My Road to Meditation:

I dabbled in meditation back in the nineties and met the Dalai Lama when he came to Perth…. I subsequently read his autobiography and thought that if I was to have my time over again I would be a Buddhist. I continued to be a part time practicing Catholic and turned more to being spiritual rather than religious. I read books about quantum time (physics), Road less travelled, You Can Heal Your Life, My Mother Myself, A Course in Miracles and many more…..trying to find a sense of spirituality… life got busier and busier and both religion and spirituality took a back seat…. Never leaving… always at the back of my mind but never that priority.

My recent trip to Tanzania I was touched by the strength of the ordinary Tanzanian, the courage in the face of adversity…. The pain that people suffered and accepted as part of their life….what was unbearable for me was to see children suffering in hospital… from the baby that was crying and needed comforting and no staff to do this, his nappy changing and there was no nappy…. Or the toddler that was screaming because he was being bathed in Potassium permanganate dissolved in warm water to come up with a nice pink colored solution, having his burns debrided with no pain relief, it brought tears to my eyes…… I was both humbled and frustrated…. The disparity between rich and poor was at times palpable. The health issues seemed so insurmountable, that I need a way to stop my mind from churning…… I realized that my spirituality was missing… it was not even dormant it had gone……

Last year was very busy and stressful particularly then end of the year was even more so, after I came back from Canberra, I was at breaking point and realized I needed to stop….. I had decided to either go back to church on Sundays or start meditating….I usually go to midnight mass, have for the last 30 yrs… there was a new Parish priest at the church I usually go to… and it was the worst service I have been to for a very long time….no inspiration…… there was nothing….I was like a stranger, I came away knowing I was not going back….


I did an Internet search for a Buddhist retreat starting in January…and would you believe it one was starting on the 2nd January…. I booked in for the week and I have not looked back since then….. I felt like I had found my way home……very strange…. Time will tell how I go….. I feel calmer…. My mind is less chaotic and I now have strategies to slow it down…..I have set myself some boundaries as far as work is concerned…. And am working on my discipline to continue with my meditation on a daily basis with a quarterly retreat to keep me focused…I found a meditation centre here in Singapore and went this afternoon, which was a great end to my teaching weekend……watch this space...


Happy Chinese New Year "Rabbit" Happiness and Prosperity to all....

Reflections of March

Wow this month has flown by and what a month, I feel I have been plane hopping all month: as I look back it has been action packed and some of it I will reflect in more detail, a quick synopsis of the month will give you some idea of the places I have been and what I have been up to.

The new semester started at the end of February, I was on the back foot as I was still marking tri-semester work from Singapore (Dec – Feb), which in effect creates a greater work load. The beginning of semester is always hectic and exciting, having revamped your course work and set new assessments it’s always a challenge then seeing the student’s progress through their course gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

Singapore was the first trip of the year, again exciting, challenging and rewarding we start the first session with what are the students expectations of me over the three day teaching period…… if I do not do this I feel that there could be a danger of just vomiting the course information to the all students – my style of teaching is quite animated and I use a lot of case examples to illustrate the use of legal and ethical points and the students seem to respond to this format of teaching…….. I really love it….. And the feedback is always good. Each time I visit Singapore I have my favorite places I like to visit such as Borders & Kinokuniya Bookshops.


I also like to visit somewhere different. This time I went to Sentosa Island to see the new casino and Universal Studios…. However the studio will not be opened until after I leave so I will have to return. Never the less I did manage to find a new bookshop called Page One and I bought Ian a book about his beloved Leeds. I never mind travelling alone, as I can please myself as to where and what I see and if you have a vivid imagination you would be surprised as to how you never feel alone…….but I do miss sharing those special moments with my husband….. “like when I finished teaching and feel on cloud nine because it went really well”. Next trip to Singapore will be August….. so watch this space….


