A double whammy. Yes. I couldn’t believe it. I got home one evening last week to find a message from the wonderful Deeone Higgs, author of Releasing Me Today - someone I have a great deal of admiration for.
What was it?
Deeone had awarded me for The Tell Me About Yourself Award AND nominated me for The 7 Links Challenge. I’m incredibly humbled, and I’m not feeling any pressure at all 
Honestly though, thank you Deeone. This means a great deal, especially since I have been feeling like I had lost my blogging ‘mojo’ of late, thus I am breaking with the typical Monday photography-themed post to share this with YOU!
Of course, there is a catch. There are conditions. And here they are:
The Rules for the Tell me About Yourself Award:
- 7 random facts about myself.
- Share the award with 15 bloggers.
The Rules for the 7 Link Challenge:
- Provide 7 links for the provided categories.
- Nominate 5 bloggers.
7 facts about me
- I am incredibly grateful to the people who I am blessed with having come into my life in the last 2 years, and who continue to do so. My life as I knew it has changed, and continues to do so. And I continue to be amazed and surprised. I am one fortunate gal, and to be honest, a lot of this has resulted from my blogging journey.
- I LOVE going to the cinema, but rarely do so. I miss it.
I have recently been reminded that I am getting older – in fact, both Denis and I have – by his kids. We were recently told that we listen to ‘old’ music. It has started…earlier than I had wanted!- My partner and I are going on a holiday to China later this year. We have Beijing mostly planned out. Then we need to make our way to Shanghai. If anyone has any tips let me know!
- I have recently lost 8-10 kilos (depending on the day) thanks to my allergy diet. I’m feeling a lot more confident about my body now, and I’m feeling healthier. The fatigue is still a killer though (which could be because I’m working 2 jobs at the moment and doing everything else…except housework).
- I love driving on the open country road with the windows down, hair blowing around my face, and favourite music rocking out. There is nothing better.
- Yes – I’m currently working 2 jobs. There are reasons for this, of which I will no doubt share over the coming months. In a nutshell, sometimes you are delivered with an opportunity too good to pass up, and you need to work through the short-term pain for that longer term gain.
7 links
Most Beautiful Post – ‘The Beauty of Difference Is…’ a poem for The Beauty of Difference series courtesy of Calisha Bennett. Calisha captured the meaning of why I started the series on this blog perfectly.
Most Popular Post AND The Post Whose Success Surprised Me – I’d rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not done: To this day, the popularity of this short and sweet post surprises me as it brings in readers every day.
Most Controversial Post – I don’t tend to write about things that are ‘controversial’, but I guess The Tests Are In would come close, purely because people may question – and some didn’t understand – how I could go on such a, what some would call, ‘drastic’ diet. Sure it’s been hard, but you can’t argue with my results.
Most Helpful Post – I’m going to go with Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Banana Bread, as this was my second ‘recipe’ post, in attempt to share with people my learnings from embarking on my allergy diet. If I can make it easier for someone else, then my job is done
Post I Feel Didn’t Get the Attention it Deserved – The Paradox of Life, as I really love David’s story.
Post That I Am Most Proud Of – 34 Things I’ve Learn’t in 34 Years. I’m proud of this post as it made me sit down and really take stock of my life, and then to share my learnings with people. In a way, this post makes me proud of me – and that has taken me 34 years.
Highlights from 2011
As 2011 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year that has passed. And this wouldn’t be complete without reflecting on the year that was on Reflections From a Red Head.
Here are the top 7 posts from 2011:
The most popular post by far for 2011 was the short and sweet post titled ‘I’d rather forget things that I have done, rather than the things that I have not done.’ It was posted in July 2011, and even today still rates holds it’s place as one of the top two posts read every day on Reflections from a Red Head.
The second most popular post, just behind numero uno, is a simple little post about the effect a mosquito can have…’If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito‘.
‘Inner Beauty Shining Bright‘ is an important post to me, personally, as it was the first post for The Beauty of Difference series – the write-up of an interview I did with my dear friend Siti. Starting the series in September 2011, my vision was to share different stories, of different people, doing different things, and making a difference along the way. I can truly say that the stories people have entrusted in me to share throughout the last four months of 2011 have succeeded in showing me a new path and in changing my life. I feel truly blessed.
The most commented on post for 2011 was a guest post (only just!!) from the awesomeness that is Hajra Khatoon! ’Knowledge is the key to tolerance‘ was a post from Hajra, where she bared her heart and soul for The Beauty of Difference series. Thank you my friend
One of my favourite photo-posts from 2011 is ‘The River‘, as this is when I really started pushing myself – you know, ‘looking outside the box’ and that kind of guff. Once I took these photos I actually started believing in my ability (and the compliments I got on some of the photos helped too ).
