Billbergia pyramidalis

      Billbergia pyramidalis... what a name, and always reminds of Bilbo and Pyramids... helps me to remember the name most times.

      I have done two other Posts about this flower a few years ago, this is another.  Couldn't resist seeing what my little Nikon L120 might produce.  I was a little disappointed in lack of sharpness, but gosh the results were still okay.  May you enjoy them.. 

Oh and very importantly

I wish you a truly beautiful and rewarding 2015

        Billbergia pyramidalis...
This next photo was done back in March 2011 with my phone Vivaz.  That year the neighbour's garden abounded with the flower and foliage colours.  I could sit on my back steps, collect mail or take out the bins and simply enjoy the view..

Quite a stunning display it was.

        The next lot of photos were done in February 2014, as is the intro photo... though I did notice in its file, that for some reason Nikl... my camera.. recorded the date as February 2013!  Which of course was not possible because we didn't get together until December 2013.  Oh well, that little mystery shall remain being a mystery.

        Now for a little information I may not have fully utilised in the early Posts I did for these flowers...
Billbergia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae.  The genus is named for the Swedish botanist, zoologist, and anatomist Gustaf Johan Billberg.
        Billbergia is native to the forests and scrubs of southern Mexico and Central and South America, with many species endemic to Brazil.  The genus can be found in altitudes reaching 1,700 m (5,577 ft).  That's quite high.
        Nice to think such flowering takes place way up as well as in everyday neighbouring gardens.
Information gathered from
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billbergia

2014.. Returning With Clouds plus Skywatch Friday

Hello again,
     It's been nearly 2yrs since I've been here to do a Posting.  But the urge had been growing, and today has become the day.
     How regular I'll be I just don't know, but right now the feeling is a good to be here one.
     Where to begin, well Clouds felt to be just right.  I love them, and right now can't think of a better way to return to share something with you than with a subject I love.
     The introductory photo is one of my own, it was done with my Sony Ericson phone during March of 2012.  Well that's something I hadn't noticed until doing this.  I'll consider the happening as a special way to return.  I chose the photo randomly to represent Cloud Postings, and the date suits.

Participating in Skywatch Friday

March 20, 2014 Edition

Hosted by Yogi, Silvia and Sandy

        The photos I'll be including have been done with a camera.  Christmas 2012 I half achieved and half received as a gift a Nikon L120, but that is it's own story.
As for the Clouds... well I can now photo them as I never could with my phone.  But... it is going to be interesting to see how they'll look here.  I've had to resize  in order to be able to upload them.  The images have travelled from 40megabytes to about 1megabyte or less.  Well if I don't start, neither of us will know...

        This first one I did during the Summer of February 2012, the time being about 5pm...

        I played in my editing and viewing programme.. FastStone.  Also a new edition to my life.  The original image had normal blue sky in the darkest areas with the white fluffy clouds creating the beautiful shaping around the blue.  Yet it looked plain, but when I de-saturated the colouring and lifted out the black and white tones, I felt the result to be interestingly captivating.

        This next image I really love a lot...

 
        Also done during Summer of February 2013,  and though about a week after the previous one, the time is also in the 5pm time frame.  What I do sometimes with Clouds in FastStone is to let the programme Auto Correct the Colours and see what it does.
That was one of those moments when I saw something worth keeping happen.  I loved the intensity the richness of those clouds create with that one small bird.  Always affects me when I see that image.  Gives me an idea just what a bird is seeing when flying about on rich cloudy days.  I have a copy prepared for printing, look forward to seeing it.  Just hope will retain the effect.

        The next photo is the same image without the enhancement.  I could not choose which I liked more....

        One has more drama, but to me they both are beautiful.  It is the bird who makes the difference.  I was truly fortunate the bird flew into view at the right moment.  Unfortunately am not sure which of the birds visiting my yard area it is.  By the size and movement of wings, I think it may be one of the Ravens/Crows.  No matter how hard I try to learn whether Raven or Crow, I am still unable to be certain which inhabits the area I'm in, so I simply use both names.

