I love New York

Its very simple. New York is awesome. Everyone is so much friendlier than I expected, and certainly being able to smile at and chat with people on the subway makes life a lot more pleasant. In London its cram on and eyes down. New York, people actually let you on before them, apologise for bumping you and smile and start conversations. There are buskers on the trains, including kids who do amazing hip hop routines and swing from the bars (they also have a look out, so Im guessing they arent meant to do it ).

New York is humid and its been hot, but its been so much fun. I think its helped that Ive got a friend living here, and Ive been staying with her.

Check out Jaz’s blog here: Adventures of an Everyday Girl

And her latest video blog, featuring yours truly, a twice yearly spectacle called Manhattanhenge where the sun sets exactly in line with the East/West grid lines, and a whooole heap of keen photographers. I will put more photos up shortly.

The Photographers:
I ended up crouching in the middle at the front, in between two tripods and many other people – shooting through the railings cos some guy needed lots of room to lean over *rolleyes* But Im happy with the shots.

Just before:

The event (its about this spot everyone started ‘Oohing’ and ‘Aahing’ in the video)

New York in a nutshell – Times Square – people, cars, colour, food, noise and no spare bit of pavement… except for that small bit at the back

Again, Im not keeping my blog on order, I do apologise for that. But I was just wishing I had kept my emotions and thoughts and excitment up to date on this blog, as I travelled around. Im sure I will have forgotten the nuances of my thought processes as I travelled. I did keep a journal as such, offline, but it would have been nice to have it on here as well.

So, since I cant do anything about the past, I might as well do it for the future, whilst I can.

Im going to NEW YORK tomorrow!!!

YAY!!!!!!

Im so excited!

I only bought my ticket less than a week ago and it was a fairly good deal (281 pound I believe it came to). I actually bought it after I bought my flight home ($504 USD one way) – my theory being I didnt want to go to America if I couldnt get home easily and cheaply! Plus I knew they would want to see an ongoing ticket.

Ive completed my ESTA details, which you need to do prior to travelling to the USA now, and I was concerned i hadnt received a request from my airline for “Essential Information” prior to travelling (including all your passport details, visiting address etc). The worry was doubled since I had booked through Netflights.com. However, I went to the airline site and went to check my booking. I didnt realise I could have  requested my seat (I was 3hrs too late! doh!), however all the Essential Information request was there, so I filled that in, and I feel happier now.

Just goes to show though, sometimes when you book through 3rd party websites, you have to remember to do these things on your own. Im sure I would have been asked when I booked in, but just imagine if they hadnt? Plus, its nice to know its done and tomorrow I can just get to the airport, check in, remember to ask for a window seat (because honestly, who DOESNT want to look out the window when arriving in NYC?!), and wander on through.

Im staying with the lovely Jaz, who I know from home, and Im very excited!  :)

I very naively asked someone the other day if there was a good tower or building I could get a good view of NYC from…

Uh yeah. The Empire State Building?!

Woops!

So the things I want to see when i get to NYC:

- Central Park
- Empire State Building
- Grand Central Station
- the B&H Photo Video Store
- FOA Schwarz
- Times Square
- PDT – I dont know if I will be cool enough (or cashed up enough!) to be allowed in though!

Do you have any ideas of where I must go?

And when Im there, I have to keep an eye out for something like this charm, for my bracelet:

So, Im going to be a good traveller and room mate and go and finish packing my bag tonight, as much as I can, then head to an early, and hopefully good nights sleep. Then tomorrow I can rise, have breakfast, finish packing and meander off to the airport all cas-like

Wow. So much has happened over such a relatively small space of time.

Yes I realise I am still desperately behind in my blogging. But Ive been having fun, and Ive been reassured by many friends and family that its ok, because it obviously means Im having too much fun to have time to update this blog. Which is true. I do my own sort of journals though. I keep lots of notes on my iPhone (Best App Ever for writing down spontaneous thoughts and musings), so I dont forget a thing. And my photos. My photos jog my brain about what happened and all the funny things.

I do kinda wish that Id kept on top of this though. However, there was always something to do, weather to enjoy, people to meet.

This is not a post about regrets though (since I never regret anything – its not worth it).

I have an announcement to make – and some of you will already know this if you follow me on twitter or the forums.

Im coming home!!

Thats right! Glastonbury was an amazing experience and it wasnt that which made me want to come home. Travelling is awesome fun and even though I get sick of worrying about where Im going to sleep night after night, and moving my gear from place to place (can someone tell me how I managed to collect MORE stuff even after giving a heap to mum to take home with her?), its not because of that.

