Edition 5 - October 2011

Hay Show in PicturesHay Show in PicturesHay Show in PicturesHay Show in Pictures

Hay’s Sing Australia Hay’s Sing Australia Hay’s Sing Australia Hay’s Sing Australia GroupGroupGroupGroup

Tam Tattoos for FreeTam Tattoos for FreeTam Tattoos for FreeTam Tattoos for Free

Chapter One Chapter One Chapter One Chapter One ---- Journey of the HeartJourney of the HeartJourney of the HeartJourney of the Heart

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Australia FlagAustralia FlagAustralia FlagAustralia Flag

A Love List for LifeA Love List for LifeA Love List for LifeA Love List for Life Depression Depression Depression Depression

Awareness CampaignAwareness CampaignAwareness CampaignAwareness Campaign

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judithbronte.com

Her journey started it all... Izumi Mizukio's name in Japanese means, "beautiful fountain of pure water." And it's no wonder, for her eyes are so blue they put the sea to shame. Find-ing little kindness within her troubled home in Japan, Izumi timidly works to earn her mother's love. When her Japanese father commits suicide because of gambling debts, Izumi's American mother takes her to Three Mile Bay, in upstate New York. There, Izumi's loneliness is overwhelmed by John Johan-nes, a striking young man who falls deeply in love with her. Now she must find the courage to return John's love, even at the vehement disapproval of her mother.

Chapter One starts on page 16...

All letters to the Editor, Articles, Feedback, Advertising and Classifieds must be received by the third Monday of each month. Late entries may be held over until later editions. Magazine is published on the first Monday of each month

© Krista Schade 2011

Hay Show Pictorial ………. 4

Marie-Therese’s Love List for Life ………. 6

1987 Tasmania School Excursion ………. 8

Should Welfare Recipients be Drug Tested?

………. 8

Tattooing for Free ………. 9

Flower Show Returns to Hay ………. 11

Out & About ………. 12

Depression Awareness Campaign ………. 13

Who ~ What ~ Where ………. 14

Classifieds & What’s On ………. 15

Journey of the Heart ………. 16

Happy Birthday Australian Flag ………. 17

App of the Month ………. 17

Movie Review - “Red Dog” ………. 18

unexBECted astrology ………. 19

New Crown Hotel Motel 117 Lachlan Street Hay Ph 02 6993 1600

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Another busy month in Hay...the Show, the end of the footy season in all codes, and the Inaugural Relay for Life (Pictures next issue). There are a couple of great articles, which I really enjoyed researching, so I hope you

enjoy reading them. Thank you to the team at body+soul for

allowing me to share their beautiful story of Marie-Therese, and to Bec Woods for bringing

it to my attention I am also please to introduce a serial novel ~ I

hope you enjoy it

Have a great month Krista

For 17 years Marie-Therese Khan could move nothing but her eyelids, yet her mind was intact. She died on August 22, leaving this list of the joys of life, which she blinked out, as her moving epitaph. June 9, 1994, started like any other day for Marie-Therese Khan, from Dubbo, in north-west NSW. She took her three young sons – aged six, three and 18 months – to school and day care, went to her job in a travel agency and then, at lunch time, went to the food court. She was ordering a doughnut when suddenly the world started to spin. She went down and never got up again. The long-term prognosis was grim. Khan, then 35, had suffered a brain stem infarction, a stroke that affects the brain stem and brain, and was suffering from locked-in syndrome, a rare condition that leaves the sufferer unable to move any part of their body except the eyelids. It has been described as like being buried alive. Khan spent the next 10 months in a hospital bed, completely unable to communicate or move. Some nurses even presumed she was in a vegetative state. Her sister, Annette, knew otherwise and devised a method by which she would run through the alphabet and Khan blinked out whole sentences.

Recently, a fascinating article written by a retired Californian doctor winged its way around the world. Dr Martin Welsh has a neurological disease which will eventually leave him trapped inside a paralysed body. In his article, he wrote how he has made a list of 100 things that make life worth living – kissing his wife, hugging his child, walking into the garden to smell a rose. He wrote that when the list was reduced and outweighed by negatives (no longer able to walk, toilet himself or turn in bed), it was time to say enough. Khan, one of the world’s longest-surviving patients with locked-in syndrome, spent 17 years at the stage Dr Welsh presumably believes would be too much for him to bear. She was unable to do anything for herself except blink, yet many opinions, requests, questions and jokes were communicated through the fluttering of her eyelids. Her nursing home room was full of visitors and often echoed with the laughter of her sons Luke, Blake and Mitchell. Recently we asked her: could she come up with a list of 100 things that made her life worth living? Not only did she say she could, she proceeded to blink them out. Khan died suddenly in her sleep just days after finishing her list. Here are her top 100 reasons why life is great. It’s an inspiration for anyone who struggles to find reasons to be cheerful.

