Spring! #newbeginnings #newseasons #love

At last Spring has sprung!  Its time to break out the deck chairs, open those drapes, toss the cover rugs, wash everything in sight, make the house sparkle like the sun, open the bubbly stuff and, wish your partner cheers as you hand him the list of jobs which I have just mentioned.

Seriously, Spring is a beautiful time of the year where you can see, you can feel, and you can witness new birth, new beginnings. You see churches and chapels fill with well wishers for the couples venturing on new horizons. The beaches start filling again accompanied with the smell of the coconut oil wafting. The ice creameries peddle their latest spring flavour.  The bistros and the side walk cafe's start filling again with people, half clad, chomping on salads so as to rid themselves of the winter comfort food inches, that they have gained. The hair removal salons are packed to the rafters with men and women seeking their Amazons be turned to Brazilian wonders.

To me spring is a time of looking to a new future. It's a season of hope. It's a season of looking back briefly to the past, checking the things you have accomplished in those darker and colder times. Strategically deciding if the things of the past should indeed be left there and not revisited. Or, should they be refreshed, given a lick of paint, and viewed in a new light with renewed vigour.  Some things are unachievable and, we must not spend time on things we can't change.  Beating a dead mullet with a stick is not going to bring it back to life.  So move on, change your way of thinking! You can't change the past, if the past is embedded in stone.

So often, we try so hard to change things, that we get tied down. We forget to move forward, stumble on those embedded stones and, fail to reach for the rainbow that we sought to achieve in the first place.  I guess what I am saying is, that if we put the spring in our step, move forward, share the beauty that life has to offer and show the world in our own way, that we will move forward. Forward with love, with excitement, with hope, and a sense of belief that if we lead by a good example, those that knock and condemn, may respect, and accept, that a life spent with love, is far better than a life spent with negativity, inequality, and discrimination.

Let's celebrate together! Reach out, share new hope, share the growth of new beginnings.  Put the spring in our step and believe that love, can indeed, conquer all.  Grab a friend by the hand! Feel the summer breezes that are coming up from behind and, let the warmth that we share, carry us into a greater future.  To those in the Northern Hemisphere, observe the rainbow the falling leaves shed as the troubles of the past, and move forward, with your southern friends and enjoy a life of freedom and equality.

Till next time keep the emails coming in and take care as I propose a toast from my deck chair for a world of harmony.  Salute!

Cheers!

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

Grateful! #respect #gratitude #humble #thanks

Today I decided on a follow up on my last topic 'I Love you More'.  I got a heap of emails and messages thanking me for what I wrote, and to those people, I thank you and I am grateful you took the time to read.  The majority felt as I do and that we don't tell our loved one we love them enough.  And like me they will try to change our quite selfish little ways.

So to carry on with the extended topic - I was thinking how many of us, (me included), forget to give thanks, and be grateful for where we are today? Give thanks for the help we are given along the way. To give thanks and truly mean it!  It is so easy to just say thanks as we speed out the door and, not make others around us feel as special as they are to us.  

In this world, we forget we came in naked and, we will probably go out wearing an ill-fitting, tasteless outfit, chosen by someone else.  An outfit that has probably been cut down the back to fit our mortal remains before they turn to dust.  A terrible thought I know, but that's life really. When I leave here, I would like to be respected for caring and giving thanks to those who helped me.  Thanks to those who helped me on my journey, not just those who happened to be around before I finally close my eyes. My journey has not been just me. My journey thus far, has been scattered with great people. People who made me feel important! People who gave me strength. People who helped, encouraged and lifted me in my low times and, people with whom I have laughed and who made me laugh in those highs.

There are very few indeed, that need not be grateful for someone, along their journey. Everyone has needed, and needs, other people in their lives. There would be no kingdoms, no religions, no businesses, no existence, and dare I say, celebrity without people.

This thought brought me to running my fingers through the blue ticks in our Twitter accounts. You look at the great magazines, the businesses, the successful entrepreneurs - the majority of these have vast numbers of followers, and barring a few, follow others. They probably believe that these people keep them in the life to which they have become accustomed. Or maybe, they are simply grateful for those people that have enabled their careers, their magazines, their sites and businesses to be successful.

