The Trust Crisis: Forgive or Forget?

February 9, 2019February 9, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Trust takes us years to build… but only a few seconds to break. But can trust truly be repaired in a relationship? You can’t truly love without trust. We have all had partners, parents, children, siblings and friends… and at some point in our lives, the issue of trust has been diminished. Some relationships can be mended, depending on the severity of the fracture in our faith. But for other relationships, it is best to move on and start afresh… allowing both parties to heal. But how does one decide what to do?

Trust is an emotional and logical act. It is where we expose our vulnerabilities to people and believe that they will not take advantage of our honesty and openness. Trust is a feeling… that we associate with love, friendship, comfort and relaxation.

A person who is trustworthy is considerate of others and cares for their wellbeing. When you trust someone, you believe in them. Trust also means that you know what is best for yourself and believing that you are worthy of trust.

To trust… is to be honest and believe that you would never hurt your significant other, and to care deeply for them and their broken or painful past. A desire to protect their esteem and believe in them.

To trust… is to know that your parents have your back and they love you unconditionally. A belief that you are accepted just the way you are and that they are proud of you, your personality and your achievements.

To trust… is to raise your children into kind and loving adults, trusting that they will make their own mistakes in life, without harm. It is believing that they will learn from these mistakes and we continue to love them unconditionally.

To trust… is to respect our siblings and be mindful of their feelings and to accept personal perceptions. A family connection to help each other, encourage them, but also give them the space that they need.

To trust… is to have a friend that you can confide in, someone you trust in sharing your private thoughts. They are your “confidante”, the keeper of your secrets and someone you can be yourself around.

Sometimes in our lives, whether it be bad judgement, outside influences or a mistake… trust can be broken. Then we are left to evaluate, whether our trust has been misplaced or misunderstood. I don’t believe the question is “should we trust again?”… but “how do we build trust so our relationships can grow and thrive?”.

Communication is the biggest factor. Communicating your expectations early and understanding the needs of your partner, is the foundation for building a long-lasting relationship. To be in love with your partner, trust must be present. Any relationship that is not built on a secure foundation of trust… will ultimately break.

Similarly, friends can disappoint you, if your concerns are not communicated clearly and a greater sense of trust has not been developed. Trust is the single most important component of any healthy relationship. If trust does not exist, you are unable to get close to that person and rely on them for support. Without trust, you cannot be vulnerable and reveal your hopes, dreams and worries.

After trust has been broken, the key is to decide if the relationship is worth repairing and if trust can be restored in time. The degree, as to which the trust has been compromised, will determine the action to be taken. And as each person is unique, the decision will vary for all. Some trust issues are deal-breakers and unable to be restored. But other trust issues are repairable and worth it. The key is knowing what is best for you…each and every one of us are worthy and it is for us to decide for ourselves.

Sometimes, we need to make that decision to walk away and accept that our happiness is more important and we deserve better. If trust will never be restored or will always be a major hurdle… then moving on is the answer.

Sometimes, the relationship is worth it or the trust issue can be resolved in time… that we can accept the mistake and try to rebuild the relationship again. To build trust or re-build trust in any relationship we need to:

Earn It – Stop taking trust for granted and make it a priority in our relationships. This will allow us to be conscious of our actions and understand how our partner or friend will perceive our actions.
Be Supportive – In a stage of building trust, being supportive of each other is of utmost importance. Each party needs to feel that they can take a risk, make mistakes or try new things… and have the support that they both need.
Keep Secrets – Rather than keeping secrets from each other, instead keep secrets “for” each other. Personal conversations in a vulnerable state, bring a sense of connection through this sort of trust.
Be Vulnerable – Allow yourself to be open and really honest when sharing things that you often keep hidden. The ultimate sign of trust is allowing the other person into your emotional world and sharing your inner thoughts.
Do Not Judge – Although you might not understand why something is important to your partner or friend… but the fact that it is important is all that really matters. We all have a history and a tangled web of emotions, so respect each other and your unique differences… without judgement.
Keep Your Promises – Make keeping your promises a priority and refrain from overlooking the little things. These little promises may be small, but they go a long way towards building trust.
Communication – Be open and honest in your conversations and ensure you are both understood. Each party has a need to be heard and understood, and trust is built when each party is honest.
Disagreements – Voice your issue and discuss privately, never in public to shame or humiliate the other person. This will keep your lines of communication open, allow your thoughts to be voiced respectfully and ensure trust is retained.
Personal Growth – Take the time to work on your personal growth, which will give strength to not only you, but your relationships as well. We all have something we need to work on… for our own well-being.

Forgiveness is the key factor. To forgive is not to excuse the behavior of the person that has offended you… but rather a process of allowing us to let go of anger, bitterness and resentment. It is about us… it is about releasing yourself from the control it has over you. Forgiveness is genuine compassion for those who have wronged us and the ability to move on… for the sake of our own emotional well-being and happiness.

Trusting does not mean mistakes won’t happen. Any relationship brings two people together with their own beliefs, ideas, emotional baggage, burdens, past history and personal perceptions. Letting go of past transgressions is the only way to move forward and resurrect any relationship.

Letting go of the hurt and the disappointment, accepting the apology and be open for trust based on truth and love. Time will heal… but you have the control, to control your own thoughts and actions.

I believe the significance of trust… is in yourself. Trust that you have the ability… and the power… and the strength… to believe in yourself. Life gives us ups and downs… but it is our choice what reactions we have and the decisions we make. The decision is yours and you are worth it.

Take care, Karen.

“A bird sitting in a tree is not afraid of the branch breaking,

because her trust is not in the branch,

but in her own wings.”