100 reasons why life is great 1. Every time I see my beautiful sons – especially when all three of them visit together and we are a complete family. 2. Watching, reading or hearing about sport. My favourite is NRL and I started supporting the Canterbury Bulldogs when I was 17 and living in Sydney. I’m a particular fan of Andrew Ryan. He’s from Dubbo and went to school with one of my nephews. 3. Being able to communicate through blinking out the alphabet. 4. Spending time with my sister, the person who first realised I could still communicate and helped me devise the method. 5. Receiving gifts and letters from strangers who have been touched by my story. I have received handmade jewellery and even the most beautiful patchwork quilt which gives me pleasure every time I look at it. 6. Being taken out in my wheelchair to watch a concert. 7. Witnessing the best side of human nature every day in the form of the kind nurses who tend to me. 8. Watching travel and animal documentaries. About five years ago I watched a documentary that had so much impact on me – it was about a lady from Australia who went to Calcutta, India, for six months to help sick people. I promised God that if I was healed or a cure found before I turned 50, I would go and help her but the miracle didn’t happen. That documentary still plays on my mind. It should have received more exposure so more people could help. 9. The prospect of one day becoming a grandmother. After seeing my sister Annette and the special love she has for her first grandchild, Sienna, I know I cannot miss out – although it will make me long for that miracle all over again. Imagine not being able to cuddle my grandchildren. 10. Having my five nieces and nephews visit and kiss me on the forehead. I must have the most kissed forehead in the world! 11. Watching The Bold And The Beautiful which has been my favourite soapie for over 20 years. 12. The laughs I have when a male nurse tries to put my make-up on for me. 13. Attending a party – recently, it was my great-niece Sienna’s first birthday. She had a fairy party. I had wings on my chair. I had heaps of fun. 14. Having my hair streaked and styled. I am sure I levitate a little and become a little unlocked when I’ve had my hair done. 15. Daydreaming – I can still boogie board down a wave in my dreams. 16. Being wheeled to church to worship and pray with others. I hope that they, too, pray for a miracle for me. 17. Technology which allows me to watch what I want when I want. In fact, I frequently marvel at the huge choice of entertainment that’s available to me now. 18. Having friends confide in me – they know I will never accidentally blurt out a secret! 19. Having time for reflection and reminiscence. 20. Being told a joke – people write down

my favourites in a special book for me, but I have to hide it from my mum. Some of them are a bit rude. 21. Making jokes. I love seeing people laugh. 22. Prayer. 23. Being given a warm hug. 24. Talking Books. One day a sister was giving me my medication and the author started to describe a love scene. She said, “What have I been missing out on?” I was thinking the same thing myself! 25. Having my nails and make-up done. I always like to look my best, especially if I'm attending a do. 26. Buying a new dress - my mum or Annette gets it for me and then a friend alters it by cutting it down the back and sewing velcro to make it easier for the nurses to dress me. The Tree of Life is a favourite – lots of bright colours and embroidered fabrics. 27. The postcards I receive from Gloria Jean. She is an 80-year-old woman who heard about my situation several years ago but has sent me a postcard every week ever since.

29. My CD. I blinked out the lyrics, a friend set them to music for me and we've sold copies to help me raise a little money for my boys. 30. Seeing a new baby. 31. Hearing the weather forecast – it always makes me start thinking about the day ahead. If it's sunny and clear, someone might take me out for a while in the morning so I can sit in the fresh air. If it's raining, I know it might interfere with a visit to Annette's as I can get bogged. 32. Seeing all those old friends who didn't desert me after my collapse, who overcame their fear of my illness and still share in my life. 33. Receiving a phone call or visit from the new friends who have come into my life. Young people from Luke's university regularly hear my story and pay me a visit. 34. Seeing my relatives some of whom have to drive hours to visit me. 35. My birthday parties – especially the big ones like my 40th and 50th where I have been wheeled around in my chair to the music. 36. Having a Baileys Irish Cream Liquer down my feeding tube (something I do to celebrate those birthdays!). I don't mind a Brandy Alexander either. 37. Leaving the nursing home where I live three times a week to spend the day with my sister Annette at the house she built so that she could care for my three children and hers all under one roof. 38. Family Christmases. Annette has not let me miss one. 39. Being around young children. They are so funny. At church once, a little boy was staring at me and his mum told him off

Written by Beverly Hadgraft. Reproduced with permission of body+soul

28. The pride I feel every time I see what a clever, kind man my son Luke has grown into. The consideration with which he treats his girlfriend Ella never fails to move me.

