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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?
Published on

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

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.
Published on

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.
Published on

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

Funny, down-to-earth, harrowing and at times, utterly heartbreaking. 'I Can See Clearly Now' is the rollercoaster ride of a woman who continues to defy expectations.
Published on

Memoir: ‘I Can See Clearly Now – the soundtrack of my life’ by Colleen Ashby

Type 1 diabetic, fitness fanatic, dancing queen, Canasta champion; only some of the tags to describe Colleen Ashby. Daughter, sister to five brothers, wife and mother of three sons further define Colleen.

Add to that, she is a heart transplant recipient who is now visually impaired, with only 5% sight and you realise there is much more to learn.

Although very physically fit, problems with her heart began to plague her and slow her down. Twelve stents later, the thirteenth was unlucky and resulted in open heart surgery.

Book cover of Colleen Ashbys book I can see clearly now. Eyes in the sky with a girl running through the field.

It was soon obvious however; her heart was not going to last much longer and Colleen was given a new heart but her sight was taken away. Due to severe blood loss during the surgery, Colleen lost 95% of her vision. She is grateful she still has 5%.

“I’d have been really pissed off if I’d lost it all but 5%? I can cope” – Colleen Ashby.

With a bucketful of hope, perseverance, gratitude and the unwavering support of friends and family, Colleen has navigated her new normal, discovering what makes her tick and what her purpose in life is.
Funny, down-to-earth, harrowing and at times, heartbreaking, ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ is the rollercoaster ride of a woman who continues to defy expectations.

Colleen Ashby Profile Picture for Blog Bio

Colleen lives in the Perth Hills, in Western Australia. A former high school special-needs educational assistant and fitness instructor; she is also a type 1 diabetic.

With her heart failing, Colleen was finally put on the transplant list and had a heart transplant in January 2017. It wasn’t something normally offered to type 1 diabetics. While she gained a new heart, Colleen lost 95% of her sight. This hasn't stopped her indomitable spirit or living life to its fullest.

She is an advocate for DonateLife WA, has been a ‘poster-girl’ for Vision Australia, a participant in the Transplant Games and an avid supporter of Transplant Australia.

Colleen is sharing her story of resilience in the hope it will help, inspire and encourage people to appreciate what they have and what they can achieve. With her experience, knowledge and zest for life, Colleen wants to be a mentor and motivational speaker.

Click to buy from Footprints

Click this link to Buy
from my local stockist

Colleen is available for interviews and informal chats on all media outlets.

To schedule, please contact us on editor@footprintspublishing.com.au

or call Claudette Pope on 08 92952192

About Footprints Publishing Pty Ltd

Footprints is a start-up company based in Perth, Western Australia.

The company started with the intention to demystify the publishing journey for prospective writers. The realisation that few writers knew what was involved in getting their manuscript to being a book was the driver to personalise the process and take authors on their journey from origin to destination.

While memoirs, women’s fiction and children’s books feature in Footprints publishing to date, engaging stories from other genres are considered; it’s all about the story.

How would you feel if you were declared legally blind? Would you be able to laugh? Following heart transplant surgery, this is what happened to Colleen Ashby and yes, she does see the funny side of life.
Published on

Book Release - Perth 17.05.2022

How would you feel if you were declared legally blind? Would you be able to laugh, could you see the funny side of life?

Following heart transplant surgery, this is what happened to Colleen Ashby and yes, she does see the funny side of life.

In this, her second book, Colleen keeps us entertained with anecdotes full of humour and quirky incidents. In an entertaining way, she also educates us, giving the reader food for thought, advice on how to behave around people with limited vision.

When launching Ya Gotta Laugh Ron Hooten, the CEO of Vision Australia, described Colleen’s writing as gritty, honest and laugh out loud. He declared it a great read.

Colleen Ashby Ya Gotta Laugh. Book Cover with Colleen through peacock feathers laughing.

Little more than a year ago, Colleen released her first book I Can See Clearly Now, telling her life story in its raw truth and honesty relaying day-to-day experiences, along with a few obstacles she has had to deal with; Type 1 diabetes since age 9, leading a very active life until the pivotal point which changed her life’s trajectory, a heart transplant. With her new heart not wanting to start up, she hovered between life and death for 4 days. Waking up on day 5 she was legally blind.

Colleen admits she has had my moments when life got her down and thought it was all too hard but knew if she stayed in that state of mind, it would soon become her way of life. As she said, ‘It’s OK to visit feeling down for a while and have a cup of tea, just don’t make it your home.’

Ya Gotta Laugh is an easy read, you feel you are you are sitting on a couch talking with her as she has you laughing, crying, and inspired at the same time. Colleen wants to uplift and inspire people with her words both written and spoken. She wants to show people, even facing adversity, there is a way of having a fulfilling, fun-filled life, a life of wholeness and meaning.

The paperback is available, from Footprints Publishing priced $35.00, and will soon be available as an eBook and Print on Demand, through all major online retailers.

Click this link to Buy
from my local stockist

Click this link to buy
from the Amazon website

Colleen is available for interviews and informal chats on all media outlets.

To schedule, please contact us on editor@footprintspublishing.com.au

or call Claudette Pope on 08 92952192

About Footprints Publishing Pty Ltd

Footprints is a start-up company based in Perth, Western Australia.

The company started with the intention to demystify the publishing journey for prospective writers. The realisation that few writers knew what was involved in getting their manuscript to being a book was the driver to personalise the process and take authors on their journey from origin to destination.

While memoirs, women’s fiction and children’s books feature in Footprints publishing to date, engaging stories from other genres are considered; it’s all about the story.

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