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Salary Cuts in My Company

Written on 9:10 AM by nitesh

As you are aware, we are currently faced with one of the most challenging global economic conditions that has led to one of the worst recessions in the United States over the last eighty years. All organizations (private, public, government) are taking drastic steps to survive through this period. The downturn has hit hard and its toll has been felt widely. Indian IT companies have been adversely effected in significant manner because of the slowdown in tech spending in the U.S. How long this will last or how deep the impact of the recession will be, is anyone's guess.

AAA has also felt the effects of this economic downturn. In the last quarter our growth has come under pressure as our customers face similar challenges and are aggressively reducing their outsourcing budget.

AAA has already taken steps to cut expenses where ever possible without impacting customer service or quality - be it closing down offices in US as appropriate, reviewing and revising contracts with our suppliers, reducing operational expenses etc. We have also taken steps to increase productivity and efficiency so that the employees remain relevant and current with the role and organizational requirements. We have changed the leadership in US and are rebuilding the sales team.

The most challenging task will be to sustain a meaningful level of operation through the next twelve months. It will call for hard decisions on the part of the management teams. The priority is to operate cost-effectively and conserve cash.

AAA has decided, among other measures, to reduce salaries across the entire company both in the US and India starting from 1st February 2009. These actions are necessary to ensure we meet the costs of the enterprise to sustain functioning of the organization. Each employee will receive an individualized letter with the revised salary details shortly.

I understand that this action calls for a sacrifice from you and I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your unique contribution to the Company. We have made it through the dot com bust earlier and I am confident that we will get past this downturn too with flying color with your support. We would like to hear suggestions from you, on additional measures we can implement to ensure most efficient and effective use of our resources while maintaining the highest possible levels of customer service. Please feel free to speak with me, your manager, human resources or any member of the Executive Team.

We will need to innovate, synergize our strengths, and operate most cost effectively in line with current level of market demand. I look forward to your help in building the Company.

AAA Company

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  1. Anonymous |

    AAA start with I and ends with T ...... Am i right ??

  2. Anonymous |

    some suggestions

    A - Remove weight from management, example: Sr. Dir. R*** G***
    B - Reduce onsite travel of higher management
    C - Reduce support staff
    D - Close down the multiple Indian operations

    One Quetions
    Why spent so much on buildings when their is no growth plan in place

  3. nitesh |

    who ever you are

    to counter to your suggestions:

    there was bad times when sales people left , but now to survive and keep the company running and to explode when the conditions are open we need to make a sales team

    reduce onsite travel :
    sorry dude that's not possible in the past managers have gone onsite and brought lots of projects

    i don't have the data about the support staff so i cant comment , rumors come and go that its 50% but i doubt its not that big

    i have no idea about the building i think the construction is not going on now.

    in short everyone feels bad when salary are cuts i thought a lot about how quarterly cuts being implemented .. can it be implemented
    time is troubled so i am with this decision as everyone are

    i am hoping the cut is not large :)
    god help us all

  4. Anonymous |

    1. I was not talking about sales people here. It is more like doing a thorough check on performance at each level and fitment in the future plans. The name mentioned is from delivery...non productive for few years
    2. This is not about travels of managers for business purposes

    I also do hope same for all :)
    Cheers -

  5. nitesh |

    no idea about that but ya i am jealous of the guys from that team as most of them are onsite .. its all luck and timing

    lets see
    even this will pass away -- i hope

    I believe 2009 end the world will be moving up

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Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Leaving card- Good Luck Ola

Morning all, its been a while since I last posted and not much has been happening on the crafty front, mojo is on holiday and I hope he returns soon. I always have so many ideas running around my head when I buy any stash but as soon as I get the chance to sit down and create they vanish lol.

A good friend of mine is leaving work today to pursue pastures new and I couldn't let her leave without a card, I still love the pink petticoat images and if in doubt they are a go to image. I have used this image several times for leaving cards and new job cards. Everything except the card stock is pp. Coloured with copics and a red marvy pen, you can just see where I glossy accented the case that the marvy pen doesn't like it lol.

Have a great day, will be back on Wednesday with my WOYWW, its messy this week folks as I am trying to kick start my creativity.
Tata for now.

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

WOYWW - 18/08/2010

Its that time of the week again, its WOYWW. I want to start with some apologies, I started to visit all the entries on last weeks WOYWW but life just got in the way, I promise to be better this week and will try and visit everyone.

Well what can I say except I took this picture last night before I lost the daylight. I haven't been creating anything just having a play, I find I clear up straight away if I make a whole card but if I am just playing I leave the room messy, go figure.

What can we see.... my trusty ATG, never leave home without it, there are several images in varying stages of colouring all have been or are freebies and I often just print and colour them in batches for when the card making bug catches me and I need to make cards quickly. There is also an inkadinkado clear set that I picked up at Homesense, I liked this set on-line but once I saw it in the flesh and at a bargain price of £2.99 I couldn't resist. The blue background is one of my £1 shop bargains and also contains 4 sheets of stickers suitable for boys of varying ages and well worth the price.

Thats all from me this week, but pop on over to Julia's blog to join in or to have a nosey at all the other WOYWWers out there.

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Mmmm... Chocolate

I love chocolate, I would eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I could so I couldn't resist this image from bugaboo. I have coloured with my copics and it didn't take long, lol. I think next time I will use stickles on the cloud but the person this is for isn't really into sparkly things. I have used the new rose papers from pink petticoat and they are even more delicious in real life, I ummed and ahhed over buying these but am so glad I did, expect to see many more cards made with them.

Image: Bugaboo
Cardstock: Walmart
Gems: Clear coloured with copics

Monday, 16 August 2010

Wow They Grow so Fast

Hi Everyone
I managed to make a card this weekend and it's for my godson and his girlfriend who have just moved in together. I can't believe that the little boy who used to play with the labels on my clothes and cry every time I left him is so grown up. Since we moved away I haven't seen as much of him or his siblings but i do think about them a lot. I hope that they will make a home filled with joy, laughter and love. Before I start waffling and embarrass him further I will let you see the card I made them, not traditional colours but they are a thoroughly modern couple and I thought this combo worked. I used a font from Lettering Delights, they have tons of doodlebats and they work just like a digi stamp.

Image & Sentiment: "home sweet home" doodlebat font from Lettering Delights
Papers: "Ring it in" Summertime Designs

Saturday, 14 August 2010

Blog Candy - up for grabs

Morning everyone
Wel its raining buckets here and its cold, needed the heating on last night but I resisted lol. It does make me in the mood for Christmas cards though so may start some later.

Whilst checking out docrafts forum last night I noticed that Ruth is celebrating a birthday soon and although she says its not a special one she is offering some blog candy to celebrate. Pop on over to her blog and become a follower to be in with a chance of winning. Ruth designs fab digi stamps and the prize is five, yes I said five digi stamps from her range.

I will be popping back later as there are several images that I really need.

Ta ta for now

Friday, 13 August 2010

Well folks I had a play in my craftroom this week and managed to make a few cards, never seem to have enough time and when I do make a card like I did last week I forget to take a photo. I have a few birthdays coming up and decided to try and not be making them the night before lol. The first card is one I made for my friend from work. I have used an Elzybells stamp, I know I stamped rather than printed lol. I bought a few in the closing down sale, I actually did two orders as I forgot this stamp the first time around. I coloured her with copics then remembered these papers and she didn't match but I had got the hair just right and didn't want to start again so I paper pieced her, this technique is so much easier with a stamp rather than a digi stamp.

Image : "Retail Therapy" Elzybells
Papers: Freebie from Zoe Pearn
Challenge: Sketch Saturday Sketch

Thursday, 12 August 2010

How'd you do

I loved this cute stamp as soon as I saw it and it was unbelievably easy to colour. I started with the Friday sketch challenge sketch but went a different way lol, so will have to make another one for the challenge now. Not much to say about this one, tried chalks around the image, not as easy as I thought it would be but never mind. Used one of my new punches from Florida and I tried to get the prints to look like the puppy was walking but failed more practice is needed.

Image: "How'd you do" Elzybells
Papers: "Tail Wags Too" Nitwit

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

WOYWW - 11/08/2010

Evening All
Well I took photos last week to upload to WOYWW but didn't get chance to post, made sure I posted this week though. I really enjoy this every week and it gives the nosey ones amongst us the chance to peek at others craft rooms. It also makes me realise I don't have enough stash lol although I am sure hubbie would disagree. Julia started this and pop on over to her blog and maybe even join in.

As you can see my desk has seen a bit of action, I bought a few Elybells stamps in her closing down sale and couldn't wait to ink them up an have a play. Not my best colouring work though so I have paper pieced the shopping girl and will be posting later this week.

Different angle showing both my new and old cutters, still getting used to the new cutter although it does cut straighter than the old one.

I wonder are you all like me and buy stash then forget you have it, I found the craftwork cards paper pack that I must have bought a few years ago and thought must use this, but did I, no, put it back in the cupboard without even removing one sheet. lol.

For the neat freaks, me included amongst us, I have now tidied the room as a rather large A1 craft mat arrived and will be taking up residence later tonight.

