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Author: Colleen

My special Valentine’s Day message.
Published on
Lovely picture of Colleen and her husband close together and smiling to the camera.

The 14th of February each year is a day renowned as a day of professing your love to someone.

A day when courage can be conjured up to express one’s feelings of love for a person.

A note from a secret admirer, a proposal of marriage or a confirmation of love for a person you have been with for a long time.

Valentine’s Day or more correctly St Valentine’s Day is a day filled with the essence of love. So where did it come from?

History of St Valentine’s Day

A picture of a medieval rug with 2 lovers hugging, holding a dove and a rose bush in the background.
Photo Courtesy of https://theconversation.com/

Valentine’s Day was not recognised as a romantic day until the 14th century. One of the day’s origin may have taken it’s name from a priest named Valentine that was martyred about 270ce by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus.

According to legend, the priest signed a letter to his jailer’s daughter whom he had befriended, signed your Valentine as a farewell just before he was to be executed. It is said that he also healed her from blindness.

Another story is that St Valentine defied the emperor’s orders and secretly married couples to prevent the husbands from having to go to war. It is for this reason that it is recognised as a day of love.

It was around the 14th and 15th century that it became a day of romantic love. Courtly love flourished with the onset of the love birds in early Spring.

A Valentine Note

In 18th century it became a day where couples expressed their love by gifting flowers, confectionery and sending greeting cards known as Valentines. Before the printing of cards, a Valentine was a handwritten note sent to the loved one. Now of course it has become a commercial production.

Symbols of Valentine’s Day are a cupid, the Roman God of Love, heart’s traditionally the seat of love and a Valentine Key, to unlock the admirer’s heart. A red rose , the flower of beauty and love is the choice for gifting.

A picture of the Greek God Cupid riding a fish and holding a bow and arrows
"Cupid Riding on a Dolphin" (1630) by Erasmus Quellinus II (via Wikimedia Commons)

Not only for lovers

Not only is Valentine’s Day the most popular day for Weddings and proposals but has now spread to reach further into the community. Friends and relatives can show their affection for one another on this day along with school children exchanging Valentine’s to one another.

A sweet twist to Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day 1974 was an ironically twisted day for me. I was the mature age of 9 and had been keen on my childhood sweet heart for over three years now. Our family’s new one another very well and we all went to swimming club together. He was my boyfriend and I, his girlfriend. At recess in the school yard, he excitedly gave me a Valentine’s present. Coming over to me he put his hands in his pocket and pulled out a bar of yellow Velvet soap. It wasn’t just a plain bar though, he had taken his precious boy time to engrave a love heart with an arrow through it with his and my initial.

I was love struck and thought it was the sweetest thing I had ever been given. I felt like I was the special 9-year-old girl who was the only one to have a boyfriend give her a Valentine’s present. (In fact, I think I was the only one at that young age to have a boyfriend!). With a smile on his face, he leant over and gave me a kiss on the cheek and then ran off. I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day.

After school that afternoon, mum had to take me to the doctors as I had been losing a lot of weight and was always thirsty and tired. Doing a urine test, the doctor said I had Diabetes and had to go straight to the children’s hospital .

I spent two weeks in there learning how to give myself needles and test my wee for sugar. So, Valentine’s Day is my diabetic anniversary with the remembrance of a bar of engraved Velvet soap by my beloved.

How ironic is that? Next year is my 50th anniversary of my sweet sugary diabetes! People used to get a letter from the queen for surviving diabetes for 50 years.

So, I think I am doing rather well, don’t you?

A picture of a read heart with the text “You had me at ‘I know the difference between typ1 & type 2 diabetes’”
Picture courtesy of https://missdiabetes.com.

Thankyou for joining me for a brief history and memory on this day of love. Remember to tell the people around you how much you appreciate them and wish them heart-felt love.

Love comes in many forms and has no limits, the more you give out the more you receive in return and makes the world a better place for us all. You can gift and give love and appreciation to yourself too, after all we need to love ourselves before we can truly love anyone else.

My heart-felt love goes out to you my fellow travellers.

Thankyou for joining me once again.

I would love to hear from you via email or
my Colleen Ashby Author Facebook page.

Tell me what you would like me to talk about. I am here for you my
fellow travellers and want to know what you enjoy reading.

Until next time…

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

Can ego get in the way goals for competing in the World Transplant Games?
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Keeping true to my previous blog ‘When ego gets in the way’, I will update you on my progress with wanting to compete in The World Transplant Games, now less than three months away.

As planned. I had my reverse shoulder replacement done at the end of March last year.

Being told that if I did anything to this replacement, there would be nothing they could do to repair it. This was the last chance for having a usable shoulder.

Being told I could never lift anything heavier than 5 kgs, as it would long term destroy the surgery, I needed to look after it very carefully. I was determined not to let my alter ego Zena warrior woman get the better of me this time.

A careful and slow recovery was my motto. Only doing exactly what the physio told me I could do. I wanted the best long-term outcome, along with still being able to compete in the World Transplant Games a year away.

Back into the walking lanes at the pool, I kept a tight rein on Zena and allowed proper time for my shoulder to heal. Focusing more on my range of movement with stretches. Especially with an anatomically reversed joint, there are obviously mechanical restriction that the joint can move in.

One setback after another

I waded my time until I was ready to swim again. In that time I also was dealing with other emotional setbacks and struggles, which then affects the physical body. I am not going into all of the details but let’s just say that I felt like my Zena warrior  Woman had turned into a Rice Power Granny, that had gone low carb!

I felt as if I were a hundred years old and my body just didn’t want to work.

Picture of Colleen swimmer powering down the lanes of a swimming pool.

Every time I got back into the water to start again, another ailment or injury happened. I just kept seeing my dream of competing in the World Transplant Games slipping further and further away.

Self-doubt set in and when the mind weakens, my body follows suit.  The mind, spirit and physical body truly has to be connected for one to function properly, especially for me. When one aspect goes out, Then the downward spiral into the rabbit hole begins.