I try to avoid following celebrities, so it was a new experience to see their figures. This made me stop and think. Over the last few years I watched a guy forging a new career in singing and songwriting. I saw him ask (begging maybe harsh) for people to download his You Tube clip so that he could afford a follow up single for his loyal and faithful fans. This song made us excited and proud that we too could be out, and we all be, whatever boy he was. Yes, even Australians.  So I looked him up - he has thousands and thousands of followers, and he is following about 300!   I then randomly searched for names of 'stars' or, are they 'divas', of song and screen.  Combined they have millions and millions of followers and yet they follow very few.  The leader of one of the major churches has 4.5 million followers and yet follows 8.  Strangely the followers appear to be in the same building and a majority of them carry his name in one form or the other.

This just made me think.  Where would these people be without the followers.  Without the followers, would they be walking the red carpets of the world.  Would they be demanding a King's ransom for their next movie or recording deal?  Would they be able to holiday in their summer palaces without the followers pouring their hard earned money into the collection plates?  Not for one minute am I envious of these people nor, do I doubt the great works that some do.  Nor do I doubt, the day in day out struggle, of selling their talents to the public in their formative years.  I am simply asking the question, do these people give thanks, and follow their followers, giving them thanks for establishing their chosen journey?  Looking at those figures, I wonder! 

I just realize, though my life is filled and I have experienced plenty,  I still must give thanks, and meaningful gratitude, to those who have helped me on my journey, past and in the future.

You probably realize by now that I am truly into music. I reflect on it. It gives me joy. It lifts and makes me mellow.  Therefore, the song Grateful that I found on You Tube.  I had never heard before, I don't even know if it is affiliated with a church.  All I know is that in the credits it states that it is a love song for the world.  After hearing I truly felt like one of the world.  Listen and let me know.

Today, I conclude with I believe that we should strive to give thanks, and be grateful,  to those who follow us on our journey.  For when I close my eyes, and face my maker, I want to be welcomed in to party.  I don't want to be asked did I give thanks and follow others. The day I close my eyes, I don't want my maker to say your faithful followers are inside, but unfortunately, there is no room in the Inn for you.

Cheers!

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

 Grateful - Nimo Patel & Daniel Nahmod

Everything Old is New Again #family #nurturing #grandparents

A couple of days ago, I was talking to friends of mine who are having troubles financially, and physically, balancing their schedules, finances, and family, with their heavy work loads. They are above the income threshold for childcare assistance.

They are indeed fortunate that their earning capacity is high. However, they still find it difficult to save, to spend time with their immediate family, and their extended family of parents.  They juggle their work commitments so they can pick up, and drop off, kids to

daycare.  When they are finally home, they run out of steam!  The projects at home are influenced by money, and commitments to both their children, and their respective parents.  Quite often, leaving them the drudgery of the general running of the household and day to day maintenance ie. cooking, cleaning, mowing, ironing etc.  All these things need to be done but, there is very little time spent doing things that give them pleasure as a family and indeed, as a couple.  

Firstly, I asked of them were their parents active? Do they get along well with their parents? Do the children enjoy the grandparent's company?  Do the grandparents live within close proximity to work or home?  The above boxes were ticked with a favourable- Yes!

Ok, I am gay and have no children to pick up and drop off and I realize that not all families do have all boxes ticked, like this couple.  But, to me an obvious question is, 'Why don't they utilize at least one of the problems they are having trouble to organize?'  The problem that is giving their parents quality time with the grandchildren and, indeed allowing themselves time that is not so rushed with their own parents.  

I think from time to time, we think that parents are beyond their use by dates! Maybe, we think that they deserve their time alone - this is their time!  So, why do you hear parents complaining that they never or hardly ever get to see their kids and grandkids?  It is a discussion every time you enter the waiting rooms of doctors surgeries.  Quite honestly, I feel sometimes these people go to the doctor so frequently because it is an outing.  Seems to be, there is nothing they need to be home for. Slanted and judgemental I know, but my pool man who is 75 says its like God's waiting room.  He says all he and his wife have to think of is their food and then go to the doctor to see what may affect them after eating it.  