Ta Ta for now

Monday, 9 August 2010

A Bit about ME

I realised that I don't comment on myself a lot in my posts, now I know this is a card blog but I am the person who makes the cards so really its all about me lol. I discovered the other day that when I buy papers, cards, items I can touch my mind goes completely blank, I had loads of ideas when I was ordering them but as soon as they arrive, nadda, diddly zilch, whereas when I buy a digi image or papers I start creating straight away. So I have made a decision no more online ordering of crafty stash other than digis, if I want something or more importantly need something I must go out and get it.

Tuesday, 3 August 2010

August - Autumn starts

Had a fairly weird conversation today in work, we were talking about the weather like you do all the time in the UK when one of the gang said can't believe it will soon be Christmas, and we all nodded and said Autumn came really fast this year lol. Then the youngest member f the gang said it is only August isn't it and we all looked shocked, it is because I want to swap my sandals for my boots or because it is constantly raining that we bypassed summer altogether and went straight to Autumn. Maybe for me it is all the Christmas cards I keep seeing when I am blog hopping. I still look at my planner I made in January we all know the one, where I was going to make at least one christmas card a week so that I wouldn't be rushing on Christmas eve, so I hear you ask how many have I made, well exactly one lol. Still on the bright side it is only August and not October like it feels.

Ta ta for now.

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Sunday, April 7, 2013

Meta Generator and Version Info Remover : Wordpress Plugin

This plugin will remove the version information that gets appended to enqueued style and script urls. It will also remove the Meta Generator in the head and in RSS feeds. Adds a bit of obfuscation to hide the WordPress version number and generator tag that many sniffers detect automatically from view source. But always remember to keep your WordPress updated.

If you consider donating:

Please note: PayPal has country specific restrictions where 'Donate' button cannot be used. Therefore 'Pay Now' button has been used instead. Please enter the amount you want to donate in the PayPal payment page. Thanks a lot.

Download URL:

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Classic pantomimes with a new twist!

Welcome to Jackie Staite’s Pantomimes – a collection of popular new pantomime scripts with gripping, innovative plots, easy for amateur groups to stage, yet fun for audiences of all ages. Written with the needs of amateur groups in mind, these pantos require few scene changes or technical wizardry. Based on familiar tales, their remarkable plots delight audiences with surprising developments and hilarious characters.

“Goldilocks and the Three Martians”, or “Red Ridinghood Goes Out West” will make your cast laugh in the first reading. “Cinderella – The Sequel (or How I Ran Away to Join a Pirate Ship and Found True Happiness)” and “Sleeping Beauty Goes Back to the Future” are ideal if you’ve done the usual old pantos and are looking for something to wow your audience!

Jackie has also written some short, one-act plays which are suitable for children, schools, youth groups, Scout and Guide groups etc.


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Friday, July 31, 2015

AUG 2015 Paper Smooches stamps and dies

Hey friends.
Today is a release day and I am so excited!

Our new stamps and dies will release at 8:00pm (pacific time) on July 31st

We will send out a newsletter tonight with product samples.  Just wait until you see what our design team has created with the new stamps and dies - your socks will be knocked off!

(August product links will work as soon as they go live, tonight)

Please welcome...

...coordinates with our Alfresco stamp set

August 2015 TAM stamp set

TAM = Thanks A Million

This clear 4 x 6 stamp set is FREE with every
$60. retail order placed from
July 31st (at 8:00pm PT) through August 31st
(at 8:00pm PT)
(based on subtotal after any coupons or discounts)

This stamp set will automatically be added to qualifying orders.
 (This promotion does not require a code and you will not see it in your cart)

This stamp set will also be available to purchase.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

PS DT Blog Hop

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the NEW Paper Smooches AUGUST release with you!  FOUR new stamps and EIGHT new dies will be available to purchase on July 31st at 8:00pm pacific time. Once our release goes live, you will find our new products HERE.
To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize!
The prize - a $25. gift code to choose what you like at the PS online store.

Here are the details:
  • FOUR winners will be chosen at RANDOM from any of the design team blogs and the PS Blog to win the $25. prize.
  • Just leave a comment on any of the design team blogs listed below or the PS blog for your chance to win!  (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify but it increases your changes)
  • Deadline: You have until midnight PT on Tuesday, August 4th to leave a comment.
  • Please check the Paper Smooches blog on Wednesday, August 5th to see if you are one of the FOUR lucky winners.
Emily is taking a small hiatus to care for different things in her life. Kathy Racoosin is filling in for her.  We are so excited to have Kathy join us in August!

To increase your chances of winning:
  • Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop
  • Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop
  • Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop
(which means that you have up to three extra chances to win on each blog)

I used a new stamp from a set called "Spreading Sunshine".  It has cool vertical sentiments and accents!  The rose die is simply called "Single Rose Die".  I used a Pinked Circle Die and pretty cardstock colors...easy-peasy!  The pink and green cardstock on the rose is nested inside the white cardstock outline.

The Snickers bar was named after a horse the Mars family owned.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Hello friends!!  I am so happy to be back in Arizona!  NY was wonderful.
The weather was awesome and seeing friends and family was treasured.

This is some of my crazy crew -
twin brother, sister, son, daughter, dad and I

In Paper Smooches world....tomorrow is our PS DT blog hop.  You will have your first peek of our August stamps and dies - yay!!

(Flatware 2 Dies)

(Sentiment Sampler, Flowers 2 Dies)

Valerie Ward was a fabulous guest.  We really enjoyed having her join us in July.

(Frame 4 Die, Bows Dies, Sentiment Sampler, Alphadot)

Henry Ford never had a driver’s license.

I missed you!!
xx Kim

Monday, July 27, 2015

here's a friendly case you missed this announcement on Thursday...

(Chit Chat)

(Giddy Bugs stamps and dies, Hearts Dies)

The phrase “Beam me up, Scotty” was never actually spoken in any Star Trek television episode or film.

super BIG hugs,

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Sunday Recap 7.26

Hello, Paper Smooches fans & friends!

Savannah O'Gwynn here today to share the newest Virtual Smooches videos and Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge!!!!!!!

First up-- be sure to check out the following videos, as well as the Featured Fan, on the Virtual Smooches blog.
  • Just a Note card- If you're like me, you will want to watch this new video by Kalyn!!! I want to watch it just so I can learn how she creates--- if only I had an ounce of her talent! LOVE this card! Here's a sneak:
  • CAS cards + Easter in July- I've shared 3 different cards in this video/post. I created this video back in April, so I'm a bit late when celebrating Easter... but the design can be used for literally any occasion just by switching out the die cut image! And the CAS cards--- SUPER EASY! Here's a sneak:
Next TODAY the newest Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge goes live! Starting with this new term, our challenges will start on SUNDAY 12:01am PST and end on SATURDAY at 11:59 pm PST. Winners will be shared on MONDAYS:)
Today starts our July Designer Drafts challenge.
The July Designer Drafts challenge starts at 12:01am PST Sunday, July 26th. Be sure to link up your creation before Saturday, August 1st at 11:59pm PSTClick HERE for more details.

And finally... I would love to share with you our July Picture Perfect challenge winner!! DebSelby found inspiration (as did several players last week) in the branch and birds! This is such a wonderful card--- I think I'd like to live in one of those little birdhouses! LOL! Great job, Debbie!

That's it for me today! I do hope you will join in the fun with the Paper Smooches SPARKS challenges!! We would love to stop by your blog and check out your creations!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Saturday, July 25, 2015

here's a friendly case you missed this announcement on Thursday...

(Best Buds)

 (Best Buds)

(Uplifters, Paisley Dies, Best Buds)

Unless you have an official permit, you may not take a picture of a rabbit from
January to April in Wyoming.

oxo Kim

Friday, July 24, 2015

(Paisleys Dies)

(Flowers 2 Dies, Foliage 1 Dies)

(Gently Seasoned Two)

In 1924 a new Ford cost $265.


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Thursday, September 29, 2011

What a day. I guess another bonus of werking in the trade is 'shows', they are what you make them - granted there is a lot of same old but at the same time you can find some proper gems.

There was far too many bang tidy 'cross bikes but the future is definitely disc brakes, it may not be there now but certainly it isn't far away.

There is so much happening right now, I can't begin to think how good it will get if everything comes together. The only thing slightly missing is a few like-minded people to ride 'cross with - nothing serious but just each person helping push the others with friendly competition - maybe I should start my own gang? It would have a strict entrance exam but the main criteria would be not to be a douche.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A proper winner.

I'm not massively taken with the three peaks, I would love to ride it one day but probably not any time soon but I am a fan of Nick Craig. A down to earth attitude mixed with unbelievable skill makes him a great rider in my book. Also interesting he rode it all on one bike - just shows obsessing over equipment isn't always the answer.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Under a red sky.

It's funny how with so little effort your day can go smoothly or descend into madness. Today's activities were planned last night and with agreement for the other half, an evening 'cross training ride was penciled in. Work flowed, Red Bull consumed and just after six I rolled out the door into a warm evening.
An hour sprinting around the tracks, avoiding dog walkers and angry joggers, mainly practicing advice given to me by my betters seems to have paid off. I came away with the thought 'make the best of what you've got', I may not have the perfect place to ride on my doorstep but a little imagination goes a long way. I've always had a decent amount of power when riding off road but lacking confidence and technique means the speed isn't always there. That's slowly changing and with confidence in my equipment (even the brakes most of the time) I feel a little faster than last year.
This feeling carries over into quite a few aspects of my life at the moment and I don't always feel that way. In a way it get's easier when you don't focus too much on what's going on around you but make sure everything that matters is sorted. I'm definitely taking that attitude with a little travel arrangement currently. Transport, check. Accommodation, check. Everything else, we'll see.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Joy Division Oven Gloves.

