Saturday, November 20, 2010

There's a first time for everything

I went to the best funeral yesterday, something you don't hear very often I bet!

It was for one of my patients and I was asked to play some music, which was a privilege, and yet still, a difficult thing to do. Anyhow, it was a great party for a great kid.

It was held at the local footy oval, 


and there was a jumping castle, 
 a mobile zoo with a lamb, a calf, a shetland pony and numerous rabbits and guinea pigs. 


There was also equipment to play footy or cricket, along with a sausage sizzle, fairy bread and cupcakes. A great send off indeed, along with an antique fire engine and a harley hearse.

RIP Mack.

This was a fantastic example of community for me to witness also. The local community rallied around this family and provided lots of food, drinks and entertainment for the kids. It really showed how having a supportive community can pull together when things are tough. In our very individual lifestyles that many of us lead these days, we have lost that sense of community a bit. It is such a shame. 

One of the things that I will be sad about when we move is the loss of our little community in the street. We share the care and rewards of chooks, we share food when there is too much for one family, we share laughs in the street, and we know that we can count on our neighbours for help in times of need - such as the time our kitten got stuck down the drain and our wonderful neighbour came and helped us shift the drain cover.

Whether our needs are big - as in preparing for the perfect send off - or small - such as helping rescue our kitten - our community makes our lives happier. Whether it is a geographical community, a community of interest or any other type, it is always nice to belong and to feel both needed and supported.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Day Dreaming


 Of walking on a beach

Swimming in aqua blue water - that's not in a pool!

I am off to the pool now

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Independence Day

This morning I took some time out of my day to witness first steps towards independence.


We were alerted to its presence by a visit from it's mother who alighted on the clothes line under cover of our deck. She has been a regular visitor of late. When she flew away we saw this beautiful baby magpie gingerly standing on the fence.


It went on to make numerous attempts to take off, by spreading one wing and then the other followed by some preening. It hopped along the fence from left to right and back again.


This wonderful creature finally flew off to the magnificent gum tree in our neighbours yard. Go you good thing! Welcome to the big scary world.

It was a magical experience to watch, and reminded me that we all have to continue to take our own individual steps towards independence. This may be as simple as taking a walk around the block, or realising a dream of living in Antarctica, or becoming a helicopter pilot. (A little insight into me!)

Whatever it is you need for your soul to take further steps to independence, remember it begins with one tiny little hop followed by mustering the courage to take off! Go on you can do it.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Horse Racing

Here in Melbourne, the first Tuesday in November is always a public holiday.

Flemington Race course. Sourced from google images

It is the day of the annual running of the Melbourne Cup. Yes we get a holiday for a horse race. This is just one of the things I love about Melbourne.

 Flemington Race course. Sourced from google images

I also love horse racing, so it's win, win here.

Flemington Race course. Sourced from google images