Silent Day

2nd experience at a silent meditation retreat. Made me realise that doing it indoors and outdoors is really… different.

 

Revival of Haru the Harinezumi

About 3 weeks ago, when I was still enjoying the period of siesta in between jobs, I opened the drawer one day to find this forgotten camera.

Haru the Harinezumi. Not used since 2015! Or thereabouts. Battery had totally died, and I had to get a new one.

Spent a part of the day at the Botanic Gardens, playing with light, shadows, and the marco mode.

Seems like going back to the simple, raw stuff could really enable us to see things differently.

 

 

Tis’ The Season

My little Winter Wonderland 🙂

I left this terrarium in a rather shady part of the room before leaving for India in late November, and came back to a slanted plant as the poor thing grew in the only natural direction it knew how – towards the light.

Attempting to help it grow in the other direction now…

Merry Christmas.

Ariel the Airplant

Hello Ariel.

 

The Terrarium That Started It All

So for Teacher’s Day this year, we were each presented with a little terrarium, which I fell in love with immediately.

Unfortunately my original set-up didn’t last for more than a week, due to the simple reason of me forgetting to get them water during the one week break.

Feeling utterly remorseful, I went to do research, buy new plants, and attempted to try again.

It’s been about a month now, and I’m happy to report that the new plants are growing well. A little too well, in fact. I thought they looked cuter when they were no taller than the rim of the fishbowl.

Doing all that research has been growing on me too, and so the colleague and I decided to order some supplies online to make more of our own. I’ve been playing around with moss, sand, soil, plants, airplants, stones and pebbles, and miniature trees and animals, and yes, having a lot of fun! Who knew making a miniature world within a class container could be so addictive and therapeutic. A few friends have their birthdays coming up, and I’m going to try to make them a personalised terrarium. Wish me luck.

Mait’s Rest Rainforest Walk

A refreshing change from the coastline.

Memories From Melbourne – Royal Botanic Gardens

The difference humidity makes: You can walk through a sun-scorched garden and emerge without a drop of perspiration!

 

Barangaroo Reserve

Looking back, I realise this was the last place of attraction I visited in Sydney.

It was a cloudy, overcast day, which sort of mirrored my feelings about leaving the beautiful city soon. I decided to do something about those feelings, and together we went for a walk at the newly opened Barangaroo Reserve. It helped.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens // Mount Coot-Tha

I took the wrong bus, alighted at a not-too-friendly stop, had to ask for directions, but eventually… I made it.

It was only after coming back to Sydney when I realised the stark contrast between the flora and fauna. Greater appreciation of climate and vegetation now, something I haven’t felt since my geography-studying days.

Auburn Botanic Gardens Part 2

Had to pay admission fee to go in. So of course the cheapo in me had to take as many pictures as possible to make it worthwhile…

Thank goodness for good sun and cloud that day!