Ok so this is another one you might have seen before (sorry to disappoint) and I guess it's mostly self-explanatory as well but it's always a popular one so on we go!

This is the first tattoo I got done by Mark (Suicide of the Beatniks) at his shop, Voodoo Tattoo. He's the other artist that's done most of my other work. I guess he can be kinda scary looking and he seems pretty gruff until you get to know him. Really he's just a nice guy, although he can be rough when wiping :P


I got these for my Dad obviously. I've always been a bit of a Daddy's Girl so I thought these rather appropriate. I had heard that the tops of your feet really hurt and whilst they certainly didn't tickle, they weren't nearly as bad as I thought they were going to be. In fact, driving home afterwards actually hurt more!

These are one of my favourite tattoos (it's hard to choose!) not only for their meaning but for the way they look and their position. It's funny watching people walking past trying to see what they say. Even though there are always times when your family bothers you or you don't agree with them, family is so important to me.

Seeing as my parents divorced when I was about 8, my dad missed out on a lot with us as he only got to see us every second weekend. But despite that, he has always been a great dad and a big part of our lives and I'm very grateful for that. He gives great advice, is good at listening to me, loves me and is proud of me. I couldn't really ask for more.

He mightn't love my tattoos, but I sure loved seeing the look on his face when I showed him these!

Did you see it? Or did you miss it? Last week me and my lil ole blog were gettin around. I'm totally pimpin.

I've become a guest blogger at alternative wedding website idotoo. You all know how hopeless I am for a wedding. Total wedding tragic. And they wanted a little injection of rockabilly kool. So I'm signed on to do a guest post once a month. Here's my first post - of course it was about Scottie & Aleisha's country wedding ♥ but stay tuned for next month's post, it's SO cool!

I've also popped up on The Modern Women's Survival Guide, an online beauty and style empire created by Gaynor Alder, vintage glamour enthusiast and Style Expert for Cointreau's Art of the Cocktail Hour. I did a review for Benefit and have been exchanging emails with the lovely Gaynor about some other exciting things in the works which I can't wait to share with you.

I may or may not also have another article or two coming out in some magazines in the not too distant furture ;) Have to keep pretty tight lipped at the moment but as soon as I can let the cat out of the bag, you guys will be the first to know. Promise.

Do you realise that this time in 2 weeks I will be heading to Melbourne for a week? Well I do and I can't wait!! I'm on the countdown if you hadn't already noticed.

This will be the first proper holiday I've had in about 3 years and I really can't wait! There is just so much to look forward to and I plan on chilling out, eating lots, shopping heaps and having an amazing time! I probably wont blog a whole lot while I'm away but I'll sneak in whatever I can whenever I can. Although I'll be trying to keep active on twitter and instagram to give you a glimpse into what I'm up to while I'm down there. No doubt I will have lots to share when I get back too!

But I have some sort of news. Well, it's possible news. Something that might be happening. But I want your opinion on it. A big change for the blog. Would you still love me?

When I first started the blog, I loved my whole 'western' concept. From the blog layout to my tag line and my cheesy shoot em up business cards. But lately I feel like the space is looking a bit drab. It's dark and with the textured background, not the easiest to read. The functionality isn't great and to be honest I just don't feel like it really reflects me or the direction of my blog.

I always try to make this a fun and happy place. I want the look of the blog to reflect that. So I'm considering a total make over. Whole new look. Same old me. Same old content. Same name. Just a completely new look. Something simpler, easier to read, that is cleaner, fresher, funner and more colourful. But I'm scared. To make such a drastic change. It sounds so shallow, so vaccuous but I keep thinking 'what if I change it, and no one likes me?'

So tell me, what do you think of the idea? Would you still love me?

Well due to the Nuffnang Top Gear post, I unfortunately had to reschedule my Tattoo Tuesday post for today, and yes I know it's Thursday but it still starts with T so does that count? Anyway, thanks for being patient!

This is actually a tattoo I've posted about before but I didn't really expand on the story behind the tattoo itself, just the general idea. The story may surprise you a little, maybe not. Maybe you'll think I'm an idiot. That's ok. But I will explain.