Her first words were: "Don’t leave me out of anything", followed by: "I am still me."

saying: "She's still all there." He reached out and touched my arms and legs. "Yes," he said. "She is still all there, isn't she?" 40. Having a cat or kitten jump on my lap. 41. The cute house puppy we have at our nursing home. 42. The view from my window, there is a fountain and the staff plant a range of colourful flowers. 43. My sense of taste. I can still enjoy flavours. 44. The feeding tube which was inserted so that I could enjoy real food again. Before that I was existing on invalid drinks. They made me gag. 45. The food I can now have pureed and fed to me in that tube. My favourites are pavlova, caramel cheese cake and a baked dinner. 46. Receiving an SMS on my mobile – especially from one of the boys. 47. My comfortable chair which allows me to leave the home and go out. 48. The special disabled taxi with its hydraulic lift which transports me everywhere. 49. The taxi drivers who have come to know me and always share a joke. 50. My special mattress which prevents me from getting pressure sores - I can only lie on my right side, it is too painful to lie on my left. 51. My sense of optimism. It rarely leaves me. I still hope for a cure. 52. My computer which stores the memoirs I am blinking out, provides me with information and sends my emails to friends. 53. Being bathed. 54. Mum's warm greeting every day and every night. She comes to visit every day and never leaves without saying: "I love you, Marie-Therese. Good night and God bless." 55. Writing (well blinking) about my ultra changed life so that other people can understand what it's like and perhaps appreciate the things they take for granted a little more. 56. Having people tell me how I have inspired them or how proud I make them. 57. Knowing that I am loved, that people still want me around and I am not considered a burden. 58. Doctors who come up with ideas and treatments to improve my life. 59. Being taken to visit my mum's house – she still lives in the same place where we grew up. 60. Seeing the sunlight stream into my room every morning. 61. Listening to CDs. 62. Becoming a great aunt and having my great niece Sienna lie on my bed next to me.

64. Earning a place on the honour board at St John's College. I went there for my 40th school reunion and had enjoyed a great night when the principal announced he was going to present and award to a special lady. When he gave me my certificate Annette said on my behalf that although I have Locked-in Syndrome I can still achieve great things. 65. Sharing a laugh with friends when they misinterpret what I'm trying to say. 66. Those days when I am so engrossed in what I'm listening or watching, that I forget I am sick.

67. Listening to the radio – I used to particularly like a segment: Excuse For The Day For Being Late For Work. I was always missing the bus for work and being late when I lived in Sydney. One day though I told my manager it was because the chooks had escaped and we had to chase them across the road. I don't think he got the joke. 68. The smell of the oil burners that keep the nursing home smelling fresh and fragrant. 69. Hearing about someone's holiday or travels – I always loved to travel and worked in the travel industry so this is the next best thing. 70. Flirting. 71. Seeing a sunrise or sunset. 72. Hearing about people's travel trips – I travelled a lot when I was younger and worked in a travel agent myself. I used to love hearing people's stories when they returned from trips I'd organised. 73. Seeing new blockbuster movies. 74. A home-cooked soup made by my family. 75. Hearing a happy, bubbly nurse come into my room at the start of the day. 76. Hearing my son Blake laugh with his new girlfriend and seeing how much more settled he is since he's been dating her. 77. Watching my son Luke's progress now he has graduated from university. 78. Waching my youngest son Mitchell start his degree. 79. The enjoyment of people still needing to ask me how to spell difficult words. 80. The wonder and anticipation of new devices and procedures that are introduced to help make my life easier and more comfortable – at the moment I am waiting for a new computer. 81. Having people show me their photo albums. 82. Chocolate. I love to have a square melt in my mouth – especially if it's Cadbury's or Lindt! 83. Hermes or Chanel no 5 perfume. 84. Receiving a massage. 85. Wearing little slippers that match my dress – I have always enjoyed dressing well. In fact when I first collapsed one of the few conscious thoughts I can still remember was being distressed that the paramedic had to cut off the new shimmery gold top I had bought to help me breathe. I'd only worn it once! 86. Buying new cosmetics. I love seeing all those little packages – Mary Kay, Revlon, MAC and L'Oreal are my favourites. 87. Hearing a song I used to dance to when I was still young. I find myself dreaming that I can still dance so hard I can make the floor bounce! 88. Looking at art, especial ly my Darcy Doyle prints, he paints the Australian bush, landscapes and historical scenes. 89. No longer feeling I have to do housework. I was never keen on dusting and ironing and when I think about it, there is a small pleasure in no longer having to clean the oven!