A morning diverted by waiting for the plumber meant my all day ride plan and last outing on the Bob Jackson for this year had to be shelved.
So as usual I hit YouTube for inspiration:

Ended up with a really good out and back to some of my favourite singletrack. A couple of hours blasting through trees, avoiding dogwalkers and leaving my Grifo tread pattern in the mud. It was a great antidote from the week of work I'd just done, not stressful just jam packed, also blasting Half Man Half Buscuit helps too.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Trying to get the details right.

Thinking about the next possible new bike.
A Saturday to myself.
Being involved at work.
Chocolates brought back from Belgium.

Thinking about the next possible new bike.
Ebay time-wasters.

Rough commutes.
Not enough time in the day.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Today could have been so different. The latest round of the Yorkshire Points cyclocross series was in the village where I was born and raised, and where 80% of my family still live within 3 miles of. To say it was my home race would be putting it mildly, however I was not in a fit state to take part. I turned up not even sure why I was there, half a practice lap later I knew I wouldn't be racing. I had the lung capacity of an asthmatic budgie and no power anywhere. A real shame as it was a pretty good course, maybe not ideally suited to my lack of tech skills but would have been a good test.
The whole day has highlighted a few things for me and given me some points to work on in the near future, also raised a question I've been thinking about for a while;
Are West Yorkshire cyclists 'harder' than those from York and surrounding area?
I certainly think cyclists in York can suffer from a lack of drive and camaraderie that those from the Halifax area seem to have in bucket loads. Maybe it's just the lack of hills, it could be something deeper like the differences between the working and middle class populations or it could just be rubbish and we're all the same.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

A little bit of Friday inspiration;
Belgium the only place where they clean the roads for a bike race.
Lars Boom making it look easy.
Guy martin making you wish you had his desire and drive.
And a little bit of classic Yorkshire too.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Boom taking control in the ToB.
The wind is dying down on the commutes.
Beer festival time.

Major sore throat at the moment.
Still not a moments peace.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Not here or there.

Without effort everything can slowly diminish. Although when the effort feels like a battle it's probably not worth it, unless the juice is worth the squeeze. I have weeks of being all over the shop in front of me but it's all my own doing, there's been enough sat around so now we can have some action.
Ask me how it all went in November.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Go Dutch.

No idea what's being said but the footage speaks for itself;

Boom does it all right, and usually Euro to the extreme;
-He respects the lifestyle that comes with being a Pro cyclist, follows 'Le Metier' if you will.
-Always trains in matching kit and fully covered up.
-Rocked a Euro mullet shamelessly.
-Is almost the complete rider, World and Dutch champion in multi disciplines, is seen in the Classics, breakaways and a lead out man in stage races and wins a few 'cross races in the winter.
-Still a small town guy.
-Does everything with a sense of style that most people would give their right leg for.
-Di2 on every bike.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The stars of Amateur hour

I think it's about time we forget about the idea of PRO, leave it to the professionals and embrace being amateurs. No-one is getting paid to ride so forget the attitude and enjoy it.
Had a nice morning seeing how low I could go with pressure in both set of tubs. Discovered what was too low and then settled on a couple or race day settings that should do me right for every occassion. The best thing however was my gluing stood up to the test, giving me more confidence to throw the bike around.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Don't Panic

This is probably going to be one of those blog entries that rattles on a while because not only do I have some time on my hands to mull over several subjects but also I have some responsibility this weekend so am likely to be broken away from the task at hand.
Let me begin with thoughts of priorities. I think we live in a very confused time, I know money makes the world go round but as there seems to be less money around people are exploring other aspects of life. An example of this I encounter more than most because of my profession is the middle-aged man wanting to reinvent himself as a bike mechanic. I can't offer much in the way of explanation, but there are others too such as celebrity farmers and a rise of the here today, gone tomorrow 'bits and pieces' shops. I was told this week that there isn't actually less money today than in the past, it's more like those with it aren't spending or investing because there is less chance of a decent return. Personally I try to distance money from my decisions, sometimes it's impossible but most of the time it succeeds in making my life a little more enjoyable.
Back to priorities, I can see at the moment where I'm failing. I need to make sure I pay attention to the most important aspects and aren't too distracted by outside influences. I want to make sure I look after those closest to me, plan for our future and make sure we get the most out of life. If I had my way, it would be a Mediterranean way of life we followed, based on home-life, family, good food and quality rather than quantity.

Somethings I keep for the future, always planning.

For some people I would go to the edge of the world.

Almost time for tasting blood in the name of fun.
National Cyclo-Cross Championships

Over the next few days away from my usual surroundings I shall be doing a fair bit of equipment testing of my workman-like 'cross bike and wheels. There will be no reports unless of an spectacular success or failure.
In my mind if you want to make cyclocross sexier, leave the marshmellows and novelty at home and bring professionalism and hard racing.

Thinks that's enough, time to crack open one of my Dad's bottles of red wine, think about what's for tea, walk the dogs and prepare for the start of Strictly tonight.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

There is not much more satisfying than learning and perfecting new skills. Tonight I have been mostly applying a second layer of glue on the rim and adding a first to a fresh tubular base tape, tomorrow night more glue will be added before I join the two halves together and create a bond that will see me through the season's racing.
Gluing tubs is a perfect example of a skill which seems impossible at first but when explained is very straight-forward, it just requires complete focus and attention to detail. At first I was a little messy, maybe not in total control but still got the job done. Now I'm on another level, learning from my own experiences and finding what works the best for me. There is always more to learn and I already know improvements for the future. The best part is being responsible for my own equipment, there is no blame just mistakes to learn from.

Talking of seasons I might even be around during the 'festive period' this year and get to race at Tod this year.

Todmorden Cyclocross 2011 from Maia Media on Vimeo.

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Know where you come from.

Two hundred miles in a car solo really gives you some quality thinking time and chance to blast some tunes.

dave young. Nowhere Fast bmx video. from martin bravo on Vimeo.

This video part is responsible for so much in BMX and also introducing me to the wonders of Slayer. Reign in Blood helped keep me awake tonight, also makes a commute pass a little faster than normal.

Rocket From The Crypt, this was the first time I ever heard of them - bought the album 'Scream, Dracula Scream' the next day and haven't looked back since. Speedo is a sideburn hero too.

As powerful as any guitar music, name of the song says it all.

Friday, September 02, 2011

Keep it like a secret.

So much going on, can't even start. Lists help me function;

I'm now deep in the tubular game but actually taken a side step in a slightly different direction and am quietly confident about it paying off.

Found the best small Italian restaurant the other night, will be revisited many times.

Got my passport back in record quick time - good to leave the country for another 10 years.

A few changes at work for Winter, hopefully we get a bit more time together.

Sometimes working in a bike shop is the best job in the world, especially when you get your favourite products on clearance and TRADE!

Got a weekend of driving over 400 miles ahead of me. IPod charged and full of hardcore/punk to ensure there's no dawdling.

Assembling some Rapha themed ebay listings for the near future.

Also, this RaphaSuperCross has me slightly concerned. I loved racing at Huddersfield last year - sounds pretty nightmareish this time round.

There's more but I just don't have the time.


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Thursday, September 3, 2009

what happened to september?

The stores are already decked out in Halloween and Christmas decor. Names are being drawn for Christmas gifts, plans are being made for Christmas workshops. What happened to September?

P.S. This is what I want to do for the Christmas workshop and if not for that just for me.
P.P.S. It is far too easy to get caught up in this. I still need to do my berry picking and enjoy pumpkin dough nuts and cider this fall. Must enjoy September.

1 comment:

  1. People get so consumed with the holidays coming up they forget to enjoy the small things like the foliage and the jean weather. That wreath is so beautiful and I would love to have that in my house around the holidays, i'll just wait a couple more months.

Related Posts with Thumbnails


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In exactly 48 hours, we'll be road tripping to Orlando to visit the happiest place on earth.

I'm referring, of course, to Ikea. We've been there once before, just over a year ago, when we were first settling into this house and had no furniture whatsoever. I tried to plan the layout of every room and purchase accordingly... but needs change over a year. I've definitely kicked myself a few times for not getting certain things while I was there, and now I have a second chance.

Luckily, no major furniture needs to be purchased. However, there are some walls I need to address, and there's no better place in this world to get frames than Ikea.

Subject #1: The wall behind our bed:

I hope to have time next week to make the upholstered headboard it so desperately needs. Then I'll hang three of these Virserum frames and fill it with some sort of artwork.

And it will look something like this:

Next up is another wall in our master bedroom:

It's not horrible looking, but it just needs a little more action.

So I'm picking up four of these frames, and arranging them like this:

I haven't made my mind up yet on cities and colors, but they will look something like that.

Finally, our living room.

This wall has bothered me since day one. It's so huge and overwhelming to tackle... so I haven't even tried.

First of all, ignore the console table and accessories—they were pretty much just thrown there with no place else to go. Some of the accessories will be ditched, some are getting a makeover, and I plan to lighten the table by removing the dark stain and giving it an au-natural bare wood look (or something simlar, I'll have to see how it goes).

I plan to pick up this mirror and this large frame from Ikea to help fill the wall in:

I may actually set the mirror on the floor instead of mounting it....

