It is Sunday evening and I have vowed to get my writing back on track. No more Mr Nice guy when it comes to giving up my writing time for everyone else. Sorry dudes! I have a job and it is time to do it. Any boss would have fired me for my tardy work efforts over the last couple of months. And yet as I have blogged so often, I am so busy. Unfortunately even good waves are going to have to wait for me to ride them from here on in!

This afternoon I refreshed my book plan for hopefully the last time. I had rather a nice gap due to the mother in the house getting special treatment and being allowed an afternoon nap. That reminds me, I cooked a very simple scrumptious lamp kleftica replica. My wife who loves lamb gets an annual lamb feast on mothers day. Personally, I cannot stand the stuff! But today it was heavenly!!

Yesterday was interesting. I tried out some portrait shots of the family. I spent almost a whole day last week trying to find some second hand bits and pieces to be able to use my flash off camera. Well Saturday was about making that work for me. I think we ended up with some special family shots. In my bid to try create my own business opportunities, I have agreed to photograph the children at my younger son’s school. Nothing like throwing ones self into something new in order to learn how best to make it happen. I hope that I now have a handle on some pretty nifty studio lighting and that some parents will walk away with some cheap but professional quality pictures of their little munchkins!

Have a wonderful week. Serve with passion and love. Reflect, think, act! Spread some peace. And stay cool!

Have you ever wondered about Eastern philosophies of living? Is there an essence that we miss in our own lives and our society? Movies portray the heroes from the East as being these serene individuals with the most amazing power over their minds. They always seem so connected due to their absolute control and deep insight into life. The good guys often need wise advice from Eastern sages as well as a cup of herbal tea in order to regroup and defeat their enemies.

There are of course elements of Eastern culture that have become a part of the West like yoga and meditation techniques, Kung Fu and toys with lead paint. I have always wondered if there is something more that I am missing. Are there pearls of wisdom that I am sorely lacking that could possibly add vast dimensions to my life? Like most things, I had no idea where to start looking for this answer and so in true style I have put it out of my mind.

Luckily, I read a book last week, twice. It wasn’t that the book was so good but rather that it was filled with Eastern based practical insight to life. You may have well have heard about this book called ‘The Monk who sold his Ferrari’ by Robin Sharma. It really is a take on how to control ones life by using some simple techniques. This is by no means a religious book but my view is that all of this stuff can beautifully complement your beliefs.

For me, it was interesting to see a whole bunch of mostly familiar concepts presented in a compelling and comprehensive manner. If you want an insight into some solid Eastern philosphy full of good common sense, this book is a great introduction. Who knows, perhaps I will dissect it right here on this blog in time to come!

One of the key techniques that was presented involves time spent in meditation and reflection. This rocked my world!

An irony of my life is that I have all of this time and yet have spent less time in reflection than when I worked a full day job. Sadder still is that this is my year to determine where I am going and to set myself up for the rest of my life. Kind of sobering when you stand back and look at yourself and see the thing that you should be spending most of your time on, is the one thing that you have abandoned.

So I started last week to set aside some me time in the morning before anyone was awake. My time to reflect and pray. I have been rewarded with a clarity of purpose, a relaxed demeanour and the ability to deal with my children on a different level. As a bonus, I was there for three sunrises and one really spectacular sunrise. These is no doubt that these changes are hard to implement and maintain but they are worth it!

Now I just have to find a bad Chinese movie to star in, although there is no way that I am drinking herbal tea!!

We got back yesterday from a holiday at the coast. Hmmm you may ask. Yes, I do live at the coast and most would agree that I have been on holiday for months. The great irony of my life is that although I have not worked for the last 4 months, I have been busier than ever. I have read fewer books and spent less time in reflection than when I had a job. Enough about me, the rest of the family needed a holiday and I just tagged along. It was meant to be a surfing holiday in Still Bay but unfortunately the bay was just still. Surfing was at an absolute minimum and I really had to search for waves. Actually I just lowered my standards and tried in vain to surf the mush on offer!

And so instead of surfing my brains out, the family and I had a wonderful family holiday. Most of my time was spent with my sons doing what they wanted to do. Luckily this coincided a lot with what I like doing too. I thought some pictures may be in order.

Still Bay harbour front

Rocks and sea at night

Luke & I longboarding

Mine is bigger than yours

Checking out the wildlife!

So, I got to do some things that I have not focussed on in a while. I read a couple of great books (more on them later) and I spent some good time in reflection. I have a far better understanding of where I am right now and what I need to be doing right now. I also understand that I don’t know where I will end up and that this is actually ok. I know that I need to focus on my book (just like my wife says) and get it done. After that .....