Prioritising goal purpose

I was at the point where I needed to decide if to give the whole idea of going to the games away, as there were not any other events I could compete in with my vision restrictions and joint issues in my hands. The mental anguish was pulling me further down.

The reason was not because I wanted to win an event , well perhaps I had been creating visualisations with me winning some gold medals, Zena still keeps coming in to have her five cents worth! but I was so anticipating in being part of the World Transplant Games community, having a sense of comradery and belonging was what I emotionally needed. I wanted to be a proud member of the transplant tribe and celebrate in the wonderful gift that we all share, the gift of life.

Showing the donor families and friends how much their gift is appreciated and that we are all doing the best we can to make the most out of our precious life.

Picture of Calleen in full running gear powrering down a country lane in the summer.

I have had to readjust my mindset of what I thought people expected of me. Being that strong, resilient, determined person that when sets her mind to achieve something, she makes it happen.

I have come to realise that is only what I thought people expected of me or more what I expected of myself to be. Coming to terms that I am enough just for being me, is the lesson I am currently learning. Universe certainly has ways of slowing you down to make you sit and go within yourself to try and discover who you really are without all of your expectations and labels you identify yourself as.

Goal reset for the World Transplant Games

My goal for The World Transplant Games is to still put my name down for a few swimming races.

My training for the next ten weeks will be steady and careful, keeping Zena Warrior Woman in check while my rice power Granny starts eating some rice again and build her energy up slowly.

My real focus is now on enjoying the anticipation of proudly marching with my Australian Transplant Tribe, along with fellow world recipients into Optus Stadium. Meeting other recipients from around the world and making new friendships and exchanging stories with one another. Having fun at the social events that are to be held and knowing that whatever I do in my events will be the best that I can do on the day.

Picture of participants on the skywalk of Optus Stadium in harness and connected to safety roped.

Sometimes we set goals for ourselves that we think once I achieve it, I have proven to the world that I can do anything and am important. The problem with this is that you are not really trying to prove it to other people but to yourself. Until you can come to the point when you realise that you are enough simply by being here on earth, then inner happiness will never be reached.

That can be a hard lesson for most of us to learn. Especially me.

So my fellow travellers, share   along with me to dare bravely in being vulnerable  in how you feel and know that you are enough just by being yourself. Don’t look up to other people or compare yourself to anyone else  and drop any expectations you may be putting on things as that will only bring you misery.

Just be whoever it is you want yourself to be, no matter whatever anyone else thinks.

So long as you know that you are doing  the best to your greatest capability, that is all that anyone, including yourself can expect and be proud of.

To find out more about the World Transplant Games (WTG), please click on the link below. I would love to have as many of my fellow travellers to come along and celebrate the biggest  donor organ and tissue awareness event in the world and it is right here in Perth, 15 – 21 April.

Visist The Games

Next time I will celebrate Valentine’s Day with you
and see what cupid has to say when he shoots his arrow of love!

Thankyou for joining me once again.

I would love to hear from you via email or
my Colleen Ashby Author Facebook page.

Tell me what you would like me to talk about. I am here for you my
fellow travellers and want to know what you enjoy reading.

Until next time…

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

Can one be truly optimistic and full of hope all the time? Come and hear the truth behind my eternal optimism.
Published on
Author Colleen Ashby in a nice suit next to some flowers "staring" in the distance.

If I am to stay true to my virtues of honesty, integrity, and finding the inner beauty within ourselves, which is the basis of my Peacock Tales, then I must share my shadow aspect as well.

For as bright and optimistic as I can be, I also go as equally dark and withdrawn, venturing down into the rabbit hole of depression.

Luckily for me, it is not a common occurrence but when I get sucked into the taunting self-sabotaging thoughts that run rampant in my head, they seem to overpower me for a while.

I have previously written two blogs about this state of being, but have not shared them.

My friends told me to share the true parts of me , which includes my unmet emotions and shadow aspects, the parts that make us human. this however would reveal my weakness, my bright and bubbly persona , along with pretending that I have it altogether, all of the time would be destroyed. Unfortunately, illusions aren’t real and can’t hold forever.

Revealing shadow aspects

My first blog was titled ‘A cup of tea with feeling down.’ I wrote about how sometimes we don’t understand ourselves why we are feeling this way.

All we know is that we don’t want to talk to people in case one starts crying. You’re still carrying on with life and performing the tasks you need to do but you feel like an empty shell simply going through the motions, the entire time your mind is rattling over and over trying to make sense of these feelings.

Author Colleen Ashby in a nice suit next to a stone statue of budha "staring" in the distance.

I also wrote how people trying to help will point out positive aspects that you have in your life and there are always  people in worse situations  out there. This of course is not what someone in this state of mind wants to hear. All you want is to be understood and listened to without  someone trying to rationalise the situation, making themselves feel better in the process of trying to help.  It’s only human nature to try and fix  or help someone hurting but All I know is it takes time to process unmet emotions and is a skill that not all of us  are equipped with.

My second blog ‘The dark side of optimism’ was an account of multiple variations of challenges I kept having towards goals I was wanting to achieve. My optimism  was the main victor through most of these challenges, with me always finding silver linings  as to why the setback had occurred. After awhile however, there are only so many knockdowns you can take before you feel like you can’t get up again.

Then retreating down that damn rabbit hole seems to be your only option to lick your wounds  and mend your broken parts.

Reflection down in the rabbit hole

Author Colleen Ashby looking at a book in a "Zen" garden.

I think the reason why I haven’t put up my previous two blogs on accounts of when I have been down the rabbit hole is that everyone will have their own stories. Telling you why I got to this depressive state is really quite irrelevant. It would have no meaning to you as we all have our own issues and journey in life to deal with. That is not to lessen the impact of the emotions that I am dealing with but each and everyone of us doesn’t get through life unscathed and we all have our own story to tell.

Each time I venture back out of the rabbit hole, brave and ready to face the world again, I think that I have mastered the demons that brought me down, only to have to face them at a different level sometime down the track. Each time growing and learning more about what makes me tick and being a little kinder to myself.

