At the tofu shop.
Aren’t I glad my brothers made me…
Watch Skyfall instead of Les Misérables. This could have been me in this video.
Crisis averted.
(Source: youtu.be)
Instead of resolutions for 2013…
For my last 2012 post, I will not bore myself to tears with a top ten list of things I ‘should’ be doing in 2013. In its place, I want to share this thought provoking video that gives the perspective that many of us need once in a while.
There are many interpretations of the famous ‘Pale Blue Dot’, but this particular one is my favourite.
Here is a toast to a positively challenging yet bountiful year of life lessons. Now over to you, the ever so wise late Carl Sagan…
Track rewind
My first concert was seeing Evanescence and the emotions Amy Lee caused us to feel when she sang her ballads was beyond comprehension. To this day, I still remember how moved we were by the end of this song.
(Source: evanescence.com)
Helen Thomas happens to be one of my favourite people in this universe. While managing two of her own blogs and a young family, she contributes to magazines and other blogs including Miranda Kerr’s Kora.
Life is too short to learn the million and one lessons available. If you can take the advance class and learn from other people’s experiences and mistakes, then you are only enriching yourself.
Her posts give me perspective on life allowing me to approach life differently when possible. This particular one resonates with me where I am learning to appreciate what I have in the present.
Too often we focus on outcomes and wait impatiently for the next big milestone. Then in reflection, we realise the biggest milestone in our life, is the moment we have right now.
Thrilled that ANZ Private is partnering with LMFF to support and nurture home grown talent in the cut-throat industry that is fashion.
Fast fashion is rapidly transforming buying habits led by high street fashion labels such as Zara, H&M, and Top Shop. Historically, designers released two seasons per calendar - Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer collections - which then grew to include Tran-seasonal and Resort collections.
With the power of Zara, consumers are now developing a thirst for instant gratification and replenishment. This habit is being conditioned with their strategy to imitate trends immediately by releasing on average 12-14 collections and produce 12,000 distinct garments per year. One collection reportedly takes only 2-4 weeks from concept to delivery into the stores worldwide.
So how does a humble and budding fashion designer survive in this time of fashion gluttony?
It was refreshing to listen to Toni Maticevski’s story in brutal honesty of how much blood, sweat and tears is dedicated to just one piece in his collection. In a small team of three, he equipped himself with the skills to be part of every aspect. From design to pattern making and production. No moment of the day is wasted as he works to be as resourceful as possible from being the face as well as the producer of his label.
Fads will fade and trends will pass. However it seems that style and expression is timeless and this is their point of difference. Sharing their creativity and emotion with you through their art even if it just thread and fabric.
Now that is worth waiting (and paying) for.
Dinner
Who is watching you?
Just because you you don’t see them, it doesn’t mean they are not there.
A colleague sent this link at work and while it relates to internet banking, the message also applies to our life. Social media is great for connecting however, play it safe and also be mindful that what you share becomes public globally.
Proud of my kiva family
I started lending in early August 2011 to everyday Cambodians who were seeking a better way of making a living or sometimes, just needing to survive.
Inspired by FITE’s work with microfinance designed to foster Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship for women in the developing world, I joined to support their vision. A world that gave people confidence to create a future for themselves no matter what their social standing is.
Just over a year later, I am quite impressed with the stats:
- I have made loans ranging from US$25 to US$50 to 20 people in all parts of regional Cambodia (18 towards women and 2 towards men).
- Eight loans have been fully repaid - bear in mind that Cambodian’s average monthly salary is US$240.
- Six loans have received at a minimum 50% in repayments.
- I have a contributed $595.88 in lending with only an investment of $215.39 as repayments are used to re-lend to more people.
I have received two updates that has made me proud to learn that a little makes huge difference.
Update from Phinary
Phinary is a weaver. In addition, she also buys some silk and cotton fabrics from fellow weavers in her village and transports them to sell in other villages and districts. In September 2011, she asked for a loan of 400 USD to purchase more silk and cotton fabrics for resale.
Phinary has been able to increase the amount of silk and cotton fabrics she buys and sells; she has been able to generate much income as well. Now she can support her family more easily. She faced no problem paying her installments and Phinary had successfully paid off her loan.
Update from Someth
Someth is 35 years old. She is married and resides with her parents and two children in Battambang Province, Cambodia. She has been selling groceries for more than ten years. She has requested a loan from Kiva to purchase more groceries to sell. So far, her business is running very well. With the loan, she can expand her store and make more profit for the family. In addition, there are no problems for her to pay a loan back and she hopes to get another loan from Kiva to improve her family’s livelihood in the future. She has been very pleased with her decision and is grateful for the ability to better support her family.
The power of belief
When you empower those who strive for it, you allow them to succeed - so long as you believe in them.
