Down Memory Lane!

You'll not get me admitting my age - unless you insist, but lately (as a result of moving house - once again), I found myself going through some old photograph albums and loose photos.

As as aside I often wonder what the present generation is going to do in seeking photos of their forebears and relations (other than going via the internet) without the advantage of old photos. There are people who are transferring all this information to their iPhoto files I admit, but can you fit them all in, and surely there must be hundreds that are missed, in the process.

However, I digress.

I discovered a funny thing. Although I was told, repeatedly, during my growing up years that I was "fat" and more to the point unacceptable, within the family to some extent as well as to society as a whole, I look at some of my photos and I can't believe I ever took upon myself the "guilt" associated with believing I was excessively over-weight! And it's a mighty burden to bear. Not the weight, but the guilt!

Because I'm astounded to see in those photos that yes, I'm a generously endowed girl/woman, but I'm not fat. And certainly not "obese" as I was described so many times.

Negative words, cruel words, scathing words, scalding words, inappropriate words such as "obese" and now "morbidly obese" do nothing for the person who does not fit the mould of "petite" or thin. Those negative words break down whatever self-esteem or confidence that person has, and can debilitate them into becoming disillusioned, confused, insecure people. And those feelings can last a life-time and can have irreparable consequences.

So only yesterday when I was visiting my Dr (he had previously been my Doctor before I moved up-country two years ago), he re-affirmed my feelings of self-worth by telling me, you're not obese, only perhaps a bit overweight.

So that brings me to the point of my topic today. Sometimes it's a matter of walking down memory lane and remembering things and people and circumstances and happy times and even sad times with a mind that also balances the idea that "hey, I'm a very special person as I am,regardless of my age, size and shape! Just as I am - right now!" We have to allow ourselves the freedom of seeing ourselves as special and valuable to ourselves.

Want to get in shape?

Find yourself a new lover, says an Italian research team.

The "heady" feeling (all to due to chemicals in our brain and our body) of romance has been found to have the same effects as chocolate and other sugary treats on the body!

I guess it all depends on what you really need. Are you satisfied with the lover you have? If not then perhaps all you need to do is to replace him with chocolate. Dark chocolate is best, because it has many benefits to the human body and brain!

If you want to eat chocolate as well as enjoy a lover, and you're not satisfied with your present one, then finding a new one (and keeping him!) might do the trick.

Don't get "needs" mixed up with "wants" though! You can always overdo things, as we all know!

Silk, Silk, Silk

There are literally hundreds of thousands of websites that hold an interest for each one of us. I don't think I've even touched upon a quarter per cent, in fact I'm sure I haven't.

But this blog of mine is to give you bits and pieces of information, gossip and trivia. Some serious, some humourous, some general information and some that will make you want to make further enquiries and to even establish new interests and hobbies.

I'd like you to visit Teena Hughes blog at http://abfab-art-studio.blogspot.com/2010/02/maharajahs-purple-elephant.html

If you love painting on silk and you can be tempted into joining Teena and a group of ladies in Paris, on a Fantastique French Textile Retreat, then read further.

Paris is tantalising, tempting and hard to resist, and is the superb backdrop for Teena Hughes' week-long textile adventure encompassing silk painting workshops and exploring the hidden arrondissements (districts) far from the tourist crowds.

Handpainted silk habotai with French dyes by Teena Hughes
If you've always wanted to learn how to paint on silk, and have dreamed of visiting Paris and being captured by her spells, then this is the adventure of your dreams.

The first evening will be spent enjoying a Champagne Cruise on the River Seine, followed by dinner in a delightfully typical French bistro.

Morning workshops are held in a private studio, and afternoons are spent meandering through ancient cobblestoned streets to find little treasures, drinking coffee or wine in sidewalk cafés, and getting to know the locals. A visit to a textile museum and a fashion parades also form part of the package, which includes accommodation (full details on the webpage).

The next annual Silk Painting Adventure in Paris hosted by Teena Hughes is from 27th June to 4th July, 2010.

Teena's Handpainted Silk Clothing Collection and Interior Design Collection are well-known for their vibrant colours and sumptuous silks. When website visitors and clients comment on the abundance of vibrant colour, Teena explains she learnt to paint on silk in Paris many years ago, and continues to use the ancient techniques to ensure the quality of her textile designs.

During the week Teena shows you the Paris she has come to love over the past 30 years, and before you know it you'll feel like a local. (One-Day Adventures are also available.) Join Teena to explore and discover the hidden Paris, and have lots of fun and laughter along the way. For more information please sign up at http://www.a-night-in-paris.com/silk-painting-france.html - or - http://abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Teena Hughes is a silk artist, textile designer and fashion designer who creates stunning unique wearable art and interior design collections. Teena creates gorgeous fashion in bright colours and bold designs. Please visit http://AbfabDesigns.com - Teena fell in love with Paris 30 years ago and continues to write about the city she loves - http://www.a-night-in-paris.com

And here’s another idea to think about - for those readers in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Teena has been in discussions about hosting the Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Sydney and Melbourne. Both a one day or two day event and a week long event. Maybe even Perth, if there are plenty of plus size stores there.

Now, here’s a challenge and a wonderful opportunity. I can’t recall anyone at any time organising such adventure tours (although it has been something badly needed for too long), and I’d encourage you to think about joining Teena and friends if you are able for the one or two day adventures. Visit her websites and read up the details and then contact Teena direct. I know she’ll love hearing from you.

Been out of touch!

Did anyone miss me? Be honest. It's not as though my blog is up there with the "greatest", but to me it's special.

To cut a long story short, many things took up my time and concentration over recent months. Not the least a few health issues, and then having to pack up to move house again. Then of course there are all sorts of things going on with any of us at any one time, and so time flies by. But I think I'm back on track again, so here goes.

When I tell people I have to "re-locate", I am usually met with lots of quizzical looks. Being a "renter" means a person has to chase rentals that are affordable and can offer as many conveniences as possible. Which is getting harder and harder to find - you've probably found this yourself in recent years.

And when you see one advertised that you like and you think will like you, it's a matter of being available to "view" the house (which can be difficult if it's hundreds of kilometres away and you are only advised that the viewing day is 24 hours away). Then you're never sure whether you'll be the fortunate one to get the house, as there are inevitably lots of other hopeful rentees eager to get in before you.

Now this is a interesting fact I found in my most recent searches for a rental house. And I'll tell you another little story about finding a house a little later. But getting back to the facts, over decades I've been faced with a few instances of "discrimination" (not that anyone will admit to being discriminatory, oh, no) in such a not-so-subtle way. Property Managers often look at a plus-size person as being "not quite the person we'd like to take up residence in our client's property". Have you ever been faced with this? There's not much you can do about it but smile at the silly excuses or explanations why you don't meet the criteria, and get on with looking elsewhere.

This time it was different. And I think one of the reasons might be that the lovely Property Manager is a lass with a nicely rounded figure. She's adorable, approachable, likeable, and has a great personality.

I don't think I'm imaging things, but it would be interesting to hear what some of you feel about how you're treated by "professional" people in your community. Do you have any problems at all?