The shape of things to come

Monthly Archives: September 2012

Take pleasure in the small things, the every day beauties that surround us. The ordinary, once noticed, becomes extraordinary.

Atacama Desert, Chile Don’t be afraid to shoot for the sun. After all, it’s the closest star to aim for.

It’s early spring here in southern Tasmania; no doubt about it. The bulbs have pushed their green fingers through wet soil, the daffodils have thrust their cheerful faces towards the sky and the garden is gently unfurling itself, seeking the warming sun. The nights are still chilly but the days are lighter and warmer, and this weekend the first bees appeared, contentedly buzzing among the bright blue flowers of my borage. It’s… Read More

Spring arrives and life unfurls in scenes of ephemeral joy.   The lettuce eater: My lettuce seedlings have been disappearing. There one day, eaten down to the dirt the next. Neighbours and fellow gardeners laid the blame on the lady brushtail possum who lives in the old conifer across the way (and has lately had a few enamoured late night callers who make their way across my roof – ah, Spring), so I… Read More

One of the things about trying to live a more sustainable life is that is slows you down a little. You take time to shop locally and source small-footprint produce. You stop driving everywhere and start walking instead. Weekends are spent in the garden as often as possible, growing food and nourishing the soil. Real food, real chores, real life. And I love it, I really do. I wouldn’t go back to the life I… Read More

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it! –William Hutchinson Murray, after Goethe

South Cape walk, Bruny Island, Tasmania I’ve been making the most of my sabbatical, but now spring is here. Hello!