Nature’s jewellery

via Daily Prompt: Encrusted

As a child the word encrusted would conjure up imagery of jewels in a crown or perhaps, sequins on a garment.  I am still child-like.

The word encrusted now conjures up Nature’s jewellery.

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At Cable Beach in beautiful Broome, you’ll find me in an area that has a scatter of rocks.  It’s a magic place at sunset when viewed from afar.  It is a magical place at dawn.

DSCN7401The rocks covered with barnacles.

DSCN7398And there are sea creatures, just as encrusted.

DSCN7793I always visit this slab of rock.  It is jewel like with barnacles.

DSCN7426So enthralled by it for several visits, I failed to see one just beyond, and closer to the sea.

DSCN7417There is life in tiny crevices.  The ibis knows this.

DSCN7562So does the heron that walks with intent.  While the seagull photo bombs, also with intent.

DSCN7513Above the roar of waves, I can hear the crunch of footsteps on a shell encrusted beach.

DSCN7431And, amid the noise and beach clutter, the tiny sand plover takes a moment to stand still.

Like me.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

 

 

 

 

Today, an angel visited me

via Daily Prompt: Courage

 

 

 

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It was a tough two days.  The lead up to it, even tougher.

For the first time in many years, I had an Alfie ‘what’s it all about’ moment.  I could hardly wait to get to the sanctuary of home to indulge in this thought.

At the airport someone called my name.  It was someone I knew many years ago.  She was on her way to see her daughter who was at boarding school.  “Boarding school?”,  I asked incredulously.

“Yes”, she smiled.  Her eyes welled up.  She thanked me softly.  “What you gave me is hope.  She can live a normal life.  You gave me courage to see this.  Our paths were meant to cross”, she tells me.

Little did she know, when we said goodbye, it was a fair exchange.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

 

 

 

Coming of age

via Daily Prompt: Lecture

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My fondest memory of my mother is standing by her side while she dressed for special occasions.  The space between her and myself, is where I came of age.

My mother’s dresser had three large mirrors so she could view her profile.  She never walked away from it until she was satisfied.  A light touch of make up, jewellery, (always real jewellery), her hair a low chignon.  Her back was straight, her shoulders relaxed.  A light spray of perfume.  She was ready for the world.  With one final look, she would say with conviction, “make-up should enhance, not detract”.  I would watch her walk out the door in awe.

The message of my mother’s lecture still makes sense.

Would a plain cockatoo look as spectacular?

Until next time,

As always,

a dawn bird