A three hour flight north to Cairns, far from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. A comfortable 28oC is plenty warm enough for shorts and tee shirts. I love tropical north Queensland, deep red, orange and pink flowers of the ginger plants contrast beautifully against so many shades of vibrant green. There was a strong breeze blowing in from the Pacific while we were having lunch in Palm Cove.
Photography
Perception of prison
What is my crime to be restrained behind bars?
Passers by do not seem to notice my plight,
Perhaps I’m in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Come rain or come shine I hold my head up high,
Forever hopeful that I find release soon.
Winter show
Drifting, floating on the breeze,
Come to rest high in the trees.
Sitting soft, held aloft,
Among the gold, falling leaves,
Gentle gust; limp ribbon weaves.
Relief from grey; colours glow,
Sad to see them deflate, slow.
Once a joy filled play toy:
Red; yellow; pink; orange; green;
Rainbow hues can still be seen.
(c) Robert Jones 2013, All Rights Reserved
Mellow yellow
Cool winter’s Sunday morning, Flinders Street Railway Station facing St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, taken from Federation Square.
Across the Harbour
Intermittent showers on a Saturday morning in Williamstown provides a grey backdrop to moored yachts and Melbourne beyond.
Winter garden
The weak morning sunshine and a quiet spot in Melbourne Park, south east of Flinders Street Station provided the perfect place to escape the chilly Winter breeze.
Buzzing along route 96
Power of a flame
While meditating the other day, my thoughts drifted to the things that connect us. The Earth, the Moon, the stars, the seas, air and fire. I was inspired to take photographs of a candle so that I could study the colours in and around the flame.
Thinking about the candle reminded me of the following lines from the 1983 song, “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” performed by Barbra Streisand for the movie Yentl.
May the light of this flickering candle
Illuminate the night the way
Your spirit illuminates my soul
30 years have passed since, on a sunny day in Blackpool, UK I bought the Yentl soundtrack on cassette tape. I find it fascinating that the image of something as simple as a candle flame has the power to transport me back in time, connect me with others across the globe and provide a link to the humans who have utilised fire for light, heat and worship across the centuries.
Papa, Can You Hear Me? was composed by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman.
Nuts about knots
I collected the cord from paper carrier and gift bags for a few years. As the collection grew larger and the cords got tangled up I extracted the ones made from natural fibre and discarded the rest. I never knew why I was collecting them, only that one day I would need them. I have been introduced to the world of knots by my dear friend Sue Vincent.
I was amazed to find that there is a language of knots. So if you’re at a loose end and fancy learning the difference between the ascending end, bight, clockwise loop and a pentaradial I suggest checking out the step by step guides available on YouTube. If you prefer an illustrated book I suggest Decorative Fusion Knots. To whet your appetite, section one is available to download in PDF at Decorative Fusion Knots.
The above is my first attempt at a double coin knot and a cloud knot.
Magic boxes
Lidded boxes fascinate me. With a nod to recycling we use them to store stuff, like teddy bears, candles, incense, pens, pencils, baking paraphernalia, essential oils, coasters, watches, rings, necklaces, the list goes on. Sometimes the box has a special memory attached to it, reminding us of where it came from.
We have leather, cardboard, timber, ceramic and metal boxes in oblongs, squares, hexagons and cylinders. We have a few tins that were once home to chocolates, biscuits and toffees. The picture of the one above is the latest addition to the collection, a gift from friends who came for dinner last night.
Most of the time we know where they are and what’s in them; sometimes they go walk-about. When I come across a box that we’ve mislaid I experience a moment of anticipation as I lift the lid; what forgotten treasure will I find?
