musings – Page 6 – A Shared Space

Home, from where eagles fly …

As much as I love photographing small birds, I cannot describe what it feels like to be in the presence of a wedge-tailed eagle in the wild. It is a magnificent bird! It is Australia’s largest bird of prey and looks like a harrier jet in the sky. I’m always on the lookout for them when I’m in their country. This one was large and breathtakingly powerful.

I’m home for a few hours after my Midwest outback trip with hundreds of photographs and having experienced amazing moments. It’s time to get back to work with a big week ahead but I’ll catch up on blogging when I have more time over the weekend.

For now … fly high.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

Among grass trees …

I’m reading The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben at the moment and I cannot believe how moved I am by the book. It should be mandatory reading for every leader and politician. Excerpts of the book are also worth reading to children as a bedtime story so they can make dreams come true some day.

I am always comforted in the presence of trees. I never feel alone when I am in a grove and seek this companionship when ever I can. For example, my work in Esperance is always pretty full on and so on my way to the airport I invariably stop off at the Arboretum and I instantly feel a sense of being nurtured. From the book, I now I know why.

The picture I share today is a landscape of grass trees along the Ocean Beach Road between Lancelin and Jurien Bay in Western Australia, north of home. I love stopping here. Early one morning there were hundreds if not thousands of kangaroo lounging about blended in the grass. It is a serene place. It is usually filled with silence. It never fails to generate a sense of wonder and respect for ancient land. I love that this space humbles me in the best way.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Emotional

Joe, this one is for you …

As a teen my knees buckled at the sight of a young man playing guitar. I still think there is something magical watching someone play the guitar, more so than any other musical instrument. Add blue jeans, a horse and campfire and the picture speaks of freedom. I experienced this on a holiday a couple of years ago.

One of the most memorable holidays I have ever had was in the far north of Western Australia, in the East Kimberley Region. I stayed at a cattle station for nearly a week. It was pretty basic accommodation, open air shower, cattle, horses, emu and wallaby country. The beautiful brolas (cranes) called at night. I would lie in my cabin in the dark and record the sounds of big winged birds fly overhead in their hundreds, and all the other nature calls of the night.

I’m leaving again in a few hours for a few weeks of hard travel, some work, some play. I’ll take the memory of Joe’s lifestyle with me.

Until then

a dawn bird

In response to RDP Tuesday – Guitar

A Shared Space

via Daily Prompt: UncompromisingI was in the outback, far north, staying at a cattle station just before the mustering began.Standing by the corral at dawn, I didn’t notice him while he worked, so entranced was I, by it all. But when he stood patiently waiting for toast to turn brown, sipping billy tea from a tin mug, “g’day” escaping from the corner of his mouth, he caught my eye. DSCN8304 He had an aura. It was how he worked the horses, that made him unique.

Later that day, my hearing acute, I heard his spurs clink as he walked the length of the verandah and out of sight. He returned showered, unrecognizable, without the red dust that powdered him. He sat down slowly, as if in pain, guitar cradled in his lap, a beer clenched in a calloused fist. His feet were bare, untouched by the sun they glowed…

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August, be gone!

I have to remind myself often, my shadow is bigger, wider and taller than me. It is also a caricature of me, so I try to keep things in perspective. But, there are some things that just drive me up the wall. With apologies to those who work in the industry but dealing with car dealerships and telcos are high on my list.

August was a double whammy month and I admit I am slightly on edge these days but there are some things that would infuriate me anyway.

I bought a new iPhone the other day. I could have waited a few more weeks and got the new version but I needed a phone as the older one was failing. I use my phone as a phone mostly and it is my business lifeline. Any glitch to the service drives me into an incoherent rant. What I am still furious about is the young lady telling me the new phone “doesn’t have a SIM” and alluded there was no capacity for it and went on to talk about iCloud. I later learned I needed to insert my old SIM into the new phone and side by side could upload everything to my new phone. (Possibly something everyone else knows, except me!). I left Perth with a new phone I could not use, a potential safety issue for me when I’m on the road. So on my return to Perth I am quite sure the telco has a red Alert flag against my name!

I bought a new car a year ago. The salesman told me it was a 3 year factory warranty and I could buy a further 2 years extended warranty. He failed to tell me I was expected to service my car at their dealership for the entire five years. Had he told me that, I would not have purchased the extended warranty as, given my work schedule, I get my car serviced where ever is convenient for me. Yes, I lost it when they tried to strong arm me. I called their corporate office in Sydney and raised the roof. The corporate office agreed with me that the warranty should be honoured as long as I had it serviced at a recognised dealership and referred me back to their Perth office. The dealership has backed down and not without me telling them I will never give them my business again.

