I’m from tireless pioneers, hard-working farmers and long dusty trails. From blacksoil plains, deceptive mirages and vast, tree-studded horizons. From small country town, regional farming community and “townie vs cockie” the former is me! From Mehi River, Gwydir River, where rivers meet.
I’m from maternal ancestors trekking across seas, across lands; from England to South Australia, into northern New South Wales, up to central Queensland. From sheep grazing, wheat farming then cotton as well. Corrugated iron sheds, blue-topped cotton modules, and seasonal “snowy” cotton lined roads. From worshipping in a country church built by relatives of friends.
I’m from aesthetic beauty: flowers in the garden, arranged in vases, floral shows as well. From cakes carefully decorated by my mother’s own hand, from embroidery, crochet, sewing, handmade. Fixing loose threads on my clothing, “not the good scissors!”, stashes of fabric, buttons, binding and ribbons. Always dressing well to go out. From Sylvia’s fabrics, pattern hunting and fabric matching.
Paternally from Denmark to Australia, right into Queensland, freezing to heat. From food production, apple orchards, vegetable growing and home baking.
From awkwardness, confusion; leadership and faith. From silliness and laughter with my treasured brother and sister. From independence and competence, achievement and success.
From “hugs and kisses”, “hugs and kisses” among siblings at the end of car journeys, upon arrival at our holiday destination, the “Uh-oh better go to bed” and “I wear my sunglasses at night, to keep my panties on tight” fun play with siblings.
Photo found at www.Redbubble.com
I’m from the bright yellow daffodil, pretty pink poppy and rich red rose, the calm Carbeen tree, breezy Belah and the beloved, guarded unique Leopard Tree.
From the smoking besa block incinerator in the backyard, the besa block “barby”, begrudged family trips to the dump.
From oranges, mandarins and almonds in the garden, lawns always watered through hot summer months.
From home-sewn school uniform and Dad-knitted navy cardigan, from tights keeping legs warm from pesky, shivery Jack Frost on our front lawn
From Sunday roast dinners and baked beans on toast, salad plate lunches, toast fingers with soup. From Potatoes La Jolla, Herbed Chicken pieces from “promite, not vegemite” or “vegemite not promite” sandwiches in lunchboxes.
Piano lessons during lunchtime, then through swimming lessons in high school. Piano duets in my best friend’s Mum’s bedroom on weekend retreats from boarding school. Boarding school challenges, fun and successes. Singing and singing, and singing some more, “Yes, Jesus loves me”, Christmas carols and rhymes. Renaissance polyphonies, madrigals, and contemporary and sacred choral works.
I'm from sharing my music, from teaching tiny littlies, imparting my intuition and knowledge to the families I meet. From meeting my beloved and sharing in our union, from bearing two treasured, precious daughters who now ofttimes lead me in my journey.
And now I am me, here today, returned to the start, growing veges and living down south in South Australia from whence my ancestors came, living and loving creatively, following my Creator.
Autumn leaves falling
“Mum did you see that?”
Twirling, whirling, swirling,
falling to the ground.
Autumn fairies flying
Flit from tree to tree
“Willow the Wednesday Fun Day Fairy
races ahead of me.”
Autumn showers falling
Enhancing colours boldly
Bronzes, gold and reds
against the dreary grey sky.
The essence of Autumn newly found for me.
© 2008 Cee Lew
inspired while walking to Kindy with Ess and Eee
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Native American proverb.
