VAMPIRE NOVEL: An African Sky (Chapters 1 - 6)

In 2016 I started forming the story behind An African Sky. I work long hours and don't often have time to write, but I have these 6 chapters and a good solid layout for the rest of the story... Hoping to write some more today. 

Set in turn of the Century Southern Africa and France. This story weaves a magical tapestry between culture groups and generational groups during tumultuous times. An African Sky tells the story of ordinary people having an incredibly extraordinary experience. The story spans from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR 
CHAPTER FIVE 
CHAPTER SIX

Enjoy!

DIARY: A Special Concert That Changed My Day

Today I had an amazing experience. After running drums and choir at Peninsula Village in Umina. I was asked to sing for the elderly folk in the frail care unit at Jack Aldous house by Jason Martin.

I didn't have anything prepared but had some old classical recordings from 2014 that I could sing along too and harmonise with.

There were about 11 or 12 folks waiting around the long table for their lunch, I set up my new Speaker (!) and sang a selection of songs for them: Ave Maria, Ave Verum, Laschia Chio Pianga and O Sole Mio. The acoustics in the room were like being in a cathedral... Beautiful!

I smiled to myself while I walked to my car, because the whole morning I had been feeling insecure and a little bit down. Not sure if I was really adding value to my choristers lives and feeling a little sad and self consciousness. I had tried lightening the mood with funny stories, and hearing my choir giggle made me feel better. My choir sang beautifully too 💕

After I finished singing at Jack Aldous House, the elderly folk were just so sweet and so encouraging, asking when I'd be back. It was like being blessed, I had a lightness of step and easier smile... My heart lifted ♥

POETRY: In Memory of Aiia Maasarwe and Eurydice Dixon

https://youtu.be/ldKK7VJI8fk

"In Memory of Aiia Maasarwe and Eurydice Dixon"

Just a little something inspired by a conversation with Ash Tobin about the recent international discussion about the Murder of Aiia Maasarwe.

Sometimes in the garden,

Sometimes in the snow,

Sometimes in the wood, 

Where the brambles grow.

Sometimes under bushes,

Sometimes on the sand,

Sometimes after romance, 

After holding hands.

Sometimes when sunlight, 

Is dancing though her hair,

Sometimes late at night, too, 

and it isn't fair.

Sometimes it's a friend,

Sometimes it's their dad,

Sometimes it's a stranger,

... Understand?

Sometimes it's planned,

Sometimes it's not,

Who will be next, and, 

How can we stop, it? 

You see, rape and murder 

Doesn't only happen late at night. 

We have to work together 

to find a plan that's just right.

Lifting up those who are broken, 

Those who we see, 

Who are falling down, 

Before they reach, 

That place. 

Raising up boys, and men, 

Girls and women of strength, 

Being neighbours, Being connected. 

Speaking up when we see injustice. 

Stop Rape. 

Stop Murder. 

#stoprape

#stopmurder

#aiiamaasarwe

#eurydicedixon

#JaneDoe

#JohnDoe

DIARY: The Purpose of Life

Written in 2015. Found today for Charlie-Belle... 💗 You've got this, girl.

-----

So today I had a breakthrough.

So often in my lifetime of seeing wasted lives and wasted gifts (my creative, musical and talented Dad) and people crushed by the decisions that they have made. I have asked myself for as long as I can remember: What is our purpose. Why do we wake up every day, sleep every night, make dinner after breakfast after lunch repeat repeat... Why do we raise our children generation after generation through time, why do we grieve only for our loved ones to be forgotten with the passing of time... and today it hit me between the eyes.

We do it for the moments. The 'MOMENTS' - you know them? When you are talking to your children and suddenly notice how beautiful the colour of their eyes is... you see those tiny flecks and spots of colour and amazing detail... when you see the sun setting and you have to stop and really take it in. When you sink into your bed at night. When you meet an elderly stranger over in the veggie aisle and they say kind words, drop a word of wisdom into your lap - leaving you wondering.

Life is about the million moments that we can either notice and appreciate, or gloss over and lose... For me I asked myself, why do I do it? Why do I sing, practice, spend money on sound etc Why do I make things? paint, sew? why? It's all meaningless really. But, when I had my realisation, I can have so many 'moments' during each creative process, celebrate each new step achieved, each new little creation, each new song. I can seek out the moments within each new client or audience, make friends, laugh - connect. It isn't about the destination, it's about the journey. We can be broke, we can be flush, we can be sick and tired and broken inside - but we can make the choice to seek out the moments.

I cried in the car outside a store in West Gosford, I made the choice today, to take each moment. Draw the essence out of each moment. Will you join me?

DIARY: Australia Day and a Certain Facebook Post

Terrigal below the Skillion, credit: Rhys Pope 

It's interesting to note, I posted a status in support of the Aboriginal people of Australia on Facebook this week.

The jpeg text with aboriginal flag, and the hashtag #invasionday, mentioned asking white people to not apologise for past wrongs, but to please step in to dismantle any systems of oppression that still exist today.

