9 Moons Ago

If you’re hoping that the Spring weather will bring a little bit more life to this journal, you’re in luck because I’ve been getting dirt under my fingernails out in the garden… and that always makes me feel more alive. Here’s a lovely burst of color on our kitchen windowsill from early this morning:

Pulling up old weeds, trimming back the overgrown vines, taking cuttings from the first blooming flowers, and making fresh beds for new plants are great metaphors for starting a-fresh in one’s life. And you don’t have to wait for a certain day, month or year to start…begin where you are. I used to think it was better if I waited to make changes till the first of the month or a new week…or New Year’s Day. But I’ve learned that wanting to have a clean slate and an unbroken string of “good days” is just asking for trouble. That makes it too easy to say “Oh. I’ve failed. Better start again…next week!” And sometimes next week gets forgotten along the way.

Now my attitude is “So I’ve missed a few days…Begin again NOW.”

I’ve starting drawing in my sketchbook again and I’m loving it. I have several starts, which I’m going to develop further, and I’m also planning some bigger blog-related projects for myself. Things are getting busier these days. I’ve got an appointment on Monday to get set up with a volunteer job. Not sure what kind of work it will be, but I’m looking forward to it. I keep meaning to call my family..even have the phone card, guys!..I’ll try tomorrow!

The day is overcast, a little rainy, and then the sun comes out again. Think I’ll put on my overalls and my jacket and do a bit o’ gardening soon… rain or shine!

Thought I’d take you on a mini-tour ’round the garden today, with photos:

And because it’s good to have balance, I bring you a white-trash moment.
-The broken toilet bowl we replaced a few months ago, tucked away in a neglected part of the fernery:

But I won’t leave you with that image, funny or fitting as it may be… because I figure most of you would prefer to have a picture of a cheerful daffodils in your head, when you leave this site, rather than a busted-up ghetto toilet.

The view from our bedroom window:

I’ve been waiting for these…ahh, lovely!:

Noticed that it’s a full moon tonight..on the 9th! (My lucky no.) Happened to see the beautiful reflection of the moon on the surface of the pond tonight. It was all shimmery and a swirly liquid light against the deep indigo darkness, since it was rainy and blustery. So cool.

Things are pretty busy at the moment, but my next goal is to draw and paint more of these sorts of things! Till then…

Colder and wetter, still!

So, there have been makings of chicken corn soup, and eating of oranges, which I crave in the winter. Jaunts through the pines and paddocks with the dogs, wearing boots, wooly sweaters and a hat. Visiting the horses who have a shaggier coat and lots of blankets on. Yet, in the garden, the red roses are starting to bloom, the green leaves and stems of freesias are bursting from the ground, and I found three pink camellias, which I brought in to float in a bowl. I keep thinking of the Posies song, “Earlier Than Expected”.. because it seems at least 2 months too soon for this. But hey, I’m not complaining! :-D

It’s amazing what you can find when you go for a walk in the country in the middle of winter!:

Even though you sometimes have to use one of these:

From a wet, cold, wintery Melbourne….enjoy that summer warmth! But we’re all snug and cozy with a new electric blanket on the bed and plans for pre-cut firewood next week. We’ve got clean clothes, with our spiffy new washing machine working wonderfully, and have just had a nice weekend over at the in-laws’ saying goodbye to Faye & Wayne who are moving to Western Australia. Played “Go Fish” with Eb (a new game for her) and she painted my nails. Yummy meals too – for example, meatloaf, potatoes and greens, with choc. chocolate-chip muffins and ice cream for dessert!
In a few weeks we’re having Mum and Dad and Ebony spent the weekend. Should be lots of fun! And one more great thing to add to the list: a package from my family! YAY! Winter coat, clothes, a cozy robe, chocolate, a Paul Simon CD and pictures! We had fun opening it! Thanks so much Mom and Dad! (I’ll email you this week.)

I’ve been looking at volunteering a couple of days a week, and today put my name in to be contacted..we’ll see how that goes. Spending more time in my studio these days. I’ve been wanting to paint more, but some things need sorting out first… anyway, it’s been fun just cleaning, trashing, and organizing things.

Yep..things are all well in Wongaville. It may be wet outside, but our spirits aren’t dampened at all…. mmmmm, spirits… ;-)