Yes I am extreme, but, taking on board what my old friend  the pool man has said, and what this couple have discussed, I see a simple solution to their dilemma that may be rewarding both financially and physically.  

Yes children learn a lot from day care etcetera but, they will certainly learn from these elderly statesmen and women as well.  I believe the oldies have a lot to offer, and in turn, the children can teach these old dogs new tricks as well.  A learning curve that is beneficial to all concerned.  Most of these statesmen and women are conquering social media through necessity to keep in touch, and who better, than the younger generation to help them - these children who seem to have been born with a keypad in their grip. And these older citizens who were environmentally friendly before the word became a key phrase and catch cry can give some knowledge how to sew a hem; fix a button; build a kite; how to grow your own vegies; make the best God damn apple pie out of nothing!  And have never had to open Google to do so.

The children's parents benefit too, financially and physically! They don't need to run like mad hatters fitting in to schedules and closing times. They get to see their parents for longer when they pick up the kids or the grandparents drop them home. Thus leaving them more time for things they want to do on their precious weekends.

To me it is a win/win.  If you are confident with the grandparents and the grandparents are confident with the arrangements just go for it. Life will become much better, and who knows, your kids may teach you how to make the best God damn apple pie there is.

My thoughts!

Cheers!

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com
 

Everything Old is New Again - Peter Allen

What do YOU WANT me to be when I grow up?? #dreams #nurture #aspirations #expectations

A young man performs at his school concert.  His parents had work commitments so were unable to attend.  The young man had preened his skills at home in front of the mirror had sung into anything that had resembled a microphone.  He had attended all the rehearsals, honed his skill, a skill that he believed was waiting in the wings to be discovered.  Yes, this young man was great academic student, and his parents wanted nothing, but for him to follow their footsteps into that respectable, ever secure, ever stable, professional career of medicine.

This young man is  great at his study and, is indeed gifted, but he wants something more.  He has a passion, and that passion is music.  He wants to heal people - yes! But, he wants to heal people's hearts through music, through his lyrics.  Not the traditional medicine, but prescribing love through his words and his warm tones.

I digress! Anyway, the young man performed his songs, received many accolades from his peers and teachers.  Backstage, one of the parents congratulated him for his talents and handed him his business card and said, 'Contact me, I would like to hear more from you.'  That father was a record producer. The young man did not know this man from Adam, but when home he Googled and indeed, found this man was a great producer and could maybe guide him with his passion.

When the parents arrived home from their surgeries, he was so excited! He handed them the business card and was so thrilled to have been noticed for something he wanted.  The parents shrugged and said, 'We don't know him!'  They threw the card, along with his excitement, on the bench with all the other correspondence that one day they would get around to, and said, 'Don't forget that science paper for tomorrow. Good night!' And, went to bed.

How many of us, have not taken the time, to respond positively to someone else's excitement.  How many of us shrug, and toss others dreams and desires, to the wind! Forget we once had dreams too!  How many of us remember that we were not encouraged to take a chance, a risk, a step to stray from the 'norm' ? How many of us live with the regret, that we did not receive accolades and encouragement, to pursue dreams that are hidden along with all the unanswered correspondence.

It is easier to not get involved! Easier to keep our dreams buried, and not get hurt with the lost dreams of our past.  It is easier for the nine to five to bring home the bacon, when only few achieve the whole pig on the spit.

This is where we as parents, as partners, as lovers, as friends and  past dreamers need to nurture to encourage talents of those around us.

Yes, we need to care!  We need to take part in the joys and hopes that others have.  God knows, we too may enjoy their journey as well.  Help them discover and to conquer doubt.  Sometimes, our job must be to help ground them a little on their journey, but never discourage their abilities to achieve their life  goals.  For none of us, is it too late to change course! To re-visit our dreams and start afresh! 

Don't let this young man's dreams, be extinguished. Who knows you may need a doctor one day! You may get the most highly qualified doctor who has no passion nor compassion and no caring and encouraging  beside manner.
 
Cheers!