When things happen to us that at the time we can’t quite deal with, suppressing our emotions is a coping mechanism we use to be able to keep in with the game of life. These things however, can’t stay hidden and suppressed, they need to be heard and acknowledged, otherwise they become like a volcano wanting to erupt. Often this is something we don’t have the tools to deal with and seeking professional support is needed.

Tools for good mental health

I have gathered a wonderful set of tools to help me stay in a positive and optimistic state of mind but that only works if I use them. What I have noticed in reflection is that when I get into these states, I haven’t been using them, nor can I seem to bring myself to begin implementing them. That is when the spiral downward starts. Each time guaranteed, for whatever reason, injury, health issues, external events interfere with my routine, then down the slide I go. Personally, I am no good without routine and to some degree discipline, along with having a goal to aim for.

Some of the valuable tools in my positive outlook on life box are:

  • Writing in a gratitude diary. Each day recalling three things to be grateful for and that went in a positive direction for me.
  • Exercise. Walking every morning, moving my body to get those endorphins moving around my body. So long as it brings you pleasure, find movement.
  • Healthy eating. We are what we eat. If you eat crap, you will feel like crap. Eat fresh and healthy, then that is what you will feel.
  • Meditation and mindfulness. This is a no brainer for me. When I quiet the mind, slow my breath, and become aware of my body and surroundings then life flows beautifully. There are many ways to meditate, play around and find your own groove. Give yoga a try.
  • Creativity. Anything that gets you into that zone or flow state does wonders for the soul. Personally dancing, music and writing is my thing. So long as you are not thinking about anything else but what you are doing then you will be in your zone. Gardening, playing music, drawing or art, the list is endless.
  • Set a goal. I am a real avid fan of this one. Without something to aim towards, then we just aimlessly wander through life. Setting a goal gives you drive to be a more confident, positive and a better version of yourself.
  • Read. Get off the screen and get into an enjoyable book that you can submerge yourself into. This improves your imagination and out of your own thoughts.
  • Don’t listen or watch the news. My argument for this is simple. Does it personally affect you? Can you or are you prepared to do anything about it? If the answer is ‘No’, then why fill your mind up with all this negativity. All it does is create a fear-based mindset about life and the world around us. Use that time to do any of the above suggestions.

The truth of optimism

So, can one be eternally optimistic and find silver linings all of the time? I can’t say no, as there are truly a few enlightened beings on the planet at this very moment but for the majority of us, perhaps not. I do know that it takes discipline, a connection of our mind, body, and soul to stay balanced. Healthy eating, exercise and constant checking in with staying true to our feelings and being kind to ourselves when doing this. Expressing and acknowledging our emotions and having connection with people is vital.

I am not immune to having a cup of tea with feeling down. At times I have drunk the whole pot, had a roast dinner then slept the night but I knew if I didn’t leave, I would make it my home and I didn’t want that.

So my fellow travellers, be kind to yourself when you slide down that rabbit hole. Take time to go within and discover yourself. Life is a journey, not a destination, be aware and focus on each step of the way without looking for the finishing line. I know that I will most probably slide down again at some stage but until then, I will endeavour to implement and use the tools I have. Hoping you find silver linings, love and laughter and remember we are all only human after all.

Next time I will share how my alter ego Zena Warrior Woman is going with my dream and goal of swimming in The World Transplant Games, now only three months away.

Thankyou for joining me once again.

I would love to hear from you via email or my Colleen Ashby Author Facebook page.

Tell me what you would like me to talk about.

I am here for you my fellow travellers and want to know what you enjoy reading.

Until next time…

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

Colleen Ashby - Interview with Seeing Eye Dogs Show
Published on
Listen to my interview

Description

On this episode of the Seeing Eye Dogs Show we're joined by two guests:

  • Dr Ashe Mooney of the Seeing Eye Dogs vet team joins us to talk about the foods to avoid over the holiday season. We talk about which foods to keep your dogs away from, familiarise yourself with these foods to keep your dog happy, healthy and safe!
  • Then we're joined by Colleen Ashby talking about the release of her second book Ya Gotta Laugh which is now available on Booktopia, and Amazon, in different formats, or you can find more info and stories on Colleen's website and blog/ or in our interview on this show from January 2022. Colleen's second book is a series of humorous anecdotes about her life which includes her journey with her vision, and her Seeing Eye Dog Xian.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our website: https://sed.visionaustralia.org/

We are looking for puppy carers now so if you're keen to raise a puppy to hopefully become a Seeing Eye Dog we'd like to hear from you! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, with training provided. Carers need time, patience and love to give to a puppy, so if you want to commit to a year of puppy raising, we would love your help. If you live in the North Brisbane or Sunshine Coast regions of Queensland or in Victoria in Geelong, Bendigo and select areas of metro Melbourne (listed on our Website) get in touch to find out about volunteering with us or apply now via our website.

If you'd like to find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs head to our Click to visit Vision Australia:

Click to listen to my interview

Have you listened to my 6PR interviewl? You can find it by clicking below:

Click to listen to my 6PR interview

Ever wondered why a blind person would want to go to the movies? What would be the point you may ask? Here I share why and how.
Published on

Going on a blind date to the movies

Colleen Ashby and Seeing Eye dog Rhian at the cinema in front of a sweeet stand.

My husband and I have always enjoyed going to the movies together. Some adult time alone when the children were little.

Don’t get me wrong, we loved going out as a family to see a movie but there are times when you simply need a little alone adult time too.

So how do Les and I have a blind date (pardon the pun!) that we can both enjoy the experience and that doesn’t include the popcorn either?

When I lost my sight, I thought this would be an outing that we would never return to doing but how wrong I was.

The three of us already for a fun time out, yes, Les has to share his date with his two best girls, Myself and of course Rhian! How lucky is he to have two gorgeous girls to take out!

Purchasing the movie tickets

Les always tells me later about the looks, stares and curious head turning that people do when they see me, and Rhian walk into the cinema to purchase tickets.

I can well imagine the curiosities that onlookers would be thinking. Why would a blind person want to see a movie? What would be the point?

