I saw hair

Change is as good as a holiday. A couple of my friends have new hair. One had a radical change, short with new whimsical orange and blonde colours in a messy pixie look. She’s an artist and this new look matches her down to the ground. Another friend with a lovely, round, happy face and has “gone the No.2” all over. It’s a severe look compared to her straight black shoulder length hair, but the new look suits her – especially when she smiles as her whole face now lights up. It was done for charity and a worthy cause, but I think she prefers it now. Myself, I had a full colour (to cover some grays!) with a trim all over (not so brave). It’s bouncy and fun and for some inexplicable reason I feel younger.

So regardless of your circumstance, a pamper at the hairdresser is a wonderful indulgence. Whether for a cut or color or simply the sublime head massage, it’s a treat worth scheduling. Block in a piece of happiness into your week. Enjoy and have some fun with it.

1. New color?
2. New style?
3. New outlook?
4. What will you try?

 

I saw tall

This giant was found in a car park in the inner western suburbs of Melbourne. An industrial area, paved with concrete and bitumen, bordered by train lines and multistory buildings. Its trunk is broad and in the early morning, glows a mixture of soft sunlight colours. Their warmth, depth and richness draw you in to run your hand over the lush and smooth bark exterior. Looking up, as I am wont to do, shows a paler collection of colours contrasted with the blue sky and high, wafting clouds.

This idyllic view of life, beauty and calm has unreservedly separated itself from the surroundings. Thriving and prospering in its environs, this tree is adapting, laying down roots and reaching for the sky. It is even buckling the confines of the earth making its presence known. We can draw from the strength and symbolism of trees such as these. We, ourselves, can see beauty and calm in any location. We can also grow and adapt to any situation. Take a breath and recognize where you are.

I saw contrast

I found myself at the Botanic Gardens in Canberra this week. These four adorable soft fuzz balls were out for a stroll with mum. They seemed unperturbed by people or cameras and were just happy to go about their business grazing on bugs in the grass.

This next fellow was all show, loitering under our lunch table, posing for photos and turning his (or her) head trying to decide which was more photogenic. Google suggest this is an Eastern water dragon. So you never know what is out there until you stop and have a look. Ducks and dragons together. The ducks made me go “Awww …” for their cuteness; the dragon made me go “Ooh …” and chuckle for its cheeky and confident manner. The ducks weren’t interested in bystanders, but the dragon was. Each to his (or her) own.

Next time you are outside, pause for a moment to appreciate your surroundings and see who wanders forth to say hello.

I looked up

Most of us go about our business looking ahead. This is positive and proactive, but we live in three dimensions. There is also up and down. I looked up.

The first picture is of the atrium at Melbourne Central. Many people transit through this busy place on their way to work or school, but how many stop to look up and see the beauty and grace of the dome above. The intricate structure providing both a sense of shelter and space, conceived by man and built in symmetry. The second picture is a bright summer blue sky with a tangle of branches and leaves emerging with life. Their unstructured, randomness in stark contrast to the first picture show them to be worlds apart, yet mostly they go unnoticed.

Looking up gains another perspective. It gives you a reference of where and when you are. It can help define your significance and priorities. Sometimes it is good to stop and contemplate what is around you – from all sides. Where do you find yourself today?

I saw many souls

A beautiful beach all alone. Light wispy cloud hover above, cool blue-green waters beckon. Where are all the people?

This vista is peaceful. It is the epitome of a relaxed summer beach holiday. One I’ve enjoyed for a bit too long, but I am back with all the wondrous memories of a break from the normal. We need to hold on to those feelings to fortify us for the year ahead so I thought to share this picture.

If you look closely you will see that I was not the only one on the beach this day. The multitude of footprints show that many soles touched the sand and enjoyed this view. People of all shapes and sizes, whether a shoe tread, bike tyre or bare feet, plus a few of the canine variety. We are never alone in this world. There are always people walking before or after us. Places like this are to be shared and revisited time and again. Who can you see on this beach?

