Genevieve's Adventures: The Weekend of Destiny.

These past few days have seriously been the best. 

It all started with a 5:30am wake up, a rush to get ready and a joyous greeting.  We then made our way to the Allison's house, just in time to watch the sunrise over their lake, while toasting our feet next to their bon fire. 

Sav, Char, Ryan, Tyler and I then set off on our 11 hour drive to Sydney - with much singing, screaming, seat dancing, head banging, quoting galore, bikey gangs, feeding chickens, driving through 'The Goog', pet porpoise pools, a bit of napping, beautiful scenery, a lot of food (well, chocolate) and A LOT of laughs. 

After seeing the sunrise and the sunset - we finally arrived in Sydney at 9pm (our 11 hour trip turned into 15 hours) to our apartment. 

The next day was one I had really been looking forward to!

A few months ago, I discovered Alex and Christian on Flickr. I soon got in contact with Alex, and we seemed to click pretty quickly. The moment this trip was organised, I knew that I wanted to meet Alex and Christian and I hoped with all my heart that they wanted to meet up also. When it was confirmed that Alex, Christian and  Madeline from America (who was also going to be there) were available to meet up while we were in Sydney, it just made the whole trip so much more exciting. 

So, on the Sunday morning, we made our way to the Blue Mountains, to a beautiful town called Leura. The town was so quaint and beautiful. We drove up to the main part of town and looked out the car window to see the three of them standing there and out of excitement we wound down the window, yelled and waved frantically at them. After a moment of hugs and introductions, we ate lunch (and ice cream), then made our way to Leura Cascades. It was so beautiful. We climbed some water falls (got covered in scratches), explored the walk ways, took in the beautiful view and all took a zillion photos. 

 What a babe

 Tyler - such a poser

 Isn't she stunning!?

 One of my favourite moments - when the air was filled with the sound of camera shutters. The sound of joy. 

 Alex is so stunning, and a great model.

 Tyler climbed a tree... off the cliff. 

Ryan the poser - must run in the family. 

 Slippery when frosty - not something you see in Brisbane

 What a cutie

 Madeline is so beautiful 

 The sunset was beautiful!

 The whole group. (This place was so great!)

It was suuuuuch a wonderful day and I am, glad to say that these three, wonderful, kind-hearted, talented people are now my friends. When the three of them left, it was kind of a sad moment - not knowing when I will see any of these three again. But, I definitely look forward to the next time we meet! ♥

The next day, was pretty great. We moseyed around town and shopped a bit until it was time for James Blake! After getting all glammed up, we made our way to the Sydney Opera House. YEP! THE SYDNEY FREAKING OPERA HOUSE!
There are no words that can properly describe the gig. James Blake was actually brilliant, but my absolute favourite bit was when he came out for the encore. After he had "finished" the crowd started cheering and screaming and a slow clap even happened, to which we saw a grand piano being rolled out onto the stage. At that moment my heart skipped a beat. I knew what was about to happen and looking at Sav, I knew that she knew also - he was about to play A Case of You (my absolute favourite song of his). And BOY! Was it amazing. I just sat in complete awe of it all, and when he stood up to bow - I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't help but cry. There are no other words. 

We then walked around the city until the early hours of the morning. Found some great places and explored a little. Then, we made our way home, and racket up the biggest cab fair everrrrrr. We then stayed up, took some awkward family photos and told crazy stories until 4am. haha 

The next day was home day. So we got up and went to Newtown, which we only planned to spend an hour or two in - we ended up spending all day shopping, oh! and I think we all had THE BEST BREAKFAST/LUNCH EVER. It was so fun! 

Then 3pm rolled around and we made our way home.

 

The trip home was full of beautiful scenery, the most ridiculous story telling, Bazerki, so much laughing, metal screaming, and watching shooting stars (we saw 10 shooting stars in total!).

Finally, we got to Char's place at 4am and got ready for "bed" - we planned to watch the sunrise... but that didn't happen. haha When we woke up, we ate Lucky Charms in bed, watched a movie and napped a bit. 

