Christmas spirit - where has it gone?

I have been that person this year, who has been so busy and more-so just a little lazy, therefore I haven't gotten as into Christmas this year (2018) as I most certainly have for other years! I have attempted and sometimes succeeded and also failed to do 'vlogmas' before, but this year I just don't have the time to do it! I do have a Christmas tree up and I have planned presents, even an advent calendar for my household, but when it comes to daily Christmas love, it is severely lacking in spirit, cheer, even Christmas movies!

So to set things straight, who better to get the prompts going than with Zoe Sugg, Britain's YouTuber of Christmas... (I didn't want to say, 'queen,' because Britain already has a great Queen of everything...)

So as with my previous post, I have decided to write about the theme of each day, here on my blog rather than through Instagram. Here are the prompts:

Happy Christmas, because really, Christmas is December, not just one day!

KK

December reflections 2018

Well, my blogging has been in short supply during 2018, but we all have our down times. Seeing as I haven't been writing as much as I'd like to this year, I am going to look back and try to not only understand why but try to make better changes for 2019.

Therefore, rather than using my usual platform on Instagram to post the same prompts I do every year from Susannah Conway, I will post the prompts on my blog and write as much as I can! Praise to Susannah's website and Instagram as she is the only person who makes these beautiful prompts where I can actually relate, stop, think and process.

Generally, these prompts include a photo, so that is what I will do, but I want to put much more than that. Because I am an uncoordinated and slower typer on my phone, I am going to skip Instagram posts and write a proper, nice, long blog post which you will have the choice to read, not more spam for Instagram. (rhyme intended)

So stay tuned for the first few days and maybe you can join me in reflecting on your year!

KK

I'm fine tuning, but I'm still me!

Here is a selfie. I don't do selfie's.

However I do have this selfie because I know that I was incredibly happy in this moment. It's a moment I want to remember. I am genuinely smiling and I just feel great here - it doesn't really matter why.
My point here, is that we go through changes in our life (I mean I took a selfie, when I don't like to) and that doesn't change who we are, it just helps us fine tune our personality.

I have been meditating (I mediate at least twice a day) to a guided meditation, (on the app - Headspace) on change - and this is very ironic, because a lot has changed in my life recently!

Through study, career, relationships, health and the rest of life, change can really help to keep me focused. It doesn't have to be drastic change, but little changes (I have never been a fan of routine) can still make a great impact.

I recently listened to this great podcast, where Ilene - better known as Lavendaire - talks about just that, being true to yourself. Ilene has so much to say about owning your worth and so many other creative lifestyle tips. Her resources are really extraordinary. Links below:

podcast: Lavendaire - Be true to yourself, but don't get attached to any identity

Lavendaire website: www.lavendaire.com

It is just always nice to remember that change doesn't change us - unless we allow it to and I believe that a little change can make me realise who I really am and what I really want!

Enjoy change and do what you can to change!

KK

Be the 'One that got away!'

I'm going to propose something impossible,

- envisage this.

Your partner or your crush, whom you are incredibly enamoured with, you have so many memories, so much in common, you have fun, laugh, feel comfortable with each other and there are endless possibilities. 

Then it ends, before it has begun...

When all is said and done in a relationship, it can be so hard to get back into life and focus on yourself, focus on the future, etc. But in retrospect, if I took it in my stride and just thought that the person who would have been my partner, missed out, I'd be okay with that. No self- pity parties and the usual break-up disasters, (or in a crushing case, wonder about what never happened...) If you turn it around and consider that 'it was never meant to be,' it really can help.

It all takes time of course, but as I have said so many times on this blog, you are the glow, the shine. You are awesome the way you are. You are the gold that makes life worth living, if someone didn't appreciate that, then they didn't get to experience your glow, you, however always will.

If you love yourself, you can love another. After a break up, it feels impossible to recover, be the pure, golden joy that you are and can spread to everyone in your life, but your glow or whatever you wish to call it never goes away, sometimes it becomes hidden when your mind is elsewhere, but when you glow, those who have wronged you miss out - so bring back the glow!

