There's a Party at the Pond

There’s a natural little spring at the end of my street

Where I often love to wander and have a little peep

There’s a party at the pond, it happens all the time

When heavy rains subside and the sun begins to shine.

Common birdlife flock to this outdoor cabaret

Striking up a chorus, in celebration for this day.

Magpies alert the others in warbling chit and chatter

Crows respond by cawing, they understand the natter.

News is screeched by Cockatoos to parrots and galahs.

Butcherbirds and Honeyeaters sing their la la la’s

Black ducks gladly quacking and waddle in their cluster

Distinguished collared Shel ducks, honk to join the muster

Tweeting sounds of Silvereyes fetch a softer voice

Ibis step with elegance, partaking with rejoice.

Frogs croaking loudly, in hope of attracting a mate

Oblong Turtles pop their heads, hoping they’re not late

Forget about rehearsal, at this pond’s great event

Wildlife needs no practice, they sing with true intent

A smorgasbord of beetles and insects is in sight

The birds alert each other, sharing nature’s delight.

Worms commence to surface from sodden muddy ground

Grass is moist and juicy where morsels can be found

Sustenance aplenty, thanks to heaven’s skies

Providing native fauna with nourishing supplies

There’s a party at the pond, it happens all the time

When heavy rains subside and the sun begins to shine.

The Volunteer Firefighter

I'd like to share this poem I wrote out of respect and appreciation for all our volunteer firefighters.

All the men and women who risk their lives and give tirelessly to protect our beautiful country Australia.

Australia is at war with bloody red flames

burning our land until charcoal remains

Volunteer Firefighters, our heroes of hope

Risk their lives through billowing smoke

Through the crackling intensity and dreadful smell

Their eyes are straining as they push through hell

Pausing momentarily and gazing around

Seeing wildlife perishing – ash to the ground

Thirsty and shocked animals whimper with pain

They know our fauna will never be the same

The fighters may grab their water to share

with a wounded koala in a state of despair

Shattered, the fighter stares up in vain

Willing the heavens to send down rain

Though weariness shows on each blackened face

They won’t allow fatigue to slow down their pace

Julie Annette King

Yanchep National Park

This morning I was moved by an image showing a kangaroo and fresh vegetation emerging from charcoaled branches following the recent bushfires in Yanchep. A friend posted the picture on social media, thus motivating me to pack a few essentials, jump in my humble little car and head to the National Park to see the remarkable recovery of nature for myself.

One can never fully take into account, the area of destruction from bush fires until we actually witness it ourselves… images and reports through the media can never bring it home like this. 

Slowly I drove through the vast area where all that remains is blackened tree trunks and dirty brown bushes and branches, now sprouting with new green life upon the ashen dirt. I saw the remains of the fuel station which did not stand a chance in midst of it all and could plainly see how many homes were in the line of possible ruin.

Signs of new green life

When I veered into the entrance of Yanchep National Park, I felt the need to pull over and take a snap of the sign that stood lonely before the burnt out bush. The smell of smoke was still evident.

Birdlife is profuse in the wetlands

Once I parked my car, I set off on my stroll across the pristine picnic lawn area adjacent to the lake, teeming with birdlife. This brought back wonderful memories from my childhood where our family often came for picnics some fifty years ago, though it has changed a lot since then.

Koala sleeping

I have never seen so many Western Grey kangaroos grazing on the picnic grounds in Yanchep like this before and they don’t seem to mind the people either. They are clearly hungry.

just two of many kangaroos grazing

How shocked I was to see how really close the bushfires came to destroying this area. The fires burned as close as a few hundred metres from the koala sanctuary and walk trails are now closed off due to destruction from the fires that raged through.

"this is Australia"

Later I settled myself with a refreshing glass of sparkling under a canopy of trees and enjoyed the mellow music and singing by a duo playing in the beer garden of the magnificent Yanchep Inn. A cool breeze, adults relaxing, children playing and kangaroos grazing made for a typical Aussie Pub scene.

remains of a foot bridge

As I cast my eyes about a hundred metres from where I was sitting, there stood the remains of the footbridge over parched wetlands that previously flowed into the lake. Green shoots of vegetation are beginning to appear here as well from clumps of black roots. Frightening to see how close this came to the Inn.

new growth sprouting in dried up wetlands

The magnificent Yanchep Inn

I have a deep respect and appreciation for our volunteer firefighters who do an amazing job, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of humans and wildlife.

Morning Coffee

Lively birds twittering and celebrating dawn
Our faithful sun has risen, a new day is born.

My ever grateful heart will never want for much,
except a cup of coffee to add that perfect touch.

