A picture says it all!

A star is born, 2nd July 2009, a few hurdles along the way, but we're getting there! Love, belief, a vision, strength, courage and persistence is all it takes!

My angel x

Very cheeky!

My happy bub xx

Getting so strong

and inquisitive!

Let the steroids begin :-(

Water baby x

My first Christmas

Cuddles with Mummy xx

My first birthday xx

2011 trip to New Zealand to see Dr Paul xx

Sisterly love xx

Yellow, black and blue arm from triple daily blood tests :-(

Big sister loves you xx

Mummy's birthday xx

2nd birthday in hospital xx

Tough times xx

Yet another hospital stay, more prodding, anaesthetics and a stomach PEG x

Water therapy with Miss Janet and Renay, my support worker (AKA B-Nay!)

My 3rd Birthday xx

Sophie's 5th Barbie Birthday! xx

Flat out at Physio!

Miss Meliss, keeps on believing xx

In my 'little room' at playgroup xx

Aug 2012, Adelaide to see Dr Siow

Healing time xx

Miss Meliss won't give up xx

Miss Meliss is still on my case! xx

Happy munchkin in the car xx

Big girl at playgroup xx

Big smiles for Mummy (November 2012) xx

A Voice for Choice

"I wanna give her the world
I wanna hold her hand
I wanna be her mom for as long as I can
and I wanna live every moment until that day comes
I wanna show her what it means to be loved"

These words replay over and over in my head and bring me to tears whenever I hear Mark Schultz's song, dedicated to his daughter. The words ring loud and clear about how he and his wife did not let what other peoples personal opinion affect the way they would see their daughter and what her life would be like.

Having stepped away from a really wonderful couple of days spent with like minded, passionate and inspirational people I find myself full of enthusiasm, motivation, warmth and strength to start making some vital choices in my life. I was invited to attend a 'family leadership' event, which in itself was quite confusing as to why I needed this. I am by no means a 'leader' for my family in the sense of being authoritarian or in charge, and have no intention of becoming this. What I did learn is that a leader is someone who practices 'Radical Solidarity'', expressing the concept of something which is extremely important to them in an integrated manner. Having often felt quite alone in the grand scheme of things I have come to realise that a leader does need to ask for the help of others to achieve their desired outcome, for you can try and try to do it alone, but will probably burn out along the way. What is important is finding those who will ride the waves with you, accept some days they will crash down on you and push you under, but that they will calm and let you ride the current and move forward, little by little.

I am, talking specifically about having a child with quite challenging needs, and am always taken back as to how many other, very 'normal', every day, clever, professional and gifted people are in the same boat. Prior to being blessed with Ruby I would never have imagined the sudden turn my life would have taken. I do not dwell on the fact that my life is a little more challenging than most, because everyone has their own 'stuff' to deal with, but what I have come to realise is that people need to understand what my family and I have gone through, and why I have made the choices I have. For it is only through knowledge and experience that society can start to change how it see's the world of 'disability'....there, I said it! BIG word for me to use as I believe that no matter a persons physical, mental or emotional state, EVERY SINGLE PERSON HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER and should not be seen any differently to anyone else. They should not be spoken down to or ignored for not having a mind of their own, they should not be pitied or cast aside.

Ruby has many, many friends who together just light the skies around them. Bringing joy, happiness, opportunities, meaning and passion to all in their presence. Our angels are not a 'label' or 'medical condition' they are not 'disabled' but very much abled. It's all about the rhythm of life and just going with the flow. Appreciating every single moment you share together, the people who are drawn in to our families because they too share the same faith and believe 100% in the families' values and vision. They believe in the choices families make and embrace and encourage them. For many parents who have a child with extra challenges they too are faced with their own challenges of asking for help, opening up and believing in themselves. I personally believe that it comes down to our assumptions of 'what would society think'? The truth is society are generally wanting to help and understand more, but are struggling with their own choices and beliefs. Until we each start to voice our choices and take a stand for what we believe in and want to see evolve and flourish in the world around us, nothing will change.

“You may think that in life, a lot of things happen to you along the way. The truth is, in life, you happen to a lot of things along the way.”

