Another year, tomorrow.
We’re not planning on doing much…a walk in the morning, pancakes for breakfast. I have things to settle before the year gets too far, but nothing strenuous or scary.
Feels like something’s coming next year.
I can feel it, but I’m not sure what that means…
Still – we face the future, and smile.
And then we walk on in, and fulfil the reason we’re here.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
May it be a fruitful, green, and growing year.
🙂
Woke up this morning to the news that Jimmy Carter had died.
At 100 years old, it wasn’t unexpected, but it still feels like a loss to the world.
I was a child during his U.S.Presidency, so I don’t remember much of policy or news stories.
This is the image that I remember, even though much of his life’s work was after his term of office.
I had heard of his work for Habitat for Humanity , and that he and his wife Rosalynn, through The Carter Center, helped and improved the lives of many, in many parts of the world.
A good man.
I don’t mean that flippantly – he was a man with integrity, who lived his life according to his Christian beliefs, with love for others, commitment to serve where he could, and doing so without seeking fanfare or accolade.
The world has lost a giant.
And has been left with a question –
How can we do the same with our lives?
Vale, Mr Carter.
You have earned your rest.
It was the last night of the lights in town, so we went and had a look.
Guess where? 😀
There were lights above us
and lights in the trees…
I got closer to The tree this time.
…and we made our way through (seemingly) millions of people.
There was much joy…
Even the trees were laughing!
A lovely, shiny, red and green evening.
🙂
We are nearly to Christmas Day.
So here’s a story.
❤
Had a huge day of cleaning today, so I’m resting now and contemplating Christmas…
There’s a little bit more to do, but that won’t be a problem.
I’m trying not to get lost in the rush…
Here’s a song that helped.
🙂
Just heard that Michael Leunig died yesterday.
I thought I’d have a look through some of his books that I have.
I didn’t realise I had so many!
While I might have disagreed with some of his more recent thoughts, I have always loved the gentle whimsy of ducks and teapots, as well as some of his social comments.
The above books are ones I have collected over at least three decades.
I shall make a cup of tea tomorrow, and refresh my memories…
My roses are blooming again!
Yay! 😀
This is one from the back garden – it really took me by surprise. The big rosebush in the back garden had to be cut right back, and we’re still not sure if it will be ok. This one is from the smaller bush behind the big one.
Yes, that is a grasshopper peeking out.
Not sure if I need to do something about that…
More frangipanis!
The rain has obviously been good for my flowers.
It’s also been wonderful for the weeds.
I look out at them and think I should pull them out.
…and then I go and do something else 😆
At least the roses at the front are thriving.
And taller than the weeds.
❤
I’ve been doing some more lino block cutting today, so my fingers/hands are aching.
At least I feel like I’m pretty much up to date 🙂
We went to the shops yesterday, got some stuff we needed, then tried to get home ahead of the storm that was racing in. We didn’t get soaked, but got home to find the water had leaked into the back sunroom (again) – and the power was off.
I was looking forward to the air conditioner and a cup of coffee 😦
Thankfully it wasn’t too hot.
We got the candles sorted, then sat down to wait.
Had a lovely time with Biggest Boy, who decided to ask us trivia questions until the power came back. We thought it wouldn’t be too long, and it came on again for a bit, but then was off again.
We ended up asking/answering trivia questions for a few hours or so.
It was so much fun!
❤
We’re well on our way to Christmas Day.
There are presents under the tree. Food in the fridge.
I’ve even been listening to Christmas CDs.
I’ve also been reading the Gospel of Luke. There are 24 chapters, so you can read one chapter each day up until Christmas Eve, and you have the whole story.
I feel happy, and things seem to be up to date, more or less.
Looking at my garden, though, reminds me that there are things I still need to take time to tend to, and a new year to keep in mind and prepare for.
Bring it on!
😀
Another hot day, although the sort of heat that sneaks up on you by ramping up the humidity.
Got some pressies wrapped and under the tree, and it feels like I’m getting a handle on things!
I tried to take a photo of the tree lights shining on and through the ornaments…my hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.
There are a lot of colourful, but blurry photos.
Looks like a mess from that angle.
It’s still beautiful from the front, and further away.
Parts of this year have felt like a mess.
But I think they might look more beautiful from the right angle.
And maybe further away!
Christmas is coming, and I’m getting ready.
Still a good idea to stop and remember where my centre is.
🙂
Don’t mind me.
I’m just procrastinating.
Again.
I realise, of course, that everything would be easier if I just jumped in and did it…
My assessment is due tomorrow, and my brain doesn’t want to formulate the sentences needed to complete it. Despite this, I still need to think up those sentences, put them in the document, and send them off.
Time is ticking away…
The prac work is done, although I can still look and see problems. The reality never really matches what I see in my head, and I have to stop myself overdoing it and making it all into a muddy mess.
The images are already uploaded to the assessment.
Therefore – they are done. 😆
Behold – a (final) pear.
I still like the pear.
And still couldn’t mix a bright enough purple for the background.
Here are bottles, mixed with light.
I’ll probably answer a few more questions.
Or watch a couple more YouTube videos.
The morning will be brighter!
🙂
Another day of rain.
Another day of painting.
In other words – a good day!
🙂
We didn’t have any problems with flooding (yay!) and everything was nice and cool. Makes it easier to cogitate about paint and its application…
I noticed my bedside lamp was having a bit of a holiday outside today.
At least, its reflection was.
And I spent a large chunk of the day in my art room.
My paintings are probably ok to submit.
I’m just not quite happy with them. I’ll look at them again tomorrow.
At this stage, I still think there’s a bit more to do, but I also need to know when to stop. Too heavy a hand can make everything look a bit muddy and drab.
I’ll get back to my colourful habitat tomorrow,
and look with fresh eyes.
😀
Petals.
Life.
Both, really.
It’s been a busy few days.
I’ve been trying to get Christmas stuff sorted, but the days have been hot, and the town has been bustling. Frustrating. Crowded.
Did I mention hot?
Despite this, I have been feeling pretty good 🙂
I even made it to an exhibition opening this afternoon.
I took some photos of random flowers.
I even got some Christmas stuff!
This is not my favourite Christmas song…
But this rendition of it is fun.
Although perhaps slightly worrying…
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
1000 Fields of Roses 