Smell of grounded beans, luscious and intense,
wafting through my kitchen, arousing every sense.

If I happen to endure a twitchy, restless night,
I crave nothing more than a strong flat white.

My humble coffee maker never lets me down
when energy's depleted from dancing on the town.

Now, some prefer it chilled or maybe extra hot
and those lacking vigour will want a double shot.

Brewed justly neat for folks who like it black
or Macchiato, dash of foam if you’d rather that.

Frothy Cappuccino with chocolate on top
or smooth blended Latte savouring every drop.

I’m thankful for the coffee from the Arabica tree
and understand entirely, if it's not your cup of tea.

Happy New Year

My Christmas tree is glowing and candles are lit

All comfy and fresh in my nightie, I sit

A peaceful night to reminisce on my own

To reflect and ponder over years that have flown

Thinking of my loved ones and friends near and far

Hoping you are safe wherever you are

This year has unfolded many triumphs and tears

But life is like that - and we grow through the years

We must learn from the past, for we can’t rewind

Only live for this moment, laugh and be kind

I gaze up to the abundance of stars that shine

Thinking soon it is time to sing Auld Lang Syne

Relishing the bubbles from my champagne flute

I am sentimentally gratified and happy to boot!

Happy New Year!

Drinking Tea

It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor

Tea is a beverage enjoyed by all.

Savour the taste and sip away

You may like herbal or prefer Earl Grey.

In a cup and saucer or mug if you like

Fill your thermos and go for a hike.

One cup of tea from the minute you rise 

Will have you happy, alert and wise.

Julie Annette

Drink your tea slowly and reverently,

as if it is the axis on which the world

Earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without

rushing toward the future.

Live the actual moment.

Only this moment is life.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Vietnamese Monk

The Eucalyptus Tree

I lay beneath your canopy admiring your silvery leaves

Before a wash of sky, I rest in spellbound ease

Your foliage so appeasing in shades of blue and green

Diffusing your balmy oils thus palliative and serene

Supplying me with oxygen, guarding my precious wealth

Reducing air’s pollution - essential to human health

You shed your outer ribbons of bark in summer each year

Revealing a radiant surface so colourful, smooth and sheer

Fundamentally affording Koalas substantial, nourishing feed

Generously protecting wildlife, providing homes and seed

Native flowers ooze nectar, attracting swarms of bees

Birds peck at gumnut pits, devour them easy as peas

So grounded and assured as your roots do fondly creep

Embracing Mother Earth connected, strong and deep

Instagram: Julie Annette
Facebook: Conveying Gratitude

Thank My Lucky Stars

These past two nights have left me totally energised, uplifted and yearning to write to my heart’s content…. and for this I thank my lucky stars, literally!

Night One Thursday June 28:

Feeling a little weary and unsure of myself on this particular night, I attended one of my beautiful yoga instructor’s nourishing events.

Tara @ True Nature Yoga often runs a transformation class to coincide with various astronomical happenings. This night’s event involved paying gratitude and nourishing our mind and body with a cosy winter theme, in view of the full moon.

As usual, the event involved a short philosophical briefing, followed by a gentle yoga practice before settling my body within the comfort of warm blankets, cushions, eye pillows and a mist of blended, calming essential oils. Then with Tara’s guided meditation and celestial music humming in the background, my mind and body drifted into a space of peace and calm. A beautiful place to be.

I particularly enjoy Tara’s full moon events because the yoga moves are lenient and feminine and it allows me to truly go within myself, unwind and let go of emotional worry and thoughts that usually amplify during the full moon phase.

At the conclusion of Tara’s class, I drove home feeling so much lighter, energised, with a clearer mind and wonderfully relaxed body… like a weight had been lifted.

Night Two Friday June 29:

A very dear friend invited me to join him to visit The Gravity Discovery Centre Observatory in Gin Gin to observe the night’s sky.

The GDC, fondly called “The Leaning Tower of Gin Gin” is one of those places where I’d say “I must go there one day” but never made the time, so I was “over the moon” to finally be going!

Some years back in Uluru, I attended “Sounds of Silence” with my son Brad where we were fortunate to view the planet Saturn and the Milky Way through a telescope. I have never forgotten how spectacular that night in the desert was and have boasted about it ever since.

Now, on this winter's night in Gin Gin, with the temperature estimated to be 6 degrees Celsius, the sky clear and Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Mercury all lined up! We were in for a great show!

Our guides were fantastic and we joined a lovely group of keen star gazes including young children and elderly folk (like me and my friend Alan).

