pretty useless

Today I noticed that all the wisteria in the neighbourhood has showered in purple glory - spring is definitely here! I think the colour of the wisteria and jacaranda are probably my favourite colour of purple and against bright blue skies it is so visually stunning. It will be a few more weeks before the jacaranda blooms.

Seeing the wisteria today reminded me of an almost forgotten memory. I was in year 8 at school , so about 13 or 14 and had a massive crush on my English teacher, although I never understood why he taught English his spelling was atrocious and I often had to correct his work on the blackboard.

Anyway, it was his birthday and in all my young giddiness on the way to school, I thought it would be nice to give him a bunch of flowers for his birthday. We had a massive old wisteria that grew at the front of the house, so I picked a massive bunch, holding them upside down all the way to school - they looked so pretty. Can you imagine how embarrassed I felt when after bashfully handing over the flowers, I realised that they are pretty useless to put in a vase ... well the birthday present was kind of a "flop" so to speak. Pretty flowers on the vine, but useless in a vase!

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Flying Solo Tip 088365 : Sometimes our emotions blind us to practicalities, sometimes that can lead to embarrassing failure, other time is can lead to unexpected innovation.

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superheroes rule

With a late night shoot last night and one first thing this morning it has been a full weekend. This morning was a superheroes birthday party.

Superheroes don't always wear masks, nor their underpants on the outside; but they often go unnoticed, wear a cloak of invisibility and are rarely acknowledged.

I want to relay a brief encounter today that I had will a superhero. To protect his identity, we will call him "j". "j" was very articulate and proudly informed me that we was 5 AND three quarters (I love how kids find the partial years so important and in later years, as adults we shave off not just the partials but full years!), he collects rocks and feathers. Before I was "allowed" to take his photo "j" checked out my photography credentials.

At some point during the party, "j" came up to me with a sandwich in hand and said "This is for you, you must be hungry after working so hard." I was so touched by his consideration. Later his mum, said to me, how patient I seemed to be with "j" waiting to take his photo as he came down the jumping castle slide and then showing him the picture. I told her about the sandwich - she seemed very surprised. "j" happened to be standing beside me at this point, and he just turned and gave me the biggest hug. I guess he felt that maybe I needed not just a sandwich but a hug too.

In our stories and on our screens, we recognise superheroes because they seem to have extraordinary powers; yet in my mind, the superheroes are all around us if we take the time to notice them.

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Flying Solo Tip 087365 : Be a superhero. Perform acts with consideration and kindness.

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ode to a friend

As I look back on this calendar year, there have been so many days of sadness. Sometimes it feels that I have shed an ocean of tears this year, and yet I still have tears spare. Today they are for a friend.

It is inevitable that one day we will all die. Some of us choose the timing. I found out early this morning, that my friend chose his timing to pass from this earth and this life.

Today, I dedicate this post to him with these words:

Ode to a Friend

May the wildflowers grow beneath your feet

To soften the path you now tread;

May the moonbeams guide you

On your chosen journey;

May the light of the stars

Hold you in their embrace.

For those that loved you here on earth

Will continue to hear your whispers in the breeze.

For your friendship, I thank you

For your wise words imparted, I thank you

For your encouragement when my days were dark, I thank you

For your kindness and generosity, I shall remember you.

In final farewell, I will raise my glass

And drink in quiet remembrance to honour you.

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Flying Solo Tip 086365 : Remember those that touched your heart with generosity and kindness.

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