'Childmemory' by Michael Dugan

'David's Willow Tree' by Susan Clark

The following poem, Childmemory, by Michael Dugan is filled with beautiful memories and imagery. Its environmental theme is poignant and powerful. At the time of writing, this poem is not available anywhere else on the web and is almost impossible to find in published books. However, I was able to discover that it was published in Poetry Australia 32: Preface to the Seventies (1970, p. 35), which resulted in an email exchange with Michael Dugan's former colleague. I am sharing the poem in full because it is too wonderful to be forgotten forever. I encourage teachers to use this poem in their classrooms to explore the concepts of past, present and preservation. All credit goes to the brilliant Michael Dugan who composed this work.

Childmemory

Down past Macartney’s farm

beyond a wilderness of waist high thistles,

willow trees caressed the creek.

We would come to the willows

along a secret path of our own making,

to leap into their feathered greenness

and, clutching handfuls of whiplike branches,

would swing, eyes closed, above the stream,

rejoicing in motion,

with the bitter taste of willow leaves in our mouths.

Later we tied a rope to the highest branch,

and riding its arc like a pendulum,

would pause at the point of timelessness; to drop,

breaking the pool’s glass surface

into ever widening sculptured circles.

One summer night I crept silent to the willows

and swung for hours, feeling the cool sweet air on my face,

watching stars reflecting in the pool,

like trolls’ eyes staring from the black water.

Returning fifteen years later,

factories pour waste into the creek,

no one remembers willow trees.


Michael Gray Dugan (1947-2006) was an Australian poet, children's writer and editor. Born in the outskirts of Melbourne, Dugan recalled writing stories and poems as a child of eight or nine. In 1968, he first published 'Crosscurrents' magazine from the Melbourne suburb of Canterbury. He also worked as poetry editor of 'Overland' magazine and served as vice-president of the Victorian Fellowship of Australian Writers. In the 1980s, he was a consultant and an editor for the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs. Along with his works in children's literature, Dugan had an extensive background in Australian history. He wrote numerous historical textbooks published by Macmillan Education Australia. There are over 200 book titles in Dugan's name, including factual books, fictional stories and poetry anthologies. Other publishers he wrote for include Oxford, Jacaranda, Penguin, and Hodder & Stoughton.

Just be decent...

This is OK as long as:
- realness isn't justification for rudeness;
- imperfections don't correlate with being unfair;
- flaws do not include continual dishonesty;
- quirks excludes putting on the tears to get your way (literally!).

I recently worked with a woman who displayed the traits outlined above. She was always comfortable being herself. The only problem was that she was wily and manipulative. These kinds of quotes have many interpretations. They rely on the assumption that people are decent at heart. But what if they aren't? Should we just tell everyone to 'be themselves'? I get what the quote is saying, but some people spin it their own way (like my former colleague) and let me tell you, working with her was not my idea of fun.

Lifou is magical...

Santal Bay, Lifou

We've just come back from Lifou in New Caledonia and it was amazing. The colour of the water around the island, which ranged from bright aqua to deep turquoise, was absolutely stunning (my camera couldn't quite capture these vibrant hues). And there were butterflies everywhere... they were in the air all around you. It was like something out of a dream. 

 Butterfly at Easo, Lifou

The morning began with snorkelling in Jinek Bay. The coral was still in great condition despite the increase in tourism that Lifou has experienced in recent years. The local people have been very conscientious about looking after their marine environment, which is why we each needed to purchase a pass to enter the water. After that, we visited Our Lady of Lourdes chapel at the top of the hill. Butterflies filled the skies and I took some video footage of this entrancing phenomenon. Back in the village, we ate fresh papaya and mango before heading off to see the Saint Francois Xavier village church.

 Easo village church, Lifou

Next to the church, we happened upon a sign that described a visit to a fresh water pool in a cave for $10. We weren't sure what to expect as we descended a steep, rocky path bulging with buttress roots. At the bottom of the path, it was slippery and dark. I hadn't prepared and was wearing Havaiana thongs--it was a bit touch and go and I had to take it easy.

 Path to Cave at Easo, Lifou

There was a cave at the very bottom and other tourists were jumping into the deep, dark pool of water so we decided to give it a go. It was very invigorating and brought back childhood memories of jumping into freshwater pools in Australia. When it got a bit crowded down there, we walked back to Santal Bay and snorkelled near the wharf where we swam with a turtle for a while as it ate seaweed and intermittently came up for breaths of air. It was a fascinating sight to behold.

