Just do it.

Greeting another wonderful day.

The heading for a previous post was, “Go before you go.” It is not a reminder to visit the toilet before you leave on a journey, although that is a good policy. I meant it as a reminder that life is like a candle in the wind. Any moment life’s journey could be cut short. So do not procrastinate, act now, go and carry out those ideas, dreams and plans without delay. Do not delay, this could be your only chance, strong and gusty winds are always a possibility.

On his way to greet the day.

To travel and experience is only one shallow aspect of this warning about inaction. There is a down to earth quote, buried in my jottings; I will dig up for you. “If I have anything coming to me, now is the time to slip it to me, because I cannot read my tombstone when I am dead.” Never miss an opportunity to show your appreciation. Spend precious time with the ones you love. The people around you need to be told of your love and admiration.

A good way to start the day.

Displayed on a T-shirt were these words “Just do it.” A lot can be read into those words. We can intend to do all kinds of wonderful things and do nothing. It is wise to not say hurtful nasty things. But it is unwise not to pay complements when they are due and neglect to communicate kind thoughts. Better than kind words are kind actions, just doing that will make a difference in friendship and the world around us will improve. If enough people adopt this idea it is possible the world at large will become less turbulent and may become free of greed, hate and war.

Still doing it.

I often write cryptic words, or words that are ambiguous. I wrote “Go before you go.” instead of “Go today don’t delay.” As a heading that would arouse curiosity I endeavor to attract many followers. Not to make money or to gain fame as an ego trip for me. I want to try and share some of the joy and contentment I have found. Things I have found that allow me to smile and appreciate the beauty of this fantastic, ever-changing world. Life is a magnificent ride if we know how to travel. I could find writing this blog hard work or as a challenging way to pass on some useful knowledge. I look on this blog as a pastime to convey some helpful tips to making life a joy.

They are just doing it too.

The effect I make may be insignificant, but if everyone put a little more effort into being a better person the effect would be immense. The drip would soon fill the glass and our thrust for peace would be a reality. The irony of the effort I put into my writing is I am benefiting, growing and learning, keeping up, to some extent, with the fast changing technology of today. Good deeds have a boomerang effect, like karma both our good and bad actions come back. Try out my ideas, just do it, and see if it works. With practice I am sure it will be beneficial.

Life has its ups and downs.

The most important person in your life is the person you are with right now. Pay them attention, show them you care. The most important thing you are doing is what you are doing this present moment. Do not ignore this opportunity give now the importance it deserves. It is these moments that make up your life. To hasten to a future occasion, often only to be disappointed, is to waste the experience of the activity you are engaged in. It is easy to get lost in the past or long for a coming event and not realize you are missing the importance of now. We rush through life wanting and longing for an unknown future experience. Stop and realize we are hastening to the same unavoidable unknown final outcome. Realize life is the appreciation of the opportunity you have to live to the best of your ability now.

A wave from Pauline.

I know nothing but what life’s knocks have taught me and what I have read and learnt from recognized authorities, following good roll-models, avoiding bad influences and choosing carefully what I read and watch on TV and the movies. That is how our character is built on the experiences we encounter. If you absorb negative rubbish you will suffer. If you make an effort to improve yourself in body and mind by following ethical, educated, wise and caring people you will learn and improve and find life a joy. Now you know how I do it, all you have to do is take my advice, just do it.

a refreshing way to start the day.

Go before you go.

View at bus stop Mt Nelson.

Go Before You Go.

Mt Nelson Signal Station.

You have to go but you do have a choice as to how you go; I am going by bus today, I bought a day pass. There is no need to make elaborate plans just get on the bus, head into Hobart town centre and take it from there.

View from the tea rooms.

I went into the information centre and asked the lady what she thought would be a good place to go to on the metro bus. She said Mt Nelson Signal Station. I walked over the road to the Metro Bus Office to get a bus time table.

Zoomed from the tea rooms.

The buses are hourly so this allowed me time for a walk to see what would open up for me. I took a few photos and got a multigrain bun and chose a vegetarian filling. I like avocado instead of butter and no salt there is enough salt in the bread. I picked a pure orange drink from the fridge. With fuel for the day in the bag it is off on the bus, all uphill.

Looking to Bellerive.

