The Invitation

Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia

I was a different person a week ago. I returned yesterday from a 7 day trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. What an experience on so many levels (internally and externally)... I describe it as feeling whole again. I now have a new toolbox to make changes in my life for the greater good. A new journey awaits.

I have many photos and stories from our adventure, but firstly I wanted to share this poem with you. We stayed at Hariharalaya Yoga and Meditation Retreat and before we shared one of the many delicious meals, these powerful words were read out to us as we stood in a circle, eyes closed and grounded...


The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, 'Yes.'

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

Blessings,

Super Fast Set-up

 

Denis being the camera geek that he is, couldn't resist the opportunity to set up a time-lapse of us setting up the Messagemark stand at Bowerbird Bazaar. I wish that we could work this fast normally!

Enjoy!

One more sleep...

 Starting tomorrow! Yay!

Polyhedra Garlands

'Polyhedra' is here and is available to purchase online! The new designs are our spin on the current geometric trend in home-wares and fashion. A celebration of sharp angles and bright colours, the range includes our popular cards and prints, and a clever new Polyhedra Garland 'Cut & Fold Kit'.

Get crafty on a cold Winter's day and make your own unique geometric paper garland to hang on a wall, above a mantle, in a window, inside or out. Garlands are a cute way to add a colourful design element to any space.

VIEW THE POLYHEDRA RANGE HERE >

Fresh Bread from Ireland? What the...

In everything I make and do at Messagemark I am always searching for a 'green' solution. Over the past 2 months I have been designing a box for my Note Card sets with the help of a local Adelaide business Creative Cardboard. 

It would be dishonest of me if I said the process of designing this box was smooth sailing, it took me about 2 months and many prototypes to come to this final design. An yes, it is simply a box made from recycled board, big deal! The point is I chose to use a local supplier over sourcing from overseas which would have been a third of the price. Working with a local supplier gave me the direct face to face interaction to communicate exactly what I needed.

There are many environmental benefits to choosing local suppliers, and it is also great for our local economy. I want to keep my Aussie dollars in Australia. 

Don't you think the world is going a bit nuts - 'fresh' bread being sold at Coles from Ireland... where is there sense in that? Don't we have enough bakers in SA to meet the demand? Of course we do!!

Please think about what you are buying and where possible support our local businesses! And please, be aware of where products are made. Cheaper is not always better...

Toodle-pip,