The Global Butterfly

It's been so long since using this blog..

The last 4 months have been full with creating a new life design.

You can now follow my adventures forward at:

www.TheGlobalButterfly.com

Raised Bed Vegetable Garden

I've been back in my home town of Perth, Western Australia for less than three weeks and my usual 'dizzy spin' after traveling struck me again.

To get me 'grounded' and feeling focused, I decided to set up my own raised bed vegetable garden to grow my own organic vegetables.

I also set up two pots just for herbs... and getting a little carried away with my intention I also set up additional pots for tomatoes, peas, beans and eggplant!

There is something very therapeutic and even spiritual about spending that time in nature, focused on Mother Earth and handling so much 'greenery' and soil. It's very grounding, literally.

I was also lost in my world of metaphors while enjoying my time in the sunshine building the raised bed vegetable garden (which took me almost 6 hours!)... it reminded me of the power of FOCUS and COMPLETION.... and along with that the satisfaction of achievement and empowering the soul of what is possible. 

I'm not naturally a 'green thumb'. And I had very little previous experience to know what to do. 

So I spent the better part of almost three days planning my goal, and setting out to task it - step-by-step. I also sought out advice from the garden staff at my local Bunning's (who were very helpful! Thank You!)

I'm a 'late bloomer' when it comes to exercising my 'green thumb' which my mother is delighted and proud of. She's got the 'green gene' in the family, but has it temporarily suppressed as both her and my father are on the road traveling Australia in their caravan on a great Aussie Adventure! 

(Which, as a side note - they have their current Jayco Heritage 2004 caravan for sale because they have ordered a new (smaller and lighter) one to suit their next phase of their "Leyland Brothers" style adventure!)

The first day I spent the better part of my afternoon putting together the raised bed for the vegetable garden. It was a challenge doing it on my own. I found myself being flexible, using my feet to hold the bolts so I could stretch, bend (and contort!) myself over the sharp tin (it wasn't yet finished with the plastic seal) to screw the panels together.

Each segment was a milestone, which I celebrated with a smile.... and a cup of coffee every few hours!

Once the panels were up and joined together, I started filling it with the bags of soil. The guy at the garden centre told me it would be the right amount to fill the garden bed. As I looked at the 8 (x 30L) bags of soil laying on the ground I thought "there is NO WAY that those eight bags will be enough!"

Sure enough, they barely filled the bottom.

Four treks back to Bunnings and a total of 340L of soil, I had my raised bed vegetable garden patch ready to plant the seedlings. 

(Learner's note: It would have been much more cost effective to have had a few trailer loads of soil delivered!)

The next two days was dedicated to planting the vegetables and the herbs (in pots). By the time I was done, I needed a Radox bath to sooth my aching back and legs from bending and squatting.

As I sank deep into the hot water and the bubbles tickling my nose, I sighed with an even deeper satisfaction of what I created this 'long weekend' and happy to be settled in at home ...for a while!

If you have any advise or suggestions for maintaining the vegetable garden at it's optimum and growing the biggest and best organic vegetables and herbs possible, I'd LOVE to read your comments below. :)

Tiger Zoo Pattaya, Thailand

This has been fun creating... this short video is a fun time celebrating my 35th birthday last month with friends, Ros Chalwell and Teresa Bladon at the Tiger Zoo Pattaya in Thailand.


Time has raced past me in the blink of an eye. Do you get that feeling about this year rushing by also? It's already been a little over a month since I celebrated my birthday on 22nd July.


The Tiger Zoo (technically called Sriracha Tiger) is a fun animal park where you get to watch (and pet) Tigers, Crocodiles, Scorpions, Wild Pigs and Elephants and witnessing them do some amazing acts of entertainment.


These parks in Thailand are often held with contentious debate about the ethics and care of these animals. For the sake of this blog, I won't even enter my 'two bob's' worth of thoughts on such a political topic.


But I will say, that the experience was extraordinary... and also really enjoyed being a part of the elephant show! ....Enjoy the video!