I go with the flow and water does not flow uphill unless it is carried. I am in no real hurry to wear myself out and this climb would be pushing it a bit for a man on a seniors bus pass.

Panoramic views and a beautiful day.

The photos will give you an idea of the views but it would even be beyond the capabilities of National Geographical magazine to do the area justice. What a mighty day, I am dressed like I was up in warm Queensland. In my bag is a rain jacket my fur hat, scarf and my pure wool swan dry jacket as insurance. I believe I am a lucky person but I try not to push my luck. To take any thing in life for granted is inviting trouble.

A great place for a picnic.

A tree looked at me. I took a portrait photo of it and looked to see if its neighbors had anything to say, yes the trees were talking to me.

Does this tree speak to you?

I do not only talk to the animals I communicate with everything. A flower can tell me more about beauty than an art gallery, nature is unsurpassed. Man can never come close to matching nature wonders.

Tasman Bridge can be seen in a pool of sunlight.

Everything man achieves and invents is only a copy of nature. We may think we are changing the environment for the better but everything in nature is interrelated and in balance. There is always repercussions that should be considered.

My friendly guide.

I think it is a good time for lunch, or should I walk to Sandy Bay? A lady with a cute dog walks by, I give her a smile and ask her is it far to walk to Sandy Bay and if I follow the road will I get lost. She tells me there is a track through the bush that is shorter and much nicer.

It is a beautiful walking track.

We head off together, she is good company, she tells me she is a physiotherapist and I burble on about what I used to do for a living. She turns off a side path to her house and warns me it gets a bit rougher further on but there is a place I can leave the track and get on the road.

We say goodbye. I hope she likes this post.

I am enjoying this bush walk so decide to keep to the track. The going gets steeper, uneven rock steps.

Just take it steady enjoy the views.

There was a time I would have run down them but today I find a strong stick to help me. Another wooden seat, now is a good time to have lunch.

Great 1-30 Lunch stop.

Refreshed I head on across a bridge over a gurgling stream, what a nice sound.

Moss covered rocks below the bridge.

The path flattens out to a gentle slope and is a pleasant walk the rest of the way. The bus stop is near a lawn covered in autumn leaves. Just time to take a photo and here is the bus.

By the bus stop.

Back in town I visit the park guarded by the lions salvaged from an old bank.

Lions gard Autumn gold instead of bank.

The autumn leaves are a blaze they are impossible to capture with my camera.

Natures Gold.

My attempt fails miserably; you will have to use your imagination.

 Multi coloured leaves.

Windows are easier subjects. I am taking some photos of windows inspired by a blog you will find at  <http;//thedayafter.wordpress.com >

Reflection on windows.

Going to the Bellerive bus stop I pass through the paved Mall. I see the beautifully carved wooden dog I have taken a liking to.

Do not get mauled by the Mall dog.

It has been a wonderful day, time for one photo then home. I am pleased I went and did not miss the opportunity. We have to go before we go. One day we will go back into this world we came out of, we have no choice. We do have a choice as to how we go and it is better to wear out than rust out.

Looking at Mt Wellington from the track.

 

Lingering look at windows : Hobart

My ( pommepal ) Pauline has encouraged me to put my photos of windows in Dawns windows post. I have been looking in on Dawns blog ” The Day After.” at the windows collection she hosts and it drew my attention to windows.

I belonged to a photo group run by a professional photographer, Al Sweet a talented, generous man capable at passing on his knowledge. He gave the group assignments to be shown  at the next meeting and we would discuss the pros and cons of the photos.

We did a different subject every month. Everything from letter boxes to churches. The one on windows I decided to think a bit outside the square and did shop windows  with all their vast array of subject matter.

The thing is about this exercise  it gets one looking and seeing through the eyes of other people. We start to see how people see things differently to each other. When we understand the way others see things we learn and grow.

These windows are in a church designed by a convict. Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia and much of the architecture was built by convict labour.

Who is suffering?

Bougainvillia beautiful flowers painful thorns.

Franklin Park Hobart.

Some people do not understand when I say “You can be in pain but there is no need to suffer.” Let me explain this so you will understand. Our thoughts have power over our feelings. If we can control our thoughts we have control of much of what is happening in our life. Our thoughts influence our actions. If we dwell on unsavory thoughts those thoughts lead to destructive actions.

