October 15th, 2023
Wild pea flowers are appearing daily at the roadside.
There are just a few scattered here and there, yet their delicate beauty stands out, unreservedly, amongst the rough and tumble of shrubs and bushes growing haphazardly on the verges. It is a wonder of the world that they can even put down roots there. They seem to flower for only a day before retiring with a quiet dignity to give newcomers a chance to take centre stage and bloom. Reminiscent of their cousin, the exquisitely scented sweet pea that brings such joy in spring, it is a delight to see them popping up each morning and to see what colours they bring (so far, a soft golden yellow and a white tinged with purple are the front runners).
Sadly, wildflowers here don’t seem to be held in as high esteem as cultivated plants and flowers, particularly those hailing from abroad. If given the chance and time for ample consideration, perhaps people would begin to appreciate their dainty, ethereal charm that can lift the spirits as much as the old-world grandeur of a fragrant English rose or the ruffled elegance of a parrot tulip—all of these flowers have the ability to captivate the observant with their distinctive characteristics.
In more news from the natural world, the dog has a friend.
He appears to be a rather haughty character, sinewy and full of a rambunctious energy that quickly turns to a measured, nonchalant confidence in front of the ladies.
In his presence, her cool response to his seemingly unperturbed demeanor is impressive, though they both are clearly smitten. When he isn’t around she spends long periods of the day staring wistfully in the direction of the neighbour’s garden, hoping to catch a glimpse of her suitor. By the same token, in a spectacular display of steely determination, exemplary detective skills and a physical prowess to rival any of the world’s top athletes, he expertly navigates a serious obstacle course to find her whenever the opportunity arises.
First, he escapes from his garden by jumping over the wall with an elegance and ease that would make a Springbok proud. Then, he bounds up the hill towards the house in blisteringly high temperatures, surviving the vociferous squawks of the security guards (several vigilant geese) at the gate. Braving the journey over burning paving stones to locate her, he skillfully manouevres past several people trying to ward him off (no puppies here please) with the agility and speed of a gazelle. When he finally discovers her location he boldly makes his presence known, standing with his head held high and commanding attention until he is acknowledged (a suitably reverent round of applause from the crowd please).
It is truly a feat to be admired.
Her response to his arrival is remarkably restrained considering the intensity of her wistful stares when he’s not around. With the unhurried ease of one at peace with themselves, she walks over to greet him with a gentle wag of the tail and a bright-eyed inquisitiveness. He, on the other hand, can scarcely contain his glee, darting this way and that until the calls of his custodian beckon him home.
Oh, such happy times for them both!
Work this week has presented an obstacle course (or two!) of its own. There has been a slow start to the new painting; two preparatory sketches, a session of colour mixing to determine which colour combinations to use, and trials of various painting techniques have required much focus and perseverance. Although work has now started on the final piece, it is early days. Refining the composition and colour palette directly on the canvas (which is birch ply in this case) has been necessary and will, undoubtedly, continue to be so for a little while longer.
Fragments of a new poem are slowly developing into phrases, the rhythm of which is yet to be determined so there is not any more to mention at this stage.
It is clear that the work forms and moves in a timing that cannot be logically understood, deduced or directed. Memories, of a life that was, hold less significance in its production—this must be accepted and honoured.
Sincerely, amidst colour palettes and memories of home,
SC