Rural Reflections #3

January 8, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Where does your road lead you to? We all have a long and winding road within our lives. Our journey along this road… is what we make of it.

We need to appreciate the journey and not look for a final destination in our lives. Appreciate our loved ones that we share this road with. Appreciate the natural beauty all around us. And appreciate the heart and soul within us all.

After a busy weekend on the farm, family commitments and a bought of heat exhaustion… my reflection is a little late this time. The never-ending tasks on the farm and the workload 7 days a week, more so as a result of drought as time becomes a limiting factor… is tiring me. It has left me thinking about what is really important in our lives. Our family, our loved ones, those that our lives revolve around… these people are the ones we need to cherish and hold dearly.

I spent my Sunday mustering stock, early weaning calves, weighing stud cattle and organising some cows to sell to pay a few bills. The dry and dusty conditions and the heat makes it a very tiring day. The usual early start to beat the heat and finally a late dinner by 8:30pm. Then comes the paperwork and updating computer records to meet record-keeping requirements on-farm. I finished at 1:00am in the morning.

So then only 4 and a half hours sleep before Monday morning weighing lambs and sending the lambs off to market. The lack of sleep coupled with the heat, left me with heat exhaustion. By 4:30pm yesterday and the shock of vomiting, as weakness and vagueness set in, I gave in to the exhaustion and lay on down. I awoke in a daze over 2 hours later, confused somewhat but ready for dinner. No office work that evening at all. I made a dinner from leftovers in the fridge, showered and watched a nice movie on television. An enjoyable evening and one that has become a rarity. Relaxation has been lost this last year… and is greatly missed.

Today as my office work is piling up and I procrastinate as to where to start, I decide to write this blog first. My chance to unwind mentally and share a part of my life with you all. I reflected on the relevance of the photo I have chosen for today.

Rural Reflection #3…

image subject to copyright

This photo shows the driveway to my property and my home near Tamworth NSW. It was taken in April 2017 in the Autumn, when the green aspect was the norm. I really like the dark green tree on the right for its facade and shape but I have no idea what sort of tree it actually is. Does anybody recognise what tree this may be?

I like this photo as it depicts a road well-travelled and a road that leads on home. It also reflects a better season than what is upon us right now and reminds me that one day the drought will be over and we will see this green scenery once again.

Sometimes life just gets too busy that we do not stop to appreciate the simple things in our life. I can look at this photo and know that whatever challenges I have to face… I still have a road that leads to home and a haven where I can also find my own inner peace and where my happiness now resides.

As my sons have grown up now and living their own lives independently, I also hope they see a road that leads them back home to us to appreciate their history and the roots of our family. I also hope that they find their own future happiness and be able to continue to return along this road… to where a loving family awaits their cherished visits.

One thing we must all understand… it is not the home and materialistic objects in our lives, that are of value. It is the people, our loved ones in our lives… that make our home a home. The road that we follow in our life, is one that we carve out. A road that leads us to our own true happiness.

Take care, Karen.

“Chase your dreams

but always know the road

that’ll lead you home again.”

~ Tim McGraw

Toddler Killed In Devastating Farm Accident

January 3, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

The shock a family feels as their 2-year-old toddler is killed in a traumatic on-farm tractor accident. How on earth do these loving parents, siblings and grandparents cope with this mortifying loss? The grief is unimaginable yet our hearts go out to this family upon hearing of this tragic event.

I was reading today about the young boy that was killed when a fertiliser bin fell from a tractor and trapped him on a dairy farm in south-west Victoria. The shock and chaos that would have emerged when this accident unfolded, is almost impossible to fathom. The distress the family would have felt as they tried to dig the little boy from beneath the monstrous weight. My heart just breaks quietly from afar… for a loving family that I do not even know.

Sadly farm accidents happen on our farms. It is so scary to think in the blink of an eye… devastation can unfold, ever so quickly. As a mother of 2 boys, I understand knowing their curiosity, their sense of adventure and their indispensable actions… leads us to worry and take precautions every single day on the farm.

