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.
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.
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.
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.
Some random photographs taken during 2022, most close to my home. Although there was much more freedom to roam than in the previous two years, life seemed to be focused on the scenes, animals and community activities of our local area. There is much to be grateful for and as we all head into 2023 may that continue. Happy New Year.
If one rose can bring so much pleasure
How much more joy can a bunch bring
Or even a basket full.
A blooming bush bursting with buds is a delight,
As is a huge climbing rose full of heavenly scent.
Make a garden bed full of roses to enjoy,
Or a whole garden dedicated to the rose and stroll about at leisure.
By Lynn Elder
I love this photo of these two children taken with their parents’ permission in Dili, the capital of Timor Leste in 2017during my first visit there. I have written posts and shared my photos in earlier posts.
Escape to the High Country... 