90. Seeing all my familiar possessions in Annette's house. My trunks, my camphor chest, a big coffee wheel sign, the china cabinet with my Royal Albert china. I don't have room for them at the nursing home. It really does feel like home to me as we have very similar taste and the open plan design and high cathedral ceilings are exactly what I would have chosen. 91. The beautiful moisturiser my mum's neighbour, Alwyn makes from bees wax and olive oil. She's been keeping me in moisturiser ever since I fell sick. 92. Affirmations. 'Live, learn laugh' is a favourite. 93. Making New Year's resolutions. My last one was to keep being happy and accept

what I can't change. 94. The fact that personality isn't a voluntary muscle. Although my body has been damaged, my personality hasn't and I still retain my passion for motherood, love of friendship, strong will, independent nature, desire to interact with others and my Christian values. 95. The fact that my children are as chatty as I once was and have always easily kept me up to date with what's happening in their lives. 97. Oxygen tanks. There have been a few times when a simple cough has left my head leaning forward blocking my tracheotomy. If it hadn't been for the intervention of nurses with oxygen tanks, that could have been it! 98. The fact that I was single when I collapsed. Strange though it may seem, I think it would just be too difficult for a partner to cope with a person in my situation. 99. Receiving an invitation to a wedding or party. There is nothing better than to nod off to sleep thinking: "I've got a lot to do tomorrow." 100. Being taken outside to sit in the sunshine. There is a very special place in the garden at Lourdes Hospital (Dubbo) where I live. A little grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes sits amongst the roses with its own little fountain. My religion means a lot to me. It's helped a great deal towards my acceptance of my life.

Pictured; Marie-Therese and her sister Annette

For more inspiring stories, visit body+soul.com.au

96. My mum's strength. She has never given up hope that I will recover and she has rarely wept in front of me. She inspires me to be as strong as she is.

63. Hearing friends play the piano – especially when they're doing it for me.

Rob Walker

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Pictured above is the 1987 group of HWMHS students who ventured to

Tasmania on a school excursion. How many can you name?

Thanks to Annie Gee for this months pic.

Recently the following question was posed on the magazines FB page; It has been reported that some states in the US have introduced mandatory drug teating f o r w e l f a r e r e c i p i e n t s . Should this action be introduced in Australia?

Bec Woods responded “Drug testing would have to include the most commonly used drug - alcohol, and unless the testing was random and unannounced, I can't see how that would be effective. I think there should be more 'work for the dole' programs that encourage people to get off their a**e and work and acquire skills along the way so they can hold down a 'real' job. Not to shame or embarrass people, but it has been shown that the longer someone is out of work, the harder it is for them to get a job and keep it. Drug testing would not be effective, especially as drugs such as Methadone and oxycontin (legal drugs in the same family as heroin) are prescribed by a doctor. So how would Centerlink cut someone off for those?” Do you agree? Disagree? Post your comments on the FB page, or email to two7eleven@live.com.au

Written by Tam Mayer- Tattoo Artist & Co-owner of Bells Ink, Mildura.

“I would like to raise essential funds for Nathan Craig and his family. In 2002, Nathan entered the world 3 months premature. At age two he was diagnosed with severe Autism and at age 4 he was diagnosed with a very rare condition called Rickettsiosis: a non contagious, chronic infection of the body. Doctor's told his family that he was essentially a lost cause, that his Autism would never improve and there was no chance of him ever leading a successful life. His family never gave up. EVERY treatment increases Nathan's quality of life, his ability to communicate and his potential to become a fully functioning member of our society. This has come with a very hefty price tag, approximately $200,000 thus far! As a result, Nathan's family have unfortunately not been able to complete Nathan's treatment as they have exhausted every option financially. I would like to not only raise funds for Nathan to be able to resume his treatments in the near future, but more importantly raise awareness, so they may continue to be supported by the community in the future. Nathan's autism can not be cured, but it CAN be treated. Like any other child in our community, he deserves every opportunity to be the best person that he can be and reach his full potential. His family have sacrificed more than most of us will ever know and there is only so much they can do before they simply run out of options. I am blessed enough to be surrounded by love and support throughout my life and my career and I would like to take this opportunity to pay that forward. I only hope enough of you would like to take this journey with me so that together we can make a tangible difference in their lives. This launch has been in the pipe works for well over a year now and this is a brief description of how it works! I have spent the past twelve months creating and designing tattoo's for this appeal and I will tattoo them for FREE. In total there will be between 30-50 tattoo's ranging in size and value from our minimum fee up to and over $600. All you have to do if you are the successful "bidder" is make a donation to Nathan's tin and the tattoo is yours! For example, If I offer up a design of a $250 rose and the highest offer is $60, that person will win, pay $60 into Nathan's tin and receive their brand new custom tattoo. I will not take a single cent in profit, nor any