Naturally, our brightest, sacred, sister planet Venus was shining down, gracing the skies in her usual glory. The planet of inspiration for writers and poets. Interesting to learn that Venus is the hottest planet in our solar system. Her surface is also unable to be seen in visible light, due to layers of highly reflective clouds shrouding her mass.

Jewel Box Cluster

We viewed the Kappa Crucis Cluster, fondly known as the “Jewel Box Cluster” through the lens of the first telescope. Amazing colours of red, green and yellow shone like tiny fragments of diamonds and gems. It really did look like a box of jewels.

On the second telescope we viewed the second largest planet Saturn, apparently big enough to hold 760 planet Earths. The rings of water and ice that travel up to speeds of 1,800 kilometres an hour were certainly visible and we were able to get photos on our phones through the telescopic lens.

I have to admit that Saturn was not as illuminated as I saw it in Uluru. Maybe this was due to Saturn being visibly close to our full moon of 98% - thus casting too much light throughout the sky, whereas in Uluru there was hardly any moon at the time I was there.

Nevertheless, Saturn is an amazing planet and remarkable to know, he is less dense than water, so if we could find a big enough bathtub to hold Saturn… he would float!

Our bright illuminous moon was crystal clear and were all able to snap some great images through the telescopic lens.

As Mars came into view we were able to focus in on the reddish, brown planet, though he was a little fuzzy and not all that exciting. I then began to realise why Men are from Mars and Women from Venus.

Peering through the telescope to view Jupiter however, just blew me away!
Witnessing the coloured bands covering his surface and three of his four Galilean moons shining so vibrantly bright was truly unexpected.

Sighting a moon to each side and one creeping over from behind planet Jupiter was a truly extraordinary and surreal experience for me. Amazing to know that these moons were discovered in 1610 by the famous astronomer Galileo.

So, I’m really considering purchasing my own telescope now, but I know for certain I will be attending and travelling through space to witness more significant events in our universe through the GDC Observatory. I thoroughly recommend this venue to all those who love star gazing.

Julie Annette

Journal of Gratitude

Throughout the years I have written and retained numerous journals;

Day to day journals – like most of us, where appointments and occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries etc., are recorded.

Travel journals – commemorating my holidays, activities and cultural journeys. Whether I travel near or far, there is always something that captivates my senses and rouses my need to write. These are wonderful mementos to treasure. 

Gratitude Journals – I regard these as my personal collection of bibles, where I record experiences and gifts I am thankful for.
As I ponder through some of my entries from years gone by, I am reminded of many heart-warming and gratifying moments I shall always cherish.

Keeping a Gratitude Journal

It has been said, that the practice of writing down your thoughts, is an ideal way to express appreciation and gratitude for daily occurrences in your life. Maintaining this regular exercise, can lead to improved health, less anxiety and an optimistic approach to life.

Sometimes we endure days where we may feel irritated, frustrated and often wanting “more” instead of feeling content and satisfied with what we already have. Particularly on days like these, we need to pause for a few minutes and acknowledge everything we do have that truly matters. This helps alter our attitude, where we feel calmer, grateful and happier within ourselves and further develops a positive outlook to life.

Acceptance

How can anyone be happier with more, if they don’t appreciate what they already have? Happiness does not bring gratitude - only gratitude brings happiness and contentment. 

Why not kick off 2018 by beginning your very own Gratitude Journal!

Your daily entries may comprise of anything from the chat you shared with a dear friend over a cup of tea to your recent overseas holiday. It could even include a treasured gift someone gave you, an act of kindness, a peaceful walk along the beach or your baby’s first word.

Sometimes I jot down a quote or affirmation that I have read and liked or I even make up my own. You may even like to sketch some entries and add colour and description to your posts. It all comes down to how you feel on that particular day… it is all part of your journey.

A quote by Audrey Hepburn that I love

All you need to start with is a blank page in any notebook or journal of your choice, a pen or pencil in whatever colour or colours you desire and a gracious heart.

Find a nice quiet place to sit for a few minutes and bring awareness, as this is a wonderful mindful meditation practice. Tune into your inner self and give thanks for anything that you feel grateful for.

My Lucky Bamboo

What a wonderful gift to yourself at the end of the year, to go back through your entries, recall and reminisce over your own little book of gratitude!

There are some beautiful journals available in stores and they also make delightful gifts.

Divine Feminine

Salute and embrace the full moon and retreat within your feminine practice.

Learn to accept, love and nourish your body, your mind and your spirit.

Focus on your personal development and self-awareness and immerse 

into gentleness of peace, tranquillity, love, passion, joy and happiness.

You will gain a sense of gratitude, wisdom and

an inspiration to give to those around you.

Super Moon

Dancing is an Expression of Body and Mind


Julie Annette