In the shovel of his hand
my heart,
like rock, layered in history
pathways, chiselled
mended by rain and time
yet,
he found the fissure
that window of opportunity
where in the darkness
glows the brightest light
that was invisible to me.
a dawn bird
In response to RDP – Wednesday – Window
In observing birds for the past few years I’ve learned a thing or two from their behaviour. They wake, eat, play, rest while grooming. The joy of a simple routine is in their birdsong.
I’m trying to simplify my lifestyle but before I do, it seems I need one final push to the other side. This brings on a certain momentum each day. I’m either turbo charged and ready to face the day or I am reflective and quietened by pain. The reality of slowing down, on some days, is exciting. With camera in hand, I don’t have to rush an hour. I can have all day. A delicious thought to savour on quiet days.
While life is taking me on a journey of self discovery I’ve realised. I live mindfully with camera in hand. Time stops for me. I am in the moment. Not much, at other times.
What my illness has brought home to me is this, I am losing strength in my hands for simple tasks. This is a reality that is daunting. Each day I now mindfully celebrate the following:
Filling my car with petrol, although I need both hands to lift the nozzle.
Dressing and undressing myself. Some days I can do this deftly and other days, like in cold Esperance, I needed nearly three hours.
Lifting my suitcase. I no longer pack one more thing … just in case. I take only what I need.
Opening a bottle or a door. Oh! the sense of accomplishment when I do without help!
Opening a snack packet. Some days I can. Other days, the packet goes in the bin.
I stop and plan my motor movements when taking my laptop out of my bag to minimise pain. When did this tiny device get so heavy?
I no longer take my body for granted.
I no longer live like I am forever 25.
What illness cannot do is break my spirit. My heart is free as a bird. It still has the curiosity that makes me feel young and new each day. It is the simplicity of this philosophy that I embrace and start my day. May you do too.
Until next time
As always
a dawn bird
In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Simple
It’s been so long since my last post, I’ve nearly forgotten how to blog!
Life has been life in the past few months. I wake each day and know wonder awaits me. I’m never disappointed.
Work has been a lifeline to wonder. Let me share because despite pain, in the words of Maya Angelou … and still I rise.
I worked in Busselton, Western Australia, where Geographe Bay is stunning at sunset. I stood and watched the sun go down, just happy to be in a happy space.
My lunch hour in the car park the arboretum in Kalgoorlie, in the Goldfields is always a mindful moment, where the mallee bookleaf bloomed for butterfly, bee and me.
I wake to these gorgeous tiny brown honeyeaters in Geraldton in the Midwest where they rest outside my hotel room. They are tiny and noisy. I know people like this!
The fabulous sunrise at Mt Magnet, an outback town in the Midwest where I drink my morning coffee alone in silence. The Granites is a magnificent place.
In Esperance, somehow a young kangaroo is always a delightful encounter.
The elegant white face heron at Woody Lake, Esperance, another favourite haunt.
The silver eye were everywhere, their colours as vibrant as the moment we shared.
And about 18 kms out of Margaret River, I went looking for the exquisite splendid blue wren.
I love how they stand at height and then look down into the leaves.
Morsel found.
A perfect picture for me.
Like I said, life is life at the moment. Each day I wake positive and with full knowledge, life is a gift. I accept it with both hands and a grateful heart. How can I not when nature shares so generously?
So, despite it all, each day, I rise.
Until next time
As always
a dawn bird
In response to RDP – Monday – Elevate
A Shared Space 
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