✦ Mother’s Day is a truly special occasion where we all get the chance to show our genuine love and thanks to that one very special person in our lives. Mum’s the word! It goes without saying that it’s not only one solitary day each year where we do this, but Mother’s Day affords the opportunity for Mum’s all over to rightfully stand front and centre, take a day off and be lavished with attention! Mother's Day is widely celebrated around the world Let’s face it, mothers are bona fide superstars! Not only do they carry and nurture us for a whole nine months before we are born but they raise us with an unconditional love and support that only a mother can, through our infant and petulant teenage years all the way up to and beyond our own adult lives. They help us make sense of the world, installing our emotional fibre and establishing our moral compass and are always there to turn to for invaluable advice and direction. We love our Mums, that’s for sure! But what about a little history and insight into how the occasion originated and how it is celebrated across the world? Festivals Ancient Greeks Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world and has been for centuries. The ancient Greeks worshipped Rhea as the ‘Mother of Gods,’ celebrating via an annual spring festival to honour the goddess of nature and fertility. Ancient Rome Similarly, the spring festival of Hilaria was celebrated in ancient Rome on the Ides of March (March 15) some 250 years before Christ was born to honor of mother goddess Cybele where festivities including games, parades and masquerades would last for three days. Medieval During Medieval times, apprentices and servants were allowed leave on Mothering Sunday in order to travel home and visit their mothers. The popular custom was to take a special Mother’s Day cake known as a Simnel cake, a rich fruit mixture with layers of almond paste in the middle and on top, decorated with 11 marzipan balls to represent the apostles of Jesus (minus Judas Iscariot). Simnel cake for Mother's Day during Medieval times UK Mother’s Day was adopted in the 16th century by Christians in the lead up to Easter as part of their Lenten traditions each year to honour the Virgin Mary. This is why Mother’s Day is celebrated in the UK on a different date to most other places in the world, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday (it was celebrated on March 27 in the UK this year). It was also during this period that the tradition of giving gifts became popular as families would reunite for a Mothering Sunday service at church and often children would pick flowers en route which they would then present to their mothers as gift bouquets, hence why the giving of flowers is still such a popular one. Present day origins USA Elsewhere, Mother’s Day tends to follow the traditional American date of the second Sunday in the month of May. This was established on May 12, 1907 by Philadelphia resident Anna Jarvis who wished to not only hold a memorial service for her late mother, who had died two years prior, but to mark a day when all mothers and the sacrificies they make could be honoured by their children. The practice gained popularity as commemorative church services spread throughout America, leading to then President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 officially proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, describing the day “as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Nowadays, Mother’s Day is, of course, a major celebration. According to statistics from the U.S. National Retail Federation published by Fox Business , an estimated US$31.7 billion was forcecast to be spent on Mother’s Day in the U.S. alone this year. Approximately 23 million flowers are sold on Mother’s Day each year, and about 122 million phone calls are made. Big numbers and big business. Japan In Japan Mother’s Day gained popularity after World War II as a way of comforting mothers who had lost sons to the war. Celebrated on the same date nowadays as in the U.S., ‘Haha No Hi’ is an extremely popular date in the Land of the Rising Sun where red carnations are typically given to symbolise a mother’s purity, sweetness and endurance. Haha No Hi - Japanese Mother's Day France The celebration falls slightly later in France, on the last Sunday of May, where the traditional gift of a flower-shaped cake is given to mothers across the country. Interestingly, for a period after World War I mothers of large families were given medals by the government as recognition and thanks for helping rebuild the population after so many lives had been lost during conflict. Ethiopia In Ethiopia, families celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May in the form of the Antrosht festival. Typically signifying the end of the rainy season, families convene and celebrate over a large meal while engaging in song and dance performances that honour their mothers and other family heroes. India India always loves a good festival and Mother’s Day is no different! Taking place in October and dating all the way back to the 16th century, the country honours the goddess of mothers known as Durga where a 10-day festival is held and families spend weeks preparing food, decorating their homes and gathering gifts. Thailand Finally, we turn to Thailand. The Royal family is highly revered in the Land of Smiles which explains why Mother’s Day there takes place on the set date of August 12 each year to coincide with the birthday of the much loved and respected Queen Sirikit. Families gather to eat and share memories and elaborate parades and ceremonies take place to honour the dual intentions of the holiday. Wherever, whenever and however you celebrate your Mother’s Day, the one thing in common is it is an occasion to honour and respect the family matriarch, to show her how much you love her and how grateful you are for everything she has done and continues to do. Some of our Brilliant Mothers HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all Mums out there! Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ When one decides to be a mother in our modern times, one takes on juggling skills that no acrobat in the Cirque du Soleil has ever been able to outdo. A brilliant feature for Mother's Day celebrated in Australia on 14th May about Modern Parenting Look into the head of the Modern Mum and you might just get dizzy. She has a million agendas all superimposed on one another and she can cross reference them in all directions. There's one for each kid, one for the husband, one for her family, one for the in-laws, one for work, one for friends. Her headspace is not one for the faint-hearted. So what does it take to be a Modern Mum in our time and age? Can a woman have her cake and eat it i.e. have a family AND have a career AND feel fulfilled in both AND still retain her sense of self without getting lost in 'roles'? Is work life balance even real and achievable? Many mothers lament and feel torn that they have to go to work to earn money so they can pay someone to look after their kids while they're at work. At the end of the day they sprint home and may just squeeze in an hour's quality time with their child before bedtime at 8pm. As a society, surely there is something really off that we're not able to have our professional development and build a family without sacrificing one or the other. Modern Mothers are very much left on their own. We no longer have 'a village to raise a child' and if companies continue to be rigid with timetables, it forces parents to seek help elsewhere to look after their children for long hours at a stretch. Deciding to start a family can feel overwhelming and stressful for young women. An Anguished Scream "How in the world do I find time to go to work (full time), prepare (healthy) meals at home, spend (quality) time with my husband, not neglect my parents or my in-laws, remember I have brothers as well, and oh wait I need to meet up with my friends, and did I mention I really need to go to the gym so I exercise and keep healthy, and I mustn't forget about the groceries, and I know it's healthy to have a hobby also, and I really want to go further in my career so I should probably do that training my boss has offered me but it's three evenings a week, and we need a break from work so we really want to travel too, and oh man there's the housework that's piling up...and.... HOW DO I FIND TIME TO HAVE A BABY AND TAKE CARE OF IT on top of all of these things?!" This is an anguished scream from many young women nowadays who are finding it next to impossible to imagine getting the support they need to become mothers. And we've not even touched on the financial aspect yet. Surviving on one income is just not an option for many families, which means mothers have to keep their jobs. With inflation and the increasing costs of housing and medical care, a new baby is going to require some financial gymnastics. Let's face it. Having a baby is not the toughest bit. Many women DO want to be mothers. It's how to manage after having the baby that is the catch. Being a Modern Mum requires nerves of steel. If you are a Modern Mum reading this, then what we have to say here is something you'll resonate with. And we just want you to know you are Simply Brilliant. Bits of Wisdom from Modern Mums We've put together little bits of wisdom from all the amazing Modern Mums around us who have experienced what it's like to balance both Career and Family. They have survived not just to tell the tale, but to thrive in spite of the struggles! For those who are contemplating starting a family and are facing the dilemma of family vs career, know that you are not alone and these experiences from Modern Mums may help bring you a bit of relief. You can admit it's tough being a parent and there are (many) days you just want to scream and throw in the towel. We've all met that Perfect Mum who seemingly has it all sorted out and her life is simply perfect. That's what we see on the surface. If you could see their actual lives you may well be shocked that they are not that different to you. They struggle too. They've just given themselves the added burden of appearing like they've got it all figured out. You don't have to. As mums we are simply all really trying our very best, and often, many things out of our control go wonky. It's just not possible to keep everything in place. Remember, you are a Mum, you're not Ice Cream. It's not your job to keep everyone happy. Motherhood has its frustrating manic side too. It's part of the package. And if you're experiencing it, it simply means you are a mother. It doesn't mean you're not being a good mum. And let's be fair, we don't have a Manual of How to be a Mum, we didn't have to go to university for 6 years and do an internship for 6 months before we became 'licensed' to be mothers. No number of books and podcasts can prepare us to be one. It's really 100% learning on the job. And it's tough. It means mistakes will happen, we will mess up, and that's all part of the process. At the end of the day, you will always be the best mum for your kids. You are not Lesser Than, or Not Enough or Too Much. You are Just Goldilocks Right for your kids. "My kids sometimes tell me 'Mum! You're so beautiful!' when they come to my bed early in the morning and I'm looking a mess and I always wonder what they see. It is very touching though, and I have to remember sometimes to look at myself through their eyes instead." - Azu, 40, HR consultant and mother of two. You have found your tribe who get you. New mums, choose your tribe wisely. You do not want to surround yourself with 'Shamers' who insidiously patronise or pity your situation as a struggling mum. Modern Mums get shamed for just about everything. Not putting in extra hours at work. Not attending your kid's ballet recital. Not being the right weight. Not making homemade cookies for your kid's fundraising at school. Not doing enough self-care. Not giving your kids organic food etc. etc. etc. It's a huge relief when you can be raw and vulnerable with close friends who get it. There are days when you do feel more than just upset and fed-up with kids and husbands and work. You just want to run away, escape and fantasise about being on a quiet island where you can just sleep for 10 hours straight and have someone bring you good food and you can do whatever you want with no agenda to manipulate and no deadlines to rush to. It doesn't not mean you don't love your kids, husband or work. It just means you are tired, stressed, overwhelmed and could really need a break and some help. You are going to have dark days, and it's important to find a safe space with supportive people you can express your