This tattoo is meant to serve as a reminder. Of everything. I originally got this tattoo as a Valentines Day thing with an ex-boyfriend of mine. He got the same thing on his chest. The idea was that we were 'Blessed' with each other. (This is the part where you tell me I'm an idiot).

Thing is, and I don't know how he felt about the whole thing, but I went into it feeling this was only part of the meaning. I feel I have been blessed with so much in my life. And I always try to be grateful for it. Thinking about these things is always a great mood improver.

And I am in NO WAY religious. So this has not one single religious connoation. I am simply a spiritual person. And whatever higher power that may or may not exist, I feel has generally been kind to me. And I like to remember that. It keeps me grounded and generally reminds me how good I have it, even though sometimes I can forget.

Now I know what you're thinking. EX boyfriend. As in we are no longer together. Do I regret it? Do I wish I didn't still have it? Does it make me think of him every time I look at it. Not really. I certainly don't regret it. Aside from the fact that its meaning extends beyond the relationship, he was a fantastic guy and a huge part of my life. So no, I don't regret it. We have no bad blood. I'm not in contact with him anymore but I'm totally cool with the tat. It means far more to me than just him, so when I do look at it, it's more of a reminder of great things rather than of him or of the relationship.

And guess what? It's not the only exboyfriend tattoo I have :P Stay tuned!

Sponsored by Nuffnang

Normally all things automotive revolve around hot rods, rat rods and kustoms around here but when Nuffnang gave me the opportunity to road test and write about Top Gear Magazine I thought why not? Afterall, I know some of the gear heads out there who read this blog aren’t ONLY interested in hot rods but enjoy the high performance beasts as well.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how much it would appeal to me given I am more into hot rods and less into the techy and specy side of things. But I went down to my local newsagent and picked up the latest copy to check out. There were a lot of impressive looking sporty cars adorning the pages and plenty of famous names beaming from the headlines but there was one article that really caught my eye. One article that, even if you have no interest in cars at all, would surely offer an interesting and very compelling read. You can check it out on p. 144 of the November issue of Top Gear Australia Magazine and I guarantee you’ll love it. It’s more of a ‘tale’ than an article.


There’s no other way to describe it other than a human interest piece. A good old yarn. An amazing story about a middle aged man with a wife, kids and a mortgage who re-traces his steps across an amazing outback voyage. An adventure he completed on a postie bike some 15 years ago, he now embarked on a life changing pilgrimage from Darwin to Brisbane in an old clapped out red Volvo. Filled with the tales of the people that he meets as well as poignant observations as he examines his own life, the trip is touching and unbelievable and a total riot. Told with a wry sense of humour through wise eyes, the feature is packed with action and emotion. It was a great read and the absolute standout feature of the issue.


It also rather surprised me. To be honest, it wasn’t the type of thing that I expected to find in a ‘men’s magazine’, a car magazine. I have no doubt that even if you have no interest in cars whatsoever or if you were a woman picking up this magazine, you would really enjoy this article. It has universal appeal. And I wondered if this would apply to other car magazine subscriptions. I think it’s important for any magazine. There’s nothing like being pleasantly surprised by something, or finding something your partner enjoys that you can actually begin to enjoy with them.

And it made me start thinking. Christmas is fast approaching and I really haven’t got my list sorted. I’m pretty short on ideas too. But a magazine subscription would make a great Christmas present I think. It’s one of those little indulgences that you find hard to justify spending the money on yourself. You think of all the other things you could be doing with that money. And you end up missing out. My favourite kind of gifts to buy people are the kind that they would love but not buy for themselves. Magazine subscriptions are great for this.

Best of all, Magshop is giving away an amazing prize just for getting your Christmas shopping out of the way? Where do I sign??

Be eligible to win one of 10 fabulous Hawaiian holiday packages valued at over $12,000 each with Magshop’s Christmas competition. Simply subscribe, renew or treat family and friends to any of the 35 participating titles including The Australian Women’s Weekly, Top Gear Australia, Australian House & Garden, Shop Til You Drop, UFC, Money, and many more.

What a weekend, or to be more precise, what a gig!

