Like so many of us in this strange and stretching season I won’t get to see my Dad for Father’s Day tomorrow, but my heart will surely be with him. Tomorrow he will wake for his first Father’s Day without my Mum at home by his side. As the ancient wisdom writer penned “there is a … Continue reading The ageing clock
Gratitude
Lockdown opportunities:
We begin a season of heightened restrictions in Melbourne again tonight. How might we respond? With authenticity: Embracing the emotional rollercoaster of these unusual days, reaching out to others and valuing the support of others speaking into our lives. With lament: Seeing afresh the pain and tragedy of this pandemic across the globe and praying: “God help … Continue reading Lockdown opportunities:
Thank God for places green!
Thank God for places green! The older I get the more I appreciate them, the more I need them, the more I yearn to be immersed in them again. Bush tracks in suburbia, familiar winding dirt trails in my own neighbourhood that nurture refreshment, renewal and much-needed rhythms. Inner-city grassed squares, small spaces to pause … Continue reading Thank God for places green!
Open our eyes!
Open our eyes! On this Mother's Day, open our eyes to see a young Syrian mother, clinging to her toddler in an over-crowded refugee camp, which has been her home for far too long. See her there, bereft of hope. Let us see the Congolese mother, in forced slavery, with her two boys alongside her. … Continue reading Open our eyes!
Life’s Certainties
I took Ada and Arli for a walk to the beach yesterday and yes, it was bound to happen. The sun was out, but a cold breeze was blowing and the water was very chilly. But here is one of life’s great certainties – if Arli is anywhere near water he will get wet – … Continue reading Life’s Certainties
Ten photos … many stories!
Well I’ve just tallied up my holiday photos as I head for home after a wonderful few weeks in Italy, France and Portugal. I’ve snapped more than 1800 photos over the past 15 days and yes, I’ve shared a few on social media! Thanks to those who have journeyed with me online and spare a … Continue reading Ten photos … many stories!
A coastal calling
The coast always beckons me. And I got a coastal trifecta today – hiking, kayaking and swimming on the stunning Algarve Coast in southern Portugal. It was another bucket-list day and I am feeling weary, but so, so thankful. I was born just up the hill from Merewether Beach, internationally recognised as one of the … Continue reading A coastal calling
Lessons from the track
Just look at this lake! Today I have been walking around one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever visited. Lac Annecy is simply superb. It’s captivating and I wish I had more time to explore it and the villages dotted around the 50km lake circumference. It wasn’t hard to walk more than 20kms … Continue reading Lessons from the track
A Ligurian jackpot!
Cinque. Yes, five in a row. What a superb day! When I was a kid my father and grandfather would try and pick a trifecta at the races. Today I won a Ligurian coast jackpot and ticked off the Cinque Terre hike from my bucket list. Monterossa al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggorie. I’m … Continue reading A Ligurian jackpot!
A few more pages!
I’m sitting in Melbourne Airport. Winter has certainly been in the air today. All going to plan, by tomorrow night I will be in Roma, sitting on a Summer evening, alongside the Tiber, catching my breath, with a glass of vino, watching the sun go down on a city that traces its roots back an … Continue reading A few more pages!
apilgrimpens 