        This next one was on the same day as the previous two and also in the same time frame.  I left it in it's natural tones...

        I simply enjoy how my imagination responds with seeing a huge fluffy being, a marshmallow being, emerging to move across the vastness of sky.  There feels to be a purpose of destination to me.

        About a week later, and nearing the end of February and Summer in 2012...

        Those wonderful clouds were happening during the 1pm time frame.  This time I can identify the bird, he/she is a Crested Pigeon - Ocyphaps lophotes.  The electrical cable is a favourite roosting spot during the day for many of the birds visiting the yard.
Again the image portrays for me the smallness of the bird in relation to the vastness of the sky, and the richness of the clouds.

Sky Filled Moments From The Sun

Hi wonderful Friends and Visitors.

This is rather an exciting moment.

I've managed to arrive here intact, with connection still flowing.

Now the interesting part begins... I wonder how long this happening will last to complete this... by doing I'll discover. 

         Has been days since my internet connection was sufficiently speedy to enable me to even reach here, so the success in signing in and be actually doing this has been rather encouraging.

         This Posting is a jumble of moments happening with the Sky experiencing rather wonderful creative artistry from Sun's Light.

The moments are a collection of different mornings and evenings from June 2011 to recent.

         For me the images are like the Sun suddenly deciding to create a moment of magnificence amid the Sky, filling just one aspect with great distinctive beauty instead of a Sky filled with wonders in every direction.

        May you enjoy the images I have chosen. I know I feel good about presenting them... Oh, and don't forget the slide-show way... some are quite lovely, very lovely I discovered, and even more so I felt with having been achieved with my phone Vivaz.

        Beginning with a Sunset moment during early Winter on June 28 2011 at 5.07pm in Aussie Land. While I was on my way back from Town... late though I was, what was happening in the Western Sky I simply had to stop to witness and attempt to photograph the event.....

        The main aspect missing from that moment is how truly filled with lilacs and purples the changing Sky was showcasing... But I love the resulting photo even without that extra visual experience.

        Still in Winter 2011, but the next happening occurred at the close of day on July 18, 5.25pm. Again I was leaving Town late, this time due to chatting where I get meat for Tiffany Cat and Victoria Hen from when I saw what was happening to the Sky outside the Shop....

Still looks dramatic.

Do hope you will continue....

My Inability To Resist Mini Flowers

Hi there, glad you've stopped by.

As my Title indicates, this Post is about Mini Flowers.

Those tiny apparitions emerging amid grass and even amid mulchy bits under the shelter of a tree's canopy or just happen amid scrubby areas.

Spring into Summer they usually happen.

Tiny, exquisite and colourful they are... and me, with only my phone to be my camera , struggles with determination to record the fact they exist.

         I began recording those tiny Flower marvels when I first had a VGA camera phone I called Blacky.  Tried again when I had my 5megapixel camera phone Viewty.  Then mid 2010 arrived, and my now 8megapixel phone Vivaz came into my life and I set it to work to try to do better at recording those tiny Flower wonders I need to lay on the grass to attempt photographing.

Of course with more pixels the results did improve, but also of course, until I achieve owning an DSLR, I'll never do them justice. As a DSLR is very much still in a distant future I'm yet to come in contact with, I decided to show you what I have achieved in recording the wondrous beauty of Tiny Flowers, that have a diameter of about 10mm/0.39inches.  I adore them.  I truly do hope you will let your imagination assist you in seeing the details I am unable to clearly show you.

         I have many, so when I collected the ones for this Posting I decided to let them appear in accordance to the dates and times they happened, so to begin with, it's 18 Aug 2010 and 10am....

         I'm fully hopeless at giving up trying every angle possible to photograph that miraculous wonder. Vivaz did a reasonable job, so unfortunately that little wonder will appear quite a few more times. I'm awed by the real details of it.  I've nicknamed it Brightly Orange.