What I believe was the most powerful post from a guest blogger in 2011 on Reflections From a Red Head was from Abdul Mateen. Up until Abdul, I had featured the stories of many Muslim women. With Abdul, he shared with us the experiences and beliefs of a Muslim man. When I first read the his post ‘The Beauty of Difference’, I was blown away – the eloquence, the power, the strength and beauty in the way the words were sewn together.
The final post I share with you was one where I shared a wake up call of sorts. In the last few months of 2011 I realised that I couldn’t keep living the way I was living, as I wasn’t really living. I was just getting by – barely. ‘It’s Time to be Gentle on Myself Body Mind and Soul‘ was a an angst-riddled post from me sharing how I had been feeling, and making a public pledge that I was changing my life. I didn’t know it then but this turned into a weekly – and then bi-weekly post on my attempts, failures, successes, and tips ‘Body, Mind and Soul’. I do hope for this to continue into 2012, along with a new addition – a weekly post from my Diary of the Dietary Challenged.
What do you think?
What was your favourite post on Reflections From a Red Head in 2011?
What would you like to see more of on Reflections From a Red Head in 2012?
Who would you like to see profiled in ‘The Beauty if Difference’ series in 2012?
And is there something else you would like to see covered / written about / photographed?
Feel free to leave a comment, or email your feedback to janine.ripper@gmail.com.
I’m looking forward to 2012! I hope you are too
The Red Heads Homage to Photography: 2011
Gallery
As 2011 comes to a close it’s time for some reflection, after all this is Reflections From a Red Head after all! I started dedicating every Monday to photography way back in March 2011, really as a prompt for me … Continue reading
Introductions
Today I thought I would share with you 10 things about myself, especially seeing since I have some new readers. There is a catch though! In return I want you to introduce yourself and share with me 1 thing about yourself! (only 1 – how easy peasy!).
And here goes it – 10 things about me!
- I started blogging in July 2010, and haven’t stopped since, creating Reflections from a Red Head in September 2010. I couldn’t imagine my life without blogging. The mere thought of it makes me feel…empty.
- I am totally addicted to travel, and typically make sure that I go somewhere overseas at least once every year – that is except for 2011. I did finally get to Melbourne this year though, oh and I’m about to go on a road trip to my old home town in a few weeks. It’s not overseas – but it’s somewhere. Now hear me, world – watch out in 2012!
Lindt cafe, Melbourne
- One of the downfalls to blogging is that I spend a lot of time writing and reading other people’s posts, that I don’t read many books anymore. I miss books, and really must get back into them. It’s just whenever I pick one up these days I fall asleep (and it’s not because the books are boring – it’s because my mind is always ‘on’. I think reading makes it switch off, relax and…pass out).
- I’m an animal lover. I especially adore my dog, orangutans (being a red-head Mum always told me they were our closest relatives), big cats (tigers and lions – not domesticated cats) and frogs.
- I like sleep, potentially too much. And so does my dog. You know what they say – ‘like mother like daughter’.
Doing what we love best
- I’m going through a few health issues at the moment, hopefully nothing serious, but I’m going to get some check ups just in case, as the ‘health kick’ hasn’t helped me feel any better. In fact, I feel worse.
- My favourite colour is red.
- I’m 34, and finally feel like I have found part of the true ‘me’. I’m actually loving the 30′s and the self-discovery and confidence it brings with it.
- If I could I would quit my day job and write, blog, help people, and just generally try to do good in the world. I need to get out of the corporate world, sooner than later.
- One day I want to own a piano. I’m not talking about an electric key-board…I’m talking about a real old-school piano. When that day comes I will finally sit down and start to play again.
So now that I’ve shared with you 10 things about myself, don’t forget about the deal -introduce yourself to me and share with me 1 thing about yourself!
It’s time to be gentle on myself – body mind and soul
The other day I wrote a post called Help Me If You Can I’m Feeling Blue (formerly My Prolonged Mood – I had second thoughts on the title and changed it).
This was pretty much a desperate cry for help as my body had reached that point whereby it was telling my mind that it had had enough of the treatment it had been receiving. Fair call body. Mind is sorry. If it helps any, the mind has also been suffering.
I’ve pushed myself way too hard for too many years. Stress, booze, bad food, starvation, over-exercising, too much sleep, lack of sleep, partying, over-working, preventing myself from having any fun by going on the straight and narrow path, and never stopping till my body crashed and forced me to stop (usually on a holiday whereby I would push myself to see as much as I could, returning to…work).
