Julie, Author at Julie Stephenson

Feb 20

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

I have a new love… frozen water…

Oh my goodness... I have fallen in love with frozen water. It first started when I travelled to the US in 2009 and it snowed... and I was just soooo excited. Then a few years later I was captivated by the ice formations and expanses of white in Antarctica... The Shapeof Cold opened up a way of experiencing landscape I had never felt before. Then to Greenland... and I developed a deeper sense of wonder for the icebergs which calved of glaciers... frozen time. Then to my second journey to Antarctica where the icebergs had a more significant emotional effect for me. ... and now.... skiing in the snow.... and sitting on the edge of a forest in the silent snowstorm was just so magical... and the phenomenon of it snowing in a space void of all sound was just captivating and breathtaking. I love frozen water.... and I have only realised just today that the subject matter for my first photographic exhibitions were water..... and now they too are of water but in a frozen form... and both have provided such mystery and magic for not only my photographs but personally as well. I hope to continue to experience this incredible world of frozen water... in ice... and snow... and cold!!! Click READ MORE to see some more short little video clips and pics....

Feb 03

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

What I heard whilst watching this ice waterfall…..

Sometimes it is good to stop and take a few moments to see and experience more than just what appears on the surface - no matter how it first appears. Sometimes there is more wonder, movement and power beyond the surface.

Pause.. breathe.. dive deeply into living! Look and search for what is behind and beyond what you can just see glimpses of!

I heard this whilst watching the water in this amazing ice waterfall.

Feb 03

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

On the road… snow from Salt Lake City to Banff…

What a wonderful journey. I am in love with snow!!! To ski on... to play in... and to look at. Ice waterfalls.... snow mountains... moisture for the land in spring. I know it isn't much fun for those who live here in the slush... but I am finding the snow and cold just wonderful! It is -21 here today in Banff... with a maximum of -8... brrrrr... but I am rugged up and off to do another hike around this spectacular landscape. The ice waterfalls are magical. Pop to this link to a gallery to follow the road trip from Salt Lake to Banff in the snow!!

Jan 25

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

A quick peek at Whistler…. blue-bird day!

A quick pan from the top of a lift at Whistler on a blue-bird day … my third day learning to ski! Woo-hooo

Jan 23

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

OMG… I am hooked on skiing… it is sooooo much fun!!!!

Well…. skiing is incredible!!! I am astounded at how amazing it is. I started with a lesson…learning how to clip my boots on to my skis… and then off we went… and I havent looked back…. just forward to where gravity takes me! I have to say though it is a bit nerve wracking… learning to be “in control” all the time is the key… and time and focussing on my technique and awareness of what my body is doing is what my task is. I followed Max on one run into the white fluffy stuff and he was yelling out “NOOOO” …. and when he got up he said he forgot I was following him and was trying to tell me to stay on the groomed bit. Mistake number one – leading me to the powder!!! OMG…. I stayed up and LOVED going through that white fluffy stuff on the shoulder of the run. I have a VERY long way to go to say I am in the least bit competent …. but I am having the BEST time experiencing something new. I also experienced something quite magical whilst it was snowing at Alta. The […]

Jan 17

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

“..This is Living. This is pushing boundaries.” … my words published in ERA Book “Driving the Impossible” by Gerard Brown

"This is living. This is pushing boundaries". Max read out a short paragraph on the first page of Gerard Brown's book from Peking to Paris... and I thought to myself.... "Hey, I know those words. I wrote them! hehehe. Gerard Brown used my words from my feedback form for the Peking to Paris as an introduction to Gerard's book; and hearing them read again made me realise how many things in my life I push boundaries with... and how many things in my life I can truly say "This is living." I've realised that I DO push boundaries. I DO live to the fullest. I embrace everything I do with a full open heart with passion and a willingness to dive in and to really 'go there' wholeheartedly. I recognise that sometimes doing this has led me to seriously fall flat on my face; and probably where my greatest learning has been derived. I also recognise that my approach to living has enabled the most incredibly rich experiences and a wonderful life for which I receive so much Universal support; and after my recent trip to Bhutan, realise that perhaps 'karma' is organically manifesting in my life right now. There is no way I can live without pushing boundaries. I can't let fear cripple me. I live and love wholeheartedly. Thank you Gerard for popping my words in the beginning of your fabulous book of our drive from Peking to Paris - which WAS extraordinary. I want to also be able to say for everythign I do that "This is pushing boundaries." "This is living."

