this week

Has been exceptionally quiet. A combination of rainy days, dwindling autumn light, and low energy. Rallying for a fun weekend, though.

Wandered around one of the community gardens on my way back from town today, and got excited about pomegranates...

a quince tree heavy with fruit

two lovely ginkgo trees

delicate, feathery looking mushrooms

and ambitious little branches sprouting on this giant pine

Tom and I were confined indoors most of our time this week due to the rain, but still had lots of fun. Took a little break during some light sprinkles to sit on our favorite bench

and killed lots of time playing with trains

Tom even put an engine in my fleece pocket, you know, for safe-keeping

weekly poetry

Difference

My mind’s a map. A mad sea-captain drew it   

Under a flowing moon until he knew it;

Winds with brass trumpets, puffy-cheeked as jugs,   

And states bright-patterned like Arabian rugs.   

“Here there be tygers.” “Here we buried Jim.”   

Here is the strait where eyeless fishes swim   

About their buried idol, drowned so cold   

He weeps away his eyes in salt and gold.   

A country like the dark side of the moon,   

A cider-apple country, harsh and boon,   

A country savage as a chestnut-rind,

A land of hungry sorcerers.

                                              Your mind?

—Your mind is water through an April night,

A cherry-branch, plume-feathery with its white,   

A lavender as fragrant as your words,   

A room where Peace and Honor talk like birds,   

Sewing bright coins upon the tragic cloth   

Of heavy Fate, and Mockery, like a moth,   

Flutters and beats about those lovely things.   

You are the soul, enchanted with its wings,   

The single voice that raises up the dead   

To shake the pride of angels.

                                                 I have said.

-Stephen Vincent Benét

this afternoon

The girls and I ran around the botanic gardens, with the original aim to hunt for mushrooms (of which there were plenty), and ended up running all around having a grand time. There were a few decorations still around from a wedding last night which made the whole place feel even more magical, and with Shadow racing around with us, and the cold wind and gorgeous fall colors, it was a perfect little diversion. Now we're back home, nestled in the warmth of Hightor, juicing fresh oranges, making a "memory box" filled with the girls favorite things that they've vowed not to open until 2024, and getting ready for a fun, mellow movie night. Such a great weekend.

this morning

Sweet Maeve is over, and she, Pasca and I headed down to the Sunday market. Really love that event. We met up with Giselle on the way down, then wandered around checking out the wares and cute dogs out with their owners, stopped to say hello to neighbors and friends, and bought ourselves way too many doughnuts. Ate our fill then carried the rest home for the boys. Great start to the day.

There was also a busker there, strumming along to some of my favorite songs. Felt like he was playing just for me! What are the chances that a random performer in small town Australia will be playing Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison and even The Mavericks?! It was a perfect mix to sing and dance along to, trying to warm up on this cold, cold morning. My fingers are still stiff and frozen and clumsy, thank goodness for SpellCheck!

her

Saw this movie today at our little local theater. My date for the occasion picked it out, and I'm very happy he did so. Not only was the film visually sublime (love the warm light and not too futuristic wardrobes and set dressing), but the story was absolutely engaging and insightful. I won't say more, only to encourage you to see it yourself. And my favorite part? The score. Here's a little sample, piano magic.


                      

thai night

Finally! We'd had plans to go out to dinner at the Radio Springs Hotel for their Thai night for about a month now, and it kept getting postponed by some family drama with the chef. Country life. Anyway, we made it out there this past Thursday evening with one of our favorite families, and it was absolutely wonderful. First of all, the atmosphere. This is a cozy, unique, homey place. Each room is its own little world, and it almost feels as if you've been invited to dine at a quirky friend's house. Love it. On top of that, we had awesome live music, delicious food, and the best company. A celebratory night for nothing in particular. My favorite kind!

With Darius, Pasca and Blossom

Love these silly faces!

The gorgeous red "library", with a fascinating selection of books

And a fireplace! Like the accidental selfie here?

Another cozy dining room

Love this little niche

This is now my official "nice" dress. Love it so much! 

Some of Blossom's amusing tabletop artwork

Just some of the musicians for the evening, including the very talented Daniel Marcus Clarke

The outdoor dining area

Almost everyone! Blossom, Ange, Sam, Fizzy, Pasca, Sarah and I

Pasca summed everything up with this little drawing