~ tinybuddha.com

Rural Reflections #7

February 3, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Something a little different today, as I travel for an appointment this weekend… I will be reflecting on a farming area in central-west NSW. I have snapped this photo, as we travel through Coolah NSW today. I am reminded of the Sir Ivan bushfire only 2 years ago in this area and the devastation that was thrust upon those many farmers and home-owners. A destructive blaze that destroyed their homes, businesses and livelihoods… yet their strong will and resilience have somehow seen them through.

The Sir Ivan bushfire started at the small rural locality of Leadville and burned about 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres) of land near Dunedoo, Cassilis and Coolah in February 2017. The blaze destroyed 35 homes, farm machinery and killed about 4,700 sheep and 500 cattle, which cost the region millions in damages. Tragically many of their dogs were also lost in the inferno.

Due to the enormous scale of this disaster, the charitable support and working volunteers from BlazeAid and the NSW Rural Fire Service… were a great savior bringing assistance and hope. I recall BlazeAid volunteers stepped in to help rebuild boundary fences and other farm structures that had been damaged or destroyed. BlazeAid volunteers worked in the area for many months, helping individual farmers, families and the local community. I remember the Country Women’s Association (CWA) members driving down from Tamworth to cook meals for the voluntary workers and farming community and to help lift their spirits.

Meanwhile, the Merriwa-Sir Ivan Bushfire Appeal were fund-raising to help the victims of the disastrous bushfire, by asking people to donate cattle or funds that could help purchase cattle. Through wider community support, 515 head of cattle were sold and the appeal had raised $835,000. This appeal was focused on rebuilding more internal fencing, sheds and water infrastructure, as a medium-term initiative.

Sadly these farmers haven’t had a chance at a full recovery, because they have gone straight from a catastrophic fire… into drought conditions. These producers need decent rain to allow pastures to make a comeback and the natural vegetation of trees and shrubs to possibly recover.

Today, I share with you this photo as a symbol of the strength and resilience of farmers. In a time when farmers were faced with a natural disaster… they found the strength to rebuild their lives and continue farming in the agricultural industry. In a devastating time, when “giving up” seemed the best option… they didn’t. Somehow they found that inner strength… to get up again and overcome the pain and loss incurred.

Rural Reflection #7…

07 Lucerne Flats to Arid Rocky Hills at Coolah NSW

image subject to copyright

This photo shows a lucerne paddock in the foreground, struggling in drought somewhat, but recovered from the bushfire. It seems this region has been fortunate in receiving some of the recent storm rain, which has helped, but plenty more rain will be needed to break the drought and retain moisture in the soil for future crops.

The gentle hills behind, provide livestock with shelter, which has not properly recovered, even after 2 years since the devastating bushfire. The bony hills have had all the natural vegetation burned out and has not recovered at all. I like this photo because it shows the extreme variation of farmland, terrain and soil structure in Australia, which depicts the Australian rural landscape quite well… from the productive lucerne flats and undulating hills, up to the arid rocky outcrop. It also is a symbol of survival through adversity and optimism for the farming future.

I do find this natural diversity of land very interesting… with 51% of Australian land being used for agriculture and only 10% is arable or suitable for growing crops. Land use has a major effect on our food production, natural environment and communities. In Australia, food security is regarded very highly as high food safety standards are implemented. Factors that affect land management include climate change adaption, population and urban expansion.

It is not uncommon for rural families to be forced to travel some distance to other regional cities to see medical specialists. When we travel, we tend to choose a route for a rural deviation as a means to avoid traffic as well as take the opportunity to view other farming areas.

It is a farmers passion for the rural industry and in recognising the need to sustain the future food security of our country… that they find the inner strength to persist and endure the struggles. The hope for their future is also supported by many Australian communities through reputable charities, whether it was in recovering from the devastating bushfire or this horrid drought.

Take care, Karen.

“In the end,

some of your greatest pains

become your greatest strengths.”

~ Drew Barrymore

From Exploiting Women…To The Triumphs of Strong Women

February 1, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

It saddens me that women still have to fight for feminism rights and respect within this world. Today I tackle a controversial issue that irritates me within the Australian culture… the exploitation of women. After being faced with an incident last week, it has played on my mind, and now it is time I revealed my annoyance with the way women are looked upon as inferior sexualised objects. Australia is supposed to be a pretty advanced society and women’s rights have been successfully implemented over this last century.

Despite the strength of many women, we are still faced with sex-based discrimination bringing an abundance of emotional torment to women every day in this country. Why do some men welcome this exploitation for their mere selfish pleasure? Why do some women allow themselves to be regarded as the inferior sex and settle for being taken advantage of regularly?

Historically, Australia is a male-dominated society, which started way back in 1788 when the British settled upon this land. There has predominantly been a lack of respect and inferiority that continued for many generations. Despite the equity of women becoming more accepted in Australia now… sadly I am reminded that we still have further hurdles.

Thankfully most Australian’s are respectable and there is support for women’s liberation every day around us… and not all men are so superficially challenged. During this last week, I have witnessed both extremes… from very supportive women to the exploitation of women.

After enjoying several performances and shows during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, I was having a wonderful time and enjoying time away from the farm. However, there was one particular performance that really did annoy me… which in my opinion, is working against the progress that women have made. Not to mention names of the “not so great” performing group or venue… the exploitation of a woman within their performance, I found extremely crude and disrespectful. Not funny at all.