So whether you are a parent going through turbulent times of hospital stays, specialist appointments, therapy sessions, school choices and battling with the various 'systems', or a single career minded individual, I urge you to start making your OWN choices and voicing them. We each need to build upon ourselves as human beings to take charge of our lives, physically, socially and emotionally, mentally through knowledge and spiritually. Gaining an understanding of who we are and what we long to stand for. For me, I have learnt, so far, that I am a good mother (again, I am not one to big talk myself, so this is good therapy for me!) and I will do anything to advocate for my precious girls. I have learnt, only recently, that I can express my personal beliefs to others, and it's OKAY! I have learnt that no matter what any neurologist, metabolic professor, gastroenterologist, geneticist, ophthalmologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, friends and family say, that is their own opinion and they have absolutely no idea how things will pan out. After recently receiving some grim news from a professor, with no solid evidence, he finished with 'Only Ruby holds the answers to what will happen' and this is so so true.

All I can continue to do is be the best advocate I can be and voice my choices loud and clear!

In the words of Cat Stevens I shall finish with:

"Ruby be my love
you'll be my love
you'll be my sky above
who'll be my light?
you'll be my light
you'll be my day and night
you'll be mine tonight"

The Time for Change

2012 is the year of change and transition, so friends and strangers repeatedly tell me. The message is announced loud and clear and received with such abundance and joy from many, however often sniggered or scorned upon by critics and non believers of our 'developing' world.

I must say that in my personal experience, as an every day human being, carrying out every day tasks I can not agree more that the world as we see it is certainly in a whirlwind of change. During the past three years my world has changed remarkably, but his year is certainly in full swing of a massive overhaul and shake up. What this means, I don't know exactly, but what I have learnt is to just trust my inner most instincts and go with them. No matter how tough, silly, scary, frightening, scowled and sniggered upon, I must keep true to my beliefs and myself.

Numbers in particular have been playing a focal part in this rapid change, constantly reminding me of this personal wake up call almost like a kiss from heaven of reassurance. The numbers in particular are 11:11. I have come across many people now experiencing the same. Yes it could be put down to coincidence, but when the numbers 11:11 appear repeatedly throughout the day, week and months it does make me wonder! I have been assured that I am quite 'normal' to be experiencing such 'taps on the shoulder' from the universe which is a nice relief and so comforting to experience a connection with our spiritual selves, but can also be quite confusing and confronting.

These numbers also speak of alignment and awakening. The Universe aligning us back to a plan and purpose and intention for our life. We are entering a new season of spiritual awakening. A new time of heightened awareness and hunger for spiritual meaning and purpose and a new urgent hunger to know we are loved and to accept this love in ourselves. There is an invitation implied to trust in ourselves more deeply these days.

I have observed close family and friends experience such 'wake up calls' in a variety of forms; technology breaking down, friends and family dilemmas, business's breaking down, financial strains, health concerns, relationship struggles, sadness and loss. All of which are devastating in the moment, however when time passes they look back to see the gains they made, lessons learnt, new relationships built and rewards which gleam. With each struggle we face, disaster we rise above and heartache endured, with it all comes a period of change and transition. We wouldn't be human if we didn't experience the emotions, but imagine how wonderful it would be that through the experience we recognise that this is just a moment, that this isn't our life forever, that change will happen and we will transition to a richer path along our journey.

The term 'personal growth', 'change' and 'transition' can be considered and perceived as a selfish act by some who are not in a state of change themselves. Those people are stuck in their ways, have been that way for years and can make it very difficult for others, who are ready to take a peek around the corner to see what is on offer to them. It can be an extremely gut wrenching decision to 'think of yourself' and do what 'you want' despite what others may think and vocalise, as guilt can set in. From the words of Buddha, 'You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection'. Once and only once you have discovered love and affection for yourself and are on the pathway of fulfilling your own inner passion and vision will you then be truly content. As we are reminded more and more often life here is all about the journey, with twists and turns and change, do not get caught up in what your destination may be. Just trust and have faith in your inner self to guide you.

A wonderful example of trusting our inner selves and the journey we are on is to watch small children. Watch how they speak their minds, accept people for who they are and ask questions without judgement. They do not judge people by their accent, colour, size or ability. The way they learn to be judgmental is by watching others who judge. I recently had the delight to watch my four year old daughter describe, with such enthusiasm, how her class at 'pre-school' communicate with one of their class mates. She made me stop what I was doing and pay full attention to her, she then proceeded to communicate to me in sign language. My darling then went on to say how they play games together, what makes him laugh and feel better. I could not have been more overjoyed. It reassures me that I am playing such an important role in her life as she is in mine. This four year old certainly has come here as a 'crystal child' in order to reflect harmony, peace, and oneness into the Universe and I am honoured to be part of her journey.