I may even end up painting or distressing it so there isn't so much white.

After staring at this picture for a while, I decided something wasn't right, and that something was the vase full of sticks. I'm over it. I ran through a million possibilities of what else I could put in that corner... a lamp? A small desk? More artwork? A bench? A folding screen? None of these seemed to be particularly useful or make sense.

And then.... it hit me:

I will build a ladder that will hold magazines/books. YES! Yes. After an entire year, I've figured it out. I've always wanted a ladder somewhere in my house, and this is the perfect place for it. Hopefully I can manage this one on my own... should be easy enough, right? Any ladder-building pointers?

I will be back next week with an update on my headboard construction, and also the launch of my new site! Can't wait.

Anything other must-haves I should grab at Ikea while I'm there?


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Monday , 23 October 2017

Home / World / Athletes-legends in the Olympic city of angels!
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Athletes-legends in the Olympic city of angels!

LA 2024 announced 53 athletes who will serve on LA 2024’s Athletes’ Advisory Commission (AAC), ensuring the top American and international athletes in the US are deeply involved in every aspect of its bid and helping to create a state-of-the-art, personalized experience for Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2024.

Specifically, the AAC will review venues and help further develop the LA 2024 Games Concept; provide broad communication and feedback across every activity of the bid; represent and promote the rights and interests of athletes in LA 2024’s decision-making process; and support LA 2024 by promoting the positive values of sport and Olympism to youth across the country and, later, around the world. Some of the great athletes of the specific Commission are Andre Agassi, Michael Johnson, Greg Louganis, Michael Phelps and Venus Williams.

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The results of the elections for the Hellenic Olympic Committee

Of the 27 total members who were eligible to vote, voted 22 Finally, which proves that the wound had opened a few months ago, not fully skull belonged

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

I am so grateful for!

Hehehe! I picture my family dressed up like that for our Thanksgiving feast! Too funny!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday!
I hope you all have a blissful day full of those things that you are most thankful for! I will be spending my day with my beautiful family and then I'm being wisked away for a petite vacation with my husband. My first time away from my little boy overnight! I'm a stress case right now! So for now this is all, I will be back hopefully Sunday evening if not then for sure on Monday.
Many warm wishes to you & your family!
Thank you to all of you who stop in & to the many, many new friends I have made in this incredible blogging world. You inspire me & provide me with so much delicious eye candy & new insights!
Bisou Mon Amis!
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  1. Have a wonderful thanksgiving and a wonderful end of the week ...

  2. Have a great time. Don't worry about your little one. I am sure he will be in good hands...just try and relax, you deserve it. Happy Holiday,
    Ness xx

  3. Understand how you would be a stress case leaving your little one...but oh how romantic...a petite vacation!!! Enjoy, Dzintra

  4. Enjoy your vacation! It will probably feel stranga to be away from your little boy, but it's always nice to have a little bit of time being just a couple in between1

    Happy Thanksgiving!

  5. Hm. "stranga" wasn't the word I wanted to write. I must learn to click preview so I can see my typos=(

  6. A very sweet post & Happy Thanksgiving to you! This image will make me giggle all day envisioning my family all dressed up. Thanks for the laugh.:o)

    It's good to treat yourself to something special and a little petite trip is great to energize one, the first trip away from your little one is always the hardest, enjoy yourself!

  7. Happy Thanksgiving Judith! Have a wonderful vacation with your hubby!

  8. A belated Happy Thanksgiving Judith. Thank you for contributing to my love for all things Parisian! Enjoy your vacation and the rest of the holiday season.

  9. Dressing like that for THanksgiving is probably a GREAT idea... all the corsets would keep you from eating too much... LOL!
    Hope you had a GREAT day!

  10. Hey Judith, your family looks great! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving, and don't stress too much about being away from your son, it will be an adventure for both of you! In the meantime have fun and we're all waiting for you to get back for more delicious soul food, aka eye candy that you provide! We love you too!

  11. Hope you're having fun on your mini vacay! Can't wait til you get back!

Thanks for stopping by. I love to hear from you!


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This week at the Park House October 12, 2010

Posted by on October 12, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT:Wednesday October 13th..BLUEGRASS JAM hosted by JOE DEP and the Park House staff… the FALAFELMASTER(that be me) and JANE B. (Park House hockey expert). The specials will be YUENGLING pints for $2.00and $1.00 TACOS.It all start at 9:00PM for good EATING, DRINKING, JAMMING!!! until

Jamming on Bluegrass night

midnight (12:00AM). Friday October 15th…GRAMSCI MELODIC!!! and Saturday October 16th…Northside’s Turkish music and belly dancing group..ISHTAR!! All shows start at 9:30PM and are FREE!!!…NO COVER!!

NEW BEERS: On draft from the Rust belt brewing Co…..IRISH RED ALE, New Holland brewing Co….MAD HATTER IPA and Schell brewing Co…BOCK BEER. Friendly reminder…. the happy hour at the Park House is from 6:00PM to 8:00 PM daily when all the micro draft beers are $2.00 OFF!!

This Sunday October 17th the Park House will open it’s doors at 11:00 Am for YUMMY FOODS, GREAT BEERS  & FREE  PEANUTS and POPCORN!!! …Ooh alright,  and for the Steelers vs the Cleveland browns as well.We would like to announce that we have a brand new COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT!!… It’s in the back….precisely in the same spot where the other complaint dept was. here is a pic of the new sign The Park House would like to thank Sheila Liming and the band members of the group CALLAN for choosing the Park House for their CD release party and for mentioning the great FALAFELsandwiches in the weekender of the Post Gazette. It was….STANDING ROOM ONLY. We will have Callanperform again at the Park House in the very near future. That’s all for now…….SEE YA AT THE PARK HOUSE!!

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Wedding & day-use sites

Landmark buildings in Washington State Parks are available to rent year round for a variety of occasions. They are attractive, comfortable structures that have been refurbished for public use and equipped with modern amenities. Located in a variety of state park settings, they offer the spirit of history in beautiful outdoor environments.

Weddings, receptions, family reunions, company picnics, business meetings, public lectures and performances are common reasons to rent day-use heritage places, which are available at the following state parks:
  • Cama Beach State Park
  • Cape Disappointment State Park
  • Fort Townsend State Park
  • Fort Worden State Park
  • Kitsap Memorial State Park
  • Peace Arch State Park
  • Saint Edward State Park
  • Scenic Beach State Park
Note: A one-day or annual Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks.


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February's Tutorial - The Blue Zulu by Allan Liddle

This month Allan is talking us through The Blue Zulu...

One of the oldest but still very effective Loch Flies you can use is the age old Blue Zulu, designed as a ‘Fancy Fly’ to work in, or slightly under the surface of our wild lochs in search of wild browns, sea trout or the occasional salmon.

From sizes 8 to 14 this is a cracking addition to any loch ‘team’ especially when the water carries a tinge of peat colour and the overhead conditions offer dark clouds which in turn makes the water surface appear almost black.

Worked on a ‘Short Line’ tripped over or through a rolling wave is when this pattern can really stand out and when the fishing can be at its most memorable, lightening fast often rod slamming takes with fish seeming to appear from no-where full of aggression and attitude and a blast of colour and water spray, fantastic.

A variation from the original Zulu with the simple amendment of a black hen head hackle for a blue one, I’ve taken the liberty of changing it again, both in a bid to make it quicker to tie, as well as to offer something a wee bit different from its original form.

Altering the tail from scarlet red wool to scarlet red ‘Glowbrite’ florescent floss adds a bit more flash and attraction to the fish and I feel helps even more when faced with dark peaty waters and aggressively competing residents.  The next wee alteration was to change from the traditional dubbed base body with open palmered hackle, to a fully palmered hackle body for more movement and, as it makes the fly a little lighter, helps it to ‘trip’ over the tops of the waves, an action that our wild fish can find devastatingly attractive.

Lastly a change away from a dyed hen hackle to dyed guinea fowl just seems to add a wee bit to the anglers’ eye, offering a more ‘muted’ colour at the head of the fly but one that’s not too subtle.

A style of tying and a pattern that’s well worth a place in any wild loch loving angler, not that it’s exclusive to this scenario as more than a few rainbows have shown a bit of interest for a ‘Bob Flee’ or two in the past and a wee throw with more traditional patterns can often be the wee change our fish are looking for.

Hook: Partridge Dry Fly Supreme (L5A) size 10 – 14 (a good alternative is the Sprite All Purpose Wet in same sizes)

Thread: Uni 6/0 Black

Tail: Glowbrite Floss number 4

Body: Black saddle cock palmered

Head Hackle: Dyed blue Guinea Fowl

Tying Sequence:

Step 1 Catch thread onto hook.

Step 2 Cut a three inch section of floss, and fold twice tying in at middle section.

Step 3 Fold floss back to rear and run thread down to tie in. Draw tight and cut.

Step 4 Return thread to just behind eye.

Step 5 Take a good sized section of Guinea Fowl and trim from feather.

Step 6 Set length so the fibres are slightly longer than body hackle and project over front of hook before tying in.

Step 7 Tie in and trim ends.

Step 8 Tidy cut ends and run thread back to rear of hook.

Step 9 Tie in saddle hackle and run thread to eye.  Palmer hackle up length of hook to form body taking care to brush fibres back after each turn.

Step 10 Brush guinea fowl back over body hackle ensuring even coverage around fly and tie in before whip finish and trim away thread. Varnish head.

