Walking Together

So – we’re a full week into the year.
Where has the time gone?

For me, this week has felt a lot longer, but also, strangely, quite short.
This year has started off with good food,

Gluten free pancakes with honey, or lemon juice and sugar for New Year’s Day breakfast.

Assorted mochi for…whenever 🙂
These are vanilla and black sesame.

There have been delicate flowers, in passing.

And this year began with an early morning walk – something that will be more regular.

It’s still light quite early in the morning.
Not sure what winter will be like.

At least we’ll be together.

Published in: on January 7, 2025 at 10:32 pm  Leave a Comment  

Happy New Day!

…and month, and year…
Hope it’s been a good start 🙂

We’ve had a quiet day, with a bit of exercise, pondering direction in the year ahead, and good food and drink.
And books.
Of course.
😀

May we all face forward fearlessly, and travel on to the places we’re meant to be.

…singing as we go!

Published in: on January 1, 2025 at 10:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Strolling Into A New Day

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.
🙂

Published in: on December 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm  Leave a Comment  
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A Good Man

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.

Published in: on December 30, 2024 at 10:56 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Painting The Town Red (And Green)

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.

Published in: on December 23, 2024 at 10:24 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Looking Ahead

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.
🙂

Published in: on December 21, 2024 at 9:32 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Contemplating Ducks

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…

Published in: on December 20, 2024 at 10:43 pm  Leave a Comment  
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In The Garden (Again)

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!
😀

Published in: on December 19, 2024 at 9:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Finding The Centre For The Holidays

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.
🙂

Published in: on December 17, 2024 at 9:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Waiting For My Brain To Spark

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!
🙂

Published in: on December 12, 2024 at 11:28 pm  Leave a Comment