Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in accessarts' LiveJournal:

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Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007
3:39 pm	Welcome to Sound Circles 2007 Hi all, My name is Sally Josephson and I am assisting Access Arts Membership Services Coordinator Emma Bennison with Sound Circles Coordination this year. Emma suggested that I send you an email to introduce myself and see how you are going so far this year. If you have the time I would really like to hear back from you regarding: • When your Sound Circles group starts this year • Anything Access Arts can do to further support you in delivering Sound Circles in your region • Any articles, information or updates you would like to include in the Sound Circles 2007 live journal The Sound Circles Live Journal has been set up so that Sound Circles facilitators from all regions can come together and share experiences. Hopefully, this will create another support mechanism for you all to learn and grow as facilitators. Articles and discussion topics will be posted on a regular basis in order to generate discussion and provide a great opportunity for us all to network and get to know each other. You can send anything you want to add to the journal to me and I will post it up for you or you can cut and paste it there yourself. If you wish to view this live journal- simply type in the URL: livejournal.com/users/accessarts Alternatively, you may wish to send stuff to everyone by simply sending reply to all to this email and we can exchange info etc through emails instead. I look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Sally Josephson (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Monday, October 24th, 2005
10:00 pm	The following contributions are from Jeannie Lavallee, on her opinion of the trip as a whole, some verse from Karen on the Sound Circlers leisurely Monday morning, and an anonymous contribution from one of the participants. From Jeannie: Thursday was definitely the highlight for me, as we visited the pretty seaside resort of Palm Cove. It’s beautiful aqua coloured waters will remain in my memory forever. That night, I had a whale of a time listening to country-rock duo “Carrizma” at Brothers Leagues Club after a delicious pasta meal and vanilla mousse dessert. By Karen: A relaxed Monday morning until Ten o’clock, Our noises reverberated so sweet round the block. Sound Circles round up – the end of such fun, Joy and achievement under Cairns’ bright sun. Then of course karaoke, what talent arose, We were certainly treated to many great shows. Country to crooners, and rap at it’s best, A good record lable should really invest! (anonymous) If you more like that and paint those invisible things in the air, that fills my heart like a flower that used to be empty. Current Mood: relaxed (Comment on this)
Thursday, October 20th, 2005
10:00 pm	Trip to Palm Cove and Brothers League On Thursday the 20th we had a day trip out to Palm Cove, followed by dinner at Brothers Leagues club. Karen has contributed her thoughts on the day trip and the fun and games at Brothers as well. I For the lap of luxury today we drove, To beautiful, tropical, lush Palm Cove. Sand and sun – no stingers, no surf Some swam – rest rested upon green turf. Such shady trees and a chicken lunch, A vibrant Sound Circle – a vibrant bunch! Alphabet sounds, a clap and a move, We’re really getting into Cairns’ groove! Lindsey made the following observation after our trip to Palm Cove on the Thursday: "Was good, but needs to be more toilets up near the Jetty." II All dressed up for a night out at Brothers, Hassles with buses amongst a few others. But we rose above it, arriving to find, Wonders awaiting to blow body and mind. Taste buds were tempted by fabulous food spread, And the music – well let’s say it awakened the dead. And our groovers danced to it, great jivers one and all. A fantastic evening – Sound Circles had a ball. Current Mood: excited (Comment on this)
Wednesday, October 19th, 2005
3:16 pm	Yet another entry from Karen. Wednesday was our first real day in Cairns, and we started the day with a trip to the Cairns Botanical Gardens, with a tour of the rainforest, followed by lunch and a Sound Circles performance with contributions from Bre and a rap finale from Dan, Adam and the crew. Today oh lucky travellers us, On a red double decker bus! Off to the beautiful lush rainforest, Matched only by one’s far north in the Torres. Was told in the Rain Dance later by Bre, And the animal sounds giving so much glee. Rap to end oh just so hip, Aren’t we having an exciting trip? (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Tuesday, October 18th, 2005
9:15 pm	The following entry from Karen is a reflection on the welcome we received from the Cairns Sound Circles group and the Brisbane Sound Circlers who arrived earlier by plane: The First Night in Cairns We are now all fully fledged fans, Of Sound Circles up in Cairns. For our arrival they did a display, Of performance that blew us away. From “I Can See Clearly” going to rap, The Music and Rhythm just bounced in your lap. What a great welcome – we’re glad to be here, But look out up our sleeves – we’ll match it no fear! (Comment on this)