proceeds to cover my time or expenses. So please be aware that EVERY single cent will count! The designs are all hand drawn and each one is a custom piece. Each week I will launch a new design (or sometimes multiple) and you can bid based on what you are prepared to donate! Please help spread the word, as all designs are pre drawn, they will not necessarily suit every body, so the more people we can attract to each design, the higher the chance we will end up with a greater contribution. This project will continue over several months and I will try my utmost to work around my existing clients to complete all donated tattoo's in a timely manner. If you are not interested in getting a new tattoo, or my style doesn't match your own, there are still plenty of ways that you can contribute to this worthy cause. One way is that you can come in and make a donation to Nathan's tin, as it will be available to anyone who is willing to give even their loose change to the cause. Or you can spread the word about this project, share this note on your profile, tell your friends and family, or just show your support on our page. the more, the merrier as they say! Please contact me if you wish to donate directly into the bank account for the appeal. There are also raffles offered. One for EVERYONE who spares a single cent for this cause and another specifically for those who get tattooed during this project, so if you are a business owner, or know someone who may be interested, and is willing to either donate goods, or a gift voucher, please get in touch with me ASAP! :) Please feel free to ask me any further questions, so I can make this as comprehensive yet easy to understand as possible. To all the people who have been following the progress of this project over the past year (or few months for those on facebook) I sincerely appreciate all of your encouragement and support. Since starting the appeal in August, we have raised $3000, which is well on the way to our target of $5000 “ Tam Mayer can be contacted via the

Bells Ink facebook page; www.facebook.com/bellsink

Pictured at right; the appeal logo, featuring Tam Mayer and Nathan Craig, & sketches of tattoo designs offered for auction during the appeal. NB Designs are subject to copyright

© Tam Mayer

© Tam Mayer

© Tam Mayer

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The CWA of HAY is planning the return of the Hay Flower Show on Saturday 8th October 2011 at the Hay Services Club. The return of our much loved Flower Show, after a long lapse of 17 years is exciting! Hay and district can boast some of the most magnificent gardens, and in particular, wonderful Roses. Due to some enduring yeas of drought, our Flower population has declined, but with the wonderful year we are experiencing, the Hay Flower Show should, once again be very successful. Some features of the Flower Show, will be an address by Michael Schultz of Leeton at 1.30pm. He is well known for his lovely Nursery of Natives and wildflowers that thrive in our climate. He will have natives for sale. Another interesting feature will be Louise Graham, of Berrigan ,with her “Worm Casting Farms’. Mrs Graham won the environmental award from the Berrigan Shire, for her innovative way of producing fertilizer for your garden in your own backyard. The worm farms will also be available for sale and be on display. Our local florist and nursery Flowers@HEART and Centrepoint flowers from Havachat will have flowers and garden ornaments, available for display and sale. Of course the Hay Flower Show, will be nothing, without the vital support of the Hay town and District. We require people to enter their flowers shrubs and arrangements in the show to provide a spectacular display. Entries are only 50c .All profits made from the day will benefit charities in Hay. Schedules are available from The Tourist information centre. Entries will be taken from 7.am to 9.30am on

the morning of the Flower Show at the Services Club. If you do not have a schedule, just bring along your Roses, flowers, and shrubs arrangements, our CWA ladies will be happy to place them for you. Many of our local businesses have already supported the Flower Show with donations of some excellent trophies. Bunning’s, Harvey Norman, Mitre Ten, Woolworths have also been very generous with their support. A highlight, of the day, will be “Hays Champion Rose”. Light lunch and afternoon tea will be available, entry admission is $5.00. The CWA of HAY would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who wishes to come along and appreciate some of the beauty Hay can offer in flowers and at the same time support Hays local charities.

0406 624447 two7eleven@live.com.au Got pictures to share?Got pictures to share?Got pictures to share?Got pictures to share?

Clockwise from top left: the ever popular clown game at Hay Show; Lucy Lugsdin, Jessie Jackson, Rachel & Megan Pearson ham it up in their Group 20 representative League Tag gear; Richard Dixon makes a Pit Stop at the

Hay Show; Hay Bush Fire & SES were represented at the Show; Bottom: Left - Sandy Kennedy & Right; Polly Lugsdin playing in the Group

20 Leaguetag Grand Final

Jodi Plant has commenced an online awareness campaign,

aimed at encouraging those with depression to seek help.

Her pictorial campaign features Connie Andrews and the full

collection of photographs can be viewed on Jodi’s facebook page. “I wanted to spread the word to young people and I know so many people use facebook Since taking

the photos I have joined a committee in Hay to try prevent suicide, and have had al ot of people approach me and thank me for trying something new and spreading awareness” Jodi said

All photographs © Jodi Plant

Who ~ What ~ Where Your Guide to Local Organisations, People & Business

This Month... Sing AustraliaThis Month... Sing AustraliaThis Month... Sing AustraliaThis Month... Sing Australia

The Hay Sing Australia group was formed in May 2010, and although the group is small, the members share a common love of singing and performing. Sing Australia Pty Ltd was established in 1985 by Colin Slater OAM, an accomplished singer and singing teacher, to promote singing, Australian compositions and Australian artists. The organisations patron is Ita Buttrose High among the organisations priorities has been the encouragement of people to sing using a unique style of teaching for large groups. Sing Australia community singing groups do not require people to audition or to attend regularly. The concept also accepts that not everyone can read music, not everyone can sing in tune, and not everyone has yet made contact with their singing voice. However, by being accepting of everyone as individuals, who are all equal in their desire to sing, the concept has proven that most people acquire singing skills at least to a level where they can enjoy themselves immensely in a choral environment or simply for their own enjoyment at home. Sing Australia groups encourage singing for health benefits, social interaction, stress reduction and for a good old fashioned great time. Sing Australia specifically is based on the idea that everyone should be given the opportunity to sing in a welcoming and supportive environment.

