those unexpected phone calls..

..that make you realise people actually do care.

And after you hang up, you want to have a little cry about it because that phone call (or text message) came at *just* the right time.

And the person who made the phone call/text has absolutely no idea just how much you really needed it & appreciated it.

Whether you realised it at the time or not, you really did need that little gesture of love & friendship more than even you knew.

You know how sometimes when you hit a bit of a flat spot in your little life & all you feel like doing is crawling into a hole & hibernating hoping that it will all go away or fix itself..

But instead of dwelling in your own dark hatred for life & your insignificant problems, you push through it, suck it up & get on with life?

You might even feel like no one has even noticed your lack of 'sparkiness' as of late.

For some reason you think you can fool people into a false sense of believing that you are A-ok if you just keep smiling, even if you're drowning on the inside.

Comfort is found in the thought that you can just fly under the radar, put on a facade to protect yourself for as long as you need to~ admit it, you've done this before haven't you? :)

Fake it until you make it?

There are a thousand thoughts, feelings, emotions racing through your mind.

Love, life, work, family, friends.. the list could go on forever.

Where do you even start to pick yourself up from?

By this stage you're probably tricking yourself into believing that there's nothing wrong.

***

I was chatting to a friend just the other day about all of this.

(Confession: that conversation was my inspiration for today's post. You know who you are.)

They had noticed someone wasn't their usual effervescent self & they seemed a bit flat the last few times they'd seen them, so what did they do?

Picked up their phone, rang them up & asked if they were ok.

'Hey, you seemed a bit flat the last few times i saw you.. is everything ok?'

A good old fashioned phone call. Straight up.

It doesn't need to be anything major.

Not a long drawn out DnM for 3hours on a Monday night.

Just the phone call in itself can put your mind at ease knowing that someone out there actually noticed & took the initiative to check up on you.

It's the best. And by that, i mean BEST.

xox

'i challenge you..

... to a 28 day Higher Level Training, fitness, bootcamp *thing.*'
What? I don't understand ALL of the above.
'Training, Fitness, Bootcamp.. '
Non comprende'
And on top of that, have we actually met?
I know you're my best friend & all that jazz, but you should know by now that i am no gym junkie & i can definitely not run very far without feeling like I'm going to die.
Or get light headed & feel like I'm going to pass out.
Now that we've got that sorted..
Yes.
I'd love to do a 28 day bootcamp with you!
I actually can't believe i uttered that word 'Yes.'
UGHH!
So as you may or may not be aware, I'm not into the whole going to the gym thing.
I know i should be blah blahh blahhh!
I've always figured 'Well, im not obese.. so, i must be doing alright.'
Typical non-gym-fitness person, exhibit A: me.
So then my bestie texts me one night last week asking if i want to do some 28 day fitness challenge.
*Before i go on- i have a confession- i thought a 28 day challenge meant i would have to go EVERY single day for 28 days in a row.*
Yeah I'm sure that's normal... isn't it?!
And here's the other thing, in July, I'm hiking up a little place called Machu Picchu & if i actually plan on surviving the hike (which i am) i should *probably* start doing some sort of exercise to get my fitness level up.
Hence my 'Yes.'
28 days started last Saturday morning.
I SURVIVED MY FIRST DAY!
Pretty sure i was more stoked about actually surviving than i was about completing 10 tasks in 50mins.. that sounds good.. doesn't it?!
I can't even remember everything that we did. There were some weights, some jumping thing, push ups, running, those weight-ball thingys.. yeah.. I'm not really clued up on specifics or what anything is even called. And i definitely needed someone to show me how to do EVERYTHING!
All in all, it was pretty fun! I've never done anything like it before so its a personal challenge. Sweet.
Definitely still hurting today & we're going again tonight.
It will be interesting to see how long my jelly legs actually last until they cave under me.
Bring it on!
xox

small *BRIGHT* stories!

Well Hello there! Blog readers, are you ready for some short, sharp stories about my weekend adventures?
No?
Well i suggest stop reading this instant.

