BREAKING NEWS: Debbie Reynolds Mum of Carrie Fisher Has Died

Actress Debbie Reynolds has just died at 84 years old. Her son, Todd Fisher, told the Associated Press that the stress of Carrie Fisher's death was "too much."  >> kiro.tv/DebbieReynolds

"She said, 'I want to be with Carrie,'" her son said. "And then she was gone."

Photos of notable celebrity deaths this year >> kiro.tv/NotableDeaths2016

Source: kiro.tv 

POP CULTURE: The Art of Growing Old

Plot twist: There is no art. It's hard, it's ugly and it's been the ruin of many a poor boy...

I've had this on my mind for a while now, the absolute unfairness of the treatment of Stars/Performers/Artists and Singers/Actors/Comedians as they grow older. 

I feel like it is exactly the same mindset that causes dogs to be sent to the pound at the first signs of age. Age isn't rewarding, it doesn't make us feel very good. Best to put the old milk and yesterday's shrimp in the bin folks - Because it's going off. 

If you think about the absolute carnage and grim reaper vengeance that is 2016 - (sparing a moment's silence and an online petition click followed by unsubscribing regarding Terror Attacks/Aleppo/USA racial divides/School shootings and the other myriad of human rights violations of 2016 as well) you will acknowledge this fact:

Once a star that we all know and love reaches a certain age - we don't really want the old shrimp around anymore. Photos of them aging and gaining weight (gasp!!) are posted online to much jeering and baying, not many kind words to spare there... 

But lo, and behold. 

They die. 

Cue fandom. Memes. Waxing lyrical postings and tributes that make the humble man shed a tear. 

What happened when they were alive? Anyone? *crickets* 

Why do you post pictures of them in their prime, instead of how they actually were in reality right up until the end? *crickets*

Why do you now post links to albums, videos and more when they were virtually ignored and ostracized during their last years? *crickets*

"Lest we forget"

It's sick. 

They were alive and no one cared one iota.

If you cast your mind back, even two years, you will be able to think of artists who had been ostracized, ridiculed and who had failing ratings and public attacks - who were lifted in memoriam to almost mythical levels. 

My challenge to you: Think of artists who are still alive (even in your local community, artists who have sung or performed in your state) but are aging or ailing, write to them, purchase their material, support their shows for the love of God. 

I'm going to do just that. 

DIARY: Modern Child Problems

Kelsey comes crashing into the room. 8:30am trying to have a lie in. 

Imagine this spoken in a very rushed, angry, frustrated, lispy 6 year old whisper: 

"Maahaaam! Savanna and I are in her world in the *insert Minecraft descriptive word for a place or time I have no idea* and we had to choose what we wanted so I chose cookies and a cake because I wanted cookies and a cake but Savanna knew this mod so she chose a diamond sword but I want a diamond sword but I have cookies and cake and no sword so then I said thats! not! fair! and Savanna said I! Can't! Deal! with you right now! So she glitched me out the gaaaaaame!!!"

*throws self face down on the bed*

DIARY: Holding On

I learned a valuable lesson from my six year old this week. In this very photograph actually.

We spend our lives letting go.

Letting go of our love for ourselves, letting go of friends and family when they no longer serve our purposes, we let go of our dreams when the hills become steeper and the dream takes on weight and substance, we let go of our values and beliefs just to please others...

We let go.

My little girl who is/was afraid of getting water on her face or in her eyes, yesterday removed her goggles and went underwater. The whoops of joy and pride when she surfaced after opening her eyes underwater - was just priceless.

I offered to let her ride on my back as I dived deep into the water almost across the pool, she accepted and I felt her little hands scrunching up my rashie vest. We dove off and I imagined her serenely rising behind me... Until I saw the photograph that my young friend Brandon took with his "NoPro" camera...

My goodness!

Her expression is amazing!

She is, at that very moment, conquering a lifelong fear and doing what she thought she never would... And it's beautiful to see the joy and happiness on her face.

What new thing will YOU accomplish?
What "will not" are you going to embrace?
Be brave.
Don't let go.
Ride like Kelsey into the deep!