When booking seats with a guide or Seeing eye dog, you get to sit in the seats allocated for disability. These are at the front of the cinema where there is wheelchair access. This gives you plenty of room for the dog to lie down comfortably and protected from foot traffic. Les will generally get to sit in the front next to me but if there are other disabled clients using them, then he sits elsewhere.

Tickets in hand, I then request the audio descript headset.

How do I know what is going on in the movie?

The audio descript headset narrates the movie for me. The device is blue toothed to the cinema you are in and when the movie begins, it narrates everything that is visually being shown, colours, images and the camera viewpoint or angle. When there is dialogue in the movie, the narration ceases but even in the smallest pauses of a scene, it describes the key points that is important to the setting of the scene or story line.

I feel like I get more out of the movie as names of characters are used right from the beginning, when normally you wouldn’t know their name until further along in the movie. I have often told Les the names of characters as they come onto the scene, and he questions me how I know that? I explain the audio description narrates it to me.

It’s highly informative in describing facial expressions, body language and the type of looks a character is conveying. It portrays extremely well the depth and mood that is being created.

A seeing-eye dog in a cinema

What about Rhian, you may be asking?

Don’t worry, she is very adept to the cinema now. Once I am settled in my seat, I will take off her harness and extend the lead to a long length. This enables her to have room to move around and find her most comfy spot to do her circling ritual, turning around and around, to finally curl up into a little ball and sleep through the movie.

Sometimes she likes to go between the seat and the wall behind and stay quietly hidden away.

She is super doggie happy if there happens to be a few pieces of popcorn left on the floor to snaffle up!

A different type of audio descript

Colleen and Rhian sitting a comfortable chair eating popcorn and enyoing a movie.

On one of our dates to the cinema, I asked the assistant for the audio descript headset. When he returned, he handed me over this contraption I had never seen or should I say felt before. I would describe it not too unlike a desk lamp with the flexible stand about 30cm long, with an oblong head fitting with a flat screen on it.

Thinking that it must be a latest version, I happily made my way with Les into the cinema.

The movie began, so I held the flat screen to my ear and waited for the audio description to begin. It seemed a bit awkward to hold it near my ear, but I did it anyway. No sound was coming out, so I handed it to Les to try and figure out. He couldn’t make sense of it either.

Putting it away in disappointment, Les then told me to hold it up for him. He could see closed captions running along the flat screen of this device. It was for deaf people! Obviously, they can see the movie but can’t hear it. Brilliant idea, even I had never even thought about a deaf person going to the cinema, had you?

No wonder holding it up to my ear wasn’t ever going to work!

Now when I ask for the audio descript device, I make sure I tell them, not closed caption. They have since bought the wrong device out but returned with the correct one.

More than just a movie

I also go to the movies with friends and family. It is not simply the movie that is the fun aspect. It is the socialising with people, out in a buzzing and happy environment. Gathering together, talking, laughing, and getting excited about what the movie may bring. Then exchanging the favourite parts of the movie that each person liked, makes for important human interaction that we all need. After all, we are social creatures.

So next time when you see any person with a disability go into a cinema, don’t just think it is all about the movie. It is more about the social outing, interaction, and fitting into society. The politically correct word they use now is inclusivity.

Thankyou for joining me once again.

I would love to hear from you via email or my Colleen Ashby Author Facebook page.

Tell me what you would like me to talk about.

I am here for you my fellow travellers and want to know what you enjoy reading.

Until next time…

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

When Santa gets a Christmas wish from Rhian my seeing eye dog and a special kiss to go with it.
Published on

When Santa gets a Christmas wish from Rhian my seeing eye dog and a special kiss to go with it.

Picture of Collen Asby's seeing eye dog Rhian with a blow up Santa on a Harley.

As another year comes to an end, I would like to wish you my fellow travellers, a sincere and heartfelt Christmas wish.

A wish that is filled with joy, laughter, happy times with loved ones and most of all a wish for you to have true inner peace. I would also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to you, for without my readers, I would have no one to write and share my life with.

It is because of you that I get to share my passion of telling stories and hopefully giving you a little light-hearted reprieve from your everyday life, even if only for a few minutes.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

For some Christmas can be a time of stress and anxiety. Relationship issues, financial matters, childhood memories that are not so kind a time of loneliness, drug and alcohol problems or simply finding enough time to do things. If you’re one of the lucky ones that look forward to the festive season, that is absolutely wonderful but please give some thought and help in any way you feel possible to support those less fortunate.
Christmas is really about giving and sharing love and good intentions to others, without expecting anything in return. Giving without expecting any reciprocation is the true art of giving. We are all so materialistically wired in the western world, that most of us forget the true purpose of Christmas. Celebrating family, time with loved ones and enjoying a meal together. A time of peace for one another, where we put all mends aside and see each other as fellow brothers and sisters.
Even during World War 2, men put their guns and arms aside and made peace with the enemy, if only for that day.
Think about that when family feuding or any issue of disagreement arises. Put it aside for the day and get to know the other person as if you were meeting them for the very first time. Try it and see how well it works.

The Grinch

Every family has one. You know what I mean?

The Grinch of the family and some may have more than one (namely me!). If you are one of those Grinches, all I can say is Christmas is happening anyway whether you like it or not, so you may as well just suck it up and get on with the big old jolly fellow’s program!

Even if you’re not feeling it, just put on that silly Christmas Tee-shirt or hand-knitted jumper that Aunt Sally sent to you, sing along to the annoying Christmas carols, and leave your grumpy frown behind for the day.

PIcture f a Christmas trail with trees left and right in a shop.

The Christmas Spirit is far too strong for you to try and snuff out and much to your dismay, everyone else is still going to have a wonderful time. So, my fellow Grinches, leave this Christmas alone and enjoy yourself for a change and keep saying “Hum Bug!” under your breath.

Can a seeing – eye dog visit Santa Claus

Colleen Ashby and seeing eye dog Rhian in a christmas gift centre.

With getting well into the Christmas spirit, I decided to take Rhian to visit Santa Claus. I hadn’t gone to see Santa, since my boys were young (and that was quite some years ago now!).