Step 11 Set UV varnish, note how the florescent tail stands out under the UV torch.


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Monday, March 26, 2012

My FIRST week on Nutrisystem #NSNation

This week I started my journey with Nutrisystem. I will admit at first I was really scared after my delivery arrived. I wasn't quite sure I could eat the Nutrisystem food. It comes all pre packaged even dinners, that don't have to be refrigerated! This was really strange to me, but I'm giving this my all.

Day 1: I clearly remember day 1 { the others are a blur, we've been super busy }
Breakfast: Veggie Scramble, which I'm sure would taste better if I would have really followed directions when microwaving it and not getting everyone Else's breakfast ready. It was good but I'm sure I cooked it way too long.
Protein Shake: I have one of these every morning with my breakfast. I choose to Vanilla,Chocolate and Coffee shakes. I'm not a huge fan of Strawberry so opted out of that one.
These are delicious! And so filling

I did mess up on my first morning and didn't eat my mid morning snack like I have been doing now since day 2. This caused me to be hungrier than normal around lunch time. You can bet I won't forget that mid morning snack anymore

I had Vegetable Beef Soup, which was also yummy. I always heard horrible things about Nutrisystem food but clearly those that have bad things to say haven't tried the foods. I truly haven't found one I didn't like except for the Tuna Salad and the Chef's Table Moroccan Chicken.
I added a salad to my lunch bur forgot my powerful.

Afternoon Snack:
Coffee black with Sugar Free Torani Syrup

OMG dinner! This was so delicious
Whole Wheat Ricotta Crepes from the new Chef's Table line. So light and tasty. Just enough cheese.
a slice of whole wheat bread

Pretzels while I watched shows with my hubs.
and strawberries after dinner

Of course I also drank my 64oz of water so I spent a lot of my day in the bathroom.

I can honestly say that after this week I am on a mission. The food is delicious like I said before and I can incorporate some of my favorites as well. I am staying away from the junk and eating tons more veggies and fruit. My water intake has increases by about 20oz and the greatest part this week:

I LOST 2.6lb!!

I am so proud of myself for really sticking to the Nutrisystem plan like I should. I feel better about myself and am learning how to eat smaller portions and smaller meals through the day instead of binging on junk!

Let's hope week #2 brings the same results!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting

** disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me their program free of charge for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program **

1 comment:

Tara Oliver said...

hey wow! congrats on the great weight loss!! I think it's harder to lose weight with kids because you are preparing meals for the rest of the family as well as your own food. so that is a great accomplishment. keep it up!


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Sunday, March 28, 2010

Everywhere i go i think of my husband. Starbucks, home depot, Roebucks, etc... I cant seem to drive down any street without some memory of Him coming over my heart. i was getting gas today, which is something i hate doing. It was one of the sweet things my husband used to do for me that i greatly appreciated. As i was deciding which gas to get i remembered how we use to have little arguments over which gas i put in my car. I would pick the cheapest one while he on the other hand would get one of the 2 more expensive ones trying to convince me that it was better quality and would be better for my engine. I would tell him it's all the same, they just say that to charge you more. We had that little tiff quite a few times trying to convince each other we were right. We also had one about the faster route to the 5 freeway. I would go up one street, and he would go down another one. We never actually clocked it but I would always try to convince him i was right and he would disagree and do the same. And these werent big arguments, just silly little disagreements. I remember the night I drove him to the ER. It was 9pm Thursday night oct 9 i believe. we said goodbye to the boys. isaac was so afraid he was shaking. I had to get on the 5 to go to the hospital and do you know which way i went? His way. Because in that moment of time being right just did not matter. Nothing mattered to me in that moment than him and loving him every possible way- even by getting on the freeway the way he thought was better. And anytime i have to get on the 5 now i always go the way he did. It's strange but it does something for me i just cant really explain. Life is short- even if you live a long life- it's still short. Being right isnt worth the waste of time to prove it. My husband would rarely fight with me. The things i mentioned above i wouldnt consider fighting. But if we were fighting ( or i was trying to fight with him ) and he was right he would take the blame and apologize because he new it was a waste of time. Listen, dont waste time on petty little things that so easily seem to sprout up in marriage...clothes on the floor, toilet seat up, things they do that just bug the crap out of you. But like weeds, you have to get rid of them by overcoming them or they'll take over and destroy your marriage. I had all those issues too but you know what, from where im sitting id take it all to have him back. It just doesnt matter- get over it, suck it up. Im sure i wasnt ms perfect to live with either and neither probably are you or any of us for that matter. Marriage is suppose to be a picture of the great mystery of Christ and His love for us- His bride. Its suppose to be a picture of trust (not perfection) forgiveness and unconditional love. So just love each other, do what the other wants, overlook the imperfections- be thankful that you have them!
1 corinthians 13 ...and if i have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if i have all faith , so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I AM NOTHING. Wow, thats something to sit with.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Im totally enjoying this beautiful warm and windy saturday. the boys watch sat morning cartoons from 7- 12 on saturdays which gives me time to clean the house and get some laundry done. After that we worked in the backyard getting our soil ready to plant the seeds we bought yesterday. Its amazing how excited kids get over the simplest of things. Simeon and i chased a grasshoper for a few minutes and he was just elated over trying to catch it. Ben and Isaiah found two blue tail caterpillars ( not even sure thats a real thing, but oh well! ) which was like finding gold to them. they ofcourse came in and took my last two tupperware containers to make homes for them and now they are carrying their new little friends around taking such sweet care of them. Now if i could only get them to love each other like they do these bugs!
I wanted to take some time to share about how tangible and amazingly faithful my Father has been throughout this journey. The very first thing He did was 2 days after George passed. i decided to go to cottonwood church. It was a big convention weekend and i knew there would be a billion people there but i had prayed that morning and asked the Lord to lead me and sit me next to someone who had been where i was that could tell me i would be ok. I just really needed to hear those words. So i went and i chose a seat next to this lady who's name is Deborah. We said hello to each other and ofcourse i lost it and shared with her what had happened. She assured me i would be ok. and she said, " im not just saying that, im speaking from experience."she went on to tell me how 9 years ago her fiance - the man she had saved herself for her whole life- had passed away from a brain annurism ( i know i spelled that wrong- sorry ) he lived in a different city from her and when she hadnt heard from him she went to his place and found him dead. so she loved on me and told me i would never forget but that it would get easier. I dont remember any part of the message that day except the very end and it was like God was speaking directly to me. The man speaking was talking about the looking good christians. the ones who are always smiling, dressed nice, walking by us in life all happily cruising along. Then he said , but if this is you and he got down on his knees and started dragging himself across the floor, you just keep looking straight ahead at Jesus. Even if everyone around you is happily going by you just keep going, hang on, and before you know it you'll be over here and you wont know how you got there but God will carry you through just keep looking at Him. I sat there crying my eyes out because that was me, that was exactly how i felt- like i could barely even crawl. Here i sit almost 5 months later, eyes still fixed on Him and i can say He is absolutely faithful and so near to the brokenhearted! Now i am able to walk, smile even, but i do still have those days of just barely being able to do it. And on those days of not being able to cling to Him, i know He is clinging to me.
ps 62:5-8 My soul, find rest in God alone, for my hope is from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Stronghold; i will not be moved. On God my salvation and my glory rest. The Rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

today i feel like im in my own private hell while the world and other peoples lives just keep going on around me. i feel prisoner to these emotions. i dont know if as a believer i am suppose to take these thoughts and feelings captive or if i am suppose to ride it out through them. im incredibly angry and i dont feel like i can do anything right. Im taking every complaint from my children to heart. I have no outlet that seems to be working and i definately cant be screaming like i was in the car or my kids would freak. although maybe i just should do it into my pillow verses taking it out on them. I dont know. And i cant really talk to anyone about it. Even though i know they care, i think it would overwhelm them and they wouldnt know what to say. I feel like i dont know what im doing or how to even be a mom to them. I feel this huge burden that im damaging them. there is only just one of me! I cant do it all. i just feel like i cant do this. i cant raise these boys alone. I cant physically or emotionally do it. I cant get anything done because everyone wants my attention or someone is fighting with someone somewhere and if i dont get there fast enough my wonderful oldest points out how im not taking care of it! Mind you, i was on the toilet when that happened this morning. And honestly i dont want to deal with them. I AM TIRED!!!!! im tired of dealing with stupid crap every 2 minutes about who touched who or someone is ignoring someone or he has my tiny little lego piece or whatever! Its rediculous! This is my every minute of everyday, all by myself life. I dont want it. I have nothing to give. I cant listen to another story about bionicles, power miners, or starwars- i cant! and this all may sound trivial to some but i just cant do it today. I need help! I need my husband! My world is just spinning right now and im way overwhelmed by too many things.