On a personal level we took a weekend out and went to a family friends wedding which was held at Rivendell Winery Yallingup. I worked on the Friday night and enabled a woman to have a wonderful normal birth of a healthy beautiful little girl, so we left early Saturday morning and drove down …….. It was a brilliant wedding……Kate looked enchanting and deliriously happy everyone had a wonderful time……the company, weather, food and wine was divine, what more could you ask for…… but Monday came around all too fast and the working week began again….

The following week was the ACM Board and Strategic meeting…. In Canberra………leaving on Wednesday evening and returning on Sunday night…. It has been three days of intensive meetings, brain storming, networking and sharing with some incredible, talented, wonderful people…. I am so inspired this will have to be another blog…


Beyond Q Books, Curtin ACT

However today we that being Tracy and I did get into a bit of bother with the Federal Police at Capital Hill… We decided to visit Parliament House so we could take the obligatory photo out the front…… however not realizing we had parked at the back entrance….. Which I did think this looks different to the last time I visited…… however we continued…. Walked up the path and took as usual a multitude of pictures….. What would we do without out digital cameras……. We were laughing joking and admiring the building and the beautiful fauna….. Walked around the building and into an alcove which had a very tall gate…. Behind the gate were the most beautiful climbing wisteria bushes I had seen….. And so proceeded to take the pictures beyond the gate….. We then walked back to the car…… as we reached the stairs…. I noticed several police officers and did wonder why all of a sudden there were three of them….two of which were on bicycles and the other had come in a car….. The one on the stairs approached us and said “good morning, nice day” I responded and said “yes’’….. Carefully looking at his uniform making sure they were Police and not security….. The officer then asked me if I had been taking photos of the building……. I did think carefully before answering as I did consider saying ‘no’ however I decided that honesty was the best policy in this instance…..as we live In Australia and it’s a free country in terms of taking photos….. And I needed to be at the airport within the next 2hrs so now was not them time to be difficult. The officer then informed us that we had set of the silent alarm when we entered the alcove and took photos beyond the gate….. This was illegal. I then informed the officer that I had not seen any notices to let me know that 1 – I could not enter the alcove and 2 – I could not take any photos…..to which he responded…. “No there isn’t”….. “we have bought this up before and the powers to be think that the signs would spoil the image or ascetics of the building”. He then asked to examine our cameras and proceeded to delete three photos that were illegal…. From both our cameras…. The officers were very polite and friendly and said it was an honest mistake on our part…… which of course it was…. However I do feel that there should be warnings for the general public not to take photos or enter the restricted area….. To prevent this from happening……I not appreciate my photos being examined and deleted….. However the alternative was not good either…..missing my flight…. On a positive note it is good to see that security is at a premium and that our Parliament House is well protected…. My estimate was that the officers were there within 5 mins of us taking the photos….. So a job well done by the diligent Federal Police and I am grateful to know they are doing their job.



Flying home from Canberra can be tiresome, three hours time difference and several airports to navigate…… I managed to do some shopping at the Melbourne airport during my stopover and of course now I have my 6 hour battery for my Acer laptop I can get some blogs, emailing and work done…… I am looking forward to being home…… have missed everyone…. I am hoping to have a quieter time for Apri, to catch up on some work, blogging etc…. As I have not had a weekend at home for the whole of March…….I just want to sit and chill………………….

Watch for the next blogs. ACM Strategic meeting summary, Group Midwifery Practice plans..... I am so inspired...... its time to move and make it happen......

Teaching Nursing Ethics & Law – Singapore

It is great when you are passionate about your job/work because you give it 110% and it is so satisfying. I consider myself so fortunate to be able to go to Singapore every year to teach post-graduate nursing students an ethical and law unit. However in doing so I appreciate the enormous cultural diversity that Singapore has to offer and learn something new about myself, each trip. This year I was particularly tired and needed some time to recharge my battery. I know that seems a contradiction of terms, 12 hours of intensive teaching and time to recharge.... well it is about spending time doing what you love and doing what you want to do.... without fear or recrimination...... not having to please anyone except yourself.....it’s about finding a balance.


