That was beautiful Eric
Things do seem different.

Debbie I agree you are more of a nurse

Nice to know that people think that, when im not officially anymore.

thank you.

You have a beautiful heart and it flows out to others
Always remember that.

Quite a long story, but I'll try to give the abridged version.
It was the first time away from home on my own, and living on my own, so that was quite an experience to begin with. I lived in the Aboriginal community next to Ayers Rock / Uluru in the middle of nowhere. No telly, no radio (Ayers Rock blocked any signal that otherwise could've been picked up from Alice Springs).
Meaning in the evenings after work I was completely on my own, nothing to do or watch or listen to. So I was literally left to my own devices, which is very educational, lol. You learn a lot about yourself!

After a while I got really close with a number of Aboriginals, so they dropped in for a drink, a talk, a laugh. The way these people lived, one with nature still, no homes, no shelters, just sleeping on the red soil underneath the moon and stars. Effing brilliant!
I was learning their language, Pitjantjatjara, which they really really liked and appreciated. One of them was a teacher and she taught me. We recorded things on tape, so I could practice and practice, lol.

Because I wasn't in touch with modern society, apart from having electricity and running water, I got closer to nature, myself, these wonderful people, and I think I found the meaning of life, the universe and everything, or bloody close to it.
I was so freaking happy there, if I could've stayed, I would have. I seriously never have been happier in life than those 6 months there.
The friends I made, both black and white. The depth of those connections.. just stunning! When you live in such a small society, not in touch with the rest of the world, you really bond in a different way.

When I came back to Holland about half a year later, I truly was a different person. I had changed so much I had difficulty connecting to other people my age. Kind of like I'd matured 20 years in half a year.

Anyway, really was the happiest time of my life!
Dang near crying now

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Wow Crystal that's amazing experience.
Beautiful story makes me cry you had that type of connection with people.

I love looking at your art and reading what you have done
You inspire me more to see this world to look beyond myself.

Wow Crystal that's amazing experience.
Beautiful story makes me cry you had that type of connection with people.

I love looking at your art and reading what you have done
You inspire me more to see this world to look beyond myself.

sounds amazing, I don't know what else to say, other than amazing. what a great opportunity to have and so interesting as well.

It can be hard adjusting, I know when I've been away from home for 6 months, it was very hard to adjust back to normal life.

But amazing memories for you there.

The happiest time of my life was my childhood years, so young, carefree and innocent from all the realities of the world. I came from a big family with 8 siblings, the house was always full of noises and laughters, shouting, running, playing and fightin Almost every night when my father goes home after work he would always bring us presents or food like pizza and we will all eat together. On weekends , it's family day(sunday) we all go together to watch a movie, sometimes go to the beach , eat dinner outside , other times we play bowling. It was really fun and I missed it so much especially on christmas and new year's eve too, the house was so noisy with loud music , singing, dancing and playing games. The house is different when it is filled with many children ,and now that we are all grown ups......those days are gone ..... each of us have our own life to live and far away from each other. Our home used to be complete when all the family gather together but now very seldom that we celebrate all together some have their own family now and others living and working away from home . If I could only turn back the time , I want to relive my happy and memorable childhood days.

lovely story.

and I understand. when my twin moved out and my sister and my twins girlfriend because she lived with us as well, the house just felt so empty and quiet. But we have those lovely memories we can cherish forever.

Thank you!
It sure did broaden my mind!
What I didn't fully realise back then, is that Uluru is a very powerful place, the like of Stonehenge in the UK or Mt Shasta in the USA.
It's connected to ancient Lemuria (a civilization before Atlantis).
I only found out a few years ago just how magical that place is, and I had it literally in my backyard, haha.

Thank you, and yeah, absolutely lovely memories!
Coming back was something, I'd been gone for 2 years (lived in Jakarta at the time), so getting back to western European life took me quite some time!
I don't think I ever felt so lonely and lost, lol.
When I met my future husband, we hit it off right away, as he'd lived in Australia years with his parents. So instant connection.
The first thing he ever gave me as a pressie was a real kangaroo skull he had found himself, haha.

My whole adult life until December 31, 2009 @ 2:14 p.m. was the absolute BEST TIME!

Sorry, guess I should kind of explain....I married when I was 20, we created a family of 2 children, and a menagerie of dogs throughout the years. Of course there were ups and downs, but Hubby and I both were happy and knew what we had. That ended when He died.

I have good times now....but not yet anything like I did have. I love life, but still looking for that spark again which may or may not happen, but I am A-OK with that.

It will happen soon Mel your light just radiates and it is drawing someone to you.

The happiest time in my hole life was when I was 16. My dad took me to place called St. Johns, Antigua. I had freedom for the first time. I enjoyed every second of it and didn't want to come home when it was all over with. Hope one day I can go back.

I learn a lot, where to go and who to talk to. Got to see thing, that other people don't get to see or experiment. Learn to stay out of the casino. Other then that I really did enjoy my self.

it was 3am in the morning rolling through Colorado. I made a life decision to remove all the crap people have given me the lies the drama the bs. the fears anything negative get rid of it. It worked that night I'm happy content in myself now. positives are happening now.

To be honest Debbie right now. I like to remember when I was younger and more attractive, and in better shape, and had no bills. I took long motorcycle trips with my first serious girlfriend and did not have a care in the world, however the growing pains truly hurt, all the stupid mistakes I made growing up. Now being a grown man and in a place in my life where I am content and understand who I really am, my happiest time is right now and I enjoy the small things in life more.

Happiest Moment:

Hearing the voices of my parents on the phone after more than 15 years of not knowing if they are alive or dead.

It is not even about the money I sent, that they are grateful about. It is the relief I guess, I have heard in their voices, that I too am still alive..it feels surreal:)

It is the profound joy of knowing, that I still have the chance to take care of them..
It is the knowledge that I still have the chance of making them happy..
it just bested all the adrenalin-fun-stuff kind of happiness I have in the past:)
Incomparable.