Then and now…

It was 12 months ago yesterday. 12 months since things shifted a little bit sideways. Since the fires came.

Then…

Now…

Then…

Now…

We went up into the bush this morning. It is so green and fresh. Not at all like the bush used to be at this time of year, the height of summer.

 

It is growing back and all is good.

Catch ya…
K

What I am reminded of…

For me it has been, from the start, a year where I have been aware, and in awe, of the natural world. I have seen immense beauty around me everyday, and sometimes I’ve managed to have my camera with me and tried to capture that.

These are some of the things I’ve seen this year…

It really is a wonderful world.

Catch ya…
K

A Merry Christmas to all…

 

From the warm and sunny climes of southern Australia, have a safe and magical Christmas with your family and friends.

Catch ya…
K

Before and after…

Before – Monkey, Pedro and Juan meeting a little friend of mine.

And now…

They were not happy. Especially Pedro…

It stressed the poor things no end, but they’ll be a lot happier over summer, especially as the forecast for tomorrow is hot. Very hot. It might stop them standing in the trough and kicking the goldfish out onto the ground (but probably not).

I, on the other hand, have three delicious bags of fleece…

Catch ya…
K

Sunday morning…

Rain. Delightful rain after a hot week.

 

And pink. Pink on my trousers. That’s what a trip to the girl section of Target has done to my pants. Thank goodness I have boys.

Catch ya…
K

Sky…

Just lovely this evening.

 

Catch ya…
K

Meet the Boogie Woogie bird…

Well that’s what we used to call him. He has a delightful song and he puzzled my mother, who couldn’t work out what he was. She sent me off to work (I conveniently worked at a zoo) with the instruction to ask someone about “a little grey bird that says boogie woogie”.

I remember sidling up to a keeper who I thought would know. He didn’t bat an eyelid and said it was a Grey Shrike Thrush.

I’m not sure how many are actually around – there’s more than one, that’s for sure. This little chap here was visiting the other morning.

But then he saw the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen… himself.

As you can tell by the garage window, they’re quite enamored with their reflection. My parents have gone as far to install a fellow like this:

 

He sits in the family room window to deter the birds from sitting on the boots outside while they gaze adoringly at themselves. It has failed. Big time.

It has failed so much that, to my delight, one of the thrushes bought his lady friend to the house, and then proceeded to do his elaborate courtship dance for her in front of the owl. I have no idea what happened after they flew off together but I’d like to think his efforts were rewarded.

Catch ya…
K

Close-up…

I’m on a little bit of a personal mission at the moment. I’m trying to keep my point and shoot handy at all times. I’m feeling the desire to shoot more and consequently the p&s is living in my bag these days.

I’m remembering that it’s about capturing the moment, rather than creating the moment. I’m remembering that 100 years ago photographers used what they had to take the shot.

So, tonight. I’m on the lawn at my parents house. I look over and see my boys under the tulip tree. I reach into the pocket and take the shot. Happy.

 

I get home and zoom in. And I’m happier.  It really does capture them – the wearisome older brother who really does love the brat, even if he sometimes says he doesn’t. And the future class clown, who will undoubtedly ruin a few grade photos before he’s done.

And then there’s this one. Shootin’ from the hip. And I quite like it.

Catch ya…
K