Life's Metaphors

Mother Nature gives the most selfless and unexpected gifts. Our little family got bigger, it seems, as we have new residents.
This little guy is the tiniest blue tongue I have seen to date.
My next door neighbour is a wildlife rescue volunteer and quite a bit of an expert in bluetongues so I followed her advice on keeping an eye on this little guy without hindering him. He seems unhurt, healthy and happy.
By chance, I have also discovered the tiniest snail on the very same spot. They seemed blissfully unaware of each other - especially the snail.
I wondered whether the bluetongue has started to eat snails yet - he seemed totally un-phased that dinner was literally under his nose.

I couldn't help but feel like one of life's big metaphors was right there, in front of my eyes, for me to learn. We are all born unbiased, unspoiled and definitely without narrow minds. All these are acquired much later in life, depending on our personal experiences. As children, we are natural explorers, curious and eager to learn.
Just like the bluetongue and the snail, when we meet other humans, the dialogue could go either way: "Let's be friends" or "Run for your life". It all depends on that starting point that defined our childhood.
 
This was also the first time I have looked so close to a snail "in action". It was quite fascinating to see it moving up onto the clovers and not topple over its own weight.
 
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to switch to a macro lens - it would have been fantastic. These shots were taken long after the sunset, in the shade, under the kids' water play area; the light was beyond sparse. My battery warning was flashing yet surprisingly despite all the odds, I managed to take a few shots.

Under the Sign Of The Snail - A Self-portrait Throughout The Year

 

I don’t believe in horoscopes but if I were to choose a sign, most of the time it feels that I might be born under the sign of snail.

I actually really like snails. They are amazing, tenacious animals and just by observing them, I think I learned more that I would have given them credit for.

I started this series as a bit of a joke; a modern reference to the tortoise and hare story. But then I realised this is a very accurate self-portrait throughout this year. 2015 has been anything but a peaceful year for many, me included.  As I don’t do selfies, this is the perfect way of illustrating the year so far. So here is my story.

We all proceed from the beginning, equally aligned on that imaginary “start” line. At first, you’re still half – hidden in your shell, evaluating all: yourself, the race and its obstacles. A cautious start and then you’re on.

 

You’re doing fine - it seems you’re way ahead and leading; even ahead of your own thoughts.  And for a while, you’re doing just that, happy to lead the race. You’re even tempted to peep behind, to see how others might be doing. Not out of malice, ‘coz that’s not you; but rather through an honest desire to know that they are well. Or maybe even help them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But somewhat along this course, there comes the moment when you seemingly get stuck on a spot forever, while others get on with the race quite fast.  Without extending the same courtesy and check on you.  You start doubting yourself and your ability to achieve what yesterday seemed so close. Your thoughts are roaming wildly until the second you realise you really needed all this time with yourself. You needed to re-discover who you are, to perfect and re-create yourself into a stronger you.

 

 

 

 

 

There’s still time and you can win this. So you regroup fast and keep going, no matter how tired you might be on this particular day. Tomorrow you’ll be looking back and smiling. Because today you didn’t yield.

 

 

 

#Winter Wonderland in THAT Special Place

 

 

 This fence is the imaginary line I draw between the real world and my special, happy place.

 

A place that changes from one hour to another; let alone days or seasons. My Grasslands have me spellbound – I always return for more of its peaceful scenery.

 

I haven’t been out and about in a while so this morning it felt so good to return. Although a tad chilly.

Armed with my very basic camera and with a very vivid imagination, I entered through the thick fog enveloping the grounds. And what a sight this crisp Winter morning was. If I closed my eyes, I could even pretend it’s really like the winters I used to know. The fog and frost made it possible for me to pretend that everything was covered in snow. For a few minutes, Winter Wonderland had moved in my backyard – as I liberally call the grasslands – and Christmas in July really is knocking at the door.

I love my early morning walks – today it seemed to be too early and too cold for anyone else to be out. Alone with my thoughts, I loved taking in the sounds, the smells and the colours.

One would never imagine how colours really pop on a foggy background.

But on the other hand, for me - the fog is still one of the hardest things to master when it comes to photography.  I didn’t take brilliant shots today and they needed an occasional tweak; nevertheless I had a great time seeing the place come to life.

It's always busy in the grasslands – this morning lots of birds, kangaroos and hares saluted me hurriedly.  

I am not sure whether the mist is making the animals more alert to the small noises or whether the kangaroos aren’t used to me anymore, since I haven’t been able to follow them for a while.

One thing is sure, they were very wary of me this morning. Usually, I was able to go quite close to them. Today however, they ran as soon as they saw me.

There are a few foxes too but I have never been lucky enough to photograph them. I have quite a long list of “missed opportunities” - things that I would have liked to photograph but wasn’t fast enough or didn’t have my camera at the right time. Until I get lucky, enjoy my imperfect frozen beauties, from the comfort of your warm toasty house.