Most of you would know I left my previous job about 2 months now (how time flies!) which was the best move I could have made. I’ve now taken a part-time job – Monday to Thursday, to allow one day off for me – my health, working on my passion, and generally just to take care of myself. A few days ago I had to remind myself of something -
‘Janine – once again you are throwing yourself into something and working too hard.’
My level of hard work is way above most other people…and that’s not being egotistical. Even since I’ve worked I’ve been the highest out-puter, the highest achiever, the hardest worker…all that whilst NOT kissing ass. I stick to my principles and kissing ass doesn’t taste good. It’s the only way I know…and it runs in my family as my mum, brother and sister are exactly the same – it’s why we burn out. It’s why I’m now exhausted – physically and mentally, why I have IBS, why I’ve put on weight, why I suffer from night sweats, why I now have eczema on my face…I’m toxic. I was reading a book called ‘Crazy Sexy Diet’ (Kris Carr) last night and she writes this:
‘The early symptoms were obvious but I couldn’t see them for what they were: a toxic lifestyle and environment that was causing physical and emotional stress. I had a bunch of chronic health problems, including zits, colds, chest infections, allergies, depression, dry skin, eczema, low sex drive, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, acid reflux, and fatigue – all distress signals from an imbalanced body.’
Enter the REAL wake up call. Kris Carr developed all of these PLUS cancer in her twenties. And what she described was me – thankfully minus the cancer.
At this moment in time I have no choice. I need to turn my life around, and I need to do more than just changing jobs and working on my passion. I need to change my whole life. I need to change everything – what I eat, what I drink, what I do, how I think. And I know this is not a new thought to me, as I’ve attempted it before.
The difference now is that I HAVE to do it, but that I also have to do it gently. I can’t just go hard-core – ‘Okay Janine we are going to eliminate everything bad for you and you are going to change your life and you are going to do it RIGHT NOW.’ No. I think my body will then go into more shock.
It’s time to stop beating myself up.
It’s time to be gentle on myself – body, mind and soul.
Photo by Ambreen Beg
Weathered
I’ve reached that stage in life. I’m 34. No biggy. But the white hairs are now coming in droves…that was always destined to happen as a red-head. The lines though – they have also appeared – on my forehead, around my eyes and mouth. The skin on my face is no longer as taught as it used to be. My hands – they are freckled from the sun and look worn. My feet, well, they look like they have had a hard time from too many mis-fitting shoes and a lack of moisturising and general neglect.
I feel tired…physically and mentally. I feel weathered.
Weathered
If I was a car I would be trading myself in or a newer model. I actually think I am in need of an oil change, new shock absorbers, some filler and a new coat of paint – and definitely some detailing.
But – at least I can say that I have lived, of which I never actually thought I would be able to say.
‘I have lived.’
Thinking back on what I have done, what I have experienced – well – I don’t feel sad.
Sure, life hasn’t exactly taken the path I had planned…although I never actually had a ‘path’. Still, I don’t regret the path I have taken. The only thing I have a slight ‘twinge’ of regret for is that I have not travelled as extensively as I had planned. But then again, I am finally experiencing what it is like to have a ‘home’, which is not exactly a bad thing.
Life is such a funny old thing.
Creative Wednesdays – A Snippet from a Fantasy
I had been waiting for this moment for what seemed like an eternity…
And finally – it was here.
As his teeth thrust down hard into my neck, I moaned in ecstasy. It was time…it was my time…and this was right.
My life until this moment became meaningless.
Birth.
Life.
Death.
Only to be reborn to live forever.
The week that was
Week 4 of voluntary employment delivered some interesting insights and developments…my life is certainly never dull.
On Monday I thought I should start thinking about looking for some kind of job to bring in some money…at least it was a start! I was slightly hampered by the fact that my car was in the shop. For those that don’t know, week 2 of unemployment delivered to me a 4 x drive into the back of my car. It seemed that the driver couldn’t wait for the green light (his foot got stuck between the peddles apparently…). On top of the flu, tummy bug, fatigue and skin rashes, I had a fab time! But I still haven’t cried…it seems I have GROWN as a person!
On Tuesday I was trying to finish off an e-book I had been working on for months. I had been struggling with inspiration for the design because the old job had sapped my will to live (exaggeration – yes), but on leaving said job had finally been struck by the creativity baton.
I was also hanging around the house waiting to have a Skype call with a real Sydney journo about Emergen, the online community I’m part of, social media, and Gen Y / X (as I’m on the cusp, depending on what you read). I was really struggling with the butterflies when I got a call to see if I was interested in going for an interview for a part-time job…Tuesday. You can imagine the size of my butterflies then! Anyway, I thought why not. A Part-time job could be just what the doctor ordered – some interaction with people face to face, working back in the city, a bit of a demotion in work and hours so less stress (?), good pay, 6 month contract to take me through Christmas, and the bonus would be I could use the spare hours to really focus on my future endeavours.