One cannot ever understand what happened that day… a simple farm task, carrying out a usual job, family distractions, nobody knows… but it was an accident. Plain and simple. An accident that cannot be reversed and an accident that is so heart-breaking for this family.

It is fun for little kids to grow up on farms and this upbringing is a valued and treasured experience. A life that shapes the country child and develops their skills and attributes. A possible farmer in the making or a well-developed young person to take on any alternate career one day.

Farm kids learn so much when they are involved on-farm and it has a positive effect on them. They learn patience… when extra chores have to be done before dinner can be served. They learn to drive at a young age and maintain vehicles, which is helpful later on when they are getting a drivers licence. They learn to be handy and help with jobs that just need to be done, no excuses. They learn first hand where and how food is grown… and understand the work requirements to feed and clothe the world. They learn to respect the land as this is their family’s livelihood. They learn about the weather and how farmers rely on Mother Nature and they learn how to adapt when drought is upon us. They also learn the meaning of family when they live and work with them every single day.

As a farmer, we generally take precautions with our young children and supervise their involvement. Like other parents, we try to be aware of where our kids are, to avoid accidents of any kind. But sometimes, unfortunately, accidents do happen, no matter what we do. Young children will wander when playing and they take risks without even knowing it.

However, it is devastating that too many tragedies occur on our farms and they happen in a split second of a moment. Farm accidents can involve tractors, quad bikes, motorbikes, farm machinery, horses, livestock, dams and rivers. Naturally, children with their inquisitive nature, sense of adventure and unpredictability… can have a disastrous effect on-farm.

As standard procedure, the toddler’s fatal accident is being investigated by WorkSafe Victoria. I understand the necessity of the investigation due to the fatality and the possible need for future prevention strategies on all farms. But I also feel the family have just lost their son and that devastation alone would be ripping their heart out and a battle of feelings and numbness would exist. What could be worse than that? I just hope the investigating organisation can be respectful to this family… as they have been through enough.

Farm safety for children is very important to all farmers and the usual threats of farm safety are managed from a business perspective. Information for keeping children safe on our farms as well as managing all farm safety can be viewed at Farmsafe Australia.

Most of us do not know that feeling of the tragic loss of a child and so can only empathise with the situation or hold our own children a little tighter now. I hope the parents and grandparents can support each other through this tragic time and find solace in other family and friends. How does one get through such a tragedy on their farm? I do not know. I guess memories of this little boy… remembering their cheerful bubbly son for all that he was. And not being afraid to ask for professional help to deal with their grief and loss.

So we need to love our children, watch them intensely on the farm, take precautions to prevent farm tragedies… and respect the tragic loss that this family has endured. For more of this tragic story see the Sydney Morning Herald article I read today or 9NEWS.

Take care, Karen.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

~ Queen Elizabeth II

Happy New Year and Days Gone By

January 1, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Another year has gone by and here we are, smack bang at the beginning of 2019 already. We have all celebrated New Year’s Eve last night in some way… whether it be a quiet night at home with the family, dancing the night away or the fascinating “big bang” with live fireworks. Who knew all the words to “Auld Lang Syne”? Or did you just mumble along like the rest of us… joining in with the traditional folk song to signify the start of the New Year?

New Year’s Eve is the largest global celebration… with men, women and children celebrating through rituals galore. In Australia, celebrations are held across the nation… popular family events, dancing, entertainment, fireworks, concerts, the list seems endless.

How did you bring in the New Year? For me, it was a quiet night at home with family, enjoying a delicious meal together, a quiet drink, playing a board game Cattle Baron, good conversation and laughter, thinking about my other family members afar and watching the televised midnight fireworks in Sydney. I know…probably sounds boring to those of you party animals that celebrate into the wee hours of the morning. But for me… I really enjoyed my night at home in relaxation mode, surrounded by my loved ones. With the burden of drought consuming me at the moment, this was the perfect way to bring in the New Year.

