It’s. oh. so quiet
it’a oh. so still
you’re all alone
and so peaceful until…

zing boom
the sky up above
zing boom
is caving in
wow bam

Bjork

Kesa posted about storms below, often there is quite before a storm. It’s a bit quite in the flower garden here at Go! Smell the Flowers at the moment. So sit back enjoy the song below and enjoy the peace whilst it lasts. Because soon … very soon ….

We get our naked twister mat out

&

Our Flower Smeller film will hit the site. Get your dancing shoes ready! And if you’ve received a Flowers Smeller Award then look out, you could be featured in the film!

Shhh … enough excitement, GO! make yourself an alternative drink and tell us what you like to do when you find a bit of peace and quite in your day.

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200mm = 20cm = 10 inches of rain in less than two hours, 11 million litres of water in the City tunnel, 200,000+ homes without power, hail stones the size of Cricket Balls, 6,000 homes totally beyond repair, thousands evacuated, hundreds rescued, 25 schools closed many needing to be partly rebuilt.

And that’s only the small statistics.

No its not the latest Disaster movie!

.

Welcome to Queensland.

Natural Disaster Zone!

3000 Lightening strikes in 2 hours. Who needs Special Effects when nature provides a show like this.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This past week has been totally frustrating and terrifying for residence of Brisbane and the outer suburbs in South Eastern Queensland.  It all began on Sunday when the suburbs were hit by a massive thunder storm, blacking out 145,000 homes, and dumping 70 mm of rain in 30 minutes, tearing the roof off dozens of homes under cyclonic conditions and saw the death of a young man trapped in a storm water drain. Now normally we would go ‘oh that’s bad’, ‘oh those poor folks’, we might make a donation or 2 to help them out, call family and friends in the areas and all the usual reaction to such events.

That would have been that, BUT whilst still cleaning up, restoring power, tarping roofs and delivering supplies, the area was hit by yet another storm, this one was a mother of a storm, Dropping over 200mm NO NOT A TYPO. 200 mm 20 cms or 10 inches of rain in less than two hours.

Don’t Believe me then watch this:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Several thousands homes once again lost power, sustained damage, and many of them were the same homes hit by the first storm.  But it hasn’t ended there, last night another storm Yes a 3^rd in 5 days past by, this one casing havoc in a mining town called Blackwater, once again, homes lost their roof, power and were flooded.

The upside, if there is one, creeks which haven’t seen water for more than 12 years are flowing, rural farm dams are full, town water storages are over flowing, paddocks will be green, stock will have feed and farmers will be reaping the rewards for years to come.

However there is more coming and storm warnings are being issued for the next few days, and still the Cricket goes on, Australia v New Zealand at the Gabba. The world might come to an end tomorrow but nothing gets in the way of the Cricket.

Australia has been in drought for many years now, with town’s water supplies either gone or undrinkable, farmers shooting or selling stock, orchards being mowed down, crops failing and water restrictions and fines nations wide.  The first storm was being touted as a once in 25-year event, however these past 5 days are unprecedented.

There are two topics on the lips of people these days, the possible Looming Recession and Climate Change.

Slowly these storms are being held up as the start of the extreme weather conditions we can expect.  My family were looking at possibly moving to Queensland, but after these events we are reconsidering our options.

Would you consider moving here now?

No answers so far have been forth coming, if this is the start of the extreme weather conditions we have been warned about what precautions will you be taking?

Perhaps it is the drought breaking and a culmination of the Countries prays being answered all at once.

Climate Change?

Or just the drought Breaking?

Part of the Natural Cycle perhaps?

your thoughts, comments most welcome!

The cyclones haven’t arrived yet! That’s next month

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HELLO! from sunny Southern California.  “Okay, one down nine more to go.  Oh, what am I doing?”  Well, today (November 21st) is World Hello Day and the main objective is to greet at least 10 people today.  In person, is best, but you can be creative.  This 36^th Annual World Hello Day has 180 nations participating to emphasize the importance of personal communication for preserving or establishing peace. 

World Hello Day begun as a response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel in the Fall of 1973.  Brian McCormack, a Ph.D. graduate of Arizona State University, and Michael McCormack, a graduate of Harvard University, worked together to promote this annual global event.  

People all around the world use the World Hello Day as an opportunity to express their concern for world peace.  Activities include sending messages to world leaders encouraging them to use communication rather than force to settle conflict.  It is a global expression of peace. 

On the World Hello Day Website, http://www.worldhelloday.org they have 31 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize and others contributing letters (such as one from Mother Teresa shown below) of support for this day to be used as a tool for preserving peace and as an occasion that makes it possible for anyone in the world to contribute to the process of creating peace.  But, concern can be expressed in simply saying, “hello,” to at least ten people today.  Meaning that peace begins with two people breaking barriers.

When was the last time, that someone said, “hello,” to you.  Do you remember how good that can make you feel.  Or, when was the last time you said, “hello,” to someone or smiled at them.  I often find they smile back or say, “hello.”  It is an awkward moment because we are not used to it, but it shouldn’t be.  It breaks down barriers and begins communication which breaks down sterotypes and fears about “strangers.”  It unites two people for that brief moment or can make someones day. (or you can have fun just making people nervous…I’m kidding). These activities can be integrated into your normal daily life.  Imagine a world like that…it would be a much nicer place, a better garden for all.  Flowers run amok…oh, little out of control here.  Seeds being planted and flowers everywhere!!

