Creative expression through embroidery...

 

I can't help it as I enjoy taking on new creative projects that challenge my artistry where I can enjoy the expressions of my love of colours.

It was actually my mum whom I watched embroider many years ago when she joined a group for engaging Pasifika elderly in embroidery and other crafts.

She was my inspiration as she gifted me with some of her pillow cases that I've just completed making up (that's another future blog) and also some of her cushion covers.

It was neat to see as she had been accompanied by her younger sister and they both enjoyed the time together and with the group. Sadly, the group was not able to continue as the leaders were unable to continue it but it was neat to see my mother enjoying herself in that space as at the end of the year they would have a group exhibition with other groups to share their handcrafts and celebrate with lunch.

Here is an example of a calico pencil case project that I bought and decided to experiment with stitches and colours. I especially love the blended colours of some embroidery thread that starts with a bright red then darkers and lightens. It definitely gives another dimension to any embroidery project...

Petition for cancelling School lunches contract...

 

It was sad to read about the debacle of free school lunches since the change of government. It involved cancelling local providers for a large contract to a company that couldn't provide high-quality lunches for local schools.

There is now a petition to stop such contracts and to hopefully return back to local contractors who can provide good meals for children in schools.

I've signed the petition and hope that many will, too, as these children are our future leaders and participants in society who need to be looked after well. However, in not providing nutritious value for money lunches for vulnerable children has become a joke compared to when it was first provided (in an earlier blog).

I'm glad that Tanya Waikato has initiated this petition as it brings to the public's attention to what a sorry mess this has become. With the present government trying to cut corners in providing health and well sourced lunches for children in schools perhaps we need to consider a new and better government that could do better for the future...

"Snow White" at the movies...

 

This weekend, I went to see "Snow White" the live action movie and was somewhat disappointed in the storyline and some of the scenes. I did read the reviews before watching as I have been a fan of Disney remakes from animated to live action movies but this one did fall short of expectations.

I don't need to repeat the negative reviews as there are so many of those views. I thought instead to consider a couple of the things that did seem to work for me as the opening storyline about a princess's happy family and kingdom and scene with dancing promised a lot.

The main character, Snow White's singing was on point with two familiar songs from the original movie but it was interesting to see that the dwarves they chose were animated. The nasty queen was okay in the portrayal but her dancing scene didn't come off as well.

If it is a movie that you're wanting to take your family to watch then it might be good to read the original story and see how different it is from the current movie's interpretation. It is so 21st century that even the original story doesn't make the cut...

Indie Book Publishing Opportunity with Pacific Hibiscus...

 

I've finally launched my Indie Book Publishing company under the banner of my parent business, Pacific Hibiscus, which I launched 10 years ago.

During COVID-19, I stopped and waited for that sacred time to pass. Now, I have begun again to write, but this time also to support others who want to get started and published.

Due to my workspace and other communities I'm involved with, I won't be able to take on any big projects, but I certainly would like to work on small projects for those starting out.

This is quite exciting, as I think I might really enjoy it. I have just put the 'feelers' out to see if any are interested in starting their projects with my support and guidance.

If anyone is interested, please contact me on Facebook and DM (direct message), or via email at helenftauau@gmail.com or on this blog. The rates are very reasonable and negotiable, starting out easy for the next couple of months before I set the prices. 

Sponsoring a local child through "Variety"...

 

Today, I pledged to sponsor a child locally through "Variety" (a children's charity), which provides opportunities for children to be financially supported through monthly donations.

I started doing it as encouraged through my local church and still do it through "World Vision", sponsoring a child in Sri Lanka.

I also sponsor the organisation of "Kids can" to support children locally as I saw how much is supported children when my children were in school and I wanted to make the same effort to support other children now that my two eldest children are in their 20s.

As a parent of two children growing up fast, I remember that it wasn't easy paying for uniforms, stationery, transport to school and back, lunches, toiletries, general groceries, and the list goes on. That was with two parents working.

Now, I also have the opportunity, through "Variety", to sponsor a local child monthly to assist where I can. I'd also like to send out a challenge to any who read this blog to consider sponsoring a child or giving a donation to help out a family.

I know that it has been a blessing for me to support not only my family and extended family but also be in a position to support the wider community. I'd encourage this especially for those who are on salary and have discretionary money to spend i.e. those to like to travel overseas, or eat out at restaurants regularly, or like to buy expensive toys (you know what I mean).

For me, it's a blessing as it gives me the opportunity to bless another as I have been blessed and what's especially important is that they don't even need to know who the giver is. So that to be anonymous is also special as I think it can build faith and hope in believing that someone cares beyond that or family and one's immediate community.

So why not give it a go and give a child hope for a better future in believing that someone cares beyond what they can see in front of them and that miracles can happen sometimes when you least expect it i.e. in making someone's dream come true (through child sponsoring)...