Bitchescoz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

 You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

A Life Well Lived #abuse #bullying #discrimination

Today, in Australia, they handed out the Queen's Birthday honours. The recipients of such honours have served their communities, their country, their cause with great dedication and diligence.And, in no way do I mean to detract from the good works that these people do.  But, there are many people in all walks of life that dedicate themselves just as diligently to their jobs, their communities and causes. They do not do this because they want accolades. They simply do it because they want to. Maybe, it is time that we give these everyday Joe's some recognition. After all, many of those who appear in these Honours Lists are already handsomely rewarded for  the work they do. So what is it that makes them more qualified than the average citizen? Do these people live a life well lived? They certainly do!

However, to live a life well lived, we do not have to spend our life doing good deeds. There are billions of people world wide who live good lives, caring for their families and friends. They are good world citizens making sure they do the right thing by the environment and the world in general. They are made up of people of all colour and creed. They are made up of single people, couples- heterosexual and homosexual, the disabled, the young and the old. There is no discrimination in those who live a life well lived.

But discrimination is alive and well, as some sectors of society, and members of family, choose to bully, vilify and victimize those who a deemed as 'different'. Rather than value them for their uniqueness and contribution, they choose to try to make them conform. Just because they live differently, or have different needs and wants, does not mean they do not live, a life well lived - that they do not make very valuable contributions to the richness of the family structure and society in general. What is it that makes society so fearful of 'different'? Why is it that even today, there is still a fear (very real I might add) of rejection when a person chooses to 'come out' and tell their family of their sexual orientation. What makes a family reject their beloved son or daughter simply because of their sexuality? They are not a different person to the one they were, before they 'came out'. They still do all the same things as everyone else. They still study. They still go to work. They still fall in love. They still want a family. The very essence of these wants and needs, mean that they live a life, well lived.

If we are going to judge how to define a life well lived, we would do well to look past the veneer that these 'respectable' citizens of the world present to society. We should look past the power, the trappings of wealth, and the apparent perfect family, to see if these people really do qualify for the honour of a life well lived. I believe, that those they choose to denigrate, deserve the honour far more. Simply because they live their lives true to themselves, and treat others with the utmost respect, all the while dealing with the bigotry, manipulation, and animosity that is dished their way each day.

Worldwide, things are slowly changing for the LGBTI community. After all, there is a transexual playing in the Brazilian soccer team, fully supported by his team mates. However, the very fact that he has made headlines worldwide means he isn't considered as simply a person by at least the media of the world. I am sure he lives a life well lived! But, those who think they are the pillars of society choose to comment on this man as if he is a freak show. He is the same as you and me - he is a person. A talented one, I grant you that! Maybe, if he lived in Australia, he might get to receive a Queen's Birthday Honour for his services to sport. But I doubt it! Those in power would make sure that he was buried in some back office while they take all of the glory for his deeds.

Those who choose to manipulate, and bully, those who are 'different' certainly do not qualify for a life lived well. It is far more important to treat those around you with comfort and kindness, whatever their 'difference'. Maybe, we should start a National Bully Register!!! That way those who perpetrate such acts could be punished by making sure they NEVER receive such accolades.That they are unable to hide behind the veneer of society. I would love to scream to the world - these people are dysfunctional parents. Please do not give them credit for a life well lived because on that score they fail.

So how do we define "a life well lived"? Is it a definition owned by the elderly? I think not! Just because someone is old does not mean they necessarily qualify. Is it a definition owned by the rich? Certainly not! Oh yes, they try to buy it, but actions speak louder than words and the result is Epic Fail. Is it a definition owned by community? Maybe! At least community means there is a generosity of spirit as those who are self centered simply do not involve themselves. Is it a definition owned by individuals? Most definitely! At least that way we can weed out those who do not live a life well lived even though they pretend too!

So whether you are a member of the pack, or an individual that is different, try to truly live a life well lived. Be generous of spirit, leave your judgemental gene in your jeans and treat others the way you think you deserve to be treated.

Just then you might qualify for a life well lived!

Cheers!

Bitches Coz!

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

Heading in the Right Direction #love #inspiration #appreciation

Keeping up appearances is something we all do.  When we are going for the big night out - the dinner; the job interview to impress; the power meeting to sell our wares; the school and University reunions - we want to look our best.  For these times we preen, fluff, change our clothes a million times, (ok that maybe a gay thing) check the mirror to see if we will impress.

