Big Red

As I am writing, I can't help but shed a tear for this huge, beautiful icon of a creature that had been a part of our lives for so long. He is greatly missed around home....

 

Big Red, as we named him, was bought with his 'mad' mother at Dandenong Sale Yards in 1996. He was a Saler breed and a magnificent calf with impressive maturing horns. He initially spent a year on a Seymour property in Victoria, then resided for the next five years in an agistment paddock in Epping. Red somehow always managed to be 'not quite right' for the next load of cattle to be sold. I believe the reason for this was that we were curious to see how big he and those horns would grow.

 

Well, he grew alright! In 2002, when the Middle Tarwin farm in South Gippsland was purchased, we transported Big Red to his new home, but first had to walk him around to the neighbor's open race, as he had outgrown ours. Red's back had now reached a height of six feet and his huge head carried the most beautiful set of horns, which protruded approximately three feet outward on each side. Encompassing his solid build was his glistening, red, curly, healthy coat and the end of his long tail boasted a contrasting blonde color. He was stunning and proud and we had become very fond of him.

 

As it happened, Big Red became the leader of the pack. He would introduce the arriving cattle to their new surroundings, water etc. and would lead them into the strip-grazing paddocks as required. As he knew the farm so well, he would also play a huge part in bringing the cattle up to the yards. This meant crossing the steers over the bridge above the Tarwin River, which runs through our property. It used to be a very challenging task, especially before the fences and lane ways were erected, but Red was sensational at his job, for his sheer presence demanded respect from the other cattle and they would follow him like sheep.

 

We could never get closer than about a metre to Red before he would throw his head/horns around to warn us off. This wasn't done aggressively, but just enough to let us know he didn't want to be touched. Mind you, we'd had him eat bread out of our hands occasionally, especially coffee scrolls. He had such a sweet tooth and loved treats.

 

Drenching time wasn't much fun. We couldn't walk Red into the crush, so he'd be placed in the smallest area within our yards, and it was an effort trying to back-drench him when he'd be turning in circles! All parties involved were relieved when the task was completed.

 

As time went on and Big Red grew older and slower, arthritis began to creep into his back legs. We'd retired him from his cattle job and placed him in the drive-way and around the house to 'lawn mow'. It was warmer for him too, as there were more trees present than in the open paddocks. He loved it in his new area and soon became the daily attraction of many passing admirers, especially the school bus. The kids looked forward to seeing him and would ask the bus driver to slow down so they could get a good look at him.

 

Red was also a great watch dog, as strangers visiting the farm would look and think twice before entering! Red did look quite scary if you didn't know him, and I'd given up counting how many times someone asked me, 'Is that a Texas Longhorn bull?'

 

Sadly on Friday the 5^th of August of 2011, Big Red faced his final hours, after a long and happy life of sixteen years, due to old age and progressing arthritis. He is now buried on the farm and will always be remembered as the statuesque, proud and stunning bullock that he was. People had warned us in the past not to become emotionally attached to our farm animals, but we wouldn't trade one moment of our past with Big Red. Luckily we have many beautiful portraits of him hanging on our fridge that his young fans had drawn of him over the years and many amazing memories we will cherish. We will surely miss the big fella for a long time to come......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Grade One Experience

It was 1971 and I'd completed six months of schooling (grade prep) in a foreign country, our new home, Australia. The experience had been frightening, daunting and challenging, yet also exciting, as I had mastered the English language by then and was finding my feet in this multi-cultural environment, and I was glad.

Over the summer holidays I looked forward to entering grade one in the new year, as I was regaining my confidence. I remember commencing school, happy to be reunited with my new friends I had made in grade prep and excited what the school year ahead would bring. Unfortunately, I had no idea what was in store for me, or how my ego would be deflated time and time again.

 

Her name was Mrs. Somerwell and she was my appointed grade one teacher.

