One Month On.

Firstly I must apologize for not blogging on here more regularly - that I must work on. One month on since opening this blogspot and I cannot believe how busy we have been and how much support we have got for Good Gabble. The interest, contributions and subscriptions just keep rolling in. We are know approaching our May issue which is bigger and better than ever. We have grown to 40 pages big as the request for publishing of articles and support grows. Thank you to all, it is amazing.

At this stage we have not got far in our travels as we stop in Mt Gambier as Samantha obtains her drivers licence. This has given us the opportunity to fine tune our newzine and meet some lovely inspirational people. We have been spending our days paying it forward as we travel the surrounding areas.

We are currently staying at Pine Country caravan park, where all are made feel very welcome, including four legged friends. The park is set in a beautiful country setting with native birds waking us each morning.

Our stay here has been quiet pleasant and we have met some lovely people - locals and travelers. One person I was lucky enough to meet was Clay Henri Tenni, author of Enrich Your Lifestyle, Memoirs Of A Homestay Host. I first met Clay when we started talking about our dogs, as we both have black labradore x kelpies. Over the period of a week we got talking about writing and publishing. It was then that Clay produced a copy of his book for me to read. This is a positive must read for all. Grab a copy of May Good Gabble to read my book review. Clay has also kindly donated a copy of his book for one reader to win.

So what pay it forward experiences have we had in the last month? Quiet a lot so here I will tell of a few.

As Clay and my family spent more time together in the same park a friendship became to form. During this time we found ourselves paying back and forth on many occasions. One example of this being taking his dog for a walk on the days when he found himself out for the day.

After a long chat with a lady who has just begun her travels with her husband my son emerged from his walk around the park with arms full of Cornflake cookies. He said a strange lady had approached him and asked him if his mothers name was Jennifer. When he said yes she kindly gave him the cookies she had just made. My conversation with this lady was only one of approximately half an hour but during this time she had come close to tears as she talked about being unwell and feeling as though she was a burden on her husband. Due to being unwell she could not help with the setup of the van or driving as often as she wished. I reassured her that her husband loved her and would not have taken this journey knowing she was unwell if he did not want to spend time with her. Her company and the little help she gave was obviously all her husband asked. During our discussion I could see the weight lift as she talked of her concerns - talking was the therapy she needed, listening was my gift to her.

Whilst in the local shopping centre my daughter wanted a go on one of the rides that you put money in. This ride accommodated three children. As she sat on the ride another child jumped on. My son put the money in and it started going around. An elderly gentleman soon walked up to me apologising for the fact that his grandson was on the ride and I had paid. I reassured him that it was not a problem and that the ride catered for three children - it was my pleasure and a joy to see the smile on his sons face. When the ride stopped the gentleman held out $2 for the ride and insisted I take it. I said I simply could not take the money as it was my pleasure. With much to and fro discussion he thrust the money into my hand and with a smile wished me a wonderful day.

So to pay the $2 forward - After spending time at the ride we went to do our grocery shopping. As we were leaving the grocery store my children pointed out a busker who was playing the guitar and singing beautifully. I gave my youngest daughter the two dollar coin and together we walked to the guitar case and deposited the money. With a big smile the busker stopped singing mid song to thank us for our donation.

Upon walking out of my van one afternoon I could smell gas and commented on it to Samantha. As I crossed the road within the park to take the dog for a walk the smell became stronger and a hissing sound could be heard from the van opposite. It was apparent that gas was leaking from the front of the van which had the potential to be of danger should someone light a match or cigarette. It would also be a huge inconvenience to the owners when they returned to their van to find their gas bottle empty. I quickly turned the bottle off. When the owners arrived home from their day out I informed them of my doing and they thanked me greatly. We then continued to spend time talking of our travels and life.

Whilst standing at the clothes line hanging my wet washing up a lady approached from behind. As she approached she stated that she wanted to congratulate me. What for? was my reply. She then continued to state that she had been in the park for a few days and was staying in the caravan next to me. She was leaving in the morning and felt she could not leave without congratulating me on my wonderful children. She continued to say that since she had been in the park she had not heard one complaint or seen one argument between them. She had noticed how well they got on together and how well the family unit operated. She said it was a credit to myself. Feeling quiet embarrassed but thanking her for her compliment we continued to chat discussing our journeys, life and homeschooling. This one small moment really made my day, making me feel good about myself. I smiled all day and still do as I write this. My day was made all the better, along with my mood, which I am sure I passed on to all I met. I mentioned the comment to my children upon returning to my van and thanked them for being so wonderful and helpful - letting them know how much they mean to me. This compliment also made the kids feel good about who they are and what they stand for.


And so we continue our journey of paying it forward and building a positive world to be in..........keep tuned.