Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 12
October 20, 2012
All the Fun of the Fair!
If crowd numbers are anything to go by, Australians love Fairs! Whether judging by media reports or witnessing first-hand, who could fail to be impressed by both the crowd numbers and attractions?
My husband Ron and I recently visited a local Spring Fair. The warm, sunny weather doubtless contributed to their impressive display. A contagious, carnival atmosphere permeated the scene!
While motor bike rides, stalls of what-have -you: and even a Haunted House: drew plenty of admirers, my own favourites were the animals. Impeccably presented Shetland ponies were on http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
My husband Ron and I recently visited a local Spring Fair. The warm, sunny weather doubtless contributed to their impressive display. A contagious, carnival atmosphere permeated the scene!
While motor bike rides, stalls of what-have -you: and even a Haunted House: drew plenty of admirers, my own favourites were the animals. Impeccably presented Shetland ponies were on http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Meet Friends!
Here in Australia, it's the National Year of Reading 2012. My husband and editor Ronald Sharp and I are proud supporters of this initiative that aims to encourage greater reading throughout the community.
Just recently, a new promotion has taken place, whereby Friends (and others) are shown in short collages, talking about their love of reading. Ron, our little dog Chicki, and I are featured in the newly released Episode 3. Here's the link: http://love2readtv.com.au/love2readtv...
With plenty of well known authors including Helene Young, Fleur McDonald and Wendy Orr scheduled for appearance in Episode 4, there's lots to look forward to, and to look back on. The highly entertaining Episodes 1 and 2 are well worth a look!
Just recently, a new promotion has taken place, whereby Friends (and others) are shown in short collages, talking about their love of reading. Ron, our little dog Chicki, and I are featured in the newly released Episode 3. Here's the link: http://love2readtv.com.au/love2readtv...
With plenty of well known authors including Helene Young, Fleur McDonald and Wendy Orr scheduled for appearance in Episode 4, there's lots to look forward to, and to look back on. The highly entertaining Episodes 1 and 2 are well worth a look!
October 18, 2012
Flashing Jewels: Rainbow Lorikeets
Australia is blessed by many delightful avian species. Parrots must surely rank as one of the most engaging.
As a child of the city, I never saw these lovely creatures in the wild. Despite the relief of an occasional park, the streets of concrete and bitumen were not conducive to their habitation.
And so, when later on we moved away: to an outer suburb closer to bushland: these often brilliantly coloured birds formed a part of my journey of discovery.
While sometimes they visit local front gardens: particularly those with native plants: they are often to be seen in bushland parks.
One of the most common in number, though not in beauty, is the Rainbow Lorikeet. As its name suggests, it’s a gloriously multi-coloured bird. Small wonder it was the first Australian parrot http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
As a child of the city, I never saw these lovely creatures in the wild. Despite the relief of an occasional park, the streets of concrete and bitumen were not conducive to their habitation.
And so, when later on we moved away: to an outer suburb closer to bushland: these often brilliantly coloured birds formed a part of my journey of discovery.
While sometimes they visit local front gardens: particularly those with native plants: they are often to be seen in bushland parks.
One of the most common in number, though not in beauty, is the Rainbow Lorikeet. As its name suggests, it’s a gloriously multi-coloured bird. Small wonder it was the first Australian parrot http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
See it Now: Love2read tv!
Some months ago, my husband and editor Ronald Sharp and I were approached to take part in a video as part of Australia's National Year of Reading 2012.
Naturally we were delighted to make a contribution, and so, with the help of our lovely little Maltese Chicki, we came up with a little over a minute, which has been included in Episode 3. It was released just yesterday.
Here's the link. http://love2readtv.com.au/love2readtv...
And, don't forget, there are some wonderful people to meet in all Episodes!
Authors such as Helene Young, Fleur McDonald, Wendy Orr: too many to mention!
What a splendid initiative!
Naturally we were delighted to make a contribution, and so, with the help of our lovely little Maltese Chicki, we came up with a little over a minute, which has been included in Episode 3. It was released just yesterday.
Here's the link. http://love2readtv.com.au/love2readtv...
And, don't forget, there are some wonderful people to meet in all Episodes!
Authors such as Helene Young, Fleur McDonald, Wendy Orr: too many to mention!
What a splendid initiative!
October 17, 2012
Even More Wildflowers!
It’s mid Spring , here in Sydney, Australia: what better time to feast your eyes on our charming wildflowers?
National Parks provide we Sydney-siders with an opportunity to witness first hand the wondrous beauty of nature. Just wandering around, keeping your eyes wide open, is all it takes. Within minutes, you’re practically guaranteed to stumble upon: or be overwhelmed by: a sight for sore eyes. Just watch out for other natives such http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
National Parks provide we Sydney-siders with an opportunity to witness first hand the wondrous beauty of nature. Just wandering around, keeping your eyes wide open, is all it takes. Within minutes, you’re practically guaranteed to stumble upon: or be overwhelmed by: a sight for sore eyes. Just watch out for other natives such http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
The Battle of the Bath
I wonder how many of us have experienced a collision between their elbow and their knee-cap.
My guess is: not many.
So, it is with some alacrity that I report that I, Margaret Sharp, have managed it. And yes, it hurts.
You may wonder how this all came about.
The answer is: Chicki!
Adorable though she is, Chicki’s fun-loving streak can produce all manner of outcomes.
She has a penchant for turning every activity into a game: or, more correctly, a battle of wits. A battle that she is more than capable of winning!
