Spring is Sprung!

September the first and Spring is here. There is a certain feeling, subconsciously filling our hearts and souls with new things to come, the prospect of warmer weather and those lazy, hazy days at the beach, holidays and days that stretch out with what seem to be added hours. This is the Japanese Garden at Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. 

Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters

Autumn Leaves

Autumn leaves both literally and photographically because today is the first day of winter here in the southern hemisphere. Already people are bemoaning the passing of summer and the hot humid days. I'm enjoying the seasonal change and the freshness that winter brings, and we can't really complain about winter here in the sub-tropics.

The falling leaves drift by the window

The autumn leaves of red and gold

I see your lips, the summer kisses

The sun-burned hands I used to hold

Since you went away the days grow long

And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song

But I miss you most of all, my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall

C’est une chanson qui nous resemble

Toi qui m’aimais et je t’aimais

Nous vivions tous les deux ensemble

Toi qui m’aimais, moi qui t’aimais

Mais la vie sépare ceux qui s’aiment

Tout doucement sans faire du bruit

Et la mer efface sur le sable

Les pas des amants désunis

Since you went away the days grow long

And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song

But I miss you most of all, my darling

When autumn leaves start to fall…

Seasonal Protection

Sitting in the southern hemisphere, March 1st ushers in the first day of autumn, not that you'd know it by the late burst of hot dry weather we are having. Whilst walking through the city the other day I noticed this decorated tree in King George Square which needed closer inspection. This is the Martenitza tree, a gift to the city and people of Brisbane from the Bulgarian community and is significant on March 1st, Martenitza's Day. The first of March is a celebration of life, hope and good spirits, and this tradition can be traced back 8000 years to the Balkan region.

Red is the colour of fire, blood and the symbol of life associated with the woman. White is the symbol of purity, the colour of the cold snow, foamy waters, the clouds, and also of man's wisdom. The twisted red and white threads of the Martenitza bring health, happiness and protect from evil according to the ancient tradition.

Hope you all have good health and happiness, wherever you are.