Goodbye Dad & Thank you

Roger Kenneth Ridley - 19-5-1953 to 15-12-2011

My dear Dad passed away on Thursday morning 15th December (local Perth time).  We thought he was sleeping peacefully after a difficult night till we noticed all the colour had gone from his face.  We were so thankful that his regular carer, Michael, was here as he just took charge and made sure Dad looked comfortable and was laid out properly.

Dad's last few months were so difficult for him and Mum.  He deteriorated so rapidly after their visit to us kids in Melbourne last August (to meet his twin Grandsons).  At that time he was still talking, eating and walking, but in recent weeks he was immobile, only drinking a few things (like coffee and his favourite tomato juice), and struggling to speak.  It was so heartbreaking bringing him home on Wednesday.  (He had a difficult journey as he cannot hold up his own head and it fell back during the journey).  It took some time for us to calm him down, but by later in the evening he was relaxed and happy watching 'The House of Elliot' on DVD.

I sure feel privileged that I could be here to support my Mum and to spend time with Dad these last days.  No one could ask for a better father.  He was the one who first told and showed me our Father's love too!  He preached the word with such integrity and passion, using stories to touch the heart and light a fire in the soul of anyone who heard him.  A couple of his sermon's are online, if you'd like to hear an example!  I'll attach a link.  If the topic was mission he was even more passionate... being a mission-kid and missionary himself.  He took God's word seriously and he and my mum always opened their home and lives to whoever needed them.  They have friends from all walks of life, religious faith, sexual orientation - none of these mattered to my Dad who just loved everyone he met.  We have been flooded with phone calls, visits, messages and facebook posts (over 50 just on my wall!) of those who fondly remember Roger.  I'm working on a poem that I'll put on my writing site.  It has been hard to write through all this, but my Dad was just so special that the words just come flooding out!

Dad and I had a pretty special relationship.  We were a bit like two peas in a pod!  (It often used to frustrate my family, especially Mum...)  We loved the same kind of things and enjoyed visiting Art galleries and museums together as we both loved to read all the citations!!  I remember all the special times I spent with Dad.  He took me to Melbourne Zoo for the day when I was having trouble saying goodbye to Panton Hill.  We went on a month-long road-trip from Adelaide to Darwin while Dad did deputation for Church Missionary Society.  He met my plane in Frankfurt last year and we spent 3 days in Dresden together (he made me wait half an hour so he could see the other locomotive on the model railway in Grosse Garden!).  Then earlier this year I took him up to New Norcia (a monastic town North of Perth). 

He'll be a hard yard-stick to measure up to.  He was gentle, considerate and kind.  He encouraged as well as provided guidance and fair discipline and most of all he just loved my Mum to bits and pieces!!

Dad, I miss you already, but I know you're in a better place now.  Father, I thank you for giving us Roger Kenneth Ridley for 58 wonderful years, you obviously need him more than we do, and I know you'll welcome him as a good and faithful servant.  I know you're singing at the top of your lungs in Brandenburg Praise room now Dad.  You've had a raucous reunion with Howard, your parents and others.  Dad, you helped me become the woman I am today, a servant of Jesus and a lover of life!  Thank you, and see you soon!

Joce xo xo xo xo

Dad and Martin Luther - Dresden, July 2010

Dad & Joce on the model railway - Grosse Garden, Dresden 2010

Joce & Dad at Thai restaurant, Dresden July 2010

Under the stars in Perth

I've been in Perth since Wednesday.  It has been good to spend time with Mum & Dad and provide them with any support that I can.  Hopefully Dad will come home early next week.  Dad's brother and sister-in-law are here too, and we're taking them out tonight for a free concert.  The West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the stars.  It should be lovely.

The weather hasn't been too hot since I've been here, its actually been hotter in Melbourne!  I don't mind, it means I haven't had any trouble getting a good night's sleep and Mum has been sleeping better since my arrival too.

We are trying to get organised for all that is to come.  No one thinks Dad has long to go now, so we try to make the most of the time we have left.  All your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.

What are you doing to prepare for Christmas this year...?

Up in the Air

My life is all a bit up in the air at the moment... both literally and metaphorically.  I'm in the throws of moving house at present to no fixed abode.  I reality I will be helping to take care of my Dad in Perth, but I'll be living out of a suitcase in various places so not fixed there either.


I'm not a huge fan of all this uncertainty.  In many respects I've been here before, but I've never waited for someone this close to be to be called home.  It is hard to watch my Dad fading away and I hope it doesn't drag out too long for all our sakes.  He's had a good and fruitful life with much to thank God for, so I will have to keep that in mind all the time.

I'm really going for Mum's sake, so I hope I can be all that she needs at this time.  Not that I can hope to fill in all the gaps, but I'm going to need all the strength I can get.  So if you're of the praying inclination, that would be much appreciated.