 Jinek Bay, Lifou

It was such a magical day. Time has not passed so slowly for me in years and it was all a bit surreal, like some kind of spiritual awakening. There is so much beauty in this world and we really need to nurture and protect it.

I liked 'Aloha'

I saw 'Aloha' last night. Ordinarily, I wouldn't have gone to see it as the trailer put me off due to the military overlay (which rarely excites me); however, it was being offered as a double-feature with another film ('Far from the Madding Crowd') so I thought, Why not?

When 'Far from the Madding Crowd' was over, I wasn't too keen to stick around for 'Aloha'. I had heard nothing at all about the movie but the trailer had given enough away to make it seem sappy. It turns out that I was pleasantly surprised. 

However, at the end, everyone in the cinema seemed confused and comments of that kind circulated around the room. It was depressing to realise that I was seemingly the only person who understood the film. People had missed whole chunks of the subject matter and characterisation somehow. But for me, that was the beauty of the film--you're forced to stay active in it. You really have to pay attention because the pace is fast in the first 8 minutes. As the plot unfolds, you make sense of it as you go. The movie is like a journey--I found myself being able to identify with each of the characters in some way. It's not dissimilar to 'Jerry Maguire', except that Bradley Cooper is a more likeable protagonist.

'Aloha' is definitely more figurative than literal in nature. Like most films, you can't pick it apart too much, you just have to feel it. The film is multi-layered and moved me a lot without me expecting it (as Crowe films tend to do). It set out to achieve too much but that worked for me for the following reasons:

1) It resonates with similarities in Australia in relation to people's treatment of the indigenous population. The movie took me through a whole range of emotions, including disgust at what Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper) was there to do: abuse the trust he had somehow previously gained from the indigenous community. I think a lot of North Americans don't like the film because it makes a statement about land rights and past maltreatment of Hawaii's indigenous people. It could be considered anti-nationalist by some. To me, the film depicts the present-day reality of a people who were overturned in much the same way as indigenous Australians were. It serves as a reminder that land, culture and language were unrightfully taken away. Efforts must be made to preserve and respect Hawaii's rich heritage.

2) Similarly, I like the Hawaiian mythology that is woven into the film despite it being rather clumsy and tokenistic at times. I was reminded that the indigenous people's connection with the sky and the land is of cultural and spiritual importance. Although technological development is a reality, and we all benefit from it in our daily lives, the film touches upon the conflict between advancement and heritage. It also hints at the ruthlessness of American militarism as it expands its global strongholds in the Pacific at all costs. I like to hope that the lack of military intelligence in regards to Carson Welch's (Bill Murray) true motives was a far-fetched plot line. It is a truly scary thought that ordinary citizens of incredible wealth may be able to wield military power. It's scary enough when the US government does it.

3) It depicts a broken person, both mentally and physically, in Cooper's character--a consequence of his egotistical jaunts. It is pretty clear from the outset that he has become disconnected from himself somewhere along the way. He was so selfish in his past relationship with Tracy (Rachel McAdams), always putting his career first, but is forced to 'face the music' both personally and professionally throughout the film. It portrays his gradual transformation and growth, presumably originating from the serious injuries he sustained in Afghanistan, and culminating in his decision to cause Welch's satellite to explode. The film puts Gilcrest in the driver's seat of his own redemption. It's story of hope to anyone who finds themselves at the bottom of the heap. One may never rise again to the heights of former glories but somehow that doesn't matter any more when things are put into perspective.

4)  Bill Murray's character is repugnant and representative of North America's filthy rich individuals whose greed has no bounds. He played the character beautifully, capturing the eccentricity and narcissism that some billionaires possess. He is charged with the delivery of one of the most poignant lines in the film: "The future isn’t just something that happens. It’s a brutal force, with a great sense of humour, that will steamroll you if you’re not watching." This is so true. Life creeps up on you so fast and it can be ridiculously overwhelming. In the context of Welch's character, he deals with this by 'getting in first' and 'staying one step ahead of the game'. This is how most people think life should be approached but there are other people, more unassuming, who do get steamrolled. Perhaps they are just too honest or different or gullible. But it doesn't make them lesser people.

