"You and I know we're gonna die some day." And so it came to pass that at the age of 57, Prince is dead. "Ain't gonna let the elevator break me down" and yet that's where he was found struggling for breath at the end of his life. Listening to his music is to be privy to some fantastic erotic literature set to sizzling guitar or soft silky romantic commitments to love. I became intoxicated by this smouldering-eyed dandy when at high school. I loved those early film clips featuring Wendy and Lisa with everyone in the band dancing in high heels (no wonder his hips needed replacing). They all looked fabulous, the sound was thrilling to dance to, the lyrics often outrageous and he clearly encouraged talent regardless of gender.

Prince was dedicated to living his life as an artist on his own terms. INSPIRATIONAL! So, no I'm not mourning his death - but I am more determined to appreciate life while I still have it live.

"Before this night is through you will see my point of view - Baby I'm a star!"

I enjoy watching Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery. She seems to be a warm, compassionate person and I'm impressed with the way she allows her guest to take centre stage. Unfortunately, there are many example of hosts who have access to fantastic guests, but make the interview all about them.

Kurt Fearnley was featured this season, a thoughtful man full of fun and an evangelist for resilience. I took heed when he said "Your body is a bag of meat, you can turn it into anything. Your mind-frame and your approach to life is the most powerful thing that you have. The strongest part you have in you is your resilience, your ability to tell yourself to keep going."

With all of his stellar achievements, Kurt remains humble. To me, humility is the most attractive of the Seven Virtues. A few years ago I came across the Litany of Humility, inspired by the words of Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930). He was the Secretary of State for Pope Pius X when he crafted this litany. When I showed it to my best friend, she said she was astonished to find something from the Catholic Church she could agree with. Take a look at this excerpt (by the way calumniate means to make false or defamatory statements).

From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me.

From the desire of being loved, Deliver me.

From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me.

From the desire of being honored, Deliver me.

From the desire of being praised, Deliver me.

From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me.

From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me.

From the desire of being approved, Deliver me.

From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me.

From the fear of being despised, Deliver me.

From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me.

From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me.

From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me.

From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me.

From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me.

From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me.

The image above is a work in ink on rice paper, using this text as inspiration. To finish I inscribed a symbol of humility on the back of the paper. Apparently in some African traditions, ram's horns are appropriate because they go humbly to slaughter. My Australian farmer mates say that rams are not slaughtered because they are needed for breeding. A valid life purpose!