feelings to and seek refuge in. And who don't mind that you're going to have crazy hair, messy clothes and have a good solid wail peppered with quite a bit of swearing. In fact, they'll just sit next to you while you have a go. And there'll be Kleenex, tea and your favourite cookies after. They'll think no lesser of you for being like this. You can make decisions based on what's right for your family rather than what the media or trends recommend or what other people think. We don't all have the same husband, same kids, same job, same families, same background, same experience. We're not in the same boat. More accurately, same sea, very different boats. We are all so different, and yet we seem to think there's some magic golden manual out there for How to be the Perfect Mum and if we were to just follow it everything will be peaches and cream. There is no magic manual. And that magic manual can definitely NOT be found in social media or trends. We all want to look like Marie Kondo with the immaculate house and kids. Even the great Marie Kondo herself has admitted that she has had to change her priorities because of her kids. Someone commented, "It's the fall of a mythical figure!" when news of Marie Kondo giving up on her perfect tidying came out. Rather than see it as a fall or admitting defeat, why not see it as getting real? The image of perfection is more damaging than kind to mothers. So Marie Kondo has decided for herself what is truly important to her now, and she's taking the step to not follow even her own trends of keeping the perfect house. Because each of us has such a mix of situations and conditions, we all have to choose for ourselves what is best for our families. New mums often get bombarded with unsolicited advice and opinions. Try to keep your ear canals as clean as possible so you can let these things pass right through you. Trust yourself to do what is right for your family. Even if it looks different to the norm, and even if others have a lot to say about it. It's YOUR family and you're the one paying for the consequences of every action, not them. You recognise you are 100% ecological, organic, natural HUMAN i.e. you are Perfectly Imperfect. Our society has a strange obsession with Perfection, which is one of the biggest myths ever generated. There is no perfection. Yet as Modern Mums we feel that is our goal. We're expected to deliver a baby one day and boing-boing-boing our way back into a svelte figure in a week. Because that's what we see famous mothers do on Instagram. Unless your baby gets delivered by Amazon Prime otherwise any human mother will tell you with some deliveries it's like through hell and back. Your body has been all mashed up and it takes time to put it all back together again. Perfection is actually rigid, unforgiving and restrictive. Being Imperfect allows for flexibility and adaptability, another two superpowers Modern Mums have. It's not about forcing the perfect family holiday. It's about still having a good time in spite of hiccups and changed plans. Adaptability allows you to salvage a challenging situation instead of letting tempers fly and wanting things one's way. Like those tests on the Internet that want to know you are not a robot if you can identify all the pictures with traffic lights, if you are imperfect it's just a great litmus test to prove you are 100% human and not alien. You can play to your strengths. What are you good at? This is a really important thing to do regularly - check in on yourself, what are your wins? No matter how small, they matter and are worth celebrating. Perhaps you're really good at organising whether it's schedules or housework. Perhaps you're the one people at work turn to when they've got a nasty problem with a client and need your perspective. Some are just a whiz at calming the children down. Whatever it is, give yourself credit. Every day. Especially on the days when it feels like others do not see your efforts or strengths and have not been able to show appreciation. Be your best cheerleader. Celebrate YOU, because your kids do! You don't feel guilty for taking Time Off for Me. Modern Mums are not machines. You cannot run on empty, and you're not expected to do it all 24/7. Since the pandemic, many have noticed an increase in the amount of work, and in the speed of work. Meetings have increased and seem neverending. Deadlines get tighter. Everyone wants things faster (or yesterday). There are 200 emails in the Inbox with their big bold letters screaming " Look at us! We are all urgent!" (and don't forget the incessant beeps of Whatsapp messages on your work phone and your personal phone). Many Zoom from one meeting to the next from breakfast till lunch and have not had time to do any work yet, and still feel they have to squeeze in an hour at the gym between work and then run back again for a work presentation. If we used to talk about the proverbial hamster wheel keeping us in a loop, nowadays that same hamster wheel has a F1 motor attached to it and is spinning at 100 miles per hour. And that's just at work. When Modern Mums get home there's another whole new arena to manage. Being a Modern Mum you need the stamina of a long distance runner. It's for the long haul and runners will tell you there are times when they need to just walk and not run. Heck, if you're going to be running for 4 hours straight there'll come a time when perhaps you need to stop and pee or hydrate! Taking time off for yourself is simply necessary, practical and wise. Sometimes the demand comes from ourselves, and not from our bosses or children. We tell ourselves that to be a good worker or a good mum we must be available all the time. We're not Siri or Alexa. They don't have to change diapers, clean up vomit or prepare a mega presentation to win a new client or risk losing their jobs. Time Off for Me is a tough one, so start small. Perhaps just 5 minutes only to breathe and do nothing. Guilt is a creepy and sneaky foe, and it will tell you that precious 5 minutes should be spent playing Lego with your kids or answering that email that's been stewing in your Inbox for 3 days. When guilt speaks, tell it "Okay, I hear you. Now let me get back to my 5 minutes of doing nothing." Eventually you'll be enjoying a weekend away with girlfriends on a spa retreat, or going for your art classes every Wednesday evening. Guilt-free. And really, your kids want a Happy Mum. Not a Super Mum. Companies nowadays are so big on mental health and wellbeing, they also know a Happy Worker is far more productive than one who is sick and stressed out. Fathers are given more equal conditions in paternity leave, and there is more flexibility in working hours and working from home to allow parents to have the support they need. You know better than to Compare and Despair. Office and neighbourhood gossip can be toxic. So-and-so went to New York with her husband... and we can only afford domestic travel. So-and-so's kids won some national maths competition... and ours are struggling to keep up at school. So-and-so just bought their second house by the beach... and we're feeling the weight of our mortgage of our small apartment. So-and-so is only 30 and has already been promoted... and we're stuck with pesky clients in a routine position. So-and-so went on a cruise with her parents for their anniversary... and we're so tied up with kids and housework we haven't visited ours in a while. The funny thing is, whenever we compare we only compare with those who seemingly have more or are better. And it always triggers a bitter, sour feeling that makes us squirm on the inside, but we put on a sunny front and say how wonderful, how delightful it is others have such amazing fortune. So perhaps it would be kinder to ourselves to stop the comparison. We can logically conclude that yes, it's great others are enjoying themselves, well done, (after all, we don't want others to suffer either!) and it is not an indictment of how we are and most certainly not an indication of our 'success' as mothers, workers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends. We can always step away from a conversation that is unhealthy and simply not engage. You have the confidence to ask for help. Asking for help is a strength not a weakness. It's simply a logical thing to do. It is respecting what you can and cannot humanly do. When you take care of yourself, you are actually taking care of your family. You have your oxygen mask on so you can help others. An important part of asking for help is also letting others see it. Men also suffer from having to be Macho Man all the time and children feel frustrated and helpless when they don't know they can ask for help. Let your family see you asking for help. It gives them permission to do the same. It generates a healthy reciprocity and empathy too. Join the global community of women Brilliant-Online wants to salute all the amazing women around us who are taking brave steps every day to make a change in their own lives, and to make a difference to the next generation. Modern Mums are breaking old patterns so the new generation can have a better life. Photo above: Elizabeth Regin with son Henry Modern Mums are not just working towards a more balanced, equal and fair life for themselves. Their children are witnessing this transformation in the roles of women - as mothers, workers, daughters, sisters, wives and they are seeing a new, healthier and happier way of being. It's a precious gift Modern Mums are giving their children. To see that things can be different, and they are a living example of this. Your children may be too young as yet to be aware, but they are so proud of YOU for breaking old patterns, and daring to change. Modern Mums, you rock, and there is a beautiful Divine Goddess in each one of you, so keep sparkling brilliantly! References: https://metro.co.uk/2016/01/26/the-39-steps-to-being-a-modern-mother-5636125/ https://www.thebump.com/a/asking-for-help-tips Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Star Wars is more than a cult classic. Its philosophies have empowered the personal and professional arenas through time. Which Star Wars character is your business, and how are you helping others to grow? Brilliant-Online has been a trailblazer, setting the way for a new digital, interactive magazine that has made magic real. We're talking about an improved version of Harry Potter's Daily Prophet, and we are proud to have passed trials and tribulations to create what you see today . CEO of Brilliant-Online, Veronica Lind embodies the wisdom of Yoda who sagely quips, "Do. Or do not. There is no try." And that is the reason why you are here reading our Brilliant-Magazine . May 4th is a highly anticipated event across the globe, with Star Wars fans everywhere who love not just the movies but the lessons and philosophies embedded in them. The stories may have taken place in another time and space, but it is still highly relevant today and it is a mirror of the challenges we experience in our modern day Planet Earth. We all have our personal favourite Star Wars character, and we want to see which Star Wars character your business most reflects, and how it can help to change our business galaxy for good. Read the traits below and tell us which Star Wars character your business is! ✨May the (Brilliant) Force be with You!