Everyone interprets a movie differently. To me, the movie made bold statements about militarism, globalisation, selfishness, greed, self-understanding, self-identity (the 'daughter' subplot) and loyalty. These ideas came across powerfully--I didn't have to search for them. The dialogue, acting and cinematography are very raw; you're right there amongst it and there's no escape. In this way, I think that 'Aloha' is quite a confrontational film because it really makes you question your own existence, and your affect on individuals and groups. We all play a part in this world however insignificant it seems at times. We have a choice each day in the way we interact with those we love as well as with the wider community.

Just Blown Away!

Clyde's Choice Dahlia from Owen Shelley's Garden, Bexley 2010

This post has nothing to do with my business but I just had to share. Today I was walking home and these two young girls stopped me to ask about the arm brace on the left wrist. I just couldn't believe it--this level of concern from two young primary school-aged girls who didn't know me from a bar of soap. One of the girls had dislocated her wrist in the past and was interested in what had happened. It's these crazy little interactions you sometimes have that make you realise that the world still retains some beauty and compassion.

I have been a bit down over the last couple of days because it is looking like I will need wrist surgery. It has been diagnosed as a Barton's fracture which isn't particularly common and nearly always results in plate insertion. I knew my arm was fractured 4 weeks in but the management process has been slow (now at 9 weeks). There is now the issue of paying for specialist treatment, which is covered by insurance, but having to gain constant approval has slowed the process down.

Aside from a couple work colleagues who have asked me how I am going, most staff are too busy to care and the 'inconvenience' of this injury is something no one really wants to acknowledge. I just have to suffer in silence whilst some tasks take me 3 times longer to complete than if I had full use of both my hands. Not that I have stopped working at the pace at which the school expects. I have been carrying on like nothing has happened 3 days per week and using my days off to attend appointments.

It is really starting to take it's toll of me now as I am getting a little behind on the schoolwork etc. I am at the school 9-10 hours per day but the number of before and after-school meetings of late makes it difficult to mark and prepare, even in that time frame. My advice to anyone reading this--never take a job unless you have worked there at least a couple of times first. You just never know when you will become fatigued on a rainy day, not see a step and fall with an outstretched hand onto hard asphalt. When you cease to be in 100% health, people will doubt your value.

I am guilty of not putting myself first in this situation, allowing days of extreme busyness at school to distract me from dealing with my wrist. But how can I book appointments when every minute of my day is accounted for and it is school policy to keep our phones switched off? I didn't even realise that I needed a Workcover Certificate until 6 weeks in. One meeting at the beginning to talk about my injury would have been all that was needed to educate me about what it means when you hurt yourself at work. If anyone out there has a question about a Barton's fracture of the wrist or anthing else, please drop me a line. I wouldn't wish this experience upon anyone. And it's about the get a whole lot more complicated...*sigh*

Thanks so much to those girls who really brightened my day :)

2014 - Year in Review

Sadly, it has been an extremely challenging year. It started off amazingly well until I had a fall at a workplace and landed on my outstretched left hand. This eventually resulted in surgery, lots of pain, and lots of regrets... 

So productivity over the past 5 months has been virtually non-existent due to this injury and the subsequent strain it has placed on my life. I've attended approx. 50 appointments for various reasons, including physiotherapy twice per week. For the most part, I have had to put 'Green Gifts' on hold and have just been selling existing stock to cover business overheads. At least these fees aren't anything like the financial pressures faced by a 'bricks and mortar' store.

Despite this injury, I am hopeful that my future isn't as bleak as it has felt at times. The apparent misalignment of my radius and ulna (despite having surgery) worries me a great deal and the sensation of the two bones hitting against each other continues to cause discomfort and swelling. My self-supporting business was going rather well but the injury/surgery has been and may continue to be a significant hurdle to any future growth...only time will tell.

On the markets front, I am struggling (well actually, someone else has been doing my stall for me of late). Tourism in the Blue Mountains appears to have dropped due to ongoing roadworks, inclement weather, and global economic pressures on visitors. It is not worthwhile anymore but I will stick with it in the hope that it may improve throughout 2015. I am actually making a loss practically every time I go now and am only doing it out of loyalty to the organiser at present. I try to stay productive by doing other things whilst I'm there but it's getting harder to justify the loss of time and money.