When Rusty and Pat came to town, the Brisbane crowd turned out in force and were an extremely appreciative crowd. Having so many friends who are musos, I know how important it is for the performers to see, hear and feel the support of the crowd and how much it amps up their show so I was very proud of Brissie rockers for getting behind these boys.

The show was FANTASTIC! They are both such talented musicians and both have their own unique style which rocks solo but also fuses so well together when they become the 'Combo'. I bought the new CD and got Rusty to sign it like a total little fan girl haha


I was having SO much fun that I took about two photos but I'm not really sorry because I got to have a HUGE chat with Rusty. He's such a nice, down-to-earth guy. It was really cool to see how friendly and funny he is. I hadn't really spoken to him much before as the last time he was here (for Greazefest) I was too star struck and kind of just went Err...Derr..Ummm...Hi...Blerr. HAH. Loser.


But a few beers (they didn't have any Sailor Jerry Rum) gave me the courage to actually talk to him properly and I'm glad I did. He's super chilled and really friendly. We talked heaps. And he was telling a couple of people around us that before I wrote a review for them no one really cared about them but once they published what I had said about them on all their sites everyone was super interested. Ya know, because I said. His words. I know he was just being nice and totally stroking my ego, but I'll take it!

I squealed and cheered and danced and clapped and sang along down the front and had an absolute ball! Bonus: he played my two most favourite songs, the one I posted the other day and this one.


And when he was saying goodbye at the end of the night. He totally hugged me! Yep, still a loser :P But I'm really looking forward to seeing him again at Garterbelts & Gasoline next year. This time I won't need beer to go and have a chat, I'll just go say hi and try to be a normal person.

Have you ever met an idol or someone you admire? Were you as lame as me?

I'm getting in early this time because trust me, you don't want to miss THIS!

This blog is filled with the praise of the Rusty Pinto gospel and I'm so excited because I don't have to wait until next year's Garterbelts & Gasoline to see him. That's right, the Rusty Pinto Combo are coming all the way from WA to hit town THIS SATURDAY!! I can't wait! See all the event info here.

In fact, two of the hottest Rockabilly acts in Australia will be guaranteeing this to be a HUGE night! It's east meets west when Rusty Pinto from Perth and Pat Capocci from Sydney, both head to Morningside RSL to rock it out!

As one of the most energetic and entertaining acts in the rockabilly scene, Rusty Pinto established his name with the full-tilt Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio. Now his Rusty Pinto Combo are knockin' 'em dead with their 40s and 50s cat music.

Pat is known for his amazing guitar technique and his song writing ability. His unique style and charisma make for an exciting show, and sees him in demand at festivals across Australia and Europe.

Entry is $20 at the door and kids are also welcome with an adult. The best part is there's a HUGE dancefloor, cheap drinks and delicious, great value bistro meals up until 8.30pm.

This will be a riot of a night filled with amazing music. If you've ever wondered what a Rockbilly gig is like, this is the PERFECT one to get along to. Plus you know, I'll be there...you'll find me down the front swooning if you wanna come and say hi. I'll leave you with this, just to whet your appetite. See y'all there!

It's that time again! So this week we're looking at only my second tattoo but it's a bit of a jump from the wussy little cherries I started out with ;)

Four years on and I still LOVE these tattoos. They're so pretty and the colours Mimsy used and the way she blended them and the shading is just amazing! I get a lot of compliments on them but I even get a lot of compliments off other tattoo artists who are so impressed by the colour and shading. Mimsy is one talented lass!

As this was my first "big" and visible tattoo...I was actually a little nervous about getting it done. But I've never looked back and what I thought was just a little nibble from the tattoo bug turned into full blown fever pitch!

I KNEW I just HAD to have more!!

Product Talk by Nuffnang

I love animals. Anyone that has been around me for longer than a minute will know this. I just can't help myself. I goo and gah over them. I squeal with delight when I see a dog out and about. I just feel this connection to all animals. I also love reading so the opportunity to read Charlotte Wood's new novel was a very welcome one.

Animal People follows a single day in the life of Stephen, an aimless, unhappy and unfulfilled man struggling to know how to make his life better. Set in a big Australian city, the book traces Stephen to his dead-end job at the zoo, his demanding family, his opressive feelings for his girlfriend and the pitiless city itself. The great weight of it all threatens to come crashing down on him. The day will bring untold surprises and disasters, but also the revalation - perhaps too late - that love is not a trap and that only he can free himself.

