 2001, I decided that I wanted to
join the District of Columbia National Guard in order to try and pursue a twenty year career in the military. Shortly
after joining the National Guard I was deployed. I completed my military career in 2013. Since then, I have spent the last two and a
half years writing and marketing my new memoir Quilt of Souls. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>You
are an author, one of your books being the ‘Quilt of Souls’ which is based on a
true story. Can you please tell us a little bit about this; <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>My memoir '</i><b>Quilt
of Souls'</b><i> was released March 2015. '</i></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Quilt of Souls</b><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">' is a book the world needs
to have. It is more than my personal memoir; it is an historical unveiling of
hushed bloodlines and stories of a time and place that got swept under the
carpet - powerful, intense, poignant stories that need to be heard.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 54.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.5pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>At the age of four years old, I was plucked off my
front porch, from the only family I knew and delivered sixteen hours away to
land on the doorstep of Grandmother Lula, whom I never met before. I was
abandoned by my mother, pure and simple. I needed a miracle and that miracle
took the form of an old tattered quilt (a family heirloom) that my grandmother
made out of the clothing of long lost loved ones who died in the face of
extreme bigotry, racism and ugliness that was pervasive to that time.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>Lula Horn (1883-1986), was born in Sandersville,
Mississippi. Through oral tradition and through the weaving of ripped up
pieces of clothes transformed into quilts, she told me the tragic stories of my
ancestors' lives and deaths. Each piece of cloth woven into the quilt had the
blood, sweat and tears of black people living and dying at the hands of
unconscionable injustices. The</i></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weaving of their clothing into a quilt mended
each broken life back together with each pull of the thread. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxbe_NCVFMeXpm_AnPqYQLKK0Cbq9aQmLlcF3hlQDCXJJWJkT2vSQ76OuTFVb4NgDILrJKgeU_2rexivdKb7n5TroNjmAe3Jwn3OFTArdVxHv_6N71VJo1cV-EobbJGKGW_4PeL4IKApI/s1600/Author.photo.professional+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxbe_NCVFMeXpm_AnPqYQLKK0Cbq9aQmLlcF3hlQDCXJJWJkT2vSQ76OuTFVb4NgDILrJKgeU_2rexivdKb7n5TroNjmAe3Jwn3OFTArdVxHv_6N71VJo1cV-EobbJGKGW_4PeL4IKApI/s200/Author.photo.professional+1.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>No matter your ethnicity, this book will transport you
back in time and will break your heart wide open. It will make you laugh, cry and swell with
hope and resilience. Out of the grave
agony of despair comes healing for many generations. '</i><b>Quilt of Souls'</b><i> is about the strength of black women who prevailed
before and after the turn of the century, a demographic that has gone
unrecognized, with no celebration of the lives they endured and upheld. The
untold stories of these women who were quilt makers, laundresses and butter
churners are revealed in this book. It tells o</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">f </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">how they survived and provided
for their children and the grandchildren they raised.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Seamlessly written, '</i><b>Quilt of Souls' </b><i>is a book that needs to
be brought to the forefront. It is a rare story not only due to the
complexities and intricacies of the quilt as a physical object, but also what
it stands for metaphorically. It speaks about and unearths, the taboo subjects
that were only heard in whispers during that era.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: -36pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have
you written any other books?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The first book
that I wrote was '</i></span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Josh Horn and Ruby Pickens Tartt: An Unlikely Alliance''</b><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">. It is the story of my Great Grandfather Josh
Horn and the writer, Ruby Pickens Tartt who interviewed him during the 1930’s as part of the historical ''</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Slave Narratives''</b></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">. Josh was a story teller. Ms. Tartt travelled throughout rural Alabama,
capturing stories of ex-slaves. My plan
is to professionally re-publish this book in the future.</i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are
you traditionally or self published?</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am currently
self-published through the CreateSpace platform.</span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Have
you always wanted to be an author or what did you want to do when you were
growing up?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>I always loved to
stand before large crowds and tell stories. As a teenager I would write poetry until my hand hurt. I would write about my sorrows and difficulty
adjusting to life. Writing was a way for me to escape the harsh times that I
was experiencing. I always knew that one
day I would pen Grandmother’s story because I wanted the world to recognize the
beauty of her quilts. I also wanted to
bring exposure to the grandmothers of her era that raised their
grandchildren.These “Grandmas' other
Babies” were plentiful in the south during the reconstruction period. This is a part of our history that have been
overlooked, particularly the role that these old women played and how and what
they did to survive during this tragic period in America.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who
and/or what are your inspirations?</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>My inspiration has
always been my grandmother. She was the
most loving, spiritual and giving person I have ever met. She was my rock and provided me with the
spiritual gifts that I needed in order for me to survive some of the most
difficult periods in my life. I realize
the word role models maybe too cliché, but she was mine in every sense of the
word. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do
you work from home or do you rent an office?</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">I work from my
home.</span></span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You
also do some public speaking. </span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <i>Yes, I spent my last four years in the
military as a Diversity Trainer /Instructor.
I have travelled extensively holding lectures and workshops on diversity
in the workplace and equal opportunity issues.
<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></b></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Do you tour the
nation doing this and what do you actually talk about and to whom? What other
positions have you held in the past?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>My ''</i><b>Quilt of Souls Author Tour and Quilt
Presentation'' </b><i>begin on October 21<sup>st</sup> in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. My schedule is pretty extensive for the
remainder of 2015 in which I will be making stops in Alabama, Georgia, Virginia
and Maryland. My 2016 schedule is currently being formulated
and promises to be very, very busy.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What
are your short and long term goals for your writing?</span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>I would like to
write a sequel to ''</i><b>Quilt of Souls'' </b><i>in order to cover more stories of my
grandmother that I omitted in the first book.
In addition, my plans are to complete a rewrite on my first book about
my great-grandfather Josh Horn and the ''</i><b>Slave Narratives''.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"><b> </b></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Do
you have an agent or do you manage yourself?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><i>I currently am
self-managed which is often hectic, particularly with the notoriety that ''</i><b>Quilt
of Souls''</b><i> is now receiving.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LINKS: </b><a href="http://www.quiltofsouls.net/">Website</a> -</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>a great site
for learning more about ''</i><b>Quilt of Souls''</b><i> and the life of Lula Horn.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-15007003805561663052015-04-27T02:55:00.002-07:002015-04-27T02:55:24.051-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<h3>
<i><u>INTRODUCING THE</u></i></h3>
<h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx31OESmRcJGLdr63nJwpfEfLoXlols0TOgRtJiS0tF9uu47MkatBc9pUDmrMik0NR-VY4CBlN84z2ZNvUXLCVBqpinMYsOmg8i-Rv9RIVw5_KD3Jew1lXPiR9P6QsEFVh36fLewV1L3KG/s1600/SUZANNE+LAIDLAW+HEADSHOT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx31OESmRcJGLdr63nJwpfEfLoXlols0TOgRtJiS0tF9uu47MkatBc9pUDmrMik0NR-VY4CBlN84z2ZNvUXLCVBqpinMYsOmg8i-Rv9RIVw5_KD3Jew1lXPiR9P6QsEFVh36fLewV1L3KG/s1600/SUZANNE+LAIDLAW+HEADSHOT.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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DYNAMIC AND INSPIRATIONAL ACTION COACH,</u></i></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><u>SUZZANNE LAIDLAW</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Please tell us a
little bit about your background;</b></i></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I originally went into business coaching
because I received and still do receive great joy and honour to help people achieve a goal they
might not have thought possible. Throughout my years as a business coach I have
seen the potential growth in my clients and their businesses, which they can
usually never see themselves. I receive enormous pleasure in helping my clients
achieve happiness in their lives, whatever that means to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"><i> </i></span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Have you always
wanted to run your own business or did you aspire to be/do something else when you were younger?</i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Running my own business was not something
I wanted to do when I was younger. </span>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"><i> </i> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Please tell us a
little bit about your business;</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Coaching
may mean giving one client a hug and for another, it may mean pushing them
just that little bit further than they thought possible. I provide every single
business coaching client with a fair and honest perspective on their situation.
Some clients can be so focused on how they feel at that moment in time; they
forget to look at the bigger picture. One on One business coaching is best
suited to businesses that have been established for at least four years and
have a team of five. However we are happy to discuss your individual situation and
what sort of return on investment you can expect to get from coaching.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;"><i><b>How many other
positions have you had prior to your business?</b></i></span></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"><i> </i>Two other positions.</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> </b><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;">My husband and I
ran an office equipment business, where I did all the finance side of things
and previous to that I ran an employment agency for the Australia Medical
Association. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"><i> </i></span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Please describe
your role in your business, what this entails etc;</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will assist you with the strategic design and implementation of material
in the following areas; One on One Business mentoring, Time Management –
Assessing your role in the business, implementing delegation strategies and
developing a default diary. Systems – Development of a company operations
manual that includes flowcharts, checklists, scripts and ‘how to’ instructions.
