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 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.
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
What are you appreciating today? (Feel free to let me know.)
When times are tricky, it pays to really appreciate the little things in life: a phone call from a friend, a walk in nature, or even a bee buzzing around a blooming grevillea in the garden.
Image and text copyright Michele Gierck
http://www.michelegierck.com.au
We all need to find our special spaces. The places where we can just be. Perhaps even soak up the peace and calm in natural settings. (And sometimes we just need to imagine them!)
Or even spending time by the local billabong — listening, watching, and just being. That’s where I was this morning.
Text and pics copyright Michele Gierck
Michele’s website http://www.michelegierck.com.au
Life has certainly changed over the last few weeks, but the calm and peace of the garden is comforting. Nature continues to spring to life: seedlings growing, flowers blooming and bees buzzing.
Picture and text copyright Michele Gierck
http://www.michelegierck.com.au
I’m just about to submit the first five chapters of my next non-fiction book. ALL I NEED IS A TITLE. IF YOU CAN THINK OF ONE I’d sure like to hear it. Just drop a line on the contact page of my website http://www.michelegierck.com.au
This book is a post-injury come-back story in which the bush, the ocean and a bloke (a fellow) all play their part.
Here’s the pitch.
When Michele, a broken down sojourner (kind of Liz Gilbertish), meets Mac, a dedicated river scientist (think a young David Attenborough), she is drawn into his orbit, the gravity of which propels her onto an uncharted trajectory.
If you’d like to know more about this book, like the title and publication details, just sign up to the newsletter on my website.
Michele’s website: http://www.michelegierck.com.au
This pic is the view of the front garden from my writing room.
Image and text copyright Michele Gierck
Springtime. Blossoms bloom and bees buzz. This scene reminds me that we are all looking for a little nectar of our own.
And the garden is the perfect place to take a break. Relax. Be absorbed in the moment. In each bloom.
Michele’s website: http://www.michelegierck.com.au