Firstly, I really enjoyed the concept of a whole book dedicated to a single day in the life of a character and Charlotte Wood's observations are sharp, witty and extremely poignant. The detail, so painstaking, making the ordinariness of things not so ordinairy and revealing so much, not only in her character but within me too. What appears on the surface as simplicity, is a complex yet tender narrative.

The book resonated with me on so many levels and the razor sharp revelations cut through what I thought I already knew about myself. Stephen's challenges and observations are so relatable that his own bare emotions and reflections are a shock to see in yourself also. Animal People draws comparisons between humans and animals, our similarities and what sets us apart. Where in the beginning these differences seem significant and many, slowly begin to emerge as revalations of truth and parallels.

A compelling read, the novel acknowledges common social prejudices and fears and presents them so emotively, so personally, that we are encouraged to not only confront them but to seriously reconsider them and how that can impact our lives. A very moving read, Animal People will get you thinking and ultimately, provide those lightbulb moments that can permanently alter your perspective.

Giveaway

Take the insightful and emotional journey with me! I have an extra copy of the novel to giveaway to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: Are you an animal person? Why/why not? Please make sure you include an email address with your comment or make it visible on your Blogger profile. Winners will be drawn Monday 28th November.

Over the years, The Man has amassed an amazing collection of vintage, retro and 50s furniture, homewares, collectibles and memorabilia. He's always had this knack for finding rare and hard to get pieces that even our other collector friends dream of finding. Somehow these things just find their way into his hands. It made for an extremely fascinating household, with so much to take in, even after all this time I find new things each time I look around. But lately we've gotten to the point of overflowing. There's no more room left to collect anything else. And afterall, the thrill of the chase is certainly half the fun! Plus he's moving...and packing up all that stuff would be a MAMMOTH effort. So he's selling up and shipping out!

This Saturday we'll be up at the crack of dawn to get on down to Gumdale for the 1st Annual Treasurefest. Not only is this event PERFECT timing to get some of your Christmas shopping out of the way, but it's also to raise money for Act for Kids. This will be THE place to get all kinds of model cars, rare vintage speed equipment and accessories, heaps of retro/vintage fashion for guys and gals as well as all kinds of collectibles and memorabilia.


It's ridiculous how much stuff The Man has to sell off!! We'll be taking all the smaller stuff like velvet paintings, anodised canister sets, 50s Sunbeam mixers, tall ships, starburst glassware, 50s portable BBQs, western drink containers, carved wooden figurines, the famous naked lady glasses and HEAPS of kitsch homewares, bar accessories and tiki bars.


We'll also have a catalogue available showing the pieces too big to bring in the car, like the Click Clack lounges in working order and mint condition, the 50s wooden wardrobes, the big Kelvinator fridge and this AMAZING Wilkins & Service twin tub. Ain't she purdy!

So come on down and have a look, there's something to appeal to everyone. Not only 'old' stuff but plenty of new as well as fashion and accessories and even live music from our boy Mitchy Mayhem! Hope to see you there!

If you were keeping an eye out on Facebook last week (and it seems like quite a few of you were) you would have seen my post to Sailor Jerry regarding events in Brisbane. Now if you've been reading this blog for longer than a week then you already know how much I LOVE Sailor Jerry and seeing their facebook page constantly updated with fun stuff around the country, everwhere it seemed except Brisbane, was making me a little jealous. Ok, A LOT jealous.

So I went on over and posted on their page requesting Bris Vegas get some of the awesomeness that is Sailor Jerry going on up here. Ask and you shall receive!

I'm pretty sure they didn't plan a tour in a matter of days, so I can't really take credit for getting it happening up here BUT I'm pretty damn happy all the same. I'm sure they appreciated seeing such a show of support, especially from so many of you who had such kind words to say about me and this lil ol blog o'mine - I know I certainly did!

SO GET EXCITED!! I know I have plenty of readers up and down the east coast and now you'll be able to get along to your very own Sailor Jerry event! I love that they've put it on during the week, an early start for those of us who have to work but a little ray of sunshine during the week to get us through til the weekend.