Recruitment, Team Building, Financial Reporting. Sales and Marketing –
Strategies on Lead Generation, Conversion Rate, Average Dollar Sale, Numbers of
Transactions in a year and Profit Margins will be introduced and modified to
your business’ requirements. Owner Motivation – Leadership is what our team is
looking for and it’s for this reason that the business owner needs to hone in
on their level of enthusiasm and skill. About everything else, I will ensure
that you are on track to achieving your goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--></i><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Do you work from
a home office or a rented office?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Rented office, (9/17 Foley St in
Balcatta)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Do you have any
staff?</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes, one Marketing Admin Assistant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Can you briefly
describe your working day?</i></span></b></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursdays are spent coaching. Mondays are left for working in the
business and Fridays are left for working on the business and further
education.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"><i> </i></span></span></span></b><span style="color: blue;"><i><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What are your strengths and weaknesses in relation to running your own business?</span></b></i></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> <span style="color: blue;">My
strengths are that I have been a small business owner for twenty five years and that I
have been coaching people since I was fifteen, in either a business or sporting
role. Weakness is as I am a small practise with myself and one other person I
find I have limited resources and can’t help as many people as I would like to. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Who and/or what
are your inspirations?</i></span></b></span><br />
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> My
inspirations come from people who grow through their challenges. My
inspirations are from some of the best leaders like Gandhi, Mother Teresa.</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> </b></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Do you travel at
all for your business? Please tell us
about that;</i></span></b></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> Yes,
ActionCOACH holds annual conferences for its team, usually on the Gold Coast.</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Where do you
hope your business will be in ten years’ time?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue;">I
hope I will be retired and financially free so that I coach people purely on a
philanthropic basis. So that money is not involved. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> <i> </i></span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What are your
short and long term goals?</i></span></b><br />
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> My
short term goals are to make a huge impact on each one of my clients' business
and life and give them a good return on investment of their time and money that
they spend with me.</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> </b><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;">Long term goals
are to open a health, wealth and happiness centre for coaching, helping people
with their business health, as well as their physical and mental health. I
place significant values on the fact that, if you don’t have your health, you
can’t run a business.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPR3avh9RD5mM5evo29qeG4EASFTn8r2fc7i72lxuNQhpTpXmm8f9uY3rWayiAv-XjfMcnyBuYNs2CMiaf2OAD8SYpkVpmFhB_W-fmvoBuJJwVVnOa-j61r4-9K18HLTy6lCdGmXYjpRZ/s1600/SUZZANNE+IN+THE+ITU+WORLD+TRIATHLON+SERIES+-+LONDON+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPR3avh9RD5mM5evo29qeG4EASFTn8r2fc7i72lxuNQhpTpXmm8f9uY3rWayiAv-XjfMcnyBuYNs2CMiaf2OAD8SYpkVpmFhB_W-fmvoBuJJwVVnOa-j61r4-9K18HLTy6lCdGmXYjpRZ/s1600/SUZZANNE+IN+THE+ITU+WORLD+TRIATHLON+SERIES+-+LONDON+2014.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzzanne competing in the ITU World Triathlon Series - London 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>How long have
you actually had your own business?</i></span></b></span><br />
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> ActionCOACH five years, previous business fifteen years. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What are you
passionate about?</i></span></b></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> Helping
people reach their potential.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What are your
values?</i></span></b></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> Love,
Health, Family, Honesty and Trust. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> <i> </i></span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What do you
enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?</i></span></b></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> Swimming,
cycling, running, competing in triathlons, playing the piano and spending time
with my family.</span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Have you managed
to build up a solid clientele base?</i></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> I
have many clients that have worked with me for a number of years. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Do you belong to
any professional groups?</i></span></b></span></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> I
am a member of the ICF (International Coaching Federation.) I am an ambassador
for Opportunity International and also an ambassador for BNI</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;">.</b></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Did you have to
overcome any/many challenges/hurdles along your professional road?</i></span></b></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> I
overcame a life threatening disease at thirty three which involved six major general
anaesthetics and living with a colostomy bag. I have also been happily married
to David Laidlaw since 1985 with two beautiful children. Not long after we got
married, I saved David’s life by pulling him from a burning house and
supporting him through years of pain, skin graft operations and rehabilitation.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b style="font-size: 12pt;">
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Do you have any
advice for other aspiring business-women?
Any words of wisdom to share?</i></span></b></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> I
would recommend as much time as you can in learning about business and learning
what you want to achieve. Getting a good plan together is vital and some good
mentors to help you through these goals.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <span style="color: blue;"> <i> </i></span></span></span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Is there
anything further that YOU would like to add, to share with the world?</i></span></b></div>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -36pt;"> Life
throws us many challenges, the sooner we face them head on and learn how to
overcome them, the quicker we grow and develop as a person to be able to handle
further challenges that come our way. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LINK:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.suzzannelaidlaw.com.au/">Website</a></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-3135619256095088852015-04-02T02:02:00.001-07:002015-04-27T03:05:47.923-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>PLEASE WELCOME THE VERY BRAVE AND INSPIRATIONAL REPTILE HANDLER - </u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>KAREN INGHAM</u></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFPpBT4nQhDmLNVidO1IvXq2OuMALXa5QC8B81Tp7BPPpzlSXTGjMmv9ncrY8jtp0ZwjSOhyKvQQVkTGsxCJN4gmp3xFt2pFyOqWWrUDQqcGEWiuA38H1VDW2aD1r0dmgN9Blcxuv0TBN/s1600/KAREN+INGRAM+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFPpBT4nQhDmLNVidO1IvXq2OuMALXa5QC8B81Tp7BPPpzlSXTGjMmv9ncrY8jtp0ZwjSOhyKvQQVkTGsxCJN4gmp3xFt2pFyOqWWrUDQqcGEWiuA38H1VDW2aD1r0dmgN9Blcxuv0TBN/s1600/KAREN+INGRAM+1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Please tell us a little bit about your background:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was a legal Secretary for twenty years and have since
been a typist for a team of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a Neurosurgeon and a Pain
Specialist for the past fourteen years. When I travel with our reptile exhibition I
am still able to do my typing via the internet at night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You work in the entertainment industry. Have you always wanted to be an
entertainer/exhibitor or did you aspire to be something else when you were
growing up?<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I have always wanted to be on stage and do something
BIG, though nothing in my past led me down that path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>How did you come to work as an exhibitor and handler
of reptiles?</i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My husband, Derek, has always had reptiles as pets,
though I had basically ignored them, thinking snakes were not very nice. I used
to cover his snakes up whenever people visited our home. We met a couple through a motivational and
investment group who were already doing reptiles shows and had vast knowledge
of crocodiles. My husband starting doing
shows for them (he is used to being in the public eye as he was a professional
ballroom dancer and also does acting and extras work). That couple was in the
process of buying a small country zoo and Derek went in to manage the zoo for two years. The couple then decided to move
back to England and so Derek decided he would start his own reptile exhibition
business. I wasn’t much interested as I
already had a good, full time job so I agreed that he would be the “face” of
Croc Stars and I would do the bookwork for him after hours. A couple of years into it he got so busy he
asked me to join him doing shows. He
gave me my own reptiles including a baby Blue tongue lizard for Valentine’s day
which we called “Valentine” and he gave me a baby crocodile for my birthday.
Next thing you know I am up on stage in front of five hundred people doing a reptile
show (even though I had never even spoken in public before) AND LOVED IT. I love being in the public eye, being on stage
teaching people about the importance of a balanced environment and I love my
reptiles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>How long have you been doing this?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We have been
operating Croc Stars for fourteen years now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What other positions have you held prior to this?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Legal Secretary - twenty years and typist - fourteen years.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Have you exhibited with these reptiles on TV? If so, please tell us a little bit about
that;</i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was filmed on a show called “What’s up Downunder" while doing a reptile show at a holiday park at Port Stephens. I was holding Valentine at the time and the
host of the show pretended to have his finger bitten off. It was only a small
piece on TV as the show was about the attractions at the Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Have you done any/many media interviews?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I did an interview with my husband for an editorial in
our local Central Coast newspaper and also an interview for an editorial in a
newspaper in Queensland and one in Victoria.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I don’t have much spare time while working full time
and running and working in Croc Stars as I also do typing in my own time as
well, but my passion is walking. I would
love to travel extensively as a tourist but this will have to wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal;"><i>W</i></span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>hat are your short and long term goals with your
career?</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i> </i>I wish to continue with my typing as I love it very
much and, thanks to the Internet, I can do it at any time day, or night. Being
able to have our own home is an important goal so we can build ponds and
enclosures for our animals as we see fit. I hope to continue travelling with
our reptile show for many years yet. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our dream is to travel to outback communities to
entertain and educate people, perhaps a Government grant to cover our expenses
as these communities miss out on so much and we feel we have a lot to offer
them. I need help in this area as I don’t talk “Government-speak” and any
attempt I have made at applying for a grant has not been successful. My long
term goal is to retire on a small property </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">somewhere and to travel on holidays
but with the economy the way it is, that goal seems to get further and further
away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <i> </i></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Do you ever plan to do anything else as employment?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">No plans at
the present time, although if I were rich, I think “professional shopper” would
be fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You travel a lot with your exhibitions. Please tell us where you have been. Nationwide and internationally?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We cannot
take our reptiles out of Australia as, due to Quarantine laws, we would never
be able to get them back in so no international travel. We travel up to Hervey Bay in Queensland each
year for a month (this enables me to visit my mum) and then we travel to East
Gippsland in Victoria once a year for a week or so (so Derek can visit his mum)
and then we do a month to five week tour throughout Victoria including country
Victoria, ie Bendigo and Mildura every
year in September/October. Always happy to travel and hope to take in many more
areas of Australia.</span><br />
<i style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></i>
<i style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Who and/or what are your inspirations?</i></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Definitely my husband.
He has been a huge influence on my attitude towards reptiles and the
environment and trying to save same. We
like to stay positive and encourage each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Is there anything further you would like to add to
this interview?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yes. Even though I am fifty three years of age, I feel like
I am thirty and that I hope to live to at least one hundred and thirty so I can fit in the things I
want to do in my life time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-51080632162410247612015-03-28T19:52:00.002-07:002015-03-29T01:51:34.471-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u>WELCOMING ANNEE L-V, BLUES VOCALIST FROM NEW ZEALAND</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo3RzG6vnkRt8F1E8VY17DdWT_ZN6V1AvYBLYZ9HZdtlXoxDTViMRGKWYbiwsuiqo1u2x6nt5nNe1hzEXwuKRQlT1tojEk08kSN-PCPnmN4AKFHkZwanoyfZf4NqEKMlnGvFelU0-VaNr/s1600/ANNEE+L-V+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKo3RzG6vnkRt8F1E8VY17DdWT_ZN6V1AvYBLYZ9HZdtlXoxDTViMRGKWYbiwsuiqo1u2x6nt5nNe1hzEXwuKRQlT1tojEk08kSN-PCPnmN4AKFHkZwanoyfZf4NqEKMlnGvFelU0-VaNr/s1600/ANNEE+L-V+1.jpg" height="506" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a lady with the most unique voice - I have to admit I am not usually a fan of the blues - but the samples of her music that I have been fortunate enough to hear - her voice is absolutely beautiful. To me, it almost holds mystery - it's something I want to hear more of. It reaches out - once heard, in my humble opinion - never forgotten.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So - <i>welcome ANNEE.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Annee has answered her interview questions as a whole so it is being published exactly as she answered - as a whole. Please enjoy her story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I come from a very musical family and
started singing at a very early age. Our
extended family would meet at my Grandmother’s house (in Blockhouse Bay,
Auckland, NZ) every time there was a special occasion e.g. Christmas, Easter,
Mother’s Day etc and everyone would join in with the music having a great
time. Family played piano, guitar,
vibraphones and of course sang. My uncle
was a multi instrumentalist who played with well-known Jazz bands, so the
parties really rocked. The piano would
be moved outside and away we would go. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'My cousin and I were in the same class
throughout primary school and everyday he would play the banjo, guitar or piano
at school and I would sing. We would get
out of classes just to go and do our music; in fact we were out of class more
than in class. This went on until just
before secondary school and we were known as the performing cousins. Every spare day we had, we would perform
music at home and everyone knew where we would be if they were looking for
us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'My Mum and Dad encouraged both my
brother and I to sing, always wanting to hear us. When I was around 11, my Dad
came into contact with a person who was a music entrepreneur, who was very
interested in us. He mentioned both my
brother’s and my singing and we went along to this huge studio to perform. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'My Mum and Dad knew very early on that
when I performed it was different – I had a strength and depth to my voice that
was unusual for a child of that age.