New Year’s Day provides us with a chance to celebrate that we have made it through another 365 days, our unit of time where we keep chronological order of our lives. The day we profoundly shift from one year to the next. At the stroke of midnight, we wave goodbye to the year gone by… and reflect on the achievements in our heart… and share the love with our family and friends. We also signify a fresh beginning at this ritual in time. Many people dance, eat, drink and watch fireworks to mark the start of a New Year.

If you have a birthday around the end of September or the beginning of October… well alas… you were probably conceived on New Year’s Eve. A time when our love for one another is profoundly displayed. Lots of hugs and kisses and gratitude are thrown around… a sight we are all so familiar with.

I remember when I was young, I used to attend family dances in country towns, dance the night away and upon the countdown to midnight… sing “Auld Lang Syne”. Historians have called it “the song that nobody knows” yet we have all tried to sing it. And most of us, not that well… but that doesn’t stop us from joining in.

“Auld Lang Syne” is based on a 1788 Scottish poem by Robert Burns and is typically sung on New Year’s Eve around the world. The Scottish phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “old long since” and basically means “days gone by” which is an appropriate toast for the New Year. So when everyone sings the chorus “for auld lang syne”, this translates to “for the sake of old times”. The song also reflects love, friendship and nostalgic memories.

Thankfully in Australia, the lyrics we sing today are a more modern version of the Scots poem. I have included a video with lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne” for you to practice so you won’t need to mumble along in the verses next year. I for one tend to hum along nowadays for the failure of not knowing most of the words.

Video Credit ~ YouTube and “Christmas Songs and Carols – Love to Sing”

Now we will be armed and ready for next year… we can sing to our heart’s content. This folk song is also sung at funerals, graduations and is a farewell song at other occasions.

Sometimes our rituals do change as we get older, have children, move locations or just need a change. When I had children of my own, fireworks become our favourite New Year celebration.

We were living on the Mid North Coast when my children were young, so we would go into town, buy a seafood basket and sit on the riverbank at Taree, eat our platter together and then watch the fireworks. I remember the kids waiting for the fireworks… and they would create their own fun by rolling down the hill and playing on the riverbank. I loved these times and the feeling of contentment and relaxation with my family. We have also joined family and friends at Tuncurry/Forster to watch fireworks in later years.

New Year resolutions have also been contemplated, agreed to and some broken already. We all seem to view a New Year as a fresh new blank page in our book. A book where we can write our own story and start afresh in a New Year. We are excited and enthusiastic to make resolutions to stick with for 2019. What are your New Year resolutions?

A year of bitter-sweet memories has unfolded with the drought in our farming communities and we have seen the drought support sprawled across the nation by so many truly wonderful people. My wish for the New Year is that I hope we have a better, wetter and more prosperous 2019. As the New Year emerges, I hope we all find new joys to discover and lots of reasons to be grateful.

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with beautiful moments and treasured memories within your own heart.

Take care, Karen.

“Begin and end each day with a grateful heart.”

~ Andrea Reiser

Rural Reflections #2

December 30, 2018February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Babies in any form, always spark our interest. Who doesn’t love newborn baby calves? Today I will share another photo with you all, which reflects hope, something we all need right now.

With this horrid drought affecting farmers physically, emotionally and financially this year… we are always in need of finding joy in something every day. The calving season always delivers us hope and joy.

This photo was taken in July 2018, right in the middle of this dreadful drought. Not only farming to keep our stock alive but also at a production level, as we enter the calving season. Sadly calves are dropping into a hard dry desert-like environment, where optimism is thin and prospects contemplated. Nevertheless, these newborn calves always promise to bring us a smile.

Rural Reflection #2…

image subject to copyright

I really love this photo because of the innocence portrayed with these cute baby calves. Our Hereford calves are naturally quiet which I adore. But I love the calmness they simulate by lazing around in the hay, sleeping soundly and the nonchalant yet curious glances they give you.

They just lay upon the hay innocently… the hay that we just fed out in the wretched drought, during the current daily feeding ritual. As we watch their mothers eating to nourish and gain energy, these babies rest peacefully, as if we just put the hay there for the sole purpose of softening the ground beneath them. How can one not fall in love with these beautiful tranquil animals?