Singapore Zoo

I've recently arrived back in Perth from an extended trip to Queensland, Sydney, then (briefly Singapore) and Thailand for a month.


Since being back in Australia for the last week, I've had plenty of 'signs' too slooooooow down and rest.


What better time than now to put together some short videos and write some blog updates to share my latest adventures with you.


The first one is... Singapore Zoo!


During my 12-hour stop-over (on my way to Thailand) I was hosted by my beautiful friend, Tina Jessamiene Goh, who showed me around her beautiful city. 

We ate at a local restaurant for authentic Singaporean food, had a wonderful time relaxing at a river restaurant, on the outdoor patio over-looking the city river, drinking delicious white wine - (really enjoying every drop, since it was $120 Singaporean dollars for a bottle of NZ wine you can buy in Australia from the bottle shop for under $20!)


The best fun however, was at Singapore Zoo. 

Watch the short video and you will witness great highlights of the day. Watch orangutans lounging on rope up in the air (including a tiny baby orangutan!) Delight in the playful nature of a polar bear eating watermelon, admire a White Tiger prowling. Have a laugh and enjoy the Sea Lion show (which I got to participate in). And be in awe of the Elephant show. 


I highly recommend you add Singapore Zoo to your 'bucket list' - a must see in your travels. It's the best zoo I have ever been to. It's more than a zoo. It's a beautiful sanctuary. 

USA June 2010

It's been a few weeks since I've ventured onto these blog pages, but I needed the 'hermit' time to catch up from the wonderful but dizzying journey around the world in twenty two days! 

I had a blast!


My favorite moments were always with my friends and catching up with people along the way.


My motivation for this short tour was to go to the exclusive Jeff Walker Platinum Partner (Product Launch Manager) master-mind meeting, held in Durango, Colorado.


So I wrapped a bunch of wonderful adventures around it, before and after it, to see friends in New York City; Phoenix, Arizona; and San Francisco, California.


Some great people I want to acknowledge again (as I have in the short film) are:

• Anthony and Dawn Donofrio
• Croix Sather                                  www.CroixSather.com
• Jeff Walker (and the team)            www.JeffWalker.com
• PLM Platinum Partners
• James Klobasa
• Jane Tabachnick
• Eugenie Verney
• Ralph Watkins
• Victoria & Tom Schutte
• Patrick & Lisa Harvey
• Joanna Laznicka
• Melissa Risdon
• Risdon Family
• Lentzner Family
• David Anderton                          www.TheAndertonGroup.com
• Brandon Leonard
• David Groode                             www.InnerPrecision.com     
• Herb Light

• and...

• Larry Lossness

Since this trip, I have been back in Australia for a two and a half week 'hermit' break.


Then last Monday (12th July) I headed of to the Sunshine Coast (Queensland) to stay for a few days with my friend and fellow PLM (Product Launch Manager) Platinum Partner,  James Klobasa. 


Then I headed to Sydney for another four days for the 'Winter' Business Blueprint event with Dale Beaumont and my fellow Platinum Partners (yes, another group! hahah).


I've just arrived back in Perth, Australia last night... and I'm still relaxing in my pyjamas (at 2 pm in the afternoon) being lazy, before I pack my bag to leave this magnificent country yet again tomorrow...


...this time...


...the destination is...


...Thailand....

Rafting Durango

Rafting Durango waters is freeeezing, but FUN!

After a fantastic two-day master-mind meeting with the other Platinum Partner 'Product Launch Managers' trained by Jeff Walker, a small group of us went to enjoy the water rafting in Durango, Colorado.



James Klobasa, Eugenie Verney, Jane Tabachnick, Ralph Watkins and I had a blast enjoying this sporting experience, witnessing the gorgeous scenery surrounding us.

The water was cold. VERY cold. 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius!)

The rafting lasted two hours. Then for the rest of the day we enjoyed the sunshine on an outdoor deck at a restaurant, sipping margaritas and eating a lunch of blackened catfish and salad.

Rafting Durango waters was a highlight of visiting this scenic town. If you want to do it, opt for the wetsuit!

