The “Creativity of Nature” is my personal odyssey of searching for a soulful expression of life, which I would like to share with others. Albany and the surrounds are rich in natural wonders, both picturesque and uniquely beautiful. If we stand in awe, acknowledging the essence and intrinsic value of nature’s wonders we are less likely to allow activities, which damage and destroy. Some of the plants shown are rare and endangered through a complete lack of awareness of their value, or even, of their very existence. The fragile ecology of some of the areas depicted, is either being or has been threatened by human intervention, thereby threatening the habitat of flora and fauna alike. I hope we can find a solution to prevent further destruction.
BIRDS
Rabindranth Tagore Stray birds of summer come to my window
To sing and fly away
And yellow leaves of autumn,
Which have no songs,
Flutter and fall there with a sigh.
O troupe of little vagrants of the world,
Leave your footprints in my words.
AN ODE TO BLUE BOY You came as the flowers unfurled, Their petals of myriad hue You came into my garden You with your feather’s so blue Amid the background chatter I often heard you sing Yours the loudest call of all You little harbinger of spring As I practiced my own music, You joined in the refrain. It was hard to hear the melody, And for this I had to strain. Upon the third spring’s dawning I searched for you in vain In all your favourite places Your loss fills me with pain. You will live within my memory So precious and so true When I walk among the flowers Remembering your feathers so blue.
Baby Birds The daffodils are dancing, Now that Spring is here. The birds are still romancing, There’s something in the air. The birdsong is increasing, With extra voices now. They chatter without ceasing, The flowers nod and bow. So if you get despondent, And begin to feel the gloom. Look for a bird resplendent,’ With so magnificent a plume. And if you’re really lucky, And numbered among the few. You’ll spy a very plucky, Winsome baby or two.
BIRDS
A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. Chinese Proverb
ON FORESTS “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. Whoever does not know it and can no longer marvel, is as good as dead.” Albert Einstein.
The interplay of light and shadow create mystery and magic within the forests of our ancient land. The visitor may feel a stirring of the senses by the rustling leaves and the heady scent of eucalyptus as they crunch bark and humus underfoot. They may hear the huge boughs bend and crack in the fury of a winter’s storm. Or experience the silence broken only by the call of a bird or the stealthy movement of a creature through the undergrowth. Some may consider what wonders lurk beneath the sweet smelling humus of rotting leaves and fallen bark.
THE DRAGONFLY The dragonfly was darting and hovering gliding in circles all around us. Shards of sunlight, escapees from the thick mucous cloud, which shrouded the day, glistened and sparkled on her wings of gossamer. She reminded me of Tinkerbell, with the same nervous energy and restlessness. Drops of moisture gave clear definition to the intricate and delicate webs of the spiders, which had toiled all evening to create their masterpieces, through this ethereal wonderland. The forest was silent, save for the sound of footsteps on the path.
DEEP WITHIN Deep within the baldachin Of ancient life and limb, Can you sense the energy Pulsating there within? Will you hear the plaintiff cry Of feathered friends or miss, The subtle nuances and let This moment pass you by? Or will you merge with kin Uncovering the mysteries, Of light, love and limb, Hidden there within?
GROVES Sometimes thou may’est walk in groves, Which being full of majesty will much Advance the soul. Thomas Vaughan
THE TREE, MY MOTHER AND ME Dappled light filtering through the leafy canopy glistened on the silken strands of her silver hair. Loving grey eyes looked my way, full of knowing and primal wisdom. Daughter of the Druids, the elemental nature of the tree, would be etched forever in your memory. It was as if my mother and the tree had joined in a sacred dance, to weave their magic. The healing distance.
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I was taken by the trees beauty; the intricate patchwork pattern on its trunk and its green leafy boughs swaying on a gentle breeze. Then as the surreal image of my mother gradually faded, I was left bathing in a serene sea of clarity and insight.
Nuytsia Florabunda A Mistletoes Story.