Convict window now part of Salamanca Market.

It is said that after practicing doing something for twenty days it becomes a habit. If we constantly have negative thoughts, it becomes a bad habit that leads us to bad actions. We must become aware that as we think so will we act. To be mindful of our thoughts we can correct those negative thoughts and turn our life around for the better. If we let our mind run wild, filling our head with all kinds of wild thoughts, from outside distractions and past  experiences, we have lost control of our thoughts.

A cold hard lion.

A chain reaction then takes place. Our random thoughts lead to random actions and we have lost control of our life. It all comes down to awareness of our thoughts and mind control. How can we control those thoughts that constantly fill our mind? Like static on the radio interfering with the enjoyment of our program. This is what is called the monkey mind. Irresponsible, active, mischievous thoughts like monkeys swinging around in the jungle of branches in our brain.

Haer no evil, speak no evil. see no evil and guess who?

Metaphorically speaking, take control of the jungle full of wild creatures. Calm those animal-like thoughts in the jungle of your mind. This is done by becoming aware of our thoughts and practicing mind control. I find the best way to do this, is by regularly practicing breathing meditation till it becomes a habit. When meditation becomes a habit it can be called upon any time you are under stress or pressure. You will be mindful and the calming technique of a few deep breaths, to stabilize you, will be all that is needed.

Buddha In Hobart C B D.

When you first begin trying to concentrate on your breath in meditation, you will be distracted by invasive thoughts. This is the first step in your awareness of how distracting your thoughts can be. Do not let this put you off, just focus your attention back to your breath. You may use any of a number of methods. You could count each inhalation and out breath as one breath and count to six and then start over from one again. Another method is to follow the breath, as you think in with good out with stress. There are many variations on breathing meditation, find one that suits you and practice it.

The ripples will deminish in time.

To know and not to do is still not to know. All the knowledge is useless without putting it into practice. Practicing meditation you become aware of the constant monkey mind chatter. With practice you learn not to allow them to play in the jungle of your mind. You become mindful and aware. You can then take control of your life. By practicing you learn to focus on what is important to you. You calm down, your concentration improves and your whole outlook is better. Be mindful and aware; come back to focusing on your life giving calming breath.

Calm reflection.

To understand the full meaning of my words “You can be in pain but there is no need to suffer.” You need awareness of your thoughts and have mind control over them. You must not dwell on pain by complaining about your pain and misfortune. When you do this you are reinforcing the negative and the pain, this is suffering.

The way out of pain and suffering.

Get your thoughts back on track. Think of the doughnut not the hole. Think companionably of others less fortunate than you. Instead of suffering do something constructive as a diversion. Concentrate on taking those essential life giving calming deep breaths. Realize in time all things are subject to change. Both the pleasant and the unpleasant will inevitably pass. No one can escape this universal truth; we are all subject to pain. Some suffer and complain others bare the pain and get on with the only life they are blessed with.

Autumn leaves on the path.

A shaman said to me “Think less and do more.” We are all in pain if we think about it. Do not suffer do something constructive.

The end of a perfect day.

Flying High.

Sydney The Harbour Bridge, The Gardens, CBD , looking to western suberbs.

 

FLYING HIGH.

The Coat Hanger and inner harbour.

People often remark, you are always smiling. I am not always smiling, life is not perfect, and everyone has problems. I am no exception to life’s laws; everything changes, grows old, wears out and eventually disintegrates. We cannot always have things as we would like. Aware of this truth, I can smile in the knowledge that I cannot cling to the pleasant and the unpleasant will pass. I smile because this is a wonderful world just waiting to be explored and appreciated.

South of sydney.

When you are smiling the world tends to smile on you and I am as happy as a dog in a sausage factory. Flying to Hobart we pass over my place of birth and get a photo of the Sydney harbor Bridge.

Leaving Sydney looking south.

It is the same age as me and still keeping up with the modern pace of life. Take a look at these photos, and you will understand why I am smiling. Pauline and I are House sitting our friend Bertal’s lovely warm house. She is off to holiday in Rome for eight weeks. We have two lovely little dogs to keep us amused.

Burtle outside her house leaving for Rome.

I expected the weather to be cold and windy. Instead the weather is mild and mostly warm and sunny. I have thermal underwear but they are hardly necessary.