The Barefoot Investor - Scott Pape

"The Barefoot Investor" is a book, a brand and a man.

If you haven't 'met' him already, meet Scott Pape.

He is an Aussie man who has his financial act together, and teaching many others (particularly targeting those in their 20s and 30s) how to do the same.

Personally, I'm 'a-foot' again, traveling the world, which is how I have come to 'meet' Scott.

Having left Perth International airport (heading for New York) 27 hours ago, I'm currently 'resting' at Heathrow airport in London. I'm still enjoying reading Scott's book "The Barefoot Investor" which I picked up at the bookstore at the airport.

It's a little like reading my own thoughts, with a slightly more 'ocker' 'accent'.

Scott's background is as a Stockbroker and his advice on finance, lifestyle, living life on your terms and money carries a flair of a cross between Tim Ferriss and Robert Kyosaki... no wonder I have an instant love for the way this man thinks!

I'm already half way through the book - The Barefoot Investor - (I did also watch two movies and slept 8 hours on the flight from Perth to Singapore to London!) and feel inspired to share this fabulous resource with you.

His website also carries the same name:
www.BarefootInvestor.com

Why do I LOVE this book (and the man) so much?

Because he's another YOUNG AUSTRALIAN who's figured it out.

He's figured out how to USE MONEY and not have money use him.

He gets it!

He understands the power of this tool we use as a currency to get the THINGS WE WANT and he teaches how to direct your finances to get more of what YOU value, while also creating your own 'Barefoot Investor' pathway to your financial freedom.

If you want your own copy, click the link below (and yes, this is my affiliate link, so I will get all of a few bucks if you click through me! Seriously, I don't care if you want to find your own way to buy his book. Support him. Support yourself. And find your own pathway to financial freedom!)

The Barefoot Investor: Five Steps to Financial Freedom in Your 20s and 30s

Help support the man, who's passion is to help so many!

I am a woman on a mission to encourage you to live YOUR life on YOUR terms...

To encourage you to create your OWN unique footprint on the path of life...

Scott Pape, the author of The Barefoot Investor is also encouraging you to go along your own 'Barefoot Path' and live life on your terms! He gives you financial strategies to do so.

I'm always excited when I come across other like-minded people, and especially so with another young Aussie. It also makes the journey of teaching and inspiring others to do the same (live life on their terms) so much more gratifying and rewarding...

So.. with a bottoms up of my glass of wine while I finish up this blog at Heathrow airport (British Airways Lounge) ..here's a "CHEERS!" to celebrating your life on YOUR terms!

P.s. remember to come back and comment on this blog post what you think about Scott's Book.

Around The World In 22 Days!

I'm packing for my next adventure..

And a crazy one this seems.

All for a two-day event.

Two Days!

As a Platinum Partner and Student of Jeff Walker's Product Launch Management training, I'm heading back to the USA for a two-day master-mind meeting in Durango, Colorado.

So... Ill be flying around the world in 22 days!

I figured I'd stretch the trip out a little, catch up with great friends, and also be a bit creative with the use of my time ....watch out, I may just interview YOU if I cross your path...

Let me know if you are in these areas (watch the video) and comment below if you have something to say!

Affirmations.. A Powerful Life Strategy.

A positive mind-set is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself... and to the rest of the world...

Whether you are conscious of it or not, you are daily, 'affirming' your truths to yourself.

Unfortunately, many of these affirmations are 'negative' rather than being a positive influence in your life.

What is an affirmation?

An affirmation is ANY "I" or "My" statement you state to yourself.

"I am beautiful"... "I am intelligent".. "I am a wonderful mother/wife/partner"... "I love life!" ..."My life is great!"

These are all empowering statements - Affirmations.. Affirming your truth!

If you choose to allow unconscious (or truly worse, conscious) thoughts of "I" 'negative' statements, then you will live up to those as well..

For a wonderful awareness of truth in Affirmations, watch this adorable short-video of young Jessica's truth... in her daily affirmations...

If you also believe that Affirmations are an incredible tool for a life of Personal Mastery, then please leave your comment below... What is your favourite affirmation?