Regardless of whether you believe and take comfort in this year being 'the' year of change and transition, take the time to think about how you embrace your life. Allow yourself to receive and appreciate that 'tap on the shoulder' in whatever form it may be. Rather than reach to the depths of despair and anger, try to rise a little, have faith and see that glimmer of hope along your journey, for it's just a moment. Don't lose sight of your soul, vision and purpose, as this is a time of personal awakening, and can be so very exciting!

Flavour of the month: FEAR!

"I watch her swim away from fear
toward a sea free from restraint

she does not look up or around
only within
breathing in and out, immersing and emerging

criticism crawls out of her body
as she glides into a confident sheath
peace ignites her core

for the first time she understands awareness
by being seemingly unaware

standing now she rises
her flesh propelled by bone muscle tendon
blood is rushing her heart awake

all love begins with self love
once you know you are the root of your own suffering
choose to disengage from the periphery
harness and recognise the strength inside
to magnetize

breath is the private mantra
guiding prayer
follow your feet knees hips
belly heart hands
be willing to lose your balance
surrender to what matters most
and dive into the unknown"

These are the words of Nancy Levin, poet, from the book 'Writing for my life...Reclaiming the Lost Pieces of Me, A Poetic Journey'

I have recently returned from an absolutely spine tingling soul filling heart restoring weekend in Sydney with a very close friend and soul sister of mine. Both of us searching for that little piece of us which has been hurting, sad, lonely, unanswered, angry, confused etc. From the moment we walked into the room of three thousand like minded people searching for the same,  great relief showered us.

This was a weekend of personal growth, grounding, possibilities, awakening and above all hope and faith.

I have come across so many people this month writing and talking about fear. Fear of the evil unthinkable illnesses which are placed in our childrens bodies, fear that we can't control it, fear we can't take away their pain, fear they will never get the opportunities and experiences that any other child would get, fear of lonliness, confusion, sadness and inevitable fear of the unknown.

A dear dear close friend of mine has repeatedly asked 'what are you fearing?' 'why fear it, when it hasn't happened?' it's so so true, but us as humans seem to just plumet into the dark hole of fear. Why? Human conditioning...we are born with only one fear...that of being dropped. We then get conditioned to fear everything and anything! One quote that particuarly resonated with me during the Sydney weekend was that alot of people like to be 'Masterful Problemsolvers' they are good at solving problems, at work, at home, with friends and family. People will go to those people for advice and help with their problems. The problem with this is that you will lead your whole life creating problems in order to solve!!!! If I am talking to you...perhaps you could try to manage this skill with clear boundaries, so you don't live your life full of issues to resolve. I know I am an expert problem solver!

I am so utterly fed up of people living their day to day lives in fear...BECAUSE OF WHAT SOMEONE ELSE SAID TO THEM. What gives them the right to have that power over anyone? I am talking, in particuarly, to the medical profession who admit they have no answers, or suggestions, or guarantees but still....'in their opinion...' NO NO NO. I come across so many families expecriencing the same over and over. I was one of them. Waking up each day dreading what MAY be, what MAY happen and guess what....it never did. Who knows if it happens in the future, but that's not for us to live in dread each day.

I have learnt to dissolve the fear, anger and hate and instead embrace the challenges, journey and lessons which are on offer to me. I feel blessed and at peace with this perspective and hope to encourage others to do the same. I thank my two girls, in particuarly Ruby for choosing me as their mum and bringing these challenges to me now as I have such an amazing life to look ahead at. We all do, just let go of the fear xxx

Realising Ruby: A Vision in the Midst of Chaos

I would like to share a short story I have written. This is for anyone interested in the journey of Ruby, for anyone going through similar times with a child with unique needs, and for anyone who is a little bit 'stuck' in their way of life. Hopefully this may give a new perspective on things.

Realising Ruby: A Vision in the Midst of Chaos.

There is one question a mother should never have to face, ever. "Do you wish to sign a Do Not Resuscitate form?" As this replays in my head over and over it's almost impossible not to just give up hope and lose all faith you may once have had. It appears that I may have just beaten the odds and come out on the other side. This is the story of my Ruby.

