" Life is there to be lived, and anyone who doesn't live it is missing somethin'."

Quote of the day from Grandad Mal, almost 70. A lovely gathering was had today for his 70th birthday, and this was what he said to me as we all got in the cars to leave after packing up and locking up the venue.

Today I was grateful for the people in my life. For my wacky family [planking in the park?!], and the people that I count as my true friends, as well as for the generally nice people who are sharing the world with us, even the ones I don't know very well. As I grow up, I'm finally coming to realise that you don't need to be liked by everyone, you don't need to be friends with people who anger you or are careless with your trust, and it doesn't matter if you can count your best friends on one page, one hand or one finger. The ones who you truly trust and love are worth so, so much more than the ones you smile awkwardly at in the hallways. I'm learning and working on this, and it brings me joy to be around just the people who really do care and who I really do care about. I'm lucky to have some amazing people in my life and I hope you all know how much I love you.

This has turned into a bit of a ramble.

I was also grateful today for the kindness and generosity of strangers. I am an entrant in the Maize Queen Quest this year and part of that is that we have to sell Art Union tickets. My uncle works away, in a mine and offered to take a book of tickets with him to sell to his workmates. I appreciated the offer but didn't expect much, as these men didn't know me and the prize is $2000 to spend on the Tablelands, a way away from where they are. But when the tickets and money from that book were returned to me today, there was almost $40 more than there should have been in the bag and my uncle explained to me that they'd all thrown in a little extra when they bought their tickets. I felt so very grateful for these men's generosity, and ended up writing out extra tickets for all of them :)

So, I had a very grateful day. A nice start to the week.

I love and appreciate you all. I really, really do.
I can't express it through these simple letters on your screen, but you're wonderful.
Lise xx