Showing posts with label optimism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label optimism. Show all posts

Sunday, 14 June 2020

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/







Tuesday, 8 November 2016


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.







Saturday, 10 September 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. 

Tuesday, 6 September 2016

millionaires

Millionaires......

Driving into downtown Vancouver the taxi driver tells us the the properties are worth millions 
Arrived at our hotel, Rosdale on Robson in Vancouver Canada at 8am after a flight of over 13 hours from Brisbane, Australia. Our suite was ready and sooooo comfortable. Shower and nap then off to the Granville Island markets, lunch at Bridges. Whilst searching for moccasins for Matt's mum we founds heaps of cool stuff: Canadian flag hip flask, Vancouver Millionares Cardigan and, fat quarteres for my next log cabin quilt etc, etc. I must say it was an outstanding day! The average person in Vacouver is courteous, friendly and secretly cool. The street people are ever present and humble "hello, can I ask you for 75cents?" The seagulls were monsterous and polite too. 


A vintage sports shop caught our eye at the Granville Island Market, we like retro and original logos, what caught our attention was the Vancouver Millionares Hockey team logo. A team long gone but the V lives on in history and on hats, t shirts, cardigans. The Vancouver Millionares won the Stanley Cup in 1915, in a five game play off the Millionares beat the Senators. The shop paid homage to many champion baseball and ice hockey teams, the sales guy was so fun and friendly.  
What's this got to do  with PD?
Some big personalities in American sports will be at the upcoming World Parkinson Congress, and I hope to interview some of them, champions that are encouraging PWP to live with hope and strength Brian Grant, Maryum May May Ali, Ben  Petrik.
Ordinary PWP who are not sports stars but champions of the people are on my list too and I invite all attending the WPC in Portland 20-23 September to visit the Radioparkies Booth 820 and say hello.
Poutine, fish tacos and wine at the hotel sports bar completed our first day in Canada, what a fabulous day.
So rich in many ways


Thanks DJRobert for filling in for me, here is the latest show. 

https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-rob-on-06-09-2016/

Friday, 5 August 2016

Expect the unexpected


Sometimes, life throws you a curve ball, and what can you do? Depending on what the situation is, and the magnitude of the shock at the time of revelation, was it totally unexpected?

I refer to my diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinsons disease 12-7-2012, for me this was an immense shock. I knew nothing about Parkinsons. Thinking back, the signs were there a long time before the diagnosis.... as long as six years before I had pins hand needles in my left hand, I remember this because I was making craft for a school fete with a wonderful group of women at the time. Too busy to think more of a tiny thing like pins and needles. The next thing was a sore, stiff left shoulder and restricted movement, twas not a big deal just a minor inconvenience. In 2011, I realised my walking was a little different but didn't analyse it too much, the big thing was yet to come. My sister and I went to a play, I cant remember the name of it, the night we went there was a large group of hearing impaired people in the audience and AUSLAN signing. Clapping was not the way to show appreciation, it was both hands being waved in a fast fashion. I tried this, but only my right hand could move, the left wouldn't, I looked at it and willed it to move. Nothing! Very soon after I went to the doctor and asked for a referral to a good physiotherapist and a scan for my shoulder. The scan showed only a minor issue, the Physio put me through strength tests and walking and asked,  "How long have you had a limp?" and said she was pretty sure the problem was either a slight stroke or Parkinsons and I must go back to the GP and get a referral for a Nuerologist. Oh how I cried that night. The GP read the letter from the Physio and got me to walk around a bit, and said "no I don't see it, no not Parkinsons". I insisted on a referral to a Nuerologist. After a wait of three months for an appointment with a Nuerologist, the diagnosis of Idiopathic Young Onset Parkinsons was given, a prescription and the news that if the medication worked it was the only way of confirming diagnosis. No other information, no promised book. So much crying ensued, but not till I got outside the office. The story is similar for many for my friends living with Parkinsons. That's why I talk about it and write about it.
In 1969, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross outlined in her book, "On Death and Dying" the five stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I believe I have come through all that and onto acceptance.