The interview with the journo went okay…although it was weird being on the other end of the questions! And the job interview went really well! It was followed by a second interview on Thursday, and a job offer of which I have accepted (starting Monday – argh!).
Wednesday I walked an hour to pick up my car…sometimes you just need a good walk! And to my surprise the car had been cleaned inside and out, polished and vacuumed. It looks so purdy now.
Thursday – well, I had the second job interview, got the job, developed a wicked migraine, had a huge nanna nap, and then tried to council someone dear to me who is going through a crisis of sorts. It’s hard to see someone you care for struggle with life…and it is especially hard – and slightly weird – to be on the other side looking in (since in the past it’s always been me as the one who was struggling). Of course, this all results in some huge anxiety attacks on my part last night, and I didn’t get much sleep – damn it!
Oh – I just finished the e-book (about an hour ago)! It’s now with a special person to review and decide on the ‘how to’ launch specifics (okay – I must admit I am also a perfectionist which is why it took me so long). I so can’t wait to share it with you all!
How has your week been?
Happy Blog-aversary to Me
It came and went with a blink of the eye, and I missed it thanks to the flu, but I want to acknowledge it and all of you fabulous readers / supporters who have helped my blog – Reflections From a Red Head – make it to 1 year of age. Woah…
I have thoughts post blog-aversary, possibly what every blogger thinks when their blog turns 1 -
- How did I last 12 whole months?
- I love blogging.
- Gosh I learnt a lot.
- How did I survive before blogging?
- How did I manage a full-time job, blogging, family, friends, etc?
- I love my blogging buddies : )
- I think I’m addicted to blogging…
- How can I make money from this?
- What am I going to do now?
- I feel like I have been doing this forever.
- God help me if, one day, there is no internet!
Yes – as you regular readers would know by now, I think WAY too much, but I hope my thoughts, ramblings and reflections have provided you with something to think about, something to laugh about, something to ponder, and just something to read over the last year.
I thank you for coming back, and I do hope that the year ahead can build upon what you have helped me establish.
Love you all, and thank you for helping me to find happiness.
Janine aka the Red Head x
Versatile Blogger Award II
Hajra Kvetches
And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, the Versatile Blogger award came at me for the second time in two days from the awesome Hajra Khatoon, from Hajra Kvetches! I tell you, I’m really feeling the love at the moment!
So, in order to live up to the terms of the second award, here are another 7 things about myself:
- Our house contains, what I have nicknamed, ‘Clothes Mountain’. It is what seems to be this constant pile of clean clothes in a washing basket, just waiting to be folded. I do actually believe I tackled it yesterday, and the day before. I even tackled it a few hours ago, hoping that I would conquer it…I just shouldn’t have done those two load of washing earlier as it seems to have grown again. Seriously, how much washing can two people possibly create?
- Denis, my partner, and my good friend Carly have an agreement that she will never introduce me to the World of Warcraft. We all agree that the possibility of me becoming addicted and ending up in one of those WoW Rehab clinics is quite high…
- Last night I re-started scanning my old negatives onto my PC. ‘Memories…’
We bought our baby a new toy on Saturday. $3 worth of toy, a few days worth of total entertainment by one obsessed dog.- Today Denis and I sat down and wrote a list of things needing to be done around the house. This included things like a pool, a renovation of the bathroom, demolishing the back room and extending the kitchen…I think I will call it our ‘fantasy list’. I shouldn’t have planted the seed.
- I wish I had continued to study photography beyond High School. I’ve forgotten everything. Although that could be a good thing as I’m feeling quite liberated at the moment from the ‘techniques’ and the so-called ‘right’ way to do things. And it seems to be paying off.
- I think I’m getting sick. I had thought it was hay-fever, but I sit here now with the itchiness and mucus in my throat getting worse, nose dripping, and general feeling of flatness, and I think it might be hitting. I expected it though. I mean, every holiday I have ever taken, I have always fallen sick in the first few days. I really need to learn to control my stress and not work so hard…that’s called relaxation right?
And now I pass the award to the following three amazing bloggers (and yes – this is where I’ve cheated. I’m only giving the award to a total of 9 people I believe deserve it…and to people I’ve never given an award to before):2. Pass the award along to 15 recently discovered blogs (I’ll amend the terms – if you can’t do 15, just give it to as who you feel deserves it! Just remember to contact them to let them know).