I missed posting last Sunday.

I spent the day at ReActivate Latrobe Valley‘s event: Get Cheffed and was straight to bed at the end. The event was fun. We had around 500 local food lovers come through our market and 100 spectators for the main event. The marquee was full of supporters who by pledging to our crowdfunding had made the Chef off and Chef up a reality. So many people contributed to the day and donated their time or cash or goods. It is overwhelming sometimes how generous people are.

My parents had their 53rd wedding anniversary this week. I got married on the same day as them, 30 years ago, but did not go the distance, despite choosing what I thought would be an auspicious day. I only lasted around 5 years married. Enough time to have two amazing children, so no regrets.

Jane had her final day at Serving the Valley on Friday. She worked tirelessly right up until the last second following up opportunities for participants and sharing news on social media. We will miss Jane’s dedication to Serving the Valley, but fortunately we work together on other projects and are friends. Jane has volunteered at The VRI and Traralgon Neighbourhood House from the start. I am happy for her that she has a more rewarding job and I believe she will make a greater contribution where she is going and that she may be able to improve opportunities for more people. Jane is one of the kindest people I know. We had a great party on Friday night!

Lots of other stuff has happened and I’m left tonight feeling very grateful for all the wonderful people we have on our teams. People who step up to help out and support in lots of ways. Brilliant people who roll up their sleeves and get stuff done, and make it fun.

Moments

February 11, 2018

johblogs

community gratitude reflection work No Comments

Each week lots of little things happen that give me big joy. It’s challenging to describe my work week sometimes, so much happens….

I watched my friend Jane deliver her first yoga class here to a room packed with people. Jane headed off to India for two months to explore and be trained as a yoga teacher. We advertised her karma classes little over a week before. Lots of positive feedback. On a personal note it was the first yoga class I’ve attended for around 30 years (apart from YouTube classes). I loved it! Just got to get to bed early so I can get up.

I went to a meeting for Get Cheffed. Two of our chefs know each other very well as Megan was Manny’s apprentice. As the friendly banter went on, Manny very genuinely said he hopes Megan beats him because he trained her to be better than him. That’s a boss I want to see training our youth. As the team ticks off all the details that have gone into this epic undertaking I feel in awe of all the work, the quality of the work and the generosity of our foodie and business community. An impressive lineup of people from crowdfunding supporters, businesses sponsors, food industry celebrities and some govt funds is going to equal something very special for Gippsland and our team has plowed through the many stages of putting this on.

An irreplaceable belonging went missing this week. Our crew were horrified and went into action to track it down. I’m not sure who or how, but the item was returned within hours of it’s disappearance. A bit of detective work and an honest phone call led to the item returned to its owner with huge smiles all round.

A past participant returned to prepare nibbles for our Art Exhibition opening. He’d joined Alt_Art for a meeting and one of the artists had told him about a job opportunity and he got the job! He was so grateful he came back to give a few hours of time and $$ for ingredients to make a delicious feast for our event.

I was given a ticket to Pause Fest. I enjoyed all the speakers I heard. I bumped into a past student who I remembered loved to draw. He has turned his passion into a multi-media company and his work is amazing.

Lots of other stuff happened too but I’ve ran out of time.

Car Parks

February 4, 2018

johblogs

astrology reflection self care No Comments

Last Sunday seems like a month ago! A great and full week. My daughter started a new job that she loves – I love it when good things happen for my loved ones.

I went for float #3 and I have to say it just gets better. I had a massage as well, so I’ve been extremely relaxed!

I joined the 5th birthday celebrations of the amazing Paper Dolls last night and it was laughter, fun and good company. The Paper Dolls are are an empowering dance ensemble who practice in Morwell and perform all over Gippsland. ReActivate HQ space was transformed. Here’s a pic of the delightful Poppy Playdate training us to applaud at the appropriate moment.

This is my favourite clip from 2014 #GetSunflowered season. We’ve been getting heaps of enquiries about the sunflowers – fingers crossed for next season.

This week the carpark reality set in. The posters promised 90 new carparks but the loss of trees is a sad side effect. Here is a before and after. Fortunately it looks like the plane trees will remain, but our courtyard will be less protected and need more watering.

This is what it used to be like:

This is now:

I have to wonder about carparks. I use them so before I complain, maybe it’s time to walk more.

It reminds me of the pop up park in Tarwin St. The loss of four carparks seemed enough for it’s removal.

I still love this great social media (satire) comment made by Alt_Art co-director Steph (who also started a new job this week-well done!):

This weeks local news:

http://www.latrobevalleyexpress.com.au/story/5203007/tarwin-street-institution-gone-with-closure-of-tanias-deli/

Things that make you go mmmmmm

The eclipse brought many changes and most of them were happy ones for me. The challenging ones have now transformed me and will bring the goods in the long run. The Leo eclipse was in my 8th house can you tell?

My favourite TED talk for this emotional eclipse week was:

The gift and power of emotional courage

Two Weeks

Moments

Car Parks

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