Autumn colour among the stillness

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By Lynn Elder

Of all the seasons, I have one that is dear
Not one that brings lots of fear
Due to storms and massive rain
That do bring damage and pain.

A season that is mild and still
Where mists can swirl until
A warm sun breaks through the cloud
While a farmer has his crops sowed.

The icy fingers of winter are yet to arrive
But a touch of dew does give
A sense of coolness yet to come
That will make your body numb.

No other season can give such golden hues
And call for blessings from the pews
While nature chooses from the richest spectrum
Of colours to woo us all so we all left dumb.

PHOTOS: Lynn Elder

Be mindful of our men’s mental health

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I am a member of a nonprofit group called Mansfield Lets Talk that promotes removing the stigma around mental health.

While good mental health is vital for all of us, the men in our lives are vulnerable and sometimes we can miss the signs. My husband and I lost my stepson Matt to suicide in 2019. He was only 39.

We are both passionate about talking about mental health and helping those who are impacted by it. I thought the following blog post was well worth sharing.

Remember always reach out if you need help.

TEN THOUGHTS ON MEN AND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Christmas tidings across the seas

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As our crazy summer weather forces festivities indoors, I am still grateful for the privilege of living in a peaceful country, food and shelter in abundance, family and friends near and far, and the chance to share my creativity with others.

My paid writing gig has seen me neglect my blog rather badly, so to my followers I do apologise but I’m sure many of you understand that life is full of ebbs and flows. I will be doing three months of fulltime work for our local newspaper from January so that will keep me busy.

May this holiday season however you celebrate it bring much joy and a chance to reflect on what is really important to you and those close to you.

May there will be a sense of willingness for our world leaders and those in power to be changemakers for good and end this senseless waste of lives especially of women and children. I count my blessings this Christmas Day but know we cannot stand by and do nothing.

If we can be nothing else, let us be kind. May we travel towards a more caring and compassionate world in 2024.

Many thanks for dropping by, and maybe I might find more time for my blog next year! Happy blogging everyone.

In Kindness,

Lynn

The river – a metaphor for my life

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By Lynn Elder

Slow and sluggish during times of scarcity
Fast and furious when abundance reigns
And just a steady stream of activity in between.
Crescendos as water pours over rocky cascades,
Tranquil and still during times of less rain.

Sparkling as a jewel on a sunny day
Gloomy as the darkest winter's day.
The river travels far, not always aware of its destination.
But end the river must, if it is to become part of something bigger.
The river, a metaphor for my life.

My spiny friend

/ kiangablog / 2 Comments

By Lynn Elder

When the skies turn bright blue and baking hot,
That is when a creature will seek out,
A respite from the blazing sun above, 
And take a splash in water they do so love. 

The echidna feels the heat as the mercury soars, 
And gives him reason to pause,
Chasing busy ants with his probing beak, 
And consider taking a break.

From the ant heap to the verandah, he does roam, 
For there, he senses that at this home, 
Lies untold luxury into which he does clamber, 
A water bowl to wash, and then to slumber.