DIARY: A Second Burial: A Ring Lost

Today something very sad and slightly profound happened. 

My dad Steven didn't have an easy life. I have nothing left from him, only his thick gold wedding band, inscribed inside in his own handwriting: my Moms name, his name, their wedding date and a very funny looking heart with an arrow going through it. It always reminded me that even though things went wrong for him, even though his marriage didn't work, that at one time he truly loved my mom and wore the ring with pride. 

When my Dad passed away we travelled along the African coast to a beautiful place called Ramsgate. We found a beautiful and natural lagoon and scattered his ashes there in the salty water. I still go there via Google maps, and hover over his resting place. 

In Avoca NSW - is my special spot - a shaded beach with a swimming area dappled in shade where my family go to swim. It's "our" spot and I think of Dad whenever I'm there. 

For the past ten or more years, my husband Francis has worn my Dad's ring - proudly - and I have loved seeing it on his finger. It fitted well. Size and colour. 

Today, without any rhyme or reason, the ring left Francis's finger and settled into the soft sands of the lagoon. Gone forever. 

I will never see my father's handwriting again, or feel the weight of the gold ring in my hand. 

It feels poetic. 

The special spot will now be even more so, as I will no doubt think of him every time we go there. 

This song has played non stop in my head since we got home - I've cried my heart out and felt as if I lost my father all over again. Francis is very very saddened as well. 

Daddy, I've said Hamba kahle Baba wami (Go well, my Dad) to you in the rippling waters of Ramsgate, but I say Sahla kahle Baba (Stay well, Dad) to you at our special spot. You were the White Zulu, more African than your white skin spoke of, this song is from you I'm sure 💗

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OlpKDYJRzMk&feature=share

DIARY: The Problem With Santa

When Sav was a baby, we decided not to do the Santa thing. We didn't want to tell a fib to our kids, even a small one. We have stuck with this decision for almost NINE YEARS. 

We taught them about the spirit of giving, about how we are all Santa's and have the opportunity to bless each other on Christmas. 

They've never had an issue with it, and it hasn't really "ruined" Christmas for them. 

This year, Kelsey is 6.5yrs old. Their Super-Nanna Nyrelle watched them on Christmas eve while we sang at a show, she was a sneaky Secret Santa and left some gifts for us to find... 

For fun, I made up a photo of Santa at our tree (it's so obviously fake but anyway!) I showed the girls on Christmas morning and they laughed. 

But something else happened... 

Nanna left Kelsey a mango with her name written on it, mangoes are a religion for Kelsey. 

About lunch time on Christmas day, Kelsey suddenly sighs while hugging her massive mango and says,

"I just LOVE that Santa. He's the best!"

So, in a bit of surprise I say

"Oh? Why?"

And she kisses the mango and says

"Because he knows I love mangoes more than anything in the world and he chose this one to leave for me"

Aaaahhhh gaaaaaaaawwwssshhhh dammitttt

BREAKING NEWS: George Michael, 53, dies at home

Beloved and controversial singer George Michael has passed away peacefully in his home.

Police say that there are no suspicious circumstances.

The family have asked for privacy and respect during this time. 

(Photo: Getty Images)

YOUTUBE: 5 year old Savanna Bigara Sings Here I Am

NEWS: Livestream of Fukushima, Japan Following Powerful Earthquake

Livestream of Fukushima, Japan following a powerful magnitude-7.3 earthquake. Region is under tsunami warning. // Broadcast: NHK WORLD // Info: bzfd.it/2gegxhV

NEWS: A 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Japan Triggers Tsunami

LIVE: A 6.9 magnitude earthquake off the pacific coast of Japan has triggered a tsunami. An evacuation order is now in effect.

#9News | http://9News.com.au

ARTS: Updated Biography

Sandy Bigara is a Creative & Performing Artist living on the Central Coast, NSW.