Be the beautiful you that got away, because you never want to escape yourself!

KK

February Reflections 2017

I find that, in the second month of the year, all resolutions have, uh, 'gone to hell,' but people tend to still be hopeful of a great year - the time it takes for the Earth to orbit the sun. I ended up doing quite a lot, in what also happens to be the shortest month of the year... (I am hoping that these facts are known to everyone...)

In anticipation of uni starting, (in early March) I felt that this February was all about 'starting the year off right' and getting inspired!

Here are some of the things I got up to in Feb 2017!

Lululemon and Collective Hub's - Practice to Purpose

On this sunny day, I had breakfast in Melbourne at the smart artz gallery event hosted by my favourite magazine collective hub and the active wear brand, lululemon. The event: From Practice to Purpose showcased innovative speakers with the initiative to focus on vision and goals. My friend, Michelle and I drove to the city early and were served smoothies, smoothie bowls and fruit, salad, coffee and more delicious foods, while listening to the speakers and getting some great motivation to jump into goal setting with a worksheet and an A4 quote - "Ideas alone won't create a life you love, putting them into action will!"

Birthdays!

I celebrated my mum and my beautiful friends birthdays - shout out to mum, Sarah and Andrew!

Devil Cat

The family cat - Mickey, got into a lot of mischief - half killing some birds, lizards and anything he could catch. I had a great time putting animals out of their misery and then keeping this fur ball locked up...

The McClymonts!

I saw The McClymonts live! An amazing country band (that I have worshipped for many years) went on their 'Endless tour' and I was close to the stage, just in euphoria, listening to these energetic girls!

The opener, Demi Louise was just as brilliant and I bought her CD too, one song of which - I relate to a lot Taxi Driver, Here I am with her in the bottom left photo and my mum and I with The McClymonts at the top!

Autographs and smiles all around!

The local show.

It's tradition for my dad and I to go to our local Agricultural show (which is now more of a general carnival) and I went again this year. I spent half the day with my dad and the other half with my friend and her friend, Michelle and Donna. The thing I love about this tradition is the little things, the community atmosphere and the fun! I always go in the morning when the livestock are being showed and graded, because that is just so fascinating to me - especially the cattle! Later in the day I watched all of the local talent perform on the small stage, including my super talented friend - Sunny, with whom I then watched the closing fireworks with! It really was a magical day - with me really focusing on the good stuff!

And that pretty much sums up that amazing month!

KK

Do I impress you?

I think I have said before, 'I am only me when I'm alone...' Well I thought about that, and it can be a strange concept. I always am who I am. Yes, I often change to fit the environment and try to hide things that - for lack of a better word - I am 'embarrassed' by. I obviously don't speak every thought out aloud and I behave differently around different people, but to get to know my true self I often think about my little bubble. As the saying goes:

Do I impress you?

If the world was blind, how many people would you impress?

Would you impress yourself?

I am talking about how one really is, who one wants and believes themselves to be.

I have my up and down days - just like everyone else. I feel very insecure some days and others I feel more confident, (usually it is somewhere in between...) but I think that it is just good to know yourself in a way that no one else would - don't compare yourself to others and when that mindset does start to blind you, I, myself, try to remember why I do the things I do and how much, deep down, I really do care what others think.

So 'do I impress you?' Is actually a rhetorical question. I just want to impress myself.

Let that sink in,

KK

December Reflections

I am doing a monthly challenge for the December of 2016 as I reflect back on not only the year, but my life. This month I plan to really knuckle down and look at the nitty gritty of who I am and who I want to be, so I am taking the advice of the amazing Susannah Conway and using this #Decemberreflections2016 list to achieve this!

I will be posting the reflections on my blog and some on my Instagram in the form of photos, art, writings, videos or other forms.

Here are the first few reflections and their stories:

Day 3 is 'Fave photo of 2016' and boy is this a tough one because I have a few... I live through the memories of photos, so I think I will do a separate post to sum up my favourite photo's because I can't choose!

So stay tuned and maybe take this month to reflect back on your year too!