So it begins:
-Destination: Bright.
-Days: 4
-Attendees: i lost track
-To do: camp, explore, enjoy, relax, survive.
-Amenities: None.

*Bliss.*

*Everyone was arriving at random intervals during the day, so we decided to stay in town pottering around & exploring our new home. After starting off with a delicious breakfast of pesto toast, poached eggs, shredded beetroot & feta at a quaint little cafe called 'Coral Lee' (best.name.ever.) we began exploring. There was a huge market full of unpretentious country people, it was lovely. They sold everything from fleecey clothes, jams, chutneys, sheep skins, crepes to homemade soaps. There's something nice about wandering through a country market in the sunshine... except for the part where your annoying friend is trying to beat you up, push you into other people & try to make you fall over. Thankyou Captain Annoying!*

*Our campsite: was on a massive block of land. On one side was a pine forest. On the other side, was an old abandoned building. Oh yes, we definitely explored that! According to 'legend,' it was used for some crazy cult years ago. It was really quite strange. You walk into a big hall with bright blue carpet, a stage at the front & wood panel walls. There are two hallways running along the side each with multiple rooms coming off them. These smaller rooms have carpeted walls. I'm telling you, it was WEIRD. The rooms were maybe 3m x 3m, perhaps? The place had been trashed with the obligatory spray paint everywhere, broken windows & smashed walls. Strange. Very strange. I was hoping to find hidden treasure but all we found were some dead birds.*

*We set up our camp & started a bonfire. Super chilled, snacks, chats, toasting marshmallows, song writing, guitar playing & a full moon. Ahh, then there's that awkward moment when you are relaxing on a tarp, next to the bonfire, under the stars, sipping some American Honey whiskey, you roll over onto your stomach & the friend sitting next to you informs you that 'You have white, sticky marshmallow all over your bum.' Awesome. How did i try to fix it? By rubbing dirt into it. Fail!*

*Under the moonlight, we played 'Hide & Scare' in the forest. Everyone goes into the forest & then you have to hunt each other down & try to scare one another. The only problem with this is, it's dead quiet & you can hear someone creeping up on you from miles away. Except for that one time when i was walking along thinking i was being sneaky & my darling friend gave me the fright of my life. I screamed down the forest. 'ARGHHHH!' She got me good.*

*There is also a hedge maze near Bright. Usually, i am rubbish in a maze. Not this time! I think a highlight was finding the 2nd tower & waiting.. waiting..waiting for everyone else to find it 'Hey guys, what took you so long?!' We had a mini tower dance party & then moved on.*

*Possibly the biggest surprise of my weekend away was discovering that my friend has a fear of feathers. Oh the joy i got from this & will continue to get from this!*

*On the last afternoon we decided a trip up to Mt Hotham was in store. And boy was it amazing! Climbing the mountain along winding roads, it was getting colder & colder with each bend in the road. The views were spectacular! Mountains as far as the eye can see, hidden under a sea of clouds. Then, snow. It was actually snowing! The further up the mountain we got, the more snow there was. Looking out across the mountains, it looked like white frosting had been sprinkled everywhere, it was magical. We finally reached the top & it was absolutely freezing! But despite the icy'ness, it was so beautiful having snowflakes fall softly on our faces. Amazing. Beautiful. Mesmerising. Peaceful. We grabbed some snacks & hit up the pub. Overlooking the mountains, snow softly floating down from the sky, a guy playing guitar & singing us songs, it was the epitome of bliss.* 

*The mountains took away my breath :)*

xox

Wolfmother Vs The Cranberries Vs Lenny Kravitz.

Hello my LOVES!
You are all owed an apology... so here goes, I'm sorry.
I've been so tied up trying to figure out the silly new Timeline 'thing' on my Facebook page that i have been neglecting my blog.
Gah!
Ok, ok.. yes, that's just a lame excuse, there really isn't any reason other than I've had writers block!
Or maybe I've had too much to write about & don't know where to start?! Huh huh! Yeah, I'll go with that.
But! I've got a story for you.
Let's start at the very beginning.. a very good place to start
(Hmm, that line sounds VERY 'Sound of Music'esque' & a little bit 'Doe Rae Me')
Let's rewind to late last year. I'm casually driving home from a night out & am stopped at traffic lights.
I'm gazing around, off in my own little world & i spot a poster.
'F1 Rocks Lenny Kravitz Concert 2012'
My brain has a mini spasm as all of my synapses decide to join up & work (for once!)

