Create Space
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
September 14, 2019 at 11:17 am
lol absolutely love it Marie … only thing missing is he forgot his skirt 🙂
just watching a series on our ABC ivew called ‘Bullying” … not sure if you can access it overseas, there is no specific link I can share as they use a generalised address. It’s hosted by Ian Thorpe, our champion swimmer who visits kids who are being relentlessly bullied. They arm the kids with hidden cameras in their backpacks to record the abuse then engage the authorities to instigate peer solutions.
Powerful stuff … the peers really had no idea the abuse was so relentless and they swiftly found their own solutions to protect the kid. I could not believe the parents couldn’t even make appointments to see the principals! The authorities eventually engaged with massive coaxing over six months … appalling that they really are a big part of the issue 🙂
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September 14, 2019 at 2:53 pm
Would love to find that programme Kate, I will certainly look it up! I had actually thought of getting a hidden camera at one time. Sadly the lack of engagement by those in authority has a huge impact!
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September 14, 2019 at 10:44 pm
unbelievable … coz it was so constant the lad reacted with cuss words and the school found it easier to punish him than address the cause! He was isolated in admin at lunch time but felt safer and put on part time attendance! The system stinks 😦
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September 14, 2019 at 11:04 pm
I agree with every word you’ve written! It’s so frustrating for the victim and for parents when the root cause is not acknowledged or addressed. Thanks Kate for your company. X
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September 14, 2019 at 11:06 pm
couldn’t watch the second episode until I digested this one … next is worse … a young physically challenged girl they couldn’t get a resolution for … breaks my heart!
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September 15, 2019 at 6:32 am
That’s heart-breaking and just unbelievable Kate but I’m so glad somebody is raising the issue.
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September 15, 2019 at 9:30 am
this is our independent news channel that the govt is trying to close down … no idea how life would be without it Marie
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September 15, 2019 at 3:44 pm
I hope that doesn’t happen so Kate. X
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September 15, 2019 at 8:50 pm
me too it would give packer and murdoch ultimate power …. and that is already at a very dangerous level!
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September 14, 2019 at 11:18 am
and such a fun poem thanks 🙂
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September 14, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Acrostics are a form of poetry I find enjoyable and very do-able!
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September 14, 2019 at 10:44 pm
you certainly did it well 🙂
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September 14, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Couldn’t help smiling when I saw this one. Love it! 😊
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September 14, 2019 at 2:56 pm
Thank you Irene, it’s great to know it made you smile! Thanks for your encouraging comment!
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September 15, 2019 at 7:37 pm
I couldn’t agree more with your words, Marie. I’ve got this huge silly smile on my face from just looking at the picture. LOVED it!!
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September 15, 2019 at 11:03 pm
I’m delighted to hear that Amy, enjoy the silly simple things & smile lots. Xx
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September 15, 2019 at 11:09 pm
I do I really do. You too! xo
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September 18, 2019 at 10:20 am
Love this philosophy Marie 🙂
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September 18, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Thanks Darren, simple but not so simple to keep in mind sometimes!
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September 20, 2019 at 12:44 pm
This is gorgeous! Keep trying anything and everything
Love, light and glitter
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September 20, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Thank you and I agree Eliza! Le grà, Marie
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September 22, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Le gra – does that mean thanks?
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September 22, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Eliza, thanks for asking, it actually means “with love” x
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September 22, 2019 at 8:15 pm
Marie,
How fun! Thanks for brightening my day! I wish I could keep an nth of your wisdom with me always! Mona
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September 22, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Mona, and you’ve brightened my day and made me smile! Thanks for your encouraging company! Have an interesting and happy week ahead. Xx
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