Writer's Blog

I have been writing poetry for a long time, but I have always been shy of reading it to friends and strangers alike. And I certainly do not like the sound of my own voice. However there is always a first, so I thought I would place it here. I used some footage and photos I took whilst sailing the South Pacific Ocean. Hope you like it.

Hello everyone!

I meant to be posting more regularly, however in the last week I succumbed to a bad cold... Yes, even doctors get ill.. The first one in two years so not doing too badly.... I tested a young child for swine flu and probably felt just as rough...The headache, the sore throat, the fever and muscle aches..not to mention the annoying cough and sneezing. Good news though as this means my body is finally fighting viruses off and beating the Lyme.

And I seem to be past the worse thankfully and will be returning to more regular posting.

Janete xx

Brandi Carlile is a very promising and passionate artist. And I have been lucky enough to get tickets to see her on the 9th August in the Ruby Lounge. Any of you seen her playing live yet ?

Alexander Supertramp, i.e Christopher McCandless wrote this in his journal prior to his death:


"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.

The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greather joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun."

I have only been a couple of times to the Isle of Pines, but thought I would post a few photos.

His voice is perfection, just love it ! His early death was a big loss to us all.

Another beautiful performer, the very evocative Damien Rice

I thought I would post a couple of videos of some of my favourite artists. The first one is the brilliant and accomplished Sarah Mclachlan. The lyricism and the poetry of her vocals and composition have long made me an adoring fan. I can't wait to see her in a live concert.

Just watched the finale of Britain's Got Talent... What a shock Susan Boyle has lost! I believe all the publicity and negative press have severely impacted her chances of winning it. The perception that she was no longer the underdog has obviously been a handicap. It is a shame actually as she can sing beautifully and has been the underdog for so many years, sending demo tapes to studios and radio shows and always turned away, judged on her appearance rather than her singing talent.

I am sure Simon will have drafted a contract by now and signed her on anyway. It takes real guts to go on a stage and expose yourself like that, especially after being bullied at a young age and labelled an outcast.

Love her or not, this lady can sing.

My congratulations!

The Pacific Dawn was my first placement as a crew ship doctor for 3 months. It must be 18 years old by now, previously known as the Regal Princess. Despite its age and lack of grand class status, it certainly has its charm and I am very fond of it and have good memories. Therefore I wish all my friends and mates on the Pacific Dawn best of luck and a speedy recovery! I can only imagine how busy it must be during the swine outbreak... Thinking of you !

There is no place on earth as beautiful as the South Pacific, however we did get some fierce force 10 storms at times and it was not an uncommon occurrence when panels started falling from the ceiling. When the weather got that bad we were not allowed on the open decks and the port holes were shut, so I didn't always get to take the most impressive moments.

Although ships these days are built like fortresses so we never feared. I am happy with my sea legs and loved every minute of it!

Saying goodbye to ship's life.

It has been an adventure. A life inspired.

You search the boundaries
Past distant lands and foreign tongues
For what the soul need matter.
Holding to one true feeling,
Where the heart stops short,
Of the fear in believing
It will not fill again.

Perhaps you will wake up,
To the life you have aspired
And all those years of longing
Will not go unanswered.
For all that it may seem,
I have thrown the ropes
Awaiting your grasp, fierce
In this hope of belonging.

Janete Cabral Copyright