Showing posts with label online inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online inspiration. Show all posts

A Deep Underwater Love of Life, Art, Innovation and Wheelchair Ballet.


Following on from Sarah Woods '5 online resources for positive thinking in 2013', I would like to share a story of strength, courage and artistic adventure, that inspires me immensely and will no doubt inspire you to a great deal too.

Please allow me to introduce you to one incredible lady -


Sue is a multimedia, performance and installation artist. She has used (what she  affectionately calls) a 'power' chair since 1996, but rather than allowing her circumstances to inhibit her art, it has become the driving force which fuels her ambition. 


Sue Austin is working to redefine the popular notion of disability with an invention that challenges preconceptions about the wheelchair. Not just the way it is viewed but also the way that it's used.


Along with the support of diving experts, Sue has created the world's first self-propelled wheelchair, equipped with clear fins that allow her to fly underwater.
 
 

With complete control, she gracefully hovers through the deep ocean, mingling with fish and gliding past coral reefs. 
 
"I can loop-the-loop. I can do amazing spirals. I can even fly along upside down"


As part of the Cultural Olympiad celebrations 2012, Sue performed a ground breaking series of stunning underwater acrobatics called 'Creating the Spectacle' to show off her under water art.  

 View Sue's inspirational story on TED 

Sue is also the founder and artistic director of Freewheeling, an initiative aiming to further the genre of Disability Arts.

In her art, she aims to convey the spirit of wonder she feels wheeling through the world
 

“The wheelchair became an object to paint and play with, it was exciting to see the interested and surprised responses from people. It seemed to open up new perspectives.”


Sue says “I call my wheelchair ‘portal’, because it’s pushed me through into a new level of awareness. For me it’s about finding creative solutions to barriers. I’ve become a completely different person.”  
 
   

Live * Love * Laugh 
Explore * Master * Defy


Design will save the world!
 
It is predicted we are entering a period of enlightenment, Sue is living proof we’re on the threshold of a new era that is literally being breathed and dreamed into existence.

With women like Ms. Austin in the world, perhaps we just might be!
 
Can you feel the incredible possibilities for a new world – and in your own life?
 



Images courtesy of TED, References: TED Blog, Redbull, Mashable & Daily Mail U.K .









5 online resources for positive thinking in 2013



Happy new year! It was a crazy 2012, one I will never forget. Pretty much every aspect of my life has radically shifted into a new direction. The 3 major ones being a career change, my self improvement quest and our leap of faith of pulling up anchor (literally) to start a new life cruising the world by sail boat.


I'm not going to candy coat it, it's been extremely challenging and I'm so far out of my comfort zone I can't recall what it feels like to be in a comfort zone anymore. 



Finding support and inspiration has become essential for me to keep moving forward and resist the  overwhelming urge to just give up. Whether it's been starting my online business, self development quest or our pursuit of living an unconventional life, the following online resources have given me the courage and inspiration to never give up. 

I hope they inspire you to make 2013 extraordinary.   

These are my top 5 online resources for positive thinking in 2013.

1. The Skool of life
What you never learnt in school that you should have.


2. Positively Unconventional 
A community and blog dedicated to helping you find abundance in life and business.

3. Blogcast FM
An entrepreneurs podcast show and blog. A great education and motivational tool to listen to on the go.  

4. The Life and Times of a Remarkable Misfit
An illustrated collection of essays by AJ Leon about living with intention, doing work that matters and changing the world. 

5. Tiny Buddha
The site features tips and stories from readers of all ages all over the globe. You’ll find posts about happiness, motivation, inspiration, love, relationships, meaning, possibilities, mindfulness, and letting go.


All these resources were referred to me by others. Share your best motivational tips in comments below. 



  

Jungalow

Justina from the blog Compai, decorated her small 600 square foot apartment
in Los Feliz, Los Angeles on a budget of $700 using 90% reclaimed materials!

I love this apartments fun and relaxed feel. I would like to get my hands on some 
of that Banana leaf wallpaper, very tropical 70's style. Images via Compai blog



Have a great week!

She makes a mean salad

I just finished drooling over photos of salads lovingly put together by Louise Table Tonic
I'm a huge fan of the salad and they all look positively delish, you can check them out here 

(How appropriate....I'm drawing the winner for the Feather Juju hat later today)

Australian H&G Top 50



Australian House & Garden top 50 rooms is out, these are
some of my favourite....to see all, visit: Australian H&G

...New online store


If you don't know already, Anna Spiro has launched her online store today!
She's been very busy indeed, I have to say it's a really great concept for a 
online store (I think I may have let out a little squeal, don't tell anyone).
See for yourself, it's colourful and fun, 
*Warning*
freeze your credit card if you
don't want to max it out!

...Maps

I'm loving maps and globes at the moment, and these map
cushions by my bearded pigeon  are so fun. Founder Cath
Young also has a children's brand called Chunky Chooky and
is committed to treading lightly on the earth and supporting
handmade.

Map cushions see more designs here



shop here

....Jamie's Outdoor room



Australian Garden and landscape designer Jamie Durie has a new(ish)
garden and outdoor design magazine - the outdoor room. I love the
'Jamie Durie' brand, so innovative, full of colour and reflects the
Australian lifestyle and our unique identity. Above are a few images
from the latest edition of the outdoor room with a bohemian flavour.
to subscribe: jamiedurie.com
Above are some holiday snaps from Jamie's travels. See more here