God never ceases to amaze me! As I was typing this I had an unexpected visit from this very sweet little old Christian couple that lives around the corner from us. Ofcourse being as emotional as i am today as soon as she looked me in the eyes and asked how i was doing i completely crumbled. She immediately dropped her bags she was holding and grabbed me and would not stop hugging me. even when i tried to let her go, she still held on to me. I just love that! I love how God provides exactly what you need from a least expected source. They stayed for a bit and i got to share some of the amazing things God has done for us ( which eventually id like to share on here too ) and you know, im feeling much better. I have to overcome the " i cant's " If this anger is part of the journey then I need the Lord to show me how to deal with it in a healthy way so im not so upset with my boys. But if it's not part of this journey then i need Him to help me get the victory over it. i have a picture in my mind about how i want our family to be, i just dont know how to get us there. Plus i think i have this expectation of my boys to suddenly become quiet, thankful, cheerful and perfectly obedient and im not sure if thats even possible? Also, i need to remember that they are going through this valley as well only with a lot less understanding and a part time crazy emotional mom. And even though they dont talk to me about it much, that doesnt mean its not affecting them. I know it has to be. Please, to whoever reads this, pray for us but especially for me- i need wisdom from the Holy Spirit every second of the day. I need His peace and strength and sometimes His hand over my mouth. I need to also keep in mind that i still have an enemy who would absolutely take advantage of my brokenness right now and try to destroy me and our family. I sure feel like i need alot! Good thing nothing is impossible for our Father, that He gives wisdom to all who ask with out measure, that His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness and love towards us is everlasting.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Not sure what will come out tonight...

I have so many things i want to share but im never quite sure what direction im going to go. I feel like we have been battling one sickness after another here at home. We had chicken pox and strep throat a month ago and now we have vomiting, high fevers, yucky green eye infections and bad coughs. I woke this morning at 4:30 am to Ben throwing up. And you know, that even made me miss my husband. Not that he would have been any help. He cant handle the barf o rama's , he'd been throwing up too. But i miss just having him to talk to and laugh with about it and other life things. I went out to the korean spa the other night with my sweet sister and she brought up thanksgiving for some reason. Then about 2 minutes later she said " im sorry, did i just make you think of george and get sad by bringing up thanksgiving?" I said no, because it's not actually those times that make me really sad. What i miss is him not being here when i got home from the spa to share the crazy fun time we had. I miss just doing and sharing our life together. I miss how tonight we probably would have somehow laughed about the barf fest this morning and even though he wouldnt have been much physical help to me, his presence would have given me strength and he would have encouraged me and told me he thought i am amazing and he doesn't know how i do it. Well, part of how ive always done it is that he was always behind me, or by my side. Its unbelievable how two become one flesh, and you create this life together of memories and hopes for the future. And then one day- IT'S ALL GONE- ALL OF IT. Not only the person you love, but also the life you knew. And the crazy part is that everywhere i go i see memories of what was our life at one time, but isnt now. Even just places we liked to eat at together, where we have been dozens of time- not anymore, thats over now. Or i may see a trailer loaded up with quads and think we were going to do that with the boys down the road- that was going to be our life- but not now. And I know my Father is creating a new life for us now which is strange too because i feel like i live in two different worlds sometimes. The one world that still includes my husband, that still really just thinks he's away working and will be home eventually. Thats the world i want to hold on to and still live in but we cant because it doesnt really exist anymore. Then theres the new life God is amazingly and beautifully creating for us that im drawn to because of His love and comfort. I know and believe whole heartedly that He has stepped in as my Husband and Provider and still is my Father but now is also a Father to my sons. And you can be certain im ( lovingly ) holding Him to His word. It's just a trip....unreal still at almost 5 months. I can still see his big ol sweet smile. He was always smiling, and im sure he is now even more. I remember one of the last things he said to me. I was pretty much having a breakdown, it was maybe about 2 weeks before he died. He was on a high dose of morphine so he was pretty much alseep most of the time. But every once in a while he'd have an awake moment of clarity. So i was upset and he said " come here, and let me help you " He held me and i laid my face in his neck. He said " you have to remember Jesus. He is here to help us and you have to remember to include Him in to the situation, He 's here to help. Remember Him." Those were actually the last really coherent words he spoke to me. They were beautiful to me then and they are words of life to me now. I start our everyday doing just that- remembering and including Jesus in to our life for that day. He wants to be part of our everyday life. I feel so blessed that my husband loved me with those amazing words of encouragment- exactly what i would need to get us through now. I miss him greatly!

One of my favorite songs and it speaks of where my heart is right now

In your ocean, I'm ankle deep
I feel the waves crashin' on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out

Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your tide rushes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will ya let me drown, will ya let me drown

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

And the water is risin' quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side, no I can't leave your side

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful
Oh, something beautiful

In a daydream, I couldn't live like this
I wouldn't stop until I found something beautiful
When I wake up, I know I will have
No, I still won't have what I need

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful
To touch me, I know that I'm in reach
'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for something beautiful

Thursday, March 18, 2010

I learned last night that a good friend and home schooling mom of 9 has been diagnosed with colon cancer. It pretty much knocked the wind out of me. So many emotions rolled over me in literally just minutes. I think i cried at first for me, for my husband for the thought that this horrible oppression of the devil ( which IS exactly what this horrible disease is ) is so close to me again- so soon. I wept for my friend, her husband and their beautiful 9 children- 6 girls and 3 boys. Then came the feelings that i hate to even admit to you, but you know, i have to share my heart and sometimes what crosses our hearts isnt always pretty. Im not sure what the exact feelings were, maybe a little jealous and angry because it looks like it is removable by surgery ( although we should always pray and never take anything for granted ) and she will live and be fine and get to stay with her family. I found it hard- again, just being brutally honest- to pray for her at first. I had been literally on my face for weeks with tears crying out for my husband and he passed. I didnt want to pray and have her be ok while my husband was gone. And i know it really isnt even about her getting better but really, i just want my husband back. It brings up the questions in your heart; why this one Lord and not mine? And all the what if's which i have determined to never camp out on. I know that sounds really bad, but dont we all experience thoughts and feelings like that at some point in our life in one area or another? Some its with not having a baby yet but all of your friends are having them. It could be someone getting blessed with money or a gift that you have been praying for. Could be finding a husband or wife and your still single. Im sure it happens to us all. And i hope no one thinks im this terrible person because i do love this woman and ofcourse i want her treatment to be successful and i want her to live to see and enjoy her childrens children. But initially, those thoughts all went through my mind. But it didnt take but a word from the Lord to set me straight by saying " what would you want if it were you ?" I would want mercy, deliverance, people lifting me up to You Lord etc... ( exactly what people are doing for me everyday right now! ) Well then, He says, give and it will be given to you. Treat others like you want to be treated. Ofcourse now i am praying those things for her, for everyone that is and will be invloved in this with her. I wont lie to you though, there still is a part of my heart that is jealous but i wont let that take root and grow in my heart. And i definately wont let it keep me from loving her through this time. And im sure It's not the only time im going to have a feeling like that. But im so thankful for the quick correction of my Father and His help to guard my heart against those things. Please, please pray for her. Her name is Vanese. She meets with the surgeon on monday. Pray that....well, what would you want if it were you?

Monday, March 15, 2010

one of my hardest days yet...

