Hey all! Wow I haven't written a journal in soo long!

How is everyone doing? What's new? I hope I haven't missed too much. I have been floating around checking my account most days, but the time factor limits me being able to answer all messages/submit etc.. But I've never disappeared.

There's a lot to say here, but I'll try not delve into it too much. I've been swept by a sea of assignments lately (some interesting), and that's kept me from taking as many photographs as I'd like! Also I have been working at a local primary school nearby for teaching experience- I have one more day to go! I'm going to be really sad to say goodbye to the kids I have gotten to know so well for a month. But I will return, not because I have to, but because I really want to see how they've grown over the year...

In the last couple of months, I've been a little numb by everything that has happened... a friend from work who passed away so suddenly (and so very young), and my own darling Nanna. Nanna and I had this incredible bond - that I never knew could exist between a Grandmother and Grandaughter - she had so much love for me, and even though in the end she couldn't put it to words - I could sense it from the look in her eyes, and how she held my hands. I feel very honored to have known such a beautiful person. In the last few years of her life, she grew closer to my family and I. Some of my favorite memories with her... I remember sitting next to her on our couch, looking through an old black and white photography book (of Princess Grace), and watched Nanna's face light up with excitement, pointing and recognizing her..  Times like these, her Alzheimer seemed distant, and she was the Nan I remembered as a child. Only it was I reading the book to her, roles reversed, and I only wanted to cuddle her and protect her.

I am so very grateful I have such precious memories of her. I often think and wish I had of had more time with her, but I have accepted that people can't stay with me forever.. she is still my angel. Nan has inspired me to write and create/publish a book dedicated just to her, which is also part of my literacy (Uni) assignment. I feel that my assignment finally has meaning now (after all the countless words I've written on teaching, this would be my favorite assignment). The writing accompanies a series of photographs from my gallery as well. The story will be about her childhood, as though I am reading it to her, and helping her remember... It's also dedicated to people in general, with Alzheimer's Disease / Dementia etc..  I hope that it might reach or touch the hearts of others (and it will be very suitable for children also).

There's a lot of thoughts swimming in my mind at the moment, which doesn't always make sense, but on certain days others are crystal clear. Today I was reminded of what is truly important in my life, my family, my friends, those who deeply care about me, and never treat me any differently. I've been following Buddhism more so than ever lately - it keeps my mind focused... makes sense of the mess that occasionally happens around me. I realized today that I'm growing a bigger back bone than I thought.. In the past I would stand down, and let things happen, and not question or say anything at all. I'm learning that some situations are best left alone and walked away from. Keeping in mind that I have the love around me to protect me, whenever I need it most...

"In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true."

"How people treat you is their own karma... How you react to it, is yours"

"It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come."

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

I hope you're all doing very well!
If you'd like to keep in touch with me, please feel free to add my tumblr - [link]

Love Sarah

(And thank you ALL for the support you've always shown me!)

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