calissa

kaberett's 10 Good Things post reminded me that it has been way too long since I did something similar myself. I don't want to only update this journal when I have something to grumble about. So, some things.

For a while now, I've been wanting to replace my seasonal icons with photographs I've taken. Winter was the very last one because it is hard to find something quintessentially wintery while still capturing the feel of the place I live. Well, at the beginning of the week there was a thick frost in the morning. The light was perfect enough to convince me to get dressed and brave the cold for some macro photos. I was pretty pleased with how they turned out.

There was more photography on Tuesday. I went on an excursion with my sister and dad to one of the national parks. We had a picnic lunch, then walked the lyrebird trail. We were lucky to hear a couple of male lyrebirds perform their mating call, mimicking the calls of a dozen other bird species. No sight of the birds themselves, but just that much was amazing. I hope to post some photos later--after I've snaffled some of my sister's awesome shots to share with you.

Writing is coming along slowly but steadily. I'm still not managing much in terms of word count, but I have noticed that it is slowly increasing. And the fact I'm sitting down consistently is starting to have a cumulative effect. I am a very long way off finishing the story, but I am happy with the progress I am making.

My grandma is currently in town for her 90th birthday. She came to visit yesterday and it was lovely to spend a little bit of time together. There will be a family lunch tomorrow, which I am looking forward to.

Also: doggie cuddles (one up side of winter), gorgeously sunny days, rose-scented tea, time in the garden.

And this amazing mash-up by Vienna Teng.

"Vienna Teng - Ain't No Sunshine / Lose Yourself - Live From Mountain Stage" (Watch on YouTube)