
Changing face for online communications
Let’s talk about the ‘elephant in the room’ who firmly agrees, transition can be painful. Continue reading Changing face for online communications
Let’s talk about the ‘elephant in the room’ who firmly agrees, transition can be painful. Continue reading Changing face for online communications
The symptoms of caregiver burnout can differ from person to person. Continue reading Common Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout and the Best Strategies to Manage Them
Charlie-Helen Robinson saysβ¦ Iβm in goblin mode.
No, in many ways, 2022 was a very successful year. Different, but good stuff was done. The Vintage Ball was a highlight and we got to raise lots of money for grassroot charities. Big love for the VB Committee in the pic below – Laoise, Sonia, Liz, Peter and Bel.
Continue reading “CHARLIEβS SOCIAL MEDIA PREDICTIONS FORΒ 2023; COURTSHIP”Previous predictions list 2022; CONTENT | 2021; CALM | 2020; CURIOUS | 2019; CHILL | 2018; CONSUMERS | 2017; COMMUNITY | 2016; CRUSADE | 2015; CHUCKLE | 2014; CRUSADE | 2013; CONFIDENCE | 2012; CONVERSATION | 2011; COMMENCING
TendrilsLeave a withering slightHot to the nightTake flight.Gone. Be goneOn this lonely night.Not a whisperNor breathNo sight.What is this plight I fight. UnknownForever in this placeDarkness I faceMy space.Gone. Be goneOn this lonely night. Sweetness.Tender is the fresh air.Heart in … Continue reading Poem | Tendrils
Sunny days are here again. Friendship looks different this timeMuch more patientExpressiveWelcomingIntelligentLoving where life is leading me…Taking my timeFinding my grooveHow about you?Learning as we goWhat’s to showNo need to hideWalk with head held highNothing is too pie in the … Continue reading Poem | Sunny days
Little threads of wordsScattered across the dayEach one holds a truthOnly you and I might say. Little gems of thoughtsShared to share insideUnravelling the mysteryOur universe sits beside. Little sparks of loveSubmitting to the driveTender hooks linking handsWatching sunsets at … Continue reading Poem | Little words
The dilemma for positive ageing lifestyles and wellbeing examined through the introduction of a social media foundation to facilitate and enhance creative decision making. There comes a time in everyone’s life when self evaluation and assessment is needed. There seems … Continue reading Research participants required
Making home modifications for seniors doesnβt have to be a lengthy, expensive task. Continue reading Make Your Home Safer for a Senior Loved One With These Changes
We go on… Continue reading Poem | Just because
POEMThey are just words strung.Never sung.All in fun. A sudden shiftThe slow awakeningTaking each day as it will comeA friends guidanceAnd being honestWhere we once begun. Honest truths and missing linksCome together as oneThe horizon is closerSet sail to the … Continue reading Poem | They are just words strung.
Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better. We are, Better Together. As Lions, #weserve Continue reading Sharing my Lions Australia MD Convention Thoughts from Melbourne
Itβs my birthdayAnd Iβm grateful to be one year olderEven if not wiser, ha!Life is a blessingHowever I do miss my dear onesNo point stressing. My mother wonβt be singing happy birthdayVia a phone she no longer ownsBecause sheβs up … Continue reading Happy birthday me in 2022
To all my friends in covid clear
To those sharing their fear
Troll the ancientΒ yuletideΒ carol
Sing out loud
Chant merrily and be proud.
Continue reading Poem | Love to you. 2021 Christmas
Anyway, I’m off track. The journey continues through a million and one challenges, within a pandemic, where digital is at its height and need to stay relevant, nimble and in tune.
And what does digital need? Content.
Continue reading CHARLIEβS SOCIAL MEDIA PREDICTIONS FORΒ 2022; CONTENT
So much more is now being asked of broadcast and digital journalists, but with that has come greater freedom to source and create stories. Fewer editors, videographers, lighting and sound technicians mean journalists are more in control of the way they weave and distribute their news. Coupled with that is the removal of traditional PR βgatekeepersβ and the rise of media-savvy figures who understand the importance of being accessible via social media and directly engaging with journalists. Continue reading How the COVID pandemic changed digitalΒ journalism
One of my favourite sayings for 2020. Calm the farm. Seriously. Continue reading CHARLIEβS SOCIAL MEDIA PREDICTIONS FOR 2021; CALM
A life cherished
Mum would sit by the window in the last few months of her life and watch the blossom turn on the tree outside and the birds play. She would be annoyed that she could no longer paint or embroider her teddy bears however she could still read. So she did that.
The last book she read was titled ‘Death of a nurse’ and she had a school girl twinkle in her eye when she showed me. It was being read just before that final fateful hospital trip.
A comedian til the end.
It was during that last hospital trip, and after we learnt she was to go home to palliative care, that she wanted to reassure me that she’d had a wonderful life and that we’d all be OK. But she was ready to go. She disliked COVID a lot and the isolation it created.
On reflection, she was right about her life.
86 wonderful years.
