Celebrity Deaths

It was only last week that I actually realised, Michael Jackson is no longer here with us; and I cried.

Probably brought on by a build up of a lot of bad things happening around me lately, it still surprised me at how sad I felt. (I'm not normally quite an emotional person - let's just say I much prefer action/thriller movies to girly/drama movies). But I think there are a few reasons why.

Firstly, he played a big part in MY childhood - I followed him in my youth. I guess he sort of shaped moments as I was growing up. I remember sneaking dad's copy of Michael Jackson's Thriller album into my discman and listening to it - the lyrics, the melody - as I fell asleep.

Secondly, is his music. Music in general is so powerful to me. It's so universal and speaks to everyone in so many different ways. He used that power and his talent to reach out to people and share important messages to the world. Some songs to me weren't even about the lyrics sometimes. The melody alone was so powerful, I already knew what it was about by feeling it.

Thirdly, was his heart. He was such a sensitive soul - that was pure with love for the people in this world. It was so genuine too - he truly and whole-heartedly wanted everyone in this world to be better to each other. This was most important about Michael Jackson. He wanted to please everyone around him (and everyone around him was literally the whole world) and I don't think he could really handle the fact that there were some people that hated him. I can totally relate to that feeling.

But it's not just Michael Jackson that has left a hole in this world. Princess Diana and Steve Irwin are just a couple of many others that make me sad knowing they are no longer here to continue their great work in this world (especially Steve Irwin - I am a huge animal lover).

I also felt quite useless. Useless that my life hasn't been about trying to make a difference in the world. What if I die tomorrow? Have a helped someone, changed someone's life? Have a left something good in this world? Will someone remember me? What have I done to make a difference? I felt like it was now my responsibility to fill in these holes in the world! It should be ALL OUR responsibility.

How about you guys? What celeb when they died made you feel really sad and affected you in a strong way? If you had all the money and time in the world what would you do to help?

AWARD

A big thanks to Julie from We've Got Paper who gave me this gorgeous award. It's so nice to know that these appreciation awards are still getting passed around, I always love it when I get one!

So now it's my turn to do the same!

Rules:
*Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
*Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
*Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here are the blogs I've chosen to receive this nice award:

1. A Drawing Journal
2. Annette Quirke
3. Art Fan Ako
4. ArtMind
5. Avlor's Imprints
6. ChinkyMel's Corner
7. Clare's Craftroom
8. DeannaMaree Hearts
9. Elegant Bloggery
10. Grosgrain
11. Lilley Handcrafted Loveliness
12. Mithi's Creative Journey
13. take nothing but polaroids
14. The Candy Shoppe
15. Whimsy

Go check them out now! They're all very special!

Mel xx

Take One Minute

For the past couple of weeks, things have been quite stressful and sad for me, and the people around me. We've gone through some tough moments and will go through more tough moments in time to come. Diseases, sicknesses, hospital trips and tragic accidents have been a few of the things that have happened to good people I know and have affected a lot of loved ones around me. I think everyone out there has gone through some or most of these things, or know those who have.

I've grown to realise and appreciate every minute I am alive on this earth. Every minute you're able to breathe is so precious and I thank God that I am able to wake up tomorrow. And I'm thankful for loved ones around me who are also able to do the same.

I want everyone to do something for me right now. Just take one minute and text message or give a quick call to your partner, mum, dad, sisters, brothers, anyone you love in your life and just tell them you love them. Just spend one minute writing a simple "I love you" text message to those loved people around you. We don't say it enough to each other, and you never know when those people will have their last minute on this earth. Don't have any regrets, don't wait til tomorrow and don't hold any grudges. Time is precious.

Bobo in Neverland

It's been a while since I posted the next paperdoll outfit for Bobo. And since she's absolutely obsessed with the story of Peter Pan, what better outfit than a Peter Pan outfit!

Let's hope she never grows up!

Please note: this is only to be used for personal use and not for commercial use.

4th January 2010

A little while ago I told you guys that I'm designing a diary date page for the 2010 diary project which is run by the fabulous Lucy. Go here if you can't remember what I'm talking about.

Well, the design has finally been finished and here it is! The real one will actually be in black and white but I wanted to show you guys how I designed it in colour! It was so much fun designing this and I'm so excited to see the final completed diary with all the other amazing artists around the world!

The diary won't be printed until sometime in September though so I've got a while to wait!