As we walked through the Christmas wonderland entrance to Santa’s sleigh, I could feel Rhian getting excited with anticipation. I am sure this would be her first time getting up close and personal with the big old jolly fellow in a bright red suit.

Santa inviting Rhian to jump up and sit close to him was simply too much for her to restrain herself. She had to lean right in and start telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas.

He in return leant close to her making sure he got everything she was telling him on her list.

I am fairly sure, I know what she was asking for and I think a big juicy bone would have been top of the list, followed by a new frisbee and maybe a squeaky soft toy!

I also feel it maybe the first time Santa has taken a wish from a seeing – eye dog! A new experience to talk to his elves about over a hot chocolate together.

Colleen Ashby's seeing eye dog Rhian in a store on a christmas sled with santa kissing him.

A time of reflection

A really important thing to do as the year draws to a close, is to reflect on everything you have accomplished throughout the year. Even if you are not a real goal setter, it is important for your mental wellbeing. You may be asking why?

For the simple fact it brings closure and focuses on just exactly what you have achieved and do have in your life. It is easy for one to think that they don’t have much or have done anything important and a downward outlook on your circumstances can rapidly decline out of perspective.

When you go through and list everything down from the beginning of the year, you will see that you have achieved a lot to appreciate in your life.

Simple things such as creating and maintaining good relationships, staying connected with people, working a job or how you have contributed to benefit others. Showing up to improving your Health or what you have done to take care of yourself. Anything goes on the list.

The more you begin writing down, the more accounts of what you have achieved and have in your life will flourish. Before you know it, you are feeling fantabulous and ready to start the New Year with your best foot forward

Until Next Year

I hope you will join me again in 2023 for another year of Peacock Tales. I have loved writing for you and would love any feedback or a message from you simply wanting to say hello and introduce yourself. If there is anything in particular that you would like me to spread light on, let me know.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2023! Stay safe and take time out to relax, breathe and focus on the good stuff.

Colleen Ashby's, seeing eye dog Rhian, and samta in a store on a christmas sled having fun.

I do appreciate and love your company.

Next time, I will take you on that blind date that I promised you.

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

A day back in medieval times - Let your imagination loose as Rhian and I take you on our special journey back to medieval days, where danger lurked, and black knights rescued fair maidens.
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Let your imagination loose as Rhian and I take you on our special journey back to medieval days, where danger lurked, and black knights rescued fair maidens.

Time travel back

PIcture of Colleen at the Medieval festival of Guildford,standing next to a smiling gentleman with a re-white costume on.

It was an ominous Sunday when Rhian and I were transported back through time to a place called Stirling Square in Guildford. A Market place was where we were headed but this was no ordinary common market. As we strolled through this magical Trellis walkway, covered in ancient purple wisteria, we were somehow transported back in time!

Before us were villagers and peasants dressed in period clothing from days of yore. Maidens in beautiful long dresses and tunics, with several wearing fashioned hats of that era. Men wore attire suited for the roles they played back in the fifteen hundreds. It was indeed a sight to be seen. Various entertainers and court jesters played a merry jig and sang funny ditty’s through folk songs around the village green.

Markets of yesteryear

As Rhian led me through this quizzical place, commoners and peasant folk were busily selling their wares and goods, trying to make a living.

I chanced upon a fair maiden who was selling finely hand-crafted leather hats and goods, which would surely stand the test of time.

Picture of Colleen at the Medieval festival of Guildford,standing next to a beautifull lady in a medival styl turqoise dress.
Guildford Medieval festival seller of hats, horns and other wares.

My focus was drawn to the sound of clanging metal and tapping of iron as it gives way to the solid and foreboding blacksmith, yielding the red-hot glowing metal into his desired shape by beating it with his hefty hammer. It was certainly hard laborious work back then.

Guildford Medieval festival Blacksmith making iron wares.

A Medieval battle

Our attention was drawn to a duel and then battle that was to be held in the town quarter. Onlookers watched as the opponents came together to fight for their cause and justification.

Weapons and tools of varying types were being swung and cast upon one another. Yells and battle cries echoed across the land. Even maidens, or more correctly wenches, were called to action! Yes, even back then women fought for their rights and for justice to prevail!

PIcture of a batlle scene at the Guildford Medieval festival.
PIcture of a batlle scene with people in sword fight at the Guildford Medieval festival.

The Black Knight

PIcture of Colleen next to a huge black knight in leather costume at the Guildford Medieval festival.

Travelling away from the dangerous battle, Rhian led me toward a large, curious figure standing still and silent.

Luckily for me, I chanced a safety charm that Merlin the Wizard must have put on me as I was meandering through the village. For unbeknownst to me, this black figure was indeed the black knight.

Known in history for masking his identity, using this anonymity for misdeeds, along with the occasional maiden rescue or fighting a fiery dragon. Still safely cloaked with Merlin’s spell, I gathered enough courage to stand next to this intimidating character.

The Roman Empire

Making our way back through time, we were fortunate to chance across some helpful Roman Soldiers, who thought Rhian and I were in peril with the Black Knight.

Offering us lodging for the night and some food in the Roman quarters before we set off on our journey once more.

Both Rhian and I being of strong stature, thanked the chivalrous Roman soldiers and went on our way.

PIcture of 2 gentleman dressed in roman costume at the Guildford Medieval festival.

Time to come back

Time travel is certainly exhausting for both the mind and body. Taking in the new surroundings, way of living and being in peril with life threatening fights. Spells being cast and coming face to face with the Black Knight, is more adventure in one day that I am used to. Let alone, poor Rhian. She was truly brave as she led me through the bustling fascination of colours, costumes and sounds scattered throughout the day.

We followed our noses that led us to the village cooking area. Taking a well-deserved rest and eating some tasty gruel from the cooking pot, while listening to a merry jig, we regained enough strength to get transported back to the future of present day.

The End

Thank you for being brave enough to travel back in time with me and share in my adventure. Please let me know if you enjoy these adventures or contact me if there is any thing in particular that you would like to ask me.

I am here to share insights into my life and tools I use to help me stay in a good mindset. A comment on my face book page under the corresponding post would be great, or email me on this website.

