Dig it up

 How does your garden grow?

Growing up in the ’70s in Brisbane, Australia in the backyard we had: a vegetable patch, compost heap, an incinerator and of course, a Hills Hoist.  It was a place to play backyard cricket, do gymnastics  or at least headstands, plant vegetable gardens and grow things like choko vines, Passionfruit, Paw Paws and Bowen Mangoes if you were lucky. My Parents love gardening,  when we were young, Mum  and Dad planted the front garden with annuals and roses, making a beautiful display outside and inside the house bunches of cut flowers were plentiful. Dad was always in the garden, he made a square shaped compost heap which provided organic matter for the  whole garden and  the rewards were plentiful, there was so much Parsley he supplied the local butcher with attractive garnishes for the shopfront. Radish were my favourite, so peppery and crunchy, the corn, lettuce, tomatoes and potatoes, growing well, just walk out to the garden so convenient. Watering was done with a garden hose and sometimes a sprinkler which in the summer, we loved to run through.

During the  perplexing COVID19 shutdown, we found a time to contemplate our surroundings and dream of a different way to live, an imminently more satisfying way to provide for ourselves. Spending time on enhancing our sub tropical garden and more time at home lead to planning a vegetable patch,  to grow our own produce has always been dream.

Wicking beds are water efficient gardening, drought resistant and a sort of upside down method of watering.

The hip height bay in our yard to provides a ledge and seating to tend the garden. This is imperative for me, living with  Parkinson's makes crouching down a difficult manoeuvre. Keeping everything at hand and being organised is vital.

Excited learning about new things.

What will we grow?

https://www.wickingbeds.com.au/video/

Kindness Rocks!

Kindness is doing something and not expecting anything in return. Kindness is respect and helping others without waiting for someone to help one back. It implies kindness no matter what.

It is lovely to be kind and to be the recipient of kindness. Kindness is a special concept ready to help you feel that warm inner glow of goodness and appreciation.

Why are people kind? Is it a soft heart? It could be because the need to feel powerful has gone and is replaced with respect affection and friendliness.

When kindness is present, ego is gone and good riddance. Ego is about self and being preoccupied mostly with the issues that affect oneself.

Being generous with ones time and spirit is a gift for modern times and something to marvel over, initially and then to accept what can be. Much too often in times past it was important to be here, there and everywhere.

A new friend finds joy in painting rocks and giving them, she places the rocks in an obvious public hiding spot or directly to the chosen recipient. The beautiful images that cover the rocks’ smooth surface are sweet and endearing. Just imagine finding a rock with a painting of a baby racoon with flowers on its head. What a gift this woman has to spread joy and happiness!

Recently, a painted rock was mysteriously left in my letterbox, it is decorated with magical swirling red patterns. Now the special gift is nestled in my Fairy Garden at the front corner of our house block. It is a wonderful feeling that someone has been so kind to do this.There are good people doing things that matter are all over the world. A passionate and talented creator of patchwork quilts is on a mission to make and donate to people affected in the tragic and horrific bushfires during the summer in Australia. A friend who is talented with computers, with an ear on the NDIS is helping people who are a little challenged with this field, this intangible gift is most thoughtful and appreciated. Helping others, time freely given and patience all make the world go around.This week is National Volunteers Week in Australia, it's the annual celebration to acknowledge the generous contribution of our nation's volunteers let us take the time to show our gratitude to the many people who choose to work for no pay. Check the website for events. www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Kindness Rocks! It is a thing!

Listen to the radio show live  Wednesday 20 May at 19:00 AEST on www.radioparkies.com 

Like DJ Madonna's Radio Show Facebook page

Lorraine Wilson

Painted by  Lorraine Wilson.

Carol Clupny and Charlie on the Tandem

DJ Madonna's Fairy Garden 

              

The recording of my radio show featuring Carol Clupny, Lorraine Wilson and Andy Butler originally broadcast 20-5-2020, enjoy with abandon.


https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioParkies_au/kindness-rocks-djmadonna-and-guests-on-radioparkiescom-20-5-2020-australia/

What the Dickens! I am back.....

What the Dickens! I am back.....

But for how long you are thinking?! Do enjoy it for what it is. 

It is, what it is.

Down an internet rabbit hole and  happened to stumble across my blog and thought why not crank it up again? 

