Never Let Me Go

Last night, I saw a very interesting film, which certainly provided food for thought.  Never Let Me Go was based on the novel by the same name, written by British-born Japanese author Kazuo Ishiguro.

It follows the lives of 3 children - Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, who at first glance appear to be normal children residing at an up-market boarding school in the idyllic English countryside.  It is later revealed that these 3 children, along with their fellow students at Hailsham and countless others across the UK were bred for the sole purpose of organ donation, as part of the National Donor Program in the UK in the '70s and '80s.  For me, the most tormenting part of the film was the final line, stated by Kathy as she contemplates the ruins of her childhood and considers whether her fate is really any different from the people who will receive her organs after all: "We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through or feel we've had enough time."

To my surprise, some of my girlfriends seemed to struggle with the idea that it was a real film, lacking the big budget, Hollywood-style drama, computer-generated animation, sound effects and action scenes, cheesy love story or crass humour which too frequently pollutes our cinema experiences today.  For me, the real struggle lay in the ethical issues surrounding the breeding of children for this purpose. 


In the movie, most of the donors 'completed' prior to reaching the age of 30, after their third or fourth donation (usually being the donation of their heart).  The fact that these thousands of children were so institutionalised that they were unable to be independent or informed in their decision making or in everyday life, meant that they believed that their sole purpose in life was nothing more than to donate their vital organs.  As such, they became the victims of an archaic and monstrous National health system, completely lacking the ability to argue against this purpose, or to state their wishes, hopes and dreams for their own lives.

Don't get me wrong.  Having a gorgeous aunty (whom I am very, very close to) whose life was saved in 1990 by the selfless gift from a grieving family - their 16 year old daughter's heart (after being tragically killed in a motor accident), I am a huge advocate of organ donation.  In fact, I myself am an organ donor and think that this is the greatest gift you could give anyone who is suffering and so desperately in need.  


Australia has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the developed world, but I am completely and utterly opposed to the concept of people being bred and groomed throughout their childhood and teenage years for this specific purpose, only to 'complete' prior to reaching 30.  The fact that countless life-saving organs are effectively wasted when someone is buried or cremated, means that they could be better used to save the dying - if only people registered as donors and expressed their wish to donate, to their loved ones. This is crucial as they will ultimately have the final say and must consent to your organs being used for transplant to save the life of another human being. 


Here's some very sad stats about organ donation in Australia:

Did you know?

• One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to ten people and significantly improve the lives of dozens more.
• Around 1700 people are on Australian organ transplant waiting lists at any one time.
• On average, people on the transplant list must wait between 6 months and 4 years.
• In 2010, 309 organ donors gave 931 Australians a new chance in life.
• In 2008, 1096 people donated their corneas. As a result, 1696 people had their sight restored.

To find out more about organ donation and to register your wishes to donate (and notify your loved ones of these wishes by sending a cool, personalised video clip), click here http://www.donatelife.gov.au/

What better way to save the life of one person (or several) who are so desperately in need, as well as preserving the memory of a loved one?  In fact, it gives a whole new meaning to Never Let Me Go.


Love,
Miss Manly x

It's the little things...

After witnessing the heartbreak, pride and strength of Sydney's Japanese population in Manly on Saturday, I was walking home and noticed this small token of beauty and hope.  It's amazing how it's the littlest things that can sometimes add a ray of sunshine to an otherwise stormy, grey day.

Love,
Miss Manly x

The Thousand Paper Cranes

Many of you may fondly remember the tragic story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes from your childhood.  It's a non-fiction children's book, published in 1977 and written by American author Eleanor Coerr.  Sadako Sasaki lived in Hiroshima, Japan at the time of the nuclear bombing by the United States of America.  As a result of the radiation she was exposed to after the bombing, Sadako developed leukaemia and required care in a nursing home.  Here, she whiled away the long, painful hours folding origami paper cranes - now a global symbol of peace and hope.  Sadako dreamt that she would eventually fold 1,000 paper cranes, but tragically, she died before she was able to fold all 1,000 cranes and make her wish (as per ancient Japanese folklore).  Touchingly, Sadako's one wish was to live.  In the short time she had left, Sadako folded an amazing 644 cranes before she became too ill and weak to fold any more.  She died shortly after.  In her honour, Sadako's family and friends carried on, folding the remaining 356 delicate, brightly coloured paper cranes and the thousand paper cranes were buried with little Sadako.