To set the stage for you…

A young woman was “selected” from the audience as a volunteer, which may or may not have been part of the act. The attractiveness of the young woman was verbally stated as part of the show… but it was the inappropriateness of the in-depth references to her body parts and blatant sexual advances, that I found very offensive. I am not too much of a prude and I don’t mind a little crudeness for humorous purposes. But the sexual suggestions and inappropriate requests from the all-male performers… such as asking her to stroke the tambourine with intimate references, continuous bending over to take a bow in order to give the drummer a view of her butt in her short shorts, jumping up and down in excitement with men tantalising over bouncing breasts, brazen suggestions for a wet T-shirt to be brought to the stage, the fiddle player “accidentally” on purpose poking her breast with his bow, and the ongoing sexual advances… this was not entertainment but patronising vulgarity.

The saddest part was that this young woman was all too obliging and acted very “ditsy” when carrying on with their show. Her foolishness within this show, made women appear brainless and cheap. It made out as if women are worthless and our purpose is only for the sexual connotations for men. This notion is so prehistoric and I found it crude that this was depicted in this way. This type of presumptuous demeanor is a tragic insult to women in general.

Women have come so far in this world with equality, through women’s liberation and feminism, and our value has finally been acknowledged. Sadly, I felt sorry for this woman being exploited (whether she realised it or not). I felt sorry for the women in the audience (mainly an older generation)… thinking that this was normal back in their day and not considered sexual harassment at all. And I felt sorry for the men that watched (and maybe quietly enjoyed the show) whether they realised it was disrespectful or not. As a mother of 2 sons, I would be disgusted and disappointed if my sons treated women like this… and I am grateful that my husband respects women and is not superficial.

I watched the show for a short while, despite their early warning that their aim was to offend people and challenge political incorrectness. I really thought the show could be quite funny. Once I realised that this show was far too objectionable for my liking, I did leave the venue, as a personal statement that I did not support the exploitation of women by anyone.

Women are not sexual objects… they do need men to drool over their superficial looks and sexuality. Women want to feel like a work of art… not a “piece of meat”. Women have thoughts and feelings… they have opinions and talent… they deserve to be treated with dignity and regarded as an equal gender. No more, no less, equal.

Although the disrespect may be evoked by many men in our community, it is women who allow them to be disrespectful towards them. Women must realise their worth and stand up for themselves. As women, we need to promote the well-being of all women. If we are more liberated, the men will see that we deserve the respect we seek.

In a paradoxical moment, only several days later, I was able to witness a heartfelt supportive woman. I attended Beccy Cole’s concert and enjoyed her fun-loving stage presence, her humour and her music. Something that stuck with me… at the end of her show, her outspoken statements in support of feminism. She just wants women to be nice to each other and accept ourselves for who we are. Women need to support each other and boost each other up. Her kind words really resonated with me, as I totally support this notion.

Similarly, when I attended another big concert “Country Turns Pink” which was raising funds for the McGrath Foundation, I witnessed another inspiring event. Many music artists showed their support at this event and of women in general. Beautiful music and lyrics touched the audience thanks to artists such as Tania Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Amber Lawrence.

I would like to share this song I enjoyed when sung by Amber Lawrence as I really loved the beautiful lyrics… “Cheers to the Girls”. The uplifting song is about women realising their own worth, taking back their power, standing up for themselves and following their dreams. I am sure that every girl and woman can relate to this song and has felt these sort of feelings at some point in their lives. This is what we should be promoting for women… and we deserve nothing less. Listen and enjoy!

Take care, Karen.

“Women of Worth

She is someone’s daughter

She is someone’s friend

She is someone’s sister

She is someone…”

~ Author Unknown

Video Credit: Amber Lawrence & YouTube

Own Who You Are, With Audacity

January 31, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

Every single one of us is so unique and perfectly created to be somebody or do something important in life. Why do we cringe and sway away from the real person we truly are? Just to fit in within our lives… our work, our family, our social circle… and be the “picture” of the person we think we should be and for others to see.

Sometimes it takes us years to figure it out… to realise that this is crazy. We deserve to be true to ourselves. We deserve happiness…. the happiness that lies within us… when we allow the real person within us to be revealed. And when we discover that person, own it and be bold and fearless in your purpose.

Today I would like to give recognition to three other bloggers, that inspire me… with their wisdom, their compassion towards others and the respect for themselves. Three strangers whom I have never met… yet I feel like I do know them somewhat, through their personal stories and the way they express themselves in words.

RAMBLINGS OF A WALLFLOWER with Dewni, sharing her thoughts and looking for her place in the world. It was her blog Embrace Your Magic… that initially inspired me today. Dewni’s advice is simply stated and is perfectionism in itself “Listen to the depths of your heart and embrace your true self”.

We are told throughout our lives, directly and indirectly, until we tell ourselves subconsciously… we need to fit in and be more like everyone else. That is an unnecessary and enormous burden for us to carry. But when we realise that we can let go of that false notion of perfectionism within society… and be less like everyone else… life magically changes when we take that step to just be ourself.

On a personal level, I have married a farmer, an honest man that just thrives in the outdoors and has a love for animals and a passion for breeding livestock. My love for him in supporting his dreams and being a mother to our children has motivated me for 25 years. But sadly I try to “fit in” within the farming industry, and part of it fits but many parts do not. I do have a strong belief in the future and importance of the agricultural industry, but I do not have a love for the hands-on farm work. So in the process of owning who I am… I now know that I can be an advocate for the rural industry and enjoy my country lifestyle and surroundings. But I know that I do not need to pretend that I am something that I am not. We all need to work out exactly who we are, enjoy the process and embrace what we find.

Secondly, BITTERSWEET TURNS with Priya, using tales and fantasy in this medium to depict deep emotions and feelings. I was captivated by this young women’s blog today Will Power and how she describes that “will power is driven by the WHY of your life”. I think she is spot on with her analogy, as everything we do has a connection to the WHY. As she says “the key is to find the why” and we need to be very honest with ourselves to do this.