Sorry for the rant! Sometimes it helps to express yourself even if no-one reads it :)

Utopian World

 Sandwich Shop, Montmartre, Paris

Tablecloth Shop, Rue de Rennes, Paris

 Le Petit Mâchon, Rue Saint Honoré, Paris

 Picking out beads for a handmade necklace or two, 
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen 

My father always told me that I live in Utopia--this was a criticism of me--he desperately wanted me to exit my dream world. I never fully understood what he meant. I do now. I like to be immersed in beauty, art and creative pursuits. However, this was never encouraged. I eventually found myself within the four walls of a classroom. Kids are lovely but the environment isn't. It's very stifling and repetitive and menial. And, oh, the mundanity of conning kids into learning who aren't really interested...

I find myself dreaming about holidaying in Europe again. It's this kind of escapism that really irked my father. I always resort to it when I'm frustrated. I'm back in the classroom teaching again this term--that'll do it! You just feel trapped by the constant marking, assessing and rousing on kids. And, at this school, there is a bit more of that than usual. Am I motivated by the paycheck? No. But, I had to get back into it or I would have had to sign up for a 5-year reaccreditation process. No thanks. Already spent 6 years at uni taking the profession as seriously as a person could take it, and another decade teaching thereafter...

Please enjoy my small selection of photos taken in Paris last year. Thanks to my Uncle and Aunty, who invited us to their 40th Wedding Anniversary celebration in Holland, the trip came into being.

Dream a little dream...

 Seconds after taking this photo, the butterfly dropped away from its chrysalis

and started to flap its wings. It was such a wonderful sight to see...

Photo taken at Hortus Botanicus, Amsterdam

"Dream with me, escape with me, fly with me, imagine you are everything you've ever wanted to be. Dream, dream, dream..."

This is an excerpt from a song I remember vividly from a musical I performed in as a child. In many ways, I am living my dream to be creatively employed every day of my life. In other ways, however, the world is a harsh judge and laughs in the face of 'silly' dreams. On the whole, I don't let it worry me but I do need to deal with the perception that people have of me. It saddens me that people in our culture judge a person's worthiness by their occupation. Even when I was a school teacher, and an extremely dedicated one at that, people ridiculed the profession. Since having a break from it, it is amazing just how many everyday people knock teachers. It makes you feel like a real chump for ever considering the profession. The biggest shock to me has been the many thanks I receive from customers for doing what I do now. Why wasn't that thanks forthcoming over the years I toiled and served as a teacher? Truly bizarre society we live in...

I still love teaching, and can remember many wonderful interactions I've had with students. I still remember a casual day I once did in Caringbah NSW in 1998. This wonderful little Year 1 class just loved their day so much. Out of their own accord, during lunchtime, I presume, a number of them got together and wrote little notes for me which they presented at the end of the school day! I was just one random teacher in the scheme of many they must've met, yet their display of kindness for the efforts I had made in giving them a unique day whilst their regular teacher was sick, just astounded me. I still have those notes...

Since having a break from teaching, I must say that my life has been calmer. I have been able to focus on what really matters in life: savouring special interactions with people, being positive in the face of pessimism, and being an encouraging presence...

Significantly, I have had more time to look around me and appreciate just how lucky I am despite not leading the perfect life, materially, that some Aussies strive for, despite the drawbacks in my life, and despite my lack of worldly success, so-to-speak. Because life is not measured by our external representations, but by who we really are as people. I encourage you to appreciate the beauty of life, rather than gripe about the dreams that haven't yet been fulfilled. I know that it has completely changed my outlook on life, and for the better :)

The Monuments Men

 

 'Sunrise' by Roy Lichtenstein, 1965

 'La Muse' by Pablo Picasso, 1935

 'Bedroom in Arles' by Vincent van Gogh, 1888

'Luxe, Calme et Volupte' by Henri Matisse, 1904

 'Water Lilies' by Claude Monet , 1919

I saw the movie 'The Monuments Men' last night. I loved the premise of the film but suspect that the subject matter is not for everyone. The cinematography was superb--truly an aesthetic feast for those who love the beauty of scenery and light and art. The cast was fantastic, and the movie met my expectations and more. Again, we're reminded of the insidiousness of that much-maligned regime and, as always, are left wondering how it all could have gone so far. The scale of the theft perpetrated against the innocents is yet again as sickening as ever (e.g. thousands of gold fillings stored in barrels). Although the film did lack pacing and a few other vital elements, I believe strongly in the purpose of the film: to uphold those who risked and lost their lives to preserve the beauty, history and cultural significance of art.