i love to get up early before all the kids, make a hot cup of vanilla chai tea and sit with the Lord. Its like i get to sneak away with Him- my Love- before my world starts going. Thats what i did this morning. And my relationship has taken on a new way where instead of feeling like i have to or should read my bible and sit with Him. I now look forward to my time with my Savior-my source of life. I wanted to make sure that i shared on here about the day i had on saturday. It was by far one of the most painful days yet and i feel the need to write about it because im certain someone else will find themselves there as well. I want to just first say how incredibly thankful i am for the women God has brought into my life who have walked this road before me and are now a few years down the way. I love that i can call or email them and say hey, this is how im feeling, is this normal? and they will tell me yes and encourage me to keep going. Saturday was a doosey though! Number one rule- i think- in grieving should be if you wake up feeling emotional, you should just take it easy and not try to do really anything. Its not a day to try to train your child or argue over getting school done. Some people may not agree with that but usually their not the ones who have been in my shoes. The fruit of skipping school or letting my kids slide in behavior is not going to be nearly as bad as mom freaking out, crying, yelling, screaming and saying things she would never be able to take back. Just my opinion. So sunday started off emotional. I could physically feel angry sorrowful pain in the pit of my stomach. It was followed by just life stuff: kids fighting because someone is touching someone or looking at someone or singing a song that just bugs the other one. You know, those really big important things! :) But man, that wears me out! That was followed by my sweet little Ben knocking over my full cup of coffee onto my computer keyboard, my little dsl box was swimming, it was all over my computer. So that sent me out to the garage where i just sat and cried out to my Father. I think it was 9 am by now. So the morning carried on with just life that i just wasnt up to handling. The unthankfulness of my kids as they ordered out for their breakfast, only to not like what they got. Simeon walking behind me dumping out everything i just picked up. You know, just regular stuff that on other days i could handle, correct and deal with but that day i took it all to heart as nothing i do is ever right or good enough, im ruining my kids etc... then i was getting ready to go to a friends birthday get together and my hair dryer started making some crazy sound and really smoking and then poof, it died. Do i even need to explain that one?! So needless to say, i was not sad at all about leaving my kids for a few hours. so im on the freeway driving to her house and this song comes on about being in a flood and will He let me drown and about being consumed by His fire and wanting something beautiful to touch us. And you know, i could feel that pain inside of me and i just had it out with my God. I was crying, screaming- really shouldnt have been driving but where else could you do something like that? The only way i can really explain it was that it reminded me of labor. with each contraction your body naturally takes over as you dont really yell but you make that sound that comes from deep inside. Thats what it was like. and it pretty much sucked! and i didnt feel happy afterward either. i felt somber ( and i dont even really know what that word means :) drained like i had just been through one of Dr Phils emotional therapy groups. This was definately the day ive wanted to drink the most, smoke, find a guy ( just being honest and im sure im not the only one) really just try to deliver myself from the pain. and ofcourse i didnt do that because i know its a lie that doing those things would deliver me or even ease my pain. I know that healing comes by walking through to the end valley with my Father along side. Ive started to think though that the valley is alot longer that i initially thought. But thats ok, because my Father is with me -come what may- and nothing can take me out of His hand. I pray someone some day see's this and is encouraged by it even if it just helps them to not feel alone. God is faithful and now it is monday morning and im ok. that pain is passed- thank God! Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragment. there are no words to express how much it means to me. :)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Since being touched by death, Iv been thinking alot about adam and eve. They are, after all, the ones who sold out the whole human race for a piece of fruit and a lie. Let any of us who worry about the choices our children are making take a little comfort in that. Thats pretty much the worst choice anyone could ever make. Im not going to be too hard on them though because im sure i would have done the same thing. But still, that one choice brought so much destruction. That was when fear and insecurity were birthed and given life. And Jesus,the One they use to have sweet fellowship with everyday, they now find themselves hiding from. Then having to leave the garden which contrary to what alot of people believe was not a punishment. It was actually to save us because had they eaten from the tree of life there could have been no redemption for us. we would have lived forever in that sinful state. But I try to put myself in their shoes. How they must have felt, the first time to feel fear and to be afraid of the One who had given them life. Then how they must have felt walking out of the garden of eden. Eden means the heart of God. What a walk that must have been. Seriousely think if it was you, how would you have felt? I think i would have felt sorrow almost to the point of death. And i wonder where did they set up their place to live? how far did they go from the entrance to the garden? i would have pitched my tent right outside the entrance. And i think the worst part would have been to not walk in the sweet presence of their Creator anymore EVER again! Yes, He did make a place where His Glory would come but thats not nearly the same as daily walking with Him.
Then I thought about God- our Father. How He must have felt! He, being all knowing, knew that was the day His children were going to doubt Him and believe the devil over Him. I wonder how He felt calling adam in the garden that day? How He felt that His children were hiding afraid of Him. Think about it. Knowing that He was going to have to separate Himself from them and that they were going to leave the garden and not walk daily with Him. I bet His heart broke. Even though He is God, He still grieves. He cries, it says in Jeremiah, over the unbelief of His children and the consequences that brings to them. These were His first hand creations, that They fashioned in Their image, that He knelt down and breathed His life and His spirit into. It's amazing to me, His plan and the great lengths He goes to to show us how much He loves us and just wants to restore to us what was lost that day. He wants us to trust Him- not be perfect- but to trust Him. He wants to be our Father, our Dad! Im counting on that one right now! You really cant even wrap your mind around it it's so incredible and unbelievable. Just some things ive been thinking about....

Monday, March 8, 2010

I cant believe it's been a month since i posted here...the time seems to fly by and go really slow all at the same time! Started to clean out the garage today. I was going through years of paper work and other things and i found quite a few little treasures- letters that we had written each other and pictures of great times together. It was strange though because i found myself almost frantically searching for any piece of him, of us. anywhere i had just written " i love you " on i ripped off and put it in my pocket. It is so crazy to be going through years of life stuff that i shared with him, everything brought back memories. It's almost impossible to even think of throwing it away, and its only papers! Yet, it seems to erase our life away. Tonight has been rough. I think im going a long fine and then one little thing happens ( although looking back over the day i can see it was a build up of things ) and im over the edge. What was different about tonight though is that i couldnt find rest. I did my usual things that help me through these moments but tonight they didnt seem to work for me. As i was walking in circles in the backyard toiling inside I heard the Lord's sweet voice saying " Come to Me....and i will give you rest." But see, im of the nature that i like to power through my feelings, sweat em out somehow by cleaning, excercising etc...but i know coming to Him means a time of feeling the anger and feeling the sorrow to get to that rest and tonight i just dont want to! Its really about surrendering. Surrendering to the truth that my husband is dead. He will never be here with us again, he's not coming home, i will never hold him close, feel him , laugh with him, lean on him, be comforted by him ever again- ever! My boys....i wont even start down that road! And yes, we will see him again but thats really no comfort for the now. But I cant go there! I cant! I think to surrender to the magnitude of that would overtake me. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw up.... But, God is faithful, as He again just whispered to me! He is my Father, and if He says come to Him to find my rest, that's what im going to do because He will take care of me and like ive said before, im passing through this valley. Im not stopping and camping anywhere along the way. And if i avoid anything id just be pitching a tent here in the valley and id be there until i did. So, im going to go sit with my Father, the One who loves me more that I can even imagine, and rest safely in Him.


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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Beyond Consequences, Logic and Control...Week 1

My previous post was all about the way my children came to be my children. This is more of what I’m supposed to be doing for the class…giving feedback on the class and my views of the content.

This week’s class was all about stress, regulation and dysregulation. We talked about what stress does to our children and, more importantly, what it does to us as parents. When we’re stressed, our kids are stressed.

Remember my little (hee! Hee!) essay on how I came to be a mother? Do you think there was much stress in there? Oh yes!

From the very beginning, parenting has been all about stress for me. Can’t have a baby=stress. Get a 6 month old baby=stress. Adoption goes awry=stress. The list goes on and on.

I have read all of the parenting books. I have tried 1-2-3 Magic. I have tried time-outs. I have tried time-ins. I feel like I have tried it all.

And at the end of the day, sometimes I feel like a great big failure.

But, when I meet my kids where THEY are instead of at where I am, then it’s a different story.

When I am filled with love and compassion, I am able to get down to their level and listen to them. I am able to put myself in their shoes for a moment and help them breathe. I become a better mother because I have made space for my children in my conscious life.

One of the things my children do is vie for my attention and love. My middle child often gets most of the attention. She attracts it. I also have the greatest amount of personal trauma with her so I am overly protective of her emotional needs. What ends up happening is that Meka and Elvia come at me…trying anything they can to get my love and attention. It usually looks something like this:
1. Sidle up me to see if she can get in my lap, too
2. Dance in front of me to get me to notice her and praise her
3. Say things like, “I can do it too!” or “I’m a good girl too!” to gain my praise
She gets my frustration
4. Sneak off and do something forbidden as a means of “getting back” at me for not giving her that original space on my lap
Success at getting my attention. Negative attention, but attention nonetheless.

And so the dance begins. The dance of attachment disorder. Is it major? No. Do my kids have severe behavior issues? Not yet. Will they? Yes, if our dance continues like this my children will most definitely have severe behavior issues.

I am taking this online class so that I can deal with those issues now. The behavior issues of a 4, 6 and 10 year old are MUCH more “doable” than those of a 12, 14 and 18 year old.

So, tomorrow I will approach my children from a state of calm. I will breathe before I respond. I will kneel down before I speak. I will look at them and realize that they are children. Pure and simple. That they are doing the best they can and that I owe them the best that I can give them as well.

  1. insightful post & well written

  2. Oh Leslie, I love reading your writing. It flows and makes me feel so welcome and like you'd understand me the way you understand yourself and now your children.


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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Seafood Mastery With Chef Uri Jeremias at NECAT

Last month, I praised NECAT: A Culinary School Worthy Of Special Attention, as it is helping to fill the need for trained cooks as well as assisting local people, with challenging backgrounds, to move forward, leave their past behind, and start a new career. It is a great cause, but like most non-profits it can always use more financial support, especially in light of proposed State budget cuts.

One way NECAT hopes to raise some funds is through their new Master Chef Series, where they invite a famous Chef to work with their students, preparing a special dinner event. The first Master Chef event was held on December 8, and included passed hors d’oeuvres, a cooking demonstration and a five-course Middle Eastern dinner, centered on seafood. I attended this event as a media guest, and also had a chance to interview their featured chef, the fascinating Uri Jeremias.

The resemblance to Santa Claus, including the fact that Uri Jeremias is a very jovial person, is a natural conclusion, especially during December. Chef Jeremias is the owner of Uri Buri, a famous seafood restaurant located in Akko, Israel, and it was established in 1989. Akko, also known as Acre, is located in northern Israel on the Haifa Bay, and has a rich and vibrant history, over 5000 years, and is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world.

Jeremias, who is around 70 years old, was born in the coastal city of Nahariya. As a child, he was drawn to the sea, becoming a fishermen and diver, often cooking the seafood he caught for family and friends. The Mediterranean Sea provided a rich and diverse bounty for his fishing. As Jeremias had ADHD, he didn't attend school too much, preferring to spend his time at the harbor. He loved the quality and quantity of the seafood he found, and self taught himself how to cook. His mother wasn't keen on him cleaning the fish at home so she made him clean it outside.

After being tossed out of school when he was 16 years old, he spent a number of years traveling the world. He also served in the Israel Defense Forces, eventually quitting to open a seafood restaurant, urged on by his many friends who loved his cooking. He "... decided he would cook for friends, not customers or clients, but friends." The restaurant is located in a 400-year old Ottoman-era building, serving simple seafood dishes and many Israeli wines.

Jeremias has remained self-taught, having never formally studied the culinary arts and never having trained with another chef. For most of his career, he also hasn't relied on written recipes and only began putting his recipes onto paper when he started working on his cookbook. Interestingly, he takes in a number of young people to his restaurant to teach them how to cook seafood but after three years he sends them to culinary school. He feels it is important for them to share a common knowledge with other cooks from other restaurants. In addition, he notes that it has only been in recent years have Israeli cooking schools taught about seafood.