Strangely as a mother, you are always a mother you are never considered ‘anything else’ as you have roles and responsibilities within society. I find when I go away...... I can be ‘whoever I want’ time for ‘me’ without having to be anyone else. Don’t get me wrong.... I am enormously proud of being a wife, mother, nanna, and miss my family immensely when I am away, but miss being able to express me as ‘me’. I think that men get the better deal..... Because even if they are a father, it does not change how they are viewed within society.....they seem to be considered the superior sex and why because they are a man.....They seem to be able to do whatever, and it does not matter if they are a father or not.... they are just ‘men’. I am sure as hell going to come back as a ‘man’ in my next life.


I love the life style of Singapore.... it’s a vibrant clean city, with a low crime rate, taxis are like getting into a freezer and the people are polite. The choice of shopping is enormous and the shopping hours are extended late into the night.... as opposed to Perth’s draconian shopping hours & choices.


Singapore is a mix of an old colonial world (The Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling at extortionate prices but it has to be done, of course not a Singapore fling) and a modern city with a great MRT (underground rail system)...... the contrast is staggering at times and it’s such a romantic city, I can imagine a clandestine liaison happening, something straight out of a Barbara Cartland book... Singapore at Christmas time is beautiful..... Ian and I spent a pre Christmas here a few years ago... and this time it was even more beautiful... the city is lit up like a Christmas tree.


There are many, many temples, of which this trip I only visited one the ‘Buddha Tooth Relic’ Temple...... it has to be one of my favourite temples....spending time quietly sitting, watching, reflecting and admiring the exquisite beauty.
China Town is another favourite, with its bargains, massages and outdoor eating....


The Intercontinental Hotel is sheer indulgence..the staff are excellent... one more mix of old and new world Singapore...... having room service, is just sheer luxury..... And I love it.... Breakfast in the Olive Tree Restaurant with Mr Wong cooking your eggs just how you want them..... Watching business people wheeling and dealing over meals.... it really is a different world. I have to say the only thing I really dislike is the Humidity...... I don’t know why I put make up and blow dry my hair in the mornings because as soon as I step outside it’s like my internal body temperature turns on a tap and I am dripping wet...... not a good look.


My favourite shopping centre has to be Takashimaya and the Kinokuniya bookshop.... I also found the Harrods store in basement 2 of the Takashimaya Fantastic..... Ian will be disappointed..... Major purchases this trip....... pearls magnificent pearls...... couple of books both work and pleasure....kids silk dressing gowns. and a couple of electronic gadgets..... Not much really.


I get great satisfaction from teaching.... however the proof will be in the pudding when the assignments are ready for marking. Most of the students are enthusiastic, try very hard, and they work hard, I do admire the fact that they work full time and then come in for their classes after work or on the weekend for the lectures. I had a good uptake of students considering it is not compulsory for them to attend. It is challenging teaching professional issues, (ethics) in Singapore; there are several issues to be mindful of... namely different values and morals. Also fundamentally the attitude is ‘doctor knows best’ and nursing is viewed as a subservient role..... My aim is to empower the nurses to be evidenced based and not to be afraid to stand up for what they believe is right, to advocate for the patient together with empowering patients and not be paternalistic in their care. I managed to also visit a couple of hospitals this trip.... watch for the next blog....

Teaching in Singapore:

It is always good to go away, but to experience teaching overseas is an exceptional experience. I am happy and grateful to have this experience and share the cultural diversity in which we live. I love my job and am passionate about teaching and doing my part to ensure that women are given informed information to make informed choices.



Life works in strange ways, let me give you an example: anyone who knows me knows I love books, I enjoy walking around bookshops and will visit bookshops where ever I am. I don’t always have a book in mind, however if a cover jumps off the shelf at me, I have to have it. Let me rephrase that, I will read the back cover and then make a decision, 90% of the time I pick the book. Now airports are a great place to walk around the bookshops or newsagents, for some reason they seem to have a different selection of books and I always find one that I like, what a surprise that is! Last trip it was Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, & David O. Relin, it was an exceptional story, if you get the chance read the story.