Sandy focusses on four core areas:

1)      8-week Bel Canto and Restorative Vocal Coaching Classes & Music School:  Sandy runs 8-week ongoing Vocal Coaching classes each school term at The Rhythm Hut. Alongside her Sandy Bigara Music School, based off Mann street, providing Vocal, Adult Piano, Adult Keyboard, Guitar and Ukelele lessons. Having run a successful Music School since 1999 Sandy provides a warm and safe environment for beginner or pro musicians to sharpen their skill. www.sandybigara.com/vocal-training-central-coast

2)      Providing Entertainment at Weddings: Having performed at weddings since 1994, Sandy provides a full range of services, making sure that each wedding is special and memorable for all the right reasons! www.bigaraweddingmusic.com

3)      Entertaining and Compering at Events: Sandy was one of the MC/Comperes and the “Singing Chef” at The Good Food & Wine Show South Africa, flying between Durban, Capetown and Johannesburg to run and MC the Brilliant Baking Theatre. She worked alongside TV stars like Kate Ashworth from Ceebeebies I Can Cook, Paul Hollywood of The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef Australia and South Africa, among others. Working under extreme pressure and to a very tight time schedule, Sandy perfected her ability to entertain the crowds, while keeping staff and Internationally acclaimed Chef’s on time, and happy.

4)      Performing Fantasy Electronica Music, Poetry & Art Collaborations: Sandy connects with artists on the Central Coast, teaming up to create new and inspired performance art sensations. Combining multiple genre’s and showcasing a cross section of young developing artists. Sandy also performs her unusual Electronica DubstepFusion Opera Pop Jazz at events and showcases. www.sandybigara.com www.reverbnation.com/sandybigara

Sandy is a classically trained singer with a reputation for control and focus. With average scores of A+ in singing competitions Sandy brings a level of grace & solid training to each song she performs. Her quirky self-deprecating humour appeals to all ages, gained from her experience as a Master of Ceremonies / Compere of Events, as she shares tidbits of her life story, adventures, and the mayhem that is associated with ‘Us Arty Types’

After 9 years as a Natal Representative for singing, and after touring Europe as Assistant Conductor of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Youth Choir, Sandy enrolled at the Marc Poupard School of Music where she was fully trained as a Bella Canto singer specializing in Aria Antiche, Art Song and Folk Song. She received an award from the Italian Consulate for her efforts in the Aria Category of the Queensburgh Eisteddfod and was the title holder of the Aria Antiche Trophy awarded by the Societa Dante Alighieri in Durban. She was invited as a special guest to a Master Class with Emma Rienzi at UKZN Opera Studio. For a short time she studied under Senior Lecturer, Coleen Philp, of the Opera Studio and Choral Academy at UKZN. Sandy also had the honour of teaching a voice class at the Choral Academy; she has a passion for vocal and musical growth and has performed multiple genres, Jazz, RnB, Hip Hop, Pop, and Gospel...only a select few have heard her Yodel! She is available to perform, with over 300 contemporary and classical hits under her belt, as well as a set of her own compositions for theatre, corporate or restaurant functions.

ARTS: Vocal Coaching Course at The Rhythm Hut TERM 4

It's Student In-take time again!

Our last 8 week Vocal Coaching Course of 2016 starts next MONDAY 17th October in Gosford :)

We have 6 spaces left for term 4's class at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford, taught by Sandy Bigara a fully trained Bel Canto singer, who sings across many styles (including pop, opera, jazz) Sandy has trained vocalists for the touring show of High School Musical (which toured South Africa and Europe), the Phantom / Raoul for Phantom of the Opera - Montecasino.

Sandy has taught music since 1998/1999 and has been a professional performance artist since the age of 14 (1994) www.sandybigara.com

After a major vocal injury, which crushed her airways and vocal folds, Sandy rehabilitated her voice using the Bel Cano techniques, as well as techniques learnt while touring for 9 years with her Provincial/State choir nationally and internationally. Using these techniques, Sandy has helped people find their voice, working on confidence, skill and understanding in each new student. https://www.facebook.com/SingWellVSI/posts/1642538562649628

Anyone is welcome, lessons are kept affordable, price upon request.