Ruby Grace, or as she likes to be known, RubyStar, soared into this world with such purity, beauty and grace. July second two thousand and nine was the start of one truly amazing and inspirational journey by far. This is the story of a little girl, with big eyes, who has made an impact on so many and will always be known as Little Big Eye's, a shining star, lighting up the sky of many. Ruby continues to be my teacher, in the course of finding my vision. Everyone has a "Ruby" at some point in his or her life, you just have to be open to realise them, just like I have realised Ruby.

Realising Ruby and understanding that she is perfect in every way is a gift. Through this awareness of how perfect and precious she is I have been able to see Ruby as nothing other than that, the most powerful gem in the universe. We, Ruby and I, encourage you to see past what appears to your naked eye, and instead see the abilities, the possibilities, the grace, the beauty, hope and open up your heart, mind and soul to how perfect Ruby is. Patience and an open heart is all that is needed to understand Ruby and her story. Although she does not have a vocal voice, she speaks far more words than many.
　
From then until now is a story by far, but seems to have flown like a high speed car,
With ten fingers and ten toes, a pouty mouth and cute button nose,
What a miracle I was, like any baby born, feed me, cuddle me, ahhhh yawn,
I love my sleep, playtime and friends, but who knew this was soon to end.

I was getting so strong and developing well,
until something happened and went off like a bell.
At nine weeks old I began to feel ill,
When asking for help I was handed a pill.

Excruciating pain ran through my spine,
If only we knew what had happened at the time,
From the top of my head to the tips of my toes,
I wish someone helped with my mummy's woes.

Doctor here, nurse there,
specialist appointments everywhere,
Colic or reflux, food allergy or intolerance?,
Are doctors really the experts? Please excuse my ignorance!

At sixteen weeks nothing improved,
In fact I was in a worse kind of mood.
Non-stop screaming and pain oh so sore,
It's hard to imagine what's through the next door.

Rushed to hospital, bright lights everywhere,
What's going on? We had absolutely no idea.
Then the time came where blue turned to grey,
Please oh please would it all go away.

Diagnosed with spasm and seizure activity,
It was all too unthinkable for my mummy and daddy.
What did this mean, where is our future now?
So many questions like why, when and how.

The next few months are quite a blur,
Too much to mention, or remembering where we once were.
All I can say is what a journey it's been,
But this world is a place with lots to be seen.

No matter my diagnosis,
or suggested prognosis.
I know now for certain,
I'm opening this curtain.

No more darkness or sadness or tears on board,
It's now time to be positive and cut that cord!
As human beings we must learn to just BE,
I will now start the story of Realising Ruby.

I take liberty to the fact that I am Ruby's mother and believe I have the right to express how she has felt over the months. I am her voice, her advocate, her carer, believer, apprentice, friend, teacher, nurse and overall specialist. Someone once said to me 'you are Ruby's specialist and the doctors are your helpers'. This is so very true. Doctors do not know everything and unfortunately sometimes lack the necessary communication skills to learn about and assist their patients. I have met far too many parents, in such a short space of time, living in fear, uncertainty and frustration. I believe it's imperative for a parent to have a vision, for themselves and for their child, no matter what their circumstances are. Locating your vision will open up so many doors, doors to knowledge, to hope and possibilities. For without these the world can be a very dark place.

From the eighth floor of the children's hospital a lady, shining from the streets below took my attention away from the solitude of the clinical hospital room. I knew I was meant to take a journey down to the street to buy a gossip filled magazine from the newsagents she stood in front of. In my state of delirium, worry and loneliness I made my way in the lift down to the street. I stood at the pedestrian crossing, just waiting, feeling empty and confused. I crossed the street, bought the magazine which was in an effort to fill a void in that moment of my life. When walking to the crossing again, waiting to take my steps back to the energy sucking rooms of the hospital, the lady, in a shining jacket, grabbed hold of me. Not physically, but somehow in her mere presence she pulled me over and began to chat to me. She asked questions of Ruby and why she was there. I said I wasn't even sure, everything was a blur, according to the specialist Ruby has epilepsy as part of an undiagnosed neurological condition, which for me was the end of the world. For in the few moments I spent with this lady, I did not get her name, nor see ever again, it felt like I had known her an eternity. She told me it would be okay and that doctors don't know everything. She explained that she had epilepsy and so do many others, it's really nothing to pour my energy into. I said goodbye, felt my body just melt with reassurance and walked back to that room free from the doubt I once had ten minutes a go. I placed the Big Issue magazine she was selling next to my bed and just let it be. For the majority of others she was a homeless nobody, to me she was a shining vision of an angel.

