Mandela

It has taken me a long time to think about what I want to write in this post.

I have never had a death in the family, at least not someone close, nor have I ever lost a friend. It blows my mind to think of how deeply I have been affected by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's passing, someone I have not even had the priviledge of meeting.

Unfortunately work has prevented me from watching many of the ceremonies, or attending any events. I was at work last Thursday night, when news hit of Mandela's death. I was speechless and in shock. I could not even cry, especially because there were patients waiting to be seen. I YouTubed Jacob Zuma's announcemet when I could get a break. I had the radio tuned in to yesterday's memorial service, straining to hear and be a part of the biggest thing this country has faced in decades. As The National Anthem was sung, I was finally overcome with emotion, and the tears flowed. Driving home yesterday, someone phoned into 5FM and started crying and I was blubbering right along with her. I can't even remember what she said, but it just hit home, that we have lost the greatest man that any of us will even get a chance to walk this earth with.

For me it is even a priviledge to have been alive in the time of Mandela. I feel honoured to have experienced a part of his legacy, listened to his speeches and even heard him chuckle.

I heard this clip yesterday and it made me smile...

All I can take away from this momentous period, is that if I could even have a millionth of the humility, love and forgiveness that Mandela had, I will make a difference in this world.

I am going to try to live each day as WWMD (What Would Mandela Do).

Goosebumps...

And my favourite pics of the week...

RIP Mandela

LMM

xoxo

Amy Jade Winehouse

                                                                       source

source

The shocking news that Amy Winehouse was found dead in her Camden house on Saturday afternoon, has left me feeling pity and sadness for the 27 year old star. Rumours have emerged that she had been seen buying ectasy on Friday night and that a possible OD or "bad" tablet could've been the cause of death.

Amy was born in September 1983 to mother Janis and father Mitch. She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School, but was asked to leave due to her attitude. Her first album Frank, went triple platinum and her second album, Back to Black won 5 Grammy Awards. Her most famous song, Rehab, is said to have been written a few hours after manager Simon Fuller urged her to go to rehab. In 2007 she married Blake Fielder-Civil and the marriage was one filled with alcohol, booze and fighting. She had a near fatal OD months after tying the knot and the marriage ended in divorce in 2010. Blake is currently in prison serving a burglary sentence and Amy always described him as the only person that really understood her.

Her current on-off boyfriend, film director Reg Traviss has described Winehouse as "inconsolable" at times. In the last few weeks of her life, she was using heroin, crack and cocaine heavily and the rest of her tour was cancelled after a inebriated performance in Belgrade, in which the crowd sang most of the songs as Amy stumbled around on stage. Her last appearance was on Wednesday at the iTunes festival where she was on stage with protege and goddaughter Dionne Bromfield.

Doctors had warned Winehouse of the disasterous effects her lifestyle would cause. She had emphysema already and would die if she didn't stop drinking and using soon.

As fans mourn the loss of great star, her Back to Black album has gone to number 1 on iTunes, knocking Adele's 21 album off the top.

She was a tormented soul but produced the most brilliant music and fans all around are hoping that the third album, which she had been working on for the past 5 years will be released posthumously.

This is how I will always remember her.......

Amy Jade Winehouse
14 September 1983 - 23 July 2011
RIP



LMM
xoxo

Little Miss Sad

The last few days have been extremely rough and I have aptly renamed myself Little Miss Sad. The light at the end of the tunnel is looking very far away and my dream to travel Europe next Summer, is looking even further away. I suppose the first few months of moving to a new country are always difficult and I must just persevere and it will get better. If you are feeling sad like me, here is a poem which describes how I feel.


ALONE: An Anthem For Humanity


Don't give me solitude


Because I'll have to try

To dig among my thoughts

To find a reason why.

Please busy me with work.

If there's time let me drink.

Give me philosophy

So I don't have to think.

Create more stuff to buy;

I'll shop until I drop.

Speed up the human race;

I never want to stop.

My Blackberry I need,

Computer and TV,

To occupy my mind;

Alone I cannot be.


(found here)


xoxo