Tragically, Japan is again being confronted with a disaster on an unprecedented scale, as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami, killing 10,000 (with another 17,500 still missing) 2 weeks ago.  We are now witnessing yet another potential radiation threat to millions of people, as the Fukushima reactor spews its radiation into the earth's atmosphere.  It has been said that this is the second greatest nuclear threat after Chernobyl in 1986. Millions are left without shelter, food, water and basic necessities.  Sadly, it seems that in the coming years, there will be many more victims, just like little Sadako.

Yesterday, the proud, stoic Australian-Japanese people came from all parts of Sydney, to Manly's beautiful Corso, dressed in traditional kimono, to sing, dance, hold stalls and collect money on behalf of the Red Cross to aid their countrymen, women and children, who are suffering so much at the moment.  Here are just a few photos I took of these beautiful, heartbroken and peaceful people, all doing their little bit for their beloved homeland.

My love and thoughts go out to all those who are suffering and who have lost so much as a result of this horrific series of disasters in Japan.  Please give what you can.  Here are a few little things you can do to help:

http://www.redcross.org.au/japan2011.htm

You can also buy 'Songs for Japan', a compilation of 38 songs by some of the world's greatest musos, including Madonna, the Kings of Leon, Bob Dylan, U2, Bruce Springsteen, the late John Lennon, the Foo Fighters, R.E.M, Bon Jovi and Pink.  All proceeds from the album will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society, as all the artists have waived royalties and proceeds from the recordings.  Download the benefit album from iTunes now.


Love,
Miss Manly x

Switch off the lights!

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries/territories participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

Earth Hour is organized by WWF. With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries/territories, it’s one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.

So, get your soy or beeswax candles ready, the countdown is on!  With only 2 and a bit hours to go until 8.30pm - Earth Hour, will you be switching off your lights tonight?


Love,
Miss Manly x

This made me smile today...

What a lovely day indeed!  A perfectly blue Sydney sky, warm sunshine and a divine, fiery red sunset.  I hope your day was just as lovely!

Love,

Miss Manly x

To have and to hold...

Wow, what a weekend!  There's nothing I love more than a Wedding and I was lucky enough to be a part of the celebration of 2 lives and 2 loves, joined as one, over the weekend.

R loves P and P loves R!

A beautifully simple and elegant cocktail party, hosted under stormy skies up at the magical castle in Manly, St Patricks after a heartwarming and heartfelt service at the beautiful Cardinal Ceretti Chapel.  Drinks on the terrace, with laughter, a divine string quartet, friends and French Champagne in abundance, before retiring to the opulent, candle-lit cocktail party inside the castle.

If this beautiful evening was a sign of what lies ahead for the glamorous, excited bride, PP (now PPP!) and her proud and handsome groom, their lives ahead will be full of happy times, great company and endless amounts of love and laughter, shared with gorgeous friends and family.  Prost!

Love,
Miss Manly x

I do like to be beside the seaside...

As I sit here in my loungeroom, gazing out towards the ocean, rain beating down on the roof, I long for the blue sky, sunshiny days of Summer.  With the grey skies and humidity of late, with cooler, crisper nights, I think it's almost time to say goodbye to our long, lazy beach days.  But not before I fill you in on my great Australian dream - a humble Aussie beach shack.  Somewhere to hang out in Summer, reading and enjoying long, languid days and lunches with friends, dining on delectable local seafood, cooked on the BBQ and washed down with a crisp Sauv Blanc.  Or come Winter, to rug up in a chunky knit cardigan, candy-striped flannelette pj's and ugg boots, in front of a crackling open fire, curled up on the couch with a riveting read and an earthy red...  My idea of Heaven!

As I dream about owning my very own beach shack one day, for now, I'll remain content spending the odd weekend at one like this (in all its pretty pastel-coloured glory) which can be found at Hyams Beach, on the stunning NSW South Coast...

So quaint and pretty...

With stunning views and beaches like these, is there anywhere else you'd rather be?

Nothing spells summer quite like an
Adirondack, in ice-cream colours!