The catalyst for my decision?

I got a job interview.

Yes, something Ive been wanting for a while, after applying for jobs (most of which I felt I was over qualified for) and not even getting an interview, or a reply, finally happened. And it was working for the Royal Household no less. Yes, Buckingham Palace. I wouldve been expected to journey with them 2-3 months of the year as well (can anyone say Balmoral?). It was a Coffee Room Attendant, which Im sure my eye for detail and service skills would have come in handy.

Everyone was so excited about the idea. Imagine what Id see! Who Id see! I must admit the prospect of seeing the Queens private meeting rooms was a big incentive for me (forget the goings-on, I just wanted to see the furniture and artwork!).

But I realised, once I put mum on the plane home and started thinking about the next few weeks – I dont want to be here.

I dont want to hang around, spending money on a what if. I also personally think being a photographer is an awesome job. I love capturing details, and spending an hour photographing a metre square area. I love seeing things and then being able to capture them with my unique spin on it. I love running my own business. I love, and miss, being able to go to the beach whenever I want (around work of course ). I have so many projects and ideas that I never have to fear being bored or lacking in inspiration.

I love being a photographer. And I want to do justice to my talent.

And whilst the London job would have been great, and I wouldve learnt a lot about service skills and seen some great artwork, it wasnt directly in my career path. Plus it was 12hr shifts, 60hr weeks – which I do on my business anyway, but I would infinitely prefer to spend that time on my business than serving coffee – since I have a choice.

So Im coming home!

Im actually quite excited about it. Im heading to NYC next week (yes I dont hang around), which I got a great deal for (Kuwait airlines here we come!), and then Im flying out of LA at the end of July, meaning I will be back on Australian soil for my birthday (4th August)!

Yay!

I promise I will try to update this blog some more before I leave and come home… but I will finish it off with my travels.

Promise!

And to keep you going, here is a shot or two from Glastonbury – the most awesomeness festival and mini-world in the universe! If you want to go next year, let me know! Even better, if youre a media outlet and want a photographer to go next year, let me know!

Much love,

-e-

xoxox

Im going to GLASTONBURY!!!!!!!

O.M.G!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes I know its still a month or so away. But its LESS than a month away!!! And they keep putting out new info and areas and acts!!!! Just so we are all clear, I dont think Im going to be sleeping much!!!!!!

Oh oh oh oh oh!!!!!!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy!!

And yes, if Im this excited now imagine what Im going to be like when are on our way!!!! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

Ok

Breathe!

Im ok now. Must think of something else to distract myself.

Much love!
Xox

I spent about 4 or 5 days staying in Skibbereen. Most of that was journeying around the countryside, having great fun exploring the area. Arthur was a fantastic guide and showed me places which were relevant to my family history.

For example, in Skibbereen town itself, one of my ancestors was put into a barrel and rolled down to the port with other barrels which did contain salt, along to the awaiting boat. He then set sail to the Americas. He was escaping the wrath of the redcoats for retaliating against something they had done. Im terrible with detail, but Im sure my nanna or Arthur will correct me! Anyway, I saw the hill!

Mostly though, we drove around to the sound of me (“wow” and “sorry”), Arthur chuckling at me, and the click of my camera. All the places we ate at were fantastic.

I have realised – I LOVE brown bread!! Its like a thick wholemeal bread that would be terrible for those who count calories or avoid carbs – but I dont have these thoughts and its SOOOO good. Especially smothered in butter and dipped in soup! YUM!

Ive also realised that since I dont eat a lot, a portion of soup usually keeps me going for dinner. Which is great because its so cheap!

Anyway!

I shall post some pictures now, and I apologise in advance, since I dont remember where they were all taken!

See what I  mean? Not very green, but amazing anyway!

If only it wasnt surely so cold, I would go for a swim!

And because I was told to make sure I got in some photos too

Back to our normal scheduled viewing

Im kind of glad that there were no leaves, because then it wouldve been harder to see this:

Although there was still plenty of greenery

Now I DO know where these were taken – just out from Baltimore is The Beacon, and the view is amazing. Its a bit of a walk up hill, but its not tooo bad – we just went the quicker steeper route.

The Beacon

And the surrounds

Baltimore itself is a very pretty little town. My hostess Cathy mentioned that there was to be a Ceilidh there, the night after I was due to leave. Now, how could I refuse the opportunity to miss a locals Ceilidh! More on that later.

