Fields of Gold

Canola fields bright and yellow were something we discovered while living in Victoria. In Queensland though there are fields of something else. I suspect there are canola fields too, but I prefer the new fields and the sense of urgency to find them and take in the scene.

In the Southern Granite Belt and Southern Downs sunflowers grow. Standing tall facing the sun (mostly), in fields under the never-ending blue skies.

The only other time I have come across a field of sunflowers standing tall, was in Suffolk when things were unravelling and my head was a bit of a mess. There they were, just on the side of the road near the turn off to Aldeburgh, nodding in the breeze with a sign that invited the passing traveller to stop and "Pick Your Own". We didn't.

So when we heard whispers of these fields, and secret trails on social media we knew we had to go. Getting there was a bit of a drive, further than we thought, but that is half the fun of a spontaneous roadie.

Although the weather was starkly different to where we had last spotted a sunflower field, there were similarities. Roads dissected fields and farms like ribbons, and no fences defined the edge of the fields. It was a bit like driving those country lanes in Suffolk again. And then finally, there they were, and we weren't the only ones looking for that perfect instagram photo or perfect angle. 

I don't think these were for picking at all, perhaps they were destined for florists, or to become sunflower oil...

#52Stories, Week 52, 'Tis the season..

Christmas

It has to be my favourite time of the year. I’m not sure exactly what it is about it, that makes it so.

Maybe it is because all over the world people are celebrating together.

Maybe it is all the great (often cheesy) movies…

…or the baking – so many choices

…or packaging – it’s the craft geek in me, I can’t help myself

…or the sharing.

The counting down,

Carols in the park.

Taking time to breathe,

Searching for the right gift – not just a gift for gift-giving’s sake.

Making time to appreciate life…people, and to thoughtfully give to others who might not share the same opportunities.

Following traditions, making memories, reminiscing, starting new rituals.

Summer days – although a white Christmas is still on my bucket list, even if it is only once.

The joy of homecoming (not that there is much of that goes on in our family) – maybe next year.

Ours is always a quiet day – 2, maybe 4 people. Those rowdy, fun cousin packed, extended family events I always long for aren’t really an option. Maybe I wouldn’t enjoy them anyway, as used to solitariness as I am.

Mostly I think it is that cosiness, mindfulness feeling…

…seeing the joy in others – young and old.

It is MAGIC.

B E L I E V E