Peace Out, CC!!

How will you participate today or on the day that you read this post?

How will you keep this a part of your everyday life?

Any other ideas or suggestions to make the global or personal garden grow?

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Top of the Pops:

For 42 years it ruled the British music scene with over 2000 episodes and a peak audience of 15 million.

In 2006 it was axed by the BBC.

Now after lobbying from the music industry it is rumoured to be returning in 2009.

Mark Cooper, head of music at the BBC, said he “would personally love to have a weekly music show on the BBC. It’s a Sleeping Beauty. One day it will come back, in the way that Top Gear and Doctor Who came back.”

Above: Nirvana TOTP performance where Kurt Cobain sings like Morrissey and grasps hold of his mic with both hands during his guitar intro.

The move has come after the lack of slots on British TV for music, especially with Jonathan Ross’s Friday show being pulled after Sachs Gate.

So what other television shows would you like to see return to our screens? Camberwick Green anybody?

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Well G’Day Flower Smellers, today has been one of interesting  and contrary moments, from everything being wonderful and going along just swimmingly thank you, to my visit to the hospital and the emergency surgery undertaken on my hand.

I went Gardening. Normally a relaxing passive past time, to sit and remove weeds or in my case grass, which has intruded into my flowers space, but today was different. After Hubby removed the side fence to our house,  I thought I would make a start on clearing along the fence line all the over grown ferns, grass and Blackberry bush which has taken up residence on the river bank. Nice in theory, not so happy in practice.

Happily I start, I move long the retired fence line to the thick fern area, no blackberry great, hubby had removed that earlier so I grab a handful of fern and Pull, “SCREAM” “Grab Thumb“, run inside calling to my Hubby.

So what had I done?

I impaled myself or at least my right thumb on my garden. Yes I did a good job, my hand for period of time contained a new addition, a 4 inch or about 10 cm piece of timber, which passed through the pad side of my thumb, all the way through to the nail side  with about an inch and half of wood inside it.

YES IT HURT ALOT!

Hubby took one look and Said “Oh well Yes that’s a Splinter“, By this time I am getting really angry at myself, jumping about quite a bit, pacing back and forth around my kitchen, the pain was growing. I think giving birth to triplets with no pain relief would have been less painful, seriously it was that bad.

To the Hospital

The receptionist called the nurse, who promptly looked and called the doctor, who then went “Oh!” “hmmm”, “All the way through well now” and “how did this happen?”, meanwhile I am sitting holding back tears, wanting to scream at the top of my lungs, THIS HURTS!!! GIVE ME DRUGS! But Hubby came to my rescue, my night in shining armour and gave her the details,  then added “I just told her to put on the Gardening Gloves!” Show off! It was true though.

So all the standard cleaning process was under taken and my hand, which was still covered in soil, was turning a lovely bonze colour, then out came the Needle.

MY GOD YOUR NOT STICKING THAT THING IN ME!

I am not sure which hurt more the anesthetic or my impaling. So the local anesthetic went in and whilst I cried like a baby with my wonderful hubby holding my good hand, My thumb slowly went numb.

OH THE RELIEF!

Once removed the true extent of what I had achieved with only few minutes gardening had become apparent as the blood flowed and the hole emerged I think I probably could use this newly acquired feature in some way.

Now just imagine what I could have achieved in a whole hour!

So now with my thumb disinfected, dressed, bandage and saved, the healing process has begun. Thankfully I have not recieved any permanent damage,

NO NERVES OR MUSCLES WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS POST! Pass the Tissue please Doctor!

However given the length of time it will take for this hole to heal, I have been given instructions as follows:

• No getting my thumb wet, Great Hubby to do the Dishes…
• Attend the hospital in the morning for a change in dressings. lots of blood
• Keep covered for several days, after 3-5 days get checked at the hospital if all good, then have dressings removed.. Hmmm that’s going to hurt.
• Take antibiotics for the next 2 weeks and wash with the antiseptic liquid or powder depending on how we are healing.

Ok stop there…

For years now I have used a little thing known as Colloidal Silver.  It is an antiseptic; a cure all and is the best thing for bathing any form of skin irritation/injury. Oh and it feels so soothing like cool water, but softer, no sting.

Now although there is no direct evidence of any therapeutic effects of using Colloidal Silver and when I was given a bottle, I was a little skeptical myself.  The results in my home speak for themselves, on my second son’s skin rashes, it worked magic even after the antibiotics and other treatments recommend by the doctors’ failed, I gave some to my girlfriend to try on sores similar to school sores her daughter had which were not improving after 3 weeks of antibiotics and they were gone in 3 days, on my own stitches they helped in a rapid healing, which the doctor was amazed by and even on Junior (Yes my Pup is still having issues, post update pending), Colloidal silver has aided in his recovery from the many injuries he continues to incur.

