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People that inspire, Spring and technology.....

30/8/2013

7 Comments

 
When I organised the staff professional development program at my workplace in 1996 to learn basic computer skills, I had no perception of what a story that was the beginning of. When the instructor asked me when I would do my sessions, I laughed and replied, “I don’t even know how to spell computer – is it with a ‘C’ or a ‘K’?“

Here we are just over a decade and a half later, with iPads, iPhones, desktops, laptops digital cameras, earphones etc, etc. Not to mention the mind blowing world of Social Media (SoMe).

Today I spent 3½ hours on a video conference with people all round Australia and worked our way through a huge agenda, watched presentations and discussed all sorts of things. I could have had my PJ bottoms on under the desk – no one would know!! I had not left home!!

My ever developing and evolving interest in technology and SoMe has allowed me to follow, meet and engage with people that I would probably never have had the opportunity to meet previously. 

Let me introduce you to Mel – she is wonderful. We actually “physically” met one day a few months ago when we both happened to be in Canberra. In the mean time we keep in touch by blogs, Facebook, twitter etc. The Cooks Notebook.

I have mentioned Carly before. WOW…she is so  inspiring. I first read her blog more than 12 months ago when I was looking n for some thoughts around patients experiences in hospitals. Since then I have been enthralled by her musing about so many things. You will track her blog through her Facebook page.

This lady I have never met. But she has and tells such a beautiful story. Her spirit of generosity is amazing and I love her blogs and photos.

It is also obvious that technology and SoMe means that all the interests in my life are a lot more interactive/interwoven than they would normally have been. We don’t seem to differentiate between work, home or social time as much anymore. The different aspects of our lives cross over much more these days.

I have been asked to speak at three different conferences/forums over the next three weeks. None of the three have anything to do with what my entire career has been about – Nursing & Midwifery. Yet they are all interrelated to my professional life, personal life and social life. How amazing is that?!

In the last five years I have met some of the most inspiring people from all round the world…..NO -  it started earlier than that, when we were in Indonesia…..NO -  even further back than that – 1976, when I first took off to Europe as a 21 year old “to see the world”.  I am still in contact with people I met from that era! Now technology makes it so much easier to be in touch.

Each and every Chef and Presenter that has spent some time in the Plough Creek Kitchen has been incredible. I have been reflecting how my attitude, usual habits/practices and my thinking has changed in so many ways because of each of them.  Lloyd Morse, Jane Webster, Eitan Doron, Katey Rodgers, Jasper Avent, Brad Warton, Kate Spina, Alfie Spina and Sophie from Party Cupcake have shared so much knowledge, expertise, interest and fun with us since we kicked off Plough Creek Cooking School last November with the Plum Pudding class.

What inspirational stories there have been in that last 10 months! People who said they have never cooked are now regulars and buying “blow torches” to make Crème Brulee at home, medical scientists have gone off to do pastry chef apprenticeships and there are homes around the valley who will never buy pasta again, ‘cos they are too good at making it the traditional way!!

My MS role takes me away again soon and I have an opportunity to attend a research conference in Copenhagen (never been there before) and attend a conference and meeting in Berlin (never been there before, either!). 

Today is my Dad’s 80th birthday. Wow…. that seems old when I think about the man that was so big, strong, loud and Italian when I was a little kid!  Happy Birthday, Mauro Cerasa!!
Picture
Mauro Cerasa & daughters circa 2005.

DC XX

7 Comments
Mel @ The cook's notebook link
30/8/2013 09:23:49 am

Thanks for the mention Deb! I love our online chats, but hopefully we'll have a few more face to face ones soon too. x

Reply
Debra
31/8/2013 06:51:45 pm

I hope so also. I hope to be in Brisbane soon, so will definitely let you know. I so love reading your blogs and posts and your energy for food is contagious. DC

Reply
Mel @ The cook's notebook link
2/9/2013 04:27:06 am

That would be great Deb - let me know! And thanks :)

Pauline Murcott
31/8/2013 04:39:18 pm

It's been a fun journey being a part of the cooking school.....it's definitely been a life changing experience

Reply
Debra
31/8/2013 06:52:55 pm

Hey Pauline, It has been so awesome to watch you develop so many skills and such a love for cooking. It makes it all worth while. DC x

Reply
Kate Spina
2/9/2013 02:07:37 pm

Flattered and humbled to be included in this blog, Deb!
I love the connection that SoMe affords us - the personal stories of inspiring people become immediately accessible to us and new friendships are made across great distances.
This post reminds me of the words of one of my first cooking mentors, "A good teacher always hopes that their student surpasses them".
xx

Reply
Debra
2/9/2013 02:39:33 pm

How true Kate & what a gorgeous message to post. One of the things I am most proud of in my life (whether professional, personal or social) is when people who have looked to me as a bit of a mentor outgrow me - what a wonderful compliment when they seek more from others ! So looking forward to seeing you again soon DC xx

Reply



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