I can't wait to get along and get my dose of Sailor Jerry and I hope you will too! Stay tuned...I might just have a few more surprises coming your way.

Woo hoo - thanks Sailor Jerry!!

Welcome to the first ever Tattoo Tuesday! I've decided to go in the order I got my tats in as that seems as best way as any. Helps me to keep track anyway!

I got this tattoo when I was 18 but I'd been busting to get it since I was 13. Seems young maybe, but when I was 13 years old I KNEW I wanted this tattoo. I hadn't quite decided where, but I knew I was going to get it. As soon as I was old enough. I love cherries. Anything to do with them. Real cherries, fake cherries, cherry coloured, cherry flavoured, cherry scented, cherry shaped. If it has anything to do with cherries, you can bet I want it.


I booked in with a reputable tattoo parlour in the city and excitedly spent the next few days telling anyone that would listen that I was going to get a tattoo. Finally. When I got there on the day, the guy at the front stared at me with a blank look on his face - apparently they had "no booking" for me. So the half an hour I spent on the phone with the guy a few days before...nothing?

DAMN! Still, I was determined to get it done. And on that day. Afterall, I'd just been telling everyone about it. Didn't want to look like a loser and I'd caught the bus all the way into the city. So after wandering around for about an hour I found a decent and clean looking studio. Busy enough to be trustworthy but not too busy to fit me in. AWESOME.

Small and straightforward, the tattoo would be easy and wouldn't take too long. The artist got himself set up and started tattooing, the pain wasn't as bad as I had expected. In fact, it didn't really hurt at all. More like an irritating gravel rash.

Laying on the table I was eager to see the finished result. Then the owner, a barely tattooed middle aged creep, came over and decided to sleaze on me while I'm laying there getting tattooed. Asking me if I work at hooters. Telling me to let him know if I ever do get a job there. Sure thing douchebag. NOT. Whatever, it added to the overall first tattoo experience I guess.

And then it was done. And I loved it! And it felt sexy. This thing. Etched into my skin. Forever. Hidden beneath folds of clothes...waiting to be discovered.

And there began my addiction...

Saturday night I went to Brisbane’s first ever screening of The Human Centipede 2 Uncut. The midnight screening was part of the Brisbane International Film Festival and had caused much controversy and hype in the lead up. Held at Tribal Theatre (the old Dendy on George St) the foyer was packed and the screening sold out early.

Rated R18+ and having been banned in Britain (even after 38 cuts were made to the movie) this was the second part to one of the most notorious horror franchises in the world. Described as the most extreme film you will ever see, director Tom Six describes it as making the original look like My Little Pony – and he’s not far off.

The first movie was surrounded by a lot of hype and although the concept is extremely twisted, once you get your head around that the movie itself wasn’t particularly graphic or gory. Although I enjoyed it, I was actually surprised that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be.

The Human Centipede 2 puts paid to any of that. The uncut version of the movie is almost an experiment in itself. How far can the filmmakers go? How much will the censors allow? What place does censorship have in society? How much can you handle? Where do you draw the line?

Far more graphic than the first movie and quite intense, THC2 uncut crosses many lines and was quite difficult to watch in some places. Interestingly enough, it was also quite amusing in many parts, purposefully designed to wrench your emotions through a broad and ever-changing spectrum.


Apparently 2 people fainted at the Brisbane screening and movie goers at another film festival were given vomit buckets as they entered the theatre – a number of which came out full by all reports. It’s certainly confronting and very disgusting in places, but there was really only 2 moments in the film where the thought that they had crossed the line entered my mind.

Upon reflection, I reminded myself that this was the uncut version and really, that’s what the movie was about. Pushing boundaries, exploring the darkness of the human psyche and seeing what audiences can handle. It certainly was an experience.

Would I watch it again? Yep. I’m very interested to see the final cut, the movie that will be released for general audiences and mass consumption. I’m very interested to see how much will be censored.

Watch the first movie. If that one doesn’t bother you so much, give number 2 a go. IF YOU DARE.

If you find the first movie unbearable – DON’T watch number 2. YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT.

