Beehappy's Wednesday June 27th, 2012

Daisies lie dead
scattered and forsaken
the perfect accompaniment
to a pauper's passing

Where once wonder
now a nothingness
wilted petals decaying

with long forgotten dreams

Tempestuous bedfellows
fortune and fate
courting past tragedy
and asking why

Playing with comedy
toying in mystery
delving in deeper
then tripping on lies

Sailing on sorrows
towards tapestries woven
running from Icarus.
Drifting on by

Dancing with maybes
and scratching at lines
circling closer
to questions and sighs

Searching and seeking
and salving the soul
flirting with futures.
Riding the tide.

I do not know what came before
now, is to reason why.
For here is the present.
The gift of today
And past is a glint in the eye.
Breathing it in,
straight in the face
a blow that comes from all sides.
Screaming live and all that it is,
light and sky, the time is nigh
take it while it's thine.

Shades of green dapple the forest floor
Daisies and forget-me-nots
polka dot the carpet under foot.
Light fingers through fronds
finding shoots and saplings.
Drawing them upwards
teasing and tempting
with glimpses of grandeur
from their great-great-grandfathers
standing
taller than Titans
older
than it is possible to comprehend.
Gregarious giants.
Ancient ancestors.

It strikes me that people here are much more trusting than in England. This brings it's own rewards. Out and about you don't feel afraid, doors don't need to be locked and people are more honest. If donations are asked for, they are given. And it feels good to step up to the mark. It's nicer to be left and trusted to get on with a job (as we are here) than to be watched constantly. I think I actually work harder because I like the people and the atmosphere and want to give something back. It takes a lot of trust on the part of our hosts to welcome strangers into their homes (our current family have been taking woofers for 18 years so maybe that explains their approach). We are trusted not to ruin their hard earned crops, we are trusted in their houses, with their pets, and in their kitchens. Two sets of hosts have gone away for a day or two and left us to get on with it. It's good to be trusted. It makes for a much nicer experience.

Another positive here, is that we feel respected and valued. On Malcolm island things sometimes felt a little preachy. Conversation could be awkward, and to me, it just didn't often feel comfortable. Something was lacking.
Here, our opinions are valued, even if they portray inexperience or differing points of view. Discussions are lively and interesting. I feel truly welcome. And like I am am worth listening to.

Having the Internet here (albeit a slow service) means we are getting the news through my 'Guardian' app.
I have to say its mostly utterly depressing. The Conservatives are busy ripping the country to shreds. Strikes, food parcels, education reforms, mental health failures. I still like to read it but it's not very often positive. It's one of the few things that I could say 'winds me up' right now. What are they doing to my country? How can they so 'psychopathically', without empathy, cause so much misery. Why don't they care. I owe a letter of complaint to the head of Ofsted over his claims about teacher stress. I am also seriously considering joining the labour party, just to do anything I can to ensure the Conservatives don't get re-elected. Rrrrrr!

The pace of life here is much generally much slower. People bake pies and make jam and take the time to say hello. Doors don't ever get locked. People drive slowly and considerately. Meal times take an hour and that's not preparation. That's eating and talking and sharing the day. Friends often turn up and sometimes stay for food.

We have come across 'honesty boxes' in quite a few places in Canada. Here, in the apple barn, soft cider and strawberries are available for people to help themselves to, there is a book for them to record what they bought, and a payment box. It has around 50 dollars in, should people need change.

People who give us rides are interested in sharing themselves, and in asking questions. There is genuine value and meaningful interaction.

It is an amazing place, and something to aspire to.

This morning I went over to the main house to shower. When I was putting my shoes on to leave I was greeted by two ducks and a duckling, wagging their tails and looking friendly. I think this is a rather pleasant way to be greeted. I said hello, and went on my way.

And when the day is done
And the even time is dawning
And the grime has been washed from between your toes,
And the time is right for yawning.
And when the sweat has settled
And the day has rightly receeded
And the toil has taken its toll on your bones
and rest is all that's needed
When you can smile and see your gains
And nod to a job well done
Then sleep's your friend and you'll drift away
To the land of eternal sun.

Perfect mouth-watering prisms.
Hanging like miniature fairy lanterns, trimmed with Elvish green
Round, red globes
glistening
teasing, tempting, promising.
Plucked with ease
and immediately eaten
A taste explosion,
sweet sensations.
Berry bliss.