To find out more, or to sign up, there is more information available at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1763841717206287/

Dance for the Sky - Sandy Bigara

Lets #Follow4follow -
www.twitter.com/sandybigara

Connect! -
www.facebook.com/sandybigara

Instagram #FollowBack
- www.instagram.com/sandybigaradiva

Buy the Deity Album! -
www.reverbnation.com/sandybigara

Buy the Deity Album! -
https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sandybigara3

Buy Merch and more! -
www.sandybigara.com

And,
http://sandybigara.dizzyjam.com/

Coming in to Land - Sandy Bigara

Abrupt End - Sandy Bigara Divine Album

Lie Awake in Your Arms - Sandy Bigara

THOUGHTS: Extended - The Names of God and Cultural Appropriation

"Budda" as far as my limited knowledge goes, was and is called Budda, the Dalai Lama retains the name in all cultures, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remains the same...

But Mr Jesus is a different story:
The name corresponds to the Greek spelling Iesous, from which, through the Latin Iesus, comes the English spelling Jesus. The Hebrew spelling Yeshua (ישוע) appears in some later books of the Hebrew Bible.

It means "Yahweh [the Lord] is Salvation." The English spelling of Yeshua is "Joshua." However, when translated from Hebrew into the Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, the name Yeshua becomes Iēsous. The English spelling for Iēsous is "Jesus."

Why not just keep his name as it was. My name doesn't change to something else in another language?

"Whoever calls on my name" and people are fervently praying "in the name of" the wrong name.

And as far as the Christian "God" is concerned, the same thing has happened. His name is "I Am" and he also has other names which are now not used. I find that they beautifully explain the attributes of "God" but are lost in return for a bland and generic "God"

Elohim = God -- Creator, Preserver, Keeper of His Covenant

Jehovah = LORD -- holiness (Truth revealer), righteousness, redemption

El-Shaddai = Almighty God -- Our all-sufficient supply, Bestower of power, gifts, blessings, and the one who makes us fruitful

Adonai = Lord - Our Sovereign God, Owner of all.

Jehovah-jireh = The LORD will provide - He will see our needs and meet them.

Jehovah-Rophe = Jehovah Heals - He will heal the bitter waters of this life.

Jehovah-Nissi = Jehovah Our Banner - We are brought together under Him and He brings victory.

*sigh* cultural appropriation to the max, people.

THOUGHTS: Cultural Appropriation and Names

"Budda" as far as my limited knowledge goes, was and is called Budda, the Dalai Lama retains the name in all cultures, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remains the same...

But Mr Jesus is a different story:
The name corresponds to the Greek spelling Iesous, from which, through the Latin Iesus, comes the English spelling Jesus. The Hebrew spelling Yeshua (ישוע) appears in some later books of the Hebrew Bible.

It means "Yahweh [the Lord] is Salvation." The English spelling of Yeshua is "Joshua." However, when translated from Hebrew into the Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, the name Yeshua becomes Iēsous. The English spelling for Iēsous is "Jesus."

Why not just keep his name as it was. My name doesn't change to something else in another language?

"Whoever calls on my name" and people are fervently praying "in the name of" the wrong name.

*sigh* cultural appropriation to the max people.

FASHION: Wearable Mandalas by Jamie Robertson

Ok, so I have found something so pretty and wearable in Gosford! There is no shortage of talented creative folk on the Central Coast NSW, but I have not seen such personal pretty wearable art in a while (other than the phenomenal headwhere designs of Bhenjamin Phraser) 

I have a very talented designer friend called Jamie Robertson, and she showed me one of her Mandalas on Monday night. 

It reminded me of the glass designs that I saw at the MURANO Glass factory while in Venice. 

Heaps of fine detail and lots of pretty colours to suit a few outfits! 

 Jamie is visiting us from the USA and her sweet personality and goodness just flow from these beautiful Mandalas. 

These wearable mandalas are hand-coloured and glazed with a high-gloss resin.  

Each piece is original OOAK and custom pieces are available.  

I love the attention to detail and the colour combinations! 

Custom orders can be made in any colour combinations that you choose. 

These are sure to be a conversation starter! 

Contact Designer Jamie Robertson for further details, or stop by the Rhythm Hut in Gosford to see them in person!

jamierobertson5@gmail.com 

0497087767.

