It’s one of my husband’s more colourful expressions. In spite of the fact that we live in tropical North Queensland, this saying is thrown around our house on a regular basis. It is mostly applied when warning others to stay out of trouble, avoid danger, or shun the pitfalls of life. Of cause there are many other words of wisdom: ‘Make a peewee fight an emu’ is one I have recently used in my writing, and my Dad’s favourite and highly poignant saying: ‘You never see a hearse pulling a trailer.’

The point of it all? –  We Aussies love a saying. Life’s lessons disguised as humourous analogies that makes us laugh. It’s the larrikin way, tackling the serious problems with a good dose of light-hearted poetry. I love it. It reminds me of who we are and where we’ve come from.

If you have any favourites to share please leave a comment and let me know. (No rude ones please – we all know they’re out there but I prefer the clean and repeatable.)

Will also leave you with this perla: When recently discussing the state of our political leaders it was agreed that they; ‘couldn’t run a choko vine over a chook house’. LOL.

How wonderful it would be if we could borrow Mary Poppins umbrella. The instant our children required discipline we could tap into its magic making horrible medicine taste delicious and badly treated toys come to life. Inspiration and fun would be presented at the flick of a wrist. Lessons would be learnt and undying love acquired in the process. What I learnt from Mary wasn’t anything to do with magic but confirmation of a parenting truth – to discipline is to love. We mere mortals don’t have Mary’s powers, we have to muddle though tantrums and defiance by human means. Weather you are battling the terrible twos or an uncommunicative teenager, never forget that each time you discipline your child through effective means you show them how much you love them. So if, like me, you are worn down and imagining life with Mary’s umbrella – be assured that you are not alone. We may not have Mary’s magic, but we love our children far more than she ever will.

I have recently acquired a new, super, you buet iPhone. It’s a wonderful contraption jam-packed with features that blow the mind. The problem is that the addition of the new technology to our household has had some serious side-effects.

My husband has accused me (more than once) of becoming socially inept. His concern that the phone is being checked in far too regular intervals has led me to monitor my behaviour, and much to my dismay, he was right.

 Before the iPhone I had to walk downstairs to the office, turn on the compter and wait for the checking of my email. But now the phone is conveniently within reach and the check requires just the touch of the screen. But hang on – is it really necessary? Am I waiting on an urgent e-mail or is it something deeply Freudian – like the simple thrill of acknowledgement? Are we all – just like the Jimmy Buffett song says – “So connected, but all alone”?

If I am sitting with my husband (or anyone else for that matter) is it really necessary to have the iPhone hovering nearby? According to my husband, it is a slight on his company that the conversation is regularly abandoned for the little white contraption. Could he have a very wise point?

Is it better to give my full attention to the person who has taken the time to be with me, loves me, is interested in me and is waiting to hear my point of view? Or do I cast that aside for blur of the internet?

If, like me you have unconsciously bought into the iPhone madness please take a moment to reflect and next time, put it away and only answer it if it rings – trust me –  it won’t kill you.

Our wonderful neighbours have allowed us to trim the top of their tree. While it wasn’t a problem to have a hindered view, and the Jacaranda was a lovely substitute for the ocean (I very much enjoy the spectacular lavender flower it produces each year), now that the view lies unhindered, I have gained a surprising revelation: Water is good for the spirit. Previously I would enter the house numerous times a day without stopping – quick, quick, quick – busy, busy, busy. Now I stop, enjoy the view of Sunset Bay, take a moment to reflect on how blessed I am, then continue on my way with a renewal of spirit.

At a time of emotional upheaval it has been a lovely addition to my life. The sunrise over the ocean horizon reminds  me that the Lord has given me the day. That His creation is there to be enjoyed and give blessing. Please stop this day and look around you to de-stress – it’s been given to you for the taking.