I saw dancing flames

The clivias that I am used to on my back deck are a calming pale yellow flower, but this week I stumbled across a variety of clivias that was out to make a statement. The tomato red petals lead to a center of hidden yellow with dancing grains of sunshine on the stamens. This overt performance is no doubt to attract a pollinator in order to perpetuate the species, yet at this time of year there are many floral distractions. I discussed the overwhelmingly spectacular displays of blossom and wattle trees heralding spring on September 2nd, which are still clamoring for our attention, although it is now a dull roar. These blossoms were produced in quantity which fade quickly to the new growth beneath.

Clivia flowers are intricate and delicate in their construction and definitely worth a closer look as they maintain their attraction for much longer. Clivias are not in a sprint to the finish, but are built to last. We would all do well to stop and appreciate the fire dancing inside.

I saw petticoats

On my travels I see some interesting things. This week something caught my eye and it stuck in my head. “Petticoat Gully Road” off the Western Highway. What is the historical naming convention for roads? It brings to mind a gully full of petticoats flapping in a gentle breeze on a single long line held up with a forked tree branch. Who would have had that many petticoats back then? This simple name for a road exploded a multitude of questions and possibilities. When? How? Who? Why? Little snippets like this sign are gold for letting the imagination run lose on flights of fantasy.

What words beyond historical underwear have fallen by the wayside? I can’t remember the last time I had a conversation with the word petticoat in it; that’s if I ever did. What other novel words can evoke a plethora of dimensions to be explored? My challenge to you is to be on the watch out for bygone and rarely-used words and breathe new life into them. Travel those seldom trod tracks and revive the diversity of our vocabulary.

I saw imagination

Out for a stroll one evening, I came across this beautiful display in a fabric store. It caught my eye for sheer colour and creativity. A few scrunches of well chosen materials created a mood of suggestion and sophistication. The red was an elegant dress to wear to a friend’s wedding; The green was an evening gown for a masquerade ball or a night at the opera; The purple was a lovely picnic dress for the races. There was no pre-cut pattern, just some stunning fabrics layered upon each other with pins holding everything in place.

This splendid presentation was an artful mixture of quality textiles which provided an insight into what was possible or what could be. Now take this a step further with any creative endeavour. Great starting materials provide a basis for inspiring the imagination; No rules or patterns are required. Mix and match until you are satisfied and see where your creation takes you.

It was none other than The House of Franke Stuart.  http://www.frankestuart.com.au/

I’m looking at you

This crazy critter was hanging out on my roses. He seemed very comfortable in my presence, presumably he thought himself well camouflaged. Enlarging the photo, as I have done here, shows that he was watching me watching him. An odd turn of events which provided an alternative perspective to view this moment.

This awareness is a useful filter at times and one we should keep handy. It can provide a greater insight to any situation and a more rounded response. But what did he see, me watching him, watching me? What was he thinking? Does he give any thought to the matter at hand? Or is it just us silly humans that sometimes overthink things. In this particular case, I choose to think he liked having his photo taken – well that’s the eccentric version any way. Look, he’s even smiling.

I saw fish

Now that’s a fish! A greenback flounder otherwise known as Rhombosolea tapirina. A very cool sort of fish. It starts its life at about 5 mm long with an eye on either side of its head. At an early point in its juvenile life, one eye migrates across its head to join the other. It is known as a flat fish, because instead of swimming vertically in the water, it swims horizontally, at times lying flat on the sea bed. It is amazing the crazy things that nature gets away with. Starting life as one things and within a few days evolving to something else.

The pace of change is dramatic, which we can all relate to. The adaptations made by this fish are extreme and remind us all to be flexible in our own environments. We all have the freedom to be flexible and adapt. It is the evolutionary path of least resistance. So make life a little bit easier and remain open to change regardless of how crazy it can get. Embrace the change!