She was a middle-aged, skinny presence with red, curly locks and wore a million freckles on her face and arms. What I remember most about her is the tone of her high-pitched, loud, clear, fast talking voice. She was short, sharp and to the point – and she hated me! It didn't seem to matter what I said or did, I always felt I was a kid she couldn't stand the sight of. I certainly wasn't as cute as some of my fellow students, in fact I have never in my life been classed as 'cute', as I have always been tall for my age, and as an adult I stand at 180cm.
 

So, as a six year old, having desperately attempted to win Mrs Somerwell's approval to no avail over the entire school year, I felt my chance had finally arrived as the year was coming to a close.

We were planning a class school Christmas production and we needed a Christmas tree. My father had just purchased a small fir tree for our front garden. It was only about three foot high and would be perfect for our play.
 

After attempting to tell Mrs. Somerwell, who seemed to continue to ignore me, numerous times that I had the perfect tree for our special event, she finally acknowledged my offer. She obviously hadn't been able to get her hands on one! I was so pleased, in fact, I literally couldn't wipe the smile off my face, no matter how much I tried. Finally this woman, my role model, would accept me. It's taken 12 months, but I had finally won her over!
 

However, my celebrations, good intentions (and my smile) were soon squashed, leaving me feeling empty and deflated once more. It was made very clear to me by Mrs Somerwell, how stupid I was to offer a tree, which was planted in the ground!!! Yes, my father had planted the tree, however being a six year old, I was none the wiser and didn't realise it was a problem... 　

A healthy self esteem is of the absolute importance to own in life. This is the seed which drives us, forms our belief systems and keeps us positive and capable, no matter what life throws our way. Our young minds learn from our family members, our peers and significant adults in our lives, such as school teachers.

Although I have obviously moved on from my negative grade one experience (although I remember it clear as day), it saddens me to think there are children still going through these sorts of challenges, when it shouldn't and needn't be so. Children are like sponges and retain the words and the feelings they bring with them. When you communicate with a child, please be mindful of this.

The children are our future.... 

 

 

CAM ABOOD – A True Gentleman...

Sometimes in life you meet extraordinary people along your journey. Sometimes by chance, sometimes only fleetingly, however they leave a significant, lasting impression upon your heart, and just seem too good for this world.....This was the case with Cam Abood, 1943 – 2015.

　

I could not believe what I was reading! I was casually scrolling through Face Book two weeks ago, when I came across a post from The Bass Coast Police in South Gippsland. 
 

With fitting words, they were respectfully honoring their Justice of the Peace, who had passed away after a short illness. To my complete, overwhelming shock, I realised this wonderful man was my marriage celebrant and had joined my husband and I in matrimony in 2012 on a beautiful summer's evening at Venus Bay beach, Victoria. I remember Cam saying during his many years as a celebrant, it was the largest wedding crowd he had ever spoken in front of – and he managed it beautifully. 

I really know very little about this inspiring man, except that he was one of the most gentle, genuine, lovely souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Through his approachable, thoughtful, kind, professional manner, my husband and I were made to feel like our wedding ceremony was the most special and important Cam had ever performed, as would have been the case with all his many happy customers! 

It was such a pleasure meeting this unique man and I will continue to cherish Cam's memory, not only because he lovingly played a significant role on our wedding day, but because it's not often you meet people like Cam in life. A true gentleman, who sadly passed away too soon, yet has left behind a wonderful legacy. I know for certain this man will not be forgotten in a hurry.

May the Angels hold Cam in their arms now and always....

Guidance To Remember Always...

Be the best person you can be at any given time, then let go and trust that the Universe will love, support and guide you through your lessons.

Remember you are never dished out more than what you can handle.

Do not take other peoples' issues on board, as they are not yours to take.

Change your belief systems to healthy ones, and once again, have faith that you will attract the right situations into your life.

Know you are special. Everyone is special!

Know you are human, and humans aren't perfect.

Be kinder to yourself. You have so much love and wisdom inside you.

Don't be your own worst enemy to prevent you from reaching your highest potential.

Be open to opportunities instead of sabotaging them.

Dare to open your heart and trust.

Let your Truth shine always....