Tag: Nature

This, too, is karma …

I’ve just returned from Esperance.  It is probably the first trip in dozens that I did not visit magnificent West Beach.  There was something in the air at Woody Lake that kept me there, something  more than the fact I was on my own at dusk and early morning.  I got there early and waited.  I’m not sure for what.  I just surrendered to the serenity of the moment that lasted two hours this morning.

The kangaroos were too quick to photograph and disappeared into the scrub before I could focus.  Soon there was birdsong.  Nothing I have heard before.  It was a nursery choir with unfamiliar sounds, all tuning up to perfect one day.  But not today.  Today, the off key cacophony made me smile.

The scrub was filled with little chicks.DSCN9080.jpg
Not yet afraid, the Silvereye held on …DSCN9120.jpg
To catch this tiny bird at breakfast with an even tinier spider made my day.DSCN9121.jpg
It was as curious about me as I was of it.  I wandered around for a couple of hours and as I was leaving I spotted something white in the scrub.DSCN9083.jpg
A tiny, fluffy grey fantail chick.DSCN9092.jpg
With sun beaming at, or was it from, her chest.  I was dazzled.DSCN9125.jpg
Another juvenile played hide and seek, with several attempts at spreading the tail.DSCN9095.jpg
There was another chickDSCN9183.jpg
And another, resting after play.DSCN9102.jpg
And my first ever glimpse of a juvenile cuckoo.

Where does this delight in birds come from?  Perhaps it is this …

As a child I yearned to be free.  Free as a bird I would say to my mother who tightened apron strings.  Even birds have to conform to the flock she would caution, or they die. I thought I was invincible, as I threw a “Not me!” over my shoulder and out the door.

I believe I knew what I wanted from about the age of six and every step of my life’s journey has been activated, framed, motivated by that one desire.  To be free.  I’m not sure what I wanted to be free of, but I knew I wanted freedom.

I believe I’ve achieved my childhood dreams.  Is it karma?

I have lived a life of freedom and on my terms.  Every step I have taken, every decision made, has led  me to this point.  I have not lived life passively or as an observer.  I have lived my life, as intended.  And, I’m not done yet.

Karma is not a b*tch.  It is not life’s punishment for something bad you may have done, or rewarding you for something you have done right.

Karma is not a backward glance.  Karma is filled with hope and is forward thinking.  It is an acceptance, at any point of one’s life, one has the ability to change the course of how one lives, if one chooses to do this.  It’s taken a long time to come to this realisation.  So I start new each day.  Yes, life can be that simple for me.

May your steps today lead to good karma.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

Word of the Day Challenge – Karma

Message in a bottle

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Even though the year has not yet ended, I still believe one of the highlights in 2019 for me was the experience of ‘Boorna Waanginy:  The Trees Speak’.  A Festival of Perth light and oral history of land of the Noongar people played against the backdrop of tall gum trees was a memorable experience.  I’ve written about it in another post.  You, too, can experience it by watching the clips on You Tube.

The walk was Ikea-like.  One way until you reach the end.  As the crowd of thousands flowed through Kings Park we pooled into a magical garden where glowing glass bottles hung from tree limbs and branches.  The garden was tucked away and the soft glow emanated a feeling of intimacy, a oneness.  On closer inspection, each lantern was labelled.  This was a place of awareness.  A place where knowledge was shared.  The labels identified species that are threatened.  The flora.  The fauna.  Voices of those impacted and witness to environmental change  conveyed their testimony of what was and is not any more.  For me, the intimacy was real.  One was lulled by the beauty of the place.  It would have been easy to become complacent and just enjoy the moment.  Until the message in the bottles spoke louder.  One had to respond.

Today I’ll reflect on this.  How can I make a difference?

May you, too, choose your path mindfully today.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge: Glass

Australian icons …

I know they are not the farmer’s friend and they can cause chaos on country roads at dusk but to me, an unexpected encounter with a wild kangaroo is a delight.