Let me state to begin with, it still seems weird to say 'my blog' even in my head, it's a little like saying my Maserati or my Gucci handbag. It sounds so ostentatious!  The practice of writing thoughts and ideas helps to make sense of this crazy world we live in.  

How often will I write my blog? 

Perhaps a little more often than recently, which has been sporadic to say the least and piss poor to say it straight.

This July 12th will be 8 years, since I was diagnosed at 46 with Idiopathic Young Onset Parkinson's disease, let me break it down. Idiopathic - no known cause. Young Onset - diagnosed under 50. This will be three years after the cure was supposed to be found.
People said, "It's just around the corner", "it's in the labs now, in 5 years it will be on the market". 
Are drug companies interested in a cure, it seems too much money is made from the 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson's (PLwP).

It is often said to me that the medication is so much better now. This is only uttered by people who have no idea.  The Gold Standard is a 50 year old drug, the more recent medications, agonists, were and still are akin to poison for some people, leading to impulsive behaviour that has wrecked many lives due to gambling, shopping, gaming, sex. 
"Agonists are like your best friend acting nice, but in the bigger picture they have an ulterior motive far more sinister than any benefit that the friendship could ever provide" - the words of someone who has been to hell and back and still climbing out of it.
"For some it works but in my opinion, structured social supports are required that extend way beyond what the medical profession can offer to monitor the participant. These supports need to look for the hidden signals as the participant can very easily deliberately hide the obvious signs. And there is a moral duty of care that isn’t being acknowledged, and those affected are too proud to publicly admit that they fell prey to the fiery forks of the devil disguised. This could never happen to me, I won’t be judged by my friends so I’ll keep it to myself"

The worldwide shortage of all forms of Sinemet has been going on for some time, it will continue to be in short supply until further notice. Sinemet is a widely used Parkinson's medication, marketed by Merck, Sharp & Dohme (Australia) who are keeping doctors informed. The shortage is due to a problem at the manufacturer's level. The patients prescribed this medication are advised to find a substitute. 

This will not be explained away with a nice ending. 

It is what it is. 

https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioParkies_au/djmadonna-australia-radio-show-22-4-2020-radioparkiescom-carol-clupny-dave-morse-whats-your-hobby/

My current work in progress, The Cornflower Quilt it is made in the English Paper Piecing method and designed by Jodi Godfrey.  A long term project perfect for the Covid19 lockdown, getting close to one quarter way there.

_ _ it just got real     Why? Read on                                                    

Parkinson’s is a complex disease, here are some ways  to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Note, the word is managing not reversing, arresting, or stopping.   We live in a big country, even though Australia has a good health care system there are many regional areas without Pd specialists or Pd nurses. Self care is necessary,  in one year, most People living with Parkinson’s spend 1 hour in neurological healthcare and 8,765 hours in self-care. So get into life and learn about how to monitor your Parkinson’s. No one else will be doing it for you. 

Be Master of your own ship.

Some things I have found:

Exercise – Walking with BIG movements, PDWarrior, Dance for Parkinson’s, Pedaling for Parkinson’s.  Exercise is medicine.

Research – being involved in clinical research programs formulates relationships with health professionals whose innovative ideas assist PLwP. 

Activities and fun – hobbies, creative interests, weekly groups, learning opportunities. Art and crafts, painting, woodwork. Mental health is greatly improved with participation in choirs, group projects and being creative.  Music is a definite mood changer; radioparkies.com has opened a world of opportunities.

Meditation and mindfulness – Being present in the moment and focus on the smaller things that sometimes go unnoticed, like the trees outside the window when you are washing up.  Setting aside time to concentrate on what is happening now, the breath. Drawing and colouring, puzzles and gardening.

We need choice

Introducing: Parkinson’s Fighters United Inc.

Bringing Non Contact Boxing and other activities to Brisbane’s Parkinson’s population.

A newly formed Not For Profit Organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Queenslanders living with Parkinson’s Disease through the provision of a targeted non-contact boxing program.

Where did this idea come from?

Back in 2013 I visited the World Parkinson’s Congress in Montreal, having applied for and awarded a travel grant to assist my Poster Presentation in the category of Living well with Parkinson’s. My paper “Accessibility to Parkinson’s Specific Exercise” recognized the shortage of affordable Parkinson’s specific exercise programs and activities available in Brisbane. Being able to get out of the house and wanting to participate only to find that exercise groups are oversubscribed and at inappropriate facilities e.g., hospitals, is a barrier to better health.