KK

Don't forget to remember series - respect your elders

There are so many times when we forget to remember the important things, so since this is something I think about a lot, I thought I'd do a little series of posts on the important things to remember, everyday if we can!

So, always respect your elders!

I have always found this so important. And to be utterly truthful, even if the person older than me seems downright dumb.... I am still able to respect that they have lived longer than me - therefore I don't know what they've been through in their life, I never could!

Obviously, this isn't the sole reason for the 'need' to respect your elders.Whether older than a month, a year or a few more years, it really doesn't matter - they deserve respect.

To respect your elders, it is vital to understand respect.
According to Dictionary.com - respect is more complex than it [should be] seems.

respect

[ri-spekt] 

noun

1.

a particular, detail, or point (usually preceded by in):

to differ in some respect.

2.

relation or reference:

inquiries with respect to a route.

3.

esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability:

I have great respect for her judgement.

4.

deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgement:

respect for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag;respect for the elderly.

5.

the condition of being esteemed or honoured:

to be held in respect.

I think definitions 4 and 5 apply best here, (and not just because the example is 'respect for the elderly...) I hate going into the specifics of definitions, but I show them to be clear. Honour your elders, acknowledge your elders and know everyone has a right to be respected.

By respect I don't just mean, look up to someone, trust them, adore them, bow for them, (although you can if you feel that is right...) but I mean respect their opinions, what they have been through and what they are doing. Everyone deserves your respect - but I think I need to point out respect for elders as just being kind and knowing that no one has an excuse, but everyone has an experience. 

Those that are older than us have done so much for who we are today, they went to war, came up with the recipes we eat today, gave birth to your ancestors, etc. - what's not to respect?

Don't forget to remember, your elders might just have gone through things you are or will be going through...

KK

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2016! ~ Part 1

I just got back from experiencing the Tamworth Country Music Festival in NSW, Australia. (Three months ago, yes I started writing this post and stopped...)

My friend and I drove the 16+ hours each way to the beautiful Australian city between Sydney and Brisbane.

Taking the Newell Hwy on our way to Tamworth and staying overnight in the small town of Parkes, our first stop was an experience, not only in driving, but for me an eye opener and reminder of the harsh Australian land.
As I drove along the long Hwy, I allowed the country to put me in awe as I thought about the early settlers and explorers that travelled these flats and hills without air conditioning and music....When I wasn't driving I was still in the moment, something so rare, that I forgot if I was hungry or tired. Time stood still.

When my friend and I stopped in Parkes, we were so exhausted that we just booked into the motel and relaxed, it was too much to explore the town  (though it broke my heart that I was physically incapable.) I did compromise a lot of myself on this trip because I didn't want to be a burden and drag my friend around, but if it was all about me, I'd be up at 6am photographing nature and in bed by 8pm after making the absolute most of the day - but heat, humidity and normal human behaviour doesn't allow others to want to join me in that... Sane or not unfortunately!

Up and at it early the next day, we were dying to get to Tamworth and I was beginning to get wary. (Yes, beginning - after a night of sleep...) I had my coffee and we were off fairly early before the heat hit. After 4+ hours of driving (taking it in turns of course) we reached TAMWORTH! And I instantly had butterflies in my stomach. I had heard the audio book 'Under Southern skies' numerous times on my trips to uni and I was so inspired by the story, but reaching Tamworth - I suddenly felt like I truly could do it!

First up my friend and I ate and got some cold water into us, phew it was hot! I was also busting for the toilet, so I rushed off. The poster to the left (pictured) was in the loo and I got more of those cheeky butterflies! I ran out of the toilet to greet my friend in the car and told her we had to go to this!
We checked into the Caravan Park and got out the tent to set up. After that it was a trip (almost) into town to the Golden Guitar - on the edge of Tamworth. Being the tourists we were, we started to buy souvenirs and postcards, we checked out upcoming gigs and then got into a bit of a state (well I did) because I didn't get a booklet I was supposed to get in the mail (weeks before) so there was the search for the building in the city of Tamworth to retrieve that!