I figured it's about time for another Garterbelts & Gasoline update, especially seeing some exiting news has just been announced!

The bill for the festival is shaping up to be an all-star line up of music acts from far and wide. With entertainers from all over the country and over seas, performers as close to home as Brisbane and from as far as Germany will be ROCKING the Friday and Saturday nights.

With many more still to be announced, highlights so far include:

Rusty Pinto (WA)

Y'all know how much I LOVE the crazy live shows and smooth vocals of Rusty! Leading the authentic and exciting Rusty Pinto Combo, these guys have emerged from the wild west of Perth and draw influences from 40s and 50s 'cat music', quickly making a name for themselves as a must-see live act.

The Fuelers (ACT)

The big name in char grilled racing tunes, The Fuelers take their name from nitro-fuelled drag cars: dangerous, unstable machines with a few thousand horsepower on tap. The Fuelers, while being called many things, are usually branded country by their city-folk audiences. This pleases them no-end. It means songs about trucks, heartbreak and picking cotton, silly costumes and a complete ban on playing without a hat. These guys are a HOOT! I had so much fun watching them play last year I can't wait to see them again!!


Warren Earl & The Atomic Rockers (VIC)

Delivering lively authentic rockabilly with lashings of boogie and swing, these guys have the dance floorshaking as audiences whoop into a mass of bopping. Conveying a big polished band feel, they cab be described as Buddy Holly and the Crickets meets Royal Crown Revue. The energy and sheer catchiness of their tunes consistently win these guys a room full of appreciators.


Scott Baker (VIC)

Scotty’s honest lyrics and raw vocal style is influenced by the "Sun Records" stable of stars including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Elvis Presley.


Wes Pudsey's Hollywood Hombres (SYD)

All rhythm and all groove, the Hollywood Hombres expertly combine the elements of Swing, Blues and Boogie-Woogie to create the most infectious beat this side of Louis Jordan.Adding a further element to this heady mix is swingin’ chanteuse Miss Pia Andersen, who tempers the Hombres’ Wynonie Harris and T-Bone Walker influence with the hipster stylings of Etta James and Ella Mae Morse.


Rocket to Memphis (WA)

 Led by the hip swingin' siren of the swamps Betty Bombshell, ROCKET TO MEMPHIS have been leaving audiences dishevelled since 2006, with knee-trembling live performances. If you dig the wild sounds of the 50s and 60s, B-movie tales of bad girls and rampaging zombies - stay tuned!

Mars Attacks (GER)

Having backed up SUN Records legends Sonny Burgess and Billy Lee Riley,these guys bring a hot stage show and varied program – mostly made up of self-composed songs (including their famous trumpet songs) and a well-chosen selection of rockabilly classics.  Their energy transforms each live performance into a special encounter – or should I say a special encounter of the third kind...So grab your children, grab your wife, Mars attacks, run for your life!!


 Keep up to date with all the of the festival announcements here or check back regularly with the Garterbelts & Gasoline OFFICIAL SITE.

I'm a little slow on the uptake, but here it is...

Lots of people posted in their underwear. I didn't want to. Not because I'm embarrassed about my body. It would just feel like a betrayal. That probably seems an odd thing to say given there are plenty of pin up shots of me scantily clad in underwear etc. But on here, in this space, it seems too personal, too intimate. So I chose to go with the next best thing, tight shorts and my swimmers - I figure that is just as revealing and unforgiving as underwear. Oh and because my swimmers are so sailor-y I decided to add the hat...basically just because I'm a tool.

I used to hate my body. Now I heart it. I'm very proud of that transition, especially at the age that I am. I think it's sad that so many people do not love their bodies, particularly older people. That's a long time not to love yourself. I think I would wither if nobody loved me for that long. We need to love ourselves, we are the only ones who can sustain us. We will always have us. So get cozy, right?

We've had a bumpy road, my body and I. Physically and figuratively.

I've posted before about how I used to be fat. How I used to be so unhappy. How I didn't like myself. But that's not the only hurdle my body and I have had to jump.