On the way home through Dallas I attended a Parkinson’s specific Non Contact boxing class at Fort Worth run by Paulie Ayala, a boxing champ from USA.

In 2016, the 4^th World Parkinson’s Congress in Portland, Rock Steady Boxing Non Contact Boxing was very popular in the Renewal Room. Matt and I were part of a large group of PLwP, supporters, Physios etc. all getting sweaty whilst punching, ducking and weaving. For me it was one of the highlights of the WPC, feeling the Parkie power, seeing the smiles on all the faces and feeling the sense of belonging.

Back in Brisbane with renewed energy and increased verve to make it a reality for people with Parkinson’s here. The barriers that existed to this becoming reality fell in July, resigning from a role that I had no longer any patience for. Making way for positivity and hope. The Team that is making it real is a group of women with Pd; they care about making change happen and want more choice. Striving for better health and providing opportunities for improved outcomes for Queenslanders’ with Parkinson’s.  It is refreshing to hear YES!!

More about Parkinson’s Fighters United Inc. as the group gets into action. The group is an Incorporated Association; a launch party will be happening soon, the PFU Inc logo is being created, a location announcement, public awareness and publicity.

Visit www.riggare.se

In New York it seems like there's no Monday or Saturday or Sunday. The town is always moving. The vibe is great. 

-Thierry Henry

I am sorry if you have not been to New York City, it is a special place and I think there is not anyplace exactly like it.  I love NY.

It is a place where you get out of a cab, look around and you are instantly familiar with the area.... you have seen many movie scenes on the Courthouse steps, admired dozens of sunsets from the Brooklyn Bridge and crammed onto countless rides on the Subway. Millions  have swaggered down the numbered streets both East and West, admiring stylish buildings with doormen and mysterious inhabitants. 

What to do first?! Well there is not much time to recover from an inordinately long flight and there is so much to see, I don't usually limit myself but being a woman with Parkinsons I know how to take it down a cog or two or three and ease into a new environment. The first hour we battled the freeway traffic in a cab from JFK airport to our accommodation near Columbus Circle, that night we dined at the small restaurant next to our very humble hotel. This is where it hits us. New Yorkers are LOUD and after a drink or two they don't mind who hears their opinions, problems, issues and ideals. Fortunately the bar is long and narrow and the louder patrons are towards the front, then a woman who looks like Woody Allen's sister and her companion arrive and so does their quarrel. The two are intensely going over the situation, he is affronted due to waiting two hours for her. We don't hear her response and the ensuing discussion but it escalates and Ms Allen is left alone at the table, the man is outside and agitated. The police quickly arrive and the man is taken away. Apparently he is not on his medication.  This is a surprise to us.  The waitress says this is normal. Wouldn't happen in Australia. 

New York is safe and easy to get acquainted with the streets and subways, everyone is helpful and friendly in a busy noncommittal way. The first morning we meet Andy and Chrissy our radioparkies DJ friends and walk the short distance to the Number 1 attraction in NYC, Central Park. It is majestic, glorious and a magnificent place for the people to enjoy, we hire a row boat for $US15, it's a magical hour on the lake. Seeing the city skyline from the quiet watery perspective akin to a bubble. We see squirrels, dogs, regular park visitors, big groups and small, bubble blowers, hot dog sellers and acrobatic buskers extolling their virtues to the crowd in a non-bashful exhibition of athleticism and fun. 

That night we: Andy, Chrissy, Matt and I take the train to New Jersey to have a meatball party with DJ Laura, and her family, DJ Pete and DJ Jimmy. Our hosts collect us from the station stopping on our way at the famous Del Ponte's Bakery to buy cannoli, the shop is bursting with fancy cakes, cookies and Italian pastries, bread and rolls. We enjoy a wonderful meal, many laughs and drinks, the night goes by so quickly. We fill DJPete's car and are transported back to NYC. It's a wonderful place to be.