Jan 11

by Julie in Bhutan 0 comments

Photographs from Bhutan – gallery

Just returned from an amazing journey to Bhutan. Click here to gallery .

Jan 06

by Julie in Bhutan 0 comments

Journey across Bhutan… 3 weeks of family and friendship.

This collection of photographs is from a recent journey to Bhutan with my friend… a journey which marked yet another point in my life. Our guide Sangay Dhendup – the BEST guide in Bhutan; and our driver Dawa Gyeltshen – the BEST driver in Bhutan; welcomed us not only into Bhutan but their families as well. Get a tea and a coffee and journey with me for 30 minutes – from our 3 week exploration from Guwahati in India before entering Bhutan from the East; to the sights of the Himalayas leaving Bhutan in the West – to see how this experience was a journey of a lifetime.

Jan 05

by Julie in Wisdom and Inspiration 0 comments

Bittersweet love… “I love you for what you have done for me”

Bittersweet love - Recently from a girlfriend I received a hug with the words .. "I am so grateful and I love you for what you have done for me." Now on the surface this may sound like a beautiful 'thank you' ... but I actually don't want to be loved for what I have done to support others. I want to be loved for who I am - NOT what I have done for someone... and I don't do things to be loved by others. I do things in support of others because I have a privileged life and I WANT to in caring for them and loving them... NOT for

Jan 03

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

#tennisfan hahahaha….. lightening up on a hot Qld summer’s day at the tennis!

#tennisfan hahahaha..... lightening up on a hot Qld summer's day at the tennis! Off I went to the tennis. ..Haven't been for probably 30 years and this year was the year of instead of saying "I would love to go to the Brisbane International tennis one year".. this year was it! ;-) I hopped on a train and then

Dec 29

by Julie in Things I just do! 0 comments

Qld summer ….Back home for 3 weeks and new adventures ahead!!

Qld summer... just wonderful! Cicadas. Dragonflies. Koels. Sweaty mountain walks with the afternoon sea breeze. Hot balmy days with the cricket and tennis.... skinny dipping in the pool ......the smell of freshly mown grass and the oils from the eucalypts in the hot long days. I'm back home after an incredible journey to Bhutan... and

Dec 23

by Julie in Uncategorized 0 comments

“If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows him like a never departing shadow.” Dhammapada

Buddha - Dhammapada - “If with a pure mind a person speaks or acts, happiness follows him like a never departing shadow. If with an impure mind a person speaks or acts, suffering follows him like the wheel that follows the foot of an ox.” Internet at last!!!!!! ... on my way home with a stop-over in Bangkok. So much to share.... This journey to Bhutan for me has been such a spiritual one – connecting with the landscape; real Tantric Buddhist philosophy; friendship; and myself. We spent some time with a nun at the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery in Punakha, and her departing words from the text Dammapada have been in my thoughts and have been contributing to my deeper understanding of Karma through my own inquiry and experience as I am travelling through this amazing country. We were so fortunate enough to be able to meet with the head Astrologer of Bhutan, a Lama who is the head teacher at the Pangrizampa College for Astrology in Thimpu; and after consulting with his texts he said I had a pure heart and that I give more to others than I receive, and that some speak and act unkindly to me behind my back; that this year has been a difficult one; and I have to be very wary and careful of a dark, demon energy and seek protection from that. He said I have a small number of friends with whom I am loyal to, and yet they have not been loyal to me. My astrological animal sign is tiger; my element is....