“No skills are required,” according to group leader Sandy Circuitt. “The more people we have, the better we sound. We welcome anyone who wishes to simply sing for fun.” The National Group organises annual gatherings for members and the 2011 conference was attended by over 1000 participants. Members tour across the country and internationally, performing as part of the 155 local Sing Australia groups. The Hay group meet every Wednesday at 6pm in the Uniting Church, and welcome new members, regardless of experience. They also welcome performance opportunities. Further information is available from Sandy Circuitt on 6993 4005, or by visiting www.singaustralia.com.au Pictured at left; Group leader Sandy Circuitt. Below left; Members Jan Headon, Beth Coffey, Margie McClelland (obscured), Jenny Japp, Ral Beissel & Jen Clark. Below Right; Conductress Carol Oataway

0406 624447

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1x 2 seater poly canoe - two paddles (single & double) plus two life jackets $750.00 (New cost $1150) 2 x electric welders $75.00 each 1 x Paratus performance car seat - fully adjustable back & pump up lumbar support- suit 4wd etc. $700.00 (new cost $1100.00) Can be viewed at Gee Auto & Air. Contact; Chris Schade. Email chris46@live.com.au 0409 616 455 - 02 6993 2072

For Sale - Vacant Building Block close to schools and shopping centre. Priced to sell at $26,500. Phone 0404 728 778

Claim the Date!

8th October - Hay Rodeo

8th October - CWA Annual

Flower Show 16th October - Bishops Lodge Spring Market 19th November - Hay

Races

Community Organisations ~ add your event here!

Email two7eleven@live.com.au Or fax details to 6993 4600

Carrathool Shire includes the town of Hillston and surrounding villages of Goolgowi, Merriwagga, Rankin Springs, and Carrathool. Each village is steeped in history and unique in appeal. Experience the beauty of the outback with Hillston, located on the popular travelling route, the Kidman Way. Explore the revamped main street, with its blend of historic buildings and quaint country shops, or take a break in one of the town’s parks, which overlook the Lachlan River. “ There are plenty of fantastic events coming up in the Carrathool Shire, such as the Birds of the Bush Festival in Rankins Springs”, said Penny Davies, Carrathool Shire Council. The Birds of the Bush Festival in Rankin’s Springs is held on the October long weekend, 7 – 8 October 2011. This Festival is a great family weekend beginning on Friday night entertainment at the Rankin Spring pub. Saturday features a major bird watching tour, the official opening of the Art and Photography Competition and Exhibition as well as a Camp Fire Dinner with poetry by Mr. Brian Beasley. An early morning bird tour on Sunday morning will be followed by breakfast in the park. Sunday also includes a fun run, spring fair and markets, children’s activities and much more. “When visiting the Carrathool Shire for these fantastic events, why not head out to Willandra National Park for a look” said Ms Davies. Willandra National Park, located 64km west of Hillston, was once famous for its wool, and these days it offers an insight into the pastoral history of the region. The homestead, surrounded by gardens and overlooking peaceful Willandra Creek, has been restored to its former glory. The grasslands and black-box-lined creek beds to the west of the homestead are home to kangaroos, emus and ground-nesting birds. There is plenty to do and see all year round in the Carrathool Shire, check the website www.carrathool.local-e.nsw.gov.au

Plenty to See and Do in

the Carrathool Shire

Chapter One

No Longer a Child

"For a small moment have I forsaken thee;

but with great mercies will I gather thee."

~ Isaiah 54:7 ~ A hot Japanese sun shone through the white curtains of Izumi Mizukiyo's bedroom. She turned over in bed, ignoring the sun's call to wake up. Not to be ignored, it shone into a mirror standing on the right side of Izumi's futon, reflecting a bright glare onto her sleepy eyes. " O k a y , I ' m awake," she said groggily, sitting up. Satisfied with her acknowledgement of the new day, the sun dispersed it's reflection, leaving Izumi to rub her stunned eyes. Though she wanted to move the mirror, the glare served as a useful alarm clock. Sitting up in bed, she began brushing her black hair in the small mirror, talking to the reflection as to a familiar friend. "Did you enjoy my graduation?" Not waiting for a reply, she continued, "I'm so glad you could come! My parents meant to be there, but something came up. I'm sure they would have come, if they could." Her face fell a little, but brightened upon the next thought, "Mrs. Tanaka, our teacher, called us 'young women' at the ceremony yesterday. She never called us that before," Izumi added quickly, as if Mrs. Tanaka's address to her students was proof enough of her womanhood. Izumi picked up her diploma, and read it again, s a v o r i n g e v e r y w o r d . The Tanaka Young Ladies School hereby certifies that Izumi Mizukiyo has fulfilled the requirements needed to graduate. Izumi has honored her teacher, Mrs. Natsumi Tanaka, by finishing first in her c l a s s . She ran her finger along it's edges lovingly, for this small piece of paper represented long hours of tedious work. A satisfied smile parted her lips. "They will be proud of me now."