Resilience NEVER goes out of style

My favourite cricketer, Australian Mitchell Johnson, is a man of style and character, and has just released  his book 'Resilient'.  Mitchell Johnson's story is one of talent, courage, determination and heart. All those qualities will see us through trials and tribulations, ups and downs, talking about the weirdness of this life helps to make things bearable. He is a former shy guy sharing  stories of inspiring people that have been a part of his life and sporting photos will accompany it. I really never cared for cricket before the Summer of 2013-2014  Ashes series in Australia when Johnson dominated against the English  team. 

Bethany Hamilton is an American professional surfer who survived a 2003 shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off, she has successfully returned to competitive surfing.  Hamilton wrote about the experience in the 2004 autobiography Soul Surfer: A true story of Faith, Family.... the feature film Soul Surfer was released in April 2011.

Nick Vujicic is an Australian motivational speaker born with phocomelia, a rare disorder characterised by the absence of legs and arms, he has overcome his disability to live a rich and fulfilling life.  Becoming a role model for anyone seeking true happiness, the book Life Without Limits, 2010 shares his amazing outlook.

What do these people have in common....  attitude and resilience and a lot of 'positive self talk' too.

radioparkies.com

I'm  DJMadonna  on the worldwide internet radio station for people with Parkinson's

Tonight the theme for my radio show is Americana, go to the above website and listen live at 20:00 

Australia Eastern Standard Time. Each Wednesday a different theme and a talk or an interview with someone with Parkinsons or associated with Pd, tonight my special guest is Roger Halleen, President of the Illinois chapter of APDA. It's the last of my interviews recorded at the recent World Parkinson Congress. 

I have had a break from writing here, if you want to catch some of the other radioshows' please check them out on.

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-03-11-2016/

Never Alone

These two words feel so comfortable and cosy. I read them many times each week, my friend 

DJJimmy was the first one I know to use them. Such a powerful message when struggling with anything but especially when living with a chronic degenerative neurological disease. So what's it like? It's often being unsure, losing confidence, forgetting threads of conversations, stumbling along when everyone else is gliding like swans, feeling like a stiff robot, shaking like it's freezing when it's just a little cool, sweating like its a heatwave when it's just a little warm. It's also having renewed empathy and understanding because the news of diagnosis has knocked you for six. The state of being vulnerable, which has always had negative connotations is now about being authentic and honest. Life is hard and when living with Parkinson's it's often difficult to do ordinary things easily and in a normal amount of time. Bradykinesia is the name given to the slowness of movement that PWP often have. Anhedinia is the name for the apathy that can make everything worthless and who cares anyway. Dystonia is the term for the most terrible muscular spasms you can imagine, the body taking on a contorted, painful and weird life of its own. Dyskinesia is abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement. This is the tip of the iceberg and everyone has different symptoms. 

All the above are the reasons that over 4000 people are registered for the fourth World Parkinson Congress in Portland. Top international health professionals, carers, people living with Parkinson's, and many more are coming together to share hope, news, ideas, and inspiration. Scientists and health professionals want to share with their counterparts. Creative and passionate people will share and we will embrace. But collectively, we are all wanting better treatments and improved outcomes for PLWP. Mostly the people with Pd just want to hang out with the friends they have made on social media support groups, partake in the activities, be inspired by the talented and listen for ways to make life easier for us and our families. The elusive cure will most probably not be announced. But we will enjoy what is now and that in itself is a gift to be cherished. 

Radioparkies will be represented by many DJs and associates in the Exhibitors Hall booth 820, come by and say hello. We love to meet new people and share our love of the radio station and shows that are produced by people with pd. 

The countdown to the World Parkinson Congress is on!

The planning committees have fully prepared an amazing event "Bringing the Parkinson's Community Together" is the goal and with that in mind, advancing science, promoting community and inspiring hope will be the outcomes. The committees are numerous: Steering, Program, Advocates for Parkinson, Fundraising, Local Organizing, Organizations, Communications, WPC 2016 Ambassadors and the various sub committees. The WPC are designed and held every three years, it provides an international forum for learning about and discussing the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices and initiatives related to PD. Bringing the community together in order to advance the worldwide dialogue and ultimately find the cure for this disease. This is from the program for the WPC. 

It makes you want to go? Book those tickets. Not much funds? Plan for next time, perhaps it will be closer to home?

I am going!