✨ Yoda Do. Or do not. There is no try. There is no greater guru than Yoda, and from the mouth of the master himself, “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” which is a great reminder to all small businesses that they can dream bigger and have as much of an impact as big businesses out there. Yoda is the mentor we all wish we had, and how different our lives would have been if we had had such sagely guidance. Are you in the mentoring, counselling or coaching business? Or are you an expert in your industry who is guiding others to grow to their fullest potential, to avert the dangerous pull of the Dark Side and forge ahead bravely to conquer new galaxies? Whether in the personal or professional field, we all need mentors to guide us, to be our fiercest cheerleader, to support us and to give us the necessary push when we need it. Finding a good mentor can make or break your dreams and can be a definitive turning point in your life and career. Listen to Yoda's wisdom Princess Leia "This is some rescue. You came in here, but didn't you have a plan for getting out?" No damsel in distress, Princess Leia was not just brave, she was also an incredible strategist and showed amazing adaptability. Even as she bravely fought the Empire, she knew she had to strategise to win, and she could figure out alternative plans should things go haywire any second. She was a genius when she planted the Death Star plans in R2-D2, saving the galaxy from Imperial oppression. It was her strategic thinking that helped rescue Han Solo from the gruesome Jabba the Hutt, who, in spite of its size, was strangled by Leia before she escaped. Princess Leia even took charge of her own rescue operation to save everyone! No matter how stressful the situation was, she kept her head cool and was the epitome of clear focus and knew improvisation was a necessary skill to get her out of danger. If you are in the finance, investments, technology or manufacturing industries, perhaps you identify most with Princess Leia's sharp focus on strategies and laser focus on objectives. Princess Leia saved many thanks to her quick thinking. How has your business benefitted the community as you shared your strategies? Watch this tribute to Carrie Fisher: Luke Skywalker "You Can Either Profit By This, Or Be Destroyed." Luke's story is one of the archetypal hero's journey from humble farmer to Jedi warrior. He goes through trials and obstacles. He overcomes his weaknesses and fears. And he gets to a point where he is confident enough to face Jabba the Hutt and save his friends. Luke is someone who is motivated by a strong sense of duty and a desire to become a part of something much larger than himself. He accepts the teachings of Ben Kenobi and there is no looking back from that point on. Even though Luke was born with 'the force' strong within him, he could not have attained his Jedi warrior status without tough training and learned techniques. Is your business one that helps people through difficulties and takes them from zero to hero? Do you offer special training to help people achieve a dream greater than themselves? Have you yourself been through the journey of personal growth to come out triumphant on the other side and can guide others to success? What's Luke Skywalker's alter ego like as a coach? Our business galaxy The list of well-loved Star Wars characters is endless, and many even love the character of Darth Vader, in spite of him being on the Dark Side! After all, you have to admit it is pretty impressive to be able to do long-distance strangling or control massive spaceships by just reaching out your hand. We want to think there is a Force that guides our business galaxy, and we all need one another. Hans Solo needed his Chewbacca, and C3PO and R2D2 have made a difference in keeping Luke and Leia safe too. Everyone has a role to play, and in our modern-day business speak, whether it's career advancement, skill enhancement or personal growth, we are looking for our mentors, allies and people who support our growth. Come to the Brilliant side by embracing the spirit of growth and innovation in our special May issue, dedicated to personal and professional development . This presents a unique opportunity for your business to connect with an engaged audience passionate about enhancing their skills and advancing their careers. ❋ 💫 May the Force be with You! For fans of Star Wars, check this out: ⭐ A collection of rare photographs of the original Star Wars trilogy ⭐ Learn 5 Career Lessons we can take from Star Wars ⭐ 8 Great Life Teachings from Yoda Cast of the original Star Wars know how to have fun! Even Darth Vader needs a bit of love! What happens if you get into the lift with Darth Vader? References: https://screenrant.com/star-wars-best-leia-organa-quotes/ https://screenrant.com/princess-leia-character-traits-star-wars/ https://screenrant.com/star-wars-original-trilogy-cast-character-guide/ https://officechai.com/learn/5-career-lessons-we-can-learn-from-star-wars/ https://www.theastromech.com/2023/10/princess-leia-quotes-star-wars-lines-helpmeobiwankenobi.html https://screenrant.com/star-wars-most-memorable-luke-skywalker-quotes/ https://www.sparknotes.com/film/starwars/character/luke-skywalker/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/rare-star-wars-photographs https://www.starwars.com/news/8-great-life-teachings-from-yoda Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us . ✦ Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses.

✦ Ballet was once seen as something for the elite class. Now it has expanded into all areas of society, and you hear of parents taking not just their kids but also themselves to ballet classes! Brilliant-Online's content writer Yann Tyng has been taking ballet classes since she was a child and continues to do so at 45! She has been taking ballet classes for adult learners in several schools in Madrid where she is based. We often read about the benefits of ballet as a form of exercise, but that alone does not get people into the studios. What is it really like to start ballet as an adult, from zero? Maybe hearing it straight from the horse's mouth will inspire you to get started! Hear from adult learners about what got them started and why they are all so in love with ballet! Our ballet boys! Jesús is 54, from Madrid and currently works in the legal profession. He started doing ballet for adult learners in February 2022. He was at an airport in Tenerife watching a video on Youtube of the famous dancer Sergei Polunin when he thought, hey, why not just go ahead and take a class. And he did! Rafael is 31, from Almería and has been living in Madrid since 2013. A psychologist by profession, he started ballet in September 2022. It was something that had been on his mind and last summer he finally made the decision to sign up thanks to the encouragement from a friend who also started dance classes as an adult! What was the reaction of your family and friends when they heard you were taking ballet classes? Jesús: It was a surprise because nobody expected me to do that. I'm a sportsman, I love exercise and running but ballet was not something people imagined I would take up. I've always been fascinated by dance though! Rafael: People were happy for me, even though they were also really surprised. I've never done anything like this before, so they didn't expect me to take this step. How do you feel being sometimes the only male in the class? Jesús: I feel like just another student in the class. When you dance, there is no difference if you are a boy or a girl, you only feel the discipline and the passion. Rafael: I feel comfortable in class, it has never bothered me being the only boy in class. Many secretly harbour dreams of taking up ballet, but are too embarrassed to do so because of age or physical limitations. What would you say to people to encourage them to take the same step as you have? Jesús: Let's not put up internal or external limitations. For someone who is much younger, ballet would demand more effort, more discipline and more tenacity. And for us adult beginners, it's clear that we are not looking to have a professional career in dance. But we can all enjoy ballet just as professionals do, and be just as disciplined as them. Furthermore, it's a great way to stay in shape and achieve a physically harmonious and aesthetic line. What really attracts me about ballet is how it allows me to grow as a person. Rafael: I'd encourage everyone to try it. Embarrassment has very often been the limiting factor for me when it comes to trying new things. I took the courage to take up ballet and now I'm enjoying every single class! What is the most gratifying thing for you about ballet classes? Jesús: The freedom of movement, the ability to focus, and for two hours, my mind and body can just fly to another dimension altogether. After each class I feel tired but also alive! The exercises do tire you out, but it's a wonderful feeling of triumph because I did my best in spite of it being hard. And I feel alive because the music and the dance allow my body to be free and feel so many marvellous things. I always want to keep coming back to each class and improve, to do a step better, to know more about my body and its ability. I love the discipline of ballet and the challenge to improve. And you get to meet new and interesting people and make friends in ballet class! Rafael: It's a wonderful feeling to see how you can improve bit by bit. Each time you repeat a step you do it better. "The most gratifying thing is doing something that I love. After each class I feel euphoric, very happy and full of energy. And that's when I'm already looking forward to the next class!" - Rafael, 31, adult ballet learner Ballet is synonymous with perfection. How do you motivate yourself to keep doing this without sliding into self-criticism? Jesús: I'm a very positive person. I know who and how I am and why I go to ballet classes. At the beginning I did feel critical about myself, I saw my defects and over time I realised that's not important. The journey is what counts, that I started it, and am on it! I know I have the physical and mental strength to keep improving to achieve my goals i.e. to be myself and to dance. Rafael: What really motivates me, apart from the art form itself, is the fact that I'm doing something that I didn't dare to before. I'm quite demanding on myself, so I also have to manage the frustration that I feel in classes. However, that hasn't stopped me because my focus is on the enjoyment of the classes. I absolutely love the barre exercises. It's where I can feel my improvement the most. Favourite dancer, music or ballet? Jesús: Sergei Polunin, baroque music and Le Corsaire. Rafael: Swan Lake, both the ballet and the music! What do you appreciate most about your dance teachers? Jesús: Their patience. And their way of being and knowing exactly how to be there for us. They know that we are doing this as adults because we love it. It's as simple as that. That's the success of a ballet teacher for adults. Rafael: Their patience! They often have to repeat exercises or explanations. We are new to this so we need a bit more help there. I also appreciate their kindness when it comes to giving corrections. They create a friendly atmosphere to dance where it's not about doing it well or badly. It's about learning and enjoying. What is your wish for 2023 in the dance world? Jesús: That people do not shut themselves off to enjoying dance. It is a necessary part of life. We can't live without beauty around us. Ballet is a great tool to discover a future that is full of hope. Dance is what allows us to know ourselves, and to come together and understand each other. Rafael: I hope in 2023 the world of ballet continues to expand and become more popular and accessible like other forms of dance! A final message for those who are almost going to sign up for a ballet class but who haven't yet! Jesús: Don't be afraid or embarrassed! Dance opens up your mind and spirit. Dance is what gives your soul wings to fly! Rafael: If you are curious about it, try it! Don't worry about the physical aspects of it, it'll come to you as you work at it each class. We may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about taking this step, but do it anyway. The feeling will pass soon enough, especially when you focus on the joy of it instead of doing it perfect! Come warm up to the joy of ballet with Yann Tyng and her classmates at an adult ballet class in Madrid! And what does a teacher of adult ballet students think? Mar is a dancer whose professional career took place in Zaragoza and she has been teaching dance for more than 40 years. She taught in a dance conservatory and specialised in teaching children. It was last year that she was offered the opportunity to teach adults. It was a challenge for her to make the change but she absolutely loved the experience of teaching adults who have no experience in ballet. Benefits of ballet "Ballet brings many benefits. There's obviously the physical aspects of stretching and alignment, strengthening and toning, but we mustn't forget about the coordination, focus, concentration and memory work which are really good for the brain. You also learn to really listen to the music, which is what makes you have the sensation of 'flying out of yourself' and forgetting about all your problems. "Yes, you can!" is what adults thinking of starting ballet should tell themselves. Adult learners "It's not about doing extreme exercises. Ballet classes for adults are specifically tailored to their needs, we give challenges that are appropriate and relevant. And above all, we know people are here to learn and enjoy! The upside of adults is they are so much more aware of their bodies, limits and goals and they know how to make the most of it. Adult learners are highly appreciative when you as a teacher can help them push past their limits, see they can improve and enjoy dancing. I see myself as someone who teaches people to love dance, rather than teach people how to dance. My challenge as a teacher to adults is to give clear