FASHION: Wearable Mandalas by Jamie Robertson

Ok, so I have found something so pretty and wearable in Gosford! 

I have a very talented designer friend called Jamie Robertson, and she showed me one of her Mandalas on Monday night. 

It reminded me of the glass designs that I saw at the MURANO Glass factory while in Venice. 

Heaps of fine detail and lots of pretty colours to suit a few outfits! 

 Jamie is visiting us from the USA and her sweet personality and goodness just flow from these beautiful Mandalas. 

These wearable mandalas are hand-coloured and glazed with a high-gloss resin.  

Each piece is original OOAK and custom pieces are available.  

I love the attention to detail and the colour combinations! 

Custom orders can be made in any colour combinations that you choose. 

These are sure to be a conversation starter! 

Contact Designer Jamie Robertson for further details, or stop by the Rhythm Hut in Gosford to see them in person!

jamierobertson5@gmail.com 

0497087767.

Deity Album

Deity

www.sandybigara.com
Purchase Deity Album for only $9.99

HEALTH: Homeopathy

Arnica is amazing. Homeopathy is also amazing. And before people chirp... I gave birth to two babies, 3.5kg and 3.8kg, first one in 4hrs of active labour and the second in 40minutes. Yes, minutes. Both without any pain relief. And yes, it hurt like a *Samuel L Jackson quote*

The response to these homeopathic remedies given by Cheryl Ann Rowe and Annie Windell were instantaneous, and no, they didn't tell me what they were for when they administered them. My body and mind (yes, my emotions and thoughts) changed positively every time.
I was often unaware of them giving them to me as I was very preoccupied...

People are quick to tease and joke, but I also had a very very ill husband, who had hip reconstruction to the balljoint of his shattered hip, he had a snapped collar bone and a racing heart condition (tachycardia arrhythmia) he woke on the first night home and we realised that the hospital had not given him adequate pain meds. As in, there were none. He had a 20cm scar with metal staples down his leg. His ball joint was filled with nails holding the fragments of bone together.He was in agony. I gave him Traumeel homeopathic medicine and he slept comfortably until morning, and was able to travel to the hospital for collarbone surgery with just the traumeel assisting.

I've seen first hand how arnica breaks up and heals bruises (I bruise like a Natasha Bedingfield song)

I find the part in the article below, where the Arnica trials and benefits were "never published" when will people understand the ugly monster that is the Medical and Pharmaceutical industry?

http://www.homeopathyworks.com/blog/what-if-this-is-quite-a-story/

Shooting Star Music Video feat. Kelsey Bigara

This is a video clip of a #freestyle dance performance given by my then 5 year old, Kelsey, in a dance competition. She was the youngest dancer and stayed true to her free style.



Her idol is Maddie Ziegler and she rehearsed this dance on her own. I stand behind her 100% and say GO GIRL! I hope to see her dance many more times in this lifetime xx



The song is Shooting star, from my Deity album, available at www.sandybigara.com and the song was written for and about Kelsey.

Speed of Light - DEITY ALBUM

Round & Round Deity Album Sandy Bigara

Fatal Cop Shootings Baton Rouge LA

Two Baton Rouge police officers -- ages 41 and 49 -- died, said Police Chief Carl Dabadie. The gunman also killed a 45-year-old sheriff's deputy and critically wounded a 41-year-old deputy who is "fighting for his life," said East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux. Another wounded deputy and police officer have non-life-threatening wounds, law officers said.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/17/us/baton-route-police-shooting/

Sent from OPPO Mail

Star Child

Little Heart - Miscarriage and Child Loss

BAND AID RIP CHALLENGE! Mother/Daughter Mum & Kel

DIARY: Goodbye Time Sucks

Saying goodbye to one of the most influential women in my life. Oozing love from every pore. Teaching my sister and I to express our love and joy from our first days on this earth. You've helped me so much this week. I can never thank you enough for all the little things that you did. I keep finding new areas that you packed - so much care and detail...