Yes indeed. This will be my second WPC, in 2013 it was in Montreal, I submitted an abstract in the Living Well with Parkinsons category of the Poster display and was fortunate to receive a travel grant from the WPC. My three daughters volunteered at the congress. This year I am the beneficiary of a travel grant again, my paper called Webradio station Radioparkies.com entertaining and informing people with Parkinson's will be at the Poster display at Exhibit Hall B Level 1, Poster Board number 40.04, for the duration of the Congress. I will be at the poster 11:30am - 1:30 pm Friday, September 23 to meet delegates and answer questions. The poster area is one of my favourite places. 

The Living with PD Topics: public education or awareness programs; Gov advocacy, campaigns, public policy, Living well with PD, Advancing research via fundraising, trials and  educational campaigns. All abstracts selected for display will be published in the journal supplement and CD.

The scientific topics: Basic Science, Clinical Science and Comprehensive Care cover numerous areas and all abstracts will be published in the journal supplement and CD. Thank you to the generous, wonderful people and organizations that make funds available for travel grants. 

Radioparkies DJ's are going too!

A collection of DJ's will be in the Exhibitors Hall talking about Radioparkies.com, how to use the website, listen to the radioshows, conducting interviews and broadcasting live from the WPC!! 

Meet your favourite DJ's at Booth 820. Who will be there? Laura, Jimmy, Pete, Andy, Dan, Chrissy, David, Madonna, Andre, Tanna, Chris and Matt. Please come and say hi!

Let your voice be heard.....

Thats the motto of Radioparkies. If you are a PWP or in anyway associated with Parkinson's, I want to hear from you, please be a special guest on my weekly radio show. It's important to share your perpectives, interests, passions and ideas. Why? Because you are great! The list of people who have been on my show is the 'who's who' of amazing, you are invited to be a part of it too. Send a message and lets do this.

Fridays show
Special Guest Carol Wood and I talked at the beach, Queen dominated the Q list.
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-26-08-2016/

Superpowers

Wouldn't it be great to be all powerfulI, like the Great Oz in The Wizard of Oz. Not fake powers, like the Great Oz which was only cheap tricks with smoke and mirrors. If superpowers were available what would you use them for....
To predict the future and win the lottery?
Scientific and medical powers to cure the big diseases?
Put an end to hunger and poverty?
Stop wars and settle refugees?
Yes, superpowers ought to make some things possible. The establishment of Parkinsons Specialist Nurses in my home state of Queensland will not need superpowers, what will be necessary is consultation, planning, organisation, training and implementation.
Why are Nuerology nurses needed in Queensland? A few facts: Queensland is BIG!! It's bigger than Texas! There are estimated to be 17,000 people living in Queensland with Parkinsons disease, communities in country areas are underserviced by medical specialists. Some PLWP fly to Brisbane for appointments with Nuerologists and other health specialists.
That's the simple part, next steps......
The conversation was touched on at Parkinsons Qld Inc., In Touch Seminar at Ipswich on Saturday.

Feeling Groovy Again

groovy adjective
Particularly excellent:
divine, fabulous, fantastic, fantastical, glorious, marvelous, sensational, splendid, superb, terrific, wonderful.
The lovely genre of grooviness will be on the playlist again this week on my Radioparkies.com Wednesday night program.

Recordings of last weeks shows

The 'P List"

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-19-08-2016/
Feeling Groovy
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-17-08-2016/

Awakening

There's more than one way to.....

Yesterday, the Board of Parkinsons Queensland Inc, of which I am a member, spent the day developing a practical and achievable strategic plan for PQI in 2016 and beyond.  New and enhanced learnings and understandings about PQI and the big picture were gained. The challenges and opportunities both internal and external were identified and discussed. Our understandings of the strategic planning process and responsibilities for governing Parkinsons Queensland were enhanced.
The day was focused and fun with an agreed direction and destiny for PQI, it's management, its staff and most importantly the people we support being planned.
More on this will be revealed in due course.

On the radio show...

Wednesday night's broadcast encountered all sorts of technical difficulties in the first half hour of the show, thankfully the show finished on a high with the special guest Glenda Rawlinson's talk, Matt Brady's joke of the week segment and 80's Big Band Music. 

Friday mornings show 'The O List' had songs beginning with O or artists names beginning with O!