My room for eight weeks, Mount Wellington view out window.

This is the first time I have flown with more than a carry-on bag, but the weather will change it always does. Till then I am having no problem smiling and when it does change I will rug up like an Eskimo.

Pauline at the flower show.

Sunday we went on the bus to the City Town Hall to see a flower show. It was fantastic both the venue and the flowers. You will have to visit Pauline’s blog to for more on that. Click the link <Pommepal.wordpress.com>.

Pauline and dogs City of Hobart in background.

We left the dogs for two hours when we got back we asked our neighbor, Caroline, if they barked. Yes one barked so we now have a new plan.

One of my jobs is to feed the birds.

Pauline and I are making the most of this weather. One day Pauline takes the bus exploring and I take the dogs walking. Next day I take go on the bus and Pauline looks after the dogs.

Taking a break from walking.

The house is two minutes walk to the beach and walkways. So it is turn about for a change of pace Pauline does the house work and I have been having fun painting a couple of garden ornaments.

The Bonsai forest, giant trees 50cm tall.

We were taken the dogs included in ,our new friend, Kimbra’s car up to the top of Mount Wellington. It was a real scenic tour taking in the dams and parks on the way back. See Pauline’s blog for more information and photos.

Pretend you are flying high.

I have put in photos I took of natural Bonsai landscapes; I just need to put in a couple of miniature Chinese statues to add to the illusion.

Making friends.

To quote Paul Simons “I am still crazy after all these years,” I still see animal shapes in clouds and see faces in notches on trees. The same as when I was a child. I have grown up but I do not intend to grow old.

Looking out the bedroom window.

I will try to smile even though I wear glasses and hearing aids. I could also use a shot of silicone jell in my creaky joints. We can be in pain but we do not have to suffer. Remember all things change both the pleasant and unpleasant.

Looking up to my window.

You can spend your life like a ship, safe in the harbor, but ships were not built to stay moored in the harbor. Get out and give life a chance to show you how wonderful it can be. You could be flying high smiling, but be prepared for bad weather take a life jacket or parachute, an umbrella or an over coat or whatever it takes.

View of Hobart from Bellerive Beach.

You know if you smile it rearranges all your wrinkles and they do not look bad at all. If you go around with a worried look on your face people can mistake it for a desperate look and think you are not a nice person. A smile lets people know you are happy and you look like a winner and it is not long before you are a winner.

Green and gold on blue in the golden hour.

Sometimes you need a bit of help like inspirational music that is why I want you to click this link  <When your smiling, the Zimmers – Vimeo>. It works for me and a good inspirational book “Peace is every step.” Thich Nhat Hanh. It is also a good idea to slow down and take a few deep breaths and let the world catch up to you.

Walking keeps you fit.

Nimbin no alcohol needed.

Nimbin colour on display.

Highs and lows of Nimbin.

Welcome to Nimbin.

The area around Nimbin is beautiful and one can see why people would want live there. The climate is mild, the land is lush and fertile. Back in the 70s a mixture of people took up residence in the area. There were environmentally conscious people; people interested in permaculture, sustainability and hippie types. They started their communes; they protested and succeeded in stopping rain forest logging in the state of N.S.W.

Unreal happy high.

The indigenous people of Australia had a life style that had no detrimental effect on the environment for tens of thousands of years. Then the white man came and discovered Australia or should I say invaded it as Australia was already inhabited by perhaps the oldest race on earth. The invaders cleared and plundered the land, their cattle polluted the streams and the aboriginal way of life was stamped out. The materialistic commercial system favored a few and created hardship for others.

The post is history.

Some forward thinking people and lots of dreamers thought there had to be a better way. These people formed communes and struggled to establish a life in line with their Hippie ideals. The Hippies were those Vietnam protesters, women’s rights movement, peace and unbinding love advocates. Love based on one’s honor instead of a binding legal document.

This wagon parking ticket has expired.

In America the pot smoking, long-haired Hippies made the headlines. Morally depraved, sabotaging Christian values. They were easy pickings for the negative news stirs. They were a threat to the American way of life. Folk singing Hippies were ‘Blown in the wind’ by a record company deal and the beads and colourful dress became commercialized into a fashion statement. Bob Dillon went electric and commerce thrived.

Buddha is in fashion.