Having been to Europe myself last year, I had the opportunity to experience, in some small way, the sheer scope and scale of historical artifacts, artworks and other contributions by incredibly talented and dedicated people throughout time. The Louvre was just overwhelming in its size and magnificence. I spent all day there and actually saw quite a large proportion of the collections. My feet were so sore that I couldn't walk properly later that evening (this is not a usual occurrence for me!) I was just so compelled to see as much as I could--such is the voracity of my aesthetic eye. It's just the way I'm wired; I'm so visually attuned and can't live without the stimulation of looking at wondrous things.

At the top of this post, I have shared a handful of the artworks I saw in Europe (where flash-free photography was permitted). I saw many great works by 'the masters' but happened to snap more of the modern works. The pics don't do the artworks justice but will always trigger within me the memory of having experienced them in the flesh :)

So, so busy!

'Starry Night Over the Rhone' by Vincent van Gogh, Musée d'Orsay, Paris

I'm certainly rejuvenated after my trip overseas. There were so many inspiring and creative moments. I'm still reflecting on them every day. Paris was such a visual feast of culture, art, beauty, food and architecture. Amsterdam was quirky, fun, contemporary and clever. However, it's been right back into it all since returning. I'm yet to scrapbook the trip (that's a dream at this point) and I'm gradually wading through the photos taken.

I never anticipated that my little hobby business could become so busy. As I have improved my products and images, there have been countless requests for customised stationery. It's still a tough gig each and every day, but it's gradually getting easier.  I'm still experiencing a lot of people who are wasting my time and, although I'm getting better at recognising them, they still manage to catch me off-guard. Not coming from a retail background, I am surprised by the number of people who do not have regard for other people's time. Examples include: unreasonable requests for very little payment, rude and impatient emails, genuine sample requests followed by nothing, invasive questions about how an item is made (for replication)...the list goes on.

It's taught me a lot about myself, about the Australian public, about the younger generation, about how artisans are viewed, about consumerism, about this crazy world we live in. But, for the first time in my life, I feel truly free. Being a hard worker by nature, and a bit of a perfectionist, it was difficult being at the mercy of a jealous boss, unfair leader, colleagues who took and never gave etc. I often felt plagued by the thanklessness of the teaching profession. It's not why you do it but, we're all human, and everyone needs some form of feedback. Even the retail world has more to offer in that department (who would have thought!)

I'm still loving the journey--have no idea if there's even a destination at this stage!

It's been so busy!

Chervonne and Thomas Ah Kuoi,

100% Recycled "Thank You" Cards,

'Wishing Well' Advice Cards

Well, I'm not quite sure what has happened to this year! I started an online store earlier in the year and certainly never expected it to grow as quickly as it has :) A couple of weeks ago I had to 'shut shop' completely for a time--it was just too hectic! My sister's wedding was approaching and I was a bridesmaid :) I also made some 'Wishing Well' advice cards for the Bride & Groom. I was so pleased to see that many people took the opportunity to write on these cards throughout the night. They are an alternative to a guest book and are very versatile--no waiting in a queue or for the book to be passed around. Just grab a groovy coloured pen and go for it! I haven't heard back from my sister yet, as she has been on her honeymoon, but I will be interested to hear about some of the wonderful messages received by the newlyweds.

I opened my store again after one week, and the orders just came rolling in once again! It hasn't stopped since. I'm now starting to get some larger orders, which is ideal, as it's easier to do things in bulk and package one parcel, than many small orders.

Although my online store is not very creative at this point (lots of bulk stationery items), I'm hoping to inject a bit more vibrancy into it in the New Year. One aspect of my store that has been very encouraging, is the opportunity I have had to sell environmentally-friendly paper products. They haven't exactly taken off, but there is a small percentage of people out there who wish to consciously support sustainable paper production in Australia. I am describing my cards which are made out of 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper. They also come with matching envelopes--all made in Australia, unlike many 'kraft' paper products, which (in worst case scenarios) can be made overseas from old-growth forests!