Terri Mann my love, words are inadequate - I will miss you as you travel and until we meet again for our spa day (or Bali whichever happens first) the 'missing' won't be any easier.Saying goodbye to one of the most influential women in my life. Oozing love from every pore. Teaching my sister and I to express our love and joy from our first days on this earth. You've helped me so much this week. I can never thank you enough for all the little things that you did. I keep finding new areas that you packed - so much care and detail...

Terri Mann my love, words are inadequate - I will miss you as you travel and until we meet again for our spa day (or Bali whichever happens first) the 'missing' won't be any easier.

DIARY: I Have a New Sewing Machine

My previous sewing machine, that I had for 18 years, sounded like a little steam train. 

A nice whirring chugga chugga that let me know my in-seam was going to be perfect.

This new machine, however, sounds like my Husband Francis when he rode the Wild Mouse rollercoaster at Luna Park in Sydney. That high pitched weak wailing of an emasculated man, riding behind his 5 year old daughter who isn't afraid.

I'm torn between wearing earplugs, or comforting it as I sew.

Also...

After sewing for over 18 years on the same machine... Using my new sewing machine for the first time.
Feeling like this inside.

No idea.
‪
#‎Confidence‬

DIARY: Spider Chronicles - Moving House

13th March 

Omg.
Kelsey starts howling like she's seen Satan.
I flush and run.
There's a huge huntsman spider on her wall.
As big as my hand.
I have no insect repellent.

Armed with a jewel encrusted black suede shoe and my trusty sink cleaner spray... saying "I'm so sorry little friend!" I sprayed it a couple times and then dispatched it to the planet Pandora.

15th March

Well... woke Kelsey up this morning... and the spider from yesterday... his partner was on the ceiling about 20cm from Kelsey's face in the loft bed!!!

Instead of jewel shoeing it like yesterday. I tried Nannarelles suggestion of a broom and a window.

Well.

Shoulda used the shoe, people.

It is now IN the loft bed.
Bigger than my hand.

In the loft bed.

I may as well burn the house and move out now.

People may say that we as a race never "hunted" for our prey like animals ...and were herbivores only etc etc.

But when you are stalking a blerrie spider bigger than your hand, one that literally gallops voetstoets like a horse across the friggin CEILING!...

You realise how much of a Hunter you actually are... you're quiet... stealthy... lethal... hairspray at the ready... predatory... bedazzled... petrified...

HEALTH: Sulphur and Sulphite Sensitivity

On Thursday evening I was exhausted emotionally and physically (understandably) and decided to make my life easier by buying a lovely pasta sauce, some home style meatballs and spaghetti.

Cue 1am in the morning and I wake up shivering violently, moaning and hallucinating and in so much bodily pain I thought I was dying. 

Sulphites, Sulphur 223 to be exact. The one label in 20 that I did not check.
Thanks to my reading over the years we managed to treat it with Magnesium, Epsom salt and Charcoal and by morning I was fine (miraculous considering it used to knock me out for over a week)
Chocolate makes me sore.
Meat hurts my stomach.
Milks and Yogurts and Cheeses make my hair and nails grown strong and fast.
Fermented food smells make me literally gag, and more.

I went to a dinner party and watched with some sadness as people happily enjoyed Balsamic vinegar and other food types that I just can't safely enjoy. Drinking drinks I can never have. So unfair sometimes (let me gripe - I hardly ever do)

Having a sensitive gut, a very sensitive palate (certain food types make me gag and when I read up on the Blood Type Diet they are all in the "not good for you" category) other skin and asthma triggering allergies, IBS and Sulphite allergy (life threatening) it is incredibly hard for me to follow any "diet" whether it be Paleo or Banting etc etc. eating is a sensitive and stressful affair for me. 

Tonight I downloaded "20 healthy Paleo Smoothies"... after reading just 6 of them I sadly closed the document. Half were firmly in the gag reflex zone, and the others contained elements that trigger my sulphite allergy.

*sigh*

Guess I will just have to keep on with my healthy eating, more exercise and no junk - have been very good since October last year. ‪#‎HaveToPushOn‬‪#‎FeelingSad‬

Do any of you have any food issues or allergies?