Angels come in all shapes, sizes, moments, thoughts and dreams. Prior to my Little Big Eyes soaring into my life with such grace and beauty I was so completely unaware of this concept. An angel is suggested to be a spiritual being, believed to act as a messenger or act of god. Well this was never a topic of discussion in the office lunchroom, of the life i once took for granted, nor amongst friends or family. So why was I so intrigued by this concept now? When pain, grief and loss hits you, you either stay down in the depths of misery or you reach out and learn as much as you can. So when therapists and friends began to appear in the lives of Ruby and me it was immediately obvious that these were our angels. Angels who were offering help, guidance, love, caring, reasoning, hope, support and sanity. These were not in my dreams or delirious visions of white wings and long floating gowns, but they were here, on earth, offering their skills and knowledge to help my little girl and me. I don't care what anyone else says, but these are my angels and always will be. They saved me. They keep me going and Ruby certainly knows that too. There is such calmness in the room, tranquillity and peace. This is what we all need in our lives at some point or another. Time to reconnect to what our heart and soul craves for. The craving is generally to grasp hold of your ultimate vision and believe in it one hundred and ten percent. Do not stop until you find your tranquillity and peace. For it is only then that you know that you are going to be okay.

Early two thousand and ten was just the start of what was to be a life changing, soul searching, spirit lifting journey. A journey of pain, sadness, grief, disbelief, anger but above all strength and determination. As I walked into the clinic, embedded in the city streets I felt uncomfortable immediately. What is with these clinics that have no customer parking? Why do they make it so difficult for people to attend an already nerve wrenching appointment, with no ease whatsoever to park their vehicle? The bright lights, cold air-conditioning and what seemed hostile greeting from the receptionist did not strengthen my faith in this appointment by any means. Mummy tiger stepped up a notch, just a little, and placed a bubble of protection around my little big eyes. She should not have to experience this, no one should. As we waited, and waited we went from one consult room, to answer questions which we should have just recorded to replay by this stage, back to the waiting room, to wait for the ophthalmologist. The next stage was a moment which I will never forget, the words 'she may never see' replayed over and over in my head. At first I was in shock, then angry, then confused, then absolutely shattered. What gave the right for someone, who has never met Ruby before and looked into her eyes for less than ten seconds, to say that to a parent? We were sent out of the room to pay our fees and leave. To say that this was a pivotal moment in the course of my vision searching was an understatement. What I should have said was that it was the small-minded people, such as herself who cannot see. My little big eyes has the ability to see far more than anyone I know, as no one has had the ability to touch so many and open up the world to so many people in such a short space of time. RubyStar could teach this lady the ability to see!

No one can deny the bond that mother and daughter share. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to learn and appreciate this, but for Ruby, well she wanted to teach people a lesson far earlier than most. In the short space of thirty three months the lives of so many have been completely shaken up, turned upside down, hit rock bottom, bounced up again and spun three hundred and sixty degrees. For some, it has been an experience and a half and they chose to ride the high speed current, embracing the journey. For the others, unfortunately they are in a place I like to call Angry Limbo. Angry Limbo is not a very pleasant place to stay for long periods of time and can make it extremely painful and almost impossible to see the grace of the world and what can be offered to them. With the term 'Vision' appearing again and again in our daily lives, particularly toward parents of a child with specific needs, it can create havoc and leave the feeling of emptiness and confusion. Vision, as most know it, is an experience of seeing. The ability to see what's in front of you, see colours, shapes, drive a car, watch a movie, see a smile, see a tear, see the ocean and the moon shine so bright. It gets to a point where, for most, this is taken for granted. Then it comes to the question, which is repeatedly put to us...But what is your vision?

'Vision', as Jonathan Swift once said, ' is the art of seeing the impossible'. To those who have been blessed with the inner guidance and wisdom, this comes somewhat easier than to the others still stuck in Angry Limbo. So, how do you get from the dark, miserable, mundane place to the idyllic lands of hope, faith and grace and live your life with complete and utter peace? Well from the journey I have travelled along side and under the angelic wings of RubyStar I believe I have knowledge and teachings to share with others to achieve your own vision, enabling you to move from angry limbo to peace.