Dec 02

by Julie in Inspirations, Uncategorized, Wisdom and Inspiration 0 comments

Aeroplane window – toward Bhutan… Bangkok.. Kolkata…

The smell of the cedar-wood shampoo reminded me of my last trip to Kolkata a year ago with Max before our drive through India and Bhutan. I love Kolkata. Yes. I know. Some are shaking their heads. For some reason being here feels.... hmmmm... can't quite put my finger on it. I think it brings me back to earth and I deepen my sense of gratitude. I am in awe of how so many people here survive and still offer such generosity and kindness.... and work so hard just to survive. The air this morning was damp and thick as the ravens reminded everyone of the smog, yet the small birds in the courtyard chirped that it was a new day with new opportunities to experience living. As I looked out from under crisp white cotton sheets through...

Nov 25

by Julie in Antarctica 0 comments

‘The Shape of Cold’ Antarctica published and available online now!

I am excited to have published 'The Shape of Cold' a beautiful artwork of the collection of my black and white photographs from my first journey to Antarctica in 2014. This book is an expression of my connection with Antarctica; of the way the hand of Nature sculpts 'the shape of cold'. There is a very special relationship revealed with the pairing of images on adjoining pages; which gives this book a quality which is beyond just a collection of exquisite photographs. This book is available to be purchase now on my online store

Nov 24

by Julie in Earth and Sea 0 comments

Selected and invited to Sapmi Arctic Residency – La Wayaka Current – Northern Norway

I am so excited at the privilege to have been selected and invited to attend the Sapmi Arctic Residency in Northern Norway in March/April 2018. I have been exploring my connection with both the Arctic and Antarctic regions and expressing that through my photographs, videos and books; so this residency is another wonderful opportunity to continue with this exploration. The residency is in a wild and feral island where I will be staying in a farm house with a small group of artists for 3 weeks. I feel that I not only have an opportunity to gain a great deal personally through the experience; but my presence, resultant work and continued collaborations and relationships with the community, artists and La Wayaka Current organisation - will be so enriching and valuable. I am soooo excited!! Pop here to see the residency details.

Nov 17

by Julie in Greenland, Inspirations, Motivation & Inspiration 0 comments

Wrinkles… wisdom.. fairytales and ‘Don’t be sad it’s over – be glad it once was.’

“Once upon a time there was a girl who…”…. You know how fairytales usually begin, and yet not all fairytales have the outcome of the ‘happy ending’ we hope for… even in the original fairytales from back-in-the-day which then were far less sanitised versions of the reality of life! I’ve been revisiting my images from Greenland and I recalled the day I felt such joy and child-like excitement when I saw these incredible icebergs. It was like fantasy land…. a land of towers… and maidens… and dragons… and men in leather on flying horses diving into caves and dungeons. It was the stage for fantasy and fairy-tales. Looking at these fantastic images on my computer I then recalled a few weeks ago a story of the hopes shared by a young woman - of a fairytale for her own life. I sat on the grass...

Oct 30

by Julie in Books, Ecological Conservation, Tonga 0 comments

“Where Do They GO”…. Swimming with whales in Tonga – Book for Oceanographic Conservation

I'm so excited to announce an upcoming venture to support oceanographic conservation through the sale of the publication of my new book "Where Do They Go" in both e-book and hard cover print format. You can have a sneak peek of the online Flip book here Click to view my beautiful ONLINE Flipbook

Oct 27

by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

Be real. Be honest. Be kind.. and be grateful…. Wanderlust reflections.

Be real. Be honest. Be kind... and be grateful. This is what I distilled from four wonderful days at Wanterlust Sunshine Coast - a conscious living festival unlike any other I've been to. The youngies kept passing me water as I danced like a 'wild thing'.. with them saying they "..wished my mum danced like you." and "When I grow up I want to be like you." (hehehe) I think I was....

Oct 26

by Julie in Iceland, Iceland 2015 0 comments

When heat meets water – in Iceland…what a show!

When heat meets water - how amazing is the beauty in this alchemy! I've been having the most wonderful time diving into my photographs over the past weeks... interspersed with reading about the history of Russia, Mongolia and Europe!!! I came across a couple of photographs from Iceland last year when we went to near the Vatnajökull Glacier where the lava from the recent eruption of the Holuhraun Volcano runs close to a waterway, heating the water to create steam and creating the most incredible landscape. How amazing is the beauty in the alchemy of water and heat! You can see more posts from Iceland here and more amazing photographs of Greenland after our time in Iceland.