Izumi's bedroom was not actually a room at all. Wooden partitions fenced off a small square of space from a larger room, making up three of her walls. The bedroom was just big enough to comfortably accommodate a futon and a small mirror given to her by Mrs. Tanaka. The partitions stood up against the wall, encircling the only window in the small apartment. Izumi loved to set her room up around this window, for at night, she would stare dreamily out and imagine hersel f strol l ing through a Japanese garden, inhaling the fragrant honey of the nearby

flowers. She would keep this picture in her heart as she slept, and would

dream of it as a baby craving for it's mother. A peaceful smile would often creep across Izumi's face, making her look beautiful and serene. What a pity that her parents never noticed this nightly t r a n s f o r m a t i o n ! Izumi carefully folded up her partitions, taking care to do it quietly. Her parents slept in a partitioned room against the o p p o s i t e w a l l . Quietly, she put away the futon and placed her mirror on the window's ledge. Izumi tiptoed to the kitchen, and knelt next to a small stove with one burner. It stood solemnly beside a tiny refrigerator that sat on the tatami floor. Unstacking some containers in the corner, she pulled out a bag of rice. Izumi measured portions of the white grain into a pan, carefully rinsing it in the kitchen sink. She quietly set the pan on the burner, and turned on the fire. She then went to the closet, and slid open the thin wooden door. Behind the clothes, Izumi pulled out a small table, about a foot tall. Placing it in the middle of the room, she arranged the bowls and tea things on it. Tiptoeing carefully back to the closet, Izumi stood there shaking her head. Her whole wardrobe consisted of school uniforms. It would have to do for now, but what a way to dress on the first day of h e r w o m a n h o o d !

After dressing, Izumi sat down at the table, and eagerly waited for her parents to wake up. Now that she was a woman, and no longer a child, they would be proud to have such a daughter. After all, had she not finished at the top of her class? Both of her parents had seen the little notes that Izumi had posted around the apartment, in the hope that they would attend her graduation. Neither one had said anything about it, so Izumi hoped that maybe they intended to surprise her by coming after all. In vain, had she searched for them among the crowds of happy students and proud parents. As a faithful dog sits at his master's feet, hoping for a pat of affection, Izumi now waited for her parents, hoping against hope, for some sign of their a p p r o v a l . "Izumi!" her mother's sudden burst of voice made her jump. "Why aren't you in school? Leave now, before your father finds out!" snapped Mrs. Mizukiyo. Feeling the disappointed tears welling up inside, Izumi silently bowed her head. "I am dressed for school," she reasoned to herself, "she just forgot." However, this thought was o f l i t t l e c o m f o r t . Assuming, that for once, her daughter had forgotten the time, Mrs. Mizukiyo went about eating the food Izumi had prepared. Izumi left quietly. The hot tears fell fast and thick, but no one noticed the small "woman" crying silently as she walked down the crowded street. She headed towards the zoo and spent her first day of womanhood chatting to the animals.

"O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted,

behold, I will lay thy stones with fair

colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires." ~ Isaiah 54:11 ~

Legal Disclaimer: The characters and events depicted in these love stories are fictitious, and should not to be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any similarity to actual

persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright: These original love stories are copyright © 1998-2011 by Sarah L. Fall (a.k.a. Judith Bronte). All rights reserved.

Reproduced with permission

Izumi Mizukiyo is pronounced 'E - zoo - me Me - zoo - ke - o'

A novel by

Judith Bronte

Cost = Free

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The Australian Flag design was officially chosen on September 3rd 1901, making our national symbol 110 years old. How was the design chosen? Read on… Australia's first 'Federal' flag was chosen from a nat iona l f lag competition held in 1901. Initially started by the Melbourne monthly magazine “The Review of Reviews for Australasia”, the new Federal Government announced a further compet i t i on , and the ear l i e r competition entries were transferred and the prize was increased to 200 pounds. The competition attracted 32 823 entries. The entry rules for the private competition were highly suggestive and the judging and approval process were such that only a British Ensign with a badge representative of Australia was likely to be a winner. When the winning flag design was chosen, a review of the entries revealed that five people submitted almost identical designs. These people were declared joint winners and shared the prizemoney. Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, announced the winning design in Melbourne on 3 September 1901. The design had a mixed reception and caused some controversy at the time, on aesthetic