This trip it was The Hospital by the River by Dr Catherine Hamlin & John Little. It is a story about an incredible couple; both Dr’s in Obstetrics & Gynaecology who worked in Ethiopia dedicating their lives to women suffering the catastrophic effects of obstructed labour and the awful injuries as a result, that is, fistulas. These women are often from the age of 14 upwards. I have not finished reading the book, but it is both heart wrenching and compassionate. It has opened my eyes in many ways and I am grateful there are people in the world like the ‘Hamlin’s. The story is based in Ethiopia in the early 50’s. It was interesting to read that Sylvia Pankhurst the daughter of the famous Emmeline Pankhurst (the English suffragette) and she set up the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital which is now world renowned for its incredible life saving work. It is a small world, it makes you think are you born to do great things?

As a child I always remember my father saying he left Italy after the war and went to live Ethiopia & when he was ‘kicked’ out of Ethiopia he moved down to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)where he met my mother and I eventually came along. I didn’t realise that Mussolini invaded & occupied ETHIOPIA (and thats why my father was there) in 1935 until 1941. I don't like to admit it but my father was one of those fascist, unfortuntaley he was a Mussolini man, well, each to their own. You live and learn.



Now back to teaching – Singapore is a beautiful city however the humidity is more than I can bear at times – I often feel like I am constantly in a sauna, but there is no plunge pool to cool off in. I spend an intensive 12 hour teaching over 3 days. This is usually split into formal lectures, workshops and group interaction. The group are multi - ethnic made of Singaporeans, Chinese, Malay, Indian and others. The religious make up is Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, Confucianism and apologies for the ones I have left out.



The students are always respectful and courteous, family is very important and there is great respect for the elderly in the community. Most people are softly spoken and calm, at times it is very difficult for me to get the students to engage in open discussion, and therefore it is important for me to observe body language before nominating students to answer questions. Sometimes we have long periods of silence whilst I am waiting for the discussion to begin – my next trip I think I will introduce a prize a token gift for those who engage in discussions, and see if this makes a difference. Everyone likes a gift.

I have to ask the question whether it is a good idea to have the Nurses Board in the Ministry of Health, Medical Profession Building under the umbrella of the Medical Profession as in doctors. The building is OK but maybe in a separate office to acknowledge the profession of nursing as a separate entity.
On entering this building the security is evident, you need to show ID and have a pass to enter. In Singapore the Nurses Board, Dentist Council and Medical Council are all in the same building in fact it looks as if it is all in the same office. Under the Nurses and Midwives Act Singapore The Nurses Board consists of two Doctors and 14 other people (nurses). When it comes to disciplinary matters for nurses the doctors assess the fitness of the nurse to work. I wonder if the medical board has nurses on it, and if the nurses have a say as to whether the doctors are fit for work. I think not.
The other difference I saw was that there are midwives in Singapore however the Board or the Act does not reflect the 'term midwife' in it. It is not surprising to hear that the nursing union is not strong in Singapore and that the nurses feel underpaid and would like to be more political, however the cultural differences are noticeable when it comes to being political. I have heard the term 'controlled' Democracy when people have been discussing the politics of Singapore, I now know what that means.



I took some time out to visit the Botanical Gardens, and it was time well spent relaxing, walking soaking up the beautiful scenery and flowers. Shopping is always wonderful in Singapore so much to choose from and the sales were at there peak and the credit card took a bit of a hit – I came home with four pairs of new shoes – shhhh I didn’t tell my husband, I just hope he doesn’t notice –but they were such a bargain I did buy him, a golfing book. The diet also took a pounding as the food is so good it was hard to say no. But I’m home now and back on track with the diet and exercise and the shoes look great. Until the next time, Ciao.

