The Roaming Stevens

It has been 2 years today since my beautiful Mother, Judy, died. For approximately 6 weeks I have been inadvertently saying 'Mom' as I go through the house 'doing my duties', cleaning, picking up, cooking dinner. I had stopped that for a while... Then, Mom's face continued to 'pop up' ~ reappear in my mind's eye.  I kept seeing her laugh, her smile, and her gorgeous cornflower blue eyes twinkling. It did not occur to me when I first began muttering 'Mom' that June was upon us ~ the anniversary of her death was near. Is it not strange how the subconscious mind works?   That fact is evocative and intriguing to me... It is important (again, to me...) to share and to say that it does not matter if a person in your life dies or leaves you - in no way does that mean the 'love ends' because as many of us know - the love is never ending .  I have survived on Mother Earth for over 6 decades.  I still weep for my Mom.  I miss her voic...

What:  Examining the foundations of Marxism and Conflict Theory Why:   To understand how M arxism and Conflict Theory can be used to explain aspects of contemporary society. Karl Marx is regarded as a foundational thinker in sociology, but it is commonplace in many parts of the contemporary social world for people to have a negative perception of him, should they even have one at all. So before we begin, read through the following list to find out whether or not you are a marxist. If you’ve ever said “it all comes down to money” or if you believe that the economy is the driving force of society, then you might be a Marxist. If you are concerned that the gap between the rich and poor continues to grow each year in many places in the world, then you might be a Marxist. If you believe that we live in an era of globalization then you might be a Marxist If you can admit (or are bothered by the fact) that you are more interested in the goods you...

A greate mate introduced me to a lovely, little boutique in the heart of Riverton ~ never expected anything quite like this and was ASTOUNDED. Everyone knows how easy it is to sit in front of your computer or hop on your laptop and make a purchase from E-bay or Amazon and have a package plonked at your front door.  But...is it right?  Can't we do better? Ethical purchasing - ethical products - and above all - supporting Australia and Australians, the state of South Australia, your local community, and the villages in which YOU are connected - isn't that a more logical and preferred way of 'doing business'?   I am all for 'Op-Shopping' - it's fun, quirky, and most of the time you can land a really good surprise.  But, I cannot 'Op-Shop' for foundation or any sort of make-up for my face.   So, a 'Great Mate' introduced me to Tara, make-up artist extraordinaire AND creator of her own products.  We were welcomed into this groovy,...

We have been time poor to say the least.  Tinto was dreadfully ill throughout our anniversary, so we kept a low profile.   The next big hurdle we tackled was getting him ready for the big flight to the U.K. to visit his beloved and elderly parents...now 93 and 91 years of age.   We feel as if we only arrived home a few months ago ~ not true, of course, but where does life go?  HOW CAN IT CONSUME US AND FLY BY SO QUICKLY? We promised ourselves something special prior to his departure and that is EXACTLY what we received. FINO's restaurant ~ Barossa Valley ~ Seppeltsfield - JUST GO.   Yes, I have read the reviews and heard how it can take ages for your courses to arrive, but mattered not to US.   Let me begin by saying I do not remember when Tinto has uttered the words, 'My Darling, it has been ages since we have had such a tasty meal.'  WHAAAAAAT?  He is THE most difficult person to please - TRULY - when it comes t...

Lately, my nose has been in the books: morning, noon, and night.  NO complaints  (it's my happy place) ~ but, coming out of an intense 10 week study period at uni, so now I have time to contemplate. Have you ever stopped to consider your circle of friends? And...when you DO - are you simply amazed? Because I am older and consider two countries as home - the circle I have gathered over the years (decades) has gained momentum and it 'feels' like an enormous, forever family of friends - good mates who would or could race over in a moment's notice when needed. The women of Kapunda are strong and hearty and talented and compassionate and so willing to help and support others when needed and if necessary.  They listen.  They stop.  They 'hop to it' whenever a mate is in need.   Bold words spring to mind:  steely, compassionate, resilient, intelligent, savvy, and TOUGH.  You know who you are...and I love and appreciate you. Those words des...

Hello, There are not enough hours in the day and it is so incredibly remiss of me not sharing WITH YOU some dramatic and delightfully DIVINE pieces of art. Go.  See for yourself - view the art 'up close' and in your own time because everything is FAR BETTER when you see it 'in the flesh'...instead of through a phone or a website. Alison captures light in an extraordinary way AND has the capacity to turn mundane, daily living objects into something quite spectacular.  Anyone would want any piece in any room in any home.  Don't trust or value my judgement or opinion - GO - visit Hill Smith Gallery on Pirie Street in Adelaide and you will want to stay a while. The current exhibition only lasts a few more weeks and the featured artists are:  Alison Mitchell ~ Extraordinaire ~  and Stephen Trebilcock, Nick Wirdnam, and Eleanor Zecchin.    Support the ARTS ~ LOVE an ARTIST.   Cheers, Blanco ~ doing her small 'bit' for the senses.....