POLITICS: The Truth About Wealth Distribution in South Africa

Ask yourself. Why does JZ lie? 

Why does the Government of South Africa want the people to be segregated racially and at war with one-another? WHY does the ANC want the black youth and black people to feel less than they are? All his words do is demotivate the youth and cause friction and tension. 

So why? 

To create diversion while Government steals and pillages from the SA money pile? So many questions and not enough answers.

Read the full report HERE.

"Whites account for under 9% of the SA population. As a consequence of history and efforts of world class entrepreneurs, their slice of the economy is around double that. That’s a long way from 93%. But their share is also falling fast as discriminatory laws make whites feel increasingly unwelcome in their homeland, encouraging emigration or the export of capital."

"Take Zuma’s often repeated claim that black South Africans own just 3% of the economy – an intimation that “white capital” still dominates in the area where it matters. As a TimBukOne analysis of the JSE Top 40 shareholder registers revealed, almost half the equity of SA’s biggest companies is held by foreign investors. The JSE’s own research went broader to show of local ownership in these businesses, over half is black owned."

POLITICS: Come on South Africa!

My dear friends back home.
After a year abroad hearing not one news report about South Africa... Mr Zuma and his ANC have forced our country into international headlines and onto international airplay.
And it's not good. 
The list of atrocities that are listed are just everyday occurrences that people have tried to accept graciously.
Stop doing that. 
Sign petitions.
Stand outside and protest.
The world is watching you right now so have your say!
As bad as this report is, you and I know there are loads of other atrocities left out: Farm murders are numbering in the thousands THIS YEAR already.
Rape statistics.
Murders per day etc etc etc
Something has to be done.

"Evil will flourish if good men do nothing"

ARTS DEVELOPMENT: Vocal Coaching Course Starts 15 Feb at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford!

There are only three places left for our Vocal Coaching Course - kicks off Feb 15th 7 - 8pm at The Rhythm Hut - 135 Faunce st Gosford. To book: Contact Amy Hut on (02) 0420682258 

Artistic Director of Sandy Bigara Arts, Gosford / Erina NSW, Australia.

ex - The Bigara Talent Factory CC and Paw Paw Show Company - South Africa

- Piano, Guitar & Vocals, full Sound System provided. 

(Modern and contemporary songs, original, golden oldies, jazz, blues, opera and light classical.)

- Stand-Up Comedy.

(What Kind? Improv Show & Stand Up Guys - I was Executive Producer & Show Host)

- MC of Events. 

(MC - The Good Food & Wine Show, Demo Chef, City View Mall MC)

- Director / Writer of Children's Educational & Theatrical Shows / Road Shows. 

(AACL, ETA & Cooee Roadshows, Animal Tails I & II, Rapunzel & The Princess & The Frog at The Catalina Theatre)

- Educational Work Experience Talks - Schools.

(Women in Business, Women Empowerment, Overcoming Adversity) 

- Motivational Speaker

( I am a Survivor of Woman & Child Abuse)

- Artist/Director Support Photography

(Theatrical during show, Poster art, Portfolio)

- Portable Recording Studio for Indie Artists

(Recording Studio and Support / training for Indie Artists)

- Doll Face-Ups

(Re-design and creation of refurbished OOAK dolls)

DIARY: Parenting

I had to have one of "those talks" with my two girls today in the car, in the driveway, them all clipped in and nowhere to go - after dropping off half of our belongings at Nanna's house (we're staying with family while we look for a house and are returning after a month away house sitting)
You know that talk?
The one where your face screws up like you've eaten a sour-worm, and your voice cracks just a bit (dramatic effect) and you inform your sweet faced children that if they do "that" again (in this case - completely ignoring my repeated requests to come to the car so we could go) just because their precious Nanna is nearby (you know how children always push it when they're in front of friends or family?), they will both have verrrry creative punishment until they start listening to me again. They both nodded solemly and said "Yes mum" - even though I know I'm going to have to be a TyrannosaurMum until they settle back in... #sigh

RANT: Are Your Shows Free?