         Next is also on 18 Aug 2010 but 2.29pm, I must have been on my way to try again and became sidetracked when I saw this one standing erect from the grass, and silly me forgot to include its environs when I saw it standing proudly above the grass.  Usually happens in singles.  Plus you have to be looking down, otherwise you would either walk on it or pass it by and miss seeing this very beautiful mini flower...

         I remember now the experience because I've recalled seeing the following beauty in some light shade. Again forgot to show its habitat amid the grass. Appears on the top of stalks sitting above the grass in little groups scattered about....

         Wondrously beautiful! So tiny, so many details, though my photos only hint at such things.

         Grass is not just grass when allowed to be a tad longish by simply mowing with the higher setting.  So much beauty emerges to greet the Sun.  Each tiny blossom opening more strongly as the Sun travels across the Sky.  All three happened during the last month of Winter where I am, and hardly visible when just glancing across the lawn...  The variety, beauty and details I experience as purely wondrous.

         I have quite a lot more to see...

Some I have even been able to find out about, so do continue, and if feeling brave, whatever my photos lack, the slide-show way may still be worth experiencing.....

With Love For The Eucalypt - Fulfilled

Welcome Friend or Visitor,

I have been slow in fulfilling my February dedication to one particular Eucalypt I have a deep and abiding emotional attachment to.

But,

With this Post, if I'm successful, Part 3 and 4, meant to be distributed over the final 2weeks of this February will all be squeezed into this presentation...

Will be interesting to see what will result.

Before you proceed, or after you have done perusing this final contribution for this one particular Eucalypt, you may like to visit -> Part 1 <- and -> Part 2 <- if you have not already done the Journey. Then again, this one time may feel is quite enough.

Whichever, I do hope you will enjoy the photos and information you find here. 

         I'll begin with photos which continue from where I ended in Part 2... 11 Nov 2011, after 5pm, with the Sun's Light strong as it steadily closes another day so night can begin.... and don't forget the elegant slide-show way....

         From way above Eucalypt to it's deep Earthly anchorage....

 

         I mentioned in Eucalypt's previous post I had a go travelling round the visible base with a measuring tape. The result gave me an estimated base girth for this Eucalpt as being 12 to 15 feet/3.6 to 4.5 metres. A solid deep connection with Earth from which to extend its Branches high and wide.

         On the bottom right of the photo above you can begin to see a bulge or gnarl protruding. That bulge or gnarl is significant, which the next sourced photo will show....

Australian National Botanic Gardens
Aboriginal Uses of Native Plants
http://www.anbg.gov.au/aborig.s.e.aust/eucalyptus-species.html

         Those gnarled round growths on the trunk were used by the Kulin People in southern Victoria Australia to make bowls called 'tarnuks' to carry water. Some also had rope handles.

         The URL with the image, though not active here, is worth a visit to learn more about the relationship between the Eucalypt and Australia's Aboriginal People.

         The following URL, non-active, but is a link to the Museum of Victoria in Australia. Titled 'Forest Secrets', gives an outline of the Kulin People in southern Victoria Australia...

 http://museumvictoria.com.au/forest/humans/aboriginal.html

         My next photo shows... oh I'll simply write... my Eucalypt's large gnarl, from which a big bowl would probably be able to be made....

         And that beautiful Eucalyptus Gnarl contributed considerably to my Eucalypt's big base.

With Love For The Eucalypt... Part 2

Welcome Friend or Visitor...

     Continuing the Eucalyptus Tree Journey I've dedicated this February 2012 to as a way to extend respect for all Trees of our wonderful Earth.

     With another reason being filled with my love for the Eucalypt, and also because I have espcially strong feelings for this particular Eucalypt I'm sharing with you.

     Click ->Part 1 <- if you haven't already been there and would like to. 

        Before beginning the photos you may be interested to know there are more than 700 species of Eucalypt.