I’m always careful early morning in Foxes Lair, Narrogin, in the south eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.  At dusk too, when I drive through.  I usually see a kangaroo or even a small mob.  This morning I was later than usual and got there around 7 am.  The early morning walkers had already gone through the reserve except for one.  I often see him with his dog and he’ll say a few polite words.

I inched my car through the narrow pathway heading to the car park when I heard a gentle rustle.  A joey!DSCN8958
It hopped in front of the car and then went behind a small shrub, yet so close and within reach.  Oh! that look!  I melted just like that.  DSCN8965
The joey hopped away, stopped and looked around as if searching DSCN8967
… this is a quintessential Australian bush scene.DSCN8969
Then I saw mother.  I’ve only noticed the third kangaroo (to the left of centre) when I uploaded the pic.  They blend in so well with the bush and being shy creatures they can slink away into the scrub very quickly.DSCN8977
All three crossed to the other side of the reserve.  As the mother and joey hopped away, the male stood upright, his stance unmistakably, don’t mess with my family.  I respected his guard and waited until they were out of sight.DSCN8992
When I could no longer see them, my gaze scanned the ground.  Since being in the Murchison, I’m now interested in animal tracks, too.  I don’t believe I have ever seen tracks made by a kangaroo tail, before.  A first for me!

I’m home overnight and leave again tomorrow.  As the year is winding down, I feel a bit fatigued.  I know I’m not comfortable in my skin when I feel this way.  Besides, today has not been a good day.  What a difference 12 hours make.  I drove home with roadworks and big farming machinery on the highway slowing my trip only to find a hotel has messed up my booking.  I accept people make genuine mistakes.  But when one tries to cover up with a lame excuse, that’s something I find hard to accept.  I feel I let myself down by losing my cool.  I wish I had taken a deep breath.  What’s done can’t be undone.  I’m expecting to get the worst room in the hotel when I get there!

But for now, I think I’ll just go and indulge in some comfort food … Vegemite on barely warm toast, a slather of butter and a cup of tea.  I feel better already!

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Tuesday – Butter

 

 

Finding self, among shadows

More often than not, I wake just before dawn.  I make a cup of coffee, open the curtains and wait for shapes to emerge from familiar shadows.  I do this wherever I am.  No two mornings are alike.  That’s the gift of the day.  Start anew.

We were travelling in the outback Midwest and spent the night at Mt Magnet, Western Australia.  We were tired when we got there after a long hard drive and taking in the acres of wildflowers.  It really was overwhelmingly beautiful.

My companion had been to a place called The Granites and wanted to take me there.  We rested briefly and went at sunset.  It was another world.

The Granites is ancient country of great cultural significance to the Badimia people and among the massive granites, one can find ancient rock art.  We didn’t have time to  explore as it is mostly unsealed roads without any signage and after a while every turn looks familiar.  So with one navigating and one driving we left as it got dark.

I held that moment of arrival in the palm of my hand when we got back to the accommodation.  It was still there when I woke early morning.  It was dark and raining.  Such relief!  It was getting warm during the day, even with air con.  I stepped outside as quietly as I could on creaking floors and wriggled with delight at the cool air and rain.  I knew I needed to be at The Granites.  I knew what would emerge from the shadows.  I knew I needed to touch base with ‘self’.DSCN7814.jpg
As sun broke free of the clouds just past the ridge, what struck me was the absolute silence of this grand place.

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I was an audience of oneDSCN7810.jpg
As Mother Nature unveiled her artDSCN7809.jpg
The still lifeDSCN7777.jpg
The paintings

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It was a gallery wherever one looked.DSCN7797.jpg
In the early light, the granite ridges softenedDSCN7781.jpg
And tree limbs twisted into intricate lace.

Like I said there was absolute silence.  Not a bird call or tweet, not a rustle of goanna, or bounce of kangaroo.

I’m there as I write.