grounds as much as its Anglophile nature. The Australian Natives' Association in particular felt that it was unsuitable or insufficiently patriotic. The original design was similar to the current flag, except the Federation Star contained only 6 points and the Southern Cross was represented by stars ranging from 5 to 9 points to indicate their relative apparent brightness in the night sky. Also, the field was red for Civil use, with the blue ensign being reserved for Government use only. The adoption of the winning flag design was never debated in the Australian Parliament - it was sent to the Imperial Authorities in England to be approved. It wasn't until late 1902 that King Edward VII formally notified the Australian Government of the approval, and this approval was finally Gazetted on 20 February 1903. The original design has been changed three times since 1901. First, in 1903 the design was changed so that all but the smallest star in the Southern Cross had seven points, ostensibly to improve the ease of manufacture. In 1906 Australia acquired the Territory of Papua, and to indicate this the number of points on the Federation Star was increased to seven in 1908. This second design change was Gazetted on 22 May 1909. When the Northern Territory and ACT were created as Federal Territories in 1911, the number of points on the Federation Star was not increased and

remained at seven. The red ensign remained the Civil flag and the blue ensign the Government flag. However, the flag still had no legal status beyond the original British Admiralty authorisations which only related to use at sea. It wasn't until the Flags Act 1953 (enacted 1954) was passed by the Menzies Government that Australia finally had an official national flag, and one that was required to be flown in a superior position to any other national flag (including the Union Flag). The Flags Act 1953 formally adopted the current design as Australia's "National Flag" and the Act was assented to by Queen Elizabeth II on her first visit to Australia on 15 April 1954, the first Act of the Australian Parliament to receive assent by the Monarch rather than the Governor General. Finally, more than 53 years after the first design was hoisted, Australia had an official national flag. Source: www.ausflag.org & www.australian-flag.org

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I recently saw this Aussie movie, and after just a few minutes found myself caught up in the story. It is based on the legendary true story of the Red Dog, who unites an isolated WA community in his search for his lost master. Animal lovers will love this movie, and non-animal lovers will want to buy a Heeler afterwards. The scenery is awesome, and while the story and characters are a little corny at times, Red Dog is truly as family movie. I will warn viewers though - take tissues. This movie is known to cause an attack of hay fever. Red Dog is out on DVD on December 2nd, and would make an ideal

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Aries Your focus should be to remain tranquil this month. You will have especially trying

encounters with checkout staff, so take 20 seconds when your groceries have been

put through to open your eyes as wide as possible and act tranquilised while they are

getting your change. The reaction you get will be rewarding.

Taurus This month will see you connect strongly to your inner psychic. I don’t need to tell you

anymore- you already know what is going to happen.

Gemini This month will be filled with proverbial concrete. Your feet will be firmly planted on

the ground and you will go through a much needed hardening up phase. However,

your partner will not possess these virtues and they will cry themselves to sleep quite

often this month. Be patient, but use force if needed.

Cancer Roses are red and violets are blue. You won’t be getting any flowers this month but

someone who was once near you, who has a relative of your neighbours, will. They

will have all the astrological luck this month and you will have none.

Leo As the Lion of the zodiac, you are touted to be a leader. You won’t be this month. Peo-

ple will ignore everything you say and pull faces when your back is turned. You will

need to make a hat with side mirrors to catch them. A chin strap will help keep it on.

Virgo How many times have you looked out the window and seen nothing particularly inter-

esting? This month will be no different. It will be a boring, long, restless month and

you won’t enjoy any of it. Try smiling in the mirror to make yourself feel better.

Libra It’s your birthday this month and you will be feeling really special. Some people tend

to think that you are too spoilt and so they won’t be buying you a present. They are

probably right but you won’t care because you will be too busy thinking about your-

self.

Scorpio Be careful about what you do or don’t say this month. Something that easily slips off

your tongue could quite easily slide back on again. On the same note, be careful to say

something you mean or else you won’t really mean it.

Sagittarius Is the glass half full or half empty? This question is beyond you this month as your

mind will be elsewhere. Google where your mind is and the answer will be intriguing.

If that fails, have a huge sleep and dream about thinking, you may find out how your

mind is wandering if you do.

Capricorn This will be the month to take the plunge if you have been searching for a committed

relationship. Just make sure you have looked into all of your possibilities before com-

mitting to someone that you could easily do much better than. Call people that you

went to high school with just to make sure they haven’t turned out better than you

thought they would.

Aquarius Listen to what your subconscious is telling you in your dreams this month. If you are

being chased by snakes or falling from heights, it is likely that this will happen while

you are awake, so stay inside and call in sick until you dream about your perfect exis-

tence. Try eating un-popped popcorn in the light of the new moon to encourage this.

Pisces Try doing something different this month. It doesn’t have to be a major change but

could be as insignificant as bending one leg when you walk or communicating in

made-up language during the hours of 1-2pm. You will feel refreshed and people will

certainly pay attention to you. After all that’s what life is all about isn’t it Pisces?

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