I do appreciate and love your company.

Next time, I will take you on that blind date that I promised you.

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

A super special and extremely exciting event is happening in Perth next year. The World Transplant Games is coming down under and I am so thrilled to be part of it.
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A super special and extremely exciting event is happening in Perth next year. The Transplant World Games is coming down under and I am so thrilled to be part of it.

The countdown is on

Picture of a large billboard with text "World Transplant Games 2023 coming to Perth".

With only six months to go until the start of the games, a social media promotion was arranged.

The Transplant Games are the greatest gift of all, the gift of life. It is the worlds’ largest organ and tissue awareness event.

It carries a powerful message to encourage people to register as donors, as more than 1700 Australians are waiting for a transplant.

The Transplant Games are a way to thank the donors who made transplantation possible. It also encourages recipients to lead an active and healthy lifestyle post transplantation.

A Vertigo Experience

Picture of Colleen being strapped in to start her vertigo challenge with a big smile and her hands up.
Picture of Colleen and dog Rhian high above Optus Stadium in harness about to go on the Vertigo Challenge.

As one of the faces of the Transplant Games, I was lucky enough to go up to the roof top of Optus Stadium and do the Vertigo ozone Experience.

I have always been an adrenalin seeker and will take any opportunity to try something challenging, especially if it contains a thrill component to it! I was quite surprised to find that I was about the only one that felt that way. I thought everyone would love to hang out, feeling free as the wind forty-two metres up in the air but apparently not?! Strange, I thought.

Picture of group with harnesses on waving at the camera and Optus Stadium in background.

Hanging out at Optus Stadium

All seven World Transplant Games Thrill seekers got harnessed up ready to go out on a limb and hang by a thread. Well perhaps I am being a little dramatic here, there were three very secure and strong ropes keeping us safe.

Making our way out on the narrow walkway that hovered over the grassed area, with no railing either side to hang on too. That was when the hands began to grip those ropes tightly, well for most anyway. For me however, my alter ego Zena Warrior Woman came out flaunting her fearless feminine nature.

Zena went straight into laying horizontally out, arms and legs freely hanging like a star fish drifting through the water. It felt free and easy floating mid-air, eyes closed with the sun radiating warmly down on my face.

I got shaken back to reality when the rest of the thrill seekers were telling me to stop showing off my calm and fearless persona and making them look bad!

Picture of Colleen hanging in harness totally off the platform with arms and legs spread hanging in balance.

Everyone had a go at leaning straight over front ways and to look down at the ground if they dared, then to hangout backwards with arms out. For those who were brave enough, the grand finale was to hang upside down like spiderman. Naturally, I just swung upside down and lifted my legs and wrapped them around the rope in true Zena style.

Funny, Chris Thomas, CEO of Transplant Australia, and World Transplant Games Federation President, jovially chuckled and yelled out “Colleen, we don’t like you anymore!” I took that as a real compliment, the others were not feeling as courageous as the ultimate bold and brave Zena and was just too much for them!

First Assistance Dog on Optus Stadium Roof Top

Picture of Rhian and Colleen high above the stadium on the platform.

Rhian also showed off her courageous nature, as she paved the way where no dogs had ventured before. It took a few days to find out if she    were allowed to go up on the ozone walkway as it would be setting a precedence, never been requested prior. Like Neil Armstrong being the first man to walk on the moon, Rhian was the first dog to walk on the rooftop platform! She certainly makes for the perfect partner for Zena warrior woman, two fearless divas walking side by side.

Rhian had no issues at all about walking around up on the 42-metre-high platform, but she certainly didn’t like it one bit when I went out on the vertigo walkway. She whined, fidgeted, and showed her discontent as she watched me doing tricks out in mid-air.

My friend Deb holding her had quite a time trying to console Rhian. I guess it’s only natural that a power diva duo team like us always needs to be by one another’s side.

Ceremony for the world Transplant Games

Back on terra firma, Rhian and I had a video interview, along with some group photos. Then a delicious morning tea was arranged overlooking the river.

Picture of celebreties and Colleen and Rhian in front of billboard saying "Greatest Gift Perth 2023".
Picture of Colleen being interviewed.

After a short break, the official ceremony began with several prominent people giving their speeches. Chris Thomas interviewed me, along with a fellow transplant competitor.

For full details about the day and the World Transplant Games, please click the link on the right. Please take some time to go through it in detail.

World Transplant Games

Who is a 6PR radio star

For the big finale of the day, Deb had to race me over to 6PR radio station for an interview.

It was my first time in an actual radio station and was quite unexciting experience. Sitting on a tall chair with a large microphone hanging in front of me and a set of headphones.

Several other similar workstations were placed around a large round table.

Steve Mills or ‘Millsy’ as he is commonly known, sat opposite me preparing for our interview. Rhian laid down next to me and slept through the whole thing.

PIcture of Colleen in the studio about to be interviewed by Millsy or Steve Mills.
You can listen to my interview by clicking this button

Afterwards we had some photos taken with Millsy, for me to put up on my wall of fame. So far this is the first photo to go up there!

Afterwards we had some photos taken with Millsy, for me to put up on my wall of fame. So far this is the first photo to go up there!

Fame is exhausting

After a tiring day, Deb and I had some lunch, and both gave a sigh of relief. I loved every moment of the day from start to finish. Zena being able to come out and flaunt her fearless antics, Rhian paving the way where no dog has gone before. Interviews, photos and constantly on call, to having to rush off to become a radio star, is exhausting.

Now I know how the celebrities feel doing their gigs. Well, perhaps again a little exaggeration here but I have to entertain the idea of my five minutes of fame while it lasts!

Picture of massive billboard and people sitting in front listning to the speaker.

Thank you once more for coming together and joining in on my Peacock Tale.

I do appreciate and love your company.

Next time I am taking you out on a blind date to the movies with me!