Sadly, soon after my Dad passed away suddenly and left my family
devastated with his loss. I knew that he
loved my singing and I continued to sing with the encouragement from my Mum,
Brother, Grandmother and Aunty. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I feel a great sadness that my Mum, Dad
and Grandmother never saw me perform as I do today and never knew that I would
go out and be a performer with a band of very talented musicians and do
Festivals, some of which have had between 6 and 8,000 people in attendance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I then reached my mid teens and my music
fell away, although I still loved to sing with my cousin at family events and
the occasional gig. I then married and
had my children – I was so busy at this point in time. I would always find time to sing at home or
in the shower. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'In 2001 I lost my Mum, and life as we
knew it changed dramatically. The person
we would see everyday and who was so much a part of our lives had gone. It was
a very difficult time. I inherited some
money from my Mum and Dad and bought a stereo that allowed me to remove vocals
and add my own with the music. This was
the real beginning for me. I would spend
hours changing and adapting songs and gradually got better and better in my
performance of them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'In 2003 I suffered a life threatening
event when I collapsed at home. I was rushed to hospital after I had gone into
shock with internal bleeding into my stomach from endometriosis. After having a blood transfusion and major
surgery, I made a slow recovery. When the hospital tried to give me anaesthetic
before my operation, they found they could not get the breathing tube down my
throat and had to go in through my throat fibre optically from the
outside. I was so worried I would not be
able to sing again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'This event made me determined to use my
talent to the best of my ability and never waste a day. Fortunately after 6 weeks recovery I found I
could sing as strong as I ever could and it made me appreciate my voice more
than ever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBDkMbvKRCuf2KQikbu4_dQ1SKnMpyBdslxKjr2gINLz2YP5f-FqY6hV5WGUbNEpTOZY0J0P9afPCGm0F7K_p6bOfSPMrqWblLIikS3ARD1edHgmNet0m-qI2cqCDJYS9P5cdcJtm0Ax8/s1600/ANNEE+L-V+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBDkMbvKRCuf2KQikbu4_dQ1SKnMpyBdslxKjr2gINLz2YP5f-FqY6hV5WGUbNEpTOZY0J0P9afPCGm0F7K_p6bOfSPMrqWblLIikS3ARD1edHgmNet0m-qI2cqCDJYS9P5cdcJtm0Ax8/s1600/ANNEE+L-V+2.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">'One evening I was singing in our lounge
and my husband, who is a teacher, was doing his planning, said to me, “You
can’t keep just singing at home. You need to be out there and be heard again.
You have a talent that God intended to be heard by people.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I went along to a country music club. I
sang and loved the experience. This was
where I started to perform again and found I had the ability to adapt my music
on the spot to fit with any band. I
found I could create a whole new song and had the foresight to be able to
instantly create music. I also found
that I loved to do songs in my own style.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'After trying out with quite a few cover
bands I found that I did not like doing performances exactly the same as the
original cover and wanted to add my own touch and flavour. I wanted to bring in songs that were
different and distinguishable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'My first band was then formed, called
“Dreamboat Annee” – this was a mixture of genres and did very well. However, it still did not feel like it was
the right direction for me; I then went on to create the first Annee 2CU (the
name came about through a song that I had sang with my cousin and then
recreated called <b><i>I Cannot See to See You</i></b> – originally by Dusk). This song meant a lot to me and was played at
my Mum’s funeral. Annee 2CU initially
played at the <st1:placetype w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bay</st1:place> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Islands Country Rock Festival</st1:placename></st1:placetype> and
created quite an interest, but it still did not feel right to me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I knew that I had to redefine the band
from a general country style band to something that had more depth and meaning
for me. This is where the blues came
into it: the power, the emotion, the effect
for me was amazing. I was so passionate
about the blues and wanted to do many blues styles not just limit it to one
style of blues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Hence, the Annee 2CU Blues Band of today
came alive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'We performed as a blues band for the
first time at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Islands Jazz</st1:placename></st1:place> and Blues
Festival in 2010 and the interest was huge, it just took off from then on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I always wanted to entertain with my
singing – it felt so right and it was truly lovely to see people’s
reaction. I think it really hit home
when an elderly lady came up to me and said “you sing like an angel”. To this day, I remember her saying that and
knew I wanted to give with my singing to people. It is not about making money but about giving
pleasure to others with a gift I have been given. To see people enjoy my music is all the
return I need. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I also learnt that when you are out in
the public arena, you will receive negativity as well as praise; I grew
stronger in my belief in myself to walk through any negativity. I now see negativity as something that gives
me strength in my music and it does not bother me. Negativity only makes me
stronger and more determined to perform well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I also knew I wanted to entertain and
would dearly love to perform as a full time job, but unfortunately particularly
in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">New Zealand</st1:country-region></st1:place>
it is not easy to do this full time. When I entertain on stage it is like I go
onto a different plateau – I can reach out to people and connect on a very
emotive level and communicate with them through the song. This is what I have always wanted to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Ultimately, I love the blues, but I have
sung lots of genres. I have sung country
rock, pop, jazz and straight rock. I
enjoy all music, but blues has to be my passion. The blues tells a story about
life; its sorrows and highs. It does not have to be perfect just believed and
raw.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">'I have been singing since I was a small
child, but professionally since 2004 -5.
My real musical career really took off in 2010. No professional training
(I did have an assessment, but no training - my voice is untouched, so
completely natural, flaws and all</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I manage the band and my husband is the
events manager. This has worked really
well, but as the band is progressing at a very fast rate and getting beyond our
management ability it will become evitable that we get an outside manager. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'In my spare time I sing at home and
enjoy my family (My husband and I have four children). When I get stressed or uptight my husband
always tells me to go and sing as it is a wonderful stress reliever for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'My husband inspires me – he has
encouraged me so much and given me the confidence to go out and really perform
and he believes in me with a faith that is out of this world. When I am on
stage, I always look across and into his eyes and I know I am doing something wonderful
and walking the path of my dreams. My children are so proud and that means the
world to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Professionally blues wise, my
inspirations are Robert Cray, Gary Moore and Etta James.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Outside of music I work as a senior
Personal Assistant. I have worked in the
automotive industry, Drug and Alcohol and also Domestic Violence and worked as
a legal personal assistant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'My long term professional goal is to
perform on tour in America and possibly Germany. We have a huge following from Germany and
they have been really supportive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Short term, we are doing a CD recording
in May this year – I am really excited about this as our feature song will be
the song <b><i>When a Blind Girl Cries</i></b>. This was originally a Deep Purple song
and I have adapted it to my own style and it is the most emotionally charged
song I have performed along with <b><i>St Gabriel</i></b> (a song about a woman who
was abused and ended up in the Louisiana Women’s Penitentiary in St Gabriel,
Louisiana). These songs are on our
website. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I have been so fortunate to have a team
of first class musicians in my band who believe in me and they can play these
songs with the same emotion as I can perform them and understand my every move
on stage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I do not enter into competitions, so no
awards – although I have had two NZ number one songs on “Soundclick”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I was interviewed for Blockhouse Bay
NewsTalk before going to the Bay of Islands in 2012. (I have attached the article).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I have belonged to various music clubs
in the past, but my time is now taken up with rehearsals for Annee 2CU Blues
Band.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Ultimately I have the skills of being a
wife and Mum to my family – I see these as my greatest achievements. I have a tattoo on my leg which symbolises
this. A heart with music notes entwined
through it and around the heart is a large blue star for my husband and three
smaller blue stars for my three boys and a small pink star for my daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'I have trained as an administration
manager and senior personal assistant and have gained additional skills by
working in not-for-profit organisations such as drug and alcohol. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Music is about feeling and giving. There is nothing more powerful than a song
that is about a true emotive issue. As
an entertainer or performer you feel the song, you live the song’, you become
the song, and you become so engrossed in the performance the world stops around
you. You leave the stage exhausted but
exhilarated and know you have given everything.
As my career has progressed I feel and see a wonder in these songs
mentioned above and know that they are about real people and real events in
life. I believe that my singing can give
hope, insight, inspiration and freedom to many.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'An example I would love to share about
the wonder of music is when I went to my son’s birthday party and everyone sang
Happy Birthday. There was a guest there
who had recently had a severe stroke. He
stood beside me and listened as we sang the song. I could not believe my ears when I heard him
sing line for line the Happy Birthday song, perfectly clear and loud. We finished and he struggled once again to talk. The power of music touched a part of his
brain that allowed him to do that. To this day I will always remember that and
know I can give this incredible strength to people and that is all I ask'.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>LINK: <a href="http://annee2cubluesband.bandzoogle.com/home">WEBSITE</a></i></b></span></span></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-30579740270136548402015-03-25T22:34:00.002-07:002015-03-26T17:24:41.448-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #20124d;">HERE’S A GRANDMOTHER
WITH A DIFFERENCE – SHE’S A BIKER, SHE’S INSPIRATIONAL AND SHE LOVES COUNTRY
DRIVING<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQ3jjJ-ZhhIluuIj4Jz_9gkXUpi-AMAfOl9uQrm_wJwo_CWjFm_2_EpNGlLGgboRSZ0H3NXEK_EkStfFnqg2igPKz2OtzbkNtbbJgr_AxZoGmW01sg08as14v-cZ-zBAE1U5LGJomyXyf/s1600/KAREN+DART+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #20124d;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQ3jjJ-ZhhIluuIj4Jz_9gkXUpi-AMAfOl9uQrm_wJwo_CWjFm_2_EpNGlLGgboRSZ0H3NXEK_EkStfFnqg2igPKz2OtzbkNtbbJgr_AxZoGmW01sg08as14v-cZ-zBAE1U5LGJomyXyf/s1600/KAREN+DART+II.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She’s another long
standing friend of mine – and she comes from my own original home town of
Adelaide. Please welcome biker <b><i>KAREN
DART</i></b>, mum to five boys and grandmother to her gorgeous granddaughter,
Hannah. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> One of five siblings, Karen was born
and raised in Adelaide to a father who had his own business as a tool drafts
man – he used to sell art supplies to schools and local artists. He also used to tell Karen to travel and find
her own way in life – and that’s exactly what she has done. Her first trip was to Qld – and it seems
that’s where she was actually bitten by the travel bug. Then foreign shores beckoned and at the ripe
old age of twenty one she headed to the other side of the world, to the
UK. Like many of us (in those days,
anyway) there were times when money was a tad scarce – but we all lived to tell
the tale and Karen was still able to live and work in the UK for awhile, as
well as visiting parts of Europe and Scandinavia. She also made many new friends before
returning to good old Adelaide in South Australia. And once back at home she met and married her
husband and ten years later – they were the very proud parents of five boys. Sadly the marriage did not work out and after
thirteen years they divorced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Karen found that, becoming a single
mum and having to work to support her family – time was precious. Her various jobs ranged from selling clothes,
running the school canteen and childcare.
But it was also at this stage that she realised her education needed a
boost to help improve her employment prospects, so it was back to school for
her. Karen subsequently passed at TAFE
in aged care, disability, leisure and health, earning herself a Certificate
3. Over the ensuing years she was then
able to work in other fields including community care for the aged, palliative,
dementia and disabled care. The reason
that Karen had set her sights on becoming a carer was simply because it meant
she could work when the boys were at school – and as it turned out, she did
night shifts at a venue convenient to her home – across the road – literally,
from her house. So she could actually
check on the boys in her breaks. How
good is that? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2006 saw her move up to Broken Hill,
just over the border from her home state of SA, into NSW. While it was a big move, she did have many
friends there already – and she had decided that it was time for Karen. And good on her. This is also the time when motor bikes
entered her life – her first one being a Honda 250. But Karen was not completely new to motor
bike riding – she had done so a few times through her life prior to this and
she has always encouraged her sons to ride as well – the eldest and second
youngest still do. The first time she
rode one was, as a child, on her auntie’s farm south of Adelaide – and that’s
where and when she first felt ‘freedom’.