        Most are Native to Australia, but a small number are found growing in New Guinea and Indonesia.

        One Eucalypt Species -  Eucalyptus deglupta - Common Name Rainbow Eucalyptus - ranges North to the Philippines.

        There are only 15 types of Eucalypt which also occur outside Australia, and only 9 species of Eucalypt which do not happen in Australia.

        Which to me, simply means, Australia has a lot of Eucalypts.

        I forgive myself for not being able to identify which particular Eucalypt I have a wonderful time photographing, seeing, visiting with learning the above.

        Eucalypts are a diverse lot of Flowering Trees, with some Shrubs included amid their varieties. Eucalypts are part of the Myrtle Family - Myrtaceae, and are Evergreen Trees.

        There are also species of Eucalyptus cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical climates. The Americas, Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, China and the Indian Subcontinent are such places.

        I haven't been indepth with my research. Just looked for an overall outline instead. I think I have accomplished a basic background which gives a little insight into the Eucalypt for you and also for me.

        The photos continuing here are at first from the day and time I ended in Part 1.... 10 Nov 2011 between 9 and 9.30am... don't forget the lovely slide-show way...

For more, please....

With Love For The Eucalypt... Part 1

Hi there and welcome Friend or Visitor,

I find it interesting how I can be in one place doing one thing, then find my self being side-tracked by something else.

        One such occasion inspired February to become Posts dedicated to Trees, well it will mainly be about One Tree - a Eucalyptus Tree. Unfortunately, which particular Eucalypt it is I gave up trying to identify. I'm simply Posting the photos I have of a magnificent (to me) Eucalypt living on what I call, the Far-West Paddock area connected to the Property where I rent. 

        I achieved a lot of photos of the beautiful Eucalypt. Many may even look similar, yet they are all of different aspects of the one magnificent Eucalypt. There will also be some of Eucalypt's Neighbours included. Who they are I also was unable to identify at the time, but I liked the photos anyway.

        The wonderful Journey I've had with this one Eucalypt I'll spread over 4 Postings during this February... I have quite sufficient photos of it to do so, which is pleasing.

        The Inspiration came from learning about Tu Bishvat. The Jewish New Year Of Trees, which for 2012 is February 8. Tu Bishvat is also known as Israel's Arbor Day.

        I then had quite a discovery about Arbor Day around this Earth being acknowledged by different Countries on different days and months. I would also presume each Country's Arbor Day date coincides with certain traditions associated with the People of the Country, like Tu Bishvat is.

        Overall, the essential inspirational essence for me with what I learnt, is in Trees being given special recognition over most of this Earth by Folk in different Countries throughout the year... and I simply really like that thought to carry with me because I very much do love Trees.

        Eucalypt's and Neighbours' photos I did during November 2011, and I'll begin with a Ground Level photo taken on the Furthest Away West Paddock.... don't forget the elegant Slide-Show Way we now have to appreciate each others photos with.....

        It's one of the beautiful aspects of Trees.... they shed.... what they shed becomes mulch... under the mulch moisture is nurtured... from that nourishment an expression of simply colourful beauty emerges. 

        Travelling back towards the Eucalypt, I needed to find my way across the channels connecting to the main dam.  Doing so gives the next photo.... an interesting Yellow Flower emerging along and on top of its stalks. The stalks emerge from the dam's low water areas of muddy silty stuff and grasses ....

        I'm about half way back to the Eucalypt when I notice the fascinating Purple Flowers I've seen before. The Flowers blossom on the top of long spindly leafy stems. The spindly stems can reach over 1mtr/5ft, and appear amid Scrubby Trees, mainly during the end of Spring early Summer I've noticed....

        The Flowers are fascinating, and a challenge for me to photograph. Each Flower is about 1cm/0.4inches. The slightest air movement moves the spindly stem, which is always taller than me. Plus Vivaz (my phone) feels challenged when I ask for details of such small things. But the idea is visible, and I've decided that matters. 

