'New Beginnings'

Hi All!

Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy. 

Well, before continuing, thanks to all who replied to my last blog. It was amazing the different opinions I received in return. Regardless, the 'thank you's' were just as special as the depth of opinions.

Before writing this blog, I was looking at old photos. It's amazing where this takes your headspace. I feel I am wanting to reminisce at this time, for various reasons. Mostly because Tim, Gloria (our little pug...yes 'Gee' the little human) and I are embarking on a new journey. For those of you who may not know, we bought a block up in the Alpine region of Victoria last July. For the past 12 months we have been commuting back and forth from the block, checking the progress on the 115 plants Tim, Dad and I planted on a perfect 20 degree day last Spring. If there was a day to look back on, this was one of them. It is amazing how satisfying planting is! Talking of reminiscing, I always remember Dad talking about different trees and grass when we were young. I can now understand why it was a passion of his. There is something about planting trees, it certainly is grounding.

'Dad & I Planting'

As from July 1, we are settling into a little cottage in Bright, which for those who don't know Bright, it is near Mt. Hotham in Victoria. Most people know this area & surroundings as the High Country or Alpine region. After searching for a rental for close to 6 months, we came across a gorgeous renovated, 3 bedroom cottage. The bathroom is decked out with the old cast iron bath & basin, and in the front room there is a gorgeous fire place. Two things I see myself enjoying over the snow season! Our new address is 80 Delaney Avenue. I lived in a rural area in South East Queensland called 'Delaneys Creek' before moving south, so the name feels familiar.

'Our new rental'

During our time here in Bright, we will commence building on our 5 acre block near Mt. Buffalo/Myrtleford, which is approximately 20 km's from our rental. We have decided to go owner builder and build a 3 bedroom, fully 

eco-friendly cottage. For warmth, we are purchasing a 'Stanley' cast iron stove, which includes hydronic heating in each room. We are also using an Australian made and owned worm farm waste system, and solar panels will also be the obvious inclusion to being fully self sufficient, off the grid.

So, with only two weeks to go, we are preparing for our major adventure! Packing feels unusual. In our home here in Melbourne we have

shared love, given love, exchanged happiness, expressed sadness, written music, played music, recorded music, shared music, raised a puppy, loved a puppy, shared stress, released stress, slept for hours, sat for hours, cooked food, celebrated food, enjoyed coffee, sipped tea, given gifts, received gifts, read books, taught some friends, played piano, shared stories, laughed with others, cried with some, shouted, smiled, hugged...wow!

Living in Melbourne has been a huge stepping stone for me. I have learnt alot about myself here and have realized cities are an amazing place to be. Melbourne has taught me to let go and allow everyone to just be. It is amazing how often I've tried to control situations and in the end, only put myself into a darker space. Over time, I have learnt (and still am learning) to float like a leaf in a stream. It is difficult to allow others to just be, especially the people who are closest to us. The word unconditional is a life long lesson!

Tim and I will be commuting back to Melbourne fortnightly for my teaching and also Tim's involvement at Revolver studios on Chapel St. I have 19 gorgeous students who I would like to continue supporting until I feel it is time to part ways, which I don't want that day to come!

Tim and I will be continuing our music love in Bright. I have recently changed my teaching business, PianoBiz4Kidz, to Alpine School of Music (www.alpineschoolofmusic.com.au). On Tuesday I had my second meeting with the Principal of St. Marian Catholic College in Myrtleford, in regards to conducting after school tuition. It turns out they haven't established a music department at the college and fortunately, I have been offered the head role as their music teacher, which means I will teach grades 7 - 12 if I choose to take the position. 
There are four schools in Myrtleford who have merged together to invest in the building of a Performing Arts Centre, which they received a grant from the government. The completion date is end of August, all being well. I was given a tour of the inner construction on Tuesday, and to my surprise, it was very impressive. For a medium size community, the Centre is very well designed, including a staged auditorium to seat 250 people, two soundproof studios, as well as a small classroom for workshops. I have been offered to conduct after school tuition once the building is completed. My next step will be attending their board meeting to share my ideas regarding the marketing and promotional aspects of the Centre.

Tim is currently working on a few ideas to set up DJ nights in local areas (which will be great over the ski season), and will be mixing our live set for Pyramidfx during his spare time. His mind is full of creative ideas and now he will also enjoy the creative space and balanced lifestyle. Gloria will be loving her daily walks, her food and her snoozes beside the fireplace!
So with all in place, Tim & I are hiring a 3 ton truck and will be loading up our belongings! I walked out the front of our home & saw the 'for lease' sign. Weird. Tim's been here 8 years & me 4 1/2, so we've created such an enjoyable space together. But! Time to move on and explore some mountain air :)


Thanks to all who have given us love! 


& please join my blog & keep sending those emails through!

'Us'

'Gee Gee playing in red soil on our block'