Some places are so conducive to reflection that all you can do is stop and stare, taking it all in — the beauty, the quietness, and the sheer delight of being in nature, well away from crowds.
Text and image copyright Michele Gierck
A colourful bird can brighten the day. And all it took was a moment to look out the window!
Nature really does keep giving…
All we need to do is pay attention.
Text and image © Michele Gierck
Took a break at lunchtime in the front garden, and watched the antics of this wattlebird that occasionally poked its head out of the grevillea it spends so much time in. It was spying on me, checking what I was up to.
A few minutes in the garden can feel so refreshing. It’s one of the pleasures of working from home.
Text and image © Michele Gierck
A lockdown that lingers can’t stop beautiful blooms, the sight of which brighten the day, especially working from home!
So glad it’s springtime in the southern hemisphere.
Text and image © Michele Gierck
Michele is an author, educator and a speaker who loves nature, and is passionate about it — appreciating and protecting it.
My best ideas rarely come sitting in front of a computer. Being out in the garden is inspirational. It’s one of the places where I can wonder, ponder, imagine and daydream. It’s my go-to space between bouts of writing.
Text and images © Michele Gierck
Michele’s website is http://www.michelegierck.com.au
It’s spring in the southern hemisphere. Even though we are still in lockdown, my garden, which is drenched in sunshine and blooms, is an inspiring space — not just for me but all the creatures that live there.
Thought some of you might enjoy this video –a glimpse of my garden.
Text and image © Michele Gierck
Michele at LinkedIn
I often get some of my best ideas out in the garden, when I feel as if I’m not thinking about anything at all. And then, SUDDENLY… a brilliant idea. Or at least a creative one.
Today is the first day of spring. Flowers are in bloom, the sun is shinning, and walking past this little patch of flowers, not far from my front door, feels fab.
Being out in nature is a great way to guard against lockdown blues. Have you had your fix of nature today?
Like to see what Michele writes, or what she does with her creative ideas? Here you go.
Text and image © Michele Gierck
How wonderful to step outside the front door and see the eucaplyptus silver princess in bold, bright bloom. No wonder the bees are attracted to it. And they are not the only ones. Even my little neighbours, aged 18 months and three, wonder at its beauty — the way the umbels pop their tops, and the blooms splay out.
This glorious gumnut brightens the day.
Image and text © Michele Gierck
Michele is a specialist memoir writer, author, freelance writer, an interviewer and a speaker. She draws much inspiration, on a daily basis, from pottering in her garden.
Michele on LinkedIn
It’s amazing how lockdown can bring a greater level of appreciation of the world around us. Being out in nature is so good for the soul.
A walk in the park (we are allowed out to exercise) reveals nature’s sights and sounds, none more enticing than the sulphur-crested cockatoos. They are a delight to listen to and watch.
I could spend hours watching their antics and the group dynamics. This one, on the hop, caught my eye.
Pic and text copyright Michele Gierck
In 2006, I wrote the following:
‘Writing was accompanied by slow walks in the park by the Yarra River: a dirty-looking waterway which meandered like a vagabond — constantly on the move, yet constantly the same. Or so it seemed. As children we loved that river. Pranced along its banks and splashed about in its waters on hot summer days. As an adult I rushed back to those riverbanks after each international journey: listening, absorbing, ‘shushing’ — bringing my being back home.’
These days, as I walk each morning by the river and the billabong (in the photo) I still have similar feelings — that being by the river is enlivening.
The quote is from my first book, 700 Days in El Salvador.
I’m happy to give away a couple of copies. Just let me know why you’d like to read 700 Days in El Salavdor.
(You can contact Michele via the contact page on her website. Or leave a comment.)
Michele’s website: http://www.michelegierck.com.au
Text and image copyright Michele Gierck
