ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR

Today in my little corner of the world the sun has shone all day and the breeze has been gentle and comforting - so very different to the strong winds of last week.

I have had a busy day but a day filled with hope, excitement and great pleasure.    It was an early start and an early breakfast - but worth while to be out in the world being part of the world.

Left home early for the Showgrounds and my first shift at the Royal Adelaide Show - it was wonderful - all the normal Show smells and noises and stall holders encouraging everyone to buy their wares - nothing has changed in the 12 years since I have been to the annual Show.   But so much has changed for me - I was there on a mission - a mission born of deep gratitude for my gifted life and in the hope of convincing members of the general public to sign on to the Donor Register.   

It was wonderful to work with Staff from Donate Life, other recipients and a Donor Mum.  The conversation was great between us all and there was much laughter and the time spent talking with people was wonderful - I was a girl on a mission.  So much so that my second shift is tomorrow then I have a few days off and will do the last day on Saturday.

Setting up the Stand

My Story in "The Book of Life"

It was a day well spent and I came home on the bus which was, shall we say, "interesting"  I was glad to be home as I am certain some of the drivers think they are on the Dodgem Cars.

It was strange walking around the Show Grounds - in previous years I have spent many days and long hours there - particularly enjoying the Show Jumping on the main arena - but it is a very long time since I have been there and while nothing has changed - the noises, the smells, the crowds - lots of it has changed - there have been renovations made and new buildings now grace the Showgrounds.   Even the bus terminal is in a different place - progress I guess.

There was all the usual foods - fairy floss, doughnuts, "dippy dogs", ribs, waffles and even some Indian foods.  The Show bags are expensive and I didn't venture into that Hall - but I did see lots of things and I am going to find an item tomorrow or Saturday because I have just the person in mind for this particular item.

I did see a stand of lovely leather handbags but managed to restrain myself (having left my credit card at home deliberately) ~ I may not be quite so restrained tomorrow - hehehe. 

All the fun of the fair - tired and crying children, frustrated Parents, lots of young people wearing silly hats and enjoying themselves, good conversation with the public, and generally a spirit of good will.

What pleases me most of all is to be well enough to be there and to be part of an educational program for Donate Life.  I am proud and pleased to honour my Donor and give respect to all Organ Donors ~ I live because someone signed up to be a Donor and I am thankful.

It has been a busy day but a good day and I have found that if you love life, life will love you - and I hope that you are enjoying and loving your life and that indeed life is loving you.  It is truly special to love and be loved in return ~ to share life and it's secrets and wonders with someone who shares your hopes and dreams. 

Thank you for visiting the Musings of this heart that finds joy in giving some time to something I really believe in and know works and is valuable.

Love and hugs,

Linda. 

SPRING AND IT'S SHOW TIME

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSKa29E4T7o

Our State Fair - from State Fair by Rogers and Hammerstein

Hello again from me and my little corner of the world and as you know it is springtime and the weather is typically spring - warm, windy, and forecast rain and sudden drops in temperature, but this first week in September is the time for the Royal Adelaide Show - similar event to our American friend's State Fair.

It is when the Country comes to the City - horses, cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, pigs, hens, geese, dogs, cats and so many more animals are all transported to The Show Grounds for judging.  Many clever people have been busy all year making things for judging.  There will be cakes, biscuits, puddings, knitted items, sewing, millinery, embroidery etc etc.  We have this chaos for 8 days and it really is a wonderful time.

It is a wonderful time for city children to see the wonders of farm animals and learn so much and to also enjoy the funfair rides and the delights to be tasted around the Showgrounds.

The crowds are thick and parents hold on to children very carefully and there are lots of goodies to eat and beautiful things to see.

There are beautiful displays of flowers, gardens and displays of skill such as the wood chopping.  All of this is crammed into one week and schools usually have a day off for the event.  Lots of families leave home early and make it a full day, staying for the firework display at the end of each day.  Some carry picnic food and others choose to buy food there, but there are coats to carry for the cool evening watching the fireworks and it becomes a very long and tiring day.   

I shan't be going this year, but in past years I have spent many days sitting in the Grand Stand watching the Horses in action and loving it.  I have also enjoyed the dog judging and being there when friends competed.

If you are off to the Show I hope it is wonderful for you and that you come home tired, but happy.  It is Father's Day in Australia tomorrow and lots of Dads will be taken to the Show.

I hope whatever you are doing this weekend brings you joy - outing such as the Show, a family lunch, morning tea, or picnic - may there be joy all around you and may you hear and delight in the laughter of children.

The Royal Show for me is just a memory, but there is a little piece of me that would love to be packing a picnic lunch and heading off for a day in the Grand Stand watching the Showjumping.

Celebrate our farming heritage and celebrate life.

Love and hugs and thanks for visiting the "Musings from My Heart."

Linda.