Betty Grable sings you A Happy New Year..
Think Big Thoughts, Relish Small Pleasures…
As the sun sets on this, the first day of 2016, I have, as with most people, reflected on the past 12 months and the breadth of emotions that I have experienced.
My year of feeling stretched from happiness to sadness and all these other little gems in between: stress, worry, endearment, delight, frustration, pain, joy, faith, hope, loss of faith, loss of hope, fear, drive, compassion, angst, love, loss, grief, empowered, strong, weak, powerful, powerless, alone, plentiful, blessed, cursed …
I realise that I am not alone, and that many of you are in a similar position.
My life last year was governed by dates/milestones, remembrances, memorials, and celebrations. My daily diary became my stepping stone to the next day but which also marked the last day…
New Years Day one year ago started with symptoms that led me to be tested which led to being told I have cancer!.. Fast Forward through Chemo and Daily Radiation, I was given my first all clear on 25 June. That was bittersweet, as along the way days after finishing my own treatment, Our Mum, Our Rock, died literally in our arms and our life once again was thrown into such pain I could hardly breathe…. The day we laid her to rest was also the 12 months anniversary of the passing of my beautiful baby Sister Elisha and the 2nd anniversary of our Dad passing. All from Cancer!. .. By June when I got the all the clear I was so totally drained of hope, life and care but… with life and its beauty, the universe and God had other plans. The heaviness started to lift, I found myself breathing again… You see, as much as you loathe for life to go on when you have lost so much, the beauty of it, is that it does, in spite of you and almost always against our will! Happiness creeps in and you get enveloped by the new generation of love still in your life. Your perfect husband, your children, your grandchildren, your family, your friends, your community and your work!, not to mention your ability to give unto others which in turn lifts you up … How truly extra-ordinary is this life and the whole gamut of emotions that come with its existence.
So, although today started with fear and trepidation, reflection set in, followed by sadness then came the happiness and acceptance of today, of this life and of where I am right now! A beautiful thing I realised today also, is that.. I am not hanging on to any guilt anymore which is an amazing feeling, so as the sun sets on first day of 2016 I am so at peace with the last 12 months and ready to embrace the most fabulous 2016 with all its challenges and triumphs.. Let the new rollacoaster begin!! Thank you Mum, Dad and Elisha for all you gave us.
Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length… Robert Frost
So what does 2016 have in store for The Lindy Charm School? Well.. Sop far, we have the following happening… Our diary is ever changing and each day bring new inquiries and exciting challenges, I will endeavor to keep the calendar updated and the newsletters flowing.
Queensland:
Friday 8th January –
The Lindy Charm School For Girls’s Bevvy of Beauties will be on parade at the QT Hotel showcasing the best of Vintage Bathing Suits from the 40’s to the 70’s courtesy of my Good Friends from FOSSIL VINTAGE and BONNIE ROSE VINTAGE – Get your tickets to this eventHERE
Sunday 24th January –
Kirra Surf Club’s 100 Year Celebrations – The Lindy Charm School For Girls and The Swing On In Dance School will be hosting a family fun atmosphere re-creating Doug Roughtons Famous Hokey Pokey… (The Original Speed Dating Game!!) Get on Board and come along and DON THE TOGS for some good ole fashioned Sunny Qld Summer Fun!! Event Details HERE
MELBOURNE: Sunday 7th February 2016 
Our First Vintage Makeover and Pin Up Photoshoot for 2016: SUNDAY 7TH FEBRUARY 2016 – Williamstown VICTORIA – Brooke Orchard Photography and The Lindy Charm School For Girls are teaming up to bring you this fabulous opportunity for us to capture the essence of you…. We only have 3 places left now (12 Noon, 3pm & 4pm) so book in quick. Email me: [email protected] – Here’s a look at some of our makeovers from last year for your inspirations: CLICK HERE
COMPETITION: 
In Honor of My Mum, I am putting together some super stylish, easy to wear, ready made Turban Kits to sell on line… BUT… Although not starved for inspiration in design.. I am stumped as to a suitable name to call these Turban Kits so I am throwing the question out to you for creative input as to perfect name. If you can think of something that is catchy, cute, easy and fits the style and purpose, please email through. The person whose name we choose will receive the very first Ready Made Turban Kit FOC as your thank you prize.
Forward Dates to Diary:
We will be hosting, presenting and assisting with the entertainment at all of The Love Vintage Fairs (in conjunction with Stitches and Craft) for 2016. Dates here and stay tuned for further info as it is confirmed:
Show Dates:
SYDNEY MARCH 3 – 6
BRISBANE MARCH 17 – 20
AUCKLAND APRIL 28 – 30
ADELAIDE MAY 5 – 7
NEWCASTLE AUGUST 18 – 21
MELBOURNE OCTOBER 20 – 23
WORKSHOPS AROUND AUSTRALIA:
Dates for Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra & Brisbane/GC will be advised soon.
PHOTOSHOOTS AROUND AUSTRALIA
Dates for Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra & Brisbane/GC will be advised soon.
Many Blessings for a dazzling, unforgettable, remarkable and stylish 2016 to you all and I do hope that our paths cross again.
til then,
Kisses from the Mistress xx
Thou Shalt Endeavour To Always Wear Red Lipstick
Treasure the Love you receive above all. It will survive long after your Gold and Good Health have vanished… Robert Byrne..