Songs like: Only the Lonely, O Vertigo, One way or Another, One Love

Artists including: Roy Orbison, One Direction, Of Mice and Men, One Republic

A repeat of Glenda's talk covering all the activities she does in a week, no wonder they call her the 'pocket rocket'!

Fridays show

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-12-08-2016/

A groovy place

FITZ+POTTS
1180 Sandgate Road Nundah

The record room at FITZ + POTTS

On being fabulous

Sometimes I just can't help it, I'm fabulous! Other times I'm just me.....

This week I've been spectacular in a few ways.....I have indeed

- taken brisk morning walks

- organised support group meetings for which I will not be present because I've double booked

- started a paper diary to keep it all together
- produced two fantastic radio shows from my own home
- started my poster for the WPC poster displays
- planned the borders for a quilt
- talked with great people around the world

Not so splendid in some ways, but no need to dwell on that, onward and upward!!

Another thing that really is fantastically wonderful, is having contact with interesting people with great ideas. The world is an amazing place and I am so grateful for all the friendships and inspiring works that people do, whether it be artistic or altruistic or just plain fun. The people that have been on my Radioparkies radio show as special guests are spreading hope to persevere and offering an alternate view on life as they see it.

DJMadonna wants you! 

The motto of Radioparkies web based radio station is "Let Your Voice Be Heard". Radioparkies started over five years ago as a collaboration between Jean Paul De Cremer and George Hanks. Both men living with Parkinson's disease, Jean Paul in Belgium and George in England. Sadly George died a couple of years ago, but the dream to provide entertainment and information continues.  The radio station provides 24 hour music interspersed with DJs from around the world.....Australia, Belgium, England, France, Romania, Germany and USA. 

Guests on my radioshow are people living with Parkinson's, carers, family members, health professionals, PhD students, professors, Nuerologists....a self recorded talk is emailed to me and I play it on the show. It is easy.

I believe everyone has a story, will you share yours?

Send me an email at parkies@live.be put DJMadonna in the subject line, I will send information on the process. All the people who have done a talk for the show have said it's a liberating experience. 

Friday morning  show

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-29-07-2016/

Wednesday night radio show
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-27-07-2016/

Sometimes things don't go as planned

Last week, some of the radio shows on radioparkies.com could not be broadcast as there was something happening that was out of our control. The best efforts were made by our technical team to get the shows out, but to no avail. So what did I do? I had the night off!!

So this week on Wednesday at 8pm Brisbane time,  I will endeavour to produce the Whistling Songs show from last Wednesday.

Whistling Songs - All the songs on the play list have a little or a lot of whistling . The greats of music have put out songs with a little interlude of whistling, sometimes at the start of the song, in the middle or at the end. Fine robust sounds or breathy imperfect sounds, the whistle is an instrument itself. 
I have always loved to whistle, especially whistling along to Billy Joel's song Stranger and Bryan Ferry singing Jealous. But I find my whistle is not as loud as it once was. Is this due to Parkinsons? At the park, I call my dog Indy with a very soft whistle, which she can hear, I'm sure she can, she just wants to keep playing.   

Friday morning DJRobert sat in for me while I went to Melbourne with my Craft Group. Rob had a great show lined up, but alas, there was an issue with that show also. This time I think the gremlins or pokemons were the cause of the problem, but Rob did his best and held his own.

I travelled to Melbourne for the weekend to meet up with an amazing, supportive group of crafters and artists for Christmas in July lunch. Ah what fun!
While in Melbourne, I caught the newly opened exhibit - Making the Australian Quilt, at The National Gallery of Victoria. A beautiful and simple display of intriguing Aussie quilt history, some immense works of art still as vibrant in colour as the year they were made and others made from samples of suits or old clothes. So many stitches, so many stories, one of my favourites was located at a Melbourne market about ten years ago as a cover for merchandise. It is made from a wonderful collection of 1960's dress fabrics. Its maker is unknown. So, don't forget to make a label for your quilts, the next generation will want to know who the clever and industrious sewer was. The label I am embroidering is not finished, I think it needs a little more.....  

Patience is a virtue

There was never a more true statement. 

Finally, a quilt I've been working on sporadically for at least 18 years is finished. It's been an organised event, I collected offcuts from all the projects that ever crossed my cutting board and those were cut to one and three quarter inch slices and kept in a Tupperware slice container. Over the years this was added to until the container was full, then I felt a bit more variety was needed, some different pieces that I wouldn't have chosen. I placed a request on Facebook and received four packets of fabric from around Australia and a special parcel from Israel also. The collection was complete. 