I do react from a dark place. I hate the fact that technology moves so fast and I can’t get my head around it. I have other things that crowd my mind. And as a single parent, female and my birth ethnicity does make me feel defensive when people try to take financial advantage of me and it is never more evident when I am buying a new car.

As a small business owner I know from my own experience ethical practice is its own reward. But the erosion of ethics on so many levels and the normalisation and visibility of it becoming the norm is more than disheartening.

I’ll end on a happier note. As I write my new front door is being installed. And yes I said no to the electronic lock and security camera. I opted for a lock and key and peephole! I like some things the old fashioned way. That’s how I roll and I’m okay with that.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Sunday – Infuriate

The wildflowers are blooming!

It’s about a two hour drive between Geraldton and Morawa through farming country and a drive I always enjoy. This time, being wildflower season, it was awesome. It would have been more awesome if I prepared for being covered in pollen and dust. I was cavalier, “Oh! I’ve never suffered from hayfever!” was my dismissive response. But I’ve returned home with bigger bags under my eyes than in my hands and feeling totally dehydrated.

This was a bucket list item and worth every discomfort.
We left Geraldton and the vivid, fluoro yellow canola fields behind to enter wildflower country.
There were acres of yellow, white and pink pom poms, millions of them.
Egg yolk paper everlastings, too.
Just carpets of flowers as far as the eye could see.
These flowers were on shrubs, native, no doubt.
And entwined around small tree limbs, the gorgeous, delicate, fringed lily.
I chased this little one from tree to tree. His call, beautiful and melodic and so strong, for a tiny bird. My first photograph of a black honey eater.

I’m home for a couple of days resting before another round of travel next week. And, then, the Murchison region, the Midwest outback. I’ll heed advice and remember to pack some anti-histamine!

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Advice

Seeds

One cannot help but watch in alarm the politics of the day around the world as the perceived security of ‘democracy’, is split wide open. The world, it would seem, is becoming more divisive by the hour.

Splitting exposes the core. One can either perceive it as being rotten or within it we can find the seeds for change.

I find it interesting the politics of some nations is focused on a few bombastic individuals whereas the politics of change in another is ‘people power’ driven by youth. The latter gives me hope.

May peace and hope reign in your part of the world today. Be the seeds for, and, of change.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Wednesday: Schism

Yay!

It’s the first day of spring tomorrow and I feel a sense of urgency for today to end. I have filled my month of September with wonderful things to do before I am housebound to recover from the scheduled surgery. I feel I want to do it all … just in case.

One of the things I plan to do in September is visit the Murchison Region. I had gone there on a work trip last year and promised myself I would return in spring. The Midwest Outback is awesome country. Wide open spaces, ranges, old gold mining country. I’m hoping to see lots of wildflowers at this time of year. The trip will be basic. We have to take our own food, and accommodation will be even more basic. But there will be a canopy of stars at night that I have never seen before, so I’m up for it! DSCN7686
I know for sure there will not be any beautiful beaches.
No cosy four poster bed in a rammed earth cottage to keep warm on chilly nights.
No avocado on toast and fresh orange juice for brekky.No chocolates and wine at the end of the day unless we take some of our own (reminder to self).
As we will be in the Nowhere, there will be a dress code though, so I’m taking my best sunhat with me, veiled of course, to keep the flies off my face.And there may be a road train or two for company.

I’m ready for September! I feel like it’s the home run I need before October rolls in like a storm cloud. Right now all I can think of is the open spaces, red dust and blue sky and there will be a generous serve of that waiting for us.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Saturday – Enthusiasm

Life, as I know it now

There was a time in my life I loved real gems, in particular, diamonds, rubies and pearls. I just loved them and couldn’t resist buying jewellery. I’m not sure when my view on this changed but soon my wardrobe had a vastly different collection.

This necklace is my favourite accessory. I can’t remember where I bought it. It attracts comments from women, men and children, all strangers, who are drawn to the colours and style. Children usually think the necklace is made from Smarties!

The necklace makes me feel good. The Tree of Life has so many meanings. When I’m feeling flat, it reminds me, what falls away makes way for new again. I remember wearing it during one of my trips to Broome. As I was walking along through the weekend markets, an elderly indigenous woman reached out and held it between her palms. She held it for a few seconds, like she was seeking warmth from it. She told me it was beautiful. I said to her, “yes, it’s the tree of life”. Our eyes held the gaze for a few seconds longer than they would have otherwise between strangers. We were both silent and then she smiled, her energy bright. In that brief exchange, we both knew exactly what that moment meant for each of us.