For me personally… “WHY do you want to farm livestock in a drought-ridden environment?”. Well, I love my husband and I support him entirely with our farming business. I love administration and the business models that I am able to utilise to sustain our business. The drought is somewhat a temporary setback, one that in Australia will be present at times and the weather will turn and be on our side again. I also believe whole-heartedly that the future of the Australian agricultural industry is important to sustain, so we can feed and clothe our nation and export to other countries for the benefit of our economy. It is this passion that motivates me to continue in the farming industry.

On another level… “WHY do you want to write a blog?”. Well, it really started as a way to release my own emotions while suffering from depression and anxiety during this current drought on the farm and coping with changes in my life. I felt compelled to not hide behind the medication, but to voice my experiences with the world, in a hope to help somebody else going through a tough time. I wanted to reach out… so others knew they were not alone.

I then was able to be myself… and developed a real passion to motivate others to believe in themselves and accept themselves for who they are. As I touch others lives and have the ability to support someone else, to encourage someone else… my compassion is able to be shared through these means. I have raised my 2 sons to adulthood and completed the mothering role for years, now I want to share my warm-hearted and loving nature with others. I may not be able to put it into words verbally and can be a bit of an introvert, so my blog allows me to reach into the depth of my subconscious and share my empathy and inspiration in a unique way. This is now my gift and my purpose in life… and I love that I can be who I really am. I am a writer and I have something to say.

My third and final inspiration for today is from Forty Something Life As We Know It where a fellow blogger shares her journey in life and in her words “searching for wisdom”. I think she under-estimates the wisdom she actually shares with readers. I really enjoy her regular blog and inspiring messages. Two simple messages that she shared today, really touched me and is relevant to the content that I write of today.

Her blog How it is supposed to be… has this simple message and is so true… “What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be”. I think we all have this false perception and are sometimes provoked to be something else. It is our impression that this image is what we strive for. We need to take a step back, re-evaluate our passion and our interests… and then just be ourselves and daringly move forward. Life as we know it, may just change for the better, as we discover the “real” person within and contentment follows.

Another message on her blog It just blooms… “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms”. I find this to be an impressive analogy to our friends and associates in our lives. There is no need to compete with each other, to outdo one another or to be better than another. If we just be ourselves… we will magically blossom and shine.

Sadly it sometimes takes many years for us to find out who we really are… as we grow and mature over the years. But it is never too late… to really delve into your own personality, embrace it and courageously reveal the “real” you. It really is worth it, to accept who you are, imperfections and all… I assure you that you are “imperfectly perfect” and wonderfully unique. It is with audacity… that you can then OWN WHO YOU ARE and success can reign on you.

Take care, Karen.

“Be who you are

not who the world wants you to be”

~ Author Unknown

Rural Reflections #6

January 29, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 3 Comments

With Australia Day on the weekend, it has made me think about our history and appreciate the hard times that our ancestors had lived through. We are so lucky today to have the freedom, the technology and the many opportunistic events within our lives. As I reflect back and acknowledge our history, it gives me reason to celebrate my love for Australia, the land, the lifestyle, the democracy and the people.

From our indigenous heritage, to those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home, we are united within our dynamic nation, regardless of where our stories began and our cultural diversity. Aboriginal people had lived on this land, that we now call Australia, for more than 65,000 years. On 26th January 1788, eleven convict ships from Great Britain, arrived at Sydney Cove, marking the start of a new colony on this beautiful land. Every year, Australia Day is celebrated as a national holiday to reflect on what it means to be Australian.

Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have mixed feelings about this day, as some consider it to be a day of mourning or survival of their culture. As they were the traditional custodians of this land… respect, trust and positive relationships have been promoted through the Reconciliation process. Australia Day aspires to be a celebration of our nation, gives recognition to all of our history and unites us all as Australian people in our diverse nation.

Farming was important from the very first day that the ships arrived in Australia. Sheep were one of the first domesticated animals to be introduced into Australia at this time. Within 50 years of their arrival, sheep had become the main source of income for the Australian agricultural industry. Originally, sheep were not raised for meat, but for wool, and quite quickly the Australian export of sheep became more profitable than any country in the world.

Nowadays, Australia is the world’s number one producer of premium quality fine wool and is the largest producer of all wools by value and volume. The total wool produced in Australia is 324,900 tonnes greasy (shorn wool prior to treatment).

There are around 70 million sheep in Australia, producing an average of 4.6kg of wool per head. The value of wool produced in Australia averages AU$3 billion dollars, which reflects the continuing strong global demand for Australian wool.

So with the recognition of our history and thinking about sheep in Australia, I thought it would be appropriate to share this photo from our property. It shows the heritage-listed shearers’ quarters that was on our property when we purchased it. The photo was taken in April 2017 when green grass actually existed here.

Rural Reflection #6…

06 The Authentic Comforts of a Shearers' Quarters Heritage

image subject to copyright

I like this photo because it represents the little comforts of long ago, providing shelter and warmth… and sadly probably not much more than that. It also depicts in my mind, the hard back-breaking work of the shearers’ resting before another long day’s work. These shearers’ quarters are no longer in use, but as we drive past it every day on the farm, I acknowledge the history of this rustic structure with original timber walls and the authentic culture that lies within.

We need to all acknowledge the history around us and recognise the impact within our lives. Historical events have happened, well out of our control… but we have the choice how we react to these events. Incidents in our past, mould our personality and behaviour. We have the control to make a difference in our lives and the world we live in. As an Australian, I choose to enjoy the freedom in our nation, accept the wrongs that have happened in the past, let go of negativity, work hard for an industry that I love and be the best person I can be. What do you choose?

