NAVIGATING LIFE'S TWISTS AND TURNS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE PILBARA AND BEYOND

Hey there, wonderful readers! As I dive back into the world of blogging, I'm buzzing with ideas to keep you all captivated. While I aim to post daily, you might notice several entries marked April 12th, 2024 – a little content marathon, because, well, stories wait for no one.

For the past five years, I've been the Operations Manager for an Indigenous Australian art group. My best friend, who I've known for 16 years now, was my boss there. Last year, we made the tough decision to leave due to some uncontrollable behind-the-scenes issues. Things got pretty ugly afterward – the rumors spread about us were outrageous, humiliating, and downright hurtful. But hey, we're taking the high road and trying to move past it all.

We decided to start our own business, a partnership doing much of what we'd been doing for the past five years, but with more control. However, as they say, the best-laid plans often go awry. Financial struggles have plagued us for the past few months, and since my sister's passing last May, I've been battling depression too. But hey, I'm not one to dwell on misfortune, and neither is my bestie. So, we're both currently on the job hunt, fingers crossed.

Our plan is to supplement our income and run our business on the side for now. Once our finances stabilize, we'll consider transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship.

In the meantime, depression and plenty of free time make a person want to dive into distractions. As for me? You already know I love creating art, photography, and gaming. Right now, I'm hooked on Stranded Deep, a survival game where you're marooned on an island. I'm taking my time exploring the islands and enjoying my cozy island home, surrounded by sharks. Yep, I'm in no hurry to leave just yet. I'll share more about this in future posts, along with some screenshots from my game.

Other games I'll likely talk about soon include House Flipper, Hotel Renovator, and similar titles.

I'm also kicking off my own YouTube channel soon, featuring gameplay videos. Most will be ASMR, but I might throw in some live streams or voice-over videos too. Stay tuned for updates on the channel's launch!

Now, let's talk about the Pilbara. For those unfamiliar, it's a remote region in the northwest of Western Australia, where I currently reside. It's hot, arid, and when it rains, it's cause for celebration – you'll likely find me dancing outside in the rain.

The Pilbara offers everything you could want – warm Indian Ocean waters, pristine beaches, red dirt, hills, thrilling 4x4 adventures, excellent fishing, and yes, even sharks. As an animal lover, I find sharks fascinating. Seeing them in the wild here has been nothing short of amazing. Sure, they can be intimidating, but they're also incredibly graceful creatures. I'll never forget the majestic hammerhead we spotted while fishing at Cossack – pure magic.

Seeing that shark was awe-inspiring for me. I had always loved the hammerhead shark; its unique shape just shows how wonderful creation truly is. The way it effortlessly glided through the water, its distinctive head cutting through the waves – it was a sight to behold. It reminded me of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and how lucky we are to share this planet with such magnificent creatures.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on turning life’s lemons into lemonade, or maybe your own gaming obsessions? Ever danced in the rain or come face-to-face with nature’s marvels like a hammerhead shark? Drop your stories and thoughts in the comments below!

Until next time,

Christina E.

Pilbara Panorama: A Journey Through Art, Land, and Pixels

After a bit of a wander through the wilderness of life, I’m thrilled to dust off my keyboard and rejoin the world of blogging. As a proud Pilbara local in Western Australia, I can’t wait to share with you the kaleidoscope of art, photography, and gaming that paints every day with vibrant colors here.

Let’s dive into the Pilbara’s art scene together, where the pulse of ancient traditions and the brushstrokes of contemporary creativity paint our world with vibrant colors. As an Indigenous creator, my art is a dialogue between my heritage and the landscape around us. I'll share stories of how our traditions inspire my work, intertwining with the contemporary expressions that brighten our streets. Together, we'll explore the deep connections between art, land, and the stories that bind us.

Next, we’ll wander through the Pilbara’s landscapes, camera in hand. From the rugged outback to tranquil shores, every snapshot tells a story. I’ll share some photography fails and triumphs, hoping to inspire your own journey behind the lens.

And who says the outback and gaming don’t mix? Join me in my quest to balance outdoor exploration with the lure of virtual adventures. From the comfort of our homes, we'll explore worlds unknown, with the backdrop of the Pilbara inspiring our virtual endeavors.

But there’s more to the Pilbara than its beauty. Life here is full of challenges and charms, fostering a tight-knit community of resilient souls. I’ll share insights into the everyday wonders and woes of living in one of Australia's most remote locales.

So, whether you’re drawn to the artistry, the adventure, or the sheer audacity of gaming where the red earth meets the sky, welcome. Let's uncover the Pilbara’s secrets together, celebrating the unexpected and the extraordinary.

I’m curious—what’s one place or activity in your corner of the world that others might find surprising? Share in the comments below!

Looking forward to our shared journey,

Christina E.