Tribal Belly Dancing at El Phonecian Restaurant

Belly Dancing was a terrific highlight a few weeks ago, when I attended Dale Beaumont's "Business Blueprint" seminar in Sydney.

On the second evening, those of us who are Platinum Partner's were invited to a VIP dinner at the El Phonecian restaurant in Parramatta, Sydney.

The food was divine, and the wine was poured liberally. Especially, when the restaurant owner presented me with a bottle of red, "for being the best belly dancer guest of the evening."

The video really says it all.. so enjoy!...

How Creative Financing Helped Me Touch A 'Holy Snake'

Traveling and experiencing new adventures doesn't have to always cost you YOUR money!

Watch a creative financing opportunity unfold just before my experience to touch the 'Holy Snake,' at Tanah Lot, Bali.

The principle is, to stay open to possibilities, and ASK!

It also helps to have a healthy dose of a good sense of humor.

And No! This is NOT an April Fool's Day joke. *L*

Enjoy the video!

Wrapped by a 40 Kilo Python

Holding a 40 kilo snake is a mission in itself, let alone the ambition of overcoming the fear of having it wrapped around your neck!

While in Bali last week, I had an incredible opportunity to experience this marvelous creature...

I'm willing to bet there are many of you who think I am crazy for even placing myself in such a circumstance!

But, I will confess, that this was quite a liberating experience to face my fear (for the third time that day! - Monkeys climbing on me, holding a fruit bat, and then handling this wonderful creature).

Enjoy the video clip...

And.. if you'd like to be updated on a regular basis with adventures, lessons, lifestyle by design strategies...

Subscribe to the 'Living Adventures Of The Heart' email list...

Holding a Fruit Bat, Bali

Holding a fruit bat this last week while on my trip to Bali, goes down in history for me as one of the weirdest, and most uncomfortable animal experiences I've had yet.

(It rates first, even before having a monkey run up my body and sit on my shoulder!)

It's claws (talons?) dug into my belly, as the 'host' held the bat up to me to hold.

Watch the clip for the full experience...

Tabanan Monkey Forest, Bali

My 'monkey' adventures in Bali captured on Video...

Part One - The monkeys!!!



Part two - Monkey Mama!



Part Three - Get The Monkey OFF My Back!!!



Part Four - The Hoard of monkeys and more monkey mania!



More videos to come... fruit bats.. snakes.. weird negotiations... and more...

Stay tuned...

Bali Masari

Many people on facebook and via email have asked me "where exactly are you staying?" (in Bali).

The answer is... Bali Masari.

I've just returned back to Perth, Western Australia.

Fully blissed out and happy to be back home, I can now upload some videos to share the richness of my adventure these last ten days.

Here, is the magnificence revealed of the resort, and surroundings where I stayed at...

Bali Masari, snuggled into the depths of Sukawati, between Sanur and Ubud. It is surrounded with the beauty of the Balinese Jungle, and the harmonic animal kingdom of birds, bats, geckos, crickets, cicadas, bugs and the odd spider!



Stay tuned... as I have been given a rare opportunity to extend to you an exclusive offer that the General Manager, Rai, has given me to offer you, my friends..

I'll be posting that in a few days. You don't want to miss out on what he's going to give you in this very 'special package'... at Bali Masari

Bali Bliss...

It's now day three of my Bali adventures... pure bliss in the mountainous region of Sukawati, between Sanur and Ubud.

I'm staying at a magical resort in this tranquil region, over-looking the Balinese forest, and a river running below the terraces of villas. Each morning I wake up to the sound of the birds chirping their early morning song as dawn peeks it's way over the mountains.

My days so far have been fulfilling my need for pampering, with a two-hour spa treatment of aromatherapy foot massage, lomi-lomi and hot stone massage. The setting is a private spa, with an open wall 'hanging' over the forest.

To be rested and pampered whilst hearing the forest 'breathing' and 'singing' it's harmony is pure magic!

I'm yet to mention that the spa treatments have been some of the best I've experienced. The love and attention put into the massage is very healing and body-soul connecting.

