I've got the Bowerbird Blues today.
I had my sister visit for a week and got thoroughly used to her being around, we understand each other in a way not many others can, all that shared history, we were always close, it is a simple joy to just be with each other. Then we had to say goodbye this morning, for a year or maybe more, she's moving to England with her gorgeous girlfriend (sister on left and cheeky girlfriend on right). Makes me teary just saying it.
Even though we live in a global village our meanderings are very limited by money. Visiting family overseas is one of the few things I miss about not having a wealthy life, we are rich in so many ways.
I hate saying goodbye. Wish I could do it like a toddler, kiss and move on to the next thing with happy abandon. Ah, to be little. There has been a lot of goodbyes in my life, we moved house every 3 or 4 years growing up and I continued that tradition until 7 years ago. I think that might be part of the reason my sister and I are close - we were each others friends through all the shifts. Even though we're staying put, there are still goodbyes. Goodbye to others who shift away, goodbye to my parents every time they visit from Jakarta, goodbye sometimes forever. Even though I can rationalise things will be OK in my mind, that time goes fast, that Skype/phone/emails/letters will connects us, that we lived far apart anyway, it doesn't quite sit well today. Poor Bowerbird dad has been doing all the camping packing solo.
Also sad news on the caterpillar front. We found him dead this morning.
It was all looking so promising two days ago, he curled his leaf over and then was surrounded in white balls with his hairs all through it. It was difficult to know what was happening in there as he was all covered over.
This morning his cocoon didn't look right and on closer inspection we found it empty
That all sounds glum but something good did happen today. We got a special mention for our Fairy Garden on The Magic Onions, there were some gorgeous entries to their Fairy Garden Competition, looking at all those wonderful creations can't help but make you smile. The Beatles in those outfits are also pretty good happiness material, especially that goofy Ringo smile.
These happy show day kids all countried up also made me chuckle. The little one had to get in on the photo.
The big one won first prize for her fairy succulent garden at school show day - she was pretty chuffed, middle one got a commendation for his biscuit decorating.
Saying goodbye is probably one of the hardest things in life; whether it's for a while, or forever. Poor little caterpillar; I suppose it's the law of nature, he seemed to be doing so well. I just imagine that it was a he; do you know?
ReplyDeleteOn days like these, there's good there are such things as beautiful succulent gardens. Just to maintain some balance. (And I love how your little one is dancing in the background).
Take care,
Lilli
Very sad to have a loved one leave, it sounds like you have a very special bond. Such a shame about the caterpillar too.. I wonder what the museum might say.
ReplyDeleteI missed seeing your small peoples' show entries..it was a mad scramble trying to catch glimpses of things in between hoards of kids walking through. Well done for both of them!
It must be so hard for you. I feel very lucky to have my sister around. Glad you had a nice time though. Hopefully her time away will go quickly. Love the little country dancers!
ReplyDeleteJust read this again and made myself cry, made my sister cry too, happy tears, tears of love.
ReplyDeleteGosh Lilli, you would know about how hard goodbyes can be. Life does seem to give us a balance of good, if we can remember to embrace the little joys when everything seems sad.
I think I call most things I don't know the gender of he, can't help myself with that old fashioned programming. It did seem like a boy with all that hair.
Was so sorry we couldn't pass caterpillar on to your capable hands Christine, I think we'll try again though.
Loved all your show day pics Christine, was great to see a bit more as I missed the day. Congratulations to your clever girls.
Ah Kim, you are lucky to have your sister around, and what a quality sister she is!