Oct 20

by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

Wanderlust Sunshine Coast – I stood up and surfed!!! hehe

Wanderlust- I STOOD UP!!!! on a surfboard .... on my very FIRST run... and EVERY run during a lesson at the Wanderlust festival for conscious living at the Sunshine Coast. hehehehe I put my hand up for 3 surfing classes; 7 yoga classes; 5 meditation classes; 1 dance class; 3 talks; 3 concerts... and 3 more events I just can't remember right now. 24 events in 4 days... a time and space for deep reconnection and loads of fun!!! I've wanted to feel...

Oct 17

by Julie in Uncategorized 0 comments

A flying trip to Sydney – catch up with some Peking to Paris adventurers!

Sydney was the place for a catch up with intrepid car adventurers; at Gerry Crown’s home last week-end. What a wonderful catch up with those who could come and share stories about travelling around the word in crazy cars… (not that WE are at all crazy!) This great gathering provided an opportunity for me to view from my window seat the cities I have such memories of; Brisbane and Sydney. I would like to share a collage of images which when immersed in viewing out the window… I found myself remembering and thinking how quickly time has passed from when I was a child, and over the decades of both flying and driving the route to Sydney.

Oct 09

by Julie in Antarctica, Ecological Conservation 0 comments

‘The Shape of Cold’ – Antarctica Black and White Photographs; Sneak Peek :-) …..

'The Shape of Cold' my next book of beautiful black and white photographs from my first journey to Antarctica is well on it's way to be published!!!! Online Flip Book for a sneak peek!

Oct 06

by Julie in Inspirations, poetry, Words 0 comments

Words left unsaid…

How many words are left unsaid into a place where time abandons memories and fragments of thoughts melt in silence?

Sep 29

by Julie in Inspirations 0 comments

Lipstick, Kisses and sharing the LOVE!!!

Lipstick hasn't been one of my things. I'm a 'natural beauty' so I've been told... so the make-up thing actually hasn't actually been a 'thing' for me until the celebration Gala dinner in the biggest ballroom in Paris at the end of our epic Peking to Paris car rally. I just couldn't wear my beautiful gown/frock without any lippy! Yesterday, I experienced something quite wonderful after ...

Sep 29

by Julie in Uncategorized 0 comments

Being Printed right now… “With the Roof Off”… Collector’s Edition Book – Pre-launch purchase

This beautiful book reveals an insight into the cultures of India, Bhutan and Myanmar; and the way I observed and experienced travelling through these countries with Max in our 93 year old car – Penny. You can Purchase my copy of Julie Stephenson's "With the Roof Off" Collector’s Book; Individually Numbered and Signed.

Sep 25

by Julie in Motivation & Inspiration 0 comments

When I’ve felt most alone…..

The moon was hanging alone in the darkness. I looked across the dark void toward the glowing moon on this night of the lunar eclipse, whilst I nested on a lamb’s wool rug and lay protected by large rocks from the cold westerly wind. I asked myself when I felt most alone. I didn’t feel alone walking in the middle of the night when the eucalypts shadowy arms lay down a path for me along the rocky track to climb our local mountain. I didn’t feel alone lying there being

Sep 13

by Julie in About Me, Courage, Motivation & Inspiration 0 comments

Courage….climbing the cliff beside

"Courage is about getting up and climbing the cliff beside the one you've just felt like you've fallen from." Julie Stephenson I had an epiphany last week... one of those moments when the threads all came together to weave an understanding about a quality which has been my companion and guide for my whole life. I was sitting on a local mountain and...

Aug 31

by Julie in Greenland 0 comments

Greenland Photographs – Reflection

In the stillness I reflect.....
More photographs of Greenland coming soon. Click here to Pop your name on my notification list so you don't miss them.!!!

Aug 24

by Julie in Inspirations, Wisdom and Inspiration 0 comments

The choices we make; make us.