Her eldest sisters are Sheila (watching via Zoom from Swan Hill with her daughter, my cousin, Kathy), Joy (now deceased but who lived in England) and Valerie (the youngest sister who still lives in Queensland).
She was the loving wife of Eric β who she used to call Steve
She is the adored mother and mother-in-law of…
Susan and Dean (who live in Clare)
Maureen and James (who live in Swan Hill, Victoria and are also watching via Zoom)
And twins – Helen (Charlie – me) and Wade.
She is the cherished Nana of…
Sally and Rhiannon – the children of Sue
Ramon and Karrina – the children of Maureen
Amber and Jessika-May – my children
She has 5 great-grandchildren who she loved very much – and with who she cherished her visits, letters and facetime chats with.
Like in any lifetime, for mum there were ups and downs. We all have our moments, some that are perfect, and some that are not.
It’s very true that it had saddened me over her final years when people spoke to her differently (or like a child) because “she was living in aged care” (especially in the hospitals) because in the main, to me she was still as sharp as a tac and the “she who must be obeyed” mother from my youth.
There were the occasional moments of failings sure, generally when her health faltered, but it wouldn’t last. She was very sure of herself and her mind, right til the end.
Reminiscing these past few days has reminded me again of the wonderful life she gave us.
It brought home fully that she was sooooooo much more than her aged care years which have been such a huge part of my own life and focus these past 10 years.
Growing up we had a firm but fair upbringing. Dad was firm. Mum was fair.
She was the one who made our house a home. She baked cookies, held discussion groups around the kitchen table, learnt all the kids names, drank Sherry with the school teachers, made clothes, patchwork quilts and teddies, and sent us to sunday school so she could have a sleep in on a Sunday.
She was human.
But she was heaps of fun to have as a mum and she encouraged us to always do the right thing. Of course we all had our moments when we didn’t do the right thing, and the odd slipper would follow us down the hall (its ok she was a bad aim).
Doing the right thing included her expectations from her aged care home. We counted no less than 30 feedback forms in her room PLUS she kept a book of dates and times when they didn’t live up to those expectations.
She didnt have expensive standards though β just simple comforts.
I recall one of the stories from her youth, was when her Uncle Wink (her mums bother) let them (Gwen and Eric in early married life) use an old bakehouse to make into a flat. They painted the walls and installed a fireplace and chimney, and managed to get it ready for when Susan was born.
Then, when Maureen was born they moved to Horsham for Eric to complete the serving of his five years in the Army Reserve. They then came to Australia when Sue was four years and Maureen one. Once in Australia, they worked and saved enough money to buy a block of land on Kingborn Avenue, Seaton. Mum used to talk about the orange crates they sat on.
Mum was a crusader of creative thought, writing, reading and the arts, saving the environment, deep conversations and singing, even if or when we couldn’t really sing.
I remember dancing around the lounge room on a Saturday afternoon with the record player blaring β her favourites were Helen Ready, Glenn Campbell and Bos Scaggs to name a few. Of course there are others… David Hobson came later.
She was a forward thinking conversationalist who loved being around people.
Mum would look to the community for activities to keep herself busy and for example, was elected to the Woodville Library Friends committee. When I was working at Woodville library, I persuaded mum to join the Book Discussion Group and she agreed, but only if the discussion group was based on non-fiction books.
It’s not surprising as she was doing the cryptic crosswords right up until the end of her days. In fact, it was her eyes which failed her, not her mind!
Friends,
Our initial reaction to COVID-19 was to ensure our fundraising event continued and that our supporters and suppliers were not impacted. It soon became evident, due to the announcements from the PM restricting events of over 100 people indoors, that we would regrettably need to postpone the Vintage Ball. This we did.
Onwards. I am immensely proud to announce the Committee isnβt one to rest on their corks. After all, like the wine group, corks have a history! Our ethos is to support those in our community.
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
We are action orientated people who love to socialise.
Letβs unpack COVID in this way:
(C)ompassion, (0)riginality, (V)aliant, (I)mpact and (D)efiance.
Thereβs a lesson in each of these words. In everything we do, we have compassion for our community. Our events have always focused on originality β as you donβt need a bunch of volunteers running a social club doing what you can do at your local pub or through a major event organiser, but you do need us to inspire you to fundraise for our favourite charities and to look at wine socialising in a new light. Itβs what weβve always done best. To boldly goβ¦ itβs our original tag line, written by the one and only Steve Davis β it inspires us to be valiant in our efforts.
Did you know that CorkΒ has been used for thousands of years as a stopper in bottles? It has even been found in the tombs dating back to ancient Egypt. Ancient Greeks and Romans also made good use of it, and it was found use as floats for fishing nets, sandals,Β wineΒ bottle stoppers and even personal flotation devices for fishermen.
Itβs a device we could all turn to for inspiration in times of COVID. Yes, the CORK!