I was working on the oldest Bernina sewing machine, in fact it's older than me. My sister in law Robyn, who sews and sews and knows so much about machines advised a new machine was in order, something with modern conveniences. So I got a Pfaff..... Wow! Into the new age I limped, I'm not as fast as some, but slow and steady.... The quilt is eight rows of eight blocks, it has been quilted professionally, the binding hand sewn and finished on Friday while I listened to my radio shows with my elderly parents. The last thing is a label, more on that another time.

This week on the radio show the special guest, Robert Clarke aka DJRobert, talked about his interests, one of which is building his own car. The process is taking a long time, I won't tell you how long, you'll have to listen to the show if you haven't already. 

The Wednesday playlist is Songs about Birds, so many birds have been captured in song:  I like Birds,Rockin Robin, Bird on a Wire.... 
Friday is the ''L List"

Friday morning radioshow and Wednesday night radioshow

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-14-07-2016/

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-13-7-2016/

Life is full of surprises

Sing a happy song

Show Tunes

Music can take you anywhere and show tunes definitely make me feel happy, except for those annoying ones. Can't think of any annoying show tunes at the moment, my head is full of happy songs and the verve of the music I've been listening to whilst preparing for the Wednesday radio show.

Happy talk....you've got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream......

Oh happy days.....

Fly me to the moon....

If I were a rich man.....

Music therapy
Studies show that people with music in their lives on a regular basis have a more positive frame of mind. It's great to belt out some show tunes and researchers working with elderly residents in a USA care home showed marked improvements of those who sang along with show tunes compared to those who just listened. A recent episode of Compass on ABC Australia TV showed remarkable changes with elderly people involved with music therapy.

Attitude
Science tells us that the attitude of gratitude is a good health choice and being grateful often makes us more optimistic and happy. When you are conscious of your blessings and are grateful for them, you are focussed on the good things and this sends the brain a good message.

Interview  with Mark Ereira, entertainer, book binder and Parkie philosopher.

Let Your Voice be Heard

Turn on Radioparkies listen live at 20:00hrs Brisbane EST Australia http://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/radio-parkies

Look for a Timezone close to you
http://www.radioparkies.com/radiogids.htm

Happy Friday

Happy New Year! With the new year comes new beginnings, another chance to start anew. Have a look at life in a fresh way. Planning a NFY resolution? I am!  Here it is......Get more sleep 

The takeaway message from Linda Rondstadt in the interview below is really vital for everyone and especially for people living with Parkinson's. 

The recording of Friday's show is below. 

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-01-07-2016/

Further to what was mentioned in the interview,  LSVT BIG AND LOUD are treatments that specifically address the freezing symptoms that can occur with speech, walking and other activities of daily living.

There is  free webinar opportunity coming up on Wednesday 13 July 2016, give it a go.

www.lsvtglobal.com

Smaller steps and shuffling walk are classic traits of Parkinson's, it is possible to retrain your walking style. There are videos showing the exercises for LSVT BIG available on YouTube, it's all about big movements: big swinging arms, long steps and striking the heal first when walking. 

A soft voice is also very common with Parkinson's, LSVT LOUD is about speaking loudly and using the voice with intent, projecting the voice and making your voice be heard. 

Next Wednesday on my Radioparkies radio show

Show Tunes! Yes!  Special guest is Mark Ereira, Sydney

Get ready to sing along to your favourite songs from musicals old and new. 

Be transported to another place and time......

Send your requests now to 

parkies@live.be

Let your your voice be heard! 

Keep Moving

Linda Rondstadt and DJ_Pete interview on Radioparkies 

Recording of Wednesday night Radioparkies show 

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-29-06-2016/

Linda and DJ_Pete talked on the phone recently, Linda talks candidly about the early signs and diagnosis of Parkinson's, family history. 

Linda spoke of LSVT therapy being helpful, every morning Linda does the LSVT exercises first thing, diet of low GI food and vegan diet is what works for her. 

DJ_Pete thanked Linda for 'coming out' about having Parkinson's, and it has raised the profile and awareness that anyone can get Parkinson's. 

