Born on July, 1st, 2010, Stan’s loving, playful, bossy nature keeps us on our toes. His favorite toys are a platted rope and a ball that he will happily bring back when thrown, after he’s killed them of course. Stan positions himself close to us, facing out and is quick to alert us to potential visitors. He has an amusing way of alternately raising his eyebrows while lying close to the ground. We’re never quite sure if this is bemusement at our antics or a sign that he’s analyzing our behavior. Attentive and independent, Stan’s always ready for a tummy rub.
Frenzy followed by calm
Imagine a tree with a trunk that twists this way and that, swathed in a maze of deeply cracked bark. It’s gnarled dark brown branches jut out in a contorted mass, effortlessly supporting clusters of ballerina shaped blooms gently bobbing in the breeze.
A gale develops that catches the branches, causing them to creak and groan as the blossom is torn from their grasp. A silky blizzard of white petals tinged with pink dance in downward spirals as they are carried to the ground by the whistling wind.
Order returns to this snow dome scene, the skeletal tree appears naked in the Spring light. Gently undulating white chiffon forms a shifting circle surrounding the base of it’s tortured bulk. White, fluffy powder puff shapes speed across the azure sky above.
Creating space to connect
Space to Reconnect
Being an introvert I am not good at investing time and energy into maintaining friendships. My partner performs the role of social secretary to perfection. A chance encounter in a pub provided the catalyst for us to organise a space where five people could come together and reconnect.
Preparation for such an event is usually marred by sore feet from spending hours in the kitchen. On this occasion, a simple menu of Caprese salad, Lasagne al forno, Tiramisu and a few bottles of Italian wine made this the smoothest running and easiest of dinner parties.
The resulting conversations around life, health issues, death, politics, religion and discrimination carried us into the wee hours of the morning.
In reminiscing we worked out that two of us had known each other for almost 30 years. I have carefully looked after the gift I received from them on my 21st birthday.
We have led separate lives with our paths crossing at various points in time. We agreed that our the perception of each other is a memory of them, it does not take into account people, places, illness and events that have impacted on them.
The outcome of the evening can be summed up in one of my partner’s favourite expressions “a quality moment”.
Seeds of enjoyment
At the Portuguese festival in Petersham, NSW, the local council had a stall, advertising events and giving out packets of seeds. At the time we were living in a house with a sun baked courtyard, scant shade and ducted air conditioning. The house was not well insulated, this combined with floor to ceiling glass, resulted in sweltering temperatures inside during the Summer months. The temptation of switching on the aircon and not venturing outside was too great.
Thankfully, we moved to a house with shaded windows on four sides which provide cross ventilation and a garden that catches the eastern sun at the front and the hot western heat at the back overlooked by a large shaded deck. Since moving into the house just over a year ago we have spent more time outside than in any of our previous homes.
I enjoy cooking with ingredients grown in the garden, however, herbs are the limit of my foray into horticulture for the time being. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across the seeds and realised that they were not all chili peppers, as I first thought. My partner in his usual encouraging way bought me seed raising mix and trays. I set about planting basil; the first time I have grown plants from seed since primary school. I have experienced such good feelings about sewing the seeds, watching their progress, imagining how sweet the basil taste with tomatoes, salt and olive oil and working out how to maximise the number of people who will receive a basil plant gift.
Refracted light
refracted light
I have always enjoyed rainbows; it took a physics class for me to realise that they are created by light refracted through water droplets. I remember directing white light at a prism and being amazed at the colour spectrum emitted from the other side.
magic bathroom
This fascination sparked my interest in candle magic, auras and chakras. I count myself fortunate to live in a house that has a leaded, coloured glass window in the bathroom. Some of the clear glass panels have bevels that catch the bright northern light (southern hemisphere) and project rainbows onto the white porcelain fittings and tiles. The effect is heartening and magical.
Weight loss
Birthday baking at Brasserie Bread
I enjoy food, especially when created from scratch containing whole-foods. A work colleague asked me whether I had done any baking recently, when I replied no, she said that must be disappointing for me. When I explained that I had been spending time writing, she said “you can’t eat words”.
Hmm could this be the answer to weight loss?
Taking flight
It is a while since I have flown in my dreams. I would often soar and hover at will; I wonder if this is common for those born of a cardinal air sign?
When I exercise, I listen to podcasts compiled by DJ Kam Shafaati http://liquidlogic.podomatic.com/, a waking alternative to my night flights.
A ball of energy forms deep within my being. As the beat and richness of the music rises and falls the power within me expands and contracts. When the track reaches a crescendo a feeling of exhilaration moves up through my body until there is an outward surge of power. The faster the tempo, the harder I work out. This set me up for the day ahead.
Hunter’s moon
Hunter’s moon
Acting on impulse I left the warmth of the house, to capture an image of serenity. Diluted fluffy white clouds against an inky sky. Flare from an exterior light. An itchy mozzie bite to remind me of where I live.
Spring, through the window
Spring, through the window
One of my favourite spots to sit and contemplate the World is at the kitchen table looking South. The view is by no means unencumbered. The lower half of the sash window is at the perfect level to gaze over the boundary fence toward a federation house. While I find the style of house aesthetically pleasing, it is typical for the suburb. In the warmer weather the occupants enjoy a smoke on the front porch. The height of the weathered timber, boundary fence has its benefits; I can’t see passersby or vehicles using the relatively quiet street.
A clue to the time of the year takes the form of the bloated trunk and branches of a frangipani tree standing within the boundary of the house across the road. For a couple of months it had stood bare, a skeleton of its potential glory. The Spring Equinox was on the 23rd September, since then the tree’s small, shiny, elongated buds have been replaced by a scattering of vibrant, olive green, surfboard shaped leaves.
By looking up slightly I can see the sky above the house. An electricity carrying cable sheathed in a yellow and black, diagonal striped cover is the only obstruction to a clear view of the sky. It reminds me that although Australia is considered a developed country, underground power cables are mostly a thing of tomorrow.
Where do you like to sit? What can you see?
Spring is truly here
I smell the intoxicating scent before seeing a backdrop of shiny, viridian leaves. A myriad of five petalled stars tumble in a frothy wave towards the ground. The intense fragrance hammers my sinuses. Spring is truly here.
theINFP 