More local roads – I agree – they are only built for one and half car widths. If you come across someone else, you both have to move over – kinda freaky when you drive over a blind summit on a bend and find a local roaring along towards you! eek! But i survived!

I know…. i know….

Arthur and I are kindred spirits. We both LOVE seafood and fresh oysters! YAY!!!!

A nice photo of the two of us.

DINNER!

to be continued….

I know what some of you are thinking

Where on earth is Skibbereen?! And why would you want to go there?

Well, the answer to your first question is easy – its here:

As to why I want to go there, well, thats quite easy too.

My ancestors come from County Cork, and my Nannas cousin, Arthur, lives there!

He came up to Cork city on the bus and met me there. I was a bit nervous about meeting this relative of mine, but it was fairly quickly I realised we have the same sense of humor – we got on like a house on fire! We hopped in the car and drove to Skibbereen, Arthur doing a stirling job of directing. All along that journey, I was using two words:

“wow” & “sorry”

“wow” because the scenery is amazing, and “sorry” was usually preceded me getting out of the car to take more photos! Cork is stunning! Its a good overall view of Ireland I think. Its got craggy windswept cliffs and ocean views, and green rolling fields (well – more maroon coloured).

Arthur thought it was highly amusing!  :)

But Ive never seen so many white swans!

And the light was amazing

and yes, lots of stone work!

We stopped at lots of cute little villages along the way – Im sure if I will remember them all – in fact, I know I will not! However, I will have to try and remember the roads we took to Skibbereen so I can do the drive again.

This village is Glendore

And it had a very cute little church on top of the hill overlooking this bay – but the way to the church was thru this stone tunnel!

We continued on our merry way, until we came to the village/collection of houses opposite Castletownshend – I cant remember if it has a name!

It was during the creation of the images used to create the following pano that I met my first bumble bee

Unfortunately I didnt get a photo of it, because I was trying too hard to get away from it, without falling off the wall I was already precariously perched on top of! Being raised in Australia, Ive always been taught that bees sting – obviously only if you provoke (or place your palm on them when getting out of the pool – but thats another story!). However, I have been told bumble bees are harmless – and I must admit they are so cute and fluffy! I will attempt to take a photo during my stay, but I dont think its going to be easy!

We arrived in Skibbereen safely, and I checked in to Sunnyside Bnb, run by the lovely Cathy – and the best thing? There was a BATH! Amazing what you miss isnt it?  :)

Ive always believed the best way to see a country is to get off the beaten track, so I hired a car in Ireland for two weeks.

Can I just say, two weeks really isnt enough. I focussed on two  main counties, and I still didnt see it all.

Elizabeth-Mango came along until we reached Cork, and off we set, with a little bit of food and no fixed plan!

The first day was a bit of a rush as we had a late pickup for the car and wanted to get as close to Cork as possible before it got dark. We did stop, and Im sad we didnt manage to stop in Wicklow National Park, because it looked amazing. Can I just say though, that the speed that people drive here is INSANE! Not to mention the roads are so very narrow!

We did stop a little bit, and I *think* this was Waterford… I cant remember (bad traveller).

We arrive in Tramore which is just south of Waterford at night, settled in and then went for a little drive. First stop to get some food, and I found THIS, which make me giggle:

Its not often you find part of your name on a soup tin!

Then we wandered down to the ocean and it was blowing a gale! Plus it was realllllly cold. Yes, I was still wearing a pair of my warmest thermals under my pants, plus two shirts, a scarf, gloves and my puffy down jacket.

However, it was worth it.

When we woke up the next day, it was bright and sunny and whilst not exactly warm, it was an amazingly clear day.

After seeing the above picture, this is what it looked like the next day

This guy was doing exactly what I wanted to!

However, we still had to get to Cork, so off we trundled. The countryside is lovely, although not as green as I expected. I was later told this is because they had quite a dark winter and the morning frosts have burnt a lot of the grass. It will be interesting to go back later on and see the difference.

We stopped off in Waterford, where I got completely lost and a little freaked out by all the one way roads and intersections with five roads converging, so I got out of there as quickly as possible. Not, however before I spotted this amazing building. Its actually quite a nice town/city, especially the river frontage. Its does get a little more rough as you go out though.

We soon got back onto the road to Cork however, before I insisted on getting off the main road to have a looksy at the countryside.