The adoration we have for baby animals is the one positive motivation to keep us working so damn hard on the farm. The birth of life in a cycle, re-cements our vision and passion as farmers and reminds us as to why we accept farming challenges.

So my photo for today is reflecting that change is a part of life… we must appreciate the beauty around us and find this beauty amongst the darkness surrounding us. Drought may have a gut-wrenching hold on us farmers at the moment, but we will get through it. We just need to look around and be grateful for what we do have right now in our lives.

Take care, Karen.

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”

~ Martin Luther King Jr

It’s Not Worth The Anger or the Heartache

December 28, 2018 / Country Heart Spark / 8 Comments

The year is nearly over and we are starting to think about New Year resolutions. 2019 can be the year for us to learn how to LET GO. Let go of all the “crap”… the negative feelings… the anger building up… or the headache of our life spiraling out of control.

How many of us get worked up over things we cannot change? Most of us, I think. We worry about everything… our children, our relationships, our friendships, our finances, our health. The worry exists daily and is normal to a point, but we can control the extent to which we worry excessively.

Some form of worry is essential so we are aware of danger, giving us an understanding of others, allowing us to care, or building strategies for prevention. It is the excess worry that I think we can shake. If we come up with a plan by playing out any “what if” scenario’s, the worry is challenged and can be somewhat relieved. Challenge your own thinking and decide if the worry is affecting your health. If it is, decide to be pro-active and let it go.

Anxiety is real and sometimes over-powering. Sometimes we are able to manage our thoughts and feelings by shifting our mindset and focus differently. Sometimes we need to ask our GP for help. Take that step if it is needed.

ANGER! Has something happened in your life that has made you so angry that it continues to build up for many years? Were there any incidents over Christmas with family members or friends that really annoyed you and now you feel angry? It is not worth the anger at all. Regardless of what has happened to you, or what someone said to you… it is not worth holding a grudge, battling feelings of contempt or a will to seek revenge.

It is just ridiculous, that we all allow differing opinions, perceptions and arguments to scar relationships. It is only stubbornness, selfishness and a lack of empathy that causes the anger to fester within. The anger may have started because of one single incident but as time passes and you play it over in your mind, the anger builds up for a variety of reasons that you create within your own mind. We just need to LET IT GO. Holding on to anger, serves no purpose whatsoever.

In fact, anger becomes debilitating over time. It just eats away inside of you and makes you bitter. Anger also affects your health long-term. A build up of anger will affect your brain, your immune system and your stress hormones. It will cause increased anxiety, high blood pressure and headaches. Anger has the most damaging effect on your cardiac health and it will increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Holding on to anger is not only needless… but necessary to let go of, for your health’s sake.

Relationships are breaking every single day… loving relationships are ending, family break-ups and friendships destroyed. Heartache is the end result. We mask our heartache by staying angry… determined never to forgive. This is so sad. The anger serves no purpose and is harmful to your health. When we allow ourself to forgive… a simple action within ourselves to stop feeling angry or resentful… we do feel hurt but relief. Hurt can be dealt with, allowing closure or acceptance over time. The constant heartache will subside when the anger is removed.

We get so worked up over little things… things we cannot change. There are just some things we cannot control or change in our lives. We must accept that. People cannot be changed either. We must learn to manage our own actions and our own reactions in our relationships and in our life in general. This is what we do have control over.

Stop being angry with the world and holding on to the anger. Whatever happened… just happened. Let it go. Apologise if you should… if you said or did something that you shouldn’t have. Show forgiveness to others… to release yourself from the anger and resentment. Control yourself and what you have control over.

If you have a fractured relationship with a family member. Repair the relationship if possible, as family is the most important part of our lives. You can control your side of the relationship only… be nice… be respectful and be prepared to accept that you cannot control the other persons thoughts, feelings or actions. And do not try to persuade or invite others to join you in the rampage of hateful anger against a family member… as this only reinforces anger to stay in your life. Let go of the anger and resentment allowing relationships to be healed or accept the irrepairable outcome without contempt.