After a 5pm lunch and a San Curro dinner, we finally went home. 

And now, it's my birthday. 20. Weird. 

(The picture below was drawn for me by my crazy talented friend, Kate).

Well, that's all...

☼

Tremendously Passionate.

"Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it." ~ Julia Child

Hello there beautiful people!
So I have been thinking (as I do) about having a passion and what that means. 
The technical definition is pretty spot on - 

pas·sion  

/ˈpaSHən/

Strong and barely controllable emotion. A state or outburst of such emotion.  I know that I have definitely felt passion before - passion for photography, for family and friends and a passion for God.  Lately I have really noticed my passion for photography. I think it is something that has been building up for quite some time, but it has finally become "serious".  It truly occurred to me when I was out shopping with my parents, and usually a normal girl would be super into the shopping - but not me. In that moment, I was talking to several photographers - sharing opinions, dreams and ideas; as well as planning out my next shoot (which is on my Flickr) as well as checking my emails about a photography project coming up in a few months as well as checking my Flickr for updates... My mind is consumed by photography!  Even in my dreams, I do and think about photography.  I think that having a passion is something we all need - something to drive us, to give us something to strive towards, to work at and do better at, and finally, something to feel proud about.  I know I mention it a lot, but I cannot stress how important it is to have encouragement and support behind you, and your passion. For me, that came from 1. my friends and family and 2. from Flickr. It makes me excited that some of the Flickr people have become my friends also. Like this morning, I got to Skype one of my (kind of) new Flickr friends in America. It was such a happy moment. Confessing "I can't believe this is real life" with him replying "you bet it is real" (or something along those lines). It blows my mind that I can message/text friends from all over the world, let alone see and hear them. My passion is not just a passion now, but a huge part of my life. AND I AM HAPPY!  Always remember, even when things get hard, if you find yourself comparing your passion to others with the same or similar passion/interest, and if you just feel a bit down your passion; know that we all go through times like this, and that there will be people around you who will want to encourage you - those who can see your potential, even when you can't see it! (top tip: surround yourself with those people!!!)  And always remember:  What I am listening to: Blumenthal - Ulrich Schnauss. This song was sent to me by my wonderful and talented friend Cameron (please check out his work).  The first time I heard this song, I realised that magic moments really do happen in real life.  Just remember, you are wonderful, and worth more then you realise.  And always, do what makes YOU happy! ☼

Wondering and Wandering.

Hello there.  So I have been thinking (as I do a lot) and a few things have popped into my head. 

1. That we are all searching... All searching for a place to belong, a place where we feel wanted, searching for who we are, for THE answer.  We are all searching for love - whether we know it or not.  (We just need to know what we're looking for and where to start looking). 

2. Really, we are all a little crazy. I used to think that I was the only one - but then I realised that the reason I thought it was only me was because we're all crazy in different ways. 

3. That we are rather privileged. If you are reading this (as it is via the internet), then you are privileged! Such a blessing to live in the time we live in, in the places we live in. 

4. That we are all a little adventurous. That we crave adventure and exploration, and all have the longing to capture memories.  

5. That we are all kind of lonely. Sometimes when we're surrounded by people (even hundreds of people) we could be the loneliest we have ever been. But also, that we all long for companionship. (Well most people do). 

6. That kindness is more common then I remembered.  I have recently been amazed by the kindness of some people (I will mention it below). But the fact that people would go out of their way, for some one they don't even know properly. Just beautiful 

7. That words are powerful! So be careful of what you say, and especially of what you write - I feel that there is a lot of power in writing.  When talking to someone, you usually think about what you are going to say before you say it: the thought goes from your heart, to your head, to your mouth.  But when writing something it usually goes straight from your heart to the paper - which can be a brilliant thing, as it can help us to say things that we wouldn't usually say aloud. But could also be detrimental. Especially in today's society, where social media is so easily accessed and is so instant. So much so, I doesn't give you much of a chance to mull over the words you are saying/typing. 