The other day I was comparing my blingy sandals with a little three year old girl’s glittering ballet shoes. She couldn’t get enough of my clothes, stroking my linen dress and my bare arms, staring at my sandals. She examined the necklace closely, so I gave the necklace to her to wear. She cherished the gesture and wandered around the room, stopping only to look at her reflection in the glass door. Her mother was concerned she would not return it to me! But she did, and placing it around my neck, she looked me right in the eyes and said, “It’s beautiful!”. The shine in her blue eyes was brighter than any glittering diamond I have ever worn.

As I grow older, I’m so grateful my view on life has evolved to becoming more aware of what really counts. Although there are days I have been struggling with the unknown and may not be as happy as I would like to be, I still get to experience joy. And, that’s the view I’d like to share with you today.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge : View

I believe in angels

Between the ages of infancy and pre-teen years my son had severe asthma attacks. He was a toddler when he had one particular bad attack and was blue when we found him. I could hear his breathing on the baby monitor but did not pick up the distress. Fortunately Dr T did and went to investigate. We had to rush him to the hospital. I thought we would lose him in my arms. I soon watched out for warning signs and he was on preventer medication but still managed to have bad attacks.

Once on my own, it was difficult. The attacks always seem to come about 2-3 am. Having to wake an older child and in panic mode to get to the hospital was the stuff of nightmares.

Just before dawn one morning, it was the usual run. My daughter was around nine, my son about four years younger and both too heavy with sleep for me to carry on my own. Somehow I got to the hospital but within the short ride, my daughter was in that disrupted space of sleep and wake and combative when we tried to get out of the car. I struggled with both of them and across the car park I heard a man’s voice approach me. He asked if he could help. I told him my son was having an asthma attack and I could not get my daughter indoors. He offered to help. Suddenly I felt the sense of urgency disappear. An intense feeling that all was well, enveloped me. He scooped her up in his arms and we walked into the brightly lit corridor of the Emergency Department. When we got to Triage, he put her down, and I turned around to thank the good samaritan. He was nowhere. For him to disappear down the corridor he would have had to sprint faster than Bolt.

To this day I remember that act of kindness and wonder who he was and when I do, that feeling, all is well, returns.

May an angel cross your path today.

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Friday: Emergency

About kindness …

IRIS
Iris

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop

My work schedule has been so disrupted in the last six weeks with other personal appointments. When I did work, I threw myself into it to keep my mind busy. I haven’t been taking care of my inner self and kept pushing harder. It has come at a cost and I realised this today. I have been short tempered and alternating between dismissive and demanding of my loved ones. Not a good feeling!

I carried this knowledge with me all morning and my steps grew wearier by the moment. I had to go to the shopping centre and quite spontaneously thought I’d buy some clothes while I was there. I didn’t really need them. Yes, the old retail therapy instant feel-good option. But I do believe people’s paths cross for a reason and none more so than today.

When I paid at the counter, the lady asked me the usual question, “Are you with the X club”. Another sales pitch coming on I thought with irritation, she looked up my name on the computer and then looked at me with surprise. She asked me about my line of work. I was guarded in my response. Then she told me, I had done some work with her little boy and that she and her family remembered me over the years. That was 13 years ago. He’s a young adult now and studying towards a profession. She told me she can still remember me because I worked with “kindness” and was “gentle” with him. I was really touched by what she recalled and her memory was vivid.

Driving home I realised I was emotionally fatigued and what I was missing was compassion and kindness to self. So I went out and bought some flowers. Beautiful, vibrant, purple iris. The flowers lifted my spirit and they are a luxury because I’m rarely home. They will probably wilt before I return but it felt good to have them on the table.

I guess when there are no other options available to us, a little self-compassion and kindness goes a long way. If it generates good memories for others, why can’t we remember to do this for ourselves?

Enjoy your weekend and may a random act of kindness come your way. And, if it doesn’t you always have the option to be kind to yourself.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Options

Wildflowers in the Midwest

I flew into Geraldton (some 400+ km north of Perth) late evening the other week. I got into the hire car and took the highway into town. I drove mindlessly, like I was home and realised, it has become another home for me.

I love Geraldton for lots of reasons. When I have time between work and flights, I spend my time in a small restaurant that overlooks the marina because the airport only opens when there is a flight. The restaurant staff know me well now and take me to my favourite table without me requesting it. They chat to me with familiarity that I enjoy. I am no longer a stranger there. I also love a couple of shops where I invariably end up buying clothes or accessories. And, I love my walk through town and back again. This is what Geraldton means to me.