An email received via my old show company website today: (I posted my full reply after this status)

"Good day

Please advise if you are still doing these road shows and if you have any shows relating to the 'My body" theme? We are a preschool group. Also, are your shows free?

With kind regards,

School-Principal-in-Durban-that-doesn't -like-to-pay-for-anything"


My actual reply email to the School that asked if our Durban road shows were "Free" (I posted the email in the status before this one)
My actor and director friends: your work has value. Your time has value.


"Ok, This.
This is why I no longer do these shows.
I'd like you to please step into the shoes of a rapidly dying industry.

Can you imagine:
As the owner/Director of a show company, I must conceptualise and research this theme, create age appropriate content, write a full length show, write and record music and choreograph action dances, design and create props for educational games, dress design and sew costumes, build props, have sound available - Mic, speakers, amp, lighting, hire paid actors (in 2010 I paid up to R200 for one show to each of the actors for transport costs and the numerous hours of rehearsals it takes for a seamless show) train them up if they need help with kids theatre, rehearse, transport them (petrol), set up for 40 minutes before hand, perform for an hour straight and then reverse order back home... Schools would complain when asked for R800.

I understand that you may think I have funding of some sort? Not sure.
Unfortunately I was told too often upon application, that I was the "wrong colour" (actual words used) and so I have moved on.

I genuinely ask you a kindhearted favour: The next time you have any group of smiling (actually tired, hot and hard working) show teams come through.
Double their pay.
They need it.

Have a good day."

DIARY: You Know Its Hot When...

You Know It's HOT When:

1) The best parking spot is determined by shade, not distance
2) Hot water comes out of both taps
3) You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron
4) The temperature drops below 30C and you feel chilly
5) You know that in December, January, February and March it only takes two fingers to steer a car
6) You discover you can get sun-burnt through your windscreen
7) You develop a fear of metal door handles
8) You break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7am
9) Your biggest bike accident fear is "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the road, getting cooked?"
10) You realise that road tar has a liquid state
11) Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to prevent them from laying hard boiled eggs
12) The trees are whistling for dogs (get it?)
13) While walking back barefoot to your car from any event, you do a tightrope act on the white lines in the car park or run really fast with your feet off the ground more than on it
14) You catch a cold from having the aircon or Addis fan on full blast all night long
15) You realise that the Shops aren't just Shopping Centres - they are temples where we worship Air Conditioning
16) Sticking your head in the freezer and taking deep breaths is considered normal
17) A cup full of ice is considered a great snack, jumbo ice-lollies if you're styling
18) Load Shedding is-life threatening because your aircon and your fans no longer work and you start melting into a sweaty puddle
19) No one cares if you walk around with no shoes on
20) You keep everything in the fridge, including potatoes, bread and some clothing
21) People have enough left over beer cans and drink bottles to make a boat and go fishing
22) The effort of toweling yourself off after a shower and getting dressed means you need another shower right away
23) You will wait patiently until the day it starts raining to go on a run
24) At times you worry your ceiling fan is spinning so fast it will fly off and kill you
25) Your make-up pours down your face in a tidal wave of sweaty glory, before you've finished putting it on
26) Lipstick or Lip-Ice turn into molten lava in the car
27) The backs of your legs get pan-seared like a good steak when you get in the car and sit on the seats
28) You die from heat stroke all day, but as soon as you get home to jump in the pool... tropical thunderstorm - winds - temperature drop - too cold to swim.
29) If you're fair-skinned you only go to the beach to swim well after 5pm... And still get burnt
30) Your cigarette lighter becomes a fire-hazard if you leave it outside or even worse - in the car
31) You go to Johnny's and grab one deadly curry bunny, just to cool off
32) Your glasses steam up when you go outside - after being in an air-conditioned room
33) Housework is something you used to do in August sometime
34) You co-ordinate your outfits - ones that don't show the sweaty patches so much
35) If you don't have aircon in your cabby, you get out looking like you've entered a wet tee-shirt competition... back sweat. The struggle is real.
36) You're laughing because this list is so accurate

(I'll add on any great suggestions to the list that make me laugh haha :) xx

Share if you know what this is like!