THE SOORLEYS // A FAMILY BAND

The Soorleys

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You know you love a band when you can listen to their 5 song EP on repeat dozens of times over and over. The Soorleys are a family band made up of four beautiful sisters, two of their handsome husbands, and one dapper boyfriend. The good-looking and talented group also have great style in their wears, not just in their music.

I discovered The Soorleys at Parachute Music festival (which has sadly has just had it's last festival) in 2013 through a recommendation of my sister Melody. She said "They dance around on stage, and sing with maracas and many other instruments. Plus they dress cool, you'll like them!" And I did! The second image is of them performing this year on the deluxe stage. Even though their lead singer Beth was very pregnant, it didn't stop her from dancing and having fun!

A couple of songs from their EP have real significance to me, and when I listen to those two songs it brings me close to tears of both joy and sadness.

FOUR WALLS //
This song I think is based on a bible passage in the Book of Ruth where Ruth tells her Mother-in-law after her husband has passed away "Where you go, I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will become my people and your God, my God." Although it speaks of a daughter and mother relationship, this song speaks to me more of a love relationship between husband and wife. It's lyrics, say "I've built a home for you my love, four walls surround my heart." and then it goes on to sing "Where you go I'll follow, my home is where you are." To me this relates to my life in the current, as my husband and I prepare for a new adventure. One for which he is more enthusiastic about than I. It will push me far out of my comfort zone, which I know is important for character growth and to build a better story for our lives. Alhough it's daunting and it scares me, I will go where he goes because he has my heart. That is home.

HUCKLEBERRY FINN //
The Soorleys wrote this song about an adventurous friend that lost his life in his explorations. It's a song of tragedy, but also of hope of a new life spent in heaven. Tuesday the 15th April (tomorrow) marks the day where 6 students and 1 teacher of Elim Christian College (my former school), lost their lives in the Mangetepopo River Gorge Tragedy in 2008. These students were the year below me, and it was such a devastating loss for such a small school community and of course the families and loved ones. I remember the day after when the bus came back from the camp to the school. I watched as a good friend, carried his younger brother's bags with eyes full of tears. Still one of the saddest things I've seen. The lyrics of the song sing "So they packed his bags with his family there, and took a brother home to heaven." I start to well up when I think about it. In all the tragedy and loss, there was also a great deal of hope and inspiration from these young lives. The songs goes on to sing a hopeful tune using lyrics inspired by the great Dr. Seuss "Oh the sights you'll see, the places you will go." It speaks of Heaven.

On a lighter note, the other songs on the album are fantastic for dancing. I learnt a new word today:
Tarantism: (n) overcoming melancholy by dancing; the uncontrollable urge to dance.

YIELDING FRUIT IN SEASON // SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATION

Rose Tinted Illustration

I feel like this verse speaks to me about how I need to read more scriptures. The bible is full of such wisdom and valuable life advice, and with it's knowledge I feel my life is more enriched. I've been enjoying turning words of wisdom from the scriptures into beautiful drawings like this one.

I illustrated this scripture from Psalms 1v2-3 as a commissioned gift for a lovely friend's mother as a birthday gift. I can't help but think of how sweet and thoughtful this is as a gift. Such encouraging words to send to a loved one. I'm also thankful that it is something that supports a little old illustrator like myself. I love giving my talents as a way to bless someone else.

MISSION 48 // A FAMINE FOR A PURPOSE

This weekend I am participating in a 48 hour famine without food in order to fund-raise for some worthy causes. I believe in making a difference in the world and this is just a small sacrifice on my behalf to make it a better place. I will be using my skills as an illustrator to produce original 4x6" drawings for anyone that sponsors me more than $15.

:: Choose an illustration from one of these themes and I'll draw you an original ::

floral & botanical // birds & forest animals // typographic

100% OF THE PROFITS GO TO THE CAUSES!!!
No money spent on printing, administration costs, labour for the organisers or anything. These are all covered by the Alliance Church of New Zealand. (I'm personally covering materials and postage for my illustrations.)

Here are the projects:

Moringa Tree // Cambodia & Africa
In Cambodia and many West African countries, CAMA workers are introducing the Moringa Tree which provides and economical source of nutrition and healing. No other plant provides such a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. It can help rebuild weak bones, reducing high blood pressure and even helping in the fight against AIDS by boosting the immune system.

Syrian Refugee Relief // Syria Middle East
There were 1.6million Syrians that were forced to leave their country due to the civil war that broke out in 2011. 500,000 refugees have made their way to a neighbouring country and they have many physical and personal needs that need to be met such as food and household supplies. Help support CAMA workers and local Pastors as they visit refugees in their homes (a sign of respect in Arab culture) trying to meet and uplift these needs.

National Youth Programme // India
Help fund the ministry of Naveen Bhambal, the National Youth Worker of the Alliance in India. Naveen works with very limited financial  resources but has a big vision to equip, encourage and unite Alliance youth in India. Naveen has recently organised their first National Youth Camp and are hoping to make this an annual event, along with conferences, retreats and study programmes. Naveen is also actively involved with the music and youth programmes of his local church in Mumbai, working under the leadership of Pastor Rajesh Patole (Alliance India Leader) who visited us in 2013.

Hands that Heal // Kasovo, South Eastern Europe
The Agape Centre makes a difference in the lives of people living with mental and physical disabilities by providing them with occupational therapy. The centre also has seen increased opportunities to meet people's spiritual needs as well. A gift of $50 would buy a months worth of splinting supplies for 5 clients.

If you would like to sponsor me, please email me at rosetintedillustration@gmail.com for details on how to make payment. Remember 100% of the funds go directly to these causes. As a body of young people we are aiming for $10,000 after raising $9,000 last year.

A small sacrifice can make a world of difference.