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
My guess is: not many.
So, it is with some alacrity that I report that I, Margaret Sharp, have managed it. And yes, it hurts.
You may wonder how this all came about.
The answer is: Chicki!
Adorable though she is, Chicki’s fun-loving streak can produce all manner of outcomes.
She has a penchant for turning every activity into a game: or, more correctly, a battle of wits. A battle that she is more than capable of winning!
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
October 15, 2012
Australian Wildflowers: Here's More1
Unfortunately I’m not a botanist, and, since identifying plants solely from reference books is both difficult and potentially flawed, when in doubt I’ll leave it to others to put names to flowers.
Certainly, you don’t need specialist or even general knowledge of such flora to appreciate their beauty. Whether understated and subtle, or unashamedly spectacular, our wildflowers have their own appeal.
These photos have been taken during recent weeks in Sydney, Australia.
Next time you’re in native parkland, why not make a special effort to keep your eyes peeled for our charming native flowering plants? Who knows what you will find!
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Certainly, you don’t need specialist or even general knowledge of such flora to appreciate their beauty. Whether understated and subtle, or unashamedly spectacular, our wildflowers have their own appeal.
These photos have been taken during recent weeks in Sydney, Australia.
Next time you’re in native parkland, why not make a special effort to keep your eyes peeled for our charming native flowering plants? Who knows what you will find!
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
October 12, 2012
The Rain, The Park, and all its Beauty
While most of Sydney stayed indoors, or certainly stayed away from deliberate, outdoor activities, we ventured out to see the special, soft, misty beauty that the gentle rain provides.
And, weren’t we rewarded? Despite the raindrops, and singing at the top of their voices, a few Noisy Miners alighted in front of me, making an engaging scene. The river, misted over, permeated a soft, soothing aura.
Sure, we love the brilliant sunshine, but doesn’t precipitation also offer something awesome?
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
And, weren’t we rewarded? Despite the raindrops, and singing at the top of their voices, a few Noisy Miners alighted in front of me, making an engaging scene. The river, misted over, permeated a soft, soothing aura.
Sure, we love the brilliant sunshine, but doesn’t precipitation also offer something awesome?
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Wildflowers of Australia
There’s something special about wildflowers. In essence, it’s that they are as nature intended: not meddled with by human hands. Therefore, their beauty is intrinsic, not cultivated.
Here, I’ve chosen two entirely different types to show you. First, Lomandra, with the river in the background. I’ll admit they have almost certainly been planted: nevertheless they are rather unusual, attractive and useful natives. Their impressive spikes offer important protection for wildlife, and their flowers exude a kind of subtle beauty, along with an unusual perfume.
Second, the genuine article: Flannel flowers, scattered here and there, with Mother Nature as their guide.Their grey leaves blend perfectly with their cream-coloured flowers. Interestingly, their ‘petals’ are not what they seem: they’re actually bracts surrounding clusters of insignificant flowers. Perhaps surprisingly, Flannel Flowers are related to carrots and celery!
As I go through our native park-lands, I’ll keep my eyes open for other awesome Australian wildflowers to show you!
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Here, I’ve chosen two entirely different types to show you. First, Lomandra, with the river in the background. I’ll admit they have almost certainly been planted: nevertheless they are rather unusual, attractive and useful natives. Their impressive spikes offer important protection for wildlife, and their flowers exude a kind of subtle beauty, along with an unusual perfume.
Second, the genuine article: Flannel flowers, scattered here and there, with Mother Nature as their guide.Their grey leaves blend perfectly with their cream-coloured flowers. Interestingly, their ‘petals’ are not what they seem: they’re actually bracts surrounding clusters of insignificant flowers. Perhaps surprisingly, Flannel Flowers are related to carrots and celery!
As I go through our native park-lands, I’ll keep my eyes open for other awesome Australian wildflowers to show you!
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
October 8, 2012
What I Love about Swimming
As an observer of life, I contend there are two categories of people: swimmers and non-swimmers.
Having read the title, you’ll know my sympathies.
As a swimming devotee for over three decades, I can vouch for its many virtues.
What better way to spend time outdoors on a sunny day than in the water? So refreshing!
As an exercise, swimming comes into its own. Compared to, say running, swimming is gentle, and can be continued right up through senior years. It burns calories and promotes muscle tone.
To me, even more important is the relaxation: the feeling of escape from normal life. Humans are, of course, creatures of the land, and venturing into water seems to constitute a break from the humdrum of everyday activities. After swimming, people often say that they feel better. Is this just a matter of improved circulation due to exercise, or is it something more?
Those who like competition may well have the chance to join Swimming Clubs, and this has the added advantage of social contact. Who knows what marvelous new friendships you may make?
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
Having read the title, you’ll know my sympathies.
As a swimming devotee for over three decades, I can vouch for its many virtues.
What better way to spend time outdoors on a sunny day than in the water? So refreshing!
As an exercise, swimming comes into its own. Compared to, say running, swimming is gentle, and can be continued right up through senior years. It burns calories and promotes muscle tone.
To me, even more important is the relaxation: the feeling of escape from normal life. Humans are, of course, creatures of the land, and venturing into water seems to constitute a break from the humdrum of everyday activities. After swimming, people often say that they feel better. Is this just a matter of improved circulation due to exercise, or is it something more?
Those who like competition may well have the chance to join Swimming Clubs, and this has the added advantage of social contact. Who knows what marvelous new friendships you may make?
http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...
