Let the yarning begin, whats your deadly story?

The first week of July celebrates National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander week, when all Australian’s can celebrate our countries first people and their positive contributions to our culture past, present and future.

I always look forward to the announcement of the THEME and this year I am very excited by the power of it and the opportunity it provides.

“Change: the next step is ours” is the 2011 NAIDOC Theme

I hear so many people talking about what changes need to occur; to close the gap; to help make the change for this country and all of our mob. Government’s and bureaucrats are talking. Policy makers and politicians are talking. Shock jock DJ’s and bleeding heart hippies are talking. A lot of talking is being done but is it the type of talking that is going to facilitate the change?

In thinking about this, I thought, “if the next step is ours, what is it that we can bring to the table, what next step can we offer that is different, is truly ours? Then I read a blog by my mate Tom Hearn from Bush TV who asked the question ‘could the art of yarning be the secret?’

As a performer, and an opera singer I understand the power of the human voice. I also know that there is nothing more incredible than to be heard, to have your voice listened to, to have your words resonate in another, to express heartfelt emotion and be heard.

In the wider spectrum of human nature, whether from a baby’s cry or giggle to an elders wail or body shaking bellow in hysterics there is nothing more precious and unifying than the sharing of raw human emotion. 

Now lets think about the history of this country. Our ancestors couldn’t speak the Queen’s English; they had no way of yarning with the invading ‘settlers’. Families were torn apart and moved all around the country. Their languages were outlawed, their children taken away from them. Crippled by this and many other atrocities, generations were torn apart and so much culture was lost including our ability to yarn in our way, in our time and on our land to our own mob, let alone the ‘settler’s’.

Now I hear you thinking, “Wait up Don, Donnie, Donald. What are you suggesting here? You want me to start yarning with them bureaucrats, with them politicians, with them shock jock dj’s and bleeding heart hippies?

And my answer – If you have the opportunity – YES, do it!

What I really think each of us can do today and for the rest of our lives is start yarning amongst ourselves, with our friends and families. Taking the time to sit down and truly yarn and share positive things and simple truths to share our deadly stories. The Qld Government, Dept of Communities has launched a site and social media campaign around exactly this.

Think about it, who do our youngsters get to yarn with about success, positive choices, bouncing back from wrong choices, persistence, and honesty? I am sure many of us remember being told “People are always watching, expecting you to fail simply because you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.” 

I don’t want our kids to NOT fail, I want out kids to be successful in all areas of their lives. To do that, we need to be yarning about SUCCESS. We need to be sharing how we succeeded, how we battled and won, how we helped someone else to become a success.

So let the yarning begin and be the change you want to see for our community, our country, because Change - the next step is OURS!

Judged on your moment of weakness

Each day's mistakes explode into the continuing nightmares that then entwine into the next day's distractions causing more defeats. The constant nagging and pulling away of my focus and awareness. I want to cry, to run away, I want to yell and scream. I want to stop, to press pause and give myself time to recover, to find my rhythm, to be at peace, to wash away the crap. I can't recall the last time I awoke ready to enjoy the day ahead.

Last night repeating over and over in my head not allowing me a moment to sleep was Better Midler, singing 'I think it's going to rain today' - is it a metaphor, is there something in this song for me to hear? Some words are clear others get lost in the general head banter. I don't know. I just want it to stop!

Lonely, lonely. Tin can at my feet, I think I'll kick it down the street, that's the way to treat a friend.

Bright before me the signs implore me: Help the needy and show them the way. Human kindness is overflowing, and I think it's going to rain today.

Constantly having to better my last efforts, to find the missing piece, to expose my flaws and relentlessly ask questions of myself that I have no answers to and then have the fortitude to engage with all of those in my life, as if I am 'normal'. I simply can't, it's too tiring. I am moody, I am exhausted, I am drained, I am at a loss and I am sick of being kicked around like a tin can.

So, I am left exacerbated, pondering why? Why sing? Why opera? I mean I understand why I started but why do I want to continue with the day in and day out of it all. Some days my choice overwhelms me and I hesitant; is the sacrifice, the daily cost, going to be worth it? Have I achieved enough?

"I believe there is a price tag on everything worthwhile, but it is seldom a monetary one. The price is more often one of dedication, deprivation, extra effort, loneliness. Each person decides whether he or she wants to pay the price. If you do, you achieve beyond other people." - Jim McKay

I have the love and support of amazing family and friends though even those with me in Melbourne seem like they are millions of miles away. I know I am not alone yet, I am lonely. The dedication, the extra effort and the loneliness are taking their toll and impacting my commitment to the daily grind.

