Thankful Thursday - the First World Edition

    Anyone who hasn't been living under a blogging rock will know that a very awesome woman by the name of Eden is in Niger right now.  As a World Vision ambassador she is posting her little tail off to bring attention to the hunger crisis there.

     Tonight, as I was rinsing off the dinner plates, taking for granted how easy it is to put a meal on the table, turn the tap on to get clean water, I stopped to be greatful for these little things.

     After dinner, Shannyn asked me to test her on her word flashcards - I love how enthusiastic she is to learn, and again, Eden's powerful images came back into my mind. I have to be greatful that my girls have the opportunity to not only go to school, but to have the tools to make learning easy and fun.

      While I sleep tonight in a warm, comfortable bed, many are making do in ramshackle huts, while I will choose to go for a hike tomorrow (for fun?!), many have to walk miles to access basic medical care, or food supplies. I have so much to be greatful for, I should try to remember that more often.

       To read more of Edens eye opening journey, or see how you can make a difference;

                                      HERE    .....................    AND HERE

   To rip off an old saying - Eden, to the world you may be one person, but to SO MANY PEOPLE, you are bringing the world.


   Sharing my gratitude with Kate Says Stuff - are you sharing too?

                                                   

Small Fish

    

Source: nancyrivers.tumblr.com via Enzie on Pinterest

About 20 minutes into the first session of DPCON12, I was thinking "OK, I am WAY out of my depth here." All the talk of working with charities, brands, what I am 'selling', what I am 'worth' (more than a bottle of moisturiser seemed to be the agreement!) was starting to make my brain fry. The recurring thought that I am a very small fish in a very big pond was ever present.

But then, the 'AHA' moment struck; that every person in that room was there for the same reason, and it had nothing to do with page stats, Klout scores, or how many bottles of moisturiser you've reviewed.  Every person in that room was there to be inspired, to learn, to share. To connect with others who "GET IT." This strange, wonderful and much misunderstood world of blogging is growing, and the opportunities that brings are only just starting to be realised.

To be a part of a community that are breaking the rules, pushing the boundaries, opening doors or even just sharing the everyday 'sameness' of life is so exciting. To finally put faces to names (or Twitter handles!) was one of the most gratifying parts of my day, as was the realisation that people HAVE read my blog!

I am still very new to this - even after a year I am not sure what direction I want the blog to take, but I do know I will continue to swim in this very large pond. I will continue to connect, to learn, and explore the possibilities. After Friday, I know I am not swimming alone.

DPCON12 - The countdown.....

     It's nearly here!! With less than a week until DPCON12 I am trying to get back into Blogger mode. This year has seen lots of new adventures for the family and myself, so the Blogging has kind of fallen by the wayside.
 
     That's why I'm so excited about Friday - to meet up with so many gifted writers, finally meet people I have only spoken with online, and try and get some of my 'mojo' back.

Source: jruthie.tumblr.com via Sara on Pinterest

    Tomorrow I'm off on a quest to find a great outfit to wear, as nothing in my wardrobe is fitting right now (thank you 12wbt!!) or is sufficiently smart enough for this kind of event!

        Just some possibilities .........


   The night will continue for me not at the dinner dance, but on a date with my husband! The first AFL match for the year sees my team and his team square off, so we are going to meet in town for some dinner then head to the MCG for the game.

Source: Uploaded by user via Andrew on Pinterest

       I am looking forward to saying hi to as many of you as I can, and if I can FINALLY get Twitter to work on the new iphone will be updating like mad! I hope to see you there!