Month: September 2023

Scribblings by Sarah

Yeddonba

Sarah W

Linda’s prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “hum.”

As I begin writing today, I can’t help but think, it’s funny how often these SoCS prompts align with things that are happening in my life.

To explain, I kicked off my school holidays, by visiting my old stomping ground in NE Victoria.

Besides a cherished opportunity to catch up with friends, I also did some of my favourite walks in the area. One of which is the Yeddonba Rocks, Aboriginal Cultural Site.

So? What does this have to do with ‘humming’? I hear you ask.

Well. I’m getting there…

In Indigenous Australian culture, there is a strong, and absolute connection to country. It is believed that songlines and sacred sites have long held the earth’s energy flow, and for thousands of years, ancient cultures have tapped into this.

While some may be skeptical of such things, I can undoubtedly report that Yeddonba is one of these places where you can feel the earth pulsate with the resonant energies of its ancestors. Moreover, the giant granite slabs and tors found in this area actually, well… hum.

The first time I visited and felt these vibrations, it held a sense of unease; an eeriness even. But over time, as I’ve returned again and again, I have learned to appreciate how special this place truly is.

Past, present and future collide here – it is palpable. The abundant granite slabs, tors and cliff faces almost seem alive – breathing in and out, just as we do.

On Wednesday, I walked this trail alone. Aside from being a profoundly grounding and spiritual experience, it also gave me pause to consider my own ‘hum.’

Will it continue as part of the earth, once I too, have been returned to it?

Or will it disappear altogether?

Is it even mine in the first place?

Or just borrowed for this short place in time?

Maybe if I listen more closely, the hum will let me know…

Mt Pilot National Park, VIC
Bracken fern
Shhh… and hear the hum
Rock paintings viewing platform
Granite overhang/shelter
Giant granite slabs
Granite tors
View from the top

An eerie kookaburra calling in the midst of my solo visit

As always, here’s a terrible joke to end with… 

Q. Why do hummingbirds hum?
A. Because they don't know the words.

Linda G. Hill:
Stream of Consciousness Saturday, 30 September

Scribblings by Sarah

Long Lost Lists

Sarah W

Linda’s prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “last/lest/list/lost.”

Being the last day of the school term yesterday, this seems a rather timely topic for me.

You see, we teachers are perpetually haunted by a never-ending “to do” list.

Literally….it never ends.

As with many jobs, the nature of our work means there is always something that needs to be done. A relentless tsunami of marking, reports, meetings, assessment, planning, documentation, office administration, classroom and displays (….and so on…); all packed in and around the edges of actual face to face teaching.

And even when you think you’re “up to date,” there’s still a plethora of fiddly/menial things that need doing too.

But weirdly, this doesn’t bother me.

In fact, I just no longer bother writing the lists. I realised years ago, by continually running the list-hamster-wheel, there is no quicker way to feel depressed or like you’re not accomplishing anything.

I choose instead, to rely on common sense, prioritising and good old fashioned memory (I like to think this approach also strengthens the grey matter lest it starts to fade with age).

And yes, I forget things. And yes, not everything always gets done. But the world still turns and the sun will still rise in the morning. And me? I know I am a better teacher for being more relaxed, balanced and kind to myself.

Besides, nine times out of ten, those lists just wind up lost anyway!

As always, here’s a terrible joke to end with… 

I put tomato sauce on my shopping list... now I can't read it!

Linda G. Hill:
Stream of Consciousness Saturday, 23 September

Scribblings by Sarah

Runaway

Sarah W

Linda’s prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “run.”

Run.

Now this is no run-of-the-mill prompt! Just the mere mention of the word, makes my blood run cold.

I mean, I run a tight ship when it comes to exercise. Gym, kayaking, bush walking, dancing…but general athleticism in this department? Well, let’s just say it doesn’t run in the family.

I have tried, believe me, a number of times to go for a run. But I run out of steam after a measly 500m or so. Case in point: At school the other day, there was a medical emergency, and I had to make a run for it. And yes, even in an emergency, I ran into the wall (metaphorically speaking) before I even got to the oval. Luckily, others were running around in circles trying to help too, so everything worked out just fine!

And then, at the risk of running off at the mouth, let’s not even mention the fact that my body is simply not built for running. You see, as the song says, “Baby got back“….and in my case, I also got front. This combined, makes for a hilarious, yet in the long run, rather uncomfortable, counteracting motion, that is not at all conducive to running.

So if you ever see me going on a trial run:

  1. Check that it’s actually me.
  2. Check if I am running a fever.
  3. Run with it!

As always, here’s a terrible joke to end with… 

Q. What do sprinters eat before a race?
A. Nothing, they fast.

Linda G. Hill:
Stream of Consciousness Saturday, 16 September

*Thanks to Ben@EngVid for helping me with all the run idioms that spurred on my SoCS and allowed it to run wild …

Ovi, Poetry by Sarah

Moirai

Sarah W

In ancient Greek,
the fates do speak.
Determining things we seek.
These sisters three.

Spin threads of life.
Turn spindle to write
a path of strife
…or glee?

Measuring rods.
Allotting sods.
Stack the odds.
Look closer, see.

The cutter of threads,
is shearing the dregs.
No matter one begs,
what will be, will be…

By Sarah ©2023

Ronovan Writes:
Wednesday Ovi Poetry – fate

*Based on mythology of the Moirai