It means identifying them, and making effort to make changes that bring about equality, in your industry, in your town, in your neighbourhood, in your schools. Being a whistle-blower and supporter of the minority in Australia. End of story. They are the minority. And yes, they are very special and precious people.

I am only 4 years into my journey of understanding. And I will spend the rest of my life sitting around fires, dinner tables... Listening and learning and supporting as best I can in my industry and my everyday life. Speaking out when I see injustice.

It's interesting to note that the only comments were from 3 white cisgendered males. One was genuinely asking "how can I do this thing you speak of?"
The other two were negative. Missing the point of the post completely. Not recognising the flag, nor the meaning of the hashtag. (what are the chances that they've read of Captain Cook, of the multiple horrific massacres of Aboriginals, or the proposed heritage ship set to circumnavigate Australia? (instead of funding dementia studies perhaps?) Do they know of Flinders? Or his cat? Or of Bungaree who was the first Aboriginal man to circumnavigate Australia as Flinders' aide - but isn't mentioned, or honoured with statues even though Flinders' cat is...) They were demanding and asking for exhaustive lists "of these so called systems of oppression" from me, and "evidence of how you are helping to dismantle these systems"...

White males. Why?

One was Australian. He asked how he could do what I asked. He teetered along the edge of appropriate. The other was from South Africa with zero experience in the Aboriginal struggle. Someone who has literally lived his life benefiting from his skin tone. And the other was American and also in no way involved, but demanding that he be recognised as having NOT benefited from his race.

White males. Why?

I don't care if my opinion offends people. I stand with Aboriginal people, always will. I always stand with the underdog. My father and mother and grandmother showed me that I could love and respect people of colour even while apartheid was raging around us. They all did things that put them in the red zone. They were kind and fair, and an example to me of how to treat those who are the minority, or who are less fortunate, or who are oppressed.

I lived through apartheid. I saw it with my own eyes. I loved people that I was not "allowed" to love. I was separated from friends, and even a possible boyfriend because he was not white, I had a mother who breastfed me but was *not* my mother, and when she died I was not invited to her funeral because I was the interloper...

I also have lived the other side of the coin. Being the minority. Being disrespected and disliked by the majority in my home country. I know how it feels to seem insignificant. I know what it is like to walk through the streets in town and have people intimidate and threaten you, to feel so unsafe (I can't speak for all of my fellow white South Africans, only from my own personal experiences)

White males. Why?

It's not too much to ask. IF you see and recognise a system of oppression in your town, in your school, in your neighbourhood, do something about it. Promote inclusion, promote understanding, promote sensitivity, promote unity, promote fairness. IF you do NOT see and recognise a system of oppression in your town, in your school, in your neighbourhood, then ask yourself why. Open your eyes.

StarViking Challenge: Your Voice

SOUTH AFRICA: Two Local Fine Artists from Bloemfontein Exhibiting in New York City

OIL ON CANVAS "My Mother Was a Kitchen Girl" R2,300 Framed 45x67cm 

Mfundo Joseph and Vuyisile Adoons two fine artists from Bloemfontein, have been selected to participate in an art exhibition curated by Smruti Sirsat titled: "Painting the American Dream" at the Dacia Gallery in New York City which will run for a month starting on August 1st 2018.

Smruti Sirsat an Arts Curator and Gallerist from New York connected with Mfundo via facebook. When the opportunity came up to invite Mfundo to New York to exhibit his works, the response was an immediate yes.

OIL ON CANVAS "Push Skorokoro" Price on request 72x50cm Unframed

Mfundo then asked Smruti to view the works of his friend Vuyisile Adoons, another promising artist from the area and Smruti invited him to exhibit at the showcase as well.

Vuyisile Adoons at work

The problem before them was a simple one: finance to travel to New York for the exhibition. Fortunately Maggy Sotyu, Deputy Minister Of Arts stepped in to assist and has helped to make their dream a reality - helping with funding their trip. In thanks Vuyisile painted a striking portrait of Maggy Sotyu which will hang in pride of place.

Mme Maggy Sotyu

This is a prestigious event and a wonderful opportunity for our local artists. Various other participants flying to New York City for this grand exhibition, namely Abdelaali Charir from Morocco, Deepak Gupta and Varun Goud from India, Sana Nezam from Pakistan, Dr Anchal Agarwal, Rekha Kakkar, Nitin Khilare, Tejaswini Goud from India and others. As Smruti said, both Mfundo Joseph and Vuyisile Adoons have a bright future ahead of them as they have the key elements required to succeed, and that is: unceasing hard work, determination, strong will and talent.

(L) Mfundo Joseph and (R) Vuyisile Adoons

PR by Sandy Bigara Arts & Entertainment Australia.

