I love photographing tree skeletons!
I'm a self-confessed tree lover and even though I hate seeing trees that have died, I love the visual impact the tree skeleton has. Denuded of their leaves the branches have a beauty all of their own. Trying to get the best angle has me wondering - why this tree? What force of nature sealed this individual's fate? Was it lightening, or a flood, or some heavy handed farmer with a bottle of pesticide? Or had it just lived its life and it was time to go. Who knows? We lost a few big gums in our fire - they came down in the wind. While the practical side of me says "firewood", the photographer says "you'll have to photograph them first". Hopefully I'll get a chance to see them without their leaves and save some memories, before the chainsaw comes out. Happy Valentine's Day to all!
There's been a bit of a hiatus in writing since the fire but three and a half weeks on, we're finally to the point where we can stop spending every non-working day down at the farm. Yes we've had damage but nothing that's not fixable. There'll be a lot of working over the coming months, but our cows are safe, our fences are up and we're starting to see some grass regrowth. Now, I love Valentine's Day, and not just for the flowers and chocolates. This year, we had two valentine's cards - one from the elderly dog who requested our company for breakfast at a pet friendly cafe and one from our sporty younger dog for a late afternoon beach walk. We had a lovely day. But what if your Valentine's Day didn't go to plan? Every year I head to our local online classified and trawl for engagement rings the day after Valentine's Day. There's a huge increase just before (people trying to sell last years) and just after (well, that didn't go to plan). These ads can be funny or heartbreaking, but all of them sew the seeds for characters. Fast forward Mr "It didn't work out" two years on and he's prime hero material. Or the woman who can no longer look at the ring after her husband died, or cheated on her - how is she ever going to recover? Here's some of the gems from this year's review, all of them listed for sale on Valentine's Day: $21000 White Gold Engagement Ring - BRAND NEW!! Never used as no longer required (selling for $3500) 18ct white gold female wedding ring, 7 diamonds - never worn. Diamond Engagement Ring. Brand New. Paid $6000. Asking for at least half or can swap for jet ski. Ladies Diamond Engagement Ring. 9ct gold with 4 diamonds. Found in old stuff, don't want. Half carot of diamonds - Selling my solid gold engagement ring as I no longer wear as I don't want the memories. Ladies Engagement/Wedding Ring set - need to sell to get new ones for partner and mother of my children. Have only been worn for a few months - in good condition. Got any ideas for characters yet? The photo above didn't come from the classified - it's a wedding and engagement ring set that I own, gifted from a family member who passed. Its too small, and not my style, but the thought of ending its life with a similar ad is heartbreaking. One day, I'll be ready to repurpose it into something I can wear. Until then, back into its box it goes. Hope you had a sensational Valentine's Day. |
Fiona Greene AuthorWhen you set out on a journey and night falls, that's when you will discover the stars." Archives
November 2022
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