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An Anniversary And A Song

I have been reminded that it has been a whole year since the Ragtag Daily Prompt was established.  For those of you who don’t know, I contribute a prompt word each Thursday.  The initiative involves a whole team of people, including the administrators of the group, as well as everyone who contributes responses each day.

I thought we should have a sing to celebrate and I hope you will sing along with me, each in our respective lounge rooms.  It’s a song about horses and birds, or something like that, so what more could you ask for?  Seriously though, it is about giving flight to your hopes and dreams in an encouraging environment.  That’s very Ragtag, don’t you think?

This is my response to the Ragtag Daily Prompt — Prompt.  Click on the link to join in the fun.

Kind Regards.
Tracy

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The Changing Seasons – May 2019

Ah May …  absolutely sublime but odd.

Weirdly, still bathed in sun this late into autumn.

Because truth in promotion is important (just kidding), here is an artistic shot of a plastic bag polluting the creek.  Still, the light is nice.

creek

Record May temperatures have extended the growing season for my tomatoes and the beautiful autumn colour beyond their usual best-before date. Read more

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The End Is Nigh My Flower

One must not be subtle or delicate about climate emergencies.

Who shall dry my tears
when the flowers are gone?
Not the morally bankrupt,
nor the weekend warriors.
Caught in your own bubble
of flattery and deceit.
Walk into my parlour.  Take
your seat. Parliament is now in session
and treachery abounds.
Watch your step, watch your back,
said the spider to the clown.
What goes around, comes around.
Earth, she will not wait. Read more

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I Am, You Are, We Are Australian – Or At Least We Could Be

Australia — A post in support of a more compassionate refugee policy.

Following the Christchurch terrorist attack, Jacinda Adern, the New Zealand Prime Minister, with much empathy and compassion, said that the attack on the Muslim community in New Zealand, was an attack on all New Zealanders, because “We are one.  They are us.”  Her words resonated with me, but I had no words to express my sorrow at the death and injury inflicted by one of my countrymen (allegedly).  I kept getting stuck on the question – if the murderer is Australian, does that then mean he is us and we are him?  I suppose many Australians would completely reject this notion.  After all, Australia is a multicultural country and for the most part, we live peacefully with one another.  But still, I wanted to know what was in people’s hearts, because how can love and compassion create a more tolerant, inclusive society if, deep down, we are afraid, uninformed, or worse, just plain racist? Read more

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The Grand Finale

Dear Readers, my husband and I are just happy snappers when it comes to bird photography.  I originally posted these photos on my FB page because I didn’t think they were good enough for the blog, but one of my friends thought otherwise.  So I duly present them to you, because although the photos aren’t brilliant, this little Nankeen Kestrel definitely is.  Read more

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Food, Glorious Food

I do like my food.  Who doesn’t?  My son tried crickets the other day.  They were cooked.  He wasn’t too keen on going back for seconds.  Some of my friends prefer the raw diet.  Let me show you. Read more

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Wonders of Nature

Lies. lies, lies.  Sounds like something Mr Trump would say, don’t you think?  Fake it ’til you make it, otherwise known as cognitive behaviour therapy.  It also describes the internet perfectly.  Have you ever wondered what human nature is?  Isn’t it just nature?  Sorry, I’m amusing myself.  All this fake news has got me thinking.  Specifically, I am thinking you might enjoy learning about a little bit of trickery in the orchid world.  I am talking about sex, lies and infidelity, ladies and gentlemen. Read more

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Book Review – The Brothers Path (Martha Kennedy)

Book Review – The Brothers Path by Martha Kennedy

bp cover

The Brothers Path is set in the 16th century during the tumultuous and bloody Swiss Reformation.  Ms Kennedy brings to life the events of the Swiss Reformation through the everyday experiences of the six Schneebeli brothers – Heinrich, Hannes, Peter, Conrad, Thomann and Andreas.  The novel is a follow-up to Savior (see my review here), a story of two Swiss brothers (ancestors of the Schneebeli brothers), caught up in the Crusades in the 13th century.  Each novel is self-contained and can be read independently. Read more