Now I've made it back to Eucalypt. A Tree I deeply love. Always feel awed by. Appreciate immensely.

        A few years ago I buried one of my beloved Hens at the base of this magnificent Eucalypt, deep within it's shed Bark, small Branches and Leaves. I had felt invited to do so. When done, laying beside me was a generously branched lightweight, for me, part of Eucalypt... laden with Eucalypt's Sweet Scented Cream Blossoms and Eucalyptus Scented Leaves.

        I felt deeply moved and thankful as I laid the Gift over my Sammy-Lee's grave. Eucalypt's  Gift was extended further into protecting Sammy-Lee's empty body, because her grave has never been disturbed.

        Do share with me my enjoyable photo journey with Eucalypt...

A Gathering of Clouds...

Hi appreciated Friends and Visitors,

So pleased you have stopped by.

Today in Australia is a Holiday to Celebrate Australia, but instead of focusing this year on why the 26 January is celebrated as Australia's Day, I am fulfilling a Posting prepared for October last year... 

one that is filled with photos of Clouds... 

and they are Clouds over my area of Australia's South East Queensland. So in an abstract kind of way, I'm still sharing the moments with those appreciating the beauty, coping with the challenges and celebrating the generosity experienced with living in Australia on the day.. 

         I have wanted to use the image of Pegasus to introduce a Post ever since I first met it... and this time I found the right time... Pegasus may not be an Australian icon or Dreamtime remembering... but for me... Pegasus flying amid the Clouds is a wonderful envisioning, whatever part of Planet Earth one may be part of I feel.

        So let me begin with the first photo, and don't forget the slide show aspect.... 

         That scenic vista is in a Westerly direction. I met the occasion while driving back from a Bowen treatment, when the time was nearly mid-day towards the end of February 2011. The Summer Season, in essence, was nearing its leaving time also.

        I still love the quiet urban feel to the scene. The magnificent sky, the distant Mountains looking blue forming the backdrop, each create together a picturesque urban landscape I feel.

        So many challenging events before during and after the month of February 2011... and still the Sky gave grandeur to inform and also fill one with hope for better times.

        Moving away from the ending of Summer into seeing Clouds from my rental's yard.....

Nearly The End Of 2011...

Hi there wonderful Friends and appreciated Visitors....

For me and the Crew in the Southern Hemisphere, only hours remain as I put this together before midnight arrives and passes with a breath, and 2011 will be gone and 2012 will begin. My aim right now is to see if I can achieve this before the Southern Hemisphere's change of Year time happening. 

        Has been difficult to quite know how to do this. I found finding a Theme difficult, because as much as I am aiming for 2012 to be a better year for us, there's never any guarantee....

       As for 2011, I do not feel it has been an overly kind year for many. As 2011 reaches its final seconds there are still Folk in Australia without homes, still struggling with the effects the Floods had and then the Cyclone compounding their already shattering lives. In Japan, Folk are still recovering and putting back together what remains of their lives after their devastating Earthquake and Tsunami. They were some of the events heralding the first few months of 2011.

Christchurch in New Zealand I'm not forgetting was part of those early months... but even as they have been steadily repairing since their shocking Earthquake, they found themselves not even able to enjoy Christmas in peace after again having to cope with another aftershock Earthquake causing damage just before the event.

        Throughout this beautiful Earth during 2011 there have been, and are continuing to occur, more civil upheavals than has occurred in other years during my lifetime. The Earth it self has ruptured its Volcanoes causing concern, and is still shaking up places with torrential rains bringing sudden floods and death. There is still major financial concerns for many Countries. It is as though Countries are like falling dominoes with the way their monetary systems are failing and in essence tipping their economies into bankruptcies.

        On the surface 2011 has not been very kind globally. The effects of which have been emotionally devastating for all affected. Loss of life has been high.