Music - Linda Rondstadt gems: You're No Good, I'll never Marry with Johhny Cash, Tumbling Dice, Different Drum. 

Country music: Eric Bibb, Neil Young, Maren Morris, Reba McIntire and more

Joke of the week - another fun joke from Matt Brady

News

LSVT Global - free Parkinson's webinar opportunity July 13, 2016

Go to the website www.lsvtglobal.com to register 

Young at Park Support Group meeting 4-7-17 contact Parkinson's Qld

Light of Day Concert Australia 22 & 23 July, Ocean Grove Victoria. 

Go to www.lightofdayaustralia.com for tickets

Thinking back

The simple things, like brushing teeth, washing dishes, sewing and knitting can be much more difficult when affected by Parkinson's. But it is hard to describe, I remember not being able to put things into bags, and typing had become much more difficult and I was relying on my right hand more. I was feeling old and really stiff, my gait was weird, I didn't realise that my left arm wasn't swinging and my foot was dragging a little when I walked.  But what really got me worried was the inability to do jazz hands! My right hand could shake but my left hand would not move. 

More public awareness about Parkinson's will lead to early diagnosis and therapy can begin. 

This week on Radioparkies Linda Rondstadt

It's so easy.......

The one and only Linda Rondstadt is talking to DJ_Pete on Radioparkies on Wednesday 02:00hrs Brisbane AEST. Linda is an American popular music singer who has earned 11 Grammy Awards among many other accolades and inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. She has been a much loved and prolific recording artist, collaborating with many of the world's greatest. Selling more than 100 million records and is one of the world's best-selling artists of all time.

Ms Rondstadt was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012 which tragically, has left her unable to sing. She is happy to share her time and talk about the diagnosis openly, her willingness to talk candidly is a gift to us all. The interview with DJ_Pete was recorded in June 2016.

Parkinson's affects people in so many ways, the top ten symptoms that may or may not be noticeable to others.... in no particular order: tremor, rigidity, constipation, depression, voice issues, chronic pain, cognitive issues, fatigue, foot drag, loss of dexterity.

Wednesday night's radio show with DJMadonna 20:00hrs AEST Brisbane.

The interview - DJ_Pete and Linda Rondstadt

Music - country rock and a couple of Linda Rondstadts best.


You've got to laugh....

Joke of the Week - Matt Brady, will regale us with another funny story.


Apps to search for

Words with friends - online scrabble against people around the world.
Snapchat - popular mobile app that allows you to send videos and pictures that will self destruct after a few seconds of a person viewing them.
Notes - a great place to write things like lists, dates, information, pd diary



Be my guest.....everyone has a story and we want you to tell yours. Send an email to parkies@live.be

Let your voice be heard.    parkies@live.be                          www.radioparkies.com

Alphabet Songs

The I List

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-24-06-2016/

On the playlist, 'I List', songs and artists beginning with I.....I believe I can fly, Imagine, I need you tonight, I still haven't found what I'm looking for.

New segment - Joke of the week as told by Matt Brady

Talk by Janice Rowan, optimist, children's storyteller, parky poet.


Apps to try.

Medicine X Parkinson's explained - information for newly diagnosed

Charity Miles - exercise tracker

Medisafe - medication reminder


Be a guest on my show, everyone has a story to share, it's a great experience. Send an email to parkies@live.be

Let Your Voice Be Heard

www.radioparkies.com

Don't Worry Be Happy

The Bright Side of Life - Don't worry be happy

Recording of Wednesday night Radioparkies show.

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-22-06-2016/

Inspired by the positive people I have around me, the radio show playlist is a happy and uplifting hour of songs. Bobby McFerrin, Katrina and the Waves, Keb Mo, Eric Idle...... 

Talk by Janice Rowan, optimist, children's storybook writer, parky poet. Janice talked about the exciting collaboration with Medicine X, an app for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's. It's free and it's very informative. I wish all people with pd could access this helpful app. 

http://www.parkinsonsxplained.com.au/

Debut new segment, Joke of the Week, told by Matt Brady - Did you hear the one about two giraffes who go to the pub?........

Music can alter your mood and take you to another place, so can meditation, relaxation, yoga and mindfulness. Hope you enjoyed the show. 

If you are playing drinking games the word is "great"