11:55 am	The following entry from Karen encapsulates the the mixed feelings of the group that alternately endured and enjoyed the 25 hour train trip from Brisbane to Cairns: We just stretched legs at Mackay, Off the train we heaved a sigh. Fourteen hours on the tracks, A bad nights sleep and sore backs! But what fun on the Tilt-Train, Cairns here we come – humidity and no rain! At our wits end we’re on the brink, Being on the train – what does everyone think? Brooke – “Don’t like vegies” Brad – “Good fun” Ray – “Good (Thumbs up!)” Amelia – “Can I get back to you?” Dan – “Like the food” Blaize – “Interesting” David – “Good” Bambi – “Alright” Angela – “Too bumpy!” Jeannie – “Relaxing” Rob – “Challenging” Corey – “Fantastic!” Joseph – “Fun” Sherrallee – “Bombastic” Aaron – “Awesome!” Narelle – “Good” Robyn – “Maybe fun” Bre – “Exhausting” Aldo – “Exciting” Nick – “You woke me up to ask me that?” And last but not least - Karen – “Nauseous” Current Mood: nauseated (Comment on this)
Friday, October 7th, 2005
11:35 am	Di's photos of the closing ceromony The Closing Ceromony All the Expo workers and staff gathered in the Earth theatre to hear reflections of Expo from start to finish Aaron enjoying the speeches Teddy came for a visit to Expo on the final day (3 Comments |Comment on this)
11:20 am	Di's Photos of the Candle Light Celebration Ann, Marie and Becky writing their messages Ann, Marie and Becky writing their messages Ann making her message of light Circle of light Close up of some of the messages The candle lit stage and the compare The candle performance A child absorbed by the magic of light (Comment on this)
Wednesday, September 28th, 2005
10:18 pm	We're Back!!!! Hi Everyone, Well, 13 very tired Sound Circlers made it back to Australia safely this morning (I didn't lose anyone!!!). Iro iro osewa ni nari mashita - to everyone at Tanpopo-no-ye, especially Yumiko & KK, all at Houssien, Mr Teshima & everyone at Toyota support centre, our fellow groups in the NGO village at Expo, Rocky for his fantastic translating, Yumiko for all your help & all our new friends that we made in Japan. Mata oai dekiru kotowo tanoshimini shiteimase. Thanks everyone in the Sound Circles team for making this trip such a success. I miss you all already!! Also a big huge thankyou to everyone back in Australia for your support while we were away. We all have so many memories & stories from our 3 weeks in Japan that I'm sure many people will hear all about in the coming months... - Angela. There's still a lot of sorting of photos, audio & video to do, so we will post more stuff up here after we've had some sleep... (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Sunday, September 25th, 2005
4:47 pm	Stars Shine in Skies of the World - 23&24 Sept - Marilyn's Pics Aaron with his hand crafted Bamboo Aaron lead the beat for the kite parade through the Global Village, as part of the Skies of the World Sound Circle, with this bamboo instrument he made at the Bamboo Workshop. Angela & Marie welcome participants to our last Sound Circles workshop Steve sings You Raise Me Up as the clouds form Inspired Child Emma sings Universal Language Our Flag of Unity This flag was made by Keiko representing Tanpopo (the Dandelion) Wataboshi (the seed) Sound Circles (Access Arts) in Unity We proudly carry the Flag Keiko, Pete & Yumiko Candlelight Celebration More Candles Suba joins with Waon in Earth Square Sadam from Waon in Earth Square Sound Circlers joined with Waon (Circle Sound)in Earth Square for a finale celebration on Saturday 24th Children get with the beat Sound Circles Lives On! (Comment on this)
3:43 pm	Interview with Marilyn Vance Marilyn discusses her Japan experience, including her role as photographer. (Comment on this)
3:12 pm	Fond Farewells Well here we are, Pete, Emma and me thinking about all that has been in the past three weeks. We have opted for the soft option of sitting quietly at the computers. The rest of the gang are out exploring the last day of Expo. For me, this time has been the experience of a lifetime. Our Japanese hosts have embraced us and cared for our needs at every level. I have never eaten so much in all my life, or laughed so much for that matter. I can attributed most of the hilarity to one Emma Bennison. I am sad and happy all at the same time. Sad to be leaving, not the site so much, but our wonderful new friends. Happy because there will finally be and end to the homesickness. We have all learned so much, about ourselves and each other. I have really enjoyed the gracious professionalism. The honest appraisals and gentle constructive criticisms that have evolved from our working together. Sound Circles has become something that cannot be contained. Its infectious warmth has found its way into many hearts and minds. I am so proud to have been invited to come and share this wonderful time. Fond Farewells, Jill Blackman Cairns Sound Circles. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Saturday, September 24th, 2005
7:22 pm	Meeting of the Waters Workshop - September 22nd by Marilyn Waves of Silk Sea of Silk Path of Silk Suba Carries the Water In this Sound Circles workshop we were joined by Suba from a village in SE Indian village where water is very scarce. She carries 20 litres of water over 2 kilometers every day to meet her family needs! Snake dances searching for water Suba's Dance Musicians play Sitar, Tablar & Shakahasai Sound Bath Begins Sound Bath Grows Bathed in Sound Particpants making Threads of Life Draping the Saris Weaving the Threads Meeting of the Waters (1 Comment |Comment on this)