In three month's, I will again deliver the role of James in Pecan Summer on stage at the Playhouse within the Arts Centre here in Melbourne and I am scared of failing. I am scared to let down the cast, the community and most importantly, Deborah.

“Half the failures in life arise from pulling in one’s horse as he is leaping.” - Julius Charles Hare

I write this as I want each you to feel safe, to know you can share your story of pain and sacrifice and be heard. Not judged on your moment of weakness but instead supported in your hour of need. It is the plethora of human existence that gives each of us our shades, lines and contours that makes us truly unique.

"May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, Enough trials to make you strong, Enough sorrow to keep you human, Enough hope to make you happy." - Cheryl Creed (my cousin)

As for me, hope gets me through. Hope that one day, my childhood dream is manifested. I stand proud with all I have already achieved but know there is more within me still not realised. I will not pull back but instead I know I must take the leap of faith and jump into the abyss of possibility by fully committing to the daily grind, and let go of knowing why or whether it will be worth it, because it already is.

The power of the words that follow I am

I am scared, I am alone,

I am disconnected from all

I am lost, I am afraid,

I am helpless to call

I am numb, I am empty,

I am unable to cope

I am tired, I am stressed,

I am lost to all hope

These words go around, tearing at my mind

I don’t know how or where to find

To stop, to change, to start again

Is there power in the words that follow I am?

I am always someone to speak with,

I am your ally, I am a friend

I am here, I am now,

I am beside you with no end

I am make the most of whatever comes

I am from the heart, I am blessed

I am no matter what, I am no matter when

I am seeing you at your best

These words go around, tearing at my mind

I don’t know how or where to find

To give, to share, to inspire friend

Tell them the power in the words that follow I am

I am proud, I am passionate,

I am grateful every day

I am here, I am present,

I am blessed in every way

I am fun, I am joy,

I am laughter with friends

I am power, I am will,

to which the world bends

These words go around, tearing at my mind

I don’t know how or where to find

To give, to share, to inspire friend

Tell them the power in the words that follow I am

Indigenous Australia needs more followers not leaders

Madeleine Madden has been named 2011 National Youth Week Ambassador following her 24th October 2010 inspirational ‘Address to the Nation’.

Maddy called on all Australians to help end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous key indicators of Health, Education and Employment and join in a national conversation.

 Maddy with Generation One CEO Tim Gartrell

Ambassador is a title of much prestige and of great honour and is not a position I envy. It is tough to stand out. It is tough to be in the spotlight and speak on behalf of such a large and diverse country as Australia. And it is tougher to speak on behalf of one of the most disadvantaged peoples in the world when you have been gifted a very different life.

Throughout my life I have been placed into positions of leadership and I have watched others with equally varying success. We have been subjected to the aussie tall-poppy syndrome; ridiculed, discouraged and shouted down by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

I don’t believe that Australia has a problem with leaders as we have always had our share of those willing to stand up for what they believe. We have a problem of joining in, of following - well unless it involves alcohol, sport or gambling but I digress.

The ability to follow is where leadership is really shown. To join the lone nut and risk being ridiculed yourself by joining the conversation on the tough issues and encouraging others to join you.

This idea comes from a great 3 min speech on TED website for Ideas Worth Spreading by Derek Silvers. He states that to create a movement is not about the first lone nut but ‘the first followers are the underestimated leaders that turn a lone nut into a leader and into a movement.’

How awesome would it be if this was the generation to demonstrate true leadership?

How fantastic if this was the generation that the true leaders of change supported and encouraged others to join?

So whilst I don’t envy Maddy in her upcoming role, I will 100% support her and this amazing opportunity. You can support Maddy and help end disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by joining

Generation One.

I challenge you to join up and get 10 of your friends and family to join by the end of the month. TOGETHER we can  make a difference in this GENERATION.

And the next time you see others knocking our Indigenous Leaders, be different and show leadership by searching for what they are doing for positive change and encouraging others to see it also. Because Indigenous Australia needs more followers to demonstrate leadership

Competitive Edge

For a group of misfits we are doing very well. This is our 2nd season of mixed Netball and whilst we got the semi’s in our first season, this season is definitely looking great for us to make it to the finals.

