The End Is Not Finality

Trees represent the changes in a life for me. It’s been difficult to come upon an idea worthy of the final post. But it feels right to end with this…
A tree hangs on and pushes through. It offers much to the surrounds and its occupants. The tree changes over a year; has different guises and moments. Yet it does not yield easily. After a period of change, it can return to its familiar state in an almost loyal manner. Some journey…

And so this journey comes to its inevitable end. To put it simply…it has helped, changed and nourished me. It was just what I needed.
I was content to snap pictures, write some haphazard prose and reflect on what I see every day. If it went unread by another, so be it…
But I’d like to express a heartfelt and humble thanks to a group of people that showed an interest in my series over the journey. If you looked, read, replied, discussed, approached, spoke, tweeted or simply ‘liked’ then I am truly grateful. And I don’t forget nor take lightly any sort of correspondence.
(I’d like to make a special mention to some good folk near the top of this list that made it clear to me that they were regular perusers…forever grateful)
Thank you to missdsings, mum, AJK, Lavars, Michael Fawcett, Judith Way, Pete Lawrence, Elise Jenkins, Hayden Quayle, Tim McCallum, Mel Cashen, Matt Hutton, Kim Yeomans, Richard & Natasha Mason, Alannah King, Daniel Boreland, Jo Fothergill, Tara TJ, Maree Konieczka, Fairlie Pritchard, Ryan Lawrence, jmcgnz, Jad, Rhys Lindsay, Fozz, Lisa White, Izzy Best, Abbey Loney, Alex Forssman, Ashy, Jinn James, David Hopps, The Lynch, Leah Woods, Nic Lindmayer, Rae Baensch, Jo Dawes, Loretta Dawes, Leigh Robinson, Luke Sier, Joe Thurrowgood, Heath McFadyen, Katie Marriner, Teresa Soulsby, Leigh Marriner, Dave K-T, Julie Watts, Dan Watson, Luke Johnson, Alison Cameron, Amy Sier, Laura Sahr, Marcelle Rose, Glen Stanisich, Nigel Holloway, Kerri Lawrence, Sarah Jeffreys, Aaron Hitch, Claire Govan, Hilary Fairlie, Dom McAlinden, Trent Lucas, Carly Deppeler, Tim Reed, Kirsty Kelberg, Kieran Coyle, Caz Dawes, Sam Irwin, Fiona McPherson, Cara Johnson, Lauren Fleetwood, Michael Neal, Lynette Fleetwood, Rhi Hickman, Laurel Anderson, Maxine Watson, Lewis Hopps, Krista Reichert, The Beard, Lois Smethurst & Jess Lewis.

Farewell.

Life Through An Extra Lens

Reaching the final moments of this year long series has me thinking. I’ve been pondering how things have changed in terms of how things look and feel. Any moment of the day, whether working or not, the mind latches on to anything that may perk interest, turn the head or invoke a memory of some sort. Even walking out from work today as an inquisitive Australian white ibis wandered past…it was something out of the ordinary.
I know I need to stop for a time but I don’t think the eyes will stop looking nor the mind cease pondering ideas…

Coming To Land

A new working year officially begins. New surrounds, new buildings, new people yet landing at a familiar place…the desk. A different desk of course, but familiar enough to sit at the end of a day for only a few seconds and ponder what is about to come. There is a feeling of refreshment already. The heightened sense of endless possibilities. But not losing sight of reality.
And the beach is just across the way…

The Next Life

Many a colour and texture present when the green compost bin was opened today after a succession of days. Nature almost takes on a mind of its own when left alone by us. In this case, growth and deterioration have occurred at the same time. Life goes on…

The Cross

Riding is a more communal activity than other riding or driving experiences. The wave, nod, ‘hello’ or smile. You don’t get that driving.

Shutting Out

Faith in the goodwill of all humans was damaged today. Focus was needed on a little task such as this. The building somehow easing the frustration.
Some say that everyone has a good bone and can present the capacity to stop and do right by their fellow person. But I disagree mostly…some people are products of their kin and are genuine morons.

The Lard Case

Food is different for all. As a species, we have varying degrees of care and want for different types of food. Some items that are consumed by some are barely classified as a food by others. Culture and religion may also have an influence on how some gather, cook and consume their food.
This brings me to the case in point, as I stood at the butchers this morning. Why lard? ‘The thick layer of fat beneath a pig’s skin’ as I found after a quick search. An Italian delicacy that used to be seen as a ‘poor man’s meat’ in old Italy. I don’t usually give personal views in this series. But I just don’t think we need to be eating some things.

Less than a week to go…

Emergence

A little friend experienced the joy of having sand heaped upon them today. A seemingly simple thing, but one only needs to transport themselves back to childhood beach days. Nothing at home or anywhere else can match the surrounds and experiences of a day in the sand and surf.
Today a large seal washed up on the beach; not moving or showing any signs. The massive number of humans congregated around did not diminish in the time we were there. A part of me felt sad for the creature. A rough and exposed end.

Green Safety

The (not always) moment of respite when one can stand on lush, clipped grass and watch the somewhat ghostly figure of a group member make their way to a difficult shot.
A short, fleeting moment for most players as the challenge of their next move looms…

Quarter Past…

It’s a genuine bonus to have time on your hands to try some new ‘projects’ whilst on holidays. Today’s ‘Pic Collage’ assembly details one of today’s efforts.
Taken from a book that claims the recipe should be done and ready to serve within fifteen minutes; so long as one has ingredients and tools ready to go. I can’t say that it was completed perfectly in this time frame. But I can say that it was shorter than most meal preparations, and once all was going it was only a matter of management.
Dare I say it (after the lady made it clear), delicious…