2011 is closing with all these events still in tow. Much still unresolved. Many still suffering. Others apprehensive. And no matter how many of us are able to celebrate with welcoming in a New Year... there will be as many again, maybe more, who will also be unsure if in 2012, those very months  which brought so much unhappiness with them, will this time pass peacefully.

        With all that, and all that I have not included, I found finding a Theme to end 2011 with difficult. With my own personal sadness and tragedy unfolding mid year, I am accepting I have Friends who will not be journeying with me this time into a New Year, even though the close of 2011 has became uplifting and rewarding for me and the Crew, there's hope for a better 2012....

        The Theme I felt held the most depth for me with the Closing of 2011 and the arrival of 2012 is called 'Golden Galaxies' by MaDonna.....

Farewelling Spring From Under Camphor Laurel

Welcome Friend or Visitor,

So glad you've stopped by, do hope you will enjoy time under Camphor Laurel - Cinamomum camphora - as I give tribute and a farewell to Spring for 2011.

This Spring has been nice in my area of South East Queensland in Australia. Some days have been rather hot, but overall there's been nice big rain to moisten the Soil when needed without any fanfare. Pleasant nights in general, and days to enjoy being out and about.

One such occasion was right in the beginning of Spring... 20 September 2011, almost at the time of the Spring Equinox and the real beginning for celebrating Spring. 

         This Journey I enjoyed with Camphor Laurel - Cinamomum camphora - is located on the West side of the Property where I rent  when I go walking in a North Westerly direction. This species of Camphor Laurel is Native to Taiwan, southern Japan, south east China and Indochina... it is a problem species in Australia.

         It was introduced into Australia in 1888 as decoration for gardens and public parks. Why they bothered I am not sure. Maybe they didn't realise back then that Australia has its very own Camphor Laurel - Cinamomum oliveri. A Rainforest Tree growing from the soils of Eastern Coastal parts of Australia, located as far South as New South Wales right up to the Northern Tip of Australia... Cape York Peninsula... and looks quite similar to its Asian relative.

         Australia's Camphor Laurel likes Volcanic Cliffs and Sandy soils. Enjoys being known by names such as Camphorwood, Oliver's Sassafras, Black Sassafras and Cinnamonwood. Australia's Camphor Laurel is quite comfortable growing amid Temperate Rainforests, cool mountain situations and even Tropical Rainforests... very generous.

         Alas, my Wonderful Journeys are under Australia's problem introduced Camphor Laurel, and I had a lovely time... maybe a time will come and I can experience what it would be like under an Australian Camphor Laurel... until then....

         The first photo is of a Grevillea Silky Oak - Grevillea Robusta... and is an Australian.... 

         Behind it is where I'm heading... the introduced Species of Camphor Laurel is amid the gathering of Trees back there.... Dear Grevillea Silky Oak isn't looking its best. It's going through a Leaf change, and having serious right of presence issues with a Mistletoe Vine interested in taking up living quarters with it.

         Leaving Silky Oak to deal with its intrusive guest we reach the introduced problem Camphor Laurel's Leaves donning Springtime glory...

         Apologies for the Sun Flare on the top right corner, but maybe in its way adds something to the feel. I like that area of the Property, there's always interesting, beautiful moments happening amid the Trees.
       I will also apologise in advance for lack of quality the photos will portray. Vivaz phone does her best, even when I am probably asking too much of her, but she does understand what I am seeing and wanting to record and I'm appreciative of Vivaz's effort.

         Next is stepping under the problem Camphor Laurel's wonderful canopy.....

Sunrise Mist

Welcome Friend or Visitor.....

Being nearly the end of November 2011, I felt I would like to conclude the month and celebrate feeling ready to return to again do Postings by doing the Sunrise through Mist I photographed on the chilly morning of  17 July 2011.

For me the Sunrise represents a new day and a new beginning emerging... the Mist now is like feeling the Sun's warmth evaporate the sadness which had jarred me so deeply in October with the loss of my Suzanna Hen.... compounding the already grief present with the loss of Henry Gander in September, while I was still adapting with the ready time that had arrived in August for my Doberman-Felicity.