explanations, break down steps, and make the difficult 'easy', know when to push and when to let go. As a teacher to adult learners, I feel very loved, and that makes me want to keep coming back to give more! Future of ballet "I am hopeful about the future of ballet. Now I am seeing a greater variety of body types in the ballet world. Technology is also bringing us a lot of benefits in ballet. There is a wealth of resources now on the Internet, and there are lots to follow on Youtube, on Instagram etc. where you can follow dance companies, famous dancers etc. One way to improve is to watch as much ballet as you can. And Spotify has been a godsend for ballet teachers. Now we no longer have to rely on just one precious (and very expensive) CD of class music, or a live pianist (even more expensive). In 2023, I hope Spain's Compañía Nacional de Danza will get more funding to put up more classical works, and that more dance schools could open up and more people will don that leotard and start dancing! If this is making that itch to dance even stronger, why not get to your nearest local dance school or centre and sign up for a class? If you are in Madrid and want to put on your dancing shoes for a bit, swing by this friendly neighbourhood dance school Tres en Danza , and let your spirit fly! Say hi to Yann Tyng, Jesús and Rafael if you are there! They'll be happy to show you the ropes if you are new to ballet! And we leave you with this beautiful quote from Jesús: "Los límites lo pongo yo!" - Jesús, 54, adult ballet learner He sets his own limits. What will yours be? Read about Brilliant-Online´s CEO Veronica Lind´s visit to Spain last year! For more inspiration, check these out: Runqiao Du Ballet Coaching https://www.instagram.com/runqiaodu/ Ballet with Isabella https://www.instagram.com/balletwithisabella/ Dance for Life Academy https://www.instagram.com/danceforlifeacademynz/?hl=en The Australian Ballet https://australianballet.com.au/events/studios Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ TG's Child Care brings peace of mind to families and children, so they can experience Playing is Learning for Life happy and secure. Families love and trust TG's Child Care, and they know in their gut when they visit TG's that this place feels just right. For generations, children have passed through the playspaces of TG's, have graduated and new children have come in. Playing is Learning for Life happens naturally every single day and children who have left TG's continue to Play it Forward. It's hot so let's put on our suncream, sun hats and stay hydrated! When we are so used to a place, we start to take it for granted that everything we have received in this place somehow happens on their own. TG's children are happy and secure in this loving, kind and fun environment, and families do have peace of mind when they bring their children to TG's and allow them to fully grow in TG's. But what are the mechanics behind ensuring the children, families, and staff are all kept healthy and secure, and who is organising everything to make it all run like clockwork? Work Health Safety (WHS) is a legal requirement TG's Child Care has an ESG (Environment, Social Governance) strategy. WHS is incorporated into TG's Governance to protect the health, safety and welfare of all workers and and others in relation to Australia's workplaces and work activities. The role of a Workplace Health and Safety Officer is to actively contribute to protecting the safety, health and welfare of employees, children, families and visitors within TG's service. This person has the responsibility of looking after the "whole person" in the sense that WHS encompasses all aspects including social, mental and physical wellbeing. The role includes: Providing ongoing support, education, care and safety to children enrolled in the service. Researching relevant WHS information and relay to all Educators Reporting to Centre Manager with relevant information Completing WHS Audits monthly Ensuring all SDS are current and up to date Ensuring all equipment and furniture are in a safe and working manner and following services practices to access maintenance/repair when required Ensuring all First Aid kits are checked every 6 months by a registered First Aid Trainer, continuing regular checks throughout the year and replenishing when required Ensuring all IITIs are completed accordingly and following register database process Stock rotation, overseeing stock entering service and ordering processes Preparing a report to be delivered at each team meeting of the WHS office Modelling excellence, coaching, guiding and assisting in the implementation of the TG’s Way Having a working knowledge of industry standards such as the NQS and EYLF Working in accordance with the Code of Ethics of Early Childhood Australia. WHS states that businesses must put health and safety practices in place as soon as their business is started. It is under Australian law that the business must: ensure the health and safety of workers not put the health and safety of other people at risk This includes: providing a safe work environment provide and maintain safe machinery and structures provide safe ways of working ensure safe use, handling and storage of machinery, structures and substances provide and maintain adequate facilities provide any information, training, instruction or supervision needed for safety monitor the health of workers and conditions at the workplace (Source: business.gov.au ) It's not just about following the law and regulations. There are important benefits businesses can gain from ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of people on their premises. It is a strong factor in staff retention and improving productivity. It reduces injury and illness in the workplace and also the costs of compensation in such situations. What it takes to be a WHS Officer at TG's There are several Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ascertain of someone is suited to this position. 1. Personal & Professional Development – Understanding our Gifts Demonstrated experience and understanding of the need for continuation of both personal & professional development Adaptability and flexibility are vital characteristics. A WHS Officer is constantly developing themselves with training sessions to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. Whether it's First Aid, food safety and how to handle food and equipment hygienically, a WHS Officer knows exactly what to do. Listening is highly valued at TG's Child Care. When a WHS Officer attends internal and external stakeholder meetings, they are there to listen to what everyone needs, and appropriate measures can be executed. 2. Customer Service – Building Relationships Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including demonstrated experience in liaising with a wide range of internal and external parties. A WHS Officer is a strong advocate for children and families, and staff at TG's are treated with the same respect. Maintaining confidentiality is key to helping people feel safe, so families, clients, staff know they can trust TG's. With TG's strong ESG background, diversity and inclusivity are a natural part of how TG's operates. The WHS Officer is there to ensure equality and treat everyone with respect while being responsive to their needs. 3. Administration & Documentation - Encouraging Collective thinking Through the use of the company processes ensure that all administration and documentation requirements are initiated and completed in a professional and timely manner. This goes beyond mere 'paperwork'. It's about ensuring that the way documentation is treated meets legal requirements, and files are stored correctly to ensure confidentiality. TG's is always growing and looking for ways to step up and ahead. The WHS Officer is there to ensure TG's has a continual improvement strategy in receiving input from everyone in relation to systems and processes. This ensures TG's operations and activities are kept effective, and feedback is encouraged to help TG's develop and implement policies and procedures. 4. Technical Skills & Application – Understanding our Gifts Demonstrated knowledge and application of the skills required for this position. This includes knowledge and understanding of appropriate equipment, legislation, policies and procedures. The WHS Officer has an eagle eye out for every child at TG's to ensure they are always supervised indoors and outdoors. TG's curriculum promotes the children's safety and wellbeing and the WHS Officer is there to assist Educators to ensure safe and suitable teaching strategies. Every child is unique, so they know if some children have additional needs or requirements pertaining to diet, allergies, development. TG's entire playspace is seen as the 'third teacher', so these spaces are respected and well-maintained to create an environment for children that fosters curiosity, exploration and problem-solving. 5. Teamwork & Communication – Building Relationships Demonstrated ability to participate as an active member of a team, consistent with the philosophy and policies of the Company. Paddling the canoe together is a highly conscious process that happens at TG's. The WHS Officer is the first to model working harmoniously and positively within the team to achieve team goals. TG's Educators are supported to fully reflect the TG's Way and everyone is driven to paddle further and beyond together. 6. Continuous Improvement – Encouraging Collective Thinking Commitment to ensuring quality services are delivered to both internal & external parties through continuous improvement activities. This role requires one to know the relevant external legislation, internal policies and procedures of this position and TG's. The WHS Officer is on the ball when it comes to Quality Improvement Plans, or ensuring TG's continual development in the National Quality Framework, National Regulations and National Law as well as the Early Years Learning Framework. Safety, Health and Wellbeing at TG's TG´s Child Care was awarded Exceeding in the National Quality Standard (NQS) of Early Childhood Education in: Children's health and safety Staffing arrangements Relationships with children Collaborative partnerships with families and communities Governance and Leadership We grow well when we feel safe, held and loved! All TG's Educators are required to have Working with Children Checks and have clear codes of conduct and policies. Beyond this, TG's has been hard at work behind the scenes ensuring children, families, staff and visitors are all kept safe and secure. When you really think about it and look at all that is being done and continues to be implement and maintained, it is a lot of work. There is a huge responsibility behind all the effort, and perhaps this is a good time to say kudos to everyone involved in the WHS of TG's, and to say a big THANK YOU for being the invisible elves at work every day to keep everyone safe! 1. Clear communications The COVID-19 pandemic was a major test to the WHS of many businesses. TG's stepped up immediately and were clear it was imperative not just to keep everyone physically safe but also to tend to the mental health of everyone. TG's Educators certainly demonstrated what it means to go above and beyond. They created educational videos to inform families and children about the COVID situation. Educators put together a Creative Care Package for families which included fun activities such as science experiments, cooking activities, storytelling so children can continue with Playing is Learning for Life wherever they were. It brought a sense of regularity, familiarity and comfort to children and to families who can see that TG's is there for them, no matter what. Listening is really important at TG's. Everyone's voice matters. Communication lines were kept open, clear and consistent. They were and continue to keep up-to-date with the latest changes, developments and recommendations of policies and regulations from the government. This may include other issues not related to health and safety, but which are also important and have an impact on families e.g. Child Care Subsidy (CCS) scheme. 2. Healthy eating TG's meals are recognised by Munch and Move and Good for Kids. This ensures healthy meals every day. As sustainability is woven into their business model, TG's menus are seasonal, respecting sustainability and the environment's natural cycles. And there's always a fun factor somewhere when it comes to doing things at TG's! TG's children grow and look after the very vegetables they eat! They are trusty little gardeners who learn about the plants and they care for them from the time they are tiny seeds through to harvest time. This promotes eco-intelligence, responsibility, appreciation and boosts the children's confidence. It empowers them and gives a sense of pride in their hard work in sustainable practices. See it as a little 'Farm to Fork' at TG's and the children love it! It makes them see their vegetables in a whole new light! 