Your evolution swirls in the mists of time. You the thief of the elixir of life. A subterranean subterfuge your secret Not even the humble vegetable if safe.
You come at a time of celebration. You the aberrant Queen of creation. To steal the thunder, Of those less colourful than you.
SPIDER ORCHIDS Spider orchids Unique and beautiful. Petals like long wispy filaments, Bend and sway on a gentle breeze. Enchanting to those lucky enough to see, Plants so diverse – yet all related. Growing in different habitats, at different times. All create a breathtaking experience. With their nodding heads and elegant displays. Visitors, from all corners of the world, come to capture a lasting memory.
THE QUEEN OF SHEBA She arrives with pomp and ceremony. Long before her retinue, Resplendent in colours of royalty, And sits upon her throne. She deigns to make an appearance, When Sol is at his zenith. Observers from near and far, Are dazzled by her splendour. They gather in her court, Any vie for her highnesses’ attention. They marvel at her exquisite detail And worship the queen.
Sunrise Sunset
(Over Oyster Harbour)
Sunrise, Sunset, I don’t think you two have met. Though you visit the same places, And you both have many faces. You have not met
SUNSET
Shards of dying golden light Shot arrows into the sky. Creating a visual masterpiece. Surging seas sprayed salt water Over the landscape. A last surge of energy and inspiration, Before the curtain fell over the evening.
The Gap She is beautiful and alluring, And will attract you with her charms. But beware her seductive offerings. And keep yourself from harm. When you peer into her depths, And watch the foaming froth appear, Hear the clap of water thundering, Upon the granite rocks so sheer. Remember that this spectacle, Can mesmerise and charm, And just when you are captivated, It may well cause you some harm. So when you come to visit her, Enjoy her with reserve, Respect her special powers, Thereby your life you may preserve.
BRIDGING THE GAP A Cross Cultural friendship Sacred places, Sacred faces, Friend of mine, So Precious and so Dear What is the bridge made of Which links us – Is it clear? Is it the things we value? Or the love that we both give, To sacred places And sacred faces? And a reverence for all that is.
THE GREAT SOUTHERN OCEAN Vast, deep, fathomless, Azure blue, Dotted with white caps, Of myriad hue, Home to wild things, A seagull or two, Eagles soar on massive wings, Fish swim, Driftwood forms From a tree limb, Horizon for miles, White sand in piles, A salty taste in the mouth, Sea breeze from the south’ Go down to the sea, Where all is free.
KING RIVER
The river picturesque and peaceful. A place of magic and mystery, Reflections of gnarled trees and rugged rocks Is pure symmetry. No masterpiece could ever portray, A vision of such perfection. So gaze into its tranquil waters. That mirror the creators’ reflection.
PORONGORUPS Noatch the evil spirit of the Aboriginal Dreamtime lived here in this ancient, Precambrian mountain range. His ghostly spectre appeared as the wind whipped the mists, swirling around the peaks and off into the gullies and crevices. His eager accomplices the “Janaks” would create mischief if a fire was not lit and food left to appease their voracious appetites. This was the home to hunter gatherers who would set up camp in the rolling hills and valleys at the base of the granite domes and peaks of “Borongurup” one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Formed in the collision between Australia and Antarctica at the beginning of the ancient super continent of Gondwanaland. With its granite domes cloaked in constantly changing mountain mists and girthed by mighty Karri forests with a dense, lush undergrowth, it is a wonder to behold. Growing in abundance down the slopes are mosses, lichens and ferns. On the floor of the Karri, Jarrah and Marri forests grow a profusion of wildflowers, orchids and fungi all unique and beautiful. A vibrant “Garden of Eden”..
THE STIRLING RANGES The wind drives the mist swirling and eddying into the gullies and crevices of the mysterious mountain range. Sounds like eerie moans and groans float on the chill air.
Shrouded in gentle mist and growing down the slopes and rocky cliff faces and on into the gullies, a profusion of wildflowers. A botanical treasure house, which draws naturists from all over the world.
