9 Moons Ago

I’ve had such overwhelming support from family and friends over the past weeks, which has got me thinking of those loved ones who I did not get to say “goodbye” to after I moved to Australia..the ones who I will always miss, now that they are gone. It made me realize that I do not want to spend such long long times away from people whom I care deeply about. I can not keep letting time slip through my fingers. But I know that love never dies and that I can get through grief when I need to… I have done it before.

One person whom I lost was my Aunt Marie’s father, Richard Kelly, who would sing to me when I was about 5 or 6, and taught me my first songs on the piano, before I began lessons. He was like a grandfather to me in a way, and I still think of him often.

This song was originally sung by Ray Bolger, and was covered by various other artists, including Frank Sinatra. I had a hard time finding a good sample of it..and none with Ray Bolger, but though this is quite cheese-y in some ways (like the intro), I like the way it was filmed and the singing and song itself make me smile.
This was my special song from Mr. Kelly, and it will always make me think of him:

I have many people still in my life, and each one of you has a special memory or item that I call upon when thinking of you. I carry all of you in my heart on this difficult, but rewarding journey. My love and happiness to all of you dear folk, new and old.

The doctor says that I am fine to fly, that there should be no increase in meds, that he will write a letter to my new doctors in the States. I am well on my way! Have had a good long chat to my Mom today and my family is just as excited as I am that I will be coming OVA! Finally.

Less than 2 weeks. EEEP!

I am happy. And I am getting back to being healthy rather quickly. Had some hearty laughs with Daniel and Cameron who took me out for lamb shish tonight. I am even thinking of painting a little, once I have most of my things packed. I can’t say enough good things about all of you who have helped me just by a word or two. Every bit of support makes me feel your love, as cheese-ball as that sounds! I love you, too!

The link below provides info for the upcoming (no name) art group exhibition, which will benefit the El-Shadai Foster Home in Uganda. Along with 34 other artists creating portraits for the Home’s Children, I’ve contributed a portrait for a beautiful 14 year old girl named Tabitha. The children in the home will be sent their own portrait to keep, after the exhibition.

There will also be handmade crafts made by the children for sale at the gallery. If you’re in the area, please drop by next Saturday! I won’t be able to attend myself, but plenty of warm and lovely friends & family of mine will be there, so you’ll be quite welcome. If you can’t attend, please follow the links on the site, and consider making a donation to this worthy cause:

Memory Portrait Project

I can’t believe that this little guy is turning three!
This picture was taken in the summer of 2005. Awwww. I have it by my bedside and see it every morning.:

Happy Birthday Isaac!, “Good night joggers, go go go!
Good night dawdlers, why so slow?”
and Happy Birthday to his Dad, Zach, for Saturday!

I’ll be calling sometime soon, family. Unfortunately, my tonsillitis has returned a few days after I finished my course of antibiotics. So it’s off to see the doctor in Eltham again today.

(UPDATE for family/friends: I’m on a new course of antibiotics now, with a refill, and have a recommendation for an ear drop med. if the pain in my ear gets to be too much…. I’d email you, or call, but I’m off to get some seep now and posting here is quicker. Talk to you sometime soon, tho.)

The portrait is just about finished. Just a few more details and I’ll send it off early next week. YAY!

Also, for my friends in the Melbourne area, I thought I’d let you know of an upcoming fund-raising event which helps people in Vietnam. If you’re interested in attending please don’t hesitate to go to the website and/or contact Karen for more information:

“Lifestart Foundation is a non-profit charity registered in Victoria, Australia. Founded by Karen Leonard, it has been created to help orphans, street kids and families in Vietnam to become self-sufficient.
Lifestart Foundation is currently sponsoring street kids into apprenticeship programs, sponsoring entire families through the Support a Family program and assisting orphans and orphanages in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.
Lifestart Foundation is a grass-roots organization run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Run entirely on good-will, the foundation guarantees that 100% of all donations go directly towards assisting and providing for children and families in need.
The Foundation raises funds independent of donations to cover travel and administrative costs.”

Christmas in July

DINNER DANCE & CHARITY AUCTION

Saturday, 28th July 2007 @ 6.30pm

501 Receptions
501 Barkly Street Footscray

3 Course Dinner, Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks included

Tickets: $65 per person; $650 per table of 10; $780 per table of 12

Dress: Black Tie
Music by: Minute by Minute

To learn more or reserve a table, go here. (Click under EVENTS for the fund-raising info):

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