Take care, Karen.

“We are not makers of history.

We are made by history.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019 ~ Part 2

January 28, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Further to my story here at Tamworth NSW (Australia), for my final recap from the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019. It is a wrap… done and dusted… and what an enjoyable, fun-filled, relaxing time that we have all had during the last 10 days of the festival. The country music talent never ceases and the entertainment factor has been incredible. Over 300,000 music lovers have enjoyed their time here at the festival… and what an incredible experience for everyone, especially during this horrid drought.

Farmers have had a little time out, rural families have found some enjoyment, city folk have supported the businesses that had been doing it tough over the last year. Everyone has come together through their passion for country music and this music has encompassed their lives and lifted spirits across the community. My personal experience has continued on the road of thrills and indulgence.

On Thursday afternoon, I received a phone call from Clipex Fencing & Stockyards, to ask if I would like 2 complimentary tickets for my husband and I, to attend the concerts of Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole. I was astonished and almost paralyzed… why me… why us… there are so many farmers, that would deserve this generous offer. But rather than worry or feel selfish for being presented with this wonderful opportunity to give us a night out… I just felt so very thankful. As a Clipex customer, we were so grateful to this local fencing business and their staff… and their kindness was appreciated so very much.

Whilst we had been attending some free shows at the local clubs during the music festival, we had only purchased tickets for shows, to support breast cancer through the McGrath Foundation and drought relief through the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. So this was very special for us, as a farmer in drought with limited finances, this opportunity was of great value.

Adam Harvey – Friday 25th January

We were still amazed that we had received this generous opportunity to attend Adam Harvey‘s concert. As we sat waiting for the concert to start, my husband and I were so excited and thankful to Clipex Fencing. We were so lucky. I don’t think we have smiled this much for so long.

The show started with support act Judah Kelly, best known for winning The Voice Australia in 2017. This young man’s voice really is amazing with his unique range.

We then enjoyed the music from Adam Harvey himself, from his older tunes to his more recent ones. What I like about Adam, is that he is a genuinely nice fella and is good-hearted and supportive of other young artists. His guest artists for the show included Catherine Britt and Troy Cassar-Daley. He also introduced his lovely daughter Layla Harvey and then proudly sang a duet with her. I really love his laid-back music style and down-to-earth lyrics.

Beccy Cole – Friday 25th January

The good times continued in the next concert with Beccy Cole and the Sisters of Twang. The all-girl line-up was an absolute hit for festival-goers and a performance to remember. I still could not believe we were so lucky to receive these complimentary tickets to see this incredible show, thanks to Clipex Fencing.

The powerful voice of Beccy Cole was incredible and her passion through her songs was captivating. This may have been my favourite show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. I really loved her humour, her story-telling and her heartfelt lyrics. Her guest artists included her son Ricky Albeck, Kelly Brouhaha, her mother Carole Sturtzel and her partner Libby O’Donovan. It was lovely watching the emotional performance with Beccy Cole and her son Ricky Albeck. The heartwarming connection was visible as mother and son shared their mutual passion for music, both with their own individual styles. As a mother myself, this was just beautiful to witness and enjoy.

What I really like about Beccy Cole… was the way she promoted feminism and women supporting each other in this day and age. By no means is she a man-hater, as she is a mother of a son, that means the world to her. She just wants women to be nice to each other and accept ourselves for who we are… which I think is great advice for us all. Her kind words and fun-loving performance… left us all feeling strong and capable to face the world.

It was nice to see a “Drought Relief” CD amongst others at her CD store, from various artists for the drought appeal. As a farmer in drought, this gesture is very much appreciated, when we see the support in front of us every day. The drought support has been nation-wide from not only music artists, but everyday Australians in city and country, young and old. This generosity and support make us feel like you have our back and care about the future of Australian food and fibre. So thank you so much.

Australia Day – Saturday 26th January

Australia Day is the national day set aside to celebrate being Australian, regardless of where our personal stories may have begun. It is a day for us to all reflect on being Australian, be proud of our culture, celebrate our nation and recognise our history.

What better way to celebrate Australia Day… than spending time with my lovely sister and her beautiful family, when they visit Tamworth this weekend. We enjoyed a buffet-style dinner together, in the J&L Family Restaurant at the Tamworth Services Club. There was plenty of choice with succulent seafood including prawns, oysters, smoked salmon… a variety of carvery roasts and vegetables, Chinese cuisine, fresh salads, fruit platters and delicious desserts. There was something for everyone to choose to their liking, both adults and children.

I remember sitting and reflecting on being Australian… enjoying the company of my family, enjoying tasty fresh food in the local community, and with a sense of proudness for the ex-servicemen and women that fought for our freedom many years ago… so we can continue to enjoy our beautiful country. I respect the multi-culturalism of Australia and recognise all of our origins… a history that ultimately unites us within our nation.

Following our dinner, we then enjoyed a stroll in the park and listened to some more country music from Tamworth’s best local artists. The finale was watching the spectacular fireworks with my nieces and nephew. What is it about fireworks that just seems to fascinate us all and brings us to a complete stand-still momentarily? From the young children through to the older generation… we all just watch calmly in awe.

Tex Dubbo – Sunday 27th January

My final show was the Tex Dubbo gig… the alter ego of Troy Cassar-Daley, singing old-style songs from renowned country music artists that inspired him. At this show, Troy does not sing his own songs… but pays homage to the music that has shaped his own career. We heard original songs from the music of Merle Haggard, George Jones and Willie Nelson… which were relaxing and unwinding for me. This show happens every second year, is very popular and held at the Longyard Hotel.

