Last week, we had a few benign spring-like days. The frogs started singing. The evergreen clematis budded up overnight. A new pair of swallows arrived to join the couple who overwinter here. They huddle on the clothesline and I imagine them arguing over whose idea it was to return so early. There’s a smattering of starlings. A little group of thornbills squabble near the apple trees. A pardalote perches briefly on the bare rose which snakes its way up the veranda post, its beak stuffed with corgi hair. I brush Frank and for the first time in months his thick coat is loose. Everywhere, tiny signs that winter is on the wane. All this and then last night the temperature plummeted.
I want her courage has been a theme for my last week too. I was skiing last week. At 44 I’m still a beginner after 3 short trips over 5 years. On a few occasions last week I ended up out of my comfort zone, falling time after time as my brain panicked, and decided to focus on technique on a shallower slope - hoping that keeping at it holds the key to my progression. In the same time my 27 year old friend went from her first day skiing to chucking herself down those harder slopes. I didn’t know that horse riding needed courage. I wish you my friend's courage too.
The pardalote with a beak full of corgi hair takes me to my beloved childhood dog. How great to think our corgi’s generous shedding may have served a bird’s nest. And now after delighting in Maggie’s endlessly satisfying details I shall deep dive into her wide ranging reading recommendations.♥️
MM, Frank is a good teacher. I wonder if he knows it. He makes me wonder how writing really opens up hallways to our past selves. I suppose it's up to us, the writers, to decide which doors we want to re-open. I'm on the cusp of my fall while you're on the cusp of your spring and I'm here with you, writer, hallway-walker, student of Frank!
"Some might seek that self in the mirror and perhaps that might be an easier goal, but I don’t want her taut skin or pert breasts, I just want her courage." YES.
Courage you have along with a keen eye to Nature that country life gifts. Yes, Archie Roach's passing is a massive loss - he oozed kindness as did Ruby. The seasons turn on.
The Sit Spot coffee is a highlight of the week. Always a joy and leads one’s thought off in many different directions. Feel no guilt about your ‘extravagance’ going over those jumps - time out doing something you love is vital for the soul. I had two Honeyeaters sharing my space this morning - a sign of a new season emerging. 🦋🎶
I want her courage has been a theme for my last week too. I was skiing last week. At 44 I’m still a beginner after 3 short trips over 5 years. On a few occasions last week I ended up out of my comfort zone, falling time after time as my brain panicked, and decided to focus on technique on a shallower slope - hoping that keeping at it holds the key to my progression. In the same time my 27 year old friend went from her first day skiing to chucking herself down those harder slopes. I didn’t know that horse riding needed courage. I wish you my friend's courage too.
The pardalote with a beak full of corgi hair takes me to my beloved childhood dog. How great to think our corgi’s generous shedding may have served a bird’s nest. And now after delighting in Maggie’s endlessly satisfying details I shall deep dive into her wide ranging reading recommendations.♥️
You will find her. Have faith. Trust yourself.
As always, your keen observations lift my spirits. Courage, yes please!
Thank you Maggie for the link to Claire Cameron's article, just beautiful. And for all your writing which I have only recently discovered, and love.
Your writing is exquisite and stays with me long after I’ve stepped away from this space. Thank you.
MM, Frank is a good teacher. I wonder if he knows it. He makes me wonder how writing really opens up hallways to our past selves. I suppose it's up to us, the writers, to decide which doors we want to re-open. I'm on the cusp of my fall while you're on the cusp of your spring and I'm here with you, writer, hallway-walker, student of Frank!
Oh, yes! I hear you wanting to find the courage of your 16yo self when on horseback (and not caring about her taut skin or pert breasts).
"Some might seek that self in the mirror and perhaps that might be an easier goal, but I don’t want her taut skin or pert breasts, I just want her courage." YES.
Courage you have along with a keen eye to Nature that country life gifts. Yes, Archie Roach's passing is a massive loss - he oozed kindness as did Ruby. The seasons turn on.
Thank you. I’m chasing Courage and trying to practice being more Courageous. ❤️
The Sit Spot coffee is a highlight of the week. Always a joy and leads one’s thought off in many different directions. Feel no guilt about your ‘extravagance’ going over those jumps - time out doing something you love is vital for the soul. I had two Honeyeaters sharing my space this morning - a sign of a new season emerging. 🦋🎶
Noli timere