Sitting in our little studio feeling the sweetness of the cool wind and savouring the earlier sight of a roo jumping through the gully. Everything is seeming so much more precious out here and I am feeling immense gratitude and empathy. The tears are plentiful tonight - the first time I've really had to let the events of the last 6 days sink in, having heard neighbours' stories this morning, read more media, speaking to my aunt who luckily got out of Marysville but lost her home and many friends. There's a strong bond strengthening within the community which has me realise that although I've been here for 6 months I haven't fully entered it, for various reasons. Whilst considering moving back to the city where I might feel less isolated as a single parent, I am all of a sudden feeling more connected here to the land and the people. Contemplating the many ways in which I might be of some benefit whatever I ultimately decide. These are some of the links and places I've come across via blog friends and research.


Nillumbik Shire

Donate to or foster an animal through Animal Aid

Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line - 1800 006 468 (8am-8pm)

To utilise your craft skills;
Knit4charities
Handmade Help
Honey Bee stores are organising care bags to go out to children in bushfire affected areas.

Register to volunteer help at GoVolunteer

Shop at Coles, Safeway and Woolworths tomorrow (Friday 13th Feb) where 100% profit will go to Bushfire aid.

And so much more that Meet Me At Mikes has comprehensively listed on their fantastic blog

I hope I'm not coming across with too much self pity. There is definitely a thread of sadness that relates to K not being here to share the emotional load, and to seeing how Beau is carrying the events of the last month. But above that I can't articulate adequately, the depth of feeling I have for everyone and every being affected, that is connecting me to the grief and pain that is felt all the time in places that are usually removed from me geographically and personally. I know everyone is experiencing the same thing and that this grieving process is important. It's wonderful to read all your posts. You are a lovely bunch indeed.

Feeling incredibly grateful for the work I get to do; painting cups and drinking tea with sweet Bridget, mama's work (this week especially the making of the advent calendar above ), rehearsing amazing Appalachian songs for 2 gigs in December, helping to organise child care for Rinpoche's retreats next year and then the more intense but but thankfully transformative work that k and I are having to put into our relationship at the moment. Diverse, flexible, creative and shared - text book Sagittarian heaven. I have managed to avoid full time employment pretty much all my adult life much to the chagrin of my family who have always regarded my alternative ways as somewhat worrying. There are times when I have doubted whether it is possible to live a truly simple life and provide a family with all basic needs, particularly early last year. For us, being out of the city definitely helps. I find myself less concerned about material things and more resourceful and content with the environment around me. I'm less concerned about my appearance (although if I had a mirror I may be more so)and what people think of me and my choices. The simplicity of our needs reflects in the work that we are choosing. I feel like we have the freedom to be much more ethically and creatively motivated. I know it's not everyone's idea of a comfortable existence; we certainly go without a great deal of comforts and convenience but I think we are more and more changing our idea of what those things are for us. I don't think we have all the answers and I don't judge anyone for the way they choose to live. I'm simply reflecting on this here life warts and all and it is good.

Kings and Queens

We had these beautiful visitors yesterday and today, so tame, the King Parrot stayed a long while to eat sunflower seeds and pose for photos. Today he flew up to the window twice to get my attention. The echidna is still sitting in the garden with its nose snuffling for ants....I love it that these things are part of our day to day. And Henrik, it is with you most clearly in my mind that I post these pictures; some bits of Australia that I know you love so well! Enjoy my friend xx




Monday has become a very communal day for T and I and our boys. We usually spend the whole day together walking, talking, sharing chores, and preparing meals. I have earned the honourable title of 'Kitchen B****'to Kitchen Queen T. It's all about Superfood and chocolate and all things good and green from our local vege co-op. We think we should have our own TV show, baby in sling and all.....

wild

As you can tell I'm sure, I'm very excited about all this nature. I just can't think of a reason to go into the city, other than to see people who I hope will prefer to come here..all these beautiful orchids, tiny and richly coloured and detailed, growing amongst the rough natives and rubble and weeds. The neighbours up the road took Beau and I on a walk to see them today. They know the names of almost every plant in their area. I can't remember many of them, except for spider orchid and egg and bacon flower and the yellow one called Donkey's Ears or similar...Now I understand why our Botanist friend Ryonen speaks of plants as though they are people with personalities.

Every day we walk. It's all I want to do, just stroll through the whisper and the light and the crunch of twigs and leaves under foot.

Today we had L and T visit and we joined the lovelies in the big house for soup and fresh market bread. I have the privilege of cradling the new born babe in my arms each day, his blissful snuffling poking at my heart, sending my hormones berserk.

So quiet and dark. I have never seen Beau so free and happy. May there be a place for us here somewhere where we can plant and birth, settle, breathe, stop moving, know the names of trees and plants and animals and neighbours.

Soft landing

Again thanks to dear friends, this time in the fair hills, we have a cosy, temporary home.Here we shall stay until we find a place of our own . It is truly wholesome with kangaroos breakfasting outside our windows, trees and wild orchids as far as the eye can see, kookaburras and rosellas and cockatoos, view of the hills and not a hint of traffic noise. We went for a long bush walk today. Beau goes to bed exhausted and serenely happy. K is going to sell fabulous dharma books, I am going to make a picture book and learn some bluegrass and Beau is going to learn the names of trees and animals. One day soon there will be a mud brick home of our own, chickens and a vege patch and if I have my way, a goat to herd. The house hunting continues....

We are exhausted (hence I am cutting and pasting this post from a bulk email)but happy and relieved.

i never thought I'd say this but I don;t know what the hell I'd do without a computer and a spiffy new one at that. At the moment it's also a telephone, diary, DVD player, source of all music; it has officially replaced all other technology AND my brain. K is a marvel. My very own PC Whisperer. Also very good looking, loving father, sexy, sensational cook, funny, exceptional dancer (will that do it babe?)

I re strung my guitar and sang a few tunes this evening which is a sign that I am relaxing into the flow of life. I have seriously neglected Dolores lately but we are getting to know one another again....

The 'neighbours' are under the weather as well as in New Born Baby Land so it's good that we are here to support them too. Can't stop thanking them.

Here's a very funny lady for your viewing pleasure Nina Conti