Yep... we make choices every second of every day, and each one of those choices leads us along a path of experience; self-discovery; learning; and at times destruction and a place we would rather not be. All of my previous choices have led me to where I am right now.... and you too! All of my choices have actually MADE ME!... ALL of my choices have enabled me to experience love, laughter and tears. ALL of my choices have given me an opportunity to formulate my philosophy; my life circumstances; my way of being and experiencing the world. I have chosen paths which have led me to flourish..and others which have led me to falter... and regardless... ALL have contributed to MAKING ME! Some of my choices; or forks in the road have come with warning signs. Sometimes....

Aug 16

by Julie in Antarctica 0 comments

Antarctica Breathing Images

‘Antarctica Breathing.’ I had a profound connection with the land in both Greenland and Antarctica. These images are the foundations for an upcoming body of work. Click the images because behind the thumbnails are revealed larger totems.

Aug 16

by Julie in Antarctica 0 comments

Antarctica Breathing

I wanted to let my photographs from my journey to Antarctica breathe again. Click “Play” to join me on this incredible and profound journey of connection with the land and the energies of Antarctica.

Jul 25

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Paris…

Paris was our destination for this epic ‪#‎pekingtoparis‬ endurance rally. Paris was amazing… and HOT.. which meant shorts and icecream! We had a fabulous couple of days wandering and I will return to Paris another time to delve more into the life and culture of this most fascinating city. We climbed the Eiffel tower on the hottest day of the year so far in Paris and the ‘locals’ were melting… as was the ice-cream in the chest high fridges which were ill accustomed to such temperatures. Rosy cheeks and dripping foreheads trundled up the metal stairs to the platform high on the Eiffel tower. Hundreds of people queued in the sun to rise to the highest point in the tower in an elevator. There was no way I was going to be crammed like a pressed sardine in a box hoisted by cables to the point in the sky… regardless of how iconic the journey was. I was content walking around at the highest elevation the stairs delivered us to. There was a lovely breeze cooling as I gained a perspective of Paris I have not experienced before. It was an incredible experience driving through 11 countries in 36 days and I learned so […]

Jul 19

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

We made it!!!!

We made it!!! Through 11 countries. Over 13,695 kms in 36 days. An adventure of epic proportions… and so epic I just wasn’t able to keep up with my blog broadcasts as I had intended and envisaged. 🙁 Yesterday we drove from Reims, with the checkered flag being waved by young people rollerblading on random corners as we navigated on and off route toward Place Vendome in Paris. The black and white inflatable arch with the iconic orange ‘Peking to Paris’ logo expanded in the summer heat and marked the end of the driving part of the Peking to Paris rally; but not the end to the wonderful friendships that were made along this remarkable adventure, and the memories of the experiences which have shaped each of our futures. After the first timed stage in Mongolia I stopped Max and said we needed to have a talk. I suggested we take it steady – and if we do that… we will make it to the finish line in one piece and perhaps even in first place if we just enjoyed ourselves along the way; adhered to all the criteria for the Gold medal; and looked after Penny. So that’s what […]

Jul 13

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Famous healing thermal baths in Budapest

Szechenyi thermal baths in Budapest was the second spa I visited with thermal pools today on our rest day in Budapest on our way from Peking to Paris driving our 93 year old vintage car. . I walked about 15kms today along the Danube river as the church bells radiated under the clear blue summer skies. . At the thermal baths I loved immersing myself in the pools of various temperatures and quietly allowed myself to soften and relax and isolated myself in my mind from all the other noise and focussed deeply on my breathing. It was wonderful to find myself being able to find peace within myself even with so many hoards of people visiting the therapeutic pools each for their own personal reasons. . Today I rejuvenated and regenerated in preparation for our last week of driving to Paris when about 13,000kms would have been driven on this incredible adventure in our vintage car Penny! #idoamazingthings. . .

Jul 07

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Picking wild strawberries in a field in Russia! … how wonderful!

Picking wild strawberries in Russia – what a wonderfu experience…. driving our 93 year old vintage car Penny from #pekingtoparis

Jul 03

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016, Uncategorized 0 comments

Mud…Kremlin at Kazan and sun on skin!