It is possible I brought that moment of arrival back home with me.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to RDP – Saturday – Shadows

Wreath Flowers

It was on my bucket list of things to do but I never got around to taking time off to see these wonderful flowers until this year partly because the timing has got to be right.  This year we got there at just the right time, a week too early, a week too late, and we would not have seen them.

They are known as wreath flowers, a type of Leschenaultia that grows wild in the midwest region, north of Perth.  DSCN7696.jpg
The flowers grow roadside where gravel has been disturbed and we met people from around the world who came to see this iconic, rare flower that grows in Western Australia.DSCN7691.jpg
The colours were from soft butter.DSCN7694.jpg
To infant pink …thumb_IMG_0120_1024.jpg
Deeper pink …thumb_IMG_0122_1024.jpg
To fuschia … the coverted red was elusive.DSCN7695.jpg
Close up they are delicate.

It was a memorable day but I was saddened when I talked to the local lady at the petrol station who told me they are desperately waiting for rain.  Their annual rainfall is 390 mm and they have only had 100 mm this year.  The farmers have been optimistic and planted, looking upwards and sideways for rain.

May Lady Luck and Mother Nature join forces soon.  The farmers deserve a break.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to One Word Sunday – Luck – hosted by Debbie Smyth

Milkmaids

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Milkmaids (Burchardia umbellata), Manea Park, Bunbury, Western Australia

As the Northern Hemisphere moves into autumn, we in the Southern Hemisphere embrace the warmth of spring.

Nothing speaks more of spring to me than these beautiful milkmaids that grow wild in the bush.  They float on tall stalks among grass and scrub, delicate and inviting.

Enjoy!

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Cee’s FOTD photography challenge – 29th September 2019

Among grass trees …

DSCN7127.jpgI’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

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.

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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

Not yet jaded …

In a world of information overload, it would be a challenge not to feel everything is ho hum.  But I realised some years ago, to find balance I need to be outdoors, away from books, away from work and just be.  Nothing else.  Just be.  The experience is like no other.  For me every minute outdoors feels like I’m an hour glass with sand trickling down in a steady stream.  When it pools, my head is clear.  My spirit is full.  I’m recharged and ready to go.

Even though I often visit the same towns several times in a year, and may photograph the same landscape, flora and fauna, there is always something new for me to see.  DSCN7297.jpg
Swamp hen, Bunbury wetlands, Western Australia
I have dozens of photographs of swamp hens.  I love their peacock colouring (but they do emit an awful strangled screech).  In some wetlands they can be shy and move out of sight quickly.  They have enormous feet and I was surprised to see this one eat with such delicacy.  Pretty clever!DSCN7408.jpg
Lake Lefroy, Kambalda West, Western Australia
Lake Lefroy is an ephemeral salt lake in Kambalda (Goldfields region of Western Australia).  I’ve been here a couple of times and the hues are different each time.  On the day I took this pic, the lake was like a painting.DSCN9579.jpg
New Holland Honeyeater, Bunbury wetlands, Western Australia
I love photographing New Holland honeyeaters.  They are striking looking birds.  I particularly love getting a picture of their tiny tongue that protrudes when feeding.DSCN9608.jpg
Silvereye, Bunbury wetlands, Western Australia
Needless to say, the tiny, tiny silvereye is a special joy.  They move in flocks but I’ve rarely found one seated side by side.  They are quick and drive me insane trying to get a good picture.  This one took me by surprise!DSCN9628.jpg
Bunbury, Western Australia
Along any coast in Western Australia you’ll see people dedicated to their hobby.  From afar, so am I.  Nothing new to see but if you photograph people fishing, you’ll find, each picture tells a different story.DSCN9730.jpg
Walk along any track in the bush or suburban garden, the Willy Wagtail is the first to greet.  I love this picture.  He looks all shiny and newly minted.  DSCN9783.jpg
Walking along the beach has its moments of calm.  Waves are soothing but every now and then, I catch a wave that is different.  It makes me stop, look and listen.  It makes everything old, new again.  That’s what life is all about.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird

In response to Word of the Day Challenge – Original