Once we got into  Tamworth, we could understand the hype if we hadn't already! There were buskers and stalls, people of all ages running around and just happiness, everyone we passed smiled or waved - the benefits of a country town! We were absolutely buggered after I got my booklet, so we went to the nearest pub The Impy and quenched our thirst. I was high on air or something because I was bursting with energy while my poor friend suffered a little from the heat, so while she cooled down under the fan spraying gentle water over us, I started to really get into the live music.

The gorgeous singer chelsea basham was and is absolutaly amazing (we are totally instagram friends, ha... haha) and I had to buy her CD and a photo - both of which she signed - eeeeek!

I absolutely love and can relate to her songs: Gold and I learned the hard way.

As I only briefly spoke to her as she signed my merchandise, I could just feel how lovely she was and I knew I was going to be obsessed and had to look her up on Youtube, her website and the Tamworth CMF grapevine - so I did and I adored her persona more and more. Really I was in my own little world, in awe of the passion that the first person I saw at the festival could possibly match, if not certainly outshine my own!

The gorgeous Chelsea Basham. 

Day one: Loot.

We stayed and listened to another artist who sang some old classic country rock songs. I just took it all in and ate my chips and soft drink for dinner with my pal. After food and rest we just made it back to the tent and crashed for the night.

It was an amazing first day at the festival and I was in a state of euphoria.

I hate that I keep forgetting, but I love the country I live in and would live nowhere else. It's strange, but in my strange little world at my house, I keep forgetting what else is out there where my heart really lies.
I grew up with country ballads of the Australian land and animals and I have an indescribable passion for nature that I wonder how I can forget this power deep inside me.

As this blog is dedicated to my passions, I must say that the Tamworth Country Music Festival brought out more than one of my major passions. I have always loved country music, but I had butterflies with the reemergence of my other passions (perhaps also from the fear of forgetting my loves...)

• Writing - specifically lyrics and novels about the land, nature, animals and my FEELINGS! (for a while I had forgotten about those crucial "feelings" until I got butterflies.
• Singing and songwriting
• Weather
• Survival
• Nature, the baron road (but how much really thrives)
• Australian culture/personalities - genuine happiness - perhaps just a country trait...
• camping

KK

New year, new word.

Looking at the year ahead...

So in true 'New Years Resolution Style' I am getting around to doing the post I wanted to do in early Jan... in April, but better late than never!

If I talk in the present tense and look back at the start of the year - wow, my year has sucked so far! I mean it has definitely had its good parts, but overall, it was been a pretty ratty year for me. My mind has been all over the place... bleh.

But I have been thinking about the time I am using ( I would never say that I have wasted the time) and its been pretty hectic, so I have actually accomplished so much this year already, yet no where near what I thought I would have done..

Anyway, enough babbling. Here is the post I have wanted to write:

A fresh start - Unravelling the year ahead. 

This is my second year of doing this workbook of picking a word to live by for the year and it has really motivated me to get things done, this is the website: www.susannahconway.com and there is a lot of info on how to get started, but I have chosen for my word this year to be: SELF. 

Last year my word was Explore and boy did I do that! - I will post a review of all of that at some point...

But I really wanted to focus on Self this year because I am always doing things for others - so far I have failed dramatically at being self - aware, self - confident or any other self- related thing I was aiming for, because I think that a lot of things just fell in a heap and it has been hard to focus on me and easier to do things for others.

Is it okay for me to start fresh now? Well screw it, I'm going to, because every day is just another day and every minute is just a minute, we have to treasure them, but that doesn't mean we can't start fresh whenever we want!

KK

Back to Nature

Oh wow, where have I been? I'm not referring to my geographic location, I'm referring to my head - the head that has been stagnant of ideas and words for a while now, but I have cleared the gunk and hopefully I am on the write (yeah sorry) track again....

Passion - what does that really mean? Well this blog is dedicated to my passion/s and lately I haven't been too passionate, so rather than make promises about posting so much more. I know that going out and literally 'doing' the things that bring out the passion in me. Then I will be more inclined to write about it!