Wednesday Radioparkies show: Whistle Songs Part 2
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-03-08-2016/

Fabulous playlist on Whistle Songs Part 2, why so fabulous? It's the input from my friends that makes such a diverse and fun list. Special guest, 60 year old Mick Bourke from Central Coast, New South Wales. I call him 'strongman' because he can hold a plank for 40 minutes. What's his secret? Amazing core strength and mental fortitude. Do you remember the old Ab Roller or Ab Wheel? Was it was a K-Tel product? Mick has Parkinsons, has done a lot of body rebuilding and is training for a World Record attempt for a Weighted Plank at the upcoming NSW Unity Walk. Below is a link to his fundraising page. Good luck Mick.
https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fparkinsonsnsw.gofundraise.com.au%2Fpage%2FMickBourke&h=VAQG45oQD
Friday Radioparkies show: The N List - Never give up
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-05-08-2016/

Let your voice be heard!! Share your PD story, it really is helpful to hear others perspectives.

Friday, 29 July 2016

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/


Thursday, 7 July 2016

I have a choice



Recently an article has been circulating that is so good, it must be shared. But not all at once! Oh no, it's good to ponder it piece by piece.

I always have a choice - It may not be an easy choice, but I have a choice. I did not choose to have Parkinson's disease, but I can choose how I live with it.

That is a powerful statement, there is truth and honesty.

This week on the radio show, a gentleman called Mark Ereira talked about the happiness of living in a care home and being able to give back by entertaining the residents with karioke and playing the harmonica. Mark played Fly Me to the Moon on the harmonica and sang Mona Lisa which were recorded for the show.
https://www.mixcloud.com/radioparkieswebradio/radioshow-dj-madonna-on-06-07-2016/

During the process of interviewing I have learnt the basics of editing which is sort of fun when the save button has been remembered is clicked on. The 'undo' is my favourite symbol. A new program has been installed because I'm trying to make a catchy jingle for the start of my show. Thanks Mr Tech! Hmmmmm, not managing very well, actually managing to do nothing but crash the program and fall asleep at the computer. If there is anyone out there with some jingle skills.....would love a cool intro to my show. Pretty please.
Actually, why not make it a jingle competition, the winner will have the glory of having the jingle played world wide on Radioparkies, send entries to parkies@live.be

Tuesday, 5 July 2016

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


Monday, 27 June 2016

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




Friday, 24 June 2016

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

Wednesday, 22 June 2016

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. 

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"

Monday, 20 June 2016

The Bright Side of Life

Always look on the bright side of life


The theme is The Bright Side of Life for the music on the DJMadonna Wednesday night show. Live at 20:00hrs  Brisbane  AEST and around the world, check out the Radioparkies schedule (below) for the time in your closest country.

It is beneficial to hear that attitude can really assist your everyday perceptions. Listening to DJAndys recent interview with Tom Isaacs, it really struck home that a positive outlook is a vital part of doing well. In any scenario, attitude is the deciding factor. This is so true! What's the quote about sitting on a cactus?

"Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don't have to sit on it".

The music on the playlist will embrace the bright side of life....What a feeling, Here comes the sun, I feel good, My favourite things...
So it's a really happy playlist, brimfull of optimistic ideals, fun lyrics and upbeat music.

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

And introducing.....drumroll please...The Joke of the Week!
A new segment from funnyman Matt Brady

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Turn on Radioparkies, you can even listen to it during that famous football game. Put the ear phones in and listen live on the link below:

Listen live http://www.radionomy.com/en/radio/radio-parkies/share

Find the broadcast  time where you live using the link to the Radioparkies radio show schedule below:

Radioparkies programme guide http://www.radioparkies.com/radiogidsbrisbane.