ANZAC's - Light a Candle in Memory

Today was Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand.

ANZAC Day is the anniversary of the day in 1915 when soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the beaches of Gallipoli. It is the day when the people of Australia and New Zealand remember those who fell or were injured in war.

In every city, Australians and New Zealanders rose early for a dawn service to remember and honour those who gave their lives for others, not just in Gallipoli but in many other wars. Elderly war veterans, joined by family and friends of those who fought, suffered or died, formed processions thru city streets all across the country. Fighter planes roared as they flew overhead. Television stations broadcast programs across the country for most of the day.
As one watches, participates and listens, you become very aware that ANZAC day is far more than a memorial. In Australia, it is a demonstration of mateship of the Australian people.

Mateship for an Australian means courage, endurance, sacrifice, loyalty, not letting the team down, helping out the Aussie battler, being there when the chips are down. The ANZACs fought on when other soldiers would not dare because their mates’ lives were in danger. When the going gets tough the tough get going!

What a great example! Whilst we admire those who have placed their lives in danger for others, not many of us find ourselves in such a place. But regardless of the country we live in, we can live by their example in the way we treat each other…. Caring for those who are battling, being more tolerant of each other, giving without expecting reward, going the extra mile, and let others know you care.

All over the place, in churches, community centres, parks and beaches, candles have been lit in memory of those who gave up their future for our present. I just love the meaning, emotion and sense of closeness that candles bring.

For those of you who are remembering a lost loved one, we hold you up in our prayers today.

Storms

Yesterday we were hit with storms so I did the right thing and unplugged everything... computer included... so no chance of writing yesterday.

What a great time to think about candles! Every household should have a supply of candles and lamps for blackouts. And most of us forget about checking the candle supplies regularly.... and more importantly the lighter or matches... it is too late during the blackout to discover you are really in the dark.

So, go on...go check your candle supply...do you have enough candles to last a week of blackout? Are your candles clean burning and long lasting? The last thing you want to make the inconvenience turn to discomfort is candles smoking and putting soot up the walls or all over your candleholder. Not good for the lungs either. It is really worth the effort to purchase good quality candles...in the end they are cheaper. Do you have enough candles or a reflective candleholder in at least one area to be able to read? Have you tried them out during normal times? Do you have safe candleholders so you dont accidently set fire to the house? And do you have a clean safe place to put a candle in all rooms of the house? Some pre planning can make all the difference.

The other thing most people forget is "what are we going to do while the blackout is on?" If your family are big TV watchers a blackout can be a very tense time.... but think ahead...think of some family games you can play..... have some bubble bath on hand... a bubble bath by candlelight is wonderfully relaxing.... if you are a musical lot...get out the instruments and have a singalong.... get a joke book...have everyone compose limericks.....tell stories.... try painting with irredescent paint by candelight for a whole new perspective....what ever you and yours are interested in, you can think of some new things....you never know, everyone might want a staged blackout now and then to reapture the fun time....Do you have any ideas? Post your comments. We'd love to hear them.

Good Intentions

Well, the intention was to have some fun and relaxation today.

But, I had a call from an aquaintenance in distress. Her aged mom had been hospitalised after her health deteriorated rapidly. She was now facing the prospect of finding a nursing home urgently for her mom.

She was swamped with a myriad of forms and questionaires that were highly confusing, bills to pay and a mob of relatives demanding she not put mom into a nursing home in spite of it being completely impossible for her to care for her. It is so easy for we humans to make judgements about others' decisions that we cannot unless we have walked a mile in their shoes.

Having to care for a close relative with dementia is a very challenging job...one that does not finish when you go to bed...night and day you are at looking out for them. Sooner or later, as the disease progesses you find yourself searching for ways to maintain any sort of connection with them. I am very excited about what we have to offer from our website for carers of those who have lost all short term memory. Keep an eye out...we will be up and running soon!

So, the whole morning was lovingly spent completing forms, finding information and reassuring. The afternoon and evening...more work on the website... Loads to do....never enough time to do it ....but we do our best.... a mighty challenge indeed. It a bit like getting thru the brussels sprouts before you can have dessert!

Cheers
Suzie

Stress City

This week has not been an easy one. A couple of days of sickness.....I actually had 2 days off work which is saying something... I think could count all the days I have had off sick in the last 10 years on the fingers of one hand. Most likely reason...stress...working full time while setting up a business is no easy task..... but really when I think about it, stress for me is not about the amount I have to do, it is not having the knowledge or the resources to do what is neccessary. It is also about the lack of balance.

It is really neccessary to relax and have fun especially when you are really busy...some how it recharges you. But also for me, stress comes from not being organised. Taking some time to organise one self especially when really busy sounds sensible but often is the first thing to go when you are really busy...taking some time each day to set aside to focus on who and what is important to you before you get going is essential. It helps with the way we prioritise our day and how we set and acheive our goals.

So I have some fun and relaxation to organise.... then some rework on my goals and priorities...
looking forward to a great weekend!
Cheers
Suzie

Website almost ready

Finally we are almost ready to launch our website....candlelightsolutions.com. It has been a long hard journey and an enormous learning curve. Attempting such a thing when you also have a very demanding fulltime job was a bit crazy really. But, nothing worthwhile comes easy and we hope one day to give up the day job and work from home....looking forward to more freedom and time to spend with my 8 year old.

Actually it has been exciting and fun for the most part...I just do not like all the technical stuff... I love to write...I love to create and to plan ...I love to inspire.....but the IT technical mumbo jumbo is not for me.... just cannot get my head around it..

Anyway, keep an eye out! We will let you know when we are ready to launch.

Suzie

The Flame of a Single Candle

The flame of a single candle has enormous potential, dont you agree?

I began to ponder today the many ways that a candle flame can affect a moment in time.

A candle can be a Light to show the way... A candle can light another candle and together they make a greater light. Many candles together can create a a light enough to fill a room, a whole house or a cathedral. A candle can create warmth.

Aromatherapy candles not only offer light but stimulation, relaxation and healing. Scented candles can help build memories and bring back treasured old ones.

A candle is a wonderful symbol of life.

Candles make great presents because they give more than an object. What do you think? How do you use candles? How would you like to use candles? I am sure we could come up with dozens of ideas....

Talking of presents.... Everyone is soon to need some Mother's Day gifts. It is a shame there are not many avaibale presents for delivery on Mother's day....but we still have time to get organised..... stay posted for some great ideas.