4:16 pm	hey everyone guess what i had the time of my life yesterday i finally got to do you raise me up some of the members of expo particpants we formed a choir with sound circle members it was a part of skys of the world it was the best day i have had at the expo not because i sang my song but it was the day that i felt the best since being here because i felt whole if anyone understands that but that is the way i felt hope all is well down under so i shall see everyone when we get back sionara steve (2 Comments |Comment on this)
12:01 pm	Debbie and Majella discuss night out in Nagoya On our day off some of the group members caught the train to Nagoya. Debbie and Majella describe the experience. (Comment on this)
11:52 am	Reflections from Angela and Emma As our trip draws to a close, we reflect on some of the highs and lows we have experienced over the past three weeks, just prior to our final Sound Circles workshop here in Aichi. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Friday, September 23rd, 2005
6:55 pm	Pete singing Wataboshi Song at Tanpopo-no-ye Pete & Emma performed the Wataboshi theme song at Tanpopo-no-ye. After the performance, to everyone's surprise, the composer stood up from the audience. It was a magic moment. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
11:51 am	Hello from Angela Hi Everyone, This is Angela. I just realised that I haven't really been posting very much (which isn't entirely true because I have been uploading most of the video & helping out with the photos etc). But I haven't had time to do much writing in the journal. We have been really busy here with the workshops & planning for the last couple of days of Expo. I still haven't lost anyone which is quite an achievement in itself (there are still 4 days here, so there's still time). Between us all we've managed to temporarily misplace wallets, a camera, and a tooth but they have all been found again (I think), so it's all good... Hiromi was with us for a couple of days. It was great to see her again and catch up. Here is the link for a forum that Rocky, who is part of the secretait of the NGO village. He is very passionate about Expo's theme of Sustainability & the Environment. www.expo2005-team.de I haven't had any time to check it out yet, but please have a look if you are interested. Anyway, have to go. Time for a coffee before our workshop. See ya. Angela (Comment on this)
11:42 am	This speech will be delivered by Peter on 24 Sept. at the NGO Global Village Finale SOUND CIRCLES PRESENTATION 24 SEPTEMBER 2005 PETER VANCE Sound Circles is from Access Arts, Queensland, Australia. We were very honoured to be invited by Tanpopo-no-Ye to join with them in the NGO Global Village here at World Expo 2005. Access Arts' relationship with Tanpopo-no-Ye began over 10 years ago and continues to grow strongly through our common goal of working with people experiencing disability to achieve success in the arts. Each week Sound Circles Groups across Queensland enjoy improvising and spontaneously creating New Sounds, New Stories and New Performances. Here in the NGO Global Village we have been truly enriched. You trusted us. you came and willingly joined in without really knowing what was in store! Every day we embraced a new theme crossing cultures, generations and environments with no limits on our ability to explore and enjoy! Firstly connecting with a Pulse and Konnichiwa. Then: i. The Typhoon that `greeted us on arrival was soon calmed by little children guiding their mums, dads and grandparents. ii. The beautiful Bamboo structures of this village swayed in a tribute to the fresh, green backdrop of trees and mountains iii. A sun and moon eclipse became vibrating balloons in a Celebration of Life iv Our Sound Bath soothed and sounds of the sitar, Subar's song and the gentle breeze of the sari have woven us together in a meeting of the waters There were many moments of Hysterical laughter, magical movements and serene silence. One member Majella even lost a tooth when blowing up a balloon! Then always a WOOSH to acknowledge our joyful time together, bring us back to the moment and to say Good Bye Our friendly participants always departed with warm hand shakes and smiling faces At times though it felt as if we were on a roller coaster. being creatively and culturally challenged. But these moments of chaos enabled us to be truly spontaneous and learn and grow together. with encouragement, guidance and support not only from within our own group but from our partners Tanpopo-no-Ye and the Global Village team. Thank you KK, Yumiko and Rocky! And that's just what the Sound Circles process is all about! In the Sound Circle we learn to Accept and Value Ourselves and Each Other and Celebrate Our Diversity. Thank you Access Arts, Tanpopo no Ye, Toyota Foundation, NGO Global Village and everybody who has made this experience possible We will keep the connection alive Our dream is that Sound Circles can be come part of a Universal language of Sustainability. Our Heritage is with Our Children - their smiling faces must continue to guide us across the Skies of the world. To support them we must carry The Flags of Peace from this Global Village and proudly fly them in all the corners of the earth , Caring for the Environment in a spirit of Love, Harmony and Hope. In this way we can stay connected and continue to learn and grow together towards a better quality of life for all! (1 Comment |Comment on this)
9:51 am	Hiromi & Angela have a chat It was great that Hiromi could come & visit us for a couple of days. (Comment on this)