I'm just so sick of living life in a blur and day to day in my house cooped up, in my car waiting or at work wondering! There is so much more to me and my life, so I'm going to share it!

Don't lose sight of your passion,

KK

Happy freakin' new year

And the negativity begins....

I am honestly starting to believe that a new year means nothing in this (Australian, caucasian) society. We "celebrate" for one night by getting drunk and waking up the next morning with supposed resolutions, which seem to change within a week or so and then we complain about EVERYTHING!

I try to keep this blog positive and passionate, but this post is more freakin' pissed off and passionate.

It really got to me, that just about the first week into the new year, a lot of people in my life just started complaining about everything under the sun. Now this can't be everyone right? This can't be human nature, to be so negative all of the time, can it?


Well now it is late February and not much has changed.Since the start of the year I have refused to let a lot of negativity in, for the most part that has been fine, but I also haven't done a whole lot for myself yet either... So who is in the wrong here?

My word of the year is 'Self' - see the post 'my word of the year 2016' and in some respects I have been very slf inclined (in a good way) but not to the extent that I would like to.

*sigh*

Hopefully things get freakin' better,

KK

Wealthy Wednesday: Shim Bu Kai/Shotokan Karate

Today's wealthy wednesday post (Define-your-wealth) is all about my practise in the martial art : karate. I see wealth in the way I feel while doing karate, as I not only have a wealth of knowledge and experience by undertaking karate, but I feel free everytime I practise, I feel capable and to me that is wealth.

I believe I have briefly mentioned my karate before. But I would just like to tell you all how much it means to me and maybe get you inspired to undertake a martial art or self defence.

The Dojo 

I have been training properly in Shim Bu Kai Karate since I was roughly 12 years old and I grew up mucking around with my sensei (4th dan father, yes actual parent...) my dad always taught me self respect and self defence. I always admire his constant ethics when it comes to karate.

I NEVER took to sport, I tried so hard to play and I always did my best at school in sport. I loved the concept of it, but my body couldn't/can't handle it, for reasons I still haven't discussed on my blog, so I turned to what I could do - karate. But I didn't just fall into karate either, dad did push me to the point where I would cry sometimes because my body just wouldn't cooperate. My dad didn't really understand, so he told me to toughen up and, well I did. I was always proactive, so if I set myself to do something I would (and still do.)

Side kick, strike with the side of the foot.

I am now a Shodan (1st Dan black belt) and I teach others what I learn. But it has clearly been a long journey and I never brag about my abilities in karate. That is not the traditional karate way.

Everyone.... And I mean EVERYONE is accepted  in our dojo. My dad has many injuries, including a knee reconstruction and arthritis and I have my own ailments. Other students and teachers alike have imbalances and bad limbs, but there is always self defence to be taught. I take a lot of pride in teaching children who may have autism, special needs, concentration issues and any other, perhaps hard to understand personalities - I hate describing anyone like this as we are all human, but I am trying to be clear and concise.

Anyway I might leave this post here as I am getting very passionate and I do not want to babble on. Below are some moves and bits and pieces that one learns, very quickly in karate and once you start, you realize how empowering but serene this form of exercise can be.

Always bow before starting anything with an opponent.

Middle Strike, first two knuckles forward, thumb ALWAYS on the outside. Aim where the knot on your belt is or your opponents diaphragm.

Middle block and strike,
often practised in classes
 against other students.

A self defence move in which one opponent grabs the wrists of the attacker and uses pressure points to get out of a situation. Size and strength does not matter here.

Middle kick and block,
also very common in general training.
Note the stances. Straight back,
arms by the side for balance,
level head and proper footing.

Chest grab, when an opponent grabs you from the front,
there are several ways to escape and throw your opponent off.

Don't be intimidated, I was by my own father and I persevered, if I can do it ANYONE can!
stay strong, KK

Motivation Monday: Sing!

I haven't spoken about my singing journey,

1. Because it is very new to me, I have only been singing regularly for 3 years (which is nothing in learning to sing)
2. Because this is one area in my life where I honestly do not think I am good enough to say that I am a singer....
3. Because I will not sing in front of you if you ask, I will be stubborn and only sing like a screaming idiot because I am too ashamed to sing properly just in case I stuff up a little...

