Explorer of Summer

Explorer of Summer A fake swan – a white duck, actually, swimming in one of our local creeks. The bulrushes are in a lake at Ballandean, at the Hidden Creek winery, where the vine used for my The Lovers card is. He glides serenely over the water, not caring what lies beneath, not concerned with the tangle of roots that may lurk beneath the rushes. He’s bold and confident, and looks like he’s in charge. He’s most definitely at the top of the pecking order, and if he’s not he certainly acts like he is. He’s the Master of his own fate, the Captain of his own soul, and sticking steadfastly to his own agenda.…

Child of Spring

My grandson, Kristian, playing in my pond. This is my second version of this card. The first was a lovely clay hanging planter I have, of an african childs head, full of mondo grass and spanish moss. As much as I loved that, I wanted this one instead. When you put a small child into a pond they’re shocked. At first they’re not quite sure what to make of it, but with gentle guidance from family and those who love him, he explores, feels the water, wiggles his toes, runs his fingers across the surface. Feels the water, the silkiness, the wetness, and the joy, and he splashes! The first water on his face is a surprise, but his eyes…

Three of Summer

The heartbroken tree, Blatherarm camping area, Torrington State Conservation Area, NSW. This tree wears her heart on her face, showing you plainly that it’s broken. Scarred. Torn and burned. Stabbed, by the new growth that’s trying to succeed despite the damage to the tree. Much of this new growth will die off. Some may survive, but that takes a rare shoot. Nature is a harsh mother, and this tree is like a saddened child. A child told to shut up and get on with it. You have new shoots. Use them!…

Seven of Summer

A male satin bowerbird (ptilinorhynchus violaceus) and his bower, Girraween, Qld. A bower bird stands proudly in front of his bower. His bower that’s openly decorated with stolen property. He’s a thief, this bird. A cunning, smart, selective thief. He only takes what he wants, but there’s no robbing from the rich to give to the poor here. This all for his own vanity. The best dancer with the prettiest bower will seduce the prettiest female. Looks is all he cares about. He isn’t going to be bothered with your feelings. If you’ve got what he wants, look out. He’ll look at you with his beautiful violet eyes and snatch it right out from under your nose if you’re not…

Six of Autumn

Seagulls, gathered, just off shore at Wellington Point. Which bird are you? It really doesn’t matter, actually. If you have something to give you can be the bird on the rock. Hand out your gifts, be they tangible or something more precious, to those who are in need. If you’re in need, can you see the bird on the rock? He’ll be there. Waiting to give you just what you need. The universe is wonderful like that. It watches over us and when we most thirst, we find water. When we most hunger, we find food. When we most need succour, we find relief. Just don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nor afraid to accept it. And if it’s…

Five of Summer

A birdsnest fern in my garden. Five new fronds. Each of them unfurling, with a common aim. To get to the light. This is nature. Survival of the fittest and all that. This is a battle. It’s war. Even though the whole plant may benefit from the light absorbed by each frond, and by the water it catches, and the debris it holds, the fronds that reach the sun will be strong and hardy, while those that are left behind might become damaged, torn and crushed in the struggle. They may all be on the same team, but only one of them can be the star. It’s time to beat your teammates about the head to ensure that only you…

Six of Summer

Empty cidada skins, Girraween National Park. Cicada eggs are laid in slits in tree bark. After many weeks they hatch into nymphs, which then fall to the ground, and burrow through the leaf litter into the ground, where they remain, at depths of between 10 and 40 centimetres, for many years, feeding on sap sucked from tree roots. When the nymph finally reaches adult size, it claws it’s way back to the surface, and climbs the tree, where it sheds it’s skin for the last time. During a life time of two to four weeks they mate, lay eggs, and begin the cycle all over again. A journey that must be made. Be it travel, or a life journey –…

King of Winter

Here’s a king with a face. Not sure if I’ll keep him or not yet. The Sun might be a strange choice for a King of Winter, but he’s the king of the air. The sun. No greater star can we see in our sky. Like a feeling of love so pure and radiant, the King of Winter will fill you with joy, and make your heart leap. Breaking through the clouds on a grey chilled day he’ll always be noticed. But be careful. In this thin clear air his light has so much more power than you might think. If you’re not careful you can be burned.…

Three of Autumn

An unfurling frond of my treefern. The fern is producing a new frond. It’s tighly wound, ready for each of the fronds to unfurl itself, and show itself off to the world. The fern has made this frond from nothing more than itself. Each frond is a work of art. Each work of art is to attract more life to the fern. More sunlight, more rain – more life. We all have the power of creation within us. What we create can be as diverse as the ferns in the forest. And some of them may not even look like ferns.…

Six of Spring

A table fountain, in Brisbane, actually, could be anyone’s table. Have you ever looked so hard for something that you thought you’d never find it? Searched high and low, far and wide, and then come back home, to find it, right under your nose? This is the familiar, the family dining table, your old treehouse, your best friend… Something you know about, and probably take for granted. It’s always been there, and probably always will. Hiding in plain sight. Maybe you should look a little closer to home, this time.…