If you have friends that don’t seem to want to be friends with you. So what! You can control how you treat them… be nice… be respectful… but be prepared to let go and walk away if these friendships become toxic to your own health. We all deserve real friendships yet some of these friends are not for life. Some friends serve a purpose in our life and both parties need something from the friendship. But sometimes things just change, we grow apart, our differences may become more prominent or we just don’t see “eye to eye” anymore. It doesn’t matter. Learn to accept that things do change. Let go!

Life just gets so busy… that sometimes we feel like we have been thrown under the bus. Feeling restrained and not seeing a means of escape? We are always busy, balancing work, children, routines, schedules, relationships, sport, health, voluntary activities, friendships, recreation and sleep. Many of you will relate to this at some point in your lives, if not right now.

I used to feel like… and visualise myself being dragged by a rope called “life”… tied around my ankles, pulling me in and out of all my responsibilities in life. It is exhausting and tiresome. Recreation and “me” time became non-existent. I am learning to treat myself as I would treat a friend or a loved one. I am starting to get back that control in my life. Now “I am pulling” that rope in my life… and I may have a few bumps here and there, but I choose how I manage the hurdles or challenges in my path. I guarantee it is worth getting that control back. It is worth kicking anger to the kerb and the heartaches will resolve.

Make a promise to yourself heading into the New Year. “I deserve to be happy and feel whole. I will live with purpose and let go of anger and heartaches. I deserve to feel healthy without the stress of life getting in my way. I control my life… my thoughts, my actions and my feelings. I will love and cherish those important to me and treat everyone with respect. I will accept others wanting to be a part of my life and I will accept those that choose to walk away, without resentment. I will control only what I can and I will LET GO of everything else. I deserve real happiness, health and contentment.” 2019 here we come!

Take care, Karen.

“Forgive others,

not because they deserve forgiveness,

but because you deserve peace.”

~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

How to Find Peace In Our Life By Self Domination

December 26, 2018December 26, 2018 / Country Heart Spark / 5 Comments

Life is way too short to leave the key to our own happiness in someone else’s pocket. We are responsible for our own thoughts and actions. We cannot control other’s, nor should we even want to. Everyone has their own opinions, but we choose how we react to them.

The moment we realise that our happiness and contentment is upon our own shoulders… life can truly begin. Sadly we find fault in others, which seems human nature, when we should be looking within. We all need to look within ourselves to find the answers and not rely on someone else to make us happy.

I have found that I am starting to look at life very differently, almost philosophical, and have assumed alternate views. I used to react to situations that were outside of my control. I used to worry excessively and aim for happiness as if I am on a journey to find “it”. A journey without a final destination.

When we are younger, we think that our happiness is a direct result of finding the “perfect” partner, building an exquisite home, having a child, finding the ideal job, buying our favourite car, following the latest fashion fair or finding real friendships in our lives.

The truth is we do not need someone else to find happiness in our life and we do not need materialistic objects to “complete” us. These people and items may bring us enjoyment and a feeling of closeness or inclusiveness. But real happiness lies within us and we have the key to our own happiness. We need to shift our mindset and look at the bigger picture. Then almost magically, you will see the right people drawn to you and happiness will blossom.

I now choose to look within myself and change my own thoughts, feelings or actions in order to create my own contentment. The beauty of this concept is that we can control all of this within… and we will see personal growth along the way. We do not need to rely on other peoples conduct or behaviour, which is out of our scope. Our own behaviour then becomes less reactive and more actionable.

We spend our lives trying to figure out who we are and what we want. We worry about what might have been or who is “on my side” in life. We tend to overthink situations and possible scenarios. We can also create an issue based on our own perspective.

Perception is a powerful reality in life. One person’s perception can be entirely in contrast to another person’s interpretation. Right and wrong is not the issue. Personal perceptions are just that… PERSONAL… to each individual. We imagine things through our own perspective only. The same situation or incident will be interpreted differently by those involved. We are all unique and have our own emotional response and reactions.