I intend to return to Melbourne sometime in the New Year and take up that Millinery course at TAFE.  Can you see me as a Milliner?  In my wildest dreams I'd love to spend a year or so in Paris honing my craft, wouldn't that be something?!

Its at these times in life when our dreams are really important.  We all need something to look forward to.  Christmas for my family this year won't be as joyous as usual, but we knew that was always going to be on the cards.  None of us looks forward to saying goodbye to a loved one, but I just want to do it well.

I'll keep you in touch with my adventures as they come....

waiting....

I'm not a bit fan of waiting... but I've no choice at present.  I'm waiting to hear from WA for a phone interview and waiting to hear back about another opportunity as well.

I'm off to find a medieval costume for a wedding I'm going to on Friday.  Not sure about themed weddings, but I'm sure it will be fun.

I've also applied to a local TAFE to study Millinery next year.  Its a part-time night course so I'll be able to keep working, that is, if I have a job!  Sometimes I despair of finding the right kind of opportunity, haven't had a real good year, this year.

Not much else to report.  I'm enjoying being an Aunty to my two adorable nephews.  I really admire my sister, she seems to be taking it all in her stride.  They're growing and developing rapidly, I can just see them crawling all over the place and driving Mum crazy in no time at all!

Must away, I've a few errands to run before the sun sets... ciao for now!

Leaving on a jet plane....?

I'm currently investigating a locum job in rural WA.  Its about 2 hours North of Perth and close to my Aunt, Uncle and cousins.  It would be a good opportunity to work in the community as well as being closer to my parents and able to provide more support for Mum.

I haven't heard back from them yet, but here's hoping.  If you're of the praying persuasion all prayers appreciated!

Will keep you posted... literally!

Enjoy your weekend, we're expecting a beautiful spring-ish day tomorrow... so if you're in Melbs... why not go for a picnic!  I might visit 'the nongs' Tschuss xo

The heat is on!

A new week at work and the heat is well and truly on... not only do we need heating (as Melbourne's winter has well & truly arrived) but the pressure is on to find new leads.  People to host their places on our website, that is.  The top 10 workers will get an iPad2 and the bottom 10 look set to lose their jobs.  I don't know about mine as the parameters are slightly different for me (being Office Manager), but still an iPad 2 would be nice....

So if you have a spare room.... or know of someone who does... get onto me!

Oh, and if you want to come to Melbourne for my birthday this weekend, I can organise you a voucher for free accomodation... do get in touch!!

Travel like a local

Planning a long weekend in Melbourne to watch the Australian Open or go to Sydney to explore its gorgeous harbour & various boutiques? Wimdu can offer you affordable accommodation for your stay. Depending on your budget you can choose between simply crashing on a couch or getting your own room for a few nights. Best of all, you’ll be meeting great new people along the way!

The recently launched company Wimdu (www.wimdu.com.au) is one of the fastest growing companies in Europe and now rapidly expanding into the Asia Pacific region and both North and South America. It is a central platform for private accommodation that connects travellers and hosts on a global scale. This is great news for anyone who prefers to learn about the local culture, save money, stay with locals, and receive valuable insider information! The impersonal service and relatively high cost of hotels, and the poor amenities and safety provided by hostels makes this an easy win. Through its exciting online marketplace, Wimdu offers a unique choice of rooms, apartments and houses and allows travellers to experience countries and cities as a local would experience them.

The benefits of this online service are not limited to travellers alone. Anyone who wants to rent out a house, spare room, couch, or even a castle can set up a profile, offer their place and receive additional income. In order to add security, the website handles all the money and requires guests to pay online before arriving at the location. Also, home owners can choose among their potential guests before confirming their booking and write a review about them after the stay. Travellers also have the opportunity to evaluate their hosts and write comments and recommendations to inform fellow travellers about their experience. This creative business model enables home owners to offer spare rooms to travellers and at the same time helps travellers save money.

One of the largest start up launches in history, Wimdu was kicked off in eleven languages and forty cities across Australia, Asia, Europe, North and South America. It is financed and supported by the German incubator firm Rocket Internet which was also responsible for building up eBay Europe and manages the international growth of Groupon, the fastest growing company in the history of companies.

So get on to Goole Earth and pick a place!  Get going, with Wimdu!

For more information please contact:
info@wimdu.com.au

Opening doors....

Hi eveyone!

Sorry I have been quiet of late... that's all about to change (starting today).  I've scored myself a job where blogging and facebook are not only allowed, but encouraged... how cool is that?!

I'm working for Wimdu Australia in their Melbourne office.  We find people who want to host temporary visitors in their spare rooms (or couches).  We get to know our hosts, take professional pictures of their places and advertise them on our website... all for free.  Then we screen potential guests, screen them and help them get in touch with you... beautiful!  I'll tell you more about it in the next post...