Beaufortias, Isopogons, Darwinias, Hakeas, and Dryandras sport their individual colours, shapes and textures providing an unequalled show of natures wonders. Orchids unique and exquisite; some rare and endangered lure those who have discovered their special allure. Heath and Marri forests; mallee woodlands; and mountain thickets, untracked wilderness as far as the eye can see.
The screech of Carnabys Beach Cockatoo, interspersed with the songs of the Splendid Fairy wrens, the spotted pardolotes and the shrike thrush and other species, attract the bird watches.
The undergrowth alive with disparate creatures; Western Wallabies, honey possums, frogs reptiles and invertebrates. An ecosystem alive, vibrant; a veritable cornucopia; a marvel of creation.
LIKE THE RIPPLES ON A POND Ripples have a way of coming back and haunting us. Perhaps before we set the first ripple in motion, we should be sure of its destination. We can be mesmerised by the effect, but totally unaware of the side effects.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT A grove of trees, strong, healthy, vital Along came the bulldozers, chain saws and trucks, A need, an industry, an export. Then placards, sit-ins, protests. A pang of conscience, Cease – Desist. An empty space, Plant blue-gums, foreign giants among trees, Fast growing, powerful roots, water guzzlers. Adapted to a different environment. No-one need complain now. Export industry back on track. Water table drops. Indigenous trees for miles are dying. The bird call ceases. Rachael Carson’s “Silent Spring”, only a different cause. A karmic ripple But……..man has his woodchip.
THE OLD AND THE NEW Early morning A feel of expectancy in the air A grey mist is swirling it softly brushes up against the onlookers, From the distance a glimpse of her, Through the heads the regal QE11 glides into view. Her entourage gently guiding her entrance, into a safe harbour; natures own design. The sound of her horn blast breaks the silence of the moment a poignant farewell. Old, tired, her sailing days are through. Across the water a silent watcher Head bowed in deference acknowledging the moment. STS Leeuwin had come to pay respects. And with her own magnificence, Her history she will carve, Charting endless voyages. Young, vibrant, new.
Page No.
Description
Cover The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial – Mt Clarence Albany 5
Female Splendid Fairy Wren on man’s shoe
6
Autumn leaves from our garden
7
Male Splendid Fairy Wren named ‘Blueboy’ by Author
9
Baby Splendid Fairy Wrens
11
Male Splendid Fairy Wren
11
Red-capped Parrot
13
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
14
Female Splendid Fairy Wren
15
Red-Eared Firetail
16
Golden Whistler
17
Hybrid between Red-capped Parrot and Western Rosella
18
Western Rosella
19
White-breasted Robin
20
Sacred Kingfisher
22
Montage – dragonfly, wasp and butterfly
23
Dragonfly
26
Karri Forrest – Torbay Hill - Torbay
27
Karri Forrest - Torbay
29
Eucalypt - Elleker
32
Nuytsia Floribunda or (West Australian Christmas Bush) – Cosy Corner
34
Caladenia filifera (Blood Spider Orchid)
35
Caladenia Bryceana (Dwarf Spider Orchid)
36
Caladenia Polychroma (Joseph’s Spider Orchid)
37
Caladenia Cairnsiana (hybrid)
38
Caladenia Macrostylis (Leaping Spider Orchid)
39
Thelymitra Variegata (Queen of Sheba)
41
Sunrise over our windmill Albany
43
Sunset at ‘The Gap’ Albany
46
‘The Gap’ Albany
48
The Natural Bridge at ‘The Gap’ - Albany
49
Emu Point – Albany (Seagulls and Terns feeding)
52
King River - Albany
54
Porongorups across farmland
55
Stirling Range across canola fields from ‘The Lily’ – Accommodation Stirlings
58
Ripples on King River - Albany
60
Tree Plantation near Porongorups
61
QEII berthed in Albany on final voyage with Leeuwin II opposite