The Roaming Stevens

Halloween may be upon us, but I got CREEPED out late last night and it was not due to a spider or a ghost. When I study, I turn my phone off as all good students do!  Right?  Anyway, if it is an especially long day, I don't check messages or phone calls until rather late.  I noticed a missed call and a message from Melbourne.  Two of Tinto's children live there now, but I did not recognize the number.  Hmmmmmmmm.  Then I thought it must be Tinto's oldest daughter ringing me from her place of work.  I had a bit of a panic...checked message...AND - Gheeeeez-Louuuuuise. It was a mechanical sounding recording - advising me to ring the department immediately upon receiving message OR I WOULD BE JAILED.  I got chills.  Then, I got angry.  Could you imagine an EVEN older person...receiving this...not knowing WHAT to do...and RINGING back?  At that point, they would be suckered into God knows WHAT.   I want to make a report...

Today is an extremely special Big Brothers Big Sisters day and I have been bombarding my own fb page all day long with the news and the instructions. Big Brothers Big Sisters originated in the United States OVER 100 years ago and the fact that it remains so strong today is a testament to the good work these people do. BBBS provides a 'BIG' for a 'SMALL' - a big brother or a big sister is matched with a small to provide mentorship, support, encouragement, kindness, hope, and friendship.   IF a 'SMALL' is placed with a 'BIG' does this mean the parents are doing a bad job?  NO.  No way ~ not at all.  The parents may be struggling due to the fact they both work 2 jobs.  The household may be a single parent household.  A parent or a sibling could be fighting a serious illness.   You and I both know how much bullying continues in schools today.  You and I know how fast-paced this world is and sometimes...just having an outsid...

So, LIFE is full right now.  I am working at maximum capacity, however, I am loving every aspect of returning to university study. There has been a change in the routine at The Maxwell House.  My charming and eccentric husband has been preparing many of his meals and...eating...alone.  He sees some of my frustrations and he hears my expressions of great joy when I complete an assignment ahead of time and receive lovely marks.   We did make plans for a big night out.  When our dear mate, Suzy, told us The Hiptones would be playing in the city, I challenged my brain and powered through many lessons in order to feel good about stepping away from study.  We met the Kapunda Gang in Wingfield, danced until our toes could handle no more, and absorbed every divine beat of the music.  I ran into and hugged friendly faces I had not seen in years.  When I closed my eyes I could see our old pub shimmying with the beat of the bass...and I was transpor...

That is the way I see things lately - the extraordinary in the ordinary.  Walks up to Gundry's Look-Out, the essence of Seppeltfield's courtyard, the indigenous Australian plants bursting at the seams in Spring. Life embedded in the fabric of South Australia.  You don't have to roam far to be 'WOWED' by this majestic state. This month is my favourite month.  October is glorious in the United States and simply outstanding in Australia, too.  You cannot go wrong with October - pleasing to the senses and easy on the eyes.  Bountiful and joyful - October reminds me each year of new beginnings - a vibrant season with a divine new YEAR...right around the corner. October brings me to my senses and grounds me.  It's exhilarating and refreshing at the same time. A fabulous woman I met last week at the JamFactory from Victoria was shopping in the gallery and had a gang of gals with her.  I asked her if it was a special occasion.  She replied, 'Yes, ...