I am fortunate in that I can get this miracle cure all at anytime as I know a manufacturer, otherwise it would be impossible to find. Being so far from a major centre and not a health food store for 200 km it might take a while. Colloidal silver has been used for a very long time, to aid in healing all manor or complaints inside and out, you can drink a small amount, but this must be down with caution as silver can build up in system if abused, known as Argyria. However on a cotton ball and used as required it is a nothing short of a miracle.

We are building a nice natural First Aid Kit here in our garden. So your multipurpose, chemical free, toxin free Alternative First Aid Kit should at present include the following:

Colloidal Silver for use as antiseptic, as a cleanser for cuts, scraps, sores etc

Maluka Honey and Olive oil see GO! Smell my alternative recovery to surgery part 2!

Aloe Vera not the store bought but the Plant, minor burns, sunburn even just as moisteriser. Keep a piece in your fridge for a cool refreshing wipe when its hot.

I’ll throw another personal Favourite Magna Plasm, I tell you about this later.

So there you have it, I will keep you posted as my beautiful thumbs begins the healing process.

Place Your Gardening Stories Here…

What alternatives treatments can you add to the First Aid Kit?

Pass the Pain Killers please!

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Trust ~ verb. to place confidence in : rely on .

Vulnerable ~ adjective.  capable of being physically or emotionally wounded .

Risk ~ verb.  to venture upon; take or run the chance of.

My mental illness (U.S. definitions ~ major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder) has often revealed true friendship and trust. I’ve learned in painful ways that who I thought were my friends really were not. During my first hospitalization in the 1990’s, I lost a friendship of more than 15 years. Unfortunately, my hospitalization coincided with her boyfriend of seven years breaking up with her.

But, once I was released, we talked and she told me how I had abandoned her, in her time of most need.  Also, that she didn’t like the way I was acting before I went into the hospital and that she did not want to be friends with me if I was going to be that way again. We scheduled to get together and I cancelled deciding that it wasn’t a true friendship, if I have to be a certain way. This was quite a painful lesson. (By the way, I didn’t like the way I was acting either and the way I was acting was an indication that I needed hospitalization.)

Recently, since I’ve been letting more people know about the things in which I struggle, I have found that my feelings are often hurt the more I trust and become vulnerable. Generally, my moods and ability to deal with things are up and down. During these times, I am not my usual self. I become vague, tentative, quiet, confused and unable to track conversations. I had opened up with someone and apparently these behaviors are not acceptable for her to continue to trust me in a relationship.

Needless to say, I am angry, hurt and sad. However, I still believe that it is important to continue to reach out in trusting others which has taken me “forever” to learn.   With my history, trust is a hard fought battle, but I have seen and enjoy the benefits.  However,  I am a little more protective and cautious now as a reaction to recent events.   As a side note, I am having difficulty with a lot of intense emotions coming up in therapy, so I may appear inconsistent…please bare bear with me.  :-)  Really a mistake.  Thanks for letting me vent.

“We’re never so vulnerable than when we trust someone- but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy” ~ author unknown.

So how do you define friendship?

Is trusting someone worth the risk of getting hurt for you and why?

All comments welcomed.

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I’m having a hard time writing anything this week here in Canada. The temperature keeps going up and down and the situation at home is crazy! It’s been a rough one. My daughter has ADHD and she is in the middle of a re-evaluation. So this week, it’s no meds.

Now, what trouble can a 12 year old get in to anyways right? Wrong! I understand my job as a parent is to be patient, But what happens when your patience runs out? I am exhausted from trying to be patient. Everything inside of me holds in the screams and cries.

I can just hear the judging now. But, how can we learn from others when we don’t have anyone listen to us and help?

I was a young when I got pregnant. I was dating my first boyfriend at the time. I decided, yes, we would get married and have the baby because that would be the right thing to do. Little did I know he was abusive and liked to drink A LOT! I stuck it out for me and my daughter because I didn’t want to be done with my marriage at 23. But soon it was beyond safe and I had no choice, I had to leave. We snuck off in the middle of the night to a woman’s shelter.

Now, they are trying to rule out Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome because of the years I stayed. Life is not fair…

(I took this picture at the Calgary Zoo when I went this summer…his screaming really sums up what I am feeling.)

Part Two Later this week.

What do you wish you could do over and change in your life?

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Hi from Dubai folks!

Ever felt like we’re over populating this planet of ours (as we approach 6.72 billion) or am I biased being based in one of the fast growing places on earth?

Feel free to squeeze any of your thoughts on population control and reducing the bulge right here! Cheers.

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The controversial Israeli film Waltz with Bashir is an animated film about one man’s memories that resurface of his involvement in the Lebabon war in 1982 as part of the Israeli Army.

Surreal and showing that cartoons don’t just have to be for kids, the film treads a semi documentary style and asks hard questions about the massacre of Palestinian civilians.

The film has the tag line:

We may forget the past

But the past won’t forget us

Do you think that’s true? Can we bury bad memories, can we forget? Or do we walk around with time bombs in our heads? The wrong smell, the wrong taste, conversation, place or view and Blam the past surfaces to pull us back?

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Some can,

Some cant,