Oh.. and very inexpensive. These treatments range from US$20 t0 maximum US$80 (three hour package). Certainly the best value I have EVER received.

The rest of my day is spent lounging by the pool after eating a traditional breakfast of Mei Goreng, meditating on my private deck, dipping into my private plunge pool, snapping photos of magic moments, and simply enjoying my own company.

Yesterday I did go on a spontaneous adventure. I hired a private driver (Wayan) and car (US$50 for 5 hours) to take me to some "fun" places.

We visited the Royal Family Temple at Mengwi (Taman Ayun) which is surrounded by a moat, for an interesting but brief photo opportunity. It's 3,000 Rupiah (about AUD$0.40) to enter the grounds and witness it's beauty.


Then it was off the the sacred monkey forest in Tanaban (10,000 Rupiah, about AUD $1.20 or US$1.10) where I experienced several monkeys take it upon themselves to mistake me for a tree!

They were after bananas, which my guide, Madi had taken to carrying for me, to reduce the monkey fever rush up my body!

(I have plenty of video to share, but will need to post later as my internet connection here isn't supporting the upload).

There were also many large fruit bats hanging in the trees, and a smaller colony of bats at a "bat show" stand where you can experience holding one for a donation.

OK. So I finally got up the courage to hold a fruit bat! Been there. Done that. Never again. Very strange experience. But then again, it's already been a strange day!

Next, it was off to Tanah Lot, where I walked through the throngs of people to view through the market stalls (entry was 15,000 IDR - AUD$1.80/US$1.65). Then I headed toward the beach to witness the sunset. Along the way, I discovered there was a large snake handling opportunity.

I thought, "Why not?!" Until I saw the size of the snake! Then I though, "Holy S**t!"

When I witness myself say "No way! I can't do that!" Then I immediately have a conversation with myself of, "Yes way! Then you must!"

My personal policy is to face fear head on.

So, whilst there were a crowd of people standing around gawking at the 40 kilo python, I jumped right in and negotiated my price for a picture with it. This created a huge commotion as my now audience followed us around "for the best picture view, Miss!" and clapped and laughed as I was (barely) able to hold the snake. It was heavy!

My fellow Balinese men who helped me, relocated me back to the lawn to then have me sit in the 'snake circle'.. where they wrapped the snake around me on the floor for yet more pictures.

What an adventure! I felt like Indiana Jones!

My driver then escorted me down the rocks to witness the beauty of the tide line. In an ocean-side cave, we came across another 'Holy Snake' which was guarded by two Balinese men to make sure it is protected and you pay your donation.



Just before I approached them there were two men (a Javanese tourist and his Balinese guide) who approached my guide Wayan. I overheard some conversation about wanting to take a photo with me. When Wayan told me, "this man wants to take a picture with you," I laughed and with a cheeky grin I said, "Sure! If he pays my donation to the Holy Snake"!

The look on these mens faces was priceless. Shock!

I'm a keen negotiater in almost every situation. I saw an opportunity to flex this skill, and in Bali mode after visiting the market stalls it seemed a natural course of negotiation.

The Javanese man agreed. Then paid 5,000 instead of the agreed 3,000 Rupiah to the Holy Snake man.

Wayan and I giggled. He said, "I've never heard anyone ask for that before!"

I laughed and said, "well I'm a strategist! There's more ways than one to skin a cat, if you want something! That was a win/win/win" He got his photo, I get to handle the snake, they get a donation."

Wayan nodded and laughed, amused by my boldness.

With a fun and adventured packed filled day, we headed back to the hotel, where I was met by the staff who had set up a private candlelit dining space for me, poolside.

It was a magical way to bring a close to my day, as I enjoyed the night sounds of the mountains, the peace in the air, the beauty of the pool, and dined on delicious food and drank Balinese wine.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ~Henry David Thoreau~

Goal Setting... Tick Your Life To A Whole New Level!

Thanks to a facebook (and Perth) friend of mine, Adam Kappel, I've discovered a fantastic GOAL SETTING TOOL - Lifetick! I was perusing Adam's great website and I discovered he was sharing the AWESOMENESS of this product.