This trip I had to drive about two hours east of Geraldton, through wildflower country. It was magical. Long solitary drives on back roads flanked by flowers. It uplifted my spirit and I was in my zone!
The purple flannel flowers with their soft grey foliage were scattered about in the thousands.
There were carpets of tiny yellow paper everlastings.
There were a few of these bushes, a type of hakea, I think. DSCN9715
Oh! those glorious skies and towering flowering trees filled with birdsong.
These were low growing bushes, blooming, km after km.
And these beautiful flowers that looked ordinary from afar but each flower within the flower, was so perfect.
There were literally millions of everlastings as far as the eye could see. I didn’t have my hiking boots and didn’t want to risk walking in the grass in an isolated place. We are coming up to snake season!

It’s difficult to describe to others what is means to be ‘in the zone’. I’m so lucky I get to experience it where ever I am in this large State. I’ve got trips coming up to the north and then south west next month and looking forward to seeing more flowers on my travels. I know the wild orchids are blooming in the south west Wheatbelt and no doubt in the Bunbury area too. I can’t wait to find them!

I’ve been home all week mostly running around for medical appointments. I’m headed out again over the weekend and although I’ve enjoyed my time at home with loved ones and family, it will be nice to be back doing what I love to do.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Zone

Yellow, the colour of welcome

Yellow ribbons are symbols of ‘welcome home’ and I find it interesting as autumn becomes spring, yellow is the first colour you see in the West Australian bush. On my bush walks in Esperance and Narrogin I felt this deep sense of being welcomed back where I am always happy. Spring brings hope of new life. On wet gloomy days there were splashes of brilliant yellow to liven the landscape. The wild orchids have arrived early too. They are tiny and exquisite. And, then … my first glimpse of a Western Golden Whistler who was singing his little heart out. DSCN9532 DSCN9512 DSCN9390 DSCN9367
These were some of my happy moments in the past month and I’m happy to share them with you.

As always

a dawn bird

In response to A Photo A Week Challenge – Yellow

The search for serenity …

I love the prayer for serenity … accept what I cannot change, courage to change what I can and the wisdom to know the difference. I’ve had to live it for the past month.

A month ago life threw a curved ball. I heard the dreaded words, “that’s a lump”. The urgent appointment with the surgeon has taken a month but it has been worth it. He didn’t think it is anything sinister but ‘it’ has to come out. Surgery is a month away.

After the initial sense of dread I knew the best place for my head was work. I kept to my normal schedule. When working with another, I am fully present in the moment. It helped keep any negative thoughts away. It made me re-evaluate my life and how I live it. And, to be honest, I could not and would not change a thing. I see that as a blessing to be in this space with acceptance of all roads have led me to here.

Helms Arboretum, Esperance, Western Australia
Like any parent my first thoughts were for my children. They have been wonderful and uplifting. All is well, they reassured me. And, it is. I know it is.

In the past month I’ve travelled a lot and tried to keep to normalcy. I sat at the edge of this pond in Helms Arboretum in Esperance, filled with a sense of deep sadness. Not because I was considering my mortality but in the knowledge that so many people have yet to appreciate the value of solitude and nature.

I decided to open my blog again in the hope, in this finite moment called life, perhaps my photographs will encourage others to seek what I have found in nature … acceptance of self and complete healing.

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP Monday : Serene

I fear …

Hi folks

I’ve been away from blogging for several weeks and returned to find news of someone ‘ghosting’ WP bloggers. I found that disconcerting.

I started blogging for my children and not for stats but found myself enjoying being part of a community. I have enjoyed your honesty, humour, pathos, poems, prose and photography and wish to continue our exchange.

If you have been a regular visitor to my blog, please feel free to send me a request as I will be putting my blog on private. If I don’t respond right away life is keeping me away but I will respond.

It’s early morning where I am, and cold. It will be colder without your company. So with the bravery of a honest heart, I have to confess, right now, that’s the only fear I have.

Hope to have you knocking at my digital door sometime soon.

Until then

As always

a dawn bird

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In response to RDP Tuesday : Fear

Living with intent

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” Omar Khayyam

This is one of my favourite quotes. I wake to this philosophy, never more than I am doing right now.

Along the shore where my world glows, in morning light
Sunrise, Jurien Bay, Western Australia

In the forest and scrub, where wild orchids grow, to my delight
Wild orchid, Esperance, Western Australia

In a deserted street with coffee and canopy, where birds sing notes, high and low thumb_IMG_5794_1024
Main street, Dongara, Western Australia

At the inlet, tidal dry, where the white heron pauses elegantlyPort Denison, Western Australia

In those moments, I know this life is just a moment, and that moment, was my life.
May you find your moments today, to live your best life.

Until next time, as always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Tuesday: Intent

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