        I simply became overwhelmed emotionally, felt heavy from within.... but.... my still present Nicholas Gander, through his own grief, gave me a reason to open a door I didn't think I'd be doing.... but in so doing, I have not only given Nicholas Gander a reason to keep living, but have also boosted my remaining Victoria Hen's emotions.... the result for me I am finding is the emotional weight I felt is gone.... the sadness is deeper, quieter, no longer dominant.... and we all are enjoying the presence of growing 1 week old Goslings.... but that will be a Story I'll share during December 2011....

         For now.... I hope you enjoy a Sunrise through the Mist.... a gift to my self, a healing balm, and I do also think they are quite a beautiful set of photos my phone Vivaz achieved. 

        For the photos...

Sorry, but I need time away....

Dear Friends and Visitors, I need time to heal.... my heart is too heavy to feel the pleasure and sense of achievement when accomplishing a Post, and the rewarding experiencing of responses....

August 22, 2011 my Doberman Felicity, having reached 15yrs 2mths passed. Her passing is acceptable with being due to age, I simply needed time to adjust and overcome my disappointment that we were not in our own home choice environment.

         One month later, September 22, 2011, one of my wonderful Ganders Henry, of about 14yrs died in my arms from paralysis tick.

         His passing has been emotionally traumatic. Rescuing him from a neighbour's dam physically taxing. Helping Nicholas, my remaining Gander of 18yrs cope has been going well.

         But....

my heart has been heavy. It seems whatever protection our present rental has afforded us these past few years is gone....

This morning... about 1am, both my Hens... Suzanna and Victoria of 2yrs 3mths were taken.... 

         It is my own fault.... I had not put up the safety gate. I had been sick all day, fell asleep, and awoke to my Hens distress... I ran downstairs, both were gone... I ran through the bush, and though found their Feathers, I did not find them.....

        Again the timing is almost one month apart.... October 21, 2011.

         My Gander Nicholas is beside me as I do this.... and I apologise to all who appreciate my Posts.... but I need time away. I need time to grieve and to heal.....

         My Cat Tiffany helped me search through the Bush when I tried again to follow the Trail of my Hens' Feathers....

        My Doves are cooing in the background.

We have all each yet to face the day and its Light and the truth of the emptiness we have yet to endure with our Girls physically gone.

         I honestly feel to0 Heart heavy... I am just thankful my Hens are together, even if it is because of tragedy.

        My thanks to you all. To all who have cared enough to add your selves as Members, Thank You Deeply. To all who have been kind enough to leave Messages, my deep appreciation....

        All I have encountered in Blogland has been uplifting, encouraging and supportive... and I know when I am ready, I have a place to return to share my Stories and discover the wonderful Stories of others.

With love from Magda and Family

First light update.....

One Misty Morning....

Welcome Friend or Visitor to a Journey I experienced back in mid-January 2011. The time was early morning light, a few days after my area began recovering from being Flooded.

The Scenes you will see are similar, but I felt each held its own feeling of mystery created by that morning's rich deep Fog....

        Why you may wonder have I taken so long then to Post this event.... well the simple answer was during my research on Fog I discovered Fog isn't just Fog.

        Fog isn't simply moisture being heavy and low.

        Infact, Fog comes in a variety of designs I found out. Then with each new word I encountered describing Fog, I kept heading off into tangents.

        I think I began to feel Fogged-down as Fog's Story unfolded, and though interesting, I felt quite blocked from finishing. Hence the delay in Posting of what I felt were a beautiful mood-filled set of photos from that morning's Fog Journey.

        But....

There just may have been other reasons....

        I recently did a Posting involving a Foggy Sunrise (actively connected to view if desired). Two special Friends within Blogland had Visited, leaving Notes expressing their thoughts and feelings about Fog.....

Cindy from Bug Safari - http://bugsafari.blogspot.com/ expressed not often having Fog where she resides, but did have some photos stored somewhere she would try to find.