8. The fact that we have all experienced life differently, and that through the things we have experienced, we can learn, grow and help each other. But also - that more people may have experienced similar things to us than we realise. (especially the hard things in life). 

... Just some of my thoughts. 
(I decided to cull them down, and only put up a few for easy reading haha). 



- So, I have recently made friends with some beautiful people in America (yes, they happen to be incredible photographers, from Flickr. You can see their work here and here).  But it has made me even more excited of the possibility of going to America to meet them! I cannot wait to go on adventures with them and take photos with and of them!  
They were even so kind as to offer their homes as a place to stay, while I am visiting. When I heard this, I couldn't believe it! The kindness of some people just astounds me - I mean, the fact that they are kind enough to offer such a thing, and they haven't even met me yet... Such generosity. Such kind hearts. 


Also, I have decided that since I love writing letters so much, that I am going to write letters to as many people as I can!
So, if you would like to receive a letter from me, just email your name and your postal address to genevieve.althea@yahoo.com.au 
No matter where in the world you live, I will try to send a letter to you! (even if there is 100 of you that want letters, I will try my best to send them to all who want them). 
I am excited to see what happens! 
☼

Some things You should know about me...

Hello there! 

I feel like I haven't posted in so long. I am sorry :( 

I hope to write a few more posts soon. 

Well I have been thinking, since we have spent so much time together (just skimming the surface), I thought it would be nice for you to know a little about me, in list form! How exciting!? 

- First of all, I am a music junkie. I know most people say "music is my life" *said in mocking popular girl voice* BUT SERIOUSLY, music has been a flopping big part of my life!

For starters, both of my parents are music teachers.  My beautiful mum is a phenomenal singer, occasionally plays flute and piano (quite well), is currently learning cello, and dabbles at a few other instruments (including guitar, tenor horn and a few others). And my Father... Well... Dad is a music mastermind. Not even kidding! He has his AMus in piano and studied music therapy (and teaching) at university. If you name a song, generally (if he knows it) he can play it. Has an intense knowledge of music theory (is currently designing a program to teach children beginning music theory) and can also sing. He is incredibly smart, and not just at music.  

So, our house is a constant buzz of music and sound.  There is hardly ever a time when there isn't music, or at least some sound filling the house. During school I was in several (6) bands (classical, concert, jazz, brass bands and choir) and did private lessons and music theory and was music captain... TWICE.  

In my down time, I listen to music. On the bus, I listen to music. When I walk/jog anywhere, I listen to music. When I have friend's over, we listen to, and share music. Oh! and I love finding new music! [so if you know any good music, please send it my way!]. And now, I am sining for/with Wafia (and we have a few gigs coming up, which I will post about. So keep an eye out!). Which is crazy and I never thought would happen to me! Such an honour.  But as you can see, "music is my life". So yup.   

- You may have seen, that photography is also a pretty big thing for me. 

You can ch-ch-check out ma stuff here! 

Over the past little while, looking back, I can see how much i've grown. And boy! Does that excite me! I just wanted to give a quick shout out to my main man, Flickr.  But honestly, Flickr has done so much for me, for my work (and the standard I hold it at - "Flickr standard"), for my confidence in my work, and for the people I have connected ("met") with. So many beautiful people from all over the world. Like a community of creatives!   

I'm excited to see what photography holds for me in the future. 

- I have recently discovered that brownies are the way to my heart... Boys. Keep that in mind ;) 

But really. The moment I discovered how to make 'brownie in a mug' was a joyous, yet dark moment. 

Even still, I do love me a good brownie! 

- I have a deep love for swings! Yep, swings. 

I hate that going on swings as an adult is looked down on.  I understand that me being in a playground may look funny, and all you observers suspect i'm some teen wanting to cause a ruckus.  But nope. I just want to swing! I mean, c'mon! How glorious is the feeling of being on a swing!? (If you can't remember, go try it again!)

When I move into my own home, one of the first things i'm doing is putting in a swing. I don't care if I have to make a frame myself, or climb a tree to put it there.  It WILL happen! Future husband, if you're reading this, you have been warned!