The sun streamed on to my face at 3am as I stirred to realise my eye patch had become dislodged and I kept thinking that I wanted to write a blog post about our past few days. I had a little bit more sleep and now I’m going to pop out a brief broadcast so I don’t get any further behind! I’ve just popped on the this little verandah which hangs precipitously on the edge of a white institutional looking building; the curved railings laced and holding the crumbling façade from falling; and there seams to be hundreds of people already flocking around the cars in the car park. 5am and the world is awake! Day 19 Perm to Kazan The grey misty cover was cold again today and although we had the roof on Penny it was often at times wet. We didn’t have the water spraying up through the floor near the handbrake though because Max found an empty chip packet to pack into the hole. Who would have thought a shiny bright yellow and green packet could perform two such useful tasks….. the first one holding chips which were just soooo yummy.. and the second […]

Jun 30

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Birch forests and celebrations… Russia in summer!

Day 17 – Tyumen to Yekaterinburg Clean white sheets; a beautiful doona; yummy food; a view over a city which sprung up out of nowhere after a days driving through rural Siberia… and here we are in Yekaterinburg, all together in an exquisite hotel – all hopeful to be together in Paris on July 17th for the finish line. Today though only 89 out of the 105 or so cars are tucked up here; whilst the others are scattered around Russia being repaired and assessed as to where they can rejoin our intrepid group. The inclement weather in Russia has been with us again today and our planned ‘Time Sections’ were replaced by a very fun track course that was like a BMX track on steroids. Penny had fun. She is an endurance girl rather than a speed queen and she lumbered a bit over the bumpy bits and wiggled her bulbous rear end; and Max and I had a great time. Our drive today was a little more undulating with our elevation oscillating between 120mts and 80mts above sea level. The soil is incredibly rich and fertile and the chocolate coloured earth supported gardens of vegetables along […]

Jun 28

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Moving our clocks means more kms west through Russia toward Paris

Rainex was our only solution to the rain today as we left Omsk for Tyumen in Russia. Penny doesn’t have windscreen wipers and modern technology comes to the rescue so she can carry us westwards through Russia. Tonight we are tucked up in a beautiful hotel after a quite a long days drive across the flat plains of Russia. I’m not doing very well with keeping up with my blog broadcasts. I intend to, but by the time night comes after a whole day’s driving …. I just fall asleep with my laptop open. James… I take my hat off to you for continuing your updates on all your endurance rallies. I now know what an epic and behemoth effort that took! So…. a wet cold morning on our 16th day of the endurance rally and we travelled over roads of various states from being deplorable to newly paved tarmac. The trucks are unrelenting along the roads and are quite different in appearance than those in southern Asia and India. Most are either red, blue or orange… about the same age… with paint shiny and plain. It seems that the ‘bling’ for them is contained within the cabin, where […]

Jun 25

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Driving through Mongolia and now in to Russia…

Mongolia. This is an endurance rally and since my last post it truly has been an endurance event! Long days on the road. Little sleep. Difficult road conditions. Rain. Storms. Dust. Rocks. Flooded rivers. The most incredibly beautiful scenery. Friendship. I am having a fabulous time. Thoughts; what I have seen; my experiences all scratched bumpily unbounded by the rectangles on the page of the route book. I’m feeling a bit like that at the moment… going outside the boundaries and living such a privileged life doing incredible things. I have so much to share and I would love to write more tonight, but I’m thinking I need to just do a short summary to let you know how we’ve been going otherwise I will always be trying to play catch-up and I will never get any sleep! I’ve decided to write a book of this remarkable journey because there is so much more to tell than I can in these posts. I will keep you updated on that. The schedule is hectic. Rally start time is either 7am or 8am and our position in 16th overall has meant that our start time is 31…. So we start […]

Jun 16

by Julie in Peking to Paris 2016 0 comments

Some very short videos from our drive from Peking to Paris in Penny – our 93 year old car!

Here are some very short snippet video clips to give you some idea of what it is like driving from Peking to Paris in our 93 year old vintage car Penny! :-) Just click each of the links below.
1. What it is like driving in the rain
2. Driving in strong wind with sand blowing across the road.
3. Navigating some bumps on a dirt road
4. The start of our first time trial!
5. Driving across the green Mongolian Gobi desert
6. Driving beside some beautiful horses
7. Navigating some muddy ground

#pekingtoparis

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