His wife Laurel Edwards, supported him in some of his show. I really like how Troy is so respectfully open and speaks so highly about his lovely wife and their life together. This gives you so much respect towards him, knowing that he is a very decent bloke and that he appreciates his wife. As a loving wife myself, I think this is just wonderful.

Despite the 39 degree heat in the open garden area, I enjoyed the show with my sister and her family. My sister and her husband love these old-style songs, and I loved to see the enjoyment on their faces as well, as they enjoyed some time-out. My husband and I also enjoyed a great lunch from the bistro as we enjoyed the music.

And the show must end! As my lovely sister and her family headed back home to Dubbo, my husband and I returned back to the farm. Shearing is happening the following day on our farm, so the evening is spent mustering sheep to the yard, ready for tomorrow’s early start.

What a huge jam-packed music festival over the last 10 days! The festival ended yesterday and is now over… until next year. So I encourage you all to add the Tamworth Country Music Festival to your “TO DO” list. This event is not to be missed. Bear in mind, you will probably enjoy yourself so much, that you may return year after year.

We all deserve a little break every now and then. It is what keeps us sane and recharged to work effectively in whatever industry we are involved with. Farmers tend to not take enough time-out… due to the ongoing daily workload and costs. But in this current drought, it is more important than ever, to look after yourself and your loved ones. My husband and I are more focused than ever, to tackle life and farming again… with thanks to those music artists and entertainers that support this major festival.

Take care, Karen.

“Never get so busy making a living

that you forget to make a life.”

~ Author Unknown

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019 ~ Part 1

January 23, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

The country music talent and the enjoyable entertainment is non-stop here in Tamworth NSW (Australia) this last week. Everyone is coming “out of the woodwork”, to find their favourite country music stars and discovering some newly-emerging talent. Singing and dancing are happening all around Tamworth at the moment. With over 300,000 music lovers, enjoying 700 performers, at 2800 events… there is so much for everyone to see and do. We are just over halfway through the festival, which ends on Sunday 27th January 2019.

As a last minute decision, I decided to allow myself some time-out to enjoy the Country Music Festival this year, especially now that I live only a half hour drive from Tamworth. The farm duties and office routines have all been put on hold (but we manage to fit the more urgent jobs in, around our social activities, which really is a rare occurrence for us). Since the drought has been so much of a burden this last year… it was time to let our hair down. Not only for my own sanity, but for my husband as well… we both needed some time-out and reminded ourselves of the healing ability that music induces. So here is a recap of what I have been up to and will also give you a few ideas for when you do attend the music festival.

Opening Concert in Toyota Park – Friday 18th January

As an invited VIP guest of Clipex Fencing, we attended the Opening Ceremony at Toyota Park. In a more private marquee setting we were provided with shade, seating, cold drinks and finger-food, whilst we watched and enjoyed the beautiful music from the CMAA Academy of Country Music students and tutors. As a bonus, we were able to meet and chat with Adam Harvey, the Clipex Brand Ambassador.

However, the concert in the park is a free event open to everyone, so you can just bring a chair and some drinks/snacks to enjoy the music anywhere in the park, then watch the spectacular fireworks. The opening concert was hosted by Felicity Urquhart.

“The Great Australian Round Up” Main Event & Rodeo – Saturday 19th January

This was a unique and exciting event introduced this year, with internationally renowned Guy McLean and his incredible stock horses, held at the Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC). This was a charity event to raise money for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners and other vital rural services.

His extraordinary horsemanship skills absolutely amazed me. To see his performance, gives you a small sense of appreciation of the work this man puts into these beautiful horses, to train them to happily perform without bridles or leads. It is absolutely mind-blowing.

This was followed with some exciting rodeo action, with cowboys on bucking horses and bulls and cowgirls on their well-trained horses. My favourite part of the rodeo, was watching the young boys riding the mini bulls.

Darren Carr & Other Dummies – Sunday 20th January

OMG this was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Darren Carr is known as Australia’s #1 stand-up ventriloquist. With his natural comedy and cast of crazy characters, his performance is so hilariously entertaining. This was an amazing show held at the West Tamworth League Club.

Country Turns Pink – Sunday 20th January

This was a big concert… with big name Country Stars performing their well-loved songs, and introducing new and upcoming artists. It was hosted by comedian Darren Carr, with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation. This is an important charity raising money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer. The McGrath Breast Care Nurses bring peace of mind to many families, through their expert knowledge, personal care and genuine compassion.

I was passionate about attending this event, to not only show my support of the McGrath Foundation, but on a personal level as well. A good family friend of mine has just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergone breast surgery only a week ago. The McGrath Foundation is a great cause and this event has raised over $119,000 over the last 4 years. Thank you to the country music artists that support this event and the venue West Tamworth League Club. We enjoyed music from artists such as Tania Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Amber Lawrence.

Pete Denahy Comedy & Bluegrass – Tuesday 22nd January

We enjoyed Pete Denahy in this early morning show with plenty of laughter and great music from the bluegrass genre. We also enjoyed his other special guests with comedy performances and more bluegrass style music. This was a very relaxing show and free to members and guests of West Tamworth League Club. I really love the unique element that the double bass, fiddle and mandolin bring to this show.

Legends Long Lunch – Tuesday 22nd January

The stars of the show were Daniel Thompson, Mike Carr, Anthony Taylor and Luke Austen. Their interaction, their humour and their music talent, entertained us for several hours in a free show at West Tamworth League Club. We also enjoyed their “surprise” special guests joining them on stage to entertain us alongside them. My favourite part was Daniel Thompson singing “Johnny Cash” songs in his very low voice.