But now, many years later, in her late 40’s, she was determined to get
her licence (which she did – but not until after a lot of clutch crunching and
rather slow riding) and she finally also got her pride and joy – a Honda 750
Shadow – it was her turn again and she was determined to make a go of it. Hence, her love for motor bikes was re-borne and
thrived. It was also the move to Broken
Hill that saw her starting to support disabled clients – which she also now
does back in Adelaide as she has since returned to SA to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> She does belong to some motor cycle
clubs too. Ulysses being one and she now
travels around the nation with her friends from this club. She rides with them up to Townsville for
their AGM – leaves her feeling a tad stiff, with a sore bottom – but well worth
it. Another group is G.H.O.S.T. Riders
(Grey Haired Old Sports and Tourer Riders).
Also Shadow Riders. Apart from
sharing a love of motor bike riding, these are all also very social clubs. Karen does love riding with her friends – it
seems a lot of tall stories and laughter are swapped when they stop for coffee
or lunch. But sometimes – all she wants
to do is ride. She does add: <i>‘When
you ride you might have fellow riders nearby but you are alone in your thoughts
– not like a car where you listen on the radio or chatting to someone’.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The rides also vary in length – when
she had had her learner’s for only a couple of days and still had her first
bike, she rode from Broken Hill to Burra in what should have taken four or five
hours, but with the headwind and other factors, it ended up taking her seven to
eight hours. She was also sure that when
she eventually got off the bike she was leaning over to one side. Other trips have included Townsville (as
mentioned), Tasmania and in varying weather – at one stage, they were riding in
temperatures of 49*C. Ouch! Karen does also drive a car which she has
owned for a long time. She also loves
going out on 4WD trips with her husband.
One of their ambitions is to take his Nissan Patrol and explore the
outback – <i>that’s</i> great to hear – go
for it! She also says she can ride at
any time in the country/outback – because of the freedom of the open space and
seeing how beautiful our country is. As
she adds, in the city you have to look out for everyone and be two steps ahead
all the time as people are racing too fast to look out for you. Many are the times she has had to change
lanes to avoid being hurt because of negligent drivers. Well said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Prior to marriage, her work was
mainly in admin – she has worked at different banks, the education department
and she ran a computer while living in England.
Most of her employment included data entry or working on telex
machines. Believe it or not, as Karen
says: <i>‘I laugh now to think I always wanted to be a hairdresser when I was
young – and to think when I was in the UK I did not get my hair cut for over
three years’.</i> She adds that these
days she has to be told to have her hair cut by her husband.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Inspirations? Karen does not feel she had anyone in
particular to inspire her. She has
always just moved on and tried things. <i>‘I don’t believe in settling down and my aim
in life is to see and experience things’,</i> adding that she likes to
understand what makes people tick – so, as she says, sometimes she might appear
to be quiet (who….Karen???) but this doesn’t last for long though – it just
means she is working things out. <i>‘What makes me happy is people smiling and
laughing. By travelling, I have learned
you don’t have to be rich to be happy.’</i>
Never a truer word was said!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And spare time? <i>What</i>
spare time? As she says: <i>‘Spare
time is what I always look for’,</i> and so say all of us! As can be gathered she loves riding and when
there is a ride on, she loves going with her husband (Steve) to join their
friends riding in the hills or along the coast, mainly south of Adelaide. But she <i>does</i>
have other interests including reading – and just plain relaxing. Naturally she loves having time with Hannah,
cooking and watching videos (the latter she says is a good excuse to watch
kid’s shows).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Karen has some advice for other
riders, particularly young ones. She
gets very upset when she sees youngsters riding bikes or scooters, wearing only
shorts, or just tops and thongs. She
feels that <i>they</i> think if they have an
accident, they’ll just hit the road, bounce and be fine – or it won’t happen. Karen has personally had a few experiences
where she can completely support these feelings and advice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And in parting: <i>‘You’re
never too old to learn. I was in my late
40s when I decided to learn to ride – and here I am, still riding and having fun. Riders come in ages young and old
and you always look out for each other’.</i>
She does add that over the years she has lost a lot of good friends,
fellow riders, mainly through cancer. <i>‘But I know they are riding up there with
the wind in their faces and having a great time…’</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What a way to go! And remember, as Karen says – you really are
never too old to learn. Go Karen!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-37712641967379871362015-03-21T02:43:00.000-07:002015-03-21T21:39:54.146-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A HUGELY
INSPIRATIONAL AUTHOR WITH A STORY </span></i></span></u></b></h4>
<h4>
<b><u><span style="color: #351c75; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">THAT WILL ‘BLOW YOUR SOX OFF</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">’</span></span></u></b></h4>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>And that’s exactly
what would have happened, had I been wearing any. <b>Suzanne Waldron,</b> author of the
hard-to-put-down recently released-and-doing-very-well book, <b>‘A
Flourishing Mind’</b> had warned me – and my sox would have been blown to
smithereens, had it been cool enough to wear them that day! This little gem? It took Suzanne five days to write this book.
Just the writing – all the rest that is involved in getting a book published
and out there took much longer but the writing, her bit – five days! Ouch.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> But let’s start at the
beginning. Suzanne, as she says, has
been through a heck of a lot – all very daunting and much of which would make
even the strongest of people want to hibernate for the rest of their
lives. But not this lady – not a
hope. If anything, it has had the
opposite effect. She’s written a book
about it. As Suzanne tells it, by the
ripe old age of eight she had already had a nervous breakdown! By her mid-teens she’d been fostered out and
then became homeless. By her mid-thirties (where she is now), she had studied a
lot in human behavioural change – and she describes <b>‘A Flourishing Mind’</b> as
being about how one can go through adversity and come into a place where you
would flourish. ‘My very early years were difficult and really my teens and my twenties
were also very difficult as I was confused and angry about many of the residual
feelings, the impact of some of the activities and circumstances of my life but
as I got older I started to realise I really wanted to feel very differently
and also have other people feel differently about themselves too’.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> The catalyst for her putting pen to
paper initially was her father’s death and her lack of contact with her mother
– she felt she had to tell their story in order to tell her own. And she felt that this was the permission
needed for her to be able to actually tell hers. She was connected to her dad, but not so much
her mum, so she finally felt she could really share and help others. Suzanne is thrilled to be able to say <b>‘A
Flourishing Mind’</b> is selling very well and sold out within ten days of
its launch. Suzanne is currently being
presented with distribution opportunities for Australia and New Zealand.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> As for the gem mentioned earlier –
writing the book in five whole days – to top this off she was doing her masters
in the same year and establishing her
business as well as winning a court case and then mourning her father’s death
so she actually intentionally set five days aside to devote to her
writing. Writing the book was the easiest part in her
view. Editing with thousands of changes
and production of the book goes through many stages. It takes a big team to produce a book, which
many don’t realise.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> When asked to describe her ‘normal’
day – Suzanne admits her ‘normal’ means variant in that she has a lot of
activities that are very different – there is no routine. She usually starts work at 7 am – usually in
her nightie – which is not a problem since she works from a home office. As a child, her aspiration was very pure and
simple – to be safe. Something she
didn’t feel much of as she was growing up. <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> Prior to running her own business
and writing, she usually held leadership roles in the corporate world. So she feels most of her roles have been
humanistic – and she loves strategy as well.
She also directs on a board for Uniting for Homelessness in Perth. With efforts to half homelessness in the
metro area in the pilot case.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEnaV1exXrpT2u6HfH6tzNccWTupA6Nfxe6HGATdCYMhhVw3y_3ElbF9j6MDzrgQH9MhIfq3i6Ys_NelDAQ6VS8px-cIrtAByeSYoW_7vSQCVr_FWXHY-C-2wi4yuQyd2QVZFMODoYJ9O/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEnaV1exXrpT2u6HfH6tzNccWTupA6Nfxe6HGATdCYMhhVw3y_3ElbF9j6MDzrgQH9MhIfq3i6Ys_NelDAQ6VS8px-cIrtAByeSYoW_7vSQCVr_FWXHY-C-2wi4yuQyd2QVZFMODoYJ9O/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" height="320" width="179" /></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i></span><i style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Her strength in writing is certainly
getting on with it. ‘I hope it is easy to read and you’re not lost in the meaning and that
people can actually read what I write and feel something for themselves’. And her weaknesses are definitely grammar and
making up words, which sortof leaves her editors scratching their heads a bit! Suzanne feels that writing a book requires
great organisational skills. ‘I know that sounds very practical, but if
you want to write a book you have to work through it like it’s a project and it
also needs to looked at from an organisational time perspective’. And she has even won an award: ‘Striving
to Succeed’ Runner Up. It was an
organisational award where there were 1,500 people in the organisation. And inspirational people in her life? Fran Berry, owner and director of ‘Alive & Kicking Solutions’, who has
taught and inspired Suzanne a lot. The
kindness of strangers also plays a big part in what inspires Suzanne. </i></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Goals
– short term is to get as much exposure as possible for the book to make sure
it is doing what she intended it to do – help people think differently about
themselves. And long term – to create a
foundation for people who would value learning to think about themselves well,
especially younger people. Her values are kindness, honesty, increasing others’
self image, integrity – doing what you say you are going to do. And love.
She is passionate about helping people to have lives worth living. And ‘spare’ time – again, it’s simple – her
spare time is about being curious. Going
to acting classes or life drawing classes, or to see a live show. Curiosity.