3. Always ready Natural disasters are a part of life in our communities. TG's has learnt from past experiences, so they have flood readiness action plans in place to prevent any potential damage in the future. 4. Age-appropriate knowledge TG's often invites local trades in their communities to educate the children on dental health or fire safety. They learn age-appropriate skills to take care of their health and safety. Healthy Harold, the friendly giraffe also came to TG's to teach the children about feelings and making safe choices. Mindfulness is a part of the TG's curriculum and the children pick up wellbeing tools they can use anytime. 5. Wellbeing for Educators TG's organises regular staff training on wellbeing and mindfulness. Centre managers are always on hand to guide and listen to Educators. TG's has a Mental Health Workplaces Toolkit with guidance material and practical resources that guide them to eliminate and reduce risks to psychological health and create a safe workplace that is mentally healthy. This builds the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the TG's team to be resilient and thrive at work. 6. Risk Assessments and Safety Checks TG's Educators are familiar with using Risk Assessments and daily safety checklists. Risk assessments are completed to manage potential risks including, but not limited to: New equipment Learning experiences Quarterly emergency evacuation drills Excursions Visitors They are also aware of the importance of hazard identification and the steps required to manage them should they arise. Educators are familiar with WHS equipment, environment safety checks and audits. The next time you step into TG's, you may well see the whole place in a very different light. Everything is in its proper place to ensure children, families, Educators and visitors are kept safe, secure and healthy. When we feel safe and loved, we all grow very well! That's why TG's Child Care has been trusted by families across communities through the generations. Contact TG’S Child Care TG's Child Care locations and contact details (below) Urangan QLD +61 (07) 4184 2282 | urangan@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/urangan 61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655 Armidale NSW +61 (02) 6772 7810 | armidale@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/armidale 11 Samuelson Crescent, Armidale NSW 2350 Uralla NSW +61 (02) 6778 3369 | uralla@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/uralla 23B John St, Uralla NSW 2358 Wauchope - Hastings St NSW +61 (02) 6585 1033 | HastingsStreet@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-hastings-st 33B Hastings St, Wauchope NSW 2446 Wauchope - High St NSW +61 (02) 6585 3331 | HighStreet@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-high-st 223A High St, Wauchope NSW 2446 Wauchope - Riverbreeze NSW +61 (02) 6585 2981 | riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-riverbreeze 3 Riverbreeze Drive, Wauchope NSW 2446 TG's Child Care is Hiring Educators Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Wauchope's very own local renowned author is inspiring others on their own writing journeys Desley Polmear is a local author residing in Wauchope who has become a best-selling author after completing a murder mystery trilogy. The trilogy starts with Unlocked Secrets , followed by Just Before Midnight and it concludes with Payback . The second of the trilogy, Just Before Midnight was even reviewed by the New York Times. Just Before Midnight was even reviewed by the New York Times When you read her trilogy you may be expecting someone a lot more sombre with a darker nature perhaps, but Desley is, in fact, quite the opposite! She has an infectious exuberance and her love for life rubs off on people in her presence. When you meet Desley, the brightness of her smile is the first thing that strikes you, and it stays with you through the entire time you are listening to her. Desley Polmear's Trilogy is available for purchase on her website Diversified Inspiration Since writing the trilogy , Desley has published two more novels - Shattered and Fractured Souls . Her inspiration certainly does not run dry as she has also ventured beyond novels and as written an inspirational verse book as well as an autobiography My Early Years . She has made contributions to other local anthologies. When she isn't writing, she is holding workshops on the art of fiction writing and has often been invited to speak at libraries, book clubs, VIEW and Probus clubs as well as grassroots writers festivals. Desley is someone who brings to life exuberance and fun in her craft, and that is something that people listening to her can pick up on and be inspired by. While it is clear that writing and reading are Desley's passions, what people may not know is that she is also very much into watercolour and acrylic painting. Her interests extends into the performative arts as she enjoys going to ballets and musicals. In fact, she even sings! Desley has actually been singing since an early age and she enjoyed being in the productions of Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar. With such an extensive range of diverse interests and passions, there is plenty of inspiration and material for Desley to weave many stories. Written Inspiration Desley was not always a writer. Previously, she had her own counselling practice on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Her aim then was to help and inspire others to lead more fulfilling lives and not live in the past. She has an intuitive nature which she sees as a special gift. It was something she used to gain insight and help people. Retirement came but it was certainly not a call for Desley to rest and take it easy. She set out to join a writers group and that was where she was bitten by the bug and found her passion for writing fiction. For Desley, when she is writing, she is in her happy place. This has since become her calling and she now runs her own writing group where she helps people to find their hidden creativity. Whether as a counsellor or a writer, helping people is perhaps Desley's true profession. Her curiosity in people's stories and keen observation help provide her with inspiration to seed her writing. As Desley herself loves to say, she's always on the lookout for a good story. Shattered If you are wondering about what Desley's novels are like, here's a little summary of two of her novels to bait you. Shattered is a fiction novel published in March 2019. It is set in Wauchope, Beechwood and Port Macquarie. Those of you living in there may be excited to find familiar references in the novel. Shattered tells the story of a family living on a property west of Wauchope. At twenty years of age, twins, Gracie and Jack Lawson face a tragedy. Days later, on 8th August 2008, their father, criminal defence lawyer, Harold Lawson, walks out the front door leaving the family to fend for themselves. The respected Lawson name becomes media fodder. Family secrets are revealed which were supposed to remain hidden. Ten years later, in 2018, Gracie, while teaching in the small town, falls in love with Booker Harrington. Tragedy strikes, leaving Gracie physically and emotionally shattered. A friend, Jayde Carlson, takes a liking to the handsome Booker. Will Booker support Gracie in her time of need, or will he betray her? Fractured Souls Fractured Souls is Desley’s latest book which was published in November 2021. The story is about a father, Rhys Collins, who went to sea to work but never came home, leaving behind 13-year-old Miriam and his 6-year-old twins. Their father's sister, aunt Daisy took in the three children and raised them as her own. Miriam adored her father, and wondered for years why he abandoned all three of them. Where was he? Was he still alive? If he were alive, was he thinking of his children? From pre World War II, Wales, UK, to the turn of the century in Sydney, the reader is taken on Rhys' journey of adventures, strife and multiple identities. Will Miriam and her siblings find their missing father before he becomes completely lost in the constant dramas of his own making? Purchase signed copies of Fractured Souls Where to buy Desley's books You can purchase Desley's books online at: https://www.desleypolmearcreative.com/shop-books or hop on to Book Face in Port Macquarie or Dymocks bookstores everywhere. Contact Desley Polmear desleypolmear@hotmail.com +61 475 244 028 https://www.desleypolmearcreative.com/ https://www.facebook.com/desleypolmearcreative Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Pets are part of the family and have been so for generations. They write their own stories within our lives and hearts and offer so much above and beyond companionship. Throughout history there have been countless stories of famous pets that have been elevated to legendary status. Here we take a look at some of them. Pets are part of the family The stories of famous figures from history owning pets are plentiful. Roman emperor Caligula (37–41 BC) was renowned for his vicious temper and penchance for cruelty, yet adored his Spanish racehorse called Incitatus who he built a marble stable for and bestowed a bejewelled collar upon. Incitatus also had flakes of gold mixed in with his daily oats, drank from a golden bucket and had a procession of servants to wait on him. Sadly though, the emperor’s famed temper ultimately took a turn for the worst and he had Incitatus beheaded! The third emperor of the Ming dynasty in China (1402–1424) known as Yongle had many exotic pets such as bears, rhinos, parrots and peacocks although it was his pet giraffe that was the toast of the court, revered by all who believed it to be the mythical qilin, a Chinese unicorn. Emperor Yongle cherished his collection of exotic pets The Egyptians are well known for their love of pets with cats being the most popular. Indeed, such was the extent that felines were regarded, anyone found guilty of intentionally killing a cat would be punished by death. Dogs were popular too, often used for guarding homes and hunting. Both cats and dogs were often mumified once they had passed away and a common practice among ancient Egyptians would be to shave off all their hair, including their eyebrows, to show their grief for the death of a pet. Trainspotting In more modern times, one of the most famous dog’s in Australian history is Bob. Born in South Australia in 1882 and living his early years as a stray, Bob had a love of trains, hanging around the railyard with workers and often following trains down the track. Things got even better for Bob when he was adopted by the local station master who then allowed the canine to ride in the guard’s van each day. The pair eventualy parted ways after the man received a promotion and moved away although that didn’t stop Bob as he carried on jumping trains alone, travelling up and down South Australia for years. He would follow the guards and station masters home at evening after a hard day’s work where they fed him and allowed him to rest before all returned to the train yard the following day. Bob’s reputation became legendary and he was warmly welcomed at whichever town he might roll into. Children loved him, he was welcomed to attend dinners and banquets as a guest of honour and a special bracelet was made for him with instructions on how he could be safely returned for anyone who might find him lost. Loyal pooches Similarly, the story of Hachiko is the stuff of legend in his native Japan, to the extent that he has even inspired a couple of movies. The Akita-bred dog was born in 1923 and adopted by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. The loyal pooch would wait for his master to return from his workplace every day, sitting patiently at the now world famous Shibuya station in Tokyo. Unfortunately, one day in May of 1925, Ueno-san did not appear, after having suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passing away. Heart-breakingly, Hachiko spent the rest of his days visiting the same spot near the train station everyday in the hope his master and best friend would again return, something he did for 10 years until he himself passed away. Hachiko Statue is a landmark in Tokyo There now stands a bronze statue, erected in 1934, to mark the spot outside the bustling station which has become one of the most visited tourist sights in Tokyo, for locals and foreigners alike. Prior to the days of mobile phones, Hachiko’s statue was frequently designated as a landmark for friends meeting one another, a duty it continues to serve to this day even with the developments in technology. Even the exit from Shibuya station nearest to the statue is named ‘Hachiko exit’. Hachi: A Dog's Tale: The Movie The story of ‘Captain’ from Argentina is very similar to that of his Japanese counterpart and is equally guaranteed to pull at even the heardest of cynics’ heartstrings. Capitan’s master, Manuel Guzman, passed away in 2006. Following his funeral, Guzman’s family returned home to discover Captain had disappeared. It transpired a few days later that the faithful hound had found his way to his master’s grave and continued to visit everyday for the following six years. There was even a story on him featured on ABC News in Argentina in 2012. In Italy, there is the famous story of Fido, a dog who was born sometime during World War II and found close to death of the streets by a kind man who took him in and nursed him back to full health. Italy was under freuqent heavy fire with bombings at the time but Fido would wait at the bus stop for his master to alight everyday. One day, sadly, the man didn’t return as he fell victim to an air raid and was killed. Fido still continued to wait at the same bus stop everyday for the next 14 years, hoping his master would one day return. Check out our Famous Dog, Talker travelling around China Talisker and Adam made friends Famous pets Stories of celebrities’ pets are well known worldwide, from Michael Jackson’s beloved chimpanzee Bubbles to Beyoncé’s pet snake Fendi who she claims she would frequently share her bed with at night. “I loved the snake,” the iconic singer has often recalled, wistfully. Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney habitually stated that he loved his Vietnamese pot-bellied pet pig Max more than any of the famous and beautiful women he dated over the years, although we’re pretty sure his current wife and mother of his twin children, acclaimed UN Human Rights lawyer Amal Clooney, wouldn’t want to hear that! Singer Miley Cyrus dedicated a song she wrote to her pet Pablow the blowfish and hardman ex-boxer Mike Tyson is famous for his love of breeding pigeons although, exerting a softer side, he admits he doesn’t name them because it makes him sad to get too attached. The hamster belonging to Emma Watson sadly died while the 10-year-old actrees was on the set of one of the Harry Potter movies so the crew very kindly constructed a mini coffin lined with velvet for it to be buried in. Fellow actress Drew Barrymore was so spiritually attached to her pet dog Flossie that when the canine passed away aged 16, Barrymore flew to India to scatter her beloved pet’s ashes. It transpired that Flossie had managed to wake Barymore when a fire broke out at her Beverly Hills home some years previous, effectively saving the actress’ life and hence why she had an extra special place in her affections. “Flossie was my first girl,” Barrymore wrote in her memoir. “And the love I felt for her is one of the best gifts I have ever known.” It is often said that pets save lives, in a variety of ways, and that was certainly the case for Brit James Bowen and his cat Bob. At the time Bowen was a drug addict, living homeless of the streets of London when he came across an injured cat in 2007. He tended for it and the two soon became inseparable. Bob would often be seen on Bowen’s shoulders adorning a woolen scarf as the man busked to make money in London. Bowen soon made the story into a book and a subsequent film and fame welcomed both Bowen and his beloved feline before Bob sadly passed away in June, 2020. Bowen credits Bob with literally saving his life, saying on his Facebook page: “He gave me so much more than companionship. With him at my side, I found a direction and purpose that I’d been missing.” Last but not least we have the heartwarming story of Rin-Tin-Tin, a German Shepherd who was rescued from a French battlefield during World War I by kindly American soldier Lee Duncan. Once both had safely relocated back to the United States, Rin-Tin-Tin literally became the toast of Tinseltown as he went on to star in 27 Hollywood silent movies, starting with Where the North Begins in 1929. Rin-Tin-Tin the Hollywood superstr dog! Warner Bros. will always have a debt of gratitude to Rin-Tin-Tin as they faced bankruptcy at the time. However, the movies Rin-Tin-Tin starred in were so incredibly successful that he helped the studio make enough money to remain in operation and become the powerhouse that they are today! Veronica's favourite famous Dog Detective Kommissar Rex Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Here at Brilliant-Online we have delivered numerous stories on the state of our planet’s health and how efforts are being made to enhance eco-friendly, ethical and sustainable approaches to help protect its future. Many of us were cooped up for significant periods of time during the pandemic, itching with the travel bug to get back out there into pastures new. It was with more than relief when borders reopened and travel was once again largely permitted across the world. Whereas this is great news for many of us, it isn’t necessarily for Mother Nature as the travel industry is one of the most detrimental in respects to its impact on the environment. Aircrafts emit heavy levels of carbon emissions, hotels use gallons of water to clean sheets and towels, and countless single-use plastics are utilised by travellers in their array of destinations. There is also the damage that tourism en masse does to the environment, with diving expeditions and the damage they inflict on coral reefs and the ocean being just one example of a popular tourist pursuit. Could it be that our frequent getways are causing far more damage to the planet and natural habitats than we realise? Fortunately, ongoing campaigns to raise awareness as to the plight of the planet are having a positive impact and eco-friendly or green travel is now more than just a passing fad – it is a way of life for many. “Sustainable travel is all about creating a positive effect on the communities you visit,” says Jon Bruno, executive director of the International Ecotourism Society . “Leave the place better than you found it.” In a nut shell, its definition of eco-tourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” Being an eco-friendly traveller sounds pretty straightforward in theory but maybe in practice it isn’t so. Here we touch upon a few ideas to make your green journey that little bit more attainable with some simple tips that are relatively easy to apply. Do your research To start with, just a little research prior to choosing your destination can very easily throw forward a myriad of options. There are many spots globally, be they well known or otherwise, that make conscious steps towards sustainability and protection of the environment that offer a perfect holiday destination. The Green Destinations website has a wealth of ideas and tips, including a Top 100 list. Also, some airlines have a carbon offset option when booking your flight, whereby any money donated will go toward reducing emissions being added adding somewhere else. It might not seem especially relevant individually but if the approach is adopted in a more widespread manner then it can have a hugely positive impact. The lighter the better It sounds simple but packing as light as possible will mean that you are really only taking what you truly need but the lighter load will help cut down on aircraft carbon emissions. Historically, people tend to overpack as a habit, not sure what they will need when at their destination. How many times have you realised that you didn’t wear or use half of the things you jammed into your case prior to departure? Travel light Keep it clean! We all need a good shower after a long day sight-seeing, especially if in warmer, tropical and humid climes. However, instead of relying on the array of amenties that hotel chains and accommodation venues provide, think about possibly bringing your own shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, body lotion, etc. The small tubes and containers that hotels typically provide are not biodegradable and are therefore terrible for the environment. Also, if planning a sun-soaked trip, check what type of sunscreen cream you are using. The chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate found in many popular brands have been found to increase coral bleaching. Infact, in 2018 Hawaii became the first US state to ban the sale of such products. You can find a list of 11 reef-safe sunscreens here . Check the type of sunscreen you use Put your phone down! The world and his wife seems to be on social media these days, with many people seemingly living their lives through the likes of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Whereas this is fine if it’s what floats your boat, widespread promotion of destinations can actually have an adverse effect on the environment by encouraging masses of tourists to visit. This is especially relevant if the person sharing the post is famous and widely followed, as hoardes of fans and disciples flock to the hallowed turf where their idol only recently stood! One of the worst examples of a destination becoming a victim of celebrity was Maya Bay, not far from Phuket and Phi Phi in Thailand. An island paradise with sugar white sandy beaches and translucent, warm waters surrounded by beautiful, natural limestone cliffs, it rocketed to worldwide acclaim when it featured as the main location in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach back in 2000. Millions of tourists soon flocked to the destination which, sadly, utimately caused its demise. Revival of Maya Bay By 2018, there were 6,000 people visiting Phi Phi everyday , leaving swathes of plastic litter and causing irreparable damage to the local coral and fauna. The bay could not sustain it any longer and closed in 2018. Over the four years since its closure, the natural habitat has had time to breath again and regenerate. It reopened in January, 2022 although with strict limitations on the numbers and duration allowed to visit. Similarly, lay off or at the very least be more cautious and responsible when taking selfies. The need to take selfies these days has hit record numbers but be mindful when on holiday. There are countless examples of people wandering off designated areas in an attempt to capture the perfect shot, often into dangerous situations – there was the famous story of a French tourist in Thailand in 2017 trying to get too close to a crocodile when after that oh-so-precious selfie who ended up getting bitten by the, understandably, irate reptile! Also, wandering off into territories unknown can often mean damage to the local environment where people trample delicate fauna – the message is, the designated trails are there for a reason so best to stay on the beaten track! Leave no trace A popular approach among outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of camping is the leave-no-trace policy whereby you take away everything you bring with you to, effectively, leave no obvious mark on the environment. This mainly means packaging, containers, utensils, reusable bags, etc. We all know litterling is wrong but ensuring everything you take in with you can then be taken away is another step in the right direction. Say No to single-use plastics Fast becoming the scourge of the world from a pollutant perspective, single-use plastics are something that we all have the power to refuse. Declining plastic straws, plastic coffee stirrers, plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic cutlery are just a few of the examples of how we can make a positive contribution. We all get thirsty so best take a reusable drinking bottle with you instead of purchasing the endless supply of plastic bottles. Indeed, this is a conscious approach that we can all make in our everyday lives and not just when on holiday. Hopefully, as alluded to earlier, if you’ve done your research and headed to an eco-friendly destination then this wouldn’t be an issue at all although there are still, unfortunately, so many places globally that haven’t yet adopted the riddance of single-use plastics as a policy. There are so many ways we can contribute to a healthier planet and just taking a little time to make conscious decisions with something like our holiday destination choices, how we get there and what we do when we are there, is just one example. Enjoy your next holiday but please do so with a nod to the planet’s overall health by embracing eco-friendly tourism! Protect