Our results this season are that we have had 1 forfeit and 4 wins with only 17 goals conceded whilst we have scored 87 goals which means we are scoring 510% better than our competition. Very good!

Last night we even took out the team that beat us in the semi’s by 24-11. I am really enjoying having fun and making new friends - oh and the winning helps a little too.

Ah-choo

I went to sleep last night feeling a bit sneezy. The curse of the singer is forever keeping oneself healthy.

This year I have done very well with no serious bouts of anything (touch wood) but I have had lots of days where things haven’t been 100%.

Probably my biggest struggle this year has been a strong reaction to cigarette smoke and the pollen as it exploded this spring.

Deborah has had us using Olive Leaf extract all year in the lead up to Pecan Summer World Premier and I am certain that this helped me stay strong this whole year. Of course there are so many home-made recipes that taste disgusting but seem to do the trick too.

Of course the best cure for what ails you is REST. So leading up to Friday’s audition I am going to rest.

What are you often nostalgic for?

Last night our family had dinner; sharing news, events, funny stories and many laughs. My brothers youngest daughter (14months) kept us entertain with her infectious smile and sheer cuteness. (yes i am biased - lol)

As I sat by the pool this morning with the sun warming my back, I got to thinking about being home and all of the great memories I had here and whether I would move back.

Then as universe would have it, I came across a post on Facebook by a friend from Southern California about an upcoming radio interview on the topic of nostalgia and it started immediately. With the joys of internet radio I was able to stream the call live.  

Caitriona Reed shared some wonderful points throughout the interview and it got me thinking about what was I nostalgic for? what did I miss most?

The answer was quite simple - 2 years ago when I decided to move to Melbourne, I was in a relationship with man who I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. I am nostalgic for him, those days, time shared.

Caitriona talked of the fact that nostalgia can produce both a good or a less than desirable result and that it is important to understand the underlying personal emotional pull towards that time or event. It is not so much the event that you yearn for but for the emotion present in you at that time.

For me, I had connection at a level and intensity I had never felt before and longing for it in the future with someone else or reminiscing about a time past isn't going to help me have it for myself NOW - The joy of being a NLP Master Results Practitioner is that with a simple NLP Coach technique, I was able to learn from my nostalgia and gift myself connection and remember that I can always have it here and now and with all the intensity I can muster.

Blowin' in the Wind

As I return home, to the place I grew up, to spend time with family and friends, it is with a great deal of satisfaction for all that has been achieved but also with concerns, apprehension and anticipation for what's next.

What's next for me? for Pecan Summer? for 2011? for my career? A common utterance being spoken to me upon my return is 'Congratulations, and what's next?' I would love to be able to answer but I am simply just not sure.

Early this morning I awoke to a familiar wind and so I listened for the answer Dylan spoke of. As I laid there listening, the sun rose, the birds chimed their morning songs and the wind continued to blow...

Right now I am going to love and share quality time with my nearest and dearest as for what's next, keep one ear to the wind and an eye on this blog.

Because the answer my friend is blowing in the wind.

TEDxHouston - Brené Brown

Dr. Brené Brown is a researcher professor at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work, where she has spent the past ten years studying a concept that she calls Wholeheartedness, posing the questions:

How do we engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness?

How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to embrace our imperfections and to recognize that we are enough -- that we are worthy of love, belonging and joy?

Brené is the author of I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power (2007) and the forthcoming books, The Gifts of Imperfection (2010) and Wholehearted: Spiritual Adventures in Falling Apart, Growing Up, and Finding Joy ( 2011).

Enjoy!

A father...one day?

A recent post on Facebook (hoax or not) asked people to change their profile picture to their favourite cartoon character. I changed mine to my favourite Disney movie, Dumbo (1941).

From it there is an amazing lullaby, 'Baby Mine' when Dumbo is momentarily reunited with his impounded Mother.

Better Midler sings my personal favourite version of this song and also featured the song in the movie Beaches (1988).

As I sang along to this song when I was much younger, I dreamt of one day singing and recording this song for my own child/ren. I have incredible parents and have watched with a happy heart, my older brother and sister raise between them 5 amazing girls.

Pleasures such as cartoons with their vibrant colour and magical tunes that speak of love profound as that of a parent and child are in the past for me, but I hope that they may be in my future too.

Enjoy the song. (click the picture link)

Embracing the inner Drag Queen - What the??