To my defense, I didnt realise Ireland had mountains. Hills, yes. But not mountains. Its so lovely here. It really is lovely countryside, but much nicer to see it without speeding down the motorway at 100+km/ph

All I could see of this house was the roof. I found it quite funny… dont know why

Did I mention the small narrow roads? Well this is a typical Irish country road

Whilst it wasnt really green, there was still plenty of colours

Have I mentioned yet how much I LOVE my camera gear? At this point, I was trying to still work out the best techniques for working with them, but I love them… *happy sigh*

And some green in the hedgerow

And just to prove it really was that sunny in Ireland (if you cant already tell by the light in the previous pictures)

There are so many old buildings here. I LOVE stone work, stone buildings etc… so hence why you will see a lot of stone work images on this blog whilst Im away!

And I thought this looked rather idealic… cant decide which version I prefer though… any thoughts?

After being stern with myself, we eventually made it to Cork and found our hostel.

Our host was hilarious, and the breakfast was pretty good for a hostel. Unfortunately, we were put on the TOP floor! Not nice. Cork itself is quite small although I must admit that I did not do much sightseeing, and you will find out why soon. Although, there are a few images from my stay there.

Colourful houses, in progressive shades of blue:

And the things you notice… well.. that I notice… the gravel on the road has PINK stones in it!!

A group of 4 of us went out to dinner – another Perth girl, Eliza-Mango and her friend who lives in Cork, and myself. Ive found though that Cork tends to be smaller and cleaner than what I saw in Waterford and Dublin, but the people are no less friendly.

What I DIDNT realise was that Cork is where the Blarney stone is located. I know! I didnt do my research and I didnt go… not that I wouldve kissed it, but it would be interesting to go for another trip.

It wasnt a greatly eventual trip – driving down motorways generally arent! But it was the start of my trip and there shall be more!

The whole reason I was in Dublin at this time, was to see Newton Faulkner. Those who know me, know that I love this man! As a musician he is talented and insightful. His voice ranges from soft and smooth to gravelly and sexy. Everyone knows his song “Dream Catch Me”, but Ive found that I can find songs from both of his albums that have fit perfectly with times in my life recently.

“Uncomfortably Slow” was a nice reflection of how I felt during treatment, on my good days; “People Should Smile More” sounds like a very happy song, but listen to the words; “Billy”, same again, listen to the words and think; “If This is It” is another release, and its lovely – its a great song when you realise life is amazing just how it is, especially during rememberable moments; “So Much” is a wonderful dedication to those who have had a massive influence in our lives (for Newton Faulkner, its dedicated to Eric Roche apparently).

My absolute favourite however, is “Im Not Giving Up Yet”. It shows a man who sees the bad things that we are capable of, but dreams of a better world, based on the good he sees as well. As the line in the song suggests “We are capable of so much more than the statistics on the news”. I love that song, and believe it should be the anthem of a new era.

As a person, I can assure you that he is as sweet and down to earth, and as authentic as his music. I had the great pleasure of meeting Newton and his sister Lottie when they were in Perth in 2008. They are both sweethearts, and both give great hugs! Newton still wasnt wearing any shoes, just socks, but I had discarded my heels when I raced to my car to get my camera, so it was quite funny. We compared hair qualities – mine was “sooo soft” (new growth) and his was “like straw” (his words, not mine!). hehehehe

So when I realised I wouldnt be able to go to Perth/Freo’s Blues n Roots Festival this year, due to being overseas, and he was playing, I figured I had to  make sure I saw him on his tour around the UK and Ireland. I chose Dublin. Seemed like a good idea.

—-

Firstly, the venue, the Olympia Theatre, is amazing! Its quite small in stature, but it fits a lot of people in. And very ornate decorations! I chose to sit in the balcony, and Im glad I did. I had perfect seats to see everything (third or fourth row from the balcony railing), without worrying about being too short to see over people’s heads if I was standing.

I only took my small P+S camera, and didnt want to take too many photos, so here is a small detail of the ceiling.

I bought two tickets and took along Elizabeth-Mango who I met at the hostel I was staying at (Jacobs Inn for those playing at home).

And the gig?

Well it was amazing!

No, it was spine tingling!

Not only were we treated so some amazing music, including Charlotte O’Connor who is a sweet girl with a great voice who has a great act, but Newton Faulkner’s banter and crowd interaction was fantastic fun. I had tears in my eyes many times during the show, from laughter and other times when I was moved so much by hearing my favourite songs live.

He had projectors up everywhere, including Pie Charts (sorry, just giggling now as I remember it), video of himself singing the back up chorus and various noises you hear in the song (just to prove that it is him doing everything!), plus a disney style singalong for “She’s Got the Time” (I LOVE that song!). We were also shown his feet on the pedals which controlled everything. And the best thing?