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

This fun filled Peacock Tale has the perfect blend of comradery, social gatherings, loads of laughter, sightseeing adventures and team building skills. A special time for Western Australian transplant recipients to come together and share a common bond, the gift of life.
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This fun filled Peacock Tale has the perfect blend of comradery, social gatherings, loads of laughter, sightseeing adventures and team building skills. A special time for Western Australian transplant recipients to come together and share a common bond, the gift of life.

Group picture of the farewell until next TAWA Getaway sitting on lawn.

Yallingup, where the fun begins

Setting off Friday morning, both Deb and I were excitedly anticipating the planned fun filled weekend that lay ahead of us. Rhian settled in the car; the trio of girls set off for Yallingup.

Arriving at Caves House and Seashells accommodation, we unpacked and settled into our holiday abode to be for the next four days.

Time for greet and meet

After a relaxing stroll through the magnificent grounds and heritage gardens, that Rhian thoroughly enjoyed exploring on a long lead, it was time for the official meet and greet.

Meeting at Caves House, there were just over one hundred recipients with friends or family, coming together to start the weekend off.

Finger foods, drinks, a vibe of chatter and laughs were the echoes of the sound that night. A mixture of old and new acquaintances was made, a vibrant and successful start was had.

PIcture the Photos of garden and Sea Shells Apartments

Time for whale watching

After a hearty breakfast from the Caves House buffet, which was enjoyed by conversations with fellow recipients, it was time to do some whale watching.

Meeting at the Cape Naturalist Lighthouse, a large group of us were to follow the blue footprints path. This was a 2.4km loop that would take us down to observe some whales that were currently in this location. Rhian did an amazing job guiding me around the many jutting rocks that were quite tricky for even sighted people to traverse. There was a great deal of apprehension with me trekking along this path by people there, but Rhian did the most sterling work ever.

Picture of Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, a white lighthouse in front of a stunning blue sky.

Reaching the viewing deck, people were excited with the glimpses of the whales that were in the vicinity.

A picture of Deb and Colleen whale watching with hats on and smiling.

On our return, Deb and I thought it would be a great idea to try and make our way to the lighthouse for some snappy photos for my blog. Now on the red footprint path, we set off on our own adventure.
Let me just say that it was definitely the road less travelled and no one else was encountered on our path. Jutting rocks, the direct heat of the sun overhead and at parts overgrown bushes nearly blocking our way.

Both of us wondering when this path would ever end, let alone we had completely lost sight of the lighthouse, eventually we came out at the carpark. We never got to the lighthouse but at that point neither Deb nor I cared!

Hot rocks to soothe the body

Our consolation prize for our arduous journey, was a relaxing hot stone massage, we had booked before coming down. The perfect ending to relax the mind, body, and soul. even Rhian agreed as she relaxed and let out some moans and sighs during the massage, which was accompanied with an amusing giggle by the masseuse! I did get a few reassuring licks on my face from underneath the table and arm as Rhian kept a check on me!

Dinner in the marquee

A stunning marquee was set up in the beautiful grounds for everyone to come together for a three-course set dinner. Elegant tables with all the finery were laid out for guests to enjoy the evening. Apart from the chilly wind that built up rapidly that afternoon, which did make it a little uncomfortable for many of us there, was a small price to pay for the comradery, laughs. Conversations and delightful food that was served.

Who’s good at mazes?

Sunday’s outing after another delicious smorgasbord breakfast, where you seem to eat far more than you would at home, was a trial by maze!

Gathering at the Yallingup Maze, we were timed in getting through the huge labyrinth. Deb and I teamed up with another fellow recipient to test our mind mapping skills in mastering the network of wooden walls and passageways.

Picture of Yalingup Maze with wlak ways, wooden planks and a bridge on a sunny day.

Everyone there thought that Rhian would be an advantage, thinking a dog would be able to find her way out. Sorely disappointed with her lack in this skill set, she did however impress the person with us as she watched Rhian skilfully guide me clear of the many wooden walls and obstacles.

We finally made our way out, which was a relief to not only us humans but Rhian as well, I am sure!

A trip to Margaret River

Concluding the Maze event with a sausage sizzle and much chatter about the task of getting through the maze, Deb and I decided to head on down to Margaret River, a thirty-minute drive away. Deb hadn’t been there for over thirty years and was excited to see the much-changed hippy surfing town from years ago.

A stroll up and down the main street with its many quaint, unusual, and interesting shops filled in the afternoon.

Red, red wine.

After enjoying some much needed down time back at our apartment, we listened to the live music being played at the Caves House that echoed across to our balcony. Overlooking the fairy-tale like grounds, Trees filled with the sounds of birds singing to one another, especially first thing in the morning when all is quiet is simply heart-warming. Enjoying the relaxing sunny afternoon, we arranged to meet friends for dinner at Caves House.

I am going to shorten the transcription that would be needed to cover the comedy of errors, unfortunate mishaps and untimely events that occurred over our final gathering. What’s least to say is that the saying of red, red wine goes to my head is completely incorrect! An entire full glass went all over me, followed by another half a glass went over Debs and my dinner. Only to be followed by the lady sitting next to me had her full cup of tea knocked all over her saucer and table. Then if that was not enough my glass of gin and tonic was knocked without me knowing until I was nearly going to lean into the wet, soggy tablecloth in front of me!

Now, one would expect the affected person, namely me, to be cranky and annoyed. This however was far from the truth. Raptures of belly laughing, the accidental culprits involved laughed so much that one laughed until he cried. the best night any of us had experienced in a long time was had. Apart from me looking as if I was wearing a tied dyed outfit and feeling a bit wet and soggy, it made foe the most unforgettable evening ever!

All good things must come to an end

The much enjoyed and eagerly anticipated weekend where livers, kidneys, hearts, and lungs gather together had turned out be far better than one could ever imagine. The comradery, new friendships, exchanges of personal stories and the common shared feeling of gratitude had occurred. All of us looking forward to the next time we can all gather together once more was all in our thoughts. A huge thanks goes to everyone who was part of the organising and challenging work that went into creating and making possible this wonderful event. I know I am already looking forward to the next TAWA Getaway, whenever that may be.

