How quickly I forget! And how spoiled we are in Oz. It’s so good to hear from you. We’ll catch up over lunch soon.

Take care,

Carol

Cheers, Ed

I agree. The supreme joy in life is simply enjoying your life. As you do.

It’s a state of mind I wish for everyone.

Take care,

CAROL

If I may reply just once more:

I am glad you are so content with the “wild blue yonder”, as I would be in your shoes… to the extent I “visited in a dream”. As you know.

The value of anything in life always depends on a matter of comparisons doesn’t it. And your life in the bush has provided you with much wide open serene lustre, compared to that found in the concrete jungle of city life.

However, I could only totally indulge myself this afternoon when we left our home on the top of the coastal range for a dip in the deep blue ocean 10 minutes away at North Curl Curl. It was like an hour’s frolick, and being submerged in the watery womb of mother earth. Clean, clear, and comfortable at 3pm on a balmy day. I was in “a cool demeanour” hoping no sharks were nearby.

But it was worth the risk. We were like a couple of grey haired teenagers, holding hands half the time. Perfectly at peace; and there appeared to be nothing in the pale blue sky but a crescent moon at it’s zenith position to the north. Not a cloud.

Then back to the green hills with our surrounding bush.

If only you would come and share it with me some time.

Don’t tell me you don’t swim !

You know where I learnt to swim? Balmain Baths ! True; thanks to someone outside of my family who cared enough to take me there to learn when I was 9 years of age. And I’m still grateful. I can see them as clear as a bell. Well enough to paint.

Carol, let’s keep counting our blessings. You and I. And thankyou, I’ll remember… when I’m up to my toes, or my neck, in paint, with a photo from Getty Images, and the sound of music inspiring the outcome.

Take care,

BEVERLEY

That’s great news about joining Getty Images.

I always consider their images to be superior to Google Images. Because most of Getty Images are from professional photographers.

Living out in the bush is NEVER like living in the city.

And it is a bit like living on the edge.

Which does appeal to me.

I’m always intrigued at how much you learn to cope with.

And how quickly you learn that a cool demeanour is your best defence when a crisis rears its head.

Having experienced the city life from New York City to Sydney, I still prefer the rural life and those ‘out of the blue’ incidents that can only occur in the ‘wild blue yonder’.

Enjoy Getty Images. They are a treat!

And best wishes with your toes firmly planted in painting once again.

Take care,

CAROL

You really do live on “the edge” don’t you, as wonderful as your place is.

Edge of what? Well call it calamity; or the fine line between heaven and hell…please keep to the left, thankyou!! But as you know I admire you for your expert handling of all that.

Once again I’m amazed; you keep teaching me and I am so grateful. I have just been in to Getty Images and I did register !! (for who knows what in the near future).

I am always looking out for inspiration for more paintings; and I’ve had my “shots in the arm” this year, all at Christmas eg. your Lucy Watt’s Cards; a reference book from my Nicole called “The Painter’s Garden” by Hatje Cantz; and some new art supplies from my Terry. I was really deeply blown away. Now that all has to count for something, doesn’t it !!

Thankyou again, Carol,

Beverley

Thank you. A sense of humour is always a plus in times of calamity.

Integral Energy returned the following Monday to replace the lightning deflector that was damaged.

Roger showed me the four bullet holes the lightning drilled into it.

And then continued on its trajectory until it hit the house.

Our favourite electrician, Dennis from Kandos, replaced the Master Switch on the switchboard and will be back to install a Surge Diverter so our farmhouse never again takes such a direct hit.

We hope!!!

The lightning strike image is exceptional, isn’t it?

I’m a member of Getty Images and found just the perfect one for this story. And I see you agree.

You can browse on their site without becoming a member.

All you need to do is key in a word or phrase of the type of image you’re looking for. You should go and have a look.

Click here for Getty Images.

Any image with an RF after it means it’s Royalty Free and free to use. But you must join as a member to be able to download any image.

Again, Beverley, many thanks for your lovely comments.

Take care,

CAROL

Hello;
Now I realize we shouldn’t laugh at other people’s demises or misfortunes; but I’m just splitting my sides right now! An exceptional piece of writing.

You deserve for your life to be truely lit up in wonderful ways. I’m sure it must be.

Never again will Rice Bubbles be just Rice Bubbles, and whoever took the royal strobe shot of the panoramic extravaganda up top, should patent it. Otherwise I’ll claim it !!! ’tis truely beautiful.

Congratulations,

Beverley