It was all live and just him.

I love the CDs, dont get me wrong, but I so prefer him live and without the backing drummers etc. So if youre going to find his songs, try the acoustic versions too.

—

A few of my favourite bits during the show were:

- hearing EVERYONE singing Dream Catch Me, so much that they carried off the final line themselves. THAT was amazing
- the Pie Charts and the Singalong
- the atmosphere – everyone was having fun and laughing and singing
- the dancing alien shadow during UFO was hilarious!
- watching Newton Faulkner banter with the crowd and interact with them like old friends
- seeing everyone get drawn in, and I could tell they didnt want it to end, just like me
- Bohemian Rhapsody being played live was awesome

The very last song was “Im Not Giving Up Yet”, and the first line in the song would surely cause some giggles with those who have not heard it before, but I was amazed that everyone was so silent for the entire song. Captivated. Drawn in. Feeling it. Believing it. It was as if everyone in that theatre had listened to every word on every album, and knew this was a special song. They were honoring it in the best way they could – by being silent and listening to every word, every strum of the guitar, and joining their belief in the goodness of human nature, and the hope that it will prevail, to the  atmosphere created by the soulful hopeful voice of Newton Faulkner. When it ended, you could hear a pin drop, before the crowd was released from the spell that had been woven around them all evening, and they erupted into ear splitting, foot stamping applause.

I could listen to this musician, to this man, for days on end and never be bored. He fills my soul with joy and makes my heart smile.

—

This is a verion of “Im Not Giving Up Yet” from one of his live gigs – not the Dublin gig, but its still a fantastic song. Enjoy!

Other option (each version has its positive points Plus, yes I just love the song)

And this is the video for “Badman” which he made with some spare time (and money?). Its quite funny

And yes, I got to see Newton after the show again. I also got another hug from Newton and his sister. I had a quick chat and did get a photo this time around since all I wanted was a hug and to say hi.  :)

Dublin… my first impressions?

Tired. I must admit I found it to be quite dirty and… sad? The city seemed to have fallen on hard times, and this was shown by the number of beggars that I saw. It shocked me. Ive never seen so many. I am aware we have homelessness at home, and Ive been asked for change before, but not in these numbers. Most however were very polite, and I never felt unsafe.

It might be because it was still winter, but there was a lot of dust and dirt everywhere, even though I still felt a lot of people had pride in their city. Lots of shops were shut up and empty and it was here that I realised that recession, which in reality is just a word at home used by business to sell more and by politicians to use as a scare tactic, was, here, a real problem.

As one smart fellow wrote on the pavement, in poem that I can not do justice to, and I did not take a photo of it: he was a self made man with his own successful business, until the recession forced its collapse. He was now homeless after being evicted, but he still wanted people to know that not all those in his situation were lazy unwilling workers.

It was a good message to tell those walking past. However, it made me feel even more shocked and sad. I know there are various reasons people become homeless, but to see so many of them! I wanted to run around and buy them all food and coffee and a bed for the night at my hostel. But I knew it would not help in the long run.

What can I do?

Its a question Ive asked myself a lot during my trip, and Im still searching for a good answer.

….

Despite all the sadness, Dublin is full of amazing Irish people! Everyone was very jovial, and there are some quite funny sayings and words they use. When I was first told “Walk away”, I paused and wondered if I had offended someone! But no, I soon enough learnt that its their way of saying “Go on then” or “Off you go”.

‘Feck’ and ‘farking hell’ were heard a lot too. In fact, there is general a lot of swearing, which is kinda funny. Im sure it offends a few people who arent used to it… but when I apologised once for swearing in a sentence, their response was “its ok, youre Australian”… so perhaps we have the same reputation?

Under the layer of dust and grime, there are some amazing buildings and details.

The Book of Kells is AMAZING!! I HIGHLY recommend it! And make sure you allow enough time to look at it properly. A large group came in when I was there, and Im happy I waited until they had moved on so I could spend plenty of time peering at it, nose to perspex. I actually ended up asking a guy to move over since he wasnt even looking at the book, just using the light to write in a workbook and then standing there talking – rude! The Books themselves are quite small, which makes the detail even more amazing.

Trinity College is really nice and green – I wanted to go rolling on the grass though, just cos they said I couldnt. Im so mature hehehe

The reason I included the gull in that photo was I was hoping to show the size of them. The gulls here are HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Compared to at home, these are massive!

