Posted on by Reflections of an Untidy Mind · 27 Comments

Parrots Preening

One of my favourite obsessions is to try to get decent bird photos.  It is not so easy with the little birds, but I have been having a little more luck with the parrots.  We have been having very grey days in wintry Canberra.  When the sun shows itself, I quickly grab my coat and go out for a walk or take a cup of coffee outside and park myself in a sunny spot.  I am not alone in finding the sun soothing.  The parrots have been enjoying a few rays too, ruffling their feathers as though to trap all the warmth in the pockets of air they create. Read more

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Fears Before Bedtime (plus Day 6 of the 30 Days 30 Songs Challenge)

Ladies and Gentlemen, there has been a death in the family and fears tears before bedtime.

For weeks now, we have been nurturing two huntsman spiders.
Here is one posing as a fridge magnet.

huntsman.jpg

We were admiring one this evening when suddenly the spider lost its balance and fell onto the floor.  We tried to get to it before Fynnie the rat-eating dog.  It was horrendous.  It was frightening.  Alas, we were too late and the spider was slain.  It’s a dog eat spider world.  Fynn is a dog of diverse tastes.

There is only one thing to do.  You guessed it.  Release the Kraken.  (Sorry, that’s another program).  Interpretative dance.  Join me and release your inner dog, bitch or spider.

Kind Regards.
Tracy.

Response to:
The Ragtag Daily Prompt — Nurture, and
Sarah’s Share Your Music – 30 Days 30 Songs Challenge.  It is not too late to join the challenges.  Casual players welcome.  Click on the links to join in the challenges.

 

Posted on by Reflections of an Untidy Mind · 41 Comments

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

Posted on by Reflections of an Untidy Mind · 40 Comments

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

Posted on by Reflections of an Untidy Mind · 36 Comments

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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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