Wise men say...

"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour."

- Henry David Thoreau

Noah's Ark

Learn something new.

Have some fun.

Pass it on.

It feels good.

Decisions...Decisions...

There is so much happening in The House of TLT at the moment and frankly, my head is in a spin. There, I said it.

What first?
What next?
Who can I turn to?
How can I?
Why would I?
Umm, should I?

Many people I speak with tell me they too are impacted by the pressure (self imposed or otherwise) to be or have or do or behave or give or take or achieve or make or...Arrrrgh! Overload people, o-ver-load.

In fairness, I thought twice about posting my thoughts and feelings today. It somehow seemed a small failure in admitting that I have much to do and give and achieve and that hey, I may need some help.

And then I said - "Hey! Cohones out Tough Love. This is what you're all about." That's right people - the truth, the whole truth and nothing but my version of the truth. Even when you're vulnerable. In fact, speaking your truth in times of vulnerability can be most empowering. 

So, here I am. Heart on sleeve. Calling on the Universe to hear my voice. Calling on my family, friends and loved ones to step right up. Encouraging myself to fulfil my purpose, my dream. And finally, taking a deep, conscious breath and turning to one of my mentors for some simple and effective advice.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”
- Dr Seuss

Ahhh, now that's better. Thank you Theodor Seuss Geisel . Thank you very much indeed.

Now, back to magic making and miracle working...

Loving you, loving me...TLT x


Did you know?...
Green Eggs and Ham was the result of a $50 bet in 1960 between Bennett Cerf and Theodor Seuss Geisel that Geisel couldn't write an entire book using only fifty words. Take that Cerf! Dr Seuss is in da house.

Hey, you!

Wise women say...

"I think it is imperative that we learn humility.

This says there was someone before me who paved the way. Paid for me. My responsibility is to prepare myself so I can pay for someone else who is yet to come."

- Maya Angelou

Girl Scout

Today Team TLT is on the scout for outdoor locations for an  upcoming shoot. May the location Gods be with us. All seven of them.

Hi Ho...Hi Ho...It's off to scout we go...La la la la la la la la la la...

Do try this at home

Perhaps you're feeling down and out.

Disgruntled with a bland reality.

Well then accept this little mission,

from the House of TLT.

Your mission is an easy one.

It will surely set you apart.

Simply make like Barbarella,

and shoot straight from the heart.

The truth might hurt.

The truth might set you free.

Let's try this social experiment,

let's see what happens, shall we?

Jump right in, sport a hearty grin,

and demonstrate some gump.

Say what you mean, mean what you say,

and ease out of your slump.

Tell your boss you'd like a pay rise.

You're worth it - show them why!

Tell someone that you love them

And be sure to look them in the eye.

Set your phaser gun to maximum,

and aim for the heavenly stars.

The saying goes *you may well miss,

but hey, you could wind up on Jupiter or Mars.

Go have a crack, then hurry back!

I'm waiting for your safe return.

And remember this, to find your bliss,

you must invest to get return.

And that's a fact.

Go get 'em people! 

Pew! Pew!

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

* The saying does go differently however The House of TLT has altered it (for the better as far as we can tell) in the name of creative license and poetic justice. WORD.

 

The Tea Party at The Tivoli

I had the great pleasure of heading along to the Brisbane leg of The Tea Party 'Reformation Tour' at The Tivoli last night and I have one word for you Kimmy - PHENOMENAL.

Post a 7 year sabbatical, they have joined forces to deliver more of their much loved, and globally devoured musical and lyrical genius. Meantime, the sold out crowd experienced their unique fusion of Indian meets Middle Eastern Rock wizardry (they have been dubbed "Moroccan Roll") for over two hours and they absolutely delivered during every single minute of the show.

Due to the fact that they have not yet released a new album, the fans experienced a spectacular showcase of their classic tracks including Sister Awake, The River and Fire in the Head among plenty more of their solid gold nuggets. And rock it out old school they did indeed - sans fancy stage show, lighting or other distractions giving the punters a balls-out, passionate performance reinforcing why we love them so and increasing our appetite for their next collaboration.

Without taking away from a stellar performance served up by Jeff Burrows (drums) and Stuart Chatswood (bass), attention was gently yet consistently guided back to Jeff Martin (vocals). He has the ability to speak to the audience and make you feel like you're a friend, captivating, mesmerising and rocking us (hells yes, he's got that je ne sais quoi) to the core with his incredible musical prowess (is there an instrument this man can't play?) and unmistakeably soothing, sexy, primal voice.

He nailed it when he said ' Our lyrics and music can make one delve into the deepest part of their psyche yet come out feeling refreshed - how do we do that?'  Although I can't answer this question (drop me a line when you've figured it out Jeff), I heartily concur. 

They are freaky freaks of all instruments, including the voice box, and after Jeff Martin's revelation that 'regardless of what we think of one another, we realise we can't live without each other - The Tea Party are back for good' - I cannot wait to hear what they are going to do next.

Thank you gentlemen, this Sister is most definitely awake.

Hallelujah and Amen to that.

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

Wise men say...

"Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there. It's not about winning. It's about you and your relationship with yourself, your family and your friends.

Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didn't let them down because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasn't one more thing you could've done.

Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentleman - you're perfect!"

- Coach Gary Gaines, Friday Night Lights

I ink, therefore I am.

Last night I had a dream that I got some ink.

My left shoulder featured a large and resplendent artwork featuring bursts of colour and light trailing up my back and into the atmosphere. The right showcased a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle surrounded by plump love hearts.

Tattoos are funny things. It seems people either love them or hate them.

Much to the dismay of my pa...rents, I’ve always had a healthy appreciation for good ink. Now before the rain of judgement comes down on my folks, I should note that my Dad’s a ‘fraidy cat’ when it comes to needles so that’s him out and Mum simply doesn’t feel the need to advertise. Fair enough.

For me it’s straight forward. Some people like to draw, others like to write, sing, dance, make jewellery, style, play musical instruments and the list rolls on. Tattoos are no different. They are a form of art so should that be your preferred form of artistic, cultural, religious or other expression - power to you.

However unlike my guitar playing (actually, it’s more like white noise) or attempts to hit the high notes while showering - tattoos are permanent. There is no room for practise or improvement. It’s final. And until I feel SO passionately about something that I want it permanently etched into my skin, I’m reserving my commitment to ink for pen meeting paper.

Hopefully the folks will be proud of that.

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

PS. If anyone wants to put their Jung hat on and come back to me with a dream analysis on Stars vs. Ninjas, I welcome your comments.

PPS. Oh, and I’d love to see some pictures of your own ink or examples of body art you admire. Here are a few I like.

Wise men say...

“To be successful, a man must exert an effective influence upon his brothers and upon his associates, and the degree in which he accomplishes this depends on the personality of the man. The incandescence of which he is capable. The flame of fire that burns inside of him. The magnetism which draws the heart of other men to him.”
-Vince Lombardi