After all, I reckon itβs seen a few human plagues, fires and floods in its time. In a modern world of synthetic materials, cork continues to lead the way. This amazing and natural material has a wide range of applications far beyond the oft thought of wine bottle stopper. With new ways to use it being thought of all the time, it is sure to continue to be an environmentally friendly favourite for many years to come. As is our social group!
But I digress from the Vintage Ballβ¦
To have impact with our fundraisingβ¦ to not just follow the crowd, we must always look outside the square and consider βwhat else?β.
So, itβs with these sentiments of βwhat else?β we will go forth in defiance against this disease and work with all to keep our friends and followers thriving.
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
We have a caterer who just postponed significant revenue for us (and all the meat/veg suppliers behind them), a club who is losing money from lost revenue, entertainers who, while they may love and support our charities, are losing money from their day job.
We are a community and itβs times like these we need the originality of thought to inspire our next steps. So, the committee has produced a calendar of events to consider until our actual Vintage Ball takes place at Halloweenβ¦ and if you are self-isolating..? Simply join us from home β we will include pictures via Facebook so you donβt feel left out (hey, I may even video again).
Republished Victoria Heath/Unsplash Mark Pearson, Griffith University Thousands of employees internationally are already working from home in COVID-19 self-isolation because of their recent travel, related symptoms or immune system vulnerability. But to do so while habitually checking the news on … Continue reading Coronavirus: 5 ways to manage your news consumption in times of crisis
A MOSH explanation At first there was a crisis. Then there was a call to action response. Then a recovery. Now, there is a need to rise and flourish. The devastation of Australian bushfires generated an outpouring of generosity amongst … Continue reading The ability to flourish after a bushfire
Predictions from the past: 2019; CHILL | 2018; CONSUMERS | 2017; COMMUNITY | 2016; CRUSADE | 2015; CHUCKLE | 2014; CRUSADE | 2013; CONFIDENCE | 2012; CONVERSATION | 2011; COMMENCING CHEERS #blessed we be TO remain #curious. As this is … Continue reading CHARLIEβS SOCIAL MEDIA PREDICTIONS FOR 2020: CURIOUS
2018; ConsumersΒ |Β 2017; Community | 2016; Crusade | 2015; Chuckle | 2014; Crusade | 2013; Confidence | 2012; Conversation | 2011; Commencing Chill. It’s like, did I really just do that? You know like, not do something. It’s true. 2019 is … Continue reading Charlieβs Social Media Predictions for 2019: Chill
The journey that started with βThe hidden cost of becoming a sudden carer is more than just emotionalβ Is more like a playground Is more revealing than expected of not caring with dignity and it being a stop start stalling … Continue reading The hidden impact of the best
That moment in life you realise you’re awkward It’s fleeting but powerful. Wanting hello Giving goodbye Wishing to know. That second when a look at poor life choices To follow your heart then part. Wishing no pain Getting restrain Wanting … Continue reading Poem | Awkward
Like the gardener will tend And battle a weed He has taken his heed With his life on the mend. A flower pops out Taking life from the sun A blessing confirms fun The next beginning to tout. Like a … Continue reading Poem | Life Recoil
Here’s what studies and The Conversation readers say… Social connections help retain a sense of purpose in older age. Image from shutterstock.com Joseph Ibrahim, Monash University A challenge facing the recently announced Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety … Continue reading What is ‘quality’ in aged care?
Republished from The Conversation Most aged-care residents donβt feel like they are loved or belong in their facility. Image from shutterstock.com Lee-Fay Low, University of Sydney All humans have fundamental needs. These are physiological (food, drink, clothing, sleep), safety (emotional … Continue reading REPUBLISHED: How our residential aged-care system doesn’t care about older people’s emotional needs
Social media is a form of journalism. Within this environment, journalists are afforded an interpretative freedom for the stories they share, as well as photographic license, within ethical boundaries. Social media can also cross over into advertising, and, it is … Continue reading OPINION | Ethics and dignity in social media for aged care
Some days I struggle but I know I’ll be 100% OK. Others are not so blessed with this mindset. How do I get through? I research and these quote snippets have helped me in recent times. Thank you Elizabeth Williamson … Continue reading RUOK in your struggles?
Listening to the waves crash, my heart hurts, no purring. Continue reading POEM | Listening stream
Many award programs have been around for so long, they now lack the energy to make impact, especially when many have already won the recognition they needed.
Continue reading OPINION | A celebration of all
The protection of our privacy is one of the key priorities leading up to the widespread adoption of digital health in Australia. Read more here: https://www.digitalhealth.gov.au/get-started-with-digital-health/what-is-digital-health/digital-health-privacy Here are some quick tips and resources to consider Privacy of health information applies … Continue reading RESOURCE | Digital Records
There are only so many hours in a day. Keeping someone safe and happy should be easy, right? Continue reading The hidden impact of getting mum to smile
Saying we are looking from a heavenly perspective could work, but it may be considered a tad religious. A birds eye view? A better catch phrase sure. The more contemporary phase would be from a drone. A drone is simply … Continue reading Looking down on your career; the drone’s view