'CRAP! LENNY KRAVITZ IS COMING TO MELBS!'
Must go. Whatever the cost. Must go!

The support act? Well, there were 2, which is quite odd, but hey I'm not complaining. 3 concerts for the price of one? Yes please!
Support Acts: Wolfmother & The Cranberries.

Now I'm going to be dead honest with you.. don't be offended if you like them, but..

Wolfmother = Wolfwhat? No thanks, not interested in the slightest.

The Cranberries however, yes. Just YES.

Got myself some tickets & then the long wait.

Why do tickets for concerts go on sale so far in advance?? Months & months in advance, thus driving me wildly insane playing the waiting game.

I guess the only reason it's good is because you can refresh your mind & listen to albums all over again so you have the right words to belt out when you are *finally* at the concert.

And belt out the words we did!

My sister & one of her besties joined myself & one of my besties for one of the most rocking, awesome concerts I've been to!

Now the last concert i went to with my sister was Justin Timberlake. We screamed our hearts out for him & he was freaking awesome!

(By now, you would all realise how lame i am, in general, so I'm not fussed if you judge me by my choice in music, go ahead!)

So now, we're at another concert together, mashed up against a barricade, under the stars at the Sidney Myer Music bowl.

*Bliss!

Wolfmother were up first. I think i was more distracted by the food i was eating to even notice they were on stage. Alright, i admit, that's a little harsh, they did put on a pretty good show & they can definitely wail when they want to, but they didn't really grab & hold onto my attention.

The Cranberries were up next.

Cool? Yes. They are the epitome of cool.

Dolores (vocals) has the most amazing voice! It pierces you~ i mean that in a good way! Her voice is totally amazing. I'm not quite sure how else to describe it? Me, stumped for words? Well, she must be good!

~Here's some background info.. i shared a bedroom with my sister when i was little. She's 12 years older than me. She always played The Cranberries & Lenny Kravitz music. (Thanks for the introduction by the way!) So being at this particular concert with my sister took me straight back to childhood. I was very reminiscent *aww.~

One of my all time favourite songs by The Cranberries is 'Linger.'

Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Kspj3OO0s&ob=av2e

So damn good. So damn 90's!

We screamed our little lungs out to them while they belted out some tunes, it was awesome, would definitely see them again without a doubt.

Then, finally! It was time to rock out to Lenny Kravitz!

*screaaaaamms galore!

He is hot. Hot. Hot. HOT! Sizzling.

Ridiculous!

It had been 18years since he was last in Melbourne & it was definitely worth the wait (Yes, my sister saw him 18years ago & she said 'he is as good now as he was then!')

Rock god.

I was hanging out for 'American Woman' & i didn't have to wait long at all, it was the 2nd song!

My poor little lungs really got a work out!

From the start to the end of his set, screams.. screams.. & more screams, it was fantastic!

And so, so much fun!

Then, THEN.

He decides he's going to walk through the crowd.

He's getting closer & closer to us.. my heart was having palpitations by this stage..I'm not sure if that was from the excitement, from the screaming or the fact my sister was standing behind me crushing me against the barricade (it was hilarious!)

Lenny walked up to the crowd & was about 2metres away from us.

You know how at concerts or on TV you see those crazy girls SCREAMING, waving their arms & being embarrassing in general towards a musician?

Exhibit A: me, my sister & our 2 friends.

Unfortunately, Lenny, the poor darling, must've been blinded by our beauty, got disoriented & walked the other way.

He'll know better next time.
He put on such a great show that we were all considering going back the following day for concert #2.
(FYI, no we didn't. I'm not sure we would've coped with THAT 2 nights in a row. le sigh*)

Bottom line is, if you like him, go to his concert. If you don't like him, still go to his concert~ it's just fun!