Teaching in Singapore

I have just recently come back from teaching in Singapore; it is always a pleasure to teach there. People always say when you are passionate about something you do it well, that is me with teaching Professional Issues. My aim is that nurses and midwives have a good understanding about their legal responsibilities, that is, a good understanding of the legislation and professional codes that govern their practice. The university staff and students are very welcoming and the students are keen to learn, they are quite shy to start with then after a warm up session they are sharing experiences and answering questions.
On my trips to Singapore I usually spend 12 hours teaching and like to incorporate a few days off to do some sightseeing.
Singapore is an interesting country it is has a population of approximately 4.6 million and there are four main languages spoken, Chinese, Indian, Malay and English.


Singapore has a controlled democracy; this is the first time I had heard of this notion, not a bad idea really. Speakers corner is where people can express freedom of speech to a degree - you have to submit your speech and have police approval before you can deliver your speech = off course you can not talk about religion, race, politics or the government, controlled democracy.
It is a tropical island and has a humidity rating of 70-90%, this is the only thing I don’t like about Singapore is the humidity, especially for a menopausal woman, I have taken to carry a travel towel and mini fan to try and stem the flood of perspiration that often ensues after venturing outside for a walk or shopping, the only consolation is that the taxis are fabulous and have fantastic air conditioners’ it’s like going into an icebox.
I must say I don’t like travelling alone and do miss my husband when I’m away, however there are some benefits to being on your own; you can do exactly what you want when you want. I particularly like book shops and enjoy spending time in Borders and Kinokuniya – they are both fantastic shops, Kinokuniya has a much bigger reference section than Borders. My most recent acquisition apart from medico-legal books was the ‘Seven daughters of Eve” which I have not had a chance to start yet.
The other thing I enjoyed this trip was visiting about 4 or 5 temples/churches. What an array of religions there are in Singapore, I wouldn’t like to guess at the number of different ones in case I was to leave one out. However I did visit Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple- the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, also believed to be a manifestation of the Boddhisattva Avlokitesyara.


Also the Chinese biggest Temple with the biggest Buddha. The Hindu temple Sri Krishana. The Relic Temple and museum of the hundred Buddhas. The Muslim temple and the Catholic Church St Joseph. Wow that’s a lot of temples in one day – it was an interesting day -


– I had an unusual experience outside a Chinese Temple, a Sikh man approached me, said hello and simultaneously reached for my hand and talked into me incessantly, he was hard to understand, however, when he said ‘I was spiritual but lazy with it’ I laughed and then the penny dropped that he was telling me my fortune and giving me a personality reading – I was astounded, I had never know Sikh people to be fortune tellers, so I was taken by surprised, I was also outside a temple a spiritual place so did not expect to be ripped off. He then held my hand and asked for paper money, when I gave him some he asked for more. Now I thought I was a fairly strong woman, but on this occasion I was weak, I was taken aback by this man and also felt I should give him more money as he still had hold of my hand and that I would not have any bad karma, more fool me, a valuable lesson learnt.


On my other free day I took a round island tour – this was an interesting day, I travelled with a multicultural group of people, German, American, British, Scottish, two I don’t knows, and myself. The tour guide was a retired engineer Singapore Chinese man ‘Abdul’ he was absolutely fantastic he had lived in Europe for 17 yrs and could speak several different languages. Abdul gave a little of Singaporean history and commentary on most places we went to. The Tiger Balm Park was interesting, showing a little of Chinese cultural background. I do find some of the festivals intriguing ‘the festival of the Hungry Ghost’. We had lunch at the Orchid Country Club; Ian would have loved to have a game of golf here, it was very colonial. The most thought provoking place we visited was the Changi Chapel and museum – this was a very sad place and it certainly made you reflect. The other place that had the same effect was the war cemetery for Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, India and UK.


I relished walking through the markets and just watching people, I enjoyed the best cup of ginger tea watching workers as they rolled and cooked pastries with such precision and wishing I could try them, but after watching them being cooked I thought twice about it, my arteries and waist line were saying ‘no don’t do it’ so I took a photo instead. It just was not the same.


I look forward to my next trip.