<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> And Suzanne is a member of the
International Coaching Federation and the National Speakers’ Association as
well as a number of smaller groups. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> And a final word: ‘I try
to get my message out to men and women without excluding any gender. It’s about having a life worth living set by
each and everyone’s own standard. And it seems she is succeeding in doing
just that. Well done.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><b><u>LINK</u></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.suzannewaldron.com/">Website</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLpX1HpKM2Nyz3fW57N7cZnb7f7HG3pAYjb3sZb2QBhyphenhyphenCqy1poFICVRyA3DFwyYCVP7Stv_zyFucuRe0sItLHULrw9CvlWPleKZo38_EXzzhbP4te92jVqWJ8ZuHprhWWhEMXuj8cAxM2/s1600/SUZANNE+WALDRON+&+BOOK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLpX1HpKM2Nyz3fW57N7cZnb7f7HG3pAYjb3sZb2QBhyphenhyphenCqy1poFICVRyA3DFwyYCVP7Stv_zyFucuRe0sItLHULrw9CvlWPleKZo38_EXzzhbP4te92jVqWJ8ZuHprhWWhEMXuj8cAxM2/s1600/SUZANNE+WALDRON+&+BOOK.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></i></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-60798800210864908012015-03-20T19:55:00.000-07:002015-03-21T08:32:52.885-07:00<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">HERE's ANOTHER AMAZING LADY WHO HAS BEEN THROUGH - A HECK OF A LOT AND HAS COME OUT MORE INSPIRATIONAL THAN EVER</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUQGIQrZvLnFTqT99x-ON-TpK4YycBjaC8_ZKVve27KZ8RvKRd1lAAwLi9wa3BYf8CQltjWWlVJqcaT_7y_P4Z0rzx4OVO_5HzW3-CjaxlQoBMZUq2yzwIUn4Zp1hrXWZGYc6oOszUzxU/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUQGIQrZvLnFTqT99x-ON-TpK4YycBjaC8_ZKVve27KZ8RvKRd1lAAwLi9wa3BYf8CQltjWWlVJqcaT_7y_P4Z0rzx4OVO_5HzW3-CjaxlQoBMZUq2yzwIUn4Zp1hrXWZGYc6oOszUzxU/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">It is hard to believe when you look at her - she is tiny. A package that is actually nothing short of fantastic, hugely inspirational and a darned nice person to boot. Enter the amazing <b><i>JO NASEBY, </i></b>Executive One Star
Diamond Director for <b><i>USANA Health Sciences.</i></b> Wow – what a title! This ‘little package’ is so proud, so
passionate, so enthusiastic, so inspirational, so contagious – the list is
endless!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Born in Japan to an Australian
father who was in the Australian Air Force and a Japanese mother who was a
dancing teacher, Jo and her family made the move to Australia when she was the
ripe old age of eight. Her parents were
both very young when they met and wed – so they stayed in Japan for some years,
prior to making that move to Australia.
Jo remembers being a victim of merciless bullying, as in physically
having sticks and stones thrown at her, in Japan – just because they looked
‘different’. Not sure how that worked –
Jo looks pretty normal to me! But their
father felt that things would be a lot better when they moved to Australia –
sadly, he was wrong and they continued having those sticks and stones and
verbal abuse thrown at them. This was
largely due to the fact that, while Australia boasts a huge multi-cultural
population now, it has not always been so and her family stood out. All that bullying, though, made Jo a stronger
person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Jo’s employment background had
always been in the office/admin/secretarial area – always working for employers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Their young baby was diagnosed as an
asthmatic at nine months old and her whole young life was dealing with constant
allergies, cold and flus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> What didn’t help was the fact that
they were living in Lancelin at the time and it was a one and a half hour
journey back to the Princess Margaret Hospital – also extremely draining – so
they made the decision to move back to the city. Both Jo and husband Warren were semi-retired
but with all this happening and with the financial burden involved, Jo realised
she would need to return to working for herself. She also realised she was not getting any
younger – and being all-but chained to the computer for over seventy hours per
week, working for several bosses and having to meet deadlines – well, as to be
expected, her health suffered. At times
she found herself working to 3 am to meet those deadlines. And to top it all off, this was in the days
before scanners so she was having to physically draw a lot – bolts, screws,
arrows – all parts of instrument panels – you name it, all being part of the
manuals she was having to type up. No
mean feat. And as if all this wasn’t
enough, she also suffered from Carpal Tunnel (Repetitive Strain Injury). Her neck, back and other areas were starting
to suffer badly. In short, her health
was really deteriorating. <i>BUT</i> it had to be done – so she did
it. Then Warren was made redundant so Jo
found herself working harder than ever (wasn’t she already??) to make ends
meet. She had to.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> When Daisy was eight an asthma
attack deteriorated into Bronchitis and Pneumonia and the chest Xrays she then
had to undergo simply resulted in the fact that she would need to take more
drugs – she was already taking about five different medications, inhalers and
nebulizers. A bit much for anyone, let
alone an eight year old. Chest Xrays
simply showed she needed to take yet another prescription medication, this time
a steroid – so Jo gave this to her as needed but after about three months found
there was no improvement – instead Daisy developed unwanted side effects like
circles under her eyes, face swelling, was not sleeping well, was always tired
and began having severe mood swings and irritability. Upon searching the internet about this new
prescription drug, Jo was stunned to find that some of the other potential side
effects were brittle bone disease, liver and kidney failure among others. Back to the doctor and Jo decided that she
wanted to find someone who could help with some sort of holistic alternative
instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Through a friend who was using USANA
Health Science products for their own health challenges, Jo also turned to
these products in an effort to help Daisy as well as herself. While she initially was not interested in the
business side, feeling as though she had enough on her plate as it was, she
only wanted to try some of their products to see if they could offer a better
way to maintain their health. The result
was quite amazing. Within a month, Jo
and Daisy were experiencing many personal and life changing health benefits –
and Jo realised she’d want to take USANA for – well – <i>life</i>! But obviously she did
not want to pay full price for them so she started to think about becoming a
member. However, in 1999, sixteen years
ago, her decision was well and truly made for her – Jo joined and then got her
mother to join also, followed by other friends and neighbours. Within a few months, she was no longer
feeling tired and run down and with all these positives, started thinking about
the benefits of running a USANA business – and so she did. She closed down her typing business and went
into USANA full time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Now, with Warren, she works out of a
home office – home being a beautiful apartment on the ninth floor of a city
building with a spectacular view of parklands and waterways. Jo loves the lifestyle which her business now
affords her – the compensations are amazing – world trips being just one of
many. They have built a global empire
with around 25,000 team members and hundreds of Preferred Customers scattered
across the globe – Jo doesn’t pay any of the Associates – USANA does. How good can life be? Her working day? Up in time to take their dog for a walk, Jo goes
to the gym for a forty five to sixty minute workout while Warren takes the dog
back home. Jo follows after her workout,
has a shower and healthy breakfast, deals with her emails then generally goes
out around 1 pm for lunch or afternoon coffee meetings. Home again for the evening at about 5.30 pm,
although sometimes she does meet with clients or skype team members for
training in the evenings – those who cannot meet during the day. And, being her own boss, she can work when
she wants to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Her inspirations? Dr Myron Wentz, the founder of USANA and
recipient of the Albert Einstein Award, her mother and her husband. Very clear.
And strengths and weaknesses when it comes to running your own
business? <i>‘When you run your own business, you have to be mindful of your own
time. So you’re not going to waste your
time doing nothing, or the opposite – doing too much’.</i> She
adds that, if managed properly, you can take a day off, take time out and not
worry about it. Consider your business
to be a game – something to be enjoyed.
And her passions? The water and
anything to do with it. And
animals. Values? Honesty in everything you say and do. Whatever you say you are going to do – do it
– don’t go back on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> And a final word to other aspiring
business-women? <i>‘They always need to have that vision in mind – what they are wanting
to create – the life they want to have.
They need to have that vision so they can work toward that’.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Very wise words from an amazingly
inspirational business-woman.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-88622181118317552222015-03-18T19:47:00.001-07:002015-03-19T04:59:54.104-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Please welcome the very talented Aboriginal artist - MAITLAND HILL</i></span></h4>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Please tell us a little bit about your background - your childhood and youth;</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am a proud Nyoongar man who as born in the country wheat belt town of Pingelly and I spent my childhood and youth in the city of Armadale. My greatest passion in my youth was playing Aussie rules football. My local footy club was Armadale Football Club and I played for them from juniors through to seniors. I won many 'Best & Fairest' awards along the way. My dedication to the football club saw me become the first Aboriginal life member of the club. My passion for sport has been inherited by my two children. My son plays AFL for the West Coast Eagles and my daughter play international basketball in America.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When I wasn't playing football or drawing as a kid my time was spent with family. Mum and Dad would bundle us kids into the car and we would travel back to country and meet up with family. Big family gatherings were very special times for us; we would take a picnic and travel to places like Jarrahdale or Kwinana Beach. Many happy times were also spent travelling to and staying in Boddington with many uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters and cousins.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Where do your ancestors come from? Can you please tell us something about that?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My grandfather, Charles Hill, was born and educated in Bridgetown and as a young man he moved with his family to live in Northam. He worked the wheat belt areas of Northam, Toodyay, York, Quairading and Pingelly. He married my grandmother, Rachel Abraham and they lived together in Pingelly. Grandfather bought some land there and he was a very religious man. He built a small church for the town of Pingelly on his land and Nyoongar people travelled for miles to attend that church. My grandfather and his family finally moved to the town of Burekup for work and it was there that he was bestowed the title: </i><b>'The King of Burekup'.</b><i> He was a very respected man and when he passed away in 1966, his funeral was said to have over 400 people in attendance.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>His second eldest son - and also my father, Horace Hill, followed in his father's footsteps of being a very respected Nyoongar man. My father, who is now deceased, also holds a legacy and has a park reserve held in his name: </i><b><i>'</i>Horrie Hill Reserve'</b><i> in the city of Armadale. He was born in the wheat belt town of Popanyinning and worked the land in the surrounding district before settling in Armadale. My mother's country is Wandering and she was born in the district of Williams. She spent much of her younger days in Boddington and Wandering and has now settled in the city of Armadale. She is in her eightieth year but remains active as an Aboriginal Elder Advisor for the shire council in the city of Armadale and holds a seat on the Sea and Land Council Advisory Board. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Have you always been interested in art?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yes - from my earliest memories I was always sketching, drawing or illustrating images from comic book magazines. As a child I would often be up late at night drawing and then be too tired for school the next day!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What age did you actually begin painting?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I attended Clontarf Aboriginal College at the age of seventeen and undertook an art course there, so that was my beginning. However I drifted away from my art for many years and didn't return to it again seriously until the end of 2013.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What subjects do you enjoy painting most?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I enjoy painting landscape scenery the most because the land has a story to it and the vision that I see in it - is my connection to country.</i></span></div>
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<b style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Does your art usually carry some form of message?</i></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yes, when I paint I feel like I am caring for country because I am sharing the beauty of my country with others. That is a message in itself. Visions also come to me and I feel like I am an instrument of my art. Those visions often take the form of my old ancestors and they demand to be brought back to life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>You paint for a reason, apart from the love of it. Can you please tell us something about that?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yes, apart from the love of it, I paint because I am compelled to. Many times my hands will start to get hot and they often twitch at the same time. I feel the painting or artwork inside of me and I then need to outwardly express it on paper or canvas.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>You are bi-lingual. Do you speak more than two languages?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I speak some of my traditional Nyoongar language.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Do you travel for your art at all?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Not at present but that is my burning ambition to travel nationally and internationally with my artwork.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Have you won any awards for your art?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>No, but I am actively entering art competitions in 2015.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Have you won any other awards, professionally?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>No.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What are your short and long term goals for your art?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My short term goal is to compile a portfolio of my artwork and to have my own website up and running in the next two months. I am aspiring to become recognised as a professional Aboriginal artist. My long term goal is to take my artwork internationally and to travel with it. I also aim to have my own Aboriginal art gallery.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Do you show in art galleries?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I have artworks on commission at Yonga Boodja Aboriginal Art Gallery in the Swan Valley and I exhibited my artwork at the Boddington Community Centre in September 2014. I also have artwork for sale in my home town of Dwellingup, at the local IGA general store.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Have you done any/many media interviews for your art?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>No, I am very excited that this is my first interview - thank you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What and/or who are your inspirations?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My dog Chloe, who is a fully grown Rottweiler inspires me because she loves to sit at my feet when I am painting. I also draw inspiration, energy and strength from my father and grandfather in the spirit realm.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What do you enjoy doing in your 'spare' time?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I enjoy travelling back to country to take beautiful images for my next artwork and drawing energy from being 'on country'. I also enjoy getting together with my 'old people' and yarning with them about the good old times.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Is there anything else you would like to add?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My current philosophy in life is that I 'paint for country and culture'. At this stage of my life in my forty sixth year I believe that it is time to dedicate myself to my artwork. I would also like to add that I celebrate my Aboriginality through my artwork. Thank you. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>LINKS:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=397685322&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=Gofs&locale=en_US&trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Amynetwork%2Cidx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A14267">LinkedIn</a></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS - STOP PRESS</u></i></b></span></h4>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>A PIECE OF MAITLAND's ARTWORK HAS JUST BEEN SELECTED TO BE DISPLAYED IN HIS FIRST MAJOR ART EXHIBITION - </u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>THE 2015 MANDJAR ART AWARDS IN MANDURAH.</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>ON DISPLAY UNTIL THE 7th APRIL 2015</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>CONGRATULATIONS MAITLAND</u></i></b></span></div>