Mfundo Joseph is available for telephonic interview: 0609175278

or via email Mfundo Mbali Joseph jmfundombali@yahoo.com
Mfundo’s facebook page: www.facebook.com/mfundombali.joseph

Vuyisile Adoons facebook: www.facebook.com/vuyisile.adoons.5

NEWS: Ohana Live Music Event and EP Fundraiser in Long Jetty

Go to the Event Page

There is a fantastic fundraiser coming up on Sunday July 22nd at the Riff Cafe at Long Jetty, it's to raise funds for Adam Matthew Johnson and Lea Johnson's OHANA E.P. "Brand New Day" which they will be recording with Graham "Buzz" Bidstrup, the original drummer of The Angels, who also drummed with GanGGajang, The Party Boys and Australian Crawl.

Lea and Matthew Johnson are OHANA

Ohana are one of the Central Coasts leading Ukulele acts bringing traditional Ukulele standards and different takes on modern songs. They have toured Hawaii, New Zealand and played to capacity crowds in The Blue Mountains, Wollongong and around NSW pubs and clubs. Their first song "Brand New Day" was inspired by their friend Carly Casper who lost her battle with breast cancer in November last year.

Conor Smith

Carly's motto was "No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up." This mantra forms the base of their song, with a percentage of proceeds going to a cancer charity on the Central Coast.

Ruby Shay

You can have a listen to Adam here, and Ohana here. They are supported on the day by newcomer Conor Smith who sings soulfully with skillful guitar playing, The amazing band "Corduroy" and the extremely talented Ruby Shay who recently had a hit song collaboration with Ray Ramon you can have a listen to it here.

VIKING: A Strange Message on the Train (part 4 of 4)

If you haven't read parts 1 HERE, part 2 HERE, part 3 HERE then get going, I will wait for you! It's important! Scoot!

The StarViking

Alright, hopefully you're back from your catch up!

So one night, we were all travelling back from Sydney on the train, We were dressed normally, my youngest daughter was chatting with her father, my oldest was reading a book and I was just sitting in the aisle seat making lovey dove eyes at my handsome Husband.

Across from us, about three seats down, was a gentleman dressed smart casually. He had a laptop bag, and he had a lanyard around his neck that had a Gosford Library card attached to it, along with another type of work entry card. He kept looking at me and then looking away as if he was embarrassed. He looked decent, clean and regular.

When we were nearing Woy Woy, about 15 minutes from our destination, he started to shift and act like he was going to get up and come to us. He did.

He sat in the seat opposite us and in a shy and embarrassed way he introduced himself. Then he said something that blew me away.

He said, "I am so embarrassed, and I have never done this before. Please forgive me. But I have to give you a message and I don't know why!"

So I looked at him kindly and said, "You won't be the first, so go ahead, I'm listening"

And he said almost incredulously, "I have to tell you that you are a star. Not like a famous person, like, an actual star. I sound crazy."

So I smiled and said, "No, you're correct in a way. I am the StarViking and I sing intergalactic music." *totes normal response!!!*

The look on his face!! 😄

Then he looked at my oldest daughter and said, "She is a StarChild. I don't even know what that means."

So I said, "Yes, that is her other name. She is called STARCHILD. I have even written a song about her. She is a very special child, and she was supposed to be stillborn/miscarried or born with multiple life altering defects, she is a miracle."

His face!! 😃😆

Then he said, "And your other child is another kind of star, she goes really fast... what does that mean?"

So I replied, "Yes. Her name is SHOOTINGSTAR and I have written a song about her too. They are both very special girls"

He looked at Francis, and Francis just smiled gently, in his way, like this was a totally normal conversation to have on a train 😂 I handed him my card, and we then arrived at our station and left.

How bizarre!!

Thanks for joining me on my 4 part ramble.

Love you all and thanks for almost 250,000 views!!

VIKING: Communication From Beyond? (part 3 of 4)

Alright, so hopefully you've already read part 1 HERE and part 2 HERE - it's important so scoot! I'll wait here for you to come back before I tell the story... (part 4 is linked at the end!)

www.sandybigara.com

This is the year of the third album in my trilogy: DEITY: DIVINE & NATURE and I started paying around with cover designs. Please note, I have only recently learned about my Scandinavian, Viking and Norman heritage, so I'm slowly learning about my cultural roots as I can. One thing I haven't learned much about it the spiritual aspect of the Viking culture. I know of Bifröst, and I know that there is a place after death that Odin resides in, I haven't looked into them much beyond the correct spelling of the words, while finding out as much other information as I could.

I started to look for inspiration for the cover of the album, which tells the story of life in a new world after intergalactic travel. When looking online I kept coming back to this image and decided that I wanted the sphere to play a part in the album cover. It made me think of a new environment, a new sphere of life. 

I then cut the sphere out and started playing around with idea's. Below you will see what I have recently put together, this is not the final album cover, it will change 100 times!

Last night (24th June 2018) I couldn't sleep. I was suddenly prompted to look up Asgard! So I finally googled it and went straight to Images. And I lay there with my mouth wide open in shock. Here is the Sphere I chose: 

The images used to describe Asgard look SO MUCH like the sphere I had chosen! Let me re-iterate - I had NO PREVIOUS IDEA OF HOW ASGARD LOOKS. 

And so the journey continues... I wonder how many other cool occurrences will happen? You'll have to read part 4 HERE to find out what happened last year on a train from Sydney...