Photos of garden and Sea Shells Apartment, grean lawn and trees in the background.
Picture of Colleen and Rhian sitting in front of elephant statue at Cave House gardens
Photo of garden and Sea Shells Apartment, grean lawn and trees in the background.

Next time when we come together, I will tell the tale of the exciting experience I had celebrating the six-month countdown to the World Transplant Games here in Perth next year. So exciting it gave me ‘a vertigo experience’!

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

Love and laughter

Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Diabetes Australia
Transplant Australia
visionaustralia.org
sed.visionaustralia.org
Donate life
Mental Health Australia
Beyond Blue

Come on a kaleidoscopic adventure through the tulip festival at Araluen Botanical Park, entwined with a magical stroll down memory lane from years ago.
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I would like to share with you my fellow travellers a tale of not only a mesmerising display of kaleidoscopic colours that mother nature gifted us but the reminiscence of days long ago spent here.

I have included a wide variety of photos for you to immerse yourself into the imagery of this beautiful Peacock Tale.

History of Araluen botanical park

Araluen botanical park is nestled deep with in a valley in the darling scarp of the Perth hills. It first began its journey in the 1920’s as a weekend retreat for the Young Australian League YAL members.

Picture of Colleen with her dog Rhian in front of tulips.

The idea was to experience the outdoor life. When YAL members travelled the world, they were encouraged to bring back plants to match the aesthetics and appeal of the Canadian style log cabins, water features and pergolas as they developed the park.

The YAL took over twenty years to build the infrastructure, using locally sourced materials and tracks left over from timber clearing in the late 1800’s.

To read more about Araluen, please click this link to go to the Araluen Botanical Park website.

The Tulip festival

Lovely picture of Colleen at the entrance of Araluen Botinical Park

The kaleidoscopic panorama of the stunning tulips and Springtime flowers are on display each year at the Spring festival.

My dear friend Deb had taken her elderly mother for an outing here and was so impressed, she arranged to take Mum and I the following week, to share in the experience.

Both Mum and I were excited as neither one of us had been to Araluen for over twenty years.

A stroll down memory lane

As universe would have it, the day was truly in our favour. Blue skies and warm sunshine radiating down, unlike the five days prior that had been filled with rain.

Arriving at the park, mum fondly reminisced about her youth. She told us how she and her girlfriend would ride their bicycles, not geared either like the ones today, all the way uphill from Armadale to Araluen. This was a fifteen-kilometre excursion they regularly took to enjoy a refreshing cool swim in the pool there on a hot summers day.

A popular place for social gathering back in the fifties. Lucky the ride home was all downhill!

Lovely black and white picture of Colleens mum standing next to a bycicle

Pat when she was fifteen standing next to her bicycle in her basketball uniform.

Black and white picture of colleens mum having a picnic in the tall grass

Pat sitting in the long grass in her bathers. The large pergola stands behind her in the background.

A scenic train ride

A bright red and black trimmed miniature train and carriages is the perfect way to enjoy the panoramic views around the park. Taking you past waterfalls, heritage buildings, displays of stunning flora and hilltop views overlooking the valley in all its glory.

Unfortunately, it was a very tight squeeze for Rhian in harness to fit into. She did manage with a bit of help to find a place to lay-down on.

I don’t think Rhian was too impressed with her tight, compact mode of transport!

Araluen Botanical Park train which transported us through the park with Rhian and Deb

A magnificent collection of Heritage buildings

Araluen Botanical Park Pergola made in the 1930s with granite and jarrah pillars with flowers planted one side

Araluen has over thirty heritage buildings and structures throughout the park. The pergola constructed in the 1930’s remains one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. It is constructed with eight tonnes of granite stone and large jarrah timber logs. There are thirty pillars that support a variety of eighty climbing roses.

Log cabins and buildings can be discovered and read about on the interpretive panels. A true reflection of the spirit of community and the dedication of the YAL and the Araluen Park foundation.

A sense of awe and interest is what resides in any who visit.

Six little ducks went out one day

Colleen sitting on a small rock wall with her dog Rhian in front of tulips

As Deb and I meandered around the park, describing details of plants, birds and reading the information panels to me, she spotted a family of ducks and their ducklings.

Wandering closer, I told Rhian to stand. She then spotted the ducklings and was indeed curious and inquisitive with these funny little waddling creatures.

I suppose she may have never seen a family of ducklings before, especially when one came right up to her front foot to say hello. It really was an unbelievably cute thing to observe!

Rhian was superb as she stood still and never tried to investigate them.

The perfect ending

The train driver kindly dropped us off at the Chalet Healy Cafe, so Mum didn’t have to walk up the steep hill.

Again, as universe would have it, there was a table situated outside in the gorgeous sunshine, in amongst the crowded venue. Over a delightful lunch and coffee, Deb and I also reminisced over our childhood memories spent at Araluen.

I recounted swimming in the pool with all the long reeds in it that tickled your feet when wading and how cold the fresh water was.

Along with playing over the large granite rocks that you could slide down on with the running water flowing over them. To then splash and play in the rock pools along the stream.

Picture of Araluen Swimming pool.
Picture of Araluen creek where people used to wash themselves.

Unfortunately, you are no longer allowed to swim in the natural pool, but you can still be pulled into imagined times of long ago when it was vibrant with people swimming and having fun in this almost fairy-tale like setting.

It also brought back memories for mum and all of our family gatherings with our cousins, that’s what life is about isn’t it?

Creating wonderful memories of times gathered with friends and family

Especially at unforgettable places like Araluen.

One for the bucket list

My advice for you my dear fellow traveller, is don’t just say you will put this on your bucket list to do before you depart this amazing place on mother earth. Be sure you take the action and visit Araluen botanical park now. Don’t wait and forget about it, this is truly an outing, you will be sure to remember forever.

Next time we meet, it will be another gorgeous getaway down south, when I go on the Western Australia transplant Getaway at Yelling up, for some comradery, fun and games.

Colleen Ashby smiling through a bunch of peacock feathers

No regrets
Colleen Ashby

Great resources to investigate:

Araluen Botanical Park
TWG Transplantworld games
Tourism W.A.

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