A true Gemini.

I've had so much enjoyment from these poetic offerings and I hope you do too.


From Heather and friends at Warrigal Rd SEP

Nineteen fifty-one - what a very good year
That was when Carmel first did appear
Twenty-fourth of May - she was one of a twin
Terrible to imagine ther could have been two of them!

Born to a bookie - what are the odds?
Catholic and Irish - lucky sods!
Looks like a lady - can talk like a trucker
Can turn the air blue - you mother - ....of all AVTs.

Carmel's been teaching for so many years
She must have looked into millions of ears!
Deaf from all over the state would agree
You just don't mess with - Carmel Markey.

Lets think back to those who impressed her the most
J*##~*!  )^@+e -  now I don't mean to boast
But we did well to keep them both with their lives
Just had to keep Carmel away from sharp knives!

Another pleasant one to recall
$``3e~  &r-*n - the shortest tale of them all.
'Short Man Syndrome became the catch cry
Whenever he did something to put the blood in her eye.

How they both survived all those school trips away
Remains a mystery to this very day
But Carmel's professional attitude lasted
Never once to the children did she call him a .... rude name.

Carmel's an MPhil - or so Sara said
She studied and researched and wrote and reread
She spent time with George Booker on Maths - what fun!
And then at school made me test every one!!

Well we remember her style and her flair
The leather pants, jeans with no sides - that amazing red hair!
All the stuff lovingly knitted by Mother
Was that just for you - none for your brother?

Carmel won't have chocolate but loves a red wine
Chicken wings for morning teas - just divine!
Beautiful cross stich work she can do
And pottery freak - she loves it - it's true.

Carmel has friends the wide world around
And she is a good one they have all found
Loyal, supportive, a cheerful quick wit
And happy to help them when they're knee deep in .... trouble

So it's time to say "Happy Birthday" from us all
We wish you many more - hope you have a ball
Sixty will have advantages - if you look very hard
Forget the birthday ones - bring on that pension card!



From Julie and Friends at Taigum ECDU.

Carmel, this is a special day
So we hope you can stay
And have some afternoon tea
As we celebrate this milestone of 60!

You've taught deaf children
 for many a year
From Mt Isa to Zillmere Nth
So we give you a cheer.
For fourteen long years
You taught at Warrigal Rd
Finally a move closer to home
Saw you lessen your load.

With the change of scene
came a totally new role
Now instead of a class, the children
You visit steal your soul.
Ever since you came a few years ago,
You've always had a smile on your face,
Although at times, it has been a challenge
You seem to like the change of pace.

We don't see you often
And there's lots of visits to do
But we enjoy your chats
As you pass through.
A cup of coffee
Is often in your hand
Either Gloria Jean's
Or the coffee van.

In your spare time
You enjoy many things
But Tai Chi is a favourite
For the energy it brings,
It helps you relax
And calms you down,
So much joy it gives,
That you now teach around town.

Last year saw you leave
On a big holiday,
To America, Canada
And places far away.
It was in Turkey that you saw
Precious things, and you bought a rug
You loved it so much
That now you have the travel bug!!

A marriage proposal was
Offered to you
From what we have heard
There may have been a few.
We wish you many more years
Of Tai Chi, travel and fun.
You might even do
A marathon run!!

You're a wonderful person
And a very special friend.
Whenever it is needed
A willing hand you lend.
The past 60 years
Have seen you achieve
Much to be proud of
But there's more up your sleeve.

60 is old some people might say
But in your case no,
You don't look your age and
And you haven't started to slow.
Whatever you do
We wish you all the best
Do as much as you can
But take some time to rest.

You're thinking about reducing your
days at school
That seems fair to me
When you've given so much
Now let your heart rule.
I don't want this ditty
To go for too long
To keep you from celebrating would
be wrong.

On behalf of all here
I'd like to say
We're glad to know you
And for good health we pray.
As on this ladder of life,
You now climb another rung,
Congratulations Carmel on being 60
years Young!!

The big 6O.

When I was a teenager, I could imagine myself being forty,  Fifty seemed a long way away.  And sixty was nearly at death's door.  Well, I made it and, as far as I can tell, I am a long way from the grim reaper.  There's a lot to celebrate and a lot more to achieve.  After many ups and downs, I am currently at a point in my life where I feel at peace and proud of what I have made of my life.

Of all the things to celebrate, love and friendship are some of the best and good health comes a close second and, for me, they go hand in hand.  Support from family and friends has been so important to me at different times.  And so I felt a strong need to celebrate with many of the important people in my life.

The celebrations started with a surprise high tea at the Stamford Plaza from my friends at Warrigal Rd.  I was blown away.  I don't see them very often so it was an extra treat to spend a few hours with them and remember the joys of working with a staff and the wonderful/sick sense of humour from those days.  It was an afternoon full of laughs and wicked food in a delightful setting by the Brisbane River and spent with wonderful friends.  One of the highlights was a poem written by Heather in her own inimitable style and exposing me for my inability to cope with others' short comings.  (Inside joke, I'm sorry)  Such a lovely birthday surprise and I'd always wanted to go to a high tea.


A few days later, on the actual day, I was treated to another celebration by the staff at my base. This time it was in a less glamorous setting (it is Education Queensland after all) but there was plenty of homemade warmth and yummy food  in abundance.  Despite her protestations that it was a culinary failure, Colleen's birthday cake was the best and I, for one, enjoyed every crumb. 



Note the birthday crown.


Not to be outdone by Heather's brilliance, Julie had worked late into the previous night polishing her own poetic masterpiece.  This time Julie highlighted some more lofty qualities (I think it was about me) - I am a Gemini, after all.  Thank you so much, everyone at Taigum ECDP, it was a warm, loving afternoon. 




The crew at Taigum.









The rest was up to me.  I had thought about various ways of sharing my celebrations with others but, in the end, I wanted to do it in my own home.  The date was set, invitations were sent ,the menu was decided upon, drinks organised, seating planned and helpers at hand.  What have I forgotten?  Too late now.

It was a memorable night for me and I hope for others too.  I felt surrounded by warmth and well wishes.  The house was full of friends, laughter and flowers.  And all the time, thinking of my sister Ann.



Too much food, of course.

  







Someone commented on the diversity of my friends and I guess that is one reason why I feel so lucky. 

The Markey kids.



The action in the kitchen.











The younger generation.





The helpers who kept everything going.



So here we are.  The party's over but the memories are here for ever.  Thank you everyone for making my milestone such a happy one.

And......
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just let me know when you think it's time for a facelift........

Stay tuned for the poetic accolades.