I live in such a beautiful place. I just, have to step outside my Truck and I am surrounded by beauty. Although I have been feeling frustrated lately, due to my move being put on hold and being stuck at the boat in quite an open and public place, it is still in nature. And at this time of the year, as everything begins to spring back into life, it does wonders to lift my spirits and remind me how fortunate I really am. I mean, just look at that Almond tree in full blossom! How stunning is that pink, against the blue sky!
Today I went for a walk with my youngest daughter. Instead of walking on the track, we decided to walk in amongst the river bed. The river here is pretty small and doesn't always flow, even at this time of the year. But it is a wonderful place to explore and it is right next to where we are parked up.
I could hear the water flowing last night from inside the truck, but this morning it had stopped. But you can still see evidence, in the wet earth above. We walked upstream, enjoying the path that the water takes, with my youngest jumping from stone to stone and reminding me, that I mustn't walk where the earth is wet.
To the side of us, is the red cliff face. It is up upon this cliff that we will move to. I love the red earth here, it reminds me of both Africa and Australia. Both place hold such wonderful memories for me. Both places having helped to shape me into who I am today. But today, today I am creating beautiful memories with my daughter.
We decide to climb a bit, to step out of the river bed, so that we can have a clearly view of what is up ahead. More beautiful mountains of course and blue sky, as the sun beams down on us. This is definitely the warmest day we have had since the autumn and it feels good to honor this transition, in such a way. Out in the elements, walking in the wild, with nothing but the sound of the birds to greet us.
My youngest daughter, is in her element and so am I. This is what life is all about, taking the time to be present, to observe and be thankful for all that we have. So often we can caught up in our heads,I certainly have the last few days. Worried about how much longer until I can move to our new spot. All the while taking me away from this, from the simplest and yet most powerful thing I can do.
Before we know it, we are walking towards town and find ourselves in the Eucalyptus forest, where a new community project is unfolding. I am very excited about this project. This is the site of an old gypsy bar, which got shut down by the council as none of the bills had been paid over the last few years. Suddenly this space was available, to be turned into a new project. What you see above, all the wooden structure, has been built by a wonderful team of volunteers.
The concrete building, which you can see above, was the original bar, everything else, has been built recently. It has been so exciting to witness this project take place as it going to become a wonderful community space, with juice bar and restaurant. I know the people who will be running it and they are awesome.
Right in front of it, is this wonderful outdoor stage, that will be used to hold events, performances and workshops. When I first arrived here, I fell in love with this spot. I could see that it had so much potential and to see that potential now be reached is amazing. To me there is nothing better than celebrating life, outdoors. There was a festival in the summer to raise money to help fund this project and it was a huge success.
It is right in the middle of the forest and that space will now also house a playground and skate park, which much of the community will help to build. With everything that is happening right now in the world, it is so great to have such a positive project, that will create a lot of unity within the whole community. Which is exactly what needs to happen right now.