Well, gotta go for now--so many orders to complete, and I don't think I can get away with asking my husband to man my market stall yet again this weekend!

Happy New Year!

Flower stamp from 'Embrace Life' set by Stampin' Up!

Although I dream about living in the tropics, I have had to be true to myself and give up on the idea. It would simply be too hot and humid! I shouldn't confess this (due to the scorn it will undoubtedly bring), but I have been loving the wintry 'summer' weather up here in the mountains. I used to live by the coast in Sydney, which was wonderful in many ways, but I've come to enjoy the cooler climate over the past decade.

The handmade greeting card pictured above is a recent creation and reflects my idealisation of tropical living alongside palm trees and bright flowers. I've been to the South Pacific Islands a number of times and it's been such an amazingly beautiful and aesthetic experience every single time. I used to have a little photo album of favourite tropical shots on my desk at school. Whenever I was feeling a little down, it always made me feel so happy to flip through these photos.

The inspiration for this card came from a photo I took in Fiji last year (below). I was walking along the road in Namaka, near Nadi, and snapped a few shots along the way. The picture below features Bougainvillea flowers and I love the foreground and background layers captured by my rudimentary camera.

There were so many beautiful things to photograph in Fiji, some of which I will share here another time. Sometimes I think I should invest in a better camera as mine is so basic, but then I realise I wouldn't have the time to really focus on this hobby alongside all of the others I have! For now, I'll just have to focus on the image rather than the technicalities of the tools. Even with a simple camera, you would be surprised at the quality of shots that can been achieved :) I'm just a novice in the real sense of the word but my photographic cards are quite popular as an alternative to handmade cards, so it is worthwhile for me to continue to add new images to the collection.

Hope you're having a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you at my market stall in the oncoming months. Alongside my regular stock, I am always creating new cards and gifts, available at affordable prices, incorporating that handmade touch :)

Why Buy Handmade Greeting Cards?

This card is hand: stamped, torn, inked, drawn (e.g. swirls & dots), coloured, cut, glued and embellished.

As I interact with customers, I am sometimes surprised by people's hesitancy to buy handmade greeting cards. What with the glut of commercial cards available in shops, there seems to be an inherent trust in overpriced factory-produced cards. I am trying to challenge this notion by providing affordable gifts and cards, handmade using quality materials, unusual techniques and unique designs.

Handmade cards are not mass-produced by a printing press. Each one is hand constructed and designed. Common cardmaking techniques used include hand: stamping, drawing, embossing, inking, painting, cutting, gluing, mounting and embellishing. If you have ever dabbled in cardmaking yourself, you start to realise just how much effort goes into one card and the number of steps needed to create the finished product. Each card is a miniature artwork which reflects the creator’s passion for originality, aesthetics and design.

When you buy handmade cards, you have the opportunity to communicate your personal style and message to the recipients, which will ultimately hold a deeper meaning for them. There is something different about the way a handmade card looks and feels. The hand-embellished, multi-dimensional and artistic elements of a handmade card provide the recipient with something to treasure for many years to come, so it is unlikely to be discarded. I have known people to paste a favourite quote over the “Happy Birthday” sentiment on the front, for example, and frame their card.

People will genuinely value the thought you have put into selecting a creative handmade card for their special occasion whether it be a birthday, the birth of a baby, marriage, or simply a little note of thanks.

Handmade cards are great value for money and are often cheaper than mass-produced cards. Unsold and damaged cards are factored into the price of commercial cards. Why not consider buying an individually constructed product, which has been locally made with limited waste or environmental impact, and which has been made with great care and passion!

Text by Melanie © 2011

My beautiful sister...

I was googling some things about Leura, Blue Mountains today when I stumbled upon a photograph of my sister. It is still being used as part of Spa Sublime's advertising after all these years! I don't think my sister received much money (if any) for this shoot (I believe there are some other photos too) but it is a lovely shot and kudos must also go to the photographer who took it. My sister currently works in the beauty industry in Bondi Junction and has been a great help to me in terms of facial skin treatments. I had moderate to severe acne for 17 years, and was taunted daily for many years, which affected my self-confidence immensely. She has really been a great support in helping to reduce scarring and skin damage on my face. Thank you beautiful Chervonne!