Matariki and New Beginnings

Now is the time here, of Matariki. 

Celebrations of the New Year, new beginnings.

It makes sense really, the time of harvest is complete, 

the days have drawn in. 

  It is winter. The earth draws breath & rests..

so now is the time to take stock for the coming year..an

important time in the Maori calendar in New Zealand,

which has lead me 

to thinking..of community & the gathering together

& strength of women.

As we were walking this week I came across this

extraordinary painting on display in the window 

of the Information Centre

 It speaks to me of wholeness & empowerment through

each season of a woman's life.

 Women who know their own strength

& enable & nurture others.

Women who continue to bloom even in the winter

in spite of the rain.

even in the dark, continuing to be light

(yip we had an unexpected power cut)

warming others, warming themselves

Communities & families are held together by the strength

& love & resourcefulness of women.

All honour to you dear one. 

Thank you for taking the time to be here.

You are just lovely!

Did you know that violets drink from their flowers.

When next you pick a bunch dip their wee heads in a 

glass of water. I had a happy accidental drink from such a

glass after dunking violets once..the fragrance in the water

was astonishing. 

Your sweet violets will last several days longer this way.

I just adore the fragrance of daphne don't you.

This one is a white one but the scent is still 

just as divine. I keep visiting everyday

wanting to hurry it up... open!

Like when I was little & I would squeeze 

the feijoas daily until eventually they were

soft & fell off not from ripeness but from 

bruising!

Women bring so much fragrance, beauty & colour

in to the world. 

You can hardly see my curly kale but it is

the most remarkable mahogany colour.

The teapot just wanted a turn in a picture.

there's an empty section just down the road..today 

I went & rescued some of the camelias.

The pink flowers are roses still 

flowering in my garden..Monsiuer Tillier again.

The jelly I made just yesterday from the last of the

guavas, several crab apples & a japonica apple..

I just love this sweet book

I read this page the other day

& thought I must share it with you.

Click the picture to enlarge if

you're having trouble reading it : )

you are my sunshine...have a wonderful day!