And...

Laura from Forest Walk Art - http://forestwalkart.blogspot.com/ expressed her reasons for loving Fog.

        They both inspired me to simply do the Post, even if I hadn't still put together all the information. So with respect, appreciation, admiration and love towards Cindy and Laura, I now fulfil this rather special occasion I experienced with One Misty Morning....

Mushrooms Are A Nice Treat...

Hello Friend or Visitor,

The World of Mushrooms... It Is Possible To Consider Mushrooms As Being One Of Those Things That Happen In An Endless Array Of Varieties.

Even When Of The Same Kind, Nearly Every Mushroom Will Offer Some Difference To Enthral The Eyes And For Many, To Bring Out Their Cameras To Record The Scenic View Mushrooms Create Where Ever They Choose To Emerge To Delight.....

          Mushrooms can be eaten, used medicinally, dried for later use, and even take one on Inner-Journeys that just may not be the best of ways to indulge in for an Inner-Journey, but, I have read, are used in that way by some Traditional Shamans who know how to. Exception possibly is Alice, from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland'. Then of course, there are the Fairy Tale Scenes of Nature, where so often is depicted beautifully illustrated magical ethereal Mushrooms.

        Sadly, some Folk have allergic reactions to Mushrooms, may my photos of them not cause such a response for you.

        Did you know Lewis Carroll is the pseudonym Charles Lutwidge Dodgson used as being the Author of his Books?

        I didn't until I looked up 'Alice In Wonderland's Author so I'd spell Carroll correctly. 

        My Friend Laura from http://forestwalkart.blogspot.com/ has wondrous Mushrooms emerge where she lives, and we who visit, are always awed by the variety of Mushroom photos Laura Posts with the accompanying, more often than not, amusing way Laura describes them.
        With pleasure and permission, I invite you to visit one of Laura's amazing Mushy Posts by clicking on... 'Mushroom Maniac' ... I can assure you, the trip is worth it.

        But to now invite you to take a Visual Journey with my wondrous times with Mushrooms. I'll begin first with an image I have loved since I first saw it appear on my phone.

       With a little help from Windows photo editing, I was able to lift away the darkness and reveal what to me is a Mushroom at the base of a Tree, amid Leaf matter and Plant growth, during February 2009 at about 7.30 in the morning, who had created a beautiful Life Scene....

  
      I'd had the photo printed as an enlargement at the time. It turned out awful. No computer then, but now that I have, and have been able touch it up a little, the results are for me so pleasing, I think I will try again in time.

        There are more Mushroom photos, just....

Thought Some Leaves Might Be Nice.....

With Spring Being In The Process Of Bringing New Growth And New Life For Those Of The Southern Hemisphere,

While Simultaneously In The Northern Hemisphere,

Autumn Is In the Process of Farwelling Summer, By Turning Foliage Into Colours Reminisce of Blazing Sunsets Friend or Visitor,

I Felt A Journey With Leaves Through The Seasons Would Be A Nice Way To Honour Both Hemisphere's Awakening And Hibernation Preparations......

         My photos were all done during 2009 with my once "Viewty" phone. I really like them. It is a pleasure to be now able to share the seeing of them with you. Filing is a wonderful way to discover those moments quietly waiting to be brought out into the open again....

         To begin... Camphor Laurel - Cinnamomum camphora.

A large Evergreen Tree, Native to Taiwan, Southern Japan, South East China and Indochina. Cultivated for it's Timber as well as for the white crystalline substance obtained by processing the Wood.

         The crystalline substance known as Camphor, has been used for many centuries as a Culinary Spice, a Component for Incense and as a Medicine. Also as an excellent Insect Repellent and as a Flea-Killing Substance.....

         Now for my humble Leaves during a mid-morning in mid-February, the month signifying the end of Summer for me in Australia.....

Next....

         a collection from the beginning of Autumn for me in Australia.... March.....