Finding...

Finding a tail feather from a red-tail black cockatoo is an honour for me.

It's a sign that my ancestors are close, and each time I find one, they have always appeared when guidance was needed, and life was full of turmoil.

Recently, I found my third one, laying on the wet morning grass as I parked up at work. It couldn't have come on a better day.

Picking it up and giving a silent prayer of thanks for the gift, I placed it on the dashboard and felt immediately calm.

I only found out about my birth mother's indigenous heritage the day before I moved to this cottage, 13 years ago.

Suddenly everything about my unconventional traits made sense.

My connection to nature.

My intrinsic belief in the old ways that made more sense to me than modern society did.

I often wonder how different my life would be had I have been told the truth about my heritage, and if I had of been told as a child that I was adopted. It would have made a lot of difference given there was actually no bonds with the people I grew up with. It would have also explained their cruelty.

I always knew that messages come in all sorts of forms, that only being alone in nature brought deep spiritual connection.

It's here I felt seen and held.

Be it near the ocean or in forests or bushland. Wherever I have lived, being outside, alone was beneficial for my wellbeing. 

With no way of being taught about tribal ways, I instinctively followed my own inherent beliefs.

Knowing that I navigate the world a different way, a way that needed no teaching, rather it was known on a soul level.

Making my peace with this after finding out about my birth parents, has seen my essence settle.

The appearance of a red-tail black cockatoo feather brings a message of inner strength and the power of personal transformation. Given I'd had a bit of turmoil in my life recently, it was received at such an appropriate time. And it was reassurance that those in the spirit realm were close.

It is illegal to possess, trade or sell these feathers, as they are a sacred element culturally.

Being of aboriginal heritage, gives deeper meaning when coming across a single feather from these particular birds.

Especially when it's presented at a time of unsettling change.

I hold these feathers as precious priceless gifts, left by my ancestors as a message they are close by, that I am supported.

Once home, I added this to the other two feathers I had come across in the past 13 years.

Here they stay above my bed, a reminder that I am never alone, even if in the darkest of times...

Finally I Am...

Finally I am back into my morning routine of taking a long morning walk shortly after waking.

 It used to be my daily ritual, yet after a series of accidents last year recovering saw me sitting more than moving.

 It's not until I began my morning routine once again that I realised just how beneficial these dawn meanders are.

On the weekend I may sleep in a little, but my feet still want to zoom out of the door fairly swiftly after waking. 

This is a series of photos taken over a couple of weeks during my morning walks.

Being out at this time in the morning is my favourite time of day.

It's so still and quiet.

Slowly the birds begin singing to the rising sun.

Some have already began eating breakfast, discarded flowers litter the footpath.

I do prefer to begin my walk in the dark, yet as spring is creeping closer to summer, it's getting light earlier.

In the cool morning air so many fragrances fill the air. 

Lilac, honeysuckle and orange blossom being those I can identify.

Mostly, Western Australian wildflowers have scents that are not detectable to the human nose. Birds and insects however know when certain flowers are blooming.

I often see ravens about, yesterday there seemed to be a family meeting taking place on the road.

The previous day when I went without my phone I saw eight tiny ducklings with their parents, I think it was most likely their first morning on the earth as they were super tiny.

Reaching home, it's always nice to see a light coming from the cottage, offering a cosy glow.

Before heading inside though, it's time to let the girls out of their nightbox so they too can begin their day...

There's Never...

There's never a day that I am not given a scene of pure fluffy loveliness.

Miss Bear and Charlie are simply an adorable duo. 

Charlie is the more amorous of the two, and will often seek cuddles from his sister, and he especially likes to give her a kiss or two. Miss Bear tolerates his affection, although deep down I'm sure she loves it.

They both alternate between one comfy place to sleep, currently Charles likes his cow stool, where Bear has two current favourites. One of the cushions and one of the many cat beds they have. Which occasionally she stretches her legs out of, which creates a comical image.

And they both absolutely love outside time.

Especially when I sit outside with them.

I am so grateful for the little things in my life.

Especially these two little furry companions...

 

What Price Comfort...

What Price Comfort is an exhibition currently showing at the Midland Junction Arts Centre, it's a thought provoking display of art created from household waste.

I myself am mindful of my footprint upon the planet, even so I was thoroughly impressed with Margery Goodall's use of waste as a medium for artful creations.

Societies across the globe are based upon a throwaway system. 

Billions don't really consider the impact on the planet with what they throw away.

Packaging is often extravagant and if you think about it, needless.

I for example will not buy coffee unless it's in a proper ceramic cup, I don't actually see the need to stop and buy takeaway coffee.

I rarely eat out, if I do though, it's never takeaway, again I prefer to sit and eat a meal on a proper plate.

I have the same reusable material shopping bags that I've used for years. If they break from over use, I make some more.

I recycle as much as possible and avoid plastic bottles at all costs. 

I truly hope this exhibition makes many people think about what they throwaway on a weekly basis. 

The waste that is strewn across the planet causes endless environmental issues, not to mention deaths of wildlife and the pollution and poisoning of the earth's waters.

If more people began living cleanly and thinking about what they buy, and what they throw away.

What they actually need, not want.

One by one we would begin to transform as a species, if people begin to remember how incredible this planet is. 

To waking up with new eyes and seeing what a paradise they were gifted.

And once again begin to take care of her.

I've said many times.

How intelligent is a species that destroys the planet they call home...