Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Beginning of Specialness...

I can hardly believe that this is the third year I have blogged about my wanderings, and the wonders of Floriade!

Our city's central, Commonwealth park, is transformed with the coming of the spring each year, into an incredibly beautiful flower festival (mostly spring bulbs) which runs for a month from the middle of September in Canberra, Australia.



I think that every year, I love it more, and want to share it more, with you. 
 I agonise so about getting the right shots to do it's beauty justice!


There are winding pathways, with quiet benches and lawns for sitting, praying and pondering quietly.  Down the way there is a ferris wheel and a tea cup ride, children bouncing on an inflatable castle to the soundtrack of one of those noisy carnival organ things (essential to create the right festival atmosphere)!  


Tara and I found blue flowers this year, for Emily...


We found a nook, and picnicked in the sun.


And, not that I mean to brag - but I made the most AMAZING tuna, avocado, tomato, cheddar cheese, red onion with a lime mayonnaise dressing, in the history of picnic-kind..!


Then pondered and prayed a little myself, and absorbed some highly anticipated sunshine - post winter sunshine warms and charms like no other...


Had a brief, but beautiful time with my best friend in between trips away...


And so enjoyed seeing this years art installations in the trees!




A rather unusual, picture of all four of my children with assorted sun hats!

We made an afternoon of it, and truly it was special to be welcoming the spring once more!  It has felt like a long and cold winter.  But the spring brings in the change for me, more light, more hope...  

So this day, for me was to mark the beginning of all these good things, all the specialness of the Aussie summer, the heat, the outdoor dining, long walks in the daylight saving, and this year, a new baby for my arms to hold.

I think it will be the most special summer of all.

Shell xx

5 comments:

  1. Beautiful. So glad to see you're well and enjoying yourself xx

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  2. Thanks Shell : ) Gotta love the beautiful flowers, beautiful people and the umbrellas in the trees
    : )))

    Spring in Canberra, who would want to be anywhere else! love always
    Lynn xx

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  3. Beautiful. What a lovely park and setting for your fab picnic. I really like that art installation too. How cool is that??!!

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  4. Gorgeous! So full of life & love! I always want to hop into your scenes!!

    You are so lovely!

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  5. Oh my! This reminds me of how special it was to see bright blooms and lanterns in trees with you last year. I wish I had a little corner on that picnic rug to spend with you and your beautiful kin this year! It makes me so glad to see you in enjoying the sunshine - and I love those umbrellas xx

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