Stolen Moments

January has hardly touched down, before very soon having to take off again. Where is time flying to? I want to find out and go steal some of it back!

In my little corner, on the summer side of the world, I’ve been clay-making and preparing for my first market of the year.
Clocks, incense holders, little vases, many pendants and brooches keeping my mind ticking, hands busy and heart happy.

 
 The kiln is loaded, unloaded and loaded again.

Back to back bisque/glaze/bisque/glaze.

From raw matte earthenware to multi-hued glossiness.

a small selection

Soon, the final touches, putting everything together.
Nearly ready, a few more days to go.


During time out, I like to sit on our little front balcony and just be still. 
Look. Listen.
The sights and sounds of the forest mingle with the distant hum of everyday life.

A train rumbling, clickety-clack, carrying passengers to their destinations. Cars going hither and thither, their drivers have a sense of purpose, a reason for going. A dog barks down the way, sending out a call to his canine brothers and sisters in the neighbourhood. Some respond, some merely raise their heads, then return to their doggie dream world.

From my old wooden bench, birds of all colours and sizes whizz by, chattering as they go. They come to investigate and stay awhile, watching me.

They also like to sit upon the gargoyle perched high in one corner. He sits in stony silence, surveying the land.

My blue shadow, takes turns with the gargoyle to guard his domain.

  

Tall Eucalypts tower overhead. Heavily scented oils release from long, grey-green leaves in the warm morning air. Essences blend with the smell of dew damp earth.

In the morning, the sun captures the foliage, casting lively filigree patterns that dance on the wall.

And, the breeze plays with the leaves, chimes and flags.
I close my eyes.
Let my senses absorb.
Movement, flutterings and sounds. Changing, depending on the intensity of the wind’s breath.

Sometimes, the kookaburras will come down from the lofty tree tops and keep me company.
Laugh, kookaburra, laugh.

Micro moments in time. Pure energy all around.


With my senses recharged, I’m ready to continue my day.

♥

Sing a song of sixpence...

No blackbirds - or black and white birds in any pies here, thankfully!

Yesterday, I heard one of the three magpie youngsters trying out their voice and honing their skills.
I crept up to the back window and hoped they wouldn't notice me while I tried to video them. Luckily, no. Singing merrily and being slightly distracted by the odd bug, this willing warbler continued to merrily practice.
And, even though it will be a while before their song is as well developed and melodious as their parents, it is sweet nonetheless.

At this age, it is difficult to tell the gender of magpies, so I can't yet refer to them as she or he. In adult females, the 'hood' on the back of the neck tends to be more mottled/greyish-white than the very white of the males. 

The adult Australian magpie has one of the most complex and beautiful songs. Not only do they serve to defend territories, the calls maintain social structure and group (family) recognition. They can identify and locate each other throughout the neighbourhood.
Often, when I watch a youngster sing, I'll hear its parent call out in the distance. They will stop, listen, reply and before long, mum or dad appears.
The youngsters will continue to develop and add to "their" song until they leave their parents' (or natal) territory around seven months later.

To hear magpies carolling in the early dawn is heartwarming and a lovely way to start the day.

And so, here is our little Aussie warbler...

Ringing in the new

via

★⋰⋱☆⋰⋱★ Happy 2013 everyone! ★⋰⋱☆⋰⋱★

Sorry for the tardy well wishing on my part. I feel as though I’ve been away from this blog for ages, yet it’s only been 13 days!

The time between Christmas and New Year sped by in a blur, leaving me shaking my head at how fast time flies by on whisper quiet wings, creating new memories of recently past events.

It has been bitter-sweet in my little part of the world. Some sad news from a dear friend, countered with happy events, have had me carried away on waves of varying emotions.

I’ve spent some much needed, quality, precious time with hubby.  Each day was ours to plan and spend together. No work, no markets, no commitments.
Relaxed. Calm. Enjoyable. 

And, just a few days ago, we celebrated (quietly) our 25^th wedding anniversary.

A quarter of a century. Imagine!
Boy, we’ve had our ups and downs. Thankfully, mostly ups. It’s been a helluva ride, but one I wouldn’t swap for quids. Some things were just meant to be, know what I mean?
Love you heaps, Tim. Let’s see what future journeys this weathered, yet still strong and sound, cart takes us on. ♥

maybe not silver, but it is sweet :)

We’ve also had some great catch up time with our son. Going for long drives, watching DVDs, walks, coffees, good conversations and just chillin’ on the couch. It’s been so nice. 
When he is busy with Uni, studies, friends and his band, it seems he’s like a resident ghost around home. A glimpse here and there. A meal after a last class before heading out to one of his gigs – he’s a drummer. Days when he’s not home at all. Then, a quick appearance from somewhere, before an equally sudden disappearance to elsewhere.

Just as it should be, for he’s an independent lad now and has his own life. But, it is lovely when we can all be together without distractions for longer than half an hour.

Even Jack loves it when “his clan” are all in the same room. He seems more content.

Usually, during the work/school year, he spends the late afternoons lying sphinx-like by the front window, waiting for the boys to come home.

waiting

So, it’s been a treasured time.

I’m hoping this will be a good year. Not that 2012 wasn’t. There was much to be thankful for. But, in our household, we had serious health scares, hindering hitches and frustrating glitches. General life stuff.

I don’t tend to make New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I don’t like to disappoint myself when I don’t hold up my end of a bargain with the Universe ;)

Each year inevitably has its share of good and bad. Yin and Yang. Light and Dark.

Life is uncertain. Change is natural. 

All I ask (hope) for is the strength of mind to accept, and the ability to handle, whatever comes my way. 
To be open to any possibilities that might present themselves and learn from experiences and challenges - they happen for a reason. 

To always be grateful for where I am and what I have. 
To accept with grace, good humour, calm and patience, whatever the Universe dishes out - for a Gemini who can be a whirling dervish at times, this is always a challenge :) 

And, on the good advice of dear old Henry David Thoreau, I would like to be able to continue to…

Over the past few years, I have been so inspired by people who have amazing, creative, beautiful, thought provoking, heartwarming blogs.
Some of you, I am now honoured to call friends, and my life is richer for knowing you – especially one in particular, who is like the sister I never had.

I don’t like to say “cyber” friends. The word cyber, from the term “cyborg” or “cybernetic organism”, makes me think of robots. And I know that you wonderful bloggers are far from that. You are living, breathing real people with real lives having real experiences. Relatable. 

So dear readers, here’s to a bright new year! 
Here's to taking all the new experiences, challenges, the highs and the lows and weaving them as we go, into the tapestries of our lives, creating luscious textures and intricate patterns – all perfectly imperfect, but beautiful all the same. As we all are.

I wish you all a healthy and spiritually prosperous 2013, filled with good energies, much happiness, love, laughter, renewed dreams, aspirations, and safe journeys.

Looking back, there seems to be a theme of hearts, light and rainbows here. Hmmmm.

Here's one more for you... ♥