In other news... I have found myself a lovely new man.  We've been together almost two months now and I'm really enjoying getting to know him.  He owns a cool bar in the city, so if you're ever in Melbourne town and feeling a pit parched you should swing by!  Its called Troika and is open Tuesday to Saturday till late (he basically stays till the last punter leaves, so yeah... late!)  Its on Little Lonsdale St, up the Exhibition St end, and we've introduced mulled wine for the cooler months... its proving rather popular.  So hope to see you soon....

I'm just enjoying getting the most out of life at the moment and this weekend my favourite writers festival started so I'm going to be rather a busy gal.  Emerging Writer's Festival... one of the few festivals that really caters itself to writers rather than readers, with affordable prices too!  It is in its 3rd year and just keeps getting better with a broader variety of speakers and sessions and a great booklet put together post festival called The Reader... it keeps you inspired all the year through.

I'm still enjoying church, though I'm not such a regular at City on a Hill now.  I'm enjoying meeting regularly with my Mosaic friends, were really hoping to get a regular meeting going this year.  For now we're just enjoying lunch and prayer together each week... we shall see what God brings us.

I just love my city in Autumn and this year it is particularly beautiful.  All the rain we've had since last winter has made for a gorgeous Autumn colours show.  I've also been hanging out in the city a lot as that is where Paul is most of the time.  Getting to know how it all looks in the the middle of the night too... I love the nightlife!

So, keeping in touch from now on... stay tuned to share in all my adventures!  Tschuss till next time...

Four Seasons in One Day

If you have come across Australia in the news since New Year... then you've probably heard...

• That we're experiencing FLOODs
• That we can't play CRICKET
• That it's warmer than usual (I think it's called LA NINA)
• That the TENNIS is on
• That there's been FIRES outside of Perth
• That Lance Armstrong is around Adelaide riding his BIKE
• That we're experiencing FLOODs!

I had to put the floods in twice as that's only a few made up headlines of my own since this year started... and that doesn't even cover MY NEWS.... like job, house, family, friends, etc, etc....

Suffice to say that when it doesn't rain it pours... and that the only thing you can expect from the weather in Melbourne, is that the forecast is only an educated guess!  One of my resident's at work even told me it's been likened to New York?!?!

I prefer our own Home-grown Melbourne pop version... and apologies to anyone who disapproves of bad language.  This band, Crowded House wrote this song a little bit about the town that they were formed in.  Now days the Lead Singer, Neil Finn, is back and forth from New Zealand.  The Drummer, Paul Hester, died a couple of years ago, and the Bass player, Nick Seymour, is still with the band along with Neil and a couple of other "newies".  If you're interested in their sound check out more about the band in the link.

Here in Melbourne tonight it is a clear starry sky, with a bright, full moon and some high cirrus clouds.  We've had a couple of fairly cool (low 20 degrees C) days, but the forecast is for warmer (moister) weather leading up to the weekend!

The only thing that stays the same is that I love to sing!  Tonight it's "moon" songs again... like "How High The Moon" or "Fly Me to the Moon"... maybe "Moon dance"... whichever song I sing.... I eventually come back to some kind of lullaby... or it will be AWFULLY hard to get up when my alarm goes off in the morning!

Guten-nacht.... iio tenki desu ne? (Goodnight... it's a nice day, isn't it?) xo xo xo xo

Song of the week is back for 2011!

Happy New Year everyone... I thought I'd re-start a tradition I began last year... if I aim for once a week at least it means I blog once a week most of the time, eh?

I'll blog a bit more about my plans for 2011 soon... in the meantime here's a track I'm enjoying at the moment:

My Will - DC Talk

I'm setting the stage for the things I love

And I'm not the man I once couldn't be

Nothing on earth could now ever move me

I now have the will and the strength a man needs

         Chorus

         It's my will, I'm not moving

         Cause if it's your will, then nothing can shake me

         It's my will, to bow and praise you

         I now have the will to praise my God

Complexity haunts me, for I am two men

Entrenched in a battle that I'll never win

My discipline fails me my knowledge it fools me

But you are my shelter all the strength that I need

          Repeat Chorus

I'm learning to give up the rights to myself

The bits and the pieces I've gathered as wealth

Could never compare to the joy that you bring me

The peace that you show me is the strength that I need

          Repeat Chorus (We've got to be children of peace)

In one of the repeat choruses they also sing, it's your will not mine....

So much of the Christian journey is a "battle of wills".  Sometimes I think that I'm following God's will for my life, only to discover that I chose what I wanted.  Sometimes too the battle is even deeper... a battle between God's voice and the devil's.  Is that voice in our conscience the still small voice of our Heaven Father... our experience... or the voice of one who doesn't want us to follow his leading?  When making an important decision I think it is worth wondering who's will you are following.


Even in this New Year (including if you're not a Christian).  Will you follow the negative voice of past hurts, or difficult experiences that prevent you from going somewhere or trying something new?  Or will you put the past behind you, trust in your skills, experience and knowledge and take a risk?


Who's will are you following in you life?  Are you willing to make a change for the better?


I've just been thinking.... what do you think? Joce xo xo <><