the planet's overall health by embracing eco-friendly tourism Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ April is a month for celebration and respectful commemoration as we embrace both Easter and Anzac Day . EASTER Easter is a time for celebration, indulgence, fun and reflection that is enjoyed in a variety of different ways alla cross the world – you can read our previous story about how Easter is celebrated in different cultures here . Easter is a time for celebration, indulgence, fun and reflection What's On in Port Macquarie? This year Easter fell on April 9, with a raft of celebratory events taking place locally in Port Macquarie and across NSW. Locally we had such delights such as the Cantorus and Cantabile choirs delivering beautiful choral music for Palm Sunday at Port Macquarie Baptists Church on April 2; Easter Raffles and Live Music on April 6 at Landsdowne Bowling and Recreation Club; Good Friday-Easter Egg Raffle on April 7 at Port City Bowling Club with $2,000 worth of eggs up for grabs; Peak Coffee Easter Cup Raceday at Port Macquarie Race Club on April 8 and a Meet the Easter Bunny event at Port Central on the same day, where there was free face painting and chance to enjoy free samples from the likes of Boost Juice and Bakers Delight. This year Easter fell on April 9, with a raft of celebratory events taking place locally in Port Macquarie and across NSW ANZAC DAY Later in the month on April 25 is Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance established in 1916 that marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, that, of course, needs no introduction. What's On? As always, there will be a series of events commemorating the occasion. Similar to last year, the main local service including a wreath laying service will be held on the lawn behind the Taree Old Bar Surf Club from 12:10pm. The official Anzac Day March will meet at the entrance of LANIS on the Beach Caravan Park between 11:30-11:45am and will continue along Ungala Road from midday. Those who wish to view the procession should gather along Ungala Road, event organisers urged. Respects can be made at the field of Remembrance, which has grown to approximately 300 crosses that consist of the names of our deceased veterans from the Old Bar and surrounding areas. It is an extra special place to honour fallen heroes where people are welcome to pay their respects, take a stroll around the crosses and take pictures. April 25 is Anzac Day The local Surf Life Saving Club will also be staging a BBQ before and after the main service where an Anzac Day raffle will take place and Anzac Appeal pins and poppies will be available. Further afield the Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held at The Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, strting at 4:20am and concluding at 5:30am. People are welcome to attend in person or it can be watched via live broadcasts from ABC TV. More information can be found at the Anzac Day Dawn Service trust website . Shortly afterwards, the Sydney CBD Anzac Day March takes place along Elizabeth Street, ending at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. The March begins at 9am and concludes at midday. Details on the route and more information can be accessed at the RSL NSW website . The Sydney CBD Anzac Day March takes place along Elizabeth Street Anzac Day is an occasion of enduring importance within Australia, an opportunity for veterans, current service men and women and the general public to pay their respects to those who have served our country while honouring those killed in military and peace keeping operations. All of us at Brilliant-Online send our sincere thoughts, respects and appreciation on such a special day. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Easter means many different things to many different people and is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. Whether it a pivotal moment for those of a religious bent or a welcome day on the calendar for those who like to indulge in consuming chocolate Easter eggs, it is one of the most popular and widely-celebrated holidays on the calendar. Easter is, of course, a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead that the New Testament states occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion in 30 A.D. The Easter holiday period is not a fixed date, like Christmas, although in the Western world it always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25 with the week immediately prior referred to by Christians as a Holy Week. This year Easter Sunday falls on April 17. Arguably the most well known symbolic manifestation of Easter is the egg. People traditionally gave and received eggs during the spring period to symbolise new life and rebirth, often painting them with bright colours to celebrate the sunlight of spring. In the Christian faith the egg represents the empty tomb of Christ, a custom and practice that dates back to the early Christians of Mesopotamia that was adopted by the Orthodox Churches. From there it spread into Western Europe through the Catholic and Protestant Churches. Over the years, various traditions and superstitions have emerged around the Easter egg. One belief stated that any eggs laid on Good Friday would turn into diamonds if they were kept for 100 years. Others believed that eggs cooked on Good Friday and eaten on Easter Sunday would promote fertility and prevent sudden death - if your egg had two yolks, you’d soon become rich! Chocolate! The chocolate incarnation of the egg that so many revere today was first introduced in the 19th Century in France and Germany and in 1875 Cadbury Easter Eggs first appeared. Today the chocolate eggs come in all shapes, tastes and sizes, nearly always wrapped in colourful tin foil. Maybe it had something to do with COVID-19-enforced lockdowns, but last year Easter egg sales increased by £48million in the UK alone, soaring almost 50% on the previous year to £153m. Today, 76% of people in the UK associate Easter with chocolate eggs over any form of religious connotation. It’s fair to say that the whole occasion has become extremely commercialised over the years, much in the same as Christmas and Halloween, although the religious importance still remains for many. In 1875 Cadbury Easter Eggs first appeared In Australia, of course, it isn’t just chocolate eggs that dominate at Easter with the ubiquitous Easter Bilby taking a prominent, cultural stand. The plight of the endangered marsupial was first documented and brought to the public’s attention in 1968 when 9-year-old Rose-Marie Dusting wrote “Billy The Aussie Easter Bilby,” which she published as a book 11 years later. Since then chocolate incarnations have been plentiful, with funds raised going towards awareness and preservation campaigns. Enjoying the Easter Eggs Hunt High as a kite Whereas Easter celebrations in the likes of Australia, the UK and USA are familiar, that isn’t necessarily the case elsewhere around the world. Here we take a quick look at some of the stranger, more comical, sometimes dangerous and occasionally downright squeamish ways that people celebrate. Very much remaining on the religious track, Christians in Israel flock to Jerusalem, the place where it is believed Jesus was crucified, where they walk the same path he did prior to his demise, often carrying crosses on their shoulders to emulate his predicament. On Easter Sunday, many pilgrims attend a church service at Garden Tomb, the area it is believed Jesus was buried. Watch the video - What is The Holy Fire In Bermuda the message of Easter is taken to the skies, literally, as island-wide kite flying festivals are the order of the day on Good Friday. This tradition started after a teacher was helping his students to learn about Jesus’ ascent into heaven one day – he decorated a kite with the image of Jesus and let it loose to dance in the sky! Nowadays, kites decorated with all sorts of imagery are popular and flown in the same manner on the same day. Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’! Symbolism plays a big part in Scotland where families will take decorated hard-boiled eggs to the local park and enjoy the pastime of egg-rolling down hills! Whereas this is one of the more fun traditions, it also carries significant symbolism with the egg rolling representing the rolling away of stones on Jesus’ tomb which led to his resurrection. Colourful carpets made from flowers, coloured sawdust, fruits, vegetables, and sand adorn the streets in Guatemala during the Holy Week immediately prior to the Good Friday procession, some stretching as long as half a mile! Costumes and role play are very much popular in Finland and Sweden as youngsters dress up as Easter witches with painted freckles on their cheeks, going from door-to-door with twigs decorated in colourful paper and reciting a good luck blessing or giving cards or letters for which they often receive a chocolate egg in return. In Verges, Spain, revellers dress as skeletons, carry boxes of ashes and perform a “death dance” for three hours after the midnight chime the day before Good Friday. This is believed to reenact Christ’s crucifixion known as the Passion which is the latin word for suffering. Water is often considered to symbolise cleaning or healing and it plays a big part in Poland on Easter Monday, or “Wet Monday” as it is fondly referred to, as people try to drench one another with buckets of water or by using water pistols. Tradition states that any woman getting soaked on this day will find good fortune and be married within a year! It used to be a similar scenario in Hungary although nowadays men politely and gently sprinkle perfumed water over ladies that they desire, once they have been granted permission that is. The relationship theme is continued in the Czech Republic where men will decorate willow branches with ribbons and playfully “whip” girls to wish them good fortune and health, a generations-old past-time, even if not all of the recipient girls are especially fond! Crime novels In Germany, decorated eggs are hung in trees throughout the land, much in the same manner that a Christmas tree is adorned with ornaments and accessories. Similarly trees outside of churches in Papua New Guinea are decorated – only, strangely, with tobacco leaves and cigarettes instead of chocolate which tends to melt in the tropical heat! One of the more unorthodox ways to celebrate the Easter holiday takes place in Norway where indulging in a good old crime novel or watching crime-themed TV shows is hugely popular. The tradition started in 1923 when a book publisher was promoting their latest crime novel in local newspapers. The ads resembled actual news so much that people could barely tell the difference and the unusual practice of consuming crime-related content, bizarrely, started and stuck to this day! Lent, when Christians abstain from certain things for a 40-day period leading up to Easter, is a commonly known practice. In Ethiopia, however, Christians extend this timeframe to 55 days in what is known as Faskia when people abstain from eating meat and animal related products. Come Easter Sunday though it is party time as wild celebrations break out in homes, villages and in churches. The Bells! In France you will hear church bells ring throughout the entire year – apart from three days leading up to Easter Sunday when the practice is curtailed because, according to tradition, the bells have ventured to Rome in order to be blessed! Come Easter Sunday, the chiming recommences and festivities such as Easter egg hunts and elaborate family meals are enjoyed. Things get a little more dangerous in Florence, Italy where the 350-year-old tradition of “Scoppio del Carro” takes place on Easter Sunday. Literally translating as “explosion of the cart”, people dressed in 15th century attire lead a decorated cart through the city streets, coming to rest outside the famed Duomo building. Then the Archbishop of Florence lights a fuse which leads to the cart exploding in a whirl of fireworks which is supposed to lead to good fortune and ensure a healthy harvest in the months ahead. Last but by no means least we head to the Philippines, one of the most devout Catholic nations on the planet who take Easter celebrations very seriously. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and Filipinos throughout the country will visit their local church to have their own feet washed while coconut leaves, acting as a substitution to the original palm leaves to commemorate Jesus' entry to Jerusalem are bought and blessed. Traditionally there are two processions that take place throughout the country on Easter Sunday with men in one procession following an image of Jesus risen from the dead while their female counterparts lead another procession following Jesus’ mother, Mary, who dons a black veil. Things get taken to the extreme in the city of San Pedro Cutud in the north of the country where a few devout believers are actually nailed to wooden crosses to commemorate and honour the crucifixion of Jesus. The Catholic Church may frown upon such a practice but it is a popular tradition that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Enjoy Dami Im's 10,000 Reasons which she sang at one Easter Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ There is more to Spain's Holy Week than a parade of people in pointy hats and solemn music. Many are often moved to tears experiencing the processions. Spain's Holy Week is one of the most important festivals of the country, and many wait with bated breath to see the processions. Meet the penitents Easter, or Holy Week, is a big deal, especially in the south of Spain in Andalucia. Both Spaniards and foreigners flock to this region to witness the incredible processions. This is the time when you see the processions of the brotherhoods or fraternities (known as ' cofradías' ) . You typically see the use of the nazareno or penitential robe for people taking part in the processions. It consists of a tunic, a hood with a pointy tip which is used to hide the face of the wearer, and sometimes a cloak as well. These are the penitents, who take part in the procession to demonstrate their penance. Others carry heavy crosses and even walk the streets barefoot with chains on their feet. Meet the pasos Each fraternity carries huge, elaborate 'floats' (called 'pasos' in Spanish) on their shoulders. These are nothing but light despite what we call them in English, because some weigh more than 5000kg , a weight which is impossible to even remotely imagine. Perhaps 'throne' is a more apt word than 'float' here. These pasos have sculptures of Christ or the Virgin Mary and are intricate art pieces. Some fraternities have owned these pasos for centuries, so they are more than just works of art. They are antiques, history and culture. For the heavy pasos, there are more than 250 members under each throne to carry them along the streets, accompanied by marching bands. Some of the thrones or 'pasos' can weigh up to 5000kg! A mystical experience There is something mystically hypnotic about watching the swaying sea of hooded penitents marching slowly to the solemn rhythm of brass instruments and drums, with the scent of candle wax and incense in the air. It is one of the most soul-stirring celebrations of the country. It is not uncommon to see penitents and the crowds crying during this event. For many, it is their recognition of their Saviour who gave up his life for them. For others, it is the awareness, regret and penitence they feel at their own wrongdoings and gratitude for the forgiveness they have received. Some are moved by the humility and unity of undergoing the procession together as a fraternity. The pasos can only be lifted if they all work together, and no one is dispensable. A feat of physical and spiritual strength Being a penitent who carries these pasos is considered a lifetime honour and a sign of their devotion and penance. You need to train to be able to lift, move and lower it. Sometimes even on your knees. Doing crossfit at the gym once a week is not going to be enough. Bear in mind also that the penitents are not walking on smooth streets. Many are narrow and paved with cobblestones which makes balancing even more arduous. While these processions can be marathons as long as 8 hours , it doesn't mean the same group carries the pasos all the time! Before you balk, take comfort knowing that they do have shifts and take turns to do it. Not a step out of place Kneeling in humility Another challenge apart from the weight of the pasos is, some are so tall and the doors of the cathedral so low that getting the pasos out of the building is in itself already a feat of strength, precision, teamwork and extraordinary patience. The penitents have to kneel and shift the weight on their knees to get out of the building, every one of them holding up the immense weight of the paso on their shoulders. Watch the rehearsals of how the paso named María Santísima del Dulce Nombre en su Soledad leaves the cathedral of San Pedro El Viejo in Madrid. Interview with a young penitent Meet Paula Malvido Soriano, a 21-year-old Spanish girl living in Madrid who felt called to participate in one of the Holy Week processions last year. Paula at last year's Holy Week processions (Photo: Paula Malvido Soriano) What made you decide to participate in the Holy Week processions? I decided to join the Holy Week processions when I was 19 because I feel a very strong connection to my faith and I wanted to get fully into the religious traditions that have been present in my life since I was a child. Whenever I went to my town, I would see the processions and a part inside me felt that I wanted to be there. I felt it was a special way to show my devotion in a concrete way that was very important to me. Did you have to receive any training or make any preparations for it? Because I live in Madrid, it was impossible for me to attend the rehearsals and celebrations of my brotherhood, so I could not help in the preparations or "prepare myself". I put that in quotes because here in Madrid, I prepared myself by dedicating time to reflect on the spiritual meaning of the Holy Week for me personally. How did you feel before and after the experience? Before the experience, I was full of excitement and anticipation, but I was also slightly nervous about the responsibility that came with participating in such an important event. After the experience, I felt deeply moved and at peace, with a renewed sense of connection to my faith and to the community that shared this experience with me. Do women participate in carrying the pasos? I know they are very heavy! I don't know that information, in my fraternity specifically, women do not participate carrying the pasos. I think it has always been a tradition carried by men, but women do participate dressed like them, as was my case. Holy Week 'pasos' or thrones (Photo: Paula Malvido Soriano) Many people are moved to tears during the processions. Why do you think that happens? I think the Holy Week processions are so moving because they give you a special place to think about what Jesus Christ suffered and sacrificed. The music, the pasos, all of that touches you deep down and makes you feel everything from sadness to hope and gratitude. Is religion still something that young people are interested in? Were your friends surprised that you wanted to participate in the processions? In my experience, I see that religion is still relevant to many young people, albeit in different ways. Some of my friends were initially surprised by my decision to participate in the processions, but in the end, they respected my choice, and some even showed interest in better understanding my motivations and experiences. What was the most important thing for you in this Holy Week experience? For me, the most important thing about this experience was feeling more connected to my faith and to the community of believers who shared this spiritual journey with me. Experiencing Holy Week in such a personal and participatory way allowed me to deepen my understanding of the meaning of these religious events and renew my commitment to my spiritual journey. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience during the procession? Participating in the Holy Week processions was an experience that transformed my faith and my connection to the community of believers. I felt the presence of the divine in every step we took together and experienced a sense of peace and wholeness that I will carry with me long after the processions are over. It was a powerful reminder of the power of faith and communion to unite us in moments of reflection and celebration. Thank you Paula for sharing your experiences with us! If you can't be in Spain to witness the Holy Week processions, watch this beautiful short film that captures the essence of the sacredness and devotion during this time. Thrones of Spain's Holy Week If you are curious about what it feels like to be under the hood, watch this documentary where one of the penitents takes you on a journey of the Holy Week processions. Who's under the hood? Apart from the solemnity of the event, the Spaniards never forget to bring in a touch of culinary delight. Torrijas is a sweet treat commonly eaten during this time of the year. Check out the recipe for this lovely Spanish bread pudding below.  ❋ References: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UVQ54gZLCx0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EzhFOI5XU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtX8cKvu8XU https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week_in_Spain#:~:text=Images%20from%20the%20Passion%20on,with%20pointed%20hats%2C%20followed%20by https://www.seville-traveller.com/seville-holy-week/ https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2024/03/26/holy-week-in-spain-the-history-of-the-processions-nazarenos-and-their-pointy-hats-and-where-they-celebrate-it-best/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ With Easter coming up, even trees can have a bit of fun! Dress up your tree It's not just during Christmas that trees get to dress up and be all decked out. Easter is also a good time to let your trees have a bit of colour and decoration! Perhaps you've heard of the Easter Tree tradition. It originated in Germany, and while that is quite a way off from Australia, the fun and joy of this tradition can still transcend time and space. At Accomplished Tree Management , we like to think that trees like to have a bit of fun too. Origins of the Easter Tree The traditional image of this is a dogwood tree with pretty little Easter eggs dangling on its branches. In Germany, this is known as Ostereierbaum , or Easter egg tree. You can also find this tradition in other European countries such as Poland, Austria, and Hungary. Decorate your own Easter Tree The dogwood tree can be found in Australia in the south east of Queensland and eastern New South Wales. It is also known as Jacksonia Scoparia , and has a strong odour when burning. It is a small tree and has beautiful white blossoms in spring. Legend has it the dogwood was once a tree as large as a great oak, and it provided the wood used to build the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Because of this, God cursed and blessed the tree. It was condemned to be small forever, with narrow and crooked branches which was not useful for building purposes. At the same time, it was also graced with beautiful flowers each Easter, and its petals form the shape of a cross to remind everyone of what happened. Springing to life Fast forward to present times and we see families decorate the dogwood tree with pretty eggs at Easter. Eggs are a symbol of life, and Easter is synonymous with the rebirth of Earth with the coming of spring (not quite the case in Australia, but halfway across the world it is!). Perhaps decorating this symbolic tree with eggs is a way to declare,"Welcome spring, welcome life!" This is when flowers bloom with joy and you see and hear busy little animals coming out to explore after a long hibernation. Welcome spring, welcome life And yes, we won‘t deny it, Easter eggs are really pretty when used to decorate a tree and we would not say no if they were delicious chocolate eggs! Dressing up your easter tree Make your Ostereierbaum Making your own Ostereierbaum is really quite simple. You'll need some branches (unless you do have a real live dogwood tree in your garden!). Rope in the children and whole family to paint some eggs. You can use coloured wooden eggs or hollowed out eggshells (it's a good reason to make a nice cake or two so you can have the eggshells). Attach some pretty ribbons to the eggs when they are dry, and decorate the branches with the eggs. Some people use chocolate eggs as well, which can make it quite a challenge not to finish them before you manage to decorate the tree with the eggs. Some people add garlands or fairy lights on the branches to jazz it up, while others place some symbols of Easter around it. Most of us have had good practice decorating our trees at Christmas, so here is another chance to give your creativity a go. Check out these step-by-step tips to get started and get some ideas to decorate your Easter Tree here . Contact ACCOMPLISHED TREE MANAGEMENT Tel: 0411 443 535 W: https://www.atreem.com.au/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .