Thursday's Thoughts

Today’s Thursday Thought is of the families affected by the fires in Victoria. I’ve watched the news night after night and I can’t help but admire the courage these people have after all they have been through. I am so proud to be an Australian at the moment. Well more than normal, and I’m always proud that I’m Australian. But to watch the donation pour in for the relief fund, to watch some of our best actors, musicians and sports stars take the time to go into these communities or man the phones for the telethon tonight and the fact that so much has been raised. All I can say is “Well done Australia”.

This is going to be a long and hard road to recovery for many people and communities, let’s not forget them in the months ahead.

Donations can be made by phoning 1800 811 700 or go to the website http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm and click on the Donate Now button.

Sandie

Monday Madness ~ Happy Australia Day

Happy Australia Day everyone. Yes, it's a day for us all to be proud of who we are, Australians. It is a day to celebrate the founding of this great country we call home. It is also a day to stop and think about those men and women who have fought and are still fighting to keep our shores safe. To thank them for all that they do and that they have done.

And it is also a day to remember those that were here before us, those whose land we now walk and whose lives were changed and not by their choosing. Lastly it is a day to pray, that one day we will all be able to live together in harmony, respect each others beliefs and accept each others way of life.

Okay I am now standing down off my soap box. Have a great day.

Sandie

Australia the Movie

Review on ‘AUSTRALIA’

Hubby and I went to see Australia last week and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it, from start to finish. My emotions ran from laughter to tears, joy to sadness, it had it all. Personally, I thought Buz Luhrmann did a fantastic job with the film not that I should be surprised. Buz has a unique gift when directing films.

Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Lady Sarah Ashley was wonderful. I was in fits of laughter with the scene where she meets The Drover for the first time. Now I freely admit I’m a big Nicole fan, I have been since I saw her in ‘Malice’ (which by the way she was brilliant in). But back to ‘Australia’, I loved watching how Lady Sarah changed as she adapted to her new surroundings and the people in her life. One of my favourite scenes was when she tried to sign ‘Over the Rainbow’ to Nullah, cracked me up, LOL.

As for Hugh Jackman, well what can I say put ‘Oh, my God what a body.’ Okay that is a very sexist remark, (sorry Hugh). In truth, Hugh pulled the role of The Drover off so well, (I really don’t think Russell Crowe would have had the same appeal). Hugh is all we as romance writers want in a hero. Is it little wonder he is used as a pin-up for hero material and inspiration?

The rest of the cast were great as well. Bryan Brown, as King Carney king of the outback, fabulous, David Wenham, as Neil Fletcher the nasty and crocked overseer, outstanding, and Jack Thompson as Kipling the alcoholic accountant another standout performance.

Of course, I can’t leave out young Brandon Walters as the young aboriginal boy Nullah who narrates most of the film; he is one young actor to keep an eye out for. All the reviews have praised this young boy and they are all well founded.

I loved this film and I’m looking forward to it coming out on DVD so I can buy it, I have a feeling it will be one I watch quite a few times. I’d give it 4 ½ stars. My hubby enjoyed it and is recommending it to friends as a great movie to see. Try it you may be pleasantly surprised.

Sandie