Today I Need…

Today I need flowers and sunshine.

Thought you might, too.

Monday Meditation (6)

‘I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have

my senses put in order.’

John Burroughs

It’s All Prayer

Savouring a meal with slow and sweet deliberation
Staring for long moments deep into the eyes of my cat
Pausing to listen to the motorbike hum of frogs
Rubbing rosemary between my fingers, smiling at the scent
Marvelling at twigs encased in ice
Breathing in the stillness of a breeze-free day
Sensing the strength of a tree, centuries old
Tipping back my head to catch the warmth of the sun.

‘Prayer is not only what you say or utter.  Prayer really means attention.  When you, your soul and your mind pay attention, that is called prayer.’

Yogi Bhajan

Return of the SX-70

It’s back!  The poor SX-70 that was taken so very ill on our first morning in Marrakesh….and languished in my suitcase for the rest of the trip….is now cured and acting like a happy camera again.

After returning from Morocco, I packed it off to the States to the nice man from whom I originally bought it (it’s one well-travelled camera).  Roger is a Polaroid doctor and, within 24 hours, he’d lovingly restored the poor thing to health.

Now it’s home and raring to go.  The SX-70 – get this - now opens and shuts (a very good start).  I can see through the viewfinder again (kind of useful).  And, best of all, it actually shoots pictures!

There’s a stash of film in the fridge that’s been to Africa and back.  Time to use it.

Dog On A Mission

Give a certain dog a bone and, instead of chewing it, he’ll rush straight onto the moor to bury it.  Even if it’s soooo heavy.  Even if he has to put it down every few paces to rest his poor jaw.

He’s single minded.  He’s focused.  He’ll trail for miles until he finds just the right spot.

The bone must be buried in secret.  Absolutely no onlookers allowed (human or canine).  If he thinks he’s been observed, he’ll pick up the bone again and hunt for a new hiding place.

Digging the hole is a serious business (I’ve peeped).  It takes time.  Once he’s happy with his handiwork, he’ll lay the bone carefully in its shallow space.  Cover it assiduously.

Only then will he remember his habitual smile.  Only then will he notice what’s going on about him.  Only then will he do the things dogs are meant to do when out walking the fells.

The moor is littered with Joss’ bones.  There are dozens lurking beneath the heather.  Archaeologists would have a field day….