1973 the Aquarius Festival was held in Nimbin. Nimbin was put on the map as the first place in Australia to allow communal land title and became know as ‘The Alternative Lifestyle Capital. The media dubbed it “The Drug Capital of Australia”. As usual the negative is stressed because it is sensational and sells papers and advertising.

Bob Marley peace, pot and dreadlocks.

Cannabis can never be made legal it would put the breweries out of business. There would be dropouts in education, absenteeism would rise in the work force. The incentive drive would be replaced by an optimistic laid-back, could not care less attitude. Home gardens of non taxable herbal roll your own would flourish. The whole grasping commercial system would go to pot.

Hand-made novel head-wear.

Nimbin and the surrounding area is a sight well worth a visit, if your intentions are to enjoy the arts and crafts and the natural beauty. I have visited Nimbin over a number of years and found it to be a quiet little village. The local people are an assortment of friendly kind individuals.

An origonal local in tune with life.

If you go to Nimbin, or anywhere for that matter, with selfish intentions of gratifying your wanting ego, you will be disappointed. Nimbin is a quiet peaceful village under normal conditions. You can still wear your recycled cloths and a flower in your hair the locals will not mind or you can buy some new colourful hand-made cloths in Nimbin. If you want imitation faded, frayed and worn jeans you may have to go to an up market store in the city.

Cottage charm.

I enjoyed this visit and did not leave without a sample of the local generosity. I was given four posters, one poster I gave to Pauline, I gave the others to people who like colourful fun posters and may care to go to the event.

Note no alcohol needed.

 

 

A Change of Pace.

Mt Warning.

                    NEW GOVARDHANA.

I took a break from the TV commercials, neon lights and the grasping materialistic society. Matilda (the pop top van) and I headed for the beautiful lush Tweed Valley to the Hare Krishna Community Farm for a change of pace.

Road up to the Temple.

I WWOOFed, working as a willing worker on their organic farm for five days. Hoeing in the garden and I fixed the fence where the bull had found a way in for a sneaky meal. I did some sweeping and cleaning with the company of beautiful young people, from many countries.

The garden Krishna conscious community.

Scotland, and France, Italy and many Asian countries were represented as well as New Zealand.  These people from different cultures blending-in, in perfect Krishna harmony as an example of how the world could live caring and sharing in friendship, peace and harmony.

Brehut with his magic wand.

One job I especially liked was helping Brehut by cutting the vegetables. Then Brehut showed me how he worked his magic with herbs and spices, using a wooden spoon as his wand to transform those veggies into delicious meals.

Lunch time the days work completed.

Healthy, tasty vegetarian food does no harm to animals so it makes one feel good as well as doing good.

Gentle giants, White House for the ladies in the background.

Who wants to make their stomach a grave yard for animals? You can sample this food at any Govindas buffet style restaurant. Fresh vegetables from organic farms cooked to perfection, refreshing drinks and delightful deserts.

Sweet desserts.

After working up an appetite I enjoyed meal time. Three scrumptious meals a day proved too much for me I cut back to eating breakfast and lunch. Missing dinner I slept better and it was the golden hour for photography.

The birds roost at the golden hour.

It was my quiet time to be with nature exploring the areas superb scenery, the animals, and birds coming home to roost for the night.

The sunlight adds to her beauty.

I had other quiet times after lunch in the library and a lounge area near where Matilda was parked. It was a favored place for guitar playing, I enjoyed some beautifully laid back acoustic guitar playing.

Taking it easy listening to Odin on  Slim Jim the guitar.

I felt blessed having relaxing instrumental music played, it seemed, exclusively for me. I was fortunate to be entertained on three occasions by different talented artists.

Just another day in paradise.

This had been a perfect retreat for me and as I had Matilda to sleep in and worked as a WWOOFer I was told there would be no charge, but a donation would be appreciated.

Worker friends and Matilda parked in the background.

As the work benefited me and the food was fantastic, I brushed the moths aside opened the wallet and gave as if I had done no work. One cannot call doing what you like work, it was a pleasure.

Jack with some young friends.

Feeling reluctance I left, but happy in the knowledge I could return. On the road again. Nimbin, of Hippie fame, is only a short hop away for a visit. Then by tonight I will be back with Pauline my pommepal partner.

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