So I have the most amazing singing coach! My 'teach' as I call her, is lead singer of super talented, The mac project and I am always in awe of her and the band on facebook.com/themacprojectband where she posts videos of her gigs, etc. However, you wouldn't know by looking at these sites, the gorgeous personality behind my teach, who makes me feel totally comfortable (an almost impossible feat) during my weekly sessions with her. We go through ways of getting the body to respond to singing, warm ups and actual singing, eeeek!!! 

So my motivation monday is all about singing, because hey don't we all do it? Don't we all love music of some kind? Music is just in our souls. 

I actually never seriously thought about singing until I went to Uni away from my family and got a little independant, some kids go clubbing, I started singing lessons..... (true story.) I haven't studied singing at uni, just to clarify. It was my hobby, while I did full-time Zoology a two hour drive from my home town. I lived just off campus and went to my lessons at night with a company farther in town at minuetmusicstudios where I did learn a lot, but i went through a few teachers and they slowly became less and less what I needed. Then life happened and I ended up back at home. 

I surprised my mum for Christmas that year by telling her that I was learning to sing. This classically trained woman's jaw just dropped (partly because there was something I hadn't told her "I was keeping secrets now... oooooh....." and partly because I am a shy little flower who would never sing out loud...ever...)

Then my singing drifted off a little because I couldn't find the right coach, (a little like therapy...), I got pretty shy and (ironically) I mentioned to my therapist (yes I did/do therapy) that I missed singing and in a separate session that I "just love theatre, I, grew up watching musicals on video and live theatre that I just...." "Oh I like country music too..." Looking back my therapist probably just shook her head and sighed, but she told me to find a theatre company and JOIN, do goddam theatre... apparently you can... who knew??

So little ol' proactive me, found a company that night and it just so happened that auditions for their upcoming show were... next week. "Go for it!" mum said. I was somewhere between horrified and ecstatic, I was auditioning for a bloody musical, with next to no experience....

But I was loud, (I have no clue what happened there) and this happened... a-beautiful-theatrical-beginning, yes I was cast and in a main (ish) role at that.... boy have I come a log way since then. Some of my best friends are in the company and I cannot believe how lucky I am to know them..... I really want to go off on a tangent here, but that would be... uh off point.

Anyway, I somehow made a decision after the show that I really wanted to pursue musical theatre and country music, I mean I wasn't a baby ( I had written lyrics and muffled a tune to them since i could write and I believed in my songwriting too, but it did seem a bit farfetched, seeing as I was pursuing a career in animal health...) but I did always want to sing and be an actress/songwriter/director, I just assumed I couldn't... I know, doesn't sound like me right?

Whoa, this is deep s**t and I should probably go to sleep since it is 2:17 am, oops,

Sing for you, sing for your soul, even if it isn't through music, sing your song through your passion,

KK

Annie Jnr.

Right now I am sitting in bed with the flu, but I feel like I deserve a good rest because I have just been through another (probably 6 months) of rehearsals and show week! Yes I completed my Second Musical Production with BATS Theater Company!

The three Boylan sisters and Sandy

My love of Annie the musical started with my childhood hours of watching the 1982 film Annie. Then there was the day I'll never forget on my 9th birthday. Mum took me out of school, (yes I got a day off school without protest...whoa!) and I had no clue what we were doing. It's the little things that have always gotten me excited. But it turned out that, mum, my neighbor, her mother and I were going to see ANNIE, IN THE CITY, AT A THEATRE! Wow! (Yes kids, in those days, I lived in the country and the city was a far off magical place!.... Yes Adults, that was only 14 years ago...) I won't crap on too much about this very special day, but it is a big memory for me because I knew that this was the beginning of my love for theater. Little 9 year old me, knew that every light, every person, every instrument, every prop had a purpose and there was just too much to take in!