Today was one of those days that you could question the process of teaching used at the Victorian College of Arts. But what you couldn't question is its effectiveness, the result.

Each week we have a vocal workshop in front of our peers and today I was asked by my teacher to "embrace my inner Drag Queen" and spew forth a voice full of breath. Of course, many great one-liners eschewed from many including our teacher.

The result: Greatly improved onset of sound and this is really the true philosophy of the VCA Vocal department; forget the how and focus on the result you want, once achieved we can break down what is going on and reproduce the result on demand.

According to many in the industry this flexibility to change quickly and on demand is very much a VCA quality that is greatly appreciated by many in the industry.

So for me it is just a matter of coming up with a Drag name, any ideas?

Never EVER Give Up

I don't know about you, but for me, life has sometimes been a struggle. And as much as you know me as a very happy person with a great positive attitude it wasn't always that way. At my darkest, I was binge drinking excessively and attempted suicide twice. I wanted to give up!

The turning point for me was through attendance at a state and a national surf life saving camp (thanks Claire Parry) and a motivational seminar (Breakthrough to Success) that I rediscovered my purpose, gained a new perspective on my life and took my first step towards my dream of becoming internationally renowned Classical Singer and inspiring others through 1-1 coaching.

I tell you, not to impress you but to impress upon you, that you too can start TODAY on living the life of your dreams, just like the man pictured.

At 28, this young man has been an INSPIRATIONAL Speaker in more than 20 countries and connected with more than 2million people face to face.

People are his passion!

He wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we encounter in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles can be the single most effective factor in overcoming them.

His mission is to motivate people from all walks of life in every circumstance; to gain perspective; to find their purpose; to live the big dream.

His message is simple:

When you realise what you can achieve in life,
When you think you can’t afford to go on,
When you realise your unlimited potential in your life
What you need to understand is YOU can’t afford to give up...

NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

His name is Nick Vujicic and for him, no Arms, no Legs, NO WORRIES because Attitude IS Altitude

Nick Vujicic :: Attitude is Altitude :: No Arms, No Legs, No Worries

Want to fly higher? Change your attitude!

Practice Practice Practice

Today was one of those days when I got to see that all of the practice is actually getting me more of the education I want. Today I saw that HOW I am doing practice has changed so drastically that I even inspired myself when I realised WHAT I was doing.

For the past 12months I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing teachers and artists involved with Pecan Summer and the Victorian College of Arts. One of the true heart and souls for me is Vocal Coach, Toni Lalich, who was always pushed me further than I thought I was capable of but never too far in advance of where I was.

One of the pearls of wisdom from Toni's years as an artist and teacher is the concept of practising until you can't get it wrong. This is a very different thinking to the more commonly actioned belief of practice till you get it right. And today I got it!

My thinking has shifted and today I focused not on practising to get it right (once) but on practising and revising to work out what I needed to do so I couldn't get it wrong.

As Proffesor Higgins said referring to Eliza Dolittle "By Jove! I think (s)he's got it"

The Barber of Seville, Melbourne Opera

Gosh, I do love the operatic voice and live theatre!

Today I got to be educated, inspired and entertain by the Melbourne Opera production of Rossini's The Barber of Seville. If you know your Bugs Bunny then you will know the score to this masterpiece.

All the leads are great and my stand out performer was David Gould (playing, Don Basilio), who was so strong in his lower register and was a brilliant actor.

And with Melbourne Opera priding itself on making its productions as accessible as possible by performing in English, there are some seriously funny moments of popular culture (Tiger Woods, Lara Bingle) that had the audience in stitches.

This piece is such a great place for new audiences to opera to start their education. So if you get a chance to introduce yourself or a friend to opera please do so by attending this production as it tours through regional Victoria and ACT.

Warrnambool
Venue: Warrnambool Entertainment Centre
Date: Saturday 27 March
Bookings: 03 555 94 999 / www.entertainmentcentre.com.au

Wangaratta
Venue: Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
Date: Saturday 17 April
Bookings: 03 5722 8105 / www.wangarattapac.com.au

Benalla
Venue: Benalla Performing Arts & Convention Centre
Date: Saturday 22 May
Bookings: 03 5760 4529 / www.bpacc.com.au

Canberra
Venue: Canberra Theatre Centre
Date: Saturday 29 May
Bookings: 02 6275 2700 / www.canberratheatre.org.au