This is my friend Zelie. She trains animals. She’s been in charge of the four legged stars of things like Charlottes Web, Racing Stripes and more recently, War Horse. She’s also a stunt woman. You know all the strenuous stuff  Antonio Banderas did in Zorro, like riding horses through buildings and next to fast trains? That was totally Zelie. So basically, my friend is tougher than yours . Her son Colt, who I’ve mentioned lots on this blog already, is Harrys best friend. Zelie, Craig and Colt moved to Perth late last year,  taking the specially trained animals you’ll see in this post to Circus Joseph Ashton,  where they live and work, and look after these beautiful creatures with all the love and attention they deserve. We miss them every single day, and cannot wait for them to come home!! And this is also just the tip of all the amazing things that she has achieved in her life. I like to make fun of her, teasing her that I’m sure she makes most of it up. She’s not showy or a prima donna, but down to earth and humble. To see her work with animals is breath taking. She has this calming effect on them, seemingly without any effort, that exudes from her whole being, and animals respond to it. I know its from years of hard work, from tried and tested methods and techniques, but I also truly believe that there is a certain amount of magic in her heart, the beautiful kind that animals see and feel, that often humans do not. People are put onto this earth for a reason, and I cannot image Zelie doing anything else than using this gift she has been given.

She has a sister Freda, who wrote a book. The book is about all these amazing things, plus a million and 12 more. All the wonderful, extraordinary  and sometimes tragic events that have shaped this woman I know and love. Its an amazing book, beautifully written by a kind, warm hearted and funny woman. I’m proud to know them both.

The book was launched yesterday, in Perth under the big top of the circus, exceeding all expectations. A best seller, of that I am certain!

I was lucky enough to take some images of my friend for her fancy ( ) media things. Who would have thought that some of those images would be used for the cover, both front and back, of this inspiring book!  I am beyond excited and thankful to be a part of it. You can find out more about it here. If you’d like to know a little more about Zelie, you can watch her Australian Story special here.

Here is the cover of the book, so be sure to buy it if you see it. You will not regret it, and your life will be forever changed, as mine has been, to know her amazing and inspiring story.

And here is beautiful Colt, 6 years old, performing alone in the circus ring, with hundreds of people watching. His grandfather was from Bullen Circus fame, as was his dad, so this is a pretty special moment, 3rd generation Bullen, carrying on a family tradition. I get teary whenever I see it. And I don’t know many 6 year olds who would have the guts to be doing this all by himself! I am very and most extremely proud of him!!!

What do you think?

el    .    xoxo

Head over to Amélie & Violets facebook page here to keep up with all the news, as we will be collaborating together to celebrate the launch of their website soon. You can also find their blog, full of wonderful ideas here.

Here’s a small selection from the shoot. They are a bit of a change to my normal stuff, but I’m really happy with the outcome. (ps: you might recognise the fat baby…..)