How many of you have had someone you trusted disappoint you? How many of you have broken relationships or severed family ties? How many of you feel overwhelmed with the impact these fractured relationships have had upon you?

We all have our own issues and baggage within our lives. We are all human and a hurricane of emotions are inevitable. If somebody says or does something which annoys or upsets you… you have the power to not react negatively and allow contempt to consume you. Consider that you may be understanding from your own perspective only… and the other person from theirs. Both parties can be unaware of the real situation and missing the intent of the discussion.

Forgiveness is often an understated action, if this reflects any situation in our lives. To forgive, is to stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone for an offence, flaw or mistake. The necessary process of forgiveness… is not to “let someone off the hook” or excuse their behaviour, ignorance or impoliteness. Forgiveness is a process to allow our own growth and happiness.

A lot of us fail to realise that forgiveness is not about the offender, it is about us. When we hold on to the hurt, pain, resentment or anger… it harms us far more than it harms the offender. Forgiveness allows us to move forward without anger, contempt or seeking revenge. This is essential to release yourself from any situation and to move forward in your own life. Forgiveness “frees” you by taking control… and peace will remain.

We waste too much time worrying and forget to just breathe. We need to learn how to appreciate and just “exist” in the moment. The time has come for me… to stop the overthinking and worrying. When I decided that I was “done” with anything that does not bring me peace, my life changed. I feel content… I feel calmness… I feel happiness embalming me.

Then the magic begins… when you see your loved ones with a sense of adoration in you and inspiration in their own life. Not only do they see the real you, they are inspired to become the better version of themselves as well. It then becomes contagious. Be yourself, love your family, appreciate your friendships, practice forgiveness, just live in the moment and peace will be the cherished outcome.

Take care, Karen.

“If you want to be happy,

do not dwell in the past,

do not worry about the future,

focus on living fully in the present.”

~ Roy T. Bennett

Believe In The Magic Of The Christmas Season

December 24, 2018December 24, 2018 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

It is not what is under the Christmas tree that matters… but those who are gathered around it. And those who are not present with you but are thought about fondly in those magical moments. There is not only one meaning for Christmas, but many.

Family is the most important part of Christmas for most people, including me. It doesn’t matter if your family is sharing Christmas with you… or thinking of you from afar… or even watching over you from above. There is one common factor… the LOVE in our heart. Family is the greatest blessing in our life.

This year my eldest son and his girlfriend are hosting Christmas for both families. A milestone for him… as it is the first Christmas he will host in his own home. My husband and I will be spending Christmas with my eldest son and share the celebration he has planned. Although this year it will be different for me, not as the host, making me somewhat anxious. But I am very excited for him and glad to support this new adventure with him.

Sadly it will also be my first Christmas without the presence of my youngest son, as he is having Christmas with his girlfriend’s family this year. The anxiety of change affects us all, yet inevitable in keeping family time fair and enjoyable for all. I will miss him but glad he is able to be a supportive partner this season.

When our children are little and dependent upon us, Christmastime is joyful and filled with laughter in a childlike way. We watch as gifts are unwrapped, presents enjoyed and we are delighted to make our children happy. I remember those early years when the boxes and wrapping paper were just as much entertainment as the present itself. I am sure those with young children will relate to this.

As our children grow up and flee the nest, we have to learn to share them and experience the new ways of celebrating Christmas. We must learn to accept change and appreciate our children and their new families.

Christmas brings so much love and joy, wherever you are. Whether it is the delicious food shared, the atmosphere surrounding us, the giving of special gifts or the smiles, hugs and laughter we embrace.

I feel lucky this year to have my own Mum spending Christmas with us too. I booked her a flight when she agreed to leave her usual Christmas post at her own home. It really is very exciting to have her spending time with us this Christmas.

My sister’s family are also close-by, so I will fit in a visit to see them all too. I am very happy for my nieces and nephew that they are able to spend Christmas Day at their own home this year, the first time in nearly 5 years.