And it really is AWESOME!

By the way, to make it clear, there is NO affiliate link to this article.

I'm truly grateful to have discovered this tool, and want to share it with you, as it is a MUST to be clear on your core values and goals to create purpose and momentum in your life to create the one you want - Lifestyle By Design!

Among Lifetick's excellent and well thought out features the benefits to the user include clear, concise and great visuals of your goals, it's easy to use as a daily habit, and it will make a big difference to your decisions and behaviors/actions towards getting what you want.

With Lifetick's feature to send you email reminders (set by you), it helps to keep your focus on what you have decided to take action on. It'll help to keep you even more accountable and on track!

It is also yet another great 'mobile lifestyle' tool.

So often in the past, I've written my goals in journals. In the past few years with all my extensive travels, I've taken to typing my goals on my computer and storing them on my back-up hard drive. I have been looking for a better solution for awhile...

...Now, I've found it!

With Lifetick, it's all online, and you can access it from anywhere! It also has an iPhone web application to sync with your online account.

No more worries about heavy books to transport or the time spent to scan old records to keep (assuming you want to keep them. I personally love to reflect on past years goals and successes as it is a record to my personal growth and to how much I have achieved through the weeks, months and years).

If you're not yet used to goal setting, then no problem!

Lifetick will take you through step-by-step in a well formatted way for you to create your goals using the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting system.

Specific - Does the goal clearly state what it will achieve?
Measurable - Will you know if you have achieved your goal?
Achievable - Is this a goal which can actually be achieved?
Relevant - Does this goal reflect your values in life?
Time Specific - When do you want to achieve this goal by?

For those of you who are Life Coaches, managers, personal trainers, sporting coaches and anyone who assists others in achieving their goals, get excited because this company is soon to launch Lifetick Coach that will really assist you with your clients. Here's what it promises:

• Coach creates accounts for clients
• Clients use Lifetick to create and manage goals
• Coach gets to monitor his/her clients’ progress
• Clients and coach can communicate through Lifetick

I could go on and on and on about how passionate I am about this opportunity, but you can read and see more by going to the Lifetick website.

Oh and it's FREE for the basic version, so you can trial it. The paid version is only AUD$22 a year!

I encourage you today, to sign up to Lifetick and start using it immediately to make it easier for you to start creating (or to continue your momentum and take it to a whole new level), your Lifestyle By Design, by having clear goals set up so you can WIN!

From one of my favorite mentors:
"You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands - your own." ~Mark Victor Hansen, Co-Author of the "Chicken Soup For The Soul" series~

If you found this article helpful, please leave your comment below! :o)

Ducks for Dinner

It's not too often you get to dine WITH ducks, versus eating them!

Check out these wonderful 'Park Pets' from Karrinyup Waters Resort.

I enjoyed a 'last supper' with my parents in Perth, before (I leave for Bali tomorrow) and they leave for the journey north later this week, for their trek around Australia.

Gasparilla Pirate festival

This last week whilst I was in Tampa, Florida I got to experience an amazing Adventure... the Gasparilla Pirate Festival... Tampa, Florida...

Italian Dining with Scott & Alise

I've been staying in Clearwater (near Tampa) with great friends Scott Howard and Alise Torhus this week.

I keep calling it Tampa. Scott quietly interjects each time with "Clearwater" to remind me exactly where I am at. *laugh*

I am forever grateful for not only their friendship and hospitality, but their love and grace with caring for me this week whilst I have been recovering from a lung-gripping flu... post my Caribbean Cruise.

Whilst most of my days have been spent lazing around in my 'heart' pajamas... we have been out and about a few times. Including two nights ago when I wanted to express my gratitude for them in my life, and took them out to dinner.

We went to Macaroni Grill (Alise's choice) and enjoyed a fun night eating delicious Italian food.

Grateful to always have my flipvideo, I captured the essence of the restaurant and staff, as well as our fun experience.

Enjoy!

x Katie Joy