So getting back to the production I was in ANNIE JNR. Yes, I know I keep repeating myself, but I am in awe of not only the role I played, but the whole experience of being in a musical production, amateur or not is just such a big deal for me! I played Annette the maid ('Silk, no the satin sheets I think') Yes I had a line! But the role I was originally cast in and auditioned for was a Boylan sister! (Omg, my dream.) Which I performed with all my might.

So like my last post from my last show http://kkspassion.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/a-beautiful-theatrical-beginning.html I will now give a review as I am such an expert... not..

'It's a hard knock life!'

The show began with the beautiful, scruffy, young orphans. The extremely talented actress playing Molly began the show with her crying from a nightmare about her parents. When Annie comforted her, the hopeful song of 'Maybe' began and the cast in this scene performed beautifully every single show. Some of the cast were in their first show and who could tell? Such a talented bunch. The orphans Molly, Pepper, Tessie, Kate, July and Duffy started to drift off to sleep when they were woken by Annie trying to sneak out of the orphanage. When the scheming Pepper got up and pushed her right into the arms of Miss Hannigan! - and let me just add... WOW!

'Heya Aggie.' 'Oh Bundles Get outta' here with that laundry!'

Miss Hannigan was the epitome of Miss Hannigan from the 1982 'Annie' film. She was the lipstick, the pearls and the curls of the disgruntled, house mother of an orphanage full of little BRAT's! As Miss Hannigan dealt with Annie and got all of the orphans out of bed, she swayed around stage, a blur of children racing around complaining of a 'hard knock life.'

Then along came Mr. Bundles to woo Miss Hannigan and distract her while Annie became a stowaway in Bundles' laundry cart. Mr. Bundles was the mellow, flirt, happy to chat to anyone and everyone - on and off stage!

On the street, Annie wandered off as Mr. Bundles discreetly let her go into the street where she found her true friend - Sandy.

Annie and Sandy

So Sandy stuck with the talented, feisty, Annie as she was captured by the policeman and taken back to the dreaded orphanage....

However, here is where things took a turn for the... better!

As a proud, 'graceful' secretary-type woman strolled into the orphanage and took a addressed Miss Hannigan (who'd been swooning and uh, dribbling, lipstick stain and all, over the soulful sound of the radio. Grace as her name preceded her to be, asked Miss Hanigan for an orphan, for Oliver Warbucks, the mill... uh billionaire to look after in his home. Cheeky Annie was of course on top of this...

Annie was picked and out of the orphanage again, but in the meantime...

 "Rooster!" cried miss Hannigan as her brother entered, his cocky attitude matching his moustache and sleazy manner. Miss Hannigan's surprise quickly turned to disgust when she remembered her brothers way of always needing a penny or two... Then along came Lily.

A 'broad' from New Jersey... She accompanied Rooster with a perfect harmony of high and low notes in 'Easy street' along with Miss Hannigan. Three actors couldn't have done it better as they marched and whirled across Miss Hannigan's office. Lily may have stolen a few pearls as they did so and Miss Hannigan was left in a daze as Rooster and his girl strolled off to scam some new innocent after just leaving jail....

From back left: Butlers, Cecil, Mrs. Greer, Annette, Drake and Mrs. Pugh
Front: Grace and Annie

Grace, another talented actress had a lovely voice and demeanor as she introduced the mansion staff to Annie - full of awe and amazement in the presence of not only people wanting to please her, but the wondrous mansion.

'Good afternoon sir'

'We think you're gonna like it here.'

After being introduced to the multi-talented mansion staff, Oliver Warbucks made his presence on stage. The actor was absolutely incredible and I am not just saying that, Warbucks was full of talent, could hold the audience captive and project to everyone while still keeping the strict demeanor of his character. 



Mr. Warbucks, a busy man soon ascended back into his work, shortly after meeting Annie. The Mansion servants went back to cleaning as Annie looked around in awe. Grace made the suggestion that they welcome Annie properly...

Mr. Warbucks and Grace decided to treat Annie to the sights of 'NYC,' leading Annie through the hustle of downtown New York City, the mansion and the rest of Annie's journey, always caring, always by her side.

