Would it surprise you to learn, ladies and gentlemen, that Australia has the highest rate of deforestation in the developed world and that, although direct comparisons cannot be made. rates of land-clearing are on a par with Brazil? Land-clearing is accelerating the growth in Australia’s carbon emissions. Read more
Dear Readers, I think I might be a little hooked on this bird photography caper. As my True Love took some annual leave in early August, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to take some short excursions around our local environs to check out the birds and other creatures. Read more
July — Winter. Fade to red.
I am the first to admit that July almost always represents the winter of my soul (not discontent; that would be going too far). At this time of year my mind tends to dwell on the negative and by some unconscious impulse, I dress in mourning. This year my existential July crisis has been exacerbated by some serious hypoglycemia incidents that I have suffered, leaving me wondering each night whether this will be the time I don’t wake up in the morning. So I often don’t go to bed. That’s tiring and ineffective. My little dog also requires a full-time carer. (That’s another story. Also tiring).
You know that feeling when you are so tired that you think it wouldn’t be so bad if you died but, at the same time, you want to cling on to dear life because your family, friends and animals need you? It is a conundrum. (My apologies, ladies and gentlemen, this is turning out rather more solemn than I expected. Also, Martha Kennedy has written a blog like this recently. Bear with me.) By some other unconscious impulse, I seek sanctuary outdoors. Made glorious by the sun and wind. (Sorry. I couldn’t resist). What did I learn? Read more
Our friends wonder why we don’t move to the country since my husband and I seem to spend more time in a neighbouring country town than we do in our own city. Sometimes I wonder this myself. I grew up in the country so I get a bit nostalgic for the “country life”. However, we can enjoy both worlds, town and country, as it is only a 20 minute drive to our favourite country market. Read more
It has been a wild and windy week in Southeast Australia. This afternoon it was 3ºc, with an apparent temperature of -4ºc due to the gale force winds.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Kind Regards.
Tracy
Response to the Ragtag Daily Prompt — Wind.
Ladies and gentlemen, words cannot express how excited I was to see my first female red-capped robin recently. Red-capped robins (Petroica goodenovii) are uncommon breeding visitors to the Canberra region (Australia). I’ve only ever seen one male. And, we had the camera with us! Wonders never cease. Read more
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
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
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Beautiful bird.
The Rose Robin
hidden depths
behold, shy and superb
the rose robin
graced with its presence
glints
Kind Regards.
Tracy
Response to the Ragtag Daily Prompt — Pink.
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