Buskers Street Performance – Wednesday 23rd January

There are a variety of buskers singing their hearts out right along Peel St as well as other entertainers and artists on stages throughout the CBD. A visit to the Tamworth Country Music Festival cannot happen without checking out the many buskers. This morning after my doctor visit in the centre of town, I had a quick wander along the main street to see and hear some of the buskers and visited a few street stalls. It really is a lovely atmosphere and worth seeing.

More to come…

With still 4 days to go and my sister visiting on the weekend, I will give you the rest of the recap next week (Part 2). If you are lucky enough to be attending this year’s music festival, I hope you enjoy the remaining few days. It is not too late to come to Tamworth, as there are still daily shows at all hours. Otherwise, please mark your calendar for next year.

This experience is worth it and I can guarantee, as a stressed-out farmer in need of something else, this has done the trick. My husband and I are both calmer, more relaxed, more focused to work and more capable to get on with our demanding everyday jobs on the farm. We are enjoying life again and that is an amazing feeling. And who better than to enjoy this experience with, but my favourite person in the whole world, my husband Peter.

For more information see Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2019.

Take care, Karen.

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

~ Berthold Auerbach, a German Poet & Author

Rural Reflections #5

January 21, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Loyalty, trust, love and hope… is at the heart of why farmers bear the burden of drought year after year. Loyalty to our passion in life, our love for the agricultural industry and our love for our family. This is what motivates us to keep on going, implement our drought management plans and ensure our nation’s future food security.

We trust our agricultural industry to survive so we can continue to feed our great nation and the rest of the world. We hold hope for a better season as we face hardship and worry every single day. Farmers love what they do… they care for their livestock, they take pride in managing the land beneath them and they trust in what they are doing to help feed and clothe our nation.

Today I am sharing this photo with you, taken in November 2018, only 2 short months ago. Our land has suffered the effects of drought, as we had a very dry start to 2018, with the driest first half of a year on record. Our average annual rainfall is 673mm (26 inches), but in 2018 we only received about half of that… 369mm (14 inches), only 17mm more than the lowest annual rainfall on record.

In the month of November alone, we received 106mm (4 inches)… which had given us hope. Hope for a break in the dry season and hope for some relief for the land, the livestock and for us. Sadly it didn’t last for long, but nevertheless, there is light at the end of this tunnel… finally.

Rural Reflection #5…

05 Eager Hereford Breeders Follow With Excitement

image subject to copyright

As in stock management, a new paddock awaits this mob of cows and this photo depicts their excitement as the movement takes place. A failed forage crop (on the left), planted in February last year, raises its head with the much-anticipated moisture. Following every big drought, now we have the threat of weeds, invading paddocks that were once pasture. But through on-farm management, weeds can be controlled, once some rainfall is received. And those clouds above us hold hope that rain may be coming.

As we drive in front of the cattle, calling them to a new paddock… the hot, dry and dusty conditions were not restraining them at all. I love this photo because it shows the natural quiet nature of Hereford cattle, the ease of stock movement and the trust that these beautiful breeders have in us. They trust us to provide them with feed to meet their nutritional requirements. They trust us to provide them with healthy clean water to drink. They trust us entirely, as they follow eagerly without apprehension, as they contemplate what paddock may await them next.

So even with the over-bearing drought effects and the long-term process to farm business recovery… our loyalty to these animals and our industry drives us every day. It is with the love of farming, that we do hold hope for a better season to fall upon us soon.

Take care, Karen.

“Loyalty is what makes us trust,

Trust is what makes us stay,

Staying is what makes us love,

and love is what gives us hope.”

~ Glenn van Dekken

Revel in Country Music at Australia’s #1 Festival

January 15, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Get ready for Australia’s largest music festival starting in only 3 days. Tamworth NSW is famous for hosting the annual Toyota Country Music Festival in January each year. A festival where many renowned country music artists and thousands of fans flock from all over the nation and from abroad to our regional city for 10 whole days of fun, live music and entertainment.

Not only is this the largest music festival in Australia, but the second largest music festival in the world. WOW that is huge… 700 artists, at more than 2800 events across the city, over 10 days and nights. Starting Friday 18th January until Sunday 27th January 2019… there is something for everyone. And it is not too late!

The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a unique festival experience and attendance is free to all. There are free shows every night in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park) for you to enjoy. Main streets are closed off for buskers, stalls, children’s activities and street performers. You can choose from over 2800 free and ticketed shows over the 10 days in the park, pubs, clubs and hotels around Tamworth. The Tamworth region is dynamic and in full festival swing.

The Country Music Festival is a family-friendly event, with free concerts in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park) in Kable Avenue, the Toyota Country Music Fanzone stage in Fitzroy Street, busking and live entertainment for all ages. Bring the whole family and check out the Family Zone for rides, entertainment and more in Kable Avenue during the festival.

There are tickets available for gigs by performing artists in the lead-up and during the Country Music Festival. From live performances, entertainment, country music attractions and other festival activities… this annual event is not to be missed.

To name a few of the renowned performers for the 2019 Country Music Festival…. Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Catherine Britt, Adam Brand and The Bushwackers.

If the red carpet tickles your fancy… the Golden Guitar Awards night is an opportunity to rub shoulders with the biggest names in country music and see them perform in one huge concert at the TRECC. This is the finale to the 10 day Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2019. The Golden Guitar Awards are the nation’s longest running music awards concert.

In search of the next Toyota Star Maker 2019… 10 of Australia’s top emerging country music artists will compete to become the 40th Toyota Star Maker winner at the Grand Final, the main event on the first Sunday of the festival. The 2018 Toyota Star Maker Winner last year was Brad Cox.