- Like most girls, I fantasise about things - my wedding, what it's going to be like when i'm married etc. But unlike most girls, I fantasise about the set up - how things will look, like what bunting, type of fairy lights, trees/plants and furnishings are going to be at these moments in my life. 

I want wooden pallet everything! Or at least distressed/worn wood things - walls, tables etc. I imagine most things in my future home will be found/refurbished objects... AH MAN! Makes me so excited thinking about it! 

- Straight up, I am super clutsy/clumsy. (Check this photo for evidence). 

- I watch waaaay too much useless day-time tv.

- I am a sucker for kids movies. If you look at our dvd shelves, you will see that the majority of dvd's that we have are children's movies. Or Star Wars (yeah, ima Star Wars fan... deal with it!).  But also, that could be because I am a wuss when it comes to watching TV and movies, especially at the cinema.  

- I always look at things and think "I could make that", but usually, the truth is - that never happens. 

- I am kind of scared of fish. They are yuck! nuffsaid. 

- I am notorious for being late to events. Family trait, i'm afraid.  

- Writing letters is ma thang! Love it. Love it so much :) I have several pen pals, and love to keep in touch with them strictly via snail mail (even though I do have them on Facebook also).  But i would rather find thing out in a letter, then online. More personal. 

Also, *sneaky insight* - I will be creating a photo to do with that, soon! 

- I don't always have dreams, but when I do, they usually feel super real (some more then others) and they really get me thinking about things and life... Okay. That all sounded better in my head. haha 

- I have recently worked out what my coping mechanisms are, thanks to uni. Rather interesting to know. 

- I take pleasure in the 'small things'. I even wrote a blog post about it!

- Sometimes when talking to my Flickr friends (which happens quite a lot), I feel like i'm in a different world.  They are all so far away, sometimes it doesn't feel real. But sometimes I feel like i'm the one far away - far away from "reality" and the world around me.  But i'm not that bad, really.  

- If you haven't noticed, my favourite flower is the Daisy! I think it is so happy and pretty. In a way, it is simple, yet is so bright.  

For my 18th birthday, my Dad bought me a daisy plant. It is one of my favourite possessions (apart from my camera) and brings me so much joy - especially when it blooms.  

- My current location of choice would have to be Canada! I long to go there. 

I plan to go on study exchange there, or at least visit for some time. (and go to The US to meet some of my Flickr friends! Which is nuts and excited me beyond belief). I think it would be all so magical! Also, I am desperate to see the Aurora, or Northern Lights. I hear it is one of the most spectacular natural things you can ever see. Eeeeeeeeeee! *breaths* 

... Gee! I cannot wait for the day I see it! 

- I LOVE hearing stories. 

... I am becoming a social worker, for goodness sake! 

I think that stories are where it's at.  Stories have the power to change, the power to unite and the power to gather. Which makes me happy! 

I am always up for story time :) 

And finally - 

- Sometimes I dream about what the future will be like. And it looks pretty darn good from where i'm standing :) 

I am super excited for all the things to come! 

Well, that's all for now.  I hope that didn't bore you, and hopefully it all makes sense. 

If there is anything you want to ask me, want to know, want to tell me about, or just want a chat, then you can email me at - genevieve.althea@yahoo.com.au

You are all wonderful and make me happy! Thank you, again! 

☼

What I am listening to: Bon Iver. His whole Bon Iver album.  Perfect for late nights and the early hours of the morning ♥

Autumn Dance.

14.52. Autumn Dance, a photo by Child.Like.Mind on Flickr.

On the weekend Wafia, Savannah and myself went to the cold and rainy Toowoomba for an intimate gig (you can see the photos on my instagram). It was quite a lovely day. 

I think that Toowoomba is one of my favourite places to go, especially in Autumn.  Usually I love to go there because most of my extended family live there, which is wonderful.  But I also love going there because the trees in Toowoomba are absolutely stunning! 

I may not have shown it here, but I happen to have a slight obsession with trees.  