Another Christmas we all spend without my Dad or father-in-law, but I know they are here in spirit, with heartfelt hand upon our shoulder. It is hard emotionally when we lose a loved one and the memory of Christmas changes dramatically. I choose to focus on how lucky I was to have that person influence me and my life. I also reflect on those enjoyable and entertaining times we did spend together. Just knowing of their guidance that I feel all around me… is reassuring and the love remains.

So this Christmas, enjoy time with your family members and good friends. Cherish all those around you and all those in your heart. This is a time for sharing, giving and believing.

Christmas is our opportunity to pause for a moment and reflect upon the most important things surrounding us. Through warmth and joy… Christmas is magical when our loved ones are surrounding us or tucked safely in our heart. I hope the magic of Christmas is alive and well within your home and peace shines upon you all. Family is a gift that lasts forever.

Take care, Karen.

“The best gift around the Christmas tree

is the presence of family

wrapped in love.

~ Author Unknown

Cheeky Christmas Spirit Jingles in The Ute

December 19, 2018 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

An oldie but a goodie! This video of Colin Buchanan singing the Aussie version of Jingle Bells is very entertaining and will give you a great laugh today. I heard it on the radio last week and it really made me smile with its cheeky persona represented by our unique Australian way of life.

It reminds us of how different Christmas is in Australia with our scorching Summer weather. It brings the colloquialism of Australia to Christmas on the farm.

“Aussie Jingle Bells” was written on short notice by Colin Buchanan for a radio appearance in 1992. It has become an Australian Christmas classic and is still broadcast on air and at Christmas concerts today.

The song makes reference to Aussie icons such as the Kelpie and kangaroo. It also creates the image of Aussie fun in the bush, BBQ and the esky in the rusty Holden ute.

I really love the cheekiness of this song and it has delivered to me the light-hearted Christmas spirit.

Enjoy!

Take care, Karen.

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients

of a truly Merry Christmas.”

~ Peg Bracken

Video Credit: Colin Buchanan ~ YouTube

Exposing The Truth On Why I Chose To Write A Blog?

December 18, 2018December 18, 2018 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Why on earth do people want to blog? Why would you want to spend time doing such a thing? Well for me, it was an emotional outlet… a platform to share and connect with others. There is something magical about opening your heart to allow others to see the real you.

It is a way I can remotely share my real-life stories and inspire others along their journey in life. It is a tool for me to use in order to manage my stress related to the current drought on the farm. It gives me a voice and somewhere to write my thoughts and feelings.

Why not a journal or diary, some may ask? I have a passion to help others and I can see a need where others can relate through reading my words. It gives a sense of support and knowing that we are in this together. I am passionate about encouraging others to believe in themselves and I aim to inspire others through my own experiences.

Conventional writing has taken a back seat, as the tech-savvy readers emerge, reshaping the internet media landscape. Some people may think that bloggers like to be the centre of attention and regard themselves as their own prime focus. NO, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

In fact, bloggers are more introverted, sometimes shy, yet have something important to share. Connections can still be relevant in our changing world through this means. Bloggers support some sort of cause or have a passion to inspire others or enrich their lives in some way.

For me, blogging started as a result of the drought, when my stress-levels had sky-rocketed. I had hit rock-bottom in my physical and mental health. But I was brave enough to seek some professional help and my life started to improve dramatically.

Then I started to see the community drought support right across our nation and this was completely overwhelming. I wanted to thank the community for all the drought assistance and emotional support they were providing to farmers through the charities. I wanted you all to know how valuable you all were and what a difference your support was making in all our lives. Blogging gave me this voice publicly.

Sharing through my daily blogs, helps me keep connected with my family and friends further afield. My Mum especially loves to read what I write. I know that she is content knowing that I am doing OK and now serving a greater purpose with my writing. My non-farming friends and associates have enjoyed reading my blogs and like learning about farming life. My blog keeps us all connected and informed.