The perfect place to perch yourself with
a good book,
peering out across the ocean, waiting for
the perfect sunset :)

And here's a tiny cluster of beach shacks, right here in Manly, which are lucky enough to enjoy perhaps the best view in the world... 

They are precariously perched on the cliffs at Dobroyd Head and were built by some returned soldiers after World War II.  They can be visited via the Spit to Manly Walk (down a long, bushy, windy track, aglow with wildflowers and chirping birds, bees and butterflies) and they are now maintained by The National Parks and Wildlife Service.  I was fortunate enough to be able to take a look around inside one about a year ago, when a son of the owner was staying down there and fixing a few things up.  It was magic and I was transported way back to a time when simple pleasures prevailed...

When I find my perfect, idyllic beach shack, there will be only 4 things on my wishlist:

• A crackly, earthy wood fire
• A Frangipani tree in the yard
• An outdoor shower
• And a deep, old-fashioned bath

Where is your favourite beach shack and what's on your wishlist?

Love,

Miss Manly x

Could you do this?

I went to see 'No Impact Man' at Manly Cinema tonight.  It was an initiative of Manly Council's 'Green up your Life' sustainable living program and was truly amazing. Check out the website:
http://noimpactproject.org
and blog: 
http://noimpactman.typepad.com 
to see how you can make a difference, just like the Beavan family of Manhattan, New York did in 2006/2007.


What began as one man's mission to do something to reduce his imprint on the planet, rapidly grew into a media sensation, with endless amounts of fascination around how this family changed their life and everyday habits (including giving up toilet paper and disposable nappies!) over one year.  No takeaway, no electricity, no motorised transport, no packaging, chemical cleaning products, imported food or produce, buying anything new, Starbucks iced espresso (!), aeroplane travel, luxury holidays, new clothes, shoes or handbags for a whole year!  Could you do it?


If you're interested in seeing for yourself the incredible feat that unfolds, you can buy the DVD here:
http://www.noimpactmandvd.com/


Even if you can do just one of the things that the Beavan family incorporated into their daily routine, it will make the world of difference to the planet.  As I could NEVER give up my cosmetics and toiletries, I'm going to make a concerted effort to reduce my use of packaging.  What will you do?


Love,
Miss Manly x

Another day in Paradise.

Here are some beautiful sunset pics, taken in Manly on my new Canon 550D D-SLR.  It's my new favourite thing :)  I can't wait to go out taking some happy snaps around Sydney Harbour and Cockatoo Island with a dear friend (and fellow photography-lover) this Sunday.  Here's hoping for sunshine!

Love,

Miss Manly x

It's easy being Green...

You've gotta love Summer in Sydney!  So many cool things to do, so little time...  Amongst the
plethora of pop-up events happening around town, here's a great one which oozes eco-chic.  Sneak a peek of the fabulous Greenhouse by Joost here...

http://greenhousebyjoost.com/

 


The Greenhouse was an initiative borne of the mind of Dutch-born 

florist, artist, builder and environmental warrior Joost Bakker in
2008.  Here's Joost's description:
"The Greenhouse is about designing and operating better places for people. Places that let us touch natural materials, understand where everyday things come from and taste fresh food straight from the garden.  Designers, engineers, builders, scientists, farmers, chefs and others are among those whose knowledge and advice have gone into every aspect of creating The Greenhouse, from the lighting, to the menu, to the fresh baked bread and the worm farm. The Greenhouse aims to harness the growing understanding of the human footprint to offer alternative solutions that tread a fine balance between functionality, sustainability and beauty."

 

It has since toured Australian capital cities and was built entirely from sustainable or recycled materials, right down to the wine served in jam jars and food served atop rustic wooden chopping boards.  The Exec Chef is Matt Stone, who was Goumet Traveller's Best New Talent in 2010.  If there's one dish you MUST try, it's the wholemeal woodfired pizza with sweet pork and fennel sausage, fromage blanc and basil ($15). And the cocktails ($16) are a MUST also!  I'd recommend #1 (Tradewinds gin, St Germain Elderflower liquer, OJ, lime juice, cucumber and flat leaf parsley) or #2 (The Cutlass gin, homemade lime marmalade, lime juice and fresh basil).  Fresh and yummy!  The perfect place to enjoy a beautiful Sydney sunset...

 

By night, The Greenhouse is transformed into a pretty, dream-like 

setting, with the only light being the gentle glow from  the divine

Queen B  pure beeswax candles within.