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<br />Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-44711881397728289942015-03-17T02:41:00.001-07:002015-03-17T02:41:53.643-07:00PLEASE WELCOME THE AMAZING MONICA PERRETT - MUM, GRANDMOTHER, AWARD NOMINEE AND WINNER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><i>Please welcome the amazing Monica Perrett - mum, grandmother, award winner and nominee, law changer and fighter for human rights.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Please tell us a little bit about your background;</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am a mum of six children and grandmum of one. I always stick up for the underdog and fight for what I believe is right.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>You are a mother of six children. Do you work as well? Please tell us about that;</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Yes, I am an aged care worker. I have been in this profession for thirteen years.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>You have also experienced considerable tragedy over the years. Do you want to describe some of that, please?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My fourteen year old son ran away from home - the law is NOT on your side at all, so I had to fight the justice system to get the Police Commissioner to try to change the laws about runaway teens. My children have experienced bullying at school - I found NO help at all with any of the principals.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>One of your children has died - but as an adoptive parent you were powerless to help in any way. Thus you worked to get the law changed - can you tell us about that please?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My foster son FINN passed away suddenly - I was told as a foster parent I had NO RIGHTS now that he was dead, so I have been campaigning with different ministers in SA to get <b>FINN's LAW</b> put through, so when a foster child passes away in your care, the foster parents have every right to have a say in their funeral etc....hopefully this year, 2015, <b>FINN's LAW </b>will be made a bill in parliament for ALL foster parents.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>You also donate a lot of your time and money to varying charities. Do you want to tell us about that?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Barnardos - they help with children who cannot live at home for various reasons. Smith Family - they help children to go to school when their parents can't afford it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Your family/children have experienced bad times with being bullied at school, resulting in the family being forced to move. Please tell us about that;</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My children suffered bullying at school because they were quiet, polite and refused to be a part of the gang. They refused to go to school in the end, making up excuses, feeling sick all the time and each time I went up to the school to get it sorted - it was basically put in the too hard basket. NOTHING WAS DONE. I had to end up taking my kids out of that school.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>You have also been nominated and several several awards. Do you want to tell us about that too please?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I won Barnardos Mother of the Year for SA in 2014, Pride of Australia Medal in the care and compassion area with the work that I am doing to try to bring on FINN's LAW for foster parents. I won the award for Most Inspirational People in SA in 2014.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>You have worked as a carer for the disabled for about twelve years. Is this what you are doing now?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am on a break at the moment as I have full custody of my thirteen month old grand daughter - so she takes all my time at the moment.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What do you see for yourself in the future?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I want to be in parliament, I want to be a voice for the children who don't have a voice. I WILL make a difference in parliament. WHY? Because I actually care about the well being of ALL children.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What and/or who inspires you?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>People that I have met and become friends with that put GOD first and foremost - it's not easy - people who have been through so much, faced rock bottom but still get up and fight for what they believe in; people who put their family first, people who are genuine and honest, people who want to make a difference.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What do you enjoy doing in your 'spare' time?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Not that I have much spare time, but I enjoy reading, listening to Michael Jackson or classical music.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Is there anything further you would like to add to this interview?</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Always believe in yourself. You can do anything. DON't let people put you down. It only takes one person to change someone's mind, a law, even parliament. Why not let that one person be YOU.</i></span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-89496689552057596972015-03-16T21:13:00.002-07:002015-03-16T21:13:48.933-07:00Bullseye: INTRODUCING....INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE<a href="http://bullseye-bullying.blogspot.com/2015/03/introducinginspirational-people.html?spref=bl">Bullseye: INTRODUCING....INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE</a>: INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE This blog was initially created to be devoted to the fight against bullying. I have featured many of my own com...Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-30409434225978978582015-03-16T21:13:00.000-07:002015-03-18T15:44:06.079-07:00INTRODUCING....INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhnPxboUR52dUQ1pixIoleGbI5PJWbslAJIK2bgq5_Q-9AefEKeQ62A8PjQ-4L17W-DYxfMOW-9McJ_gdFa-dqagd674lT5eg7AnUoPG1Q-RlxQM1rigZCcrM3W_BQ4iBugTupD6ANfwg/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhnPxboUR52dUQ1pixIoleGbI5PJWbslAJIK2bgq5_Q-9AefEKeQ62A8PjQ-4L17W-DYxfMOW-9McJ_gdFa-dqagd674lT5eg7AnUoPG1Q-RlxQM1rigZCcrM3W_BQ4iBugTupD6ANfwg/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE</u></i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog was initially created to be devoted to the fight against bullying. I have featured many of my own comments/stories on it, then introduced some guest bloggers, whether they had been bullied or not. These were followed by interviews on new entertainment talent from around the world - but now I have decided to devote it completely to purely inspirational people - whether they have been bullied or suffered through other forms of adversity - or not. And I invite such inspirational people, world wide, to contact me if they are interested in being interviewed and published for this. I am kick-starting with a story about moi and this will be followed by an interview with an amazing single grandmother from my own childhood home town - she is an award nominee and winner and is even changing laws.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But first - it's me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><u>It IS all About Me ... Isn't it?</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My life has changed hugely - turned around completely, in the last decade or so. I could just cut to the chase and say:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still conquering</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it might be considered that there is a bit more to me than that. I'll let you decide.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The years immediately following the end of school life are a bit hazy but I do know I was still in Adelaide, working in various positions - ranging from being a nanny/nurse in an orphanage that catered mainly to Indigenous children - to office work to behind-the-scenes in banking, which is the position I was holding when I began being transferred interstate. This began with Canberra - hated the work but loved my personal life there. I lived in one of the ANU's residential colleges while there and absolutely loved it. Finally returned to Adelaide before being sent to Melbourne to train a new member of staff there. After that, I knew that I did not wish to return to Adelaide - so resigned and foreign shores beckoned instead. I did know that I would never return to Adelaide to live, whatever happened. And I never did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other more recent 'positions' have included direct marketing in various areas, teaching, supermarket distribution and commercial cleaning - and probably more if I really want to think about it. I don't.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in the UK and Europe for eleven months and had a ball - until I ran out of money and had to make a reverse charge call home. I finally returned to Australia via Perth - and here I stayed. Eleven months later I met my husband to be and yes, we are still together some thirty two years later with two beautiful adult daughters, the eldest of whom is now engaged to an equally lovely bloke and the youngest is in a long term relationship with her own bloke, who is also lovely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did, at one stage, work for one of the subsidiary companies to Woodside for a couple of years prior to motherhood. Once my eldest arrived I became a FT SAHM - and promptly became bored stiff. There were (and still are) times when I really do wonder about myself - more than anyone else, I mean. All I used to hear from other mums (particularly new ones) was that they just didn't have time for anything apart from their families! Ok, so why was I - also a new mum - getting downright bored?? What was I doing wrong - or <i>right</i>?? To this day that remains a mystery - my eldest is now thirty and both girls are doing well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soooo - I began looking for something else to occupy me. I took on a series of direct selling jobs - including Avon - then realised that it's probably better if you actually like the product you are trying to sell - and I'm not a huge fan of Avon particularly - personal taste only but one that sort of did make a difference to my sales ability - or lack therein, in that case. Anyway, the novelty of all these jobs wore off after a while - like a day! Yes, I was heavily involved in every level of the girls' education, right up to secondary school - when - again - I completely lost interest. Not in their education and lives - but in any personal involvement (committees and the like) on my part.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Somewhere along the line I had also rediscovered a passion for writing and had a billion (OK, make that around two hundred) penfriends world wide at one stage. Loved every nano-second of that and yes, <i>that</i> started to keep me busy - and broke. <i>THEN</i> bright and early - make that early - one morning about ten years ago I awoke with what I can only describe as an 'epiphany' - or something. Whatever it was, it was overwhelming. I suddenly knew that I <i>had</i> to get my late father's book published. I reckon mum's advancing age (late 80s) just might have had something to do with that feeling. Anyway - problem - <i>how</i> do you have a book published? <i>Seriously - how <u>do</u> you have a book published??</i> This just might have stopped me in my tracks - in fact it did - temporarily. Then I remembered dad's pride and efforts and mum's patience in sitting around for seventeen years wondering if the book would ever see the light of day. That did it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some years later I have two published titles on the market. The above mentioned one: <i style="font-weight: bold;">'The Sawers from Pitcairn'</i> and the second is actually a compilation of some thirty six cases written and submitted by victims of bullying from around Australia and one from the UK. And I am currently working on another - non-fiction it is a book about our mighty outback and the wonderful people who live out there. Another one that I have considered writing would be my first foray into fiction - and doing this was suggested by another author who has done the same thing - writing about an experience she had, in fiction form. This would be about my own bullying experience. Time only will tell whether I actually finish it or not...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But writing books (and now articles etc) has changed my life. Please don't get me wrong - apart from those years at secondary school my childhood and teens were second to none and the rest of my life, leading up to that 'epiphany' have been wonderful to date. But now I absolutely love life - I am passionate about everything that I do - well - almost. The book about stations, the one I have been concentrating on for the last three years - has been and continues to be the most amazing experience. It combines my love for the outback as well as for writing. Research has involved my travelling alone (by coach) throughout the outback of SA., NSW., Qld and the NT, visiting sheep and cattle stations. WA is next and I leave on the first of four research trips for my own state in about four weeks. Soooo excited. We are also hoping to make a documentary covering this, for so many different reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am now also writing for a couple of different publications - one of them will also be in print version and due to be launched in July. I have my own columns in both publications as well as articles in the latter. All this is also finally allowing me to use my journalism and photography. YES.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH - if anyone is wondering whether I did get dad's book out before mum died - I didn't - I missed - by <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ONE WEEK!</u> But - I am told she knew something was about to happen and that made her a happy woman - or as happy as anyone can be when facing the end of life as we know it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, for me - l</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ife is GREAT.</span><br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-1472619954804180162014-08-16T01:58:00.001-07:002014-08-16T01:58:21.439-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>PLEASE MEET ANOTHER RISING ACTOR FROM MY OWN CHILDHOOD HOME TOWN OF ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA -</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>COURTNEY FURNELL</u></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">1
</span><span style="text-indent: -36pt;">Please tell us a
little bit about your background;</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I was born and
grew up in Adelaide. I have a pretty complex family background, but the simple version - I’m the eldest, with two younger brothers. Beau is twenty seven and D’Arcy is twenty two and I have two beautiful parents; Mignon and Darcy. We moved around a little
when I was younger, so I went to two different primary schools and two
different high schools. I failed Year twelve the first year around by just one point,
so I went back to get my High School Equivalency. <span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2
<!--[endif]-->You are an
actor. Have you always wanted to be an
entertainer or did you aspire to be something else when you were younger?<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> A: <i> Ever since I can
remember I’ve loved “playing pretend”, but then again, what kid hasn’t? I started
taking drama classes when I was about nine or ten. My mum would look into local
theatre groups which offered classes and then that’s what I chose to do as my
extra curricular. I was involved in probably two or three different drama centres
until I was thirteen. During high school I continued with some acting classes and
took part in all drama productions. After high school I showed an interest in
the behind-the-scenes side of TV & Film; ultimately falling back into acting
though. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>The simple answer
is - yes, I have always wanted to be an entertainer of some description.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3
<!--[endif]-->Is anyone else in
your family and/or relations in entertainment?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> No. </i></span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4
<!--[endif]-->Have you been
professionally trained in acting?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I have just been
accepted into an acting school opening its doors in Adelaide. Up until now, I
have taken part in professional acting classes.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you
professionally managed or do you represent yourself?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I have an agent.