My husband and I did attend a few concerts and shows last year with some good friends. I remember enjoying Australian singer/songwriter Shane Nicholson at “The Pub” last year. We also laughed with friends at the “Longyard Hotel” when listening to the crazy antics of a fast-paced show with the Australian band The Bushwackers. After attending the free Opening Concert in the park and enjoying a variety of artists, I then purchased tickets to attend the “Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar” for Travis Collins show later in the week. I also love to walk around the Tamworth street stalls and listen to the variety of buskers… always finding a favourite.

If you are wanting something a little different, you can enjoy the excitement of the ABCRA National Finals Rodeo and Campdraft. A week of elite Rodeo and Campdraft action at Tamworth’s Australian Equine Livestock & Events Centre (AELEC) The thrill of cowboys competing for the buckle… highly experienced bucking stock, who thrive on dumping cowboy’s in the dust… and cowgirls upon their horses in a showdown after years of training. The dynamic energy will have you on the edge of your seat.

Another new 2-day event to provide an exciting, unique and new element to the Tamworth Country Music Festival for both tourists and locals… is the Great Australian Round Up. It is to be held at AELEC to celebrate our farming heritage and support our agricultural future. This is a charity event raising money for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners and other vital rural services. Showcasing Australian country exhibitions and memorabilia from the legendary Longreach Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. The main event will include internationally renowned Guy McLean and his incredible stock horses, as seen on Australia’s Got Talent (see YouTube link for his audition). An elite Rodeo extravaganza will follow. Not only the excitement of rodeo action, The Great Australian Round Up rodeo will tell a story of the heritage of rodeo in Australia, highlighting its importance in today’s rural communities.

Tamworth country music attractions available all year round include the Big Golden Guitar, Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, Wax Museum, Galaxy of Stars, Roll of Renown and Hands of Fame.

Keep in mind, the Tamworth agricultural industry has been suffering the effects of drought on the land, so the businesses in town have felt this too. This annual festival is a chance for you to come and spend your money in Tamworth to support the local businesses who have suffered as a domino effect of this horrid drought. We have seen drought support across the nation, but now is your chance to help first hand and put money back into our rural community by attending this entertaining festival. We are all in this together and I hope that we can all enjoy some time-out, great music and entertainment galore.

So it doesn’t matter if you are seeking live country music entertainment, exciting country activities or sensational country events… it will all be here ready and waiting for you in Tamworth NSW. Come and see what the Tamworth region has to offer. Book your accommodation now and bring your family and friends, a hat, sunscreen, fold-up chair or picnic rug for outdoor concerts, photo ID for the pubs/clubs… and you will be ready for an experience you will never forget.

For more information see Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2019.

Take care, Karen.

“A good country song

takes a page out of somebody’s life

and puts it to music.”

~ Conway Twitty, American Country Music Singer

Rural Reflections #4

January 13, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

Hope and memories exist somewhere within us all. This widespread drought has left farmers and rural communities battling every day… which is a reminder that we all need time to just stop and reflect.

Memories seem to find warmth from within us. Those memories of a time when a season was able to produce food and fibre, with only the usual effort on the farm. Farm production without the mental tribulations, physical exhaustion and financial debilitation. Time to enjoy life… time to spend with our families… time to feel content. A time we all yearn for once again.

This weekend I did stop, relax and reflect a little… a feeling and action that seemed so long lost. A reminder that time with our loved ones is essential for all… and time to take care of yourself. I needed to find this place… a moment where I could bring back hope. This hope… or feeling of desire… for our season to break, for the heavens to open and rain soak into our paddocks and fill our tanks and dams. For this rain to wash away our stress, our weariness and our pessimism. One day it will happen… we are one day closer to rain every day.

So today I would like to share this photo with you, to show that hope is only around the corner. This photo was taken in July 2017, at the end of a good Winter season, as sheep fatten for sale on the green grass. It also depicts a storm to the east over Tamworth NSW.

Rural Reflection #4…

04 A Distant Storm Overlooking the Sheep

image subject to copyright

I showed this photo to my husband, and at first, he didn’t even recognise it to be our property. Sadly, the scenery now is paradoxical to back then. Now every day is a vision of thick dust and short dry vegetation sparsely consuming the paddocks… and more so have consumed our lives.

I really like this photo because of how it depicts the storm in the background yet the sun shining brightly on the sheep feeding on the green grass. It symbolises the intensity of how farming relies on storms and rain to continue our production effectively. It also illustrates diversity within rural areas, and only 20km away the weather can differ so dramatically.

We may not be able to control the weather and a farmer knows best as they gamble every day upon the odds. But we can have some form of control regarding how we respond to the drought, how we prepare for the drought and how we protect our families mental state in the meantime. In any industry and family situation it is important to retain our optimistic state of mind and take care of each other.

It is now more than ever, we need to focus on our memories of the good seasons on the farm. A time that will return to us once again. Hold on to hope, enjoy time with your family as you anticipate a better season soon and remember we will get through this… together.

Take care, Karen.

“The greater your storm,

the brighter your rainbow.”

~ Author Unknown

Country Heart Spark

Inspiration for inner strength beyond the farmer

Author: Country Heart Spark

The Trust Crisis: Forgive or Forget?

Rural Reflections #7

From Exploiting Women…To The Triumphs of Strong Women

Own Who You Are, With Audacity

Rural Reflections #6

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019 ~ Part 2

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019 ~ Part 1

Rural Reflections #5

Revel in Country Music at Australia’s #1 Festival

Rural Reflections #4