I long to have a house with a ginormous tree in the backyard.  Imagine - sitting under the tree, having a picnic with your (future) husband (or wife),  reading a book, or water colouring and listening to music.  Ah, so perfect!

Toowoomba would be the only place in Queensland (that I know of) where the leaves on the trees change colours in Autumn.  The yellows, oranges, reds and browns.  So incredibly beautiful. 

Wafia, a photo by Child.Like.Mind on Flickr.

Before the Toowoomba gig, the three of us spent the day roaming the streets and exploring Queens Park. (the most beautiful trees!).

Both the girls modelled for me, which made me very happy since they are both so beautiful (as you can see from the photos). 

Beautiful Savannah , a photo by Child.Like.Mind on Flickr.

In other news, this July I am going to see James Blake at the Sydney Opera House! Jaaaaammmesssssss Blaaaaaaaake! ♥

The plan is to road trip to Sydney with four of my wonderful friends, who happen to be just as keen to see James Blake as I am.  I will make sure to write about this trip when I get back!

Also, we have planned to meet up with some of the amazing Sydney Flickr photographers! (I will reveal who they are closer to the time). But I am very, very excited! I mean, c'mon! James Blake AND new Flickr friends! I think  yes!

Also, I am liking how my Tumblr looks lately. Too many beautiful photos to handle.

Facebook Page | 52 Week Blog | Tumblr

What I am listening to: Stay - (Rihanna) Branchez-Bootleg Remix. Don't judge me. This is good a good remix. Deal with it. 

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful week. ☼

13.52. When Life gives you Lemons

13.52. When Life gives you Lemons, a photo by Child.Like.Mind on Flickr.

"When Life gives you lemons, make lemonade"

For so long, I have just heard this quote and shrugged it off. But lately, I have stated to get it. There are so many things that haven't seemed to go right, or situations that really weren't ideal, or just things just generally suck.  But I think all of those lemon situations could (almost always) be turned into lemonade.

I think in every situation, there is always two ways to look at it.  For instance, my recent stack (see last photo) I could of just hopped off the bus and gone home in a complete state of embarrassment and sadness, or I could of (dramatic answer) secretly cried while in my seat, or complained to the people on the bus for just staring at me while it happened.  OR do what I did do - get back up, get my shoe and waltz (with one shoe on and the other in my hand) to a seat near the back of the bus (my usual seat) and just suck it up.  I now look back on the situation and laugh about how silly that whole moment was - like seriously... I even fail at walking. (This is pretty much me, when I walk). hahaha  

So many people have "failed" at something.  But most have gotten back and tried again.

For instance: 

Albert Einstein: Most of us take Einstein's name as synonymous with genius, but he didn't always show such promise. Einstein did not speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven, causing his teachers and parents to think he was mentally handicapped, slow and anti-social. Eventually, he was expelled from school and was refused admittance to the Zurich Polytechnic School. It might have taken him a bit longer, but most people would agree that he caught on pretty well in the end, winning the Nobel Prize and changing the face of modern physics.

F. W. Woolworth: Some may not know this name today, but Woolworth was once one of the biggest names in department stores in the U.S. Before starting his own business, young Woolworth worked at a dry goods store and was not allowed to wait on customers because his boss said he lacked the sense needed to do so.

Akio Morita: You may not have heard of Morita but you've undoubtedly heard of his company, Sony. Sony's first product was a rice cooker that unfortunately didn't cook rice so much as burn it, selling less than 100 units. This first setback didn't stop Morita and his partners as they pushed forward to create a multi-billion dollar company.

Harland David Sanders: Perhaps better known as Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, Sanders had a hard time selling his chicken at first. In fact, his famous secret chicken recipe was rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted it.

and my favourite - 

Walt Disney: Today Disney rakes in billions from merchandise, movies and theme parks around the world, but Walt Disney himself had a bit of a rough start. He was fired by a newspaper editor because, "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." After that, Disney started a number of businesses that didn't last too long and ended with bankruptcy and failure. He kept plugging along, however, and eventually found a recipe for success that worked.

More of these can be found on here.

This is also my Yellow entry to the colour project