Blogging also gives me the ability to be creative with my website design. As a perfectionist, I took great pride in designing my website from scratch. Every time I write a blog, it gives me an opportunity to express myself creatively. I want it to be a true representation of myself and my passion in life.

It took me a few weeks to feel comfortable enough to reveal who I really was. Trust does not come easily to me at all. But I realised that I must trust in the process and allow my purpose in life to be revealed. The main reason I decided to “expose” myself, was to give credibility and as honesty is my most honourable attribute… it was inevitable.

From there blogging became a commitment to touch others hearts by sharing my personal stories on and off the farm. I also noticed a need where many others doubted their own abilities and inspiration was needed to guide self-worth for all.

There is something to be gained by moving my personal stories from an invisible state into the light for others to see. When I receive feedback from individuals, thanking me for opening up my heart and sharing my stories… it gives me a sense of fulfillment which is gratifying. It pleases me that I can support or guide others to find their own answers.

I then realised that blogging had become my own form of stress-relief. As I typed away at the keyboard, all that mixed-up “stuff” in my head was released. I literally felt calmer within myself and more centred again. Life then became harmonious… almost tranquil.

So although farm life hadn’t changed at all and drought feeding demands were still a large burden… my ability to handle the situation had changed dramatically. Instead of feeling complete exhaustion, emotionally chaotic and unable to cope with these challenges… I became more focused and capable of the work involved.

Sometimes, I feel a little selfish when I write my blog… as I am addicted to that feeling of knowing that it gives me the inner strength I need daily. It helps me to find my inner thoughts and to move forward in my own life. It has become almost therapeutic and a daily ritual for me. Writing is what I love… the words just seem to flow from within.

But the greatest satisfaction is… knowing that my words have impacted on other people. Knowing that I have inspired somebody else. Knowing that my words give them the support they need and a connection between us all. Knowing that sharing my personal experiences will help someone else every single day. This is what truly gives me a sense of serene contentment.

Take care, Karen.

“BECAUSE WHEN I WRITE,

it’s more than just me at a keyboard.

It’s the universe converging within

the pandemonium of my mind,

and turning it into something

BEAUTIFUL.”

~ Lyndsay Everotm, A Writers Thoughts.

Rural Reflections #1

December 17, 2018February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

My new WEEKLY FEATURE you can look forward to is “Rural Reflections”. This new feature is armed with an exclusive photo from my farming property. It will also be accompanied by an inspirational and uplifting message within.

I will publish “Rural Reflections” every week as a commitment to share my passion with you all and give a brief vision into my own life. My personal photos included in “Rural Reflections” will be subject to copyright.

I hope you enjoy following my new Weekly Feature giving you a small insight into farming life. I look forward to sharing my passion and hope to inspire you all in your own everyday life.

Rural Reflection #1…

image subject to copyright

This photo was taken in August 2017 when our property had green Winter feed. It was almost on dark, with the moon shining beautifully upon a pink sky and blue clouds.

I really like this photo with the gorgeous contrast of colours and the vastness it creates.

It was the perfect photo to choose for “Country Heart Spark” as it creates a sense of calmness and beauty. So I would like to introduce my new “Country Heart Spark” icon.

image subject to copyright

The underlying photo is a symbolisation of the “country” rural areas across our nation and also a part of my home property. The addition of the red “heart” represents the passion I have for the rural industry and within my life. The purple and pink markings signify the “spark” within me and the ability to share my inspiration through my writing. The glowing moon brings it all together and reminds us to look for the beauty within.

Take care, Karen.

“No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.”

~ Author Unknown

Country Heart Spark

Inspiration for inner strength beyond the farmer

Author: Country Heart Spark

Rural Reflections #3

Toddler Killed In Devastating Farm Accident

Happy New Year and Days Gone By

Rural Reflections #2

It’s Not Worth The Anger or the Heartache

How to Find Peace In Our Life By Self Domination

Believe In The Magic Of The Christmas Season

Cheeky Christmas Spirit Jingles in The Ute

Exposing The Truth On Why I Chose To Write A Blog?

Rural Reflections #1