Where I Live

"Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?"

Rose F. Kennedy 

Koalas and Gutter Children

The other afternoon, we were at our dear friends', playing in the drain, as you do, when we spotted a koala in the backyard!

We all oohed and ahhed at its cuteness, all snuggled up there asleep in the branch.

But later, it climbed down the tree and just sat in the water. We think it must have had chlamydia. We called the wildlife carer who came and took the poor thing. The prognosis wasn't good, I'm afraid. It's so sad.





We went to Alma Park Zoo the other day and they gave us some statistics on the koalas of Brisbane. There are 4000 left and they're dying at a rate of 1000 a year. Horrifying.

So: plant koala food trees, keep your cats and dogs under control and fight for preservation of bush and wildlife corridors. Also put the number of your local vet or wildlife carer in your phone so you can report any sick, injured or dead koalas. xx

Where I Live

Storm coming...

... an amazing sky.

Another Beautiful Bushwalk

A little hidden pathway at sunset....

Summer Afternoon

I've had this post in drafts for so long, since last Summer, in fact. I guess I didn't really know what to write. I just loved the photos and the beautiful sunlight. I still don't know what to write. Only that this was a lovely afternoon with gorgeous people that made me feel like I was on holidays at home. And that everything was just right.  xx

Full Moon

The full moon was breathtakingly magical the other night. As Matt was working away, Rachel and I had a barbecue dinner at the beach. It really reminded me how lucky we are to live where we do. Sometimes we talk about moving to the country, or somewhere more "beautiful" or natural, but really. Who could ask for more than this? I am very grateful to be able to bring up my children in such a safe, friendly, fun, supportive and beautiful place. I keep coming back to that line of the song: "Love the one you're with". Usually what you desire is right in front of your eyes.

Happiness is not having what you want,

but wanting what you have.  

I hope you enjoyed the full moon at your home. xx Cath

Where I Live #4

I snuck off from a family ride to the beach the other evening, when a little something lovely caught my eye. What a privilege it was to be able to admire this charming sandcastle; a special surprise. I imagined the enjoyment some little people must have felt, whiling away their afternoon completely absorbed in creating this beautiful artwork. Thank you for the pleasure, left there for everyone to enjoy.

PS: Sorry about the tone in the last post. I was having a little bit of a moment. I am usually more circumspect and patient about these things. I know people are just looking out for my kids and I am grateful for that loving concern. ;0) xx

Botanic Gardens

Our local botanic gardens is such a special place. It is a perfect location to bring the children to meet friends for a play or for a bit of homeschooling activity. It's beautiful, the gardeners are friendly (albeit eccentric, including Tam), it's enclosed (!) and we usually have it all to ourselves. There's a creek, rainforest, bush, flowers, herbs, veggies, bats, insects, frogs and birds. And trees to climb. And in spring, a beautiful lush meadow!

Where I Live

It was a beautiful day today.

We've been out and about pursuing some letter B activities: bike-riding, the beach, bocce, body parts, beading bracelets, ball games, eating "bisketti" bolognaise, burgers, bouncing, baking bread and biscuits, breakdancing .... the possibilities are endless! Lots of B words.

Good Friends, and Homeschooling

Some of you have been asking how our homeschooling has been going. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond; my head is a mess with uncertainty and indecision! There is so much that I love about home education, and every time I read a book about it, I feel inspired - indeed compelled - to carry on! What my main desire has been this year, is to secure a local community - maybe just one or two other families - who would like to join us in a homeschooling activity. It might just be Art one morning, or Science one afternoon, not much. But something. I feel that in order to sustain homeschooling, we need a bit of company, but I have found this difficult. There are lots of people out there homeschooling, but it can be hard to find the right combination of "clicking" and location. We do see friends almost every day but it's those days when all the other kids are at school and it's just the boys and me, that I find challenging sometimes. It's nice to do things in a group. So, I will continue with my quest, but in the meantime: thank goodness for our steadfast homeschooling buddies, the O'Gradys!!! We just love our Thursday mornings with you! These mornings encapsulate what I love about home education:

Fun, fun, fun!

Joy!

Breathless laughter and wonderful, easy company. Being able to choose kind friends for my children to play with

Dirt and bare feet and wet trousers

The beauty of nature

Secret cubbies, uninterrupted, heartwarming creative play, preserving childhood innocence for just a little bit longer

Enjoying the glorious weather

Learning from nature, observing at a peaceful pace

Healthy active bodies

Pottering, feeling, creating

Time for brothers to form a close, loving bond

For bigger ones to lead and care for little ones

To take risks at your own pace, to make your own decisions about what feels right

Simply sitting, relaxing, resting and taking it all in

Following your own path, the freedom to be who you truly are and can be

Being fully present in the lives of my children, spending these golden years together, witnessing those many precious moments

Learning about and respecting local creatures and habitats, loving the Earth

All ages playing together, working out their own solutions

O'Gradys, we are truly grateful for your company. I guess we'll just keep on sailing where the wind takes us! xxx