There is a plaque in the Chapel which has my ancestral name (Longfield – my grandads family) on it… Have you ever something like that and wondered if they were related to you? Well, in this case, they are! The name belongs to my great great great…… uncle.

Ive yet to get it translated (its in Latin), but I will shortly.

St Stephens Green is a lovely park as well. I highly recommend visiting it.

There was this lady there feeding the swans. Apparently she goes there everyday.

I found some AMAZING shops in a little arcade. Retro and funky clothes lovers feast your eyes on THIS!

The music is always good, something I was looking forward to in Ireland.

Rohan – have you got your CD yet that I sent ages ago? This is the band who is belongs to.

There are many very talented people in Ireland.

This picture is all pastels. Its a copy from a book he had by his side, and the big versions are amazing!

Oh and before I forget, there are these cool bikes for hire around the city. Its fairly inexpensive as well! Its would be a nice city to ride around actually – fairly flat and level. Please dont get me started in Irish driving though – I will leave that until I explain my experiences driving in the counties.

This is the massive tower which can be seen from around Dublin (although its quite hard to spot in Temple Bar district), but it has a glowing light on top, and Im sure its so those who are stumbling home have something to guide them.

And the River Liffey which runs through the city.

This time last year, I was laying in a hospital bed, after a week of intensive chemotherapy. The previous few months had been filled with more chemo and radiotherapy. I had dyed my hair whilst i was able, and had bright pink hair with blue streaks. I went to my first music festival, Blues and Roots in Fremantle.

I was about to receive a bone marrow transplant.

My donor was my brother, and I will be forever grateful for that gift. I would have completely understood if he had decided not to go through with it. Ive had the injections he had to have, and I know how painful they can be. Your bones ache and its not pleasant. I knew it was for my own good. He didnt have to do it.

But Im very very very glad that he did. And he knows it.

For those who dont know, my bone marrow transplant in May 2009 was my last chance of sorts. Since early 2006, I have had Hodgkins Lymphoma, a type of cancer, 4 times.

Initially it was optimistic outlooks. Whilst it was a rare form of cancer (apparently – although I used to meet plenty of people who had it), the treatments were more often then not successful.

And after 6 months of chemo, I had 12 months of remission.

Then I had a check up scan, and it had come back again, but moved slightly.

So I had more chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

For 3 months after this treatment, I was clear.

Then it came back again. We tried radiotherapy, which I didnt find too bad.

Then, once again, after 3 months, I had relapsed again, and this time it had gotten into my bone. I was considered chemo-resistant, not something I wanted to hear.

They did some more tests and it was decided to try to have a bone marrow transplant, preceded by chemotherapy and more radiotherapy. I thought long and hard about doing this. Chemotherapy is not fun. I can honestly say there were times when I was close to saying no.

But I continued, I persevered.

So I underwent the treatment, and one of my brothers was a match for a donor. The chances are 1 in 4, which sound like a lot, but I know many many people who have more siblings than I, and their donors are not related to them at all.

It was hard, and it was shite. It is not something I would wish on anyone.

I had lots of people, a surprising amount actually, try to talk to me about the spiritual and psychological reasons for my cancer occurrences. I appreciate everyone’s opinions, and I do understand to some degree what they are saying, and when I was in the right frame of mind, I did delve into it.

But can I just say this, without ranting too much… NEVER EVER say ANYTHING to a cancer patient about the reasons why they may have cancer, beyond the physical. I have heard of women who have breast cancer being told its because they hate themselves as women. When you are in physical and emotional pain, and turbulent mind, you need support, and whilst you feel like you may be giving that to them, however well meaning you are, you should be understanding enough to put aside your own beliefs and help them through this time, in the best way they need you.

Only discuss this issue, still with consideration and compassion and gentleness, IF the patient ever brings it up first.

Most of the time, I was too tired or shocked to respond, and too polite and tolerant of others’ opinions to say much… but those who tried to discuss it with my very protective family however werent so lucky…

Now, I have met some amazing people, and I know that everyone I met during my journey, no matter their opinions, held no malice and truly wished me the best.

It is because of the proffered opinions and thoughts that I was able to navigate through the minefield of my treatment and all emotions attached to it and come through to the other side of it.

So here I sit, in London on my holiday, grateful and humbled by the amazing gifts I have received, and wishing that all those who love me, who helped me through, could know how thankful I am for their support.

You know who you are, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I love you all

xoxoxoxoxox

Thank you for allowing me to see the world for the beautiful place it is.