                                                     

The Greenhouse by Joost is a building that actually grows its own food!  It has its own rooftop produce and herb garden (complete with 'non-stinging' bees) and the entire restaurant is made of recycled bits and pieces. Quirky but homely and cool at the same time.

The Greenhouse will be in Sydney until March 28 so take a wander down to Campbell's Cove , which can be found just at the end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks.  For those of you scattered around the world, The Greenhouse currently has plans to tour
Milan, Berlin, Budapest and London.


For this weeks' work afternoon tea, we thought we'd do something a wee bit different and head down to  The Greenhouse, so I hope to bump into you whilst I'm there.  Enjoy!

Love,
Miss Manly x

Ah, it's Sunday...

Well, I'm a week behind with my pics and Sundays but last Sunday was so much fun, that I just couldn't resist sharing it with you...

A sleep-in, yum cha for a special birthday, drinks at The Wharf Bar and an impromptu afternoon picnic at Queensie, turned it into a beautiful, relaxing day and the perfect way to spend a very chilled Sunday.  Heaven.  Until the heavens opened, which meant a hasty retreat to a nearby friends' place.  Pizza, wine and great company = lots of fun and laughter!

So, I thought I'd share a few very happy Sunday snaps of our little picnic with gorgeous friends...  I hope your Sunday was just as perfect!

Love,
Miss Manly x

Love Manly.

I just LOVE this gorgeous art installation, which mysteriously appeared on the fence around a vacant block in Manly a few months ago.  It's called 'Love Manly' and brings a smile to my face every morning as I pass it en route to the ferry on my way to work...

If you want to take a peep, it's on Whistler Street and coincidentally is right next door to my favourite shop, Desire Books.  I hope it brings a smile to your face and some sunshine to your day too.

Love,
Miss Manly
x

So Frenchy So Chic.

Why not close your eyes and picture yourself, strolling along the banks of the Seine, donned in a navy and white stripey top and sporting a red beret, a chunk of Trebuche d'Affinois, a French stick and a bottle of Vintage Krug in hand, with your divine lover, on the trip of a lifetime?  

The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival is on around Australia and will be in Sydney from March 8 to March 27.  I have just checked out the programme, featuring 46 cutting edge, popular French films, to be shown at the Palace Verona and Chauvel Cinemas in Paddington, Palace Norton Street in Leichardt and The Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne.  Now, my biggest dilemma - which films to see?  At the moment, my front-runner must be 'Beautiful Lies' featuring the divine, angelic Audrey Tatou.  You can find the programme and more information here:

http://www.frenchfilmfestival.org/Content/Program/AF-FFF-2011-Sydney.pdf

And whilst you're there, check out the official soundtrack to the festival:

I LOVE this cover and the music. It's just so pretty and So Frenchy So Chic!

Here's the blurb:


"If So Frenchy So Chic is the unofficial soundtrack to the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival, it begs the question, what else could it be the soundtrack to?

It could be a soundtrack to your next Paris holiday; a playlist on your iPod as you wander the boulevards and passageways. Or a soundtrack to the passing landscapes as a TGV carries you around the country, in and out of idyllic towns and alongside sprawling vineyards.

If it wasn’t for the professional packaging, this could easily be just a couple of mix tapes from a French friend, mailed to you par avion with a simple note attached: "Thought you might like this."

The friend thought right. It’s a snapshot of the current French music scene that’s so enjoyable you’ll find yourself playing the songs again and again until you’re singing along..."


Cha wala wale, dee do wah... 



Download the album here:
http://cartelldownload.com.au/Release.aspx?rid=53681

You can also download the free Melanie Pain track from the album here (don't say I never do anything for you!): 

http://cartelldownload.com.au/Release.aspx?releaseId=62890


Enjoy the festival!  It's bound to be just beautiful and another fantastically different thing to do in Sydney (or in the other capital cities around Australia, for my non-Sydney peeps!)  And for my non-Sydney dwelling peeps, here are the dates for the rest of the country:
Melbourne 9 – 27 March
Brisbane 16 March – 3 April
Canberra 16 March – 3 April
Perth 23 March – 10 April
Adelaide 23 March – 10 April


I hope to see you there...


Love,
Miss Manly x