When we are at home or among friends, family and loved ones, we tend to let our guard down, chill a little, let them see us warts and all.  We tend to blend in with the furniture and our loved ones tend to be as comfy as the warm throw on the couch.  We use this comfort to keep us warm and snuggly, and feel safe, knowing that it's always there when we need it.
 

The lyricist and jazz great, Renee Geyer, wrote and sang 'Am I heading in the right direction for your loving  and affection?'  She also said, 'Day to day, I hope and pray, that this feeling is really going to grow!' So, I guess we do have to do a few things to keep it growing.  Like that little pot of glorious colour that we take for granted sitting by our front porch. It needs water, some added nutrient, and some gentle nurturing to keep it alive, and blooming, for years to come.  It's lovely to see it there! It's easy to take for granted that, it will always be there. However, we need to give it some attention, not just use it as a lovely background for our happy pics for our photo album.  We need to bring it inside every so often - show it off a little, not just leave it outside and walk past it.  Put it slap, right bang in the middle of our dining table! Show those around you and bring its glory into the lives of others. Talk to it, say 'God you look ravishing!' (Oh God I sound like Prince Charles talking to nature or, is that Princess Luke?)

I guess, what I am saying here is, it's nice to feel all warm, cozy and contented, knowing that our loved ones are there, and we don't need to impress.  But, just as we dress to impress for the big occasions, we have to preen ourselves a little every now and again, to let others feel that they are as high on the agenda as that big job interview. They are our life blood. They are important to us. They need to know that we care! That we will go out of our way to show them how much we love them and, appreciate them in our lives.
So, cook up a storm! Invite friends and family over, pick a few flowers from your garden, and say 'Thanks' every so often.  Rub your partner on the shoulder and say thanks and I love you.  Home make your child's birthday cake (even if it doesn't look a bit like the Jamie Oliver original).  Show them you care and that they are special in your life.  Send a few random texts to your friends and let them know you are thinking of them.

These are my thoughts and if I give of myself a little, it has a domino effect and encourages them to do the same and then we will be 'Heading in the Right Direction.'

Cheers!

Bitches Coz

Contact: luke65mcbride@gmail.com

A Kettle Watched! #inspiration #dreams #passion

Today I was catching up on my Facebook and watched a video sent by a friend. This video has gone viral - well in our little Facebook world it's viral. I watched this quite large dude dancing in a competition and immediately thought 'What the???' Then you get into it and see this dude is really great. He is doing something he cares for and has great passion for. - a real 'feel good moment' and immediately your finger starts hovering over the 'like' and 'share' symbols.

At this time you think to yourself - yeah! This guy is out there achieving his dreams! He is not sitting back watching the kettle boil.  This guy is steaming himself! He is not going to sit back and make his wish list, of what he could have done, longer than his list of dreams fulfilled. As the late and great Maya Angelou wrote 'Nothing can dim the light which shines from within!'  This guy shines.  This guy makes you believe that you can achieve, no matter what.  You have to believe in yourself and make it happen.

Yes, it is all well and good to watch the kettle boil and dream of the nice warm cuppa. But, be careful - it may boil dry in front of your very eyes. While waiting get your ingredients prepared.  Add a spoon full of passion, a teaspoon of love and a few grains of determination to your blend.  While your mixing, ring a few friends and invite them over to share your bounty.  Together you may very well share common ground and encourage others to develop a blend that inspires, teases, and tempts them to achieve dreams. Dreams they may previously regretted not brewing! 

At this moment I think to myself, don't just sit here with your finger hovering over the 'like' symbol. Achieve some dreams I have of my own.  Listen to some others and encourage them to get their bucket list active.  Listen to my partner, help him achieve more dreams. (God knows I could learn heaps from what he has achieved, being deaf and overcoming a disability, to inspire others)

So join with me, back away from the desk and get out there follow your dreams, encourage others to achieve despite disability, fear of discrimination and barriers.

Learn to love yourself a little.  Help others to love themselves.

Cheers

Bitchesco