When I was 4 I was attacked by my Auntie's doberman on Boxing Day. It had my face in it's jaws and had to be pried off me by my uncle and two cousins. When I got to the hospital, they didn't want to stitch it because I was so young, so they butterfly clipped it instead. I'm lucky, I only have a few small scars, most of which can't be seen now. Although I have a small scar above my lip and one on my nose that just looks like a big freckle.

When I was 9 I fell off a swing and had a rusty metal pole gouge a huge hole into my left knee. 38 internal and external stitches later, I couldn't walk or sit normally for months. There is still a very nasty looking scar there. I used to hate it. I used to be very self-concious about it. Now it's just a dog ear in the pages of my life, a reminder of the stories that make up me.

When I was 16 I had a tumor in my breast. It was the size of a golf ball and I had to have surgery to have it removed. Luckily it was tested once it was removed and it was at that stage, benign. I have a barely noticeable scar around a section of my nipple. When the scar was still fresh it was quite ugly looking and at that age, it was a huge issue for me. I was very worried about how it looked no matter how much I was assured the scar would fade. Thankfully it has faded and no longer looks like a Franken-boob but as I have gotten older I came to the realisation that anyone lucky enough to get a look at that scar either a) cares for me too much for it to be a problem or b) is too excited to notice ;)

I have my whole life ahead of me. I'm sure my body will carry me through many more scrapes, hardships and triumphs. And I thank it for that. It hasn't been so well of late and this was a timely reminder to remember how much I need to make sure I love and care for my body, not just in an emotional sense but in the most basic physical way.


Thanks to We Heart Life for the powerful, affirming and thought provoking concept of I Heart My Body 2011. Reading all the other stories has been beautiful and inspiring. I think deep down, despite our insecurities, we all love our bodies. I still have my days when I feel fat or unattractive or just down on myself. But I'm proud to say they are few and far between and everyday I can look at myself in the mirror and say 'you know what, I go alright'. We just have to take the time to remember all the good things about them rather than focus on the negatives.

My body is perfect in its imperfections and I love it for that.

Please, take the time to remember to love your body. Do it right now. Tell me what your favourite thing is about your body. I honestly want to know.

SURPRISE! No WoW today! I tricked ya...but this is still an announcement.

I will be taking a break from WoW for a while. As much as I enjoy the exercises, this isn't a literary blog and I'd hate to be boring people with my waffle. Besides, I have another regular feature that I've been wanting to launch on the blog for a while but didn't want to fill my blog up with 'regular features' that could get boring and would see less of my more off the cuff posts. You know, the ones where I inject my zany personality and you guys love me for it? Or something like that...

Anyway, the NEW regular feature is far more exciting and interesting and will feature much more eye candy!! Some of you may already have an inkling (hint hint) of what it is...you may have seen and heard some murmurs of it on Twitter and other such places.

I am super excited to launch...TATTOO TUESDAY!! 

I know...it's Wednesday today...weird right? Well, a little. BUT from next week onwards I will be posting a new picture of one of my tattoos each week. So many of you have asked me questions about them and are eager to see what it is I've actually got where and I've always been a sucker for peer pressure :P

Each picture of each tattoo will be accompanied by the story behind it, as most of mine do. An explanation of who, where, why, etc. Are you excited? I hope so, I sure am! I'm privileged to wear some amazing artist's skill, talent and creative genius on my body and I'm proud to show it off!

I'm thinking of posting in chronological order, you know the order that I actually got my tattoos in. What do you think? Do you like that idea or would you just prefer a bit of a random selection? Let me know and we'll see what we can work out. But get ready, cos each Tuesday you'll be seeing a bunch of brightly coloured eye candy like this.

Ok so...I said I was stepping back, letting myself breathe, trying to relax. And I am I promise. But it's like just putting it out there has lifted some of the weight off me. Like letting out a big sigh. And I rediscovered a song I just LOVE today and I felt like sharing. It's only a short little post so I'm still sticking to my plan. :P Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

I love everything about this song! The video, that lap steel, the guitar and drums, his voice, the lyrics. I just love how it's so full throttle. This song gets me so amped! I can't help but practically head bang to it, it just makes me want to go crazy!! In the good way haha

A big thanks to The Man for putting me on to this one. And seriously, who hasn't been here before?