As I entered the grand doors of the Golden Mosque, Brunei on September eleventh two thousand and eleven I had a vision pass before me. Here I was, just me myself and I, halfway across the world with time, time to just be. Time to be me. Entering the grand prayer room the rather humorous, but incredibly humble and proud tour guide instructed our small group to clear our thoughts and minds in order to make a prayer for ourselves. With this, we each stood there, still, and just embraced the moment. In this moment another vision entered my mind, body and spirit. The people of Brunei are some of the most happy and content people of the world. This does not come from monetary wealth or possessions, but rather from the vision of their people, community and country as an 'Abode of Peace'. As I left the beautiful Brunei I take such wisdom and wealth with me that money can never buy.

Continuing with the idea of a vision, it is only, as I believe, through learning, teachings and experiences that we start to trust ourselves. Trust our inner thoughts, our hearts and gut instinct. This is intuition. Intuition is to understand something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. To hear this word is quite confronting if you don't fully understand it, and to understand it you need to understand yourself and just trust yourself and your own being. For me, it has taken a thirty-three month old little girl, with big eyes, to teach me the art of trusting my intuition and hold on to my vision with great passion. Intuition and vision work hand in hand. 'If you limit your choices to what only seems possible or reasonable you disconnect yourself from what you truly want and disconnect yourself from what you need, and all that is left is compromise', as Robert Fritz put it. So in order to grasp hold of that long yearned for vision you need to learn to trust your intuition and dare to believe. This concept will apply to yourself as well as your children and family. If you hold onto your own vision filled with faith and hope then things become easier in your daily life and it will only illuminate the lives of others around you and assist them to start their own journey to enlightenment and discover their own vision...in the midst of chaos.

Dare to see, dare to believe and dare to just be. X

Food for thought...and soul!

        

It has been a little while since I updated Ruby's blog, as i've been trying to gather my thoughts as best I can. With so much happening each day it's often difficult to work out what developments there have been, changes etc...if any!

OF COURSE THERE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPMENTS! This IS Rubystar we're talking about. Recently a top paediatrician working on the RubyStar team said the following "Ruby is our medical conundrum"! This did make me chuckle. It just goes to show that no matter how many tests, medical journals, 'top doctors', medications etc are involved, doctors don't have the answers! So.....goes to show that there is SO much more to the human body, mind and spirit than we can see or understand.

I had the opportunity to go away for a few days to Stanthorpe, home of the delicious apple and grape...and plenty of vino of course! Five amazing, dedicated and passionate women, also mothers, went away together for a well deserved break from their precious children to gather thoughts, energy, motivation, friendships and food for the soul! I did also manage to indulge a little in the local retail outlets! Ooopsie!

During this weekend away I encountered a number of valuable 'reflections' on life! When out to lunch at The QLD College of Wine and Tourism, enjoying an absolutely scrumptious lunch and wine tasting the ladies were debating whether to have desert there, or at The Bramble Patch, another delightful spot for sumptuous treats and....of course, wine! Then....Gemma, the host came up with a brilliant idea "you are allowed two deserts"!! WOW what a life changing experience that was! That comment in itself made me realise how stuck we are in 'what society frowns upon'. Why the heck shouldn't we be allowed two deserts if we feel like two deserts!...Not every day of course, but with the job that we have, day in, day out....for goodness sake we deserve to indulge a little! Just so you know...I went for the extra glass or two of wine rather than desert!

After gorgeous crisp sunny days the sun would go down so gracefully with the picturesque surroundings, to allow for the blaze of the roaring fire to fill the extremely large family cottage with 'that ambience'. That ambience being warmth, comfort, healing and nurture. There is something about a log fire, with everyone enjoying a book, sharing photo's and conversation, and of course a hearty glass of soul warming red wine! This was pure bliss, in its most simplistic form. As benjamin Franklin stated "A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as body"

After recharging the spirit and soul we made our way home. With new knowledge, new friends and for me, another urgency to feed MY soul full of love, laughter and life- for Ruby's sake.  It is in fact the other way around. Ruby is the one who is feeding my passion and hunger for knowledge, healing, happiness and love. She is in fact, perfect just the way she is. xx

"and what, Socrates, is the food of the soul? Surely, I said, knowledge is the food of the soul" Plato.