His favorite seafood is whatever is freshest in the market. He also believes that there are is no bad seafood, only bad cooks. In addition, he doesn't cook what he won't eat, so there is nothing for show on his playing. Everything is edible and intended to be eaten. Jeremias stated "food has its own aestethic," something many of the best chefs understand. Visually appealing dishes can be very important, though taste is still the most important aspect.

Chef Jeremias generally uses no more than 8 ingredients on any plate, trying to keep it simple. However, he also believes that you can spend an entire lifetime working on different combinations of 8 ingredients, and you still will only create a fraction of the myriad possibilities. There is plenty to discover with taste, even with only 8 ingredients. He prefers to prepare small portions for sharing as he feels that after 5-6 bites, a dish is no longer interesting to eat.

Importantly, sustainability is crucial to him, as he "believes in preserving nature," noting "we do too much damage already," emptying and polluting the oceans. He won't serve endangered species and doesn't believe others should do so either. He is an ardent proponent of farmed seafood, nothing that it is the future of seafood and certainly cannot be ignored.

Jeremias provide some important and simple advice for home cooks on preparing seafood. To him, the main reason for failure in the kitchen are the raw materials used. As such, his two basic rules of cooking are simple: 1) Use the best raw materials; and 2) Don't spoil them. Seafood isn't difficult to cook but many home cooks are afraid of the smell or the bones, and also don't know how to properly buy seafood at the market. Fish just needs to be cooked carefully and for a short time. And to help home cooks even more, Jeremias will soon be bringing his seafood cookbook to the U.S.

His cookbook, Buri: Fish and Seafood, is essentially divided into two parts, the first section concerning how to buy and cook seafood while the second section contains all of the recipes. He believes it is vital for consumers to know how to purchase seafood, a sentiment I have heard from a number of other seafood chefs. It is also important to be able to determine the differences between fresh and frozen seafood, a much greater difference than that encountered with beef and pork. The first section also discusses the basic cooking techniques that can be used to prepare seafood. This entire section is created to allay the fears of home cooks and I think it is a great idea, and much needed. The book also contain numerous photos of seafood, but as they are presented in the market, not in the wild. This will better help consumers buy seafood at their local market.

At the Master Chef event, Jeremias conducted a cooking demo, preparing a simple Mackerel dish for the attendees. What an incredible aroma from the cooking fish, lots of garlic and fish sauce. He spent several days working at NECAT and loved it, thinking that it was a special time. He was truly touched by NECAT, noting that it was a "light shining in the darkness." As we chatted, he stated that NECAT, and similar programs, should receive plenty of government assistance as it so important for individuals as well as the community. It is a win/win proposition, and worthy of hearty support.

The evening of the Master Chef event began with a reception presenting a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, with beer and wine. With each bite of these tasty treats, you were drawn into the culinary wonders of Chef Jeremias and the students at NECAT. From an Eggplant Bruschetta, with a smoky and earthy edge, to a bright Ceviche with Sea Bream, it was difficult not to fill up on these small items, though you knew there was a five-course dinner still to come. The other guests also raved about the hors d’oeuvres, and we talked about which were our favorites.

After a cooking demonstration, we then sat down for the main meal, presented family style. We began with Majadra, a common Middle Eastern fish of lentils, rice and onions. "Majadra" is from an Arabic word that means "pockmarked" as the lentils in the rice allegedly resemble pockmarks. It was a hearty dish, with intriguing spices, enhanced by the earthiness of the lentils. It was easy to understand the popularity of this dish.

There was also an Arugula Salad, made with golden beets, cucumber, parsley, organic carrot, and pomegranate seeds. A nice combination of fresh ingredients.

The Shrimp a la Artichoke was made with citrus, butter, artichoke, and fresh pasta, presenting juicy shrimp in a light and acidic sauce. This showed the simplicity of the seafood dishes of Chef Jeremias, yet it certainly didn't lack in taste.

The Tuna a la Plancha, served on top of yogurt, with some picante spices, was another delicious dish. The tuna was moist and meaty, with pleasant spices and a hint of heat, which could be soothed by the creamy yogurt.

My favorite dish of the evening was the Mackerel, with fresh coriander, green and red chili peppers, olive oil and garlic. The clean and compelling taste of the fish was at the forefront, enhanced by a mild spicy heat and the delicious taste of garlic. Simple perfection.

Chef Uri Jeremias lives up to his vaunted reputation as a master of seafood and it was an honor to have been invited to the Master Chef dinner. I eagerly await the publication of his cookbook in the U.S. and highly recommend everyone else do the same if you have any interest in learning how to cook seafood. I often recommended that people eat more seafood and cook more seafood at home. I've provided advice from other chefs on how to cook seafood at home, and this new seafood cookbook would provide plenty of valuable advice for home cooks.

I also want to once again raise awareness of NECAT, a Culinary School Worthy Of Special Attention. Their Master Chef series will continue in 2017 so you should keep an eye out for the next event. It is a great way to support NECAT and I'm sure you'll also enjoy plenty of delicious food and drink.

1 comment:

Sue said...

Good to know about this school which sounds like it is doing a great job!


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Global is Local

Sunflowerfest Sign

Sunflowerfest Announces Blooming Great 2017 Line-Up

March 21, 2017 Laura Caldwell 0 Comments

A committed and excited fan base of festival-goers are on their toes this week as Northern Ireland’s only 3-day festival of music and art makes its first official lineup announcement. Sunflowerfest: A Parallel Universe will run from 28th – 30th July 2017 on Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough.

Irish comedy-rap duo Rubberbandits are scheduled to take their cult status to the main stage alongside acclaimed Derry-born singer-songwriter Ryan Vail’s new live AV show, which has been well-received at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas. Fan-favourites King Kong Company will also make a welcome return to headline the main stage.

Other additions to the bill will include Electric Swing Circus, a unique blend of 20s swing and modern electro, Golden Age-channeling MCs Too Many T’s, endearing, festival-worthy folk from Beans on Toast and the contagious humour of Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer. The festival maintains its strong links with music communities abroad by welcoming new Dublin noisemakers Farah Elle and Damola, and Glasgow pop-rockers Single By Sunday. Disco masters Le Galaxie as well as local-favourites Malojian and Reading & Leed’s regulars R51 will also bring their explosive sound back to the packed-out ‘festival for all’ at Sunflowerfest.

A local hub for all genres of music, the festival’s dedicated ‘ElectroMoot’ venue for dance and electronica will see a headline set from OR:LA alongside JIKA JIKA!, Ponyhawke and Brién at the controls with many more to be announced. To the delight of Sunflowerfest vegerans, the famous ‘Silent Disco’ will also make a welcomed return.

Speaking on the origins of the festival Sunflowerfest organiser, Vanessa Magowan described how the festival was borne out of their own sons’ musical pursuits at young ages.  The husband and wife duo have developed the festival to be a family-friendly force in the local music and arts community.

“Sunflowerfest began as a small-scale fundraiser to help our son raise money for a school project,” said Vanessa.  “Over the years, the festival continued to grow until we made the decision to open to a wider public and host it on our picturesque farm in Hillsborough.”

An exciting new partnership will also be launched at this year’s festival with local-favourite eatery Boojum joining forces to feed hungry festival-goers, families and artists.  Additionally, following the success of last year’s Year of Food and Drink venue, Sunflowerfest plans to this year bring a huge range of treats, cooking demonstrations and tastings showcasing the best in Northern Irish food and drink.

An emphasis on ‘world-building’

Previous years of the hugely successful festival have seen the enchanting natural beauty of Tubby’s Farm transformed into a steampunk haven and an ancient Viking settlement, among other unique themes. This year’s theme of A Parallel Universe places a focus on futurism. Organisers and designers are collaborating to create a festival experience that will guide the Sunflowerfest-faithful through space and time, a unique combination of art and science. Speaking on what can be expected at this year’s festival, festival organiser Michael Magowan described how their world-building ambitions are ‘rooted’ in positive community engagement. “Since 2002, over 7000 native trees including beech, birch, ash, alder, willow, hazel, and oak have been planted on-site,” said Michael. “The festival’s electronic music venue ‘The Moot’ and the festivals picturesque Pond Stage were crafted 5-years ago from a lorry load of renewable pine logs from the forest at Jonesborough, near Castlewellan.

“We strive to foster a sense of community and connection both during the festival and at Tubby’s Farm generally. While visiting the festival, people from all walks of life can enjoy yoga, meditation, interactive and educational workshops as well as inspirational talks from individuals who share creative and environmental interests. We’re proud to share our home in the countryside – a collective, beautiful, piece of heaven on earth. We are just the caretakers for the generations to come. ”

Sunflowerfest is built on principles of permaculture and sustainability, and each year an army of volunteers is assembled to ensure that the farm is prepared for the thousands of expected guests as well as looking after the land during the festival weekend.

Tickets for Sunflowerfest start at just £74.95 (includes 2 children, aged 15 and under) and £64.95 for students – now available online at Additional bands, artists, and activities will be announced via Sunflowerfest’s website, Facebook, and Twitter.

#2017#Festival#Music#News#NI#Northern Ireland#Sunflowerfest#Tubus Farm

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