But I am yet to be “professionally” managed.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What have you
appeared in?</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I haven’t appeared
in anything yet. I’m a real “newbie”, but I’m excited about that.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7
<!--[endif]--></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Have you worked
alongside any well-known names?</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> No. Well, unless
you count performing with them in several high school drama productions.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you enjoy
doing in your ‘spare’ time?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> Watching my
favourite TV Shows, catching a new movie, keeping myself fit & catching up
with friends and family.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever
been bullied?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A: <i> I feel like most
people have been bullied in some way. I certainly wasn’t the worst case in any
school I attended and I never felt as though I couldn’t go to school because of
it. If I wasn’t in drama class, I feel like it could have been worse, but
through drama I made a lot of friends from different “cliques”. I was what I
would describe as a “drifter”. I didn’t have a group of certain friends - I just
floated from group to group. There were a fair amount of people throughout
school that thought I was weird and would make fun of me behind my back for it.
I just marched to the beat of my own drum and upon reflection I didn’t care
what anyone thought. Though, I can admit I was a “people pleaser” - all I wanted
is for everyone to like me. It took me too long to realise that was never going
to be possible. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> do realise that
bullying doesn’t just take place in school. It can take place anywhere at any
time in life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you have
been bullied or not, do you feel that the governments and schools around the
world are doing enough to try to combat this problem?</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I don’t think
there is ever anything anyone can do that would be ENOUGH. There is certainly
always more than can be done. I feel
that by what we see on the news there is a lot more that can be done in some
schools in the United States, but the same can be said of Australian schools.
The fact there is a zero tolerance for bullying now is great! But kids will
always find a way around it. I don’t know if bullying will ever be completely
eradicated. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11
<!--[endif]-->What further do
you feel the above could and should do to either try to combat this problem
hugely – or eliminate it altogether?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> As mentioned, I
don’t think it will ever be eliminated completely. Though, I do believe that
anyone working in the education system should be completely neutral when it
comes to their beliefs on fluid sexuality and depression. I feel as though it
plays a big part in bullying and <span style="font-size: small;">not
just by the students. I suffered from the “Black Dog” in high school badly and
there wasn’t enough support back then. I feel that on a whole though, all parts
of the world are doing what they can to combat bullying.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a personal
level, what would you like to do to help in the fight against bullying?</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I would love to be
someone that people can talk to. Share my stories and be a sounding board.
Prove to them that things get better. For one, that life is not what it is in high school. Secondly,
that you can get through any sort of bullying, whether it be in school or the
workplace.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>13
<!--[endif]-->What advice would
you give to someone who is experiencing this nightmare at the moment?<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> That life gets
better. It sounds trivial and something only an “old person would say”. But
it’s SO true. Life is not what it’s like in high school, some people grow up
and some don’t, but you will be the one that comes out on top. Don’t let the
bullying ruin your life, because you WILL get through it and you’ll show your bullies
that in one way or another you survived.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Again, this is the
same for bullying in the workplace. You have to take the power away from you
bully.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is on your
professional agenda for the rest of 2014?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I am starting at</i><b>
Film & TV Studio International</b><i> in Adelaide in October. So, that is my main
priority for the rest of this year. However, I have also written a short film
that I am trying to get funding for; that will be an additional priority for
the remainder of the year.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15
<!--[endif]-->Do you have a
special message you would like to share with the world?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> DARE TO DREAM. </i></span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anything
further you would like to add?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> Adding to the
above:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It sounds SO
obvious, but literally DO IT. Don’t worry about the trivial day-to-day of life,
just pick what you would love to do for the rest of your life and if that’s
what you REALLY want to do; MAKE IT HAPPEN. Life is too short to live it for
other people.</span></i></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LINKA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.starnow.com.au/courtneyfurnell"> StarNow</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/courtneyfurnell"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FaceBook</span></a><br />
<br />
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-8294437660861130182014-08-15T20:40:00.000-07:002014-08-15T20:40:01.753-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>FROM MY OWN HOME TOWN OF ADELAIDE (SOUTH AUSTRALIA) WE WELCOME ACTOR</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u>BLAKE SCHIPHORST</u></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1
<!--[endif]-->Please tell us a little bit about your background;</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I am currently nineteen years old</i></span><span style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -36pt;"> and was
born here in Adelaide. I am currently in my second year of Uni studying a
bachelor of journalism and write for my blog ‘Laddies and Gentlewomen’ in my
spare time. I’m also working on a series of books which, at the rate I’m going,
will probably never see the light of day, but are a great creative outlet.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: italic; text-indent: -36pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2
<!--[endif]-->You are an actor.
Have you always wanted to be an entertainer or did you aspire to be
something else when you were growing up?</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> Acting has always been a major interest
of mine. Working on films, despite the repetitiveness, has always seemed like
so much fun to me. I suppose the allure of fame has played its part too. But,
I’ve always tried to keep my own reality in check and remind myself that even
professional actors struggle to find work. Hence, more recently anyway, acting
has been put on a bit of a back-burner and is something I pursue in my spare
time.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i>3</i><i> </i>
</b><b style="text-indent: -36pt;">Is anyone else in your family and/or friends in
entertainment?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i> </i>A:<i> I don’t really know anyone professional
in the industry, which is a pity because it would really give me a leg up.
Naturally, I have friends that I’ve met through attending different acting
schools, but they have yet to make it big.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4
<!--[endif]-->Are you professionally trained in acting?</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I’ve attended different acting schools
and studied drama throughout high school. I haven’t attended any famous
institutions in New York or anything like that though.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5
<!--[endif]-->Are you professionally managed or do you represent
yourself?</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A: <i> I recently joined up with </i><b>‘Extra Edge’
</b><i>which finds work for people as ‘extras’, but given I only just joined with them
a month or so ago, nothing has come out of that. So, I just represent myself
mostly.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6
<!--[endif]-->Do you have a stage name?</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> No - and I don’t think the need for one
has ever really arisen. I guess I’d prefer to use my own name though, almost as
a sign of respect for my family I guess. Plus, there’d be less confusion.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7
<!--[endif]-->What have you appeared in?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i> </i>A:<i> I appeared in multiple school plays,
including ‘</i><b>Two Weeks with the Queen’</b><i> in year eleven when I played the lead, Colin
Mudford, and ‘</i><b>Bram Stoker’s Dracula</b><i>’ in year twelve where I played Jonathan Harker
(I probably could have played Dracula, but Harker’s personality w</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>ent so well
with my own). I also played Edna Turnblad in the </i><b>Australia Company of
Performing Art'</b><b>s</b><i> take on '</i><b>Hairspray</b><i>'; I got to wear a wig and fat suit which was
a lot of fun! Plus, I’ve also appeared in a number of other short films that
I’ve made for school projects and one other which I helped some friends out
with. They’re all on my YouTube channel if you want to have a look: </i></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLastStopByMe" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLastStopByMe</span></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Have you worked alongside any well-known names?</b></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> No, unfortunately.</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Have you done many media interviews?</b></span><br />
<b style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A: <i>Again, I haven’t unfortunately.</i></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 54pt; text-indent: -36pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I like hanging out with my friends,
listening to music and playing video games - but I’d have to say writing. Ever
since I was little, I’ve been writing fiction. I find writing to be a wonderful
form of escapism.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>11<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Have you ever been bullied?</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Although I’ve never been physically
bullied, I have been emotionally bullied. At the start of high school, all of
my classes were unisex. I’d had male friends growing up, but I never really had
an interest in traditionally male things, like football or cars, so I found it
difficult to connect with most of them. I’d had to deal with having paper
thrown at me (and even grapes at one point) and I was even tormented for being
‘Romanian’, -which I’m not. I’d tried ignoring them, but that never worked. In
the end, I just spent my recess and lunch breaks tucked away in the school
library, reading. Eventually, I turned to writing. </i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="text-indent: -36pt;"> Things got better eventually - and I can’t think of why specifically. I just got
new friends I suppose and the classes eventually become co-ed.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> That’s not to say I don’t still get bullied. Even now, I have supposed
‘friends’ from high school lie to me and exclude me from things. I even get
prank phone calls every now and then and I can only imagine they’re somehow
involved. Fortunately I have other friends now and the bullying doesn’t bother
me too much, because I just look at the people bullying me and realise they
must be pretty pathetic if they’ve got nothing better to do. I have self-worth
and good friends, they’ve got nothing.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;">12<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;">Whether you have been bullied or not, do you feel that
the governments and schools around the world are doing enough to try to combat
this problem?</b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A: <i> Mental
illness, which is often perpetuated by bullying, isn’t being dealt with
adequately, as can be seen with A-list celebrities tragically ending their
lives. The current Australian Government, at least, doesn’t take mental illness
nearly as seriously as it should. I suppose schools could provide more
information on mental illness too. In regards specifically to bullying, it’s
often a manifestation of someone’s own lack of self-worth and can stem from
issues such as low socio-economic status, poor relationships within their
family and poor education. So I suppose the Government could indirectly
decrease bullying by addressing issues which could lead people to have low
self-worth.</i></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>13<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What further do you feel that the above could do to
either decrease this problem hugely or eliminate it altogether?</b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I
don’t believe bullying will ever cease, which is unfortunate. However, I
believe that, by providing awareness of issues such as this and showing that
anyone can be bullied, it may empower victims and encourage them to stay strong
or seek help.</i></span></span></div>
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</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>On a personal level, what would you like to do to help
in the fight against bullying?</b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I
want to show that you shouldn’t be bullied just because you don’t fit into
society’s perfect mould. My blog, ‘Laddies and Gentlewomen’ talks about gender
stereotypes and, in particular my article ‘Men + Emotions = GAY’ has a strong
anti-bullying message.</i></span></span></div>
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</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What advice would you give to someone who is
experiencing this nightmare at the moment?</b></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="text-indent: -36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Bullying,
like any hardship, will make you stronger. If your friends aren’t there for
you, it means they probably don’t deserve you and you should try to find
friends elsewhere. It’s a good idea to have different groups of friends, so
that if something goes wrong with one group, you’ll always have another (just
don’t mix groups!) Also, never retaliate to bullies, it’ll only make things
worse. If you only do good, people may even begin to turn on the bully, as most
people mature as they get older and stop tolerating such negative behaviour.