'What's that? you're coming to dinner?'

It didn't take long for Warbucks to make the decision to adopt Annie, so off Grace went to speak with Miss Hannigan.

But to everyone's surprise, when grace arrived back, with a present for Warbucks to give to Annie, Annie didn't want to be adopted. She wanted to find her parents.

Mr. Warbucks attempted all he could to hunt Annie's parents down and even called in favours with a radio show and the President!

Bert Healy of the radio Oxydent hour presented Annie and Mr. Warbucks' dilemma to the world in his own wacky, boisterous way, a great actor with the ability to continue smiling... even when Warbucks' spoke the 'actions' on the script.... clearly not an actor fit for radio.... The lovely, darling, magnificent.... cough*... Boylan sister's looked on, in uh... boredom and sung 'You're never fully dressed without a smile' with Bert very professionally, because well, these girls are professionals, thank-you. But in all seriousness, this scene combined the radio crew with their 'doo, doo, doo, doos' as backup and clearly knew what they were doing, handling papers and expensive equipment all while acting professionally for their radio show.

So Annie had put the word out there to find her parents with great help from Warbucks whom she was getting attached to...

Meanwhile, back at the orphanage, the orphans were still driving Miss. Hannigan crazy, singing along to the Oxydent hour on the radio, mimicking the Boylan sisters, Molly and Tessie Portraying Bert Healy. It was a sight of fun and laughter, happy for Annie and the orphans just having a genuinely good time, until Miss. Hannigan blew her whistle.

She collapsed in her chair as the orphans ran off laughing and took a swig of her drink as Mr. Mudge entered, Mrs. Mudge in tow, disturbing, well I wouldn't call it peace... Miss Hannigan ignored them, distracted. Then they claimed they were Annie's parents. She told them that was impossible. That Annie's parents died in a fire years ago. Then Rooster revealed himself as well as Lily to be the con artists behind the best scam ever to trick Warbucks', get the money they 'deserve' and make their way down 'easy street!'

So the plan was in motion and the memo was sent to Mr. Warbuck's that Annie's parents had been found! Everyone was happy.

Then Grace did some research....

Before Christmas, Mr, Warbucks asked Annie to invite the orphans to the mansion for a little party. "Miss Hannigan too?" Exclaimed Annie. "Of course!" said Warbucks, growing oh so much more attached to the little girl.

Then came the song: 'You won't be an orphan for long.'

Warbucks sung this with such strength and his usual business-like facade faded from a spotlight to darkness as the dismal house staff came onstage, decorating the Christmas tree in a ballet sequence of sadness.

As the maids went to cleaning, Warbucks, Grace and President Roosevelt, along with a policeman entered, informing Annie, on the scam that is Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily...

 Then as the orphans and Miss Hannigan came to the mansion in their finery, the place was filled with joy. Orphans leaped at the tree and opened presents, with help from the maids. Miss Hannigan took in the sights of the mansion and wandered around as the Mudge's came in to claim their 'daughter.'

 Before they could, Warbucks presented them with a cheque stating 'the jig is up!' and as everyone flew into a panic, the police came to arrest the Hannigan's and Lily.

Miss Hannigan plading with Annie

So the 'crooks' were stopped and the household rejoiced, Warbucks told Annie he was going to adopt her and everyone sang 'The sun'll come out tomorrow' as Sandy the dog came onstage, sending the crowd into 'awwws.'

The End!

My second experience with this show was amazing and I really enjoyed every moment of it. I made some great friends and everyone was really lovely.

The backstage crew were amazing and the BATS staff too, Thank you also to the Director and everyone who was there for rehearsals, etc.

I wish I could thank you all personally and to everyone in the audience also.

I also met my new best friend Michelle during this show and I'd love to thank her for being my pal, we have already done so much together and have so much planned for the future!

KK

Michelle and I

The girls backstage

*Disclaimer: Names and photos will not be printed due to unauthorised permission or absence of permission and general privacy. The photo's displayed have been from Mark Symonds photography(c) and have been authorised by cast and parents of those under 18 years of age.