Here's one for old times sake:

Only Lenny can get away with wearing a red jumpsuit, platforms & dreadlocks in his film clip for 'Are You Gonna Go My Way.'

Check. It. Out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLhpHjmxNw8&list=FLiML1ZFDS4ni5d26WgufT9A&index=24&feature=plpp_video

Until next time,

xox

*New Album* Review: 'Mountains to Masses'~ Justin Hunter

Darlings, it's time i did something different.
As opposed to my normal rambling, ranting fit about an obscure, ambiguous subject that you don't care about, this will be something I've never attempted before..
You'll either enjoy it or hate it. Either way, I'm not fussed.
My friend, Justin Hunter, who is a signed musician to 'Source Music,' has a *NEW* album out! 
So i thought i would try doing an album review for him!
The *NEW ALBUM*
drum roll please~
"Mountains to Masses" by Justin Hunter.

Release date: 12th March 2012
Get your copy here: JB HiFi stores, ITunes
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/mountains-to-masses/id508831984?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
& also here: http://www.vitamin.net.au/albumdefault.asp?ai=512

He says this album '..is symbolic of my leaving my beloved Blue Mountains and moving to the middle of Melbourne City."
His record label says 'Justin Hunter is a passionate lover of life, absolute adventure maniac, marathon runner, electro music fan & instrumental pianist.' And 'His new album ‘Mountains to Masses’ is the musical unification of the two places Justin holds dear to his heart; the dramatic beauty and spaciousness of his home in the Blue Mountains, and the vibrant, chaotic (yet at times lonely) city that is Melbourne.'
That's what they say.. here's what i say: 

Now, because of a loop hole, i actually got a copy of the new album months before it's release date.

I was stoked, to say the least, when it arrived in my letterbox unannounced.
Racing inside, i ripped open the package & started listening.. 

When Track 2 started playing, i instantly got 'X Files' vibes.

For some reason, that was my initial thought.
It was only in the first few seconds but it sounded eerie & it reminded me of something 'X Files'esque. You know that sort of ambient, warped, electro sound? Something like that.

Going through the album, it all seemed a little moody, a little mellow, a little darker than i was expecting & a lot more refined compared to his previous albums.

Each track rolled smoothly into the next.

Until.
Until i got to Track 8.
'Courage.'
I had been going about my boring, daily business while listening to 'Mountains to Masses' playing in the background. I was enjoying it but it hadn't exactly 'grabbed' me yet.
As soon as 'Courage' started to play, i stopped.
It got my attention straight away.
I actually listened to each note.
It's a far more upbeat, uptempo tune as opposed to earlier tracks.
My immediate reaction~ i loved it. It was an instant favourite & always will be.
Imagine watching a pianist's fingers dance gracefully across a keyboard. With faultless precision. Each note more perfect than the last.
That's what 'Courage' is to me.
It's the sort of track you would play if you were racing through the bush~ or the mountains~ on an adventure, trying to reach your destination~ the city perhaps?~  through thick & thin, trials & tribulations until you reach the finish & hit that euphoric sense of achievement.
You made it. Everything will be ok.
Filmed in Amsterdam, watch the music video for 'Courage' here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QuqehepSd4&feature=uploademail
***
Coming from me, someone who is definitely not a muso' of any sort, don't take this as gospel. You are all definitely smart enough to make up your own mind about his musical genius.
And honestly, if i told you i had never cried while listening to his music.. it would be a massive lie.
Even in the toughest of hearts, the most guarded of hearts, Justin's music evokes abysmal emotions that you didn't realise existed.
Let each note wash over you & enjoy the ride.
I must admit, after actually listening to the album properly a few more times, i realised how sophisticated it was.
In a word, the album is: Fabulous.
This is just my rabid opinion.
 If you think this review sounds good & you want to keep updated, 'like' his Facebook page at this link: http://www.facebook.com/justinhuntermusic 
He has also joined the weird & wonderful world of Twitter~ Follow here:
https://twitter.com/jhuntermusic
xox