And finally, USE the bullying to your advantage. If you’re an actor, remember
how the bullying made you feel to make your performance more believable. If
you’re an author, write a book out of your experiences.</i></span></span><br />
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</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What is on your professional agenda for the rest of
2014?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Complete
my second year of Uni and audition for any other acting jobs that come up I
suppose. </i><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Do you have a special message you would like to share
with the world?</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Being
a victim doesn’t make you weak, being a bully does.</i><b style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Is there anything further you would like to add to
this?</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"> I
think I’ve covered everything…</i><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -36pt;"><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b>LINKS</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b> <a href="http://laddiesandgentlewomen.wordpress.com/"> </a></b><a href="http://laddiesandgentlewomen.wordpress.com/">Blog</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheLastStopByMe">YouTube</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/blakeschiphorst">Twitter</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=261131926&trk"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LinkedIn</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.starnow.com.au/blakeschiphorst">StarNow</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1oLOiBL">eCaster</a></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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Lannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11294369314878678204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8245758302746286903.post-46757025650983053812014-08-14T23:36:00.001-07:002014-08-18T20:17:24.859-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>PLEASE MEET IRISH ACTOR, MODEL AND MUSICIAN</u></i></span></h4>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u>STEVEN FORDE</u></i></span></h2>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please tell us a
little bit about your background;</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I’m currently twenty one years of
age. I’m from a small town called Fermoy in North Cork in the Republic of
Ireland. I grew up in Tralee, County Kerry until the age of nine, where I and my
family made the move to Fermoy. I loved Kerry and always will, most of my
family are from Killarney and I would consider there to be my home away from home. I
am currently a student in the University College of Cork where I am in my last
year of my Bachelors of Commerce Degree. Music is my passion, my everything and
it’s what I want to do in life and graduating with this degree - it’s not that I
necessarily want to pursue a career in business but I believe it is the
responsible thing to do and all knowledge ascertained can only enhance the
success of my future endeavours be it my music, acting, writing etc.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2
<!--[endif]-->You are a
musician and an actor. Have you always
wanted to be an entertainer or did you aspire to do something else when you
were younger?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I can’t think of any time where I ever wanted
to be anything truly other than a performer. Okay, maybe at times you would
watch like a cop movie or ‘</i><b>Saving Private Ryan</b><i>’ and you’d be like those guys
are awesome but that was just a phase. I also wanted to be a part of the </i><b>'X-Men</b><i>' and '</i><b>The Fellowship of the Ring</b><i>' ha. Throughout my life I’ve played sports
competitively with a love of Gaelic Football and soccer but my heart always
firmly rested in the arts. I have for as long as I can remember had the
ability to just turn on the stereo, close my eyes and really just get lost in my
own world for endless hours - without moving. It’s hard to explain the effect
music can have on someone. That feeling of transcendence it gifts you, allowing
you to be something bigger than yourself. I would listen to these artists like
</i><b>Ray Charles</b><i>, </i><b>Michael Jackson</b><i>, </i><b>Elvis Presley</b><i>, </i><b>Bob Dylan</b><i>, </i><b>Luke Kelly </b><i>(to name a
few) and I would be in awe. These
weren’t just fantastic musicians but incredible and fascinating individuals.
They meant something to people, to the world. I suppose that’s the ultimate aspiration for
anyone, well for me anyway, that when your time comes the world will look back
on you as someone who generated change and was better off for having you in it.
</i><b>James Taylor </b><i>once said: </i>‘I be</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lieve musicians </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have a duty, a responsibility to reach out, to share your love or pain wit</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">h others’<i>. I hope to just stay as
honest as possible giving and</i></span> <i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">showing all aspects of myself whether it be the
good or the bad, the deep emotional side, or that wild side which I also
possess. I don’t really know how I found myself doing it through the form of
rap but it just seems to work. It allows me to show the real me and connect
with people through storytelling and imagery. I wouldn’t dare say there is any
real reason why people should listen to my music or watch my performance, I’m
not any more amazing than any other musician or performer, but I believe
everyone has different thought processes, experiences and genes which makes for
a complete unique perspective in performance, sound and story.</span></i><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is anyone else in
your family and/or friends in entertainment?</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> All my family are very
musical. In typical Irish fashion a family get together wouldn’t be complete
without a sing-song. My family has always been heavily involved in musicals - Killarney musical society would account for the majority of them. My
grandparents, aunts and cousins all took part in various musicals on multiple
occasions. I suppose that’s where my love of the stage came in. From an early
age I was doing pantomimes and plays which allowed me to perform numerous times
in productions in Killarney, Siamsa Tire in Tralee and Fermoy. My family and
friends have repeatedly shown me incredible support even at times where I feel
they do not understand what it is I’m trying to do or achieve. I couldn’t fault
them for misunderstanding, however, as that which I am trying to achieve is
completely alien and unprecedented to them. There were periods where I feel
like I was just trying to find myself and often over indulged in alcohol or
misbehaved, during these moments my friends showed exceptional patience and
stood by me. People may stray apart for whatever reason but I read a beautiful quote before that said: ‘</i>We
all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go,<i> </i>we take a little
of each other everywhere<i>’. I honestly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am
today if it wasn’t for them and whatever success I may achieve in life they can
derive some responsibility for it.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you professionally
managed or do you represent yourself?</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Currently I’m representing myself. I
would be open to the idea of management in the future but it would have to be
the right fit. I think it’s important that he/she would have a similar vision
of what I want to achieve and where I want to take this. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5
<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you enjoy
doing in your spare time?</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> A: S</span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eeing as I’m in college at
the moment, any spare time is really just dedicated to my music. I try and
devote whatever is left in the day to writing, producing and recording new
songs. I enjoy working out and try to do so as much as possible - I feel it’s
important to keep my energy levels up and clear the head. Other than that I
might catch a movie every now and again and hang out with friends.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6
<!--[endif]-->Do you have a
stage name?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I never felt the need to. I
think when I set out on this I did so with the premise of being completely
honest and truthful to the audience, revealing all of me and not hide behind a
mask. I would look to the greats such as </i><b>Michael</b><i> </i><b>Jackson</b><i>, </i><b>Paul McCartney</b><i>, </i><b>John
Lennon</b><i> etc. none of whom needed a stage
name. I really don’t have anything against people who use stage names, with a
lot of them being favourite artists of mine, but I don’t know just as an Irish
man I’m proud of who I am and if I make it I want to make it for being myself. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7
<!--[endif]-->Have you ever
been bullied?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I can thankfully say no.
Where I grew up I was very lucky - in school we had such a close-knit class all
the way through, everyone helped each other out. Okay we would still have that
mocking banter going on like in any school but people knew when it was too far
and if someone was going to get hurt. I think sometimes it might be different
for guys or maybe it was just my class but if there was any ill-feeling between
two students, a little bit of punching and jostling and it would be all over.
Two female students the same age however could be radically hurtful and mean
spirited to each other. I may not have
experienced it myself but through observation and the age of social media you
can see the horrible effects it has on others. It’s a very real and potent
epidemic which exists in our society.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->Whether you have
been bullied or not, do you feel that the governments and schools around the
world are doing enough to try to combat this problem?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Unfortunately I don’t think
they are. There are many cases where children are too afraid to go to school
and their education is affected. Trauma a child could endure from bullying can
very well haunt him/her right into adulthood where their quality of life is
reduced and they aren’t enjoying all that life has to offer. You have to be
careful too at the same time, as on the other side of the scale you don’t want
to shelter a child so much where they aren’t prepared for sometimes hard and
difficult experiences that arrive as they get older. The key is to find the
right balance where ultimately each child can grow up in an environment which
encourages learning and harmonious living. I wish I had the one golden solution
as to how we would go about this but I feel every school and community has
different pupils and children and a different method must be applied to each
accordingly. <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9
<!--[endif]-->What more do you
feel that the above could do to try to either decrease this problem hugely – or
eliminate it altogether?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> With relation to the
previous question I’m honestly unaware of any fool-proof method to decrease
bullying. I am of the belief no child is born to hate it is installed in us
from those before us, so I would really just encourage all parents and
parents-to-be now to preach and teach patience and kindness for others. Show
what it is to be a kind person and set a good example. Other than that maybe
more group exercises where the children are forced to work as teams, hence form
a bond etc. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->On a personal
level, what would you like to do to help in the fight against bullying?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I suppose all I can do is
spread awareness continuously and try to lead by example. I can only promise to
never knock someone else and show compassion for those who have been wronged by
others. If there are those who are suffering if they contact me through my
facebook page, twitter or email I’d be more than willing to talk to them and
let them know they have a friend. I’d love nothing more than to get to know the
person and show support on a more personal level.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->What advice would
you give to someone who is suffering through this nightmare at the moment?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> It’ll get better. The
greatest thing you can do to combat a bully is raise your head and keep
smiling. Show them no fear - they can only hurt you as much as you let them. Know that somewhere there is someone who is
suffering the exact same thing - you are not alone. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is on your
professional agenda for the rest of 2014?</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> I’m finishing my last year
of college and I’m going to just write, record and release as much music as I
possibly can. This year is really all about raising my profile and putting
myself on the radar of as many people as possible. There’ll be a few side
ventures as well - hopefully with a couple acting projects on the cards and I’m
currently planning on writing a screenplay, so who knows. Next year I hope to
graduate and begin production of my first studio album. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[endif]--></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anything
else you would like to include in this interview?</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> This is for a great cause
and I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to help in the fight and
spread awareness. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<!--[endif]-->Do you have a
special message you would like to share with the world?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>A:<i> Live To Dream. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>‘</i>Do one thing every day that
scares you’ <i>- Eleanor Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LINKS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/stevenfordemusic">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/Steven_Forde">Twitter</a></span><br />
<a href="mailto:stevenfordemusic@hotmail.com"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Email</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:stevenfordemusic@hotmail.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a>
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