I think if I had to find one word to describe myself at the moment, it would be introspective. Exhausted worrying about a world I have little power to influence, I’ve withdrawn to the personal, domestic space where my thoughts and actions can make a difference.
I began the month in New Plymouth, visiting the gardens — both beautiful and functional — of the Taranaki Garden Festival and Sustainable Backyards Trail. I met people who grow their own food on tiny suburban plots, others who are creating off-grid lifestyles, and some of the professional gardeners whose job it is to care for the area’s stunning Regional Gardens — at Tupare, Pukeitiand Holland Gardens.
I came home energised, inspired and with my head as full of free-range, sustainably grown, nutrient-dense ideas as I’d hoped. The gardens deserve their own posts (I am working on them, honest), but there was a lot to enjoy just travelling to, and being in, Taranaki.
Back in Auckland I haven’t strayed too far from home; venturing onto the (relatively) new ferry service from Hobsonville Point to the city one afternoon.
And walking amongst the lupin-covered dunes at Muriwai Beach.
Perhaps now that summer has arrived, I will feel more inclined to look outward.
About The Changing Seasons
The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.
If you would like to join in, here are the guidelines:
The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic):
- Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
- Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
- Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them
The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):
- Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
- Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
- Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.
If you do a ping-back to this post, I can update it with links to all of yours.
Update
Please visit these bloggers to see how November played out for them.
Tracy at Reflections of an Untidy Mind
Margaret at The Secret Diary of a Garden
Lani at Life, the Universe, and Lani
Ruth at Ruth’s Arc
Jude at Life at the Edge
Marilyn at Serendipity Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth
Mick at Mick’s Cogs
Pauline at Living in Paradise
Ju-Lyn at All Things Bright and Beautiful
Tish at Writer on the Edge
Sarah at Art Expedition
Brian at Bushboys World
Joining us for the first time:
Dawn at A Shared Space
Darren at Arty Plantsman
ONE OF YOUR BEST EVER POSTS SU, IT IS GREAT TO SEE THOSE FIRST LEAVES OF A NEW PLAN WHEN YOU HAVE TAKEN YOUR OWN SEED. NEXT SPRING I WILL BE TRYING TO GROW A WORLD RECORD GOOSEBERRY, ‘MILLENNIUM’ GREAT POST CHINA
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – November 2019 – Reflections of An Untidy Mind
I know just how you feel, Su. I re-wrote my month several times and in the end, I just gave up. I didn’t think my photos deserved my negativity. I really love your photos. Everything about them is very inspiring. You’ve brought a little bit of wonder to us. ❤
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I struggled for days with draft after draft and ultimately made the same call as you.
I am so grateful for my garden, but am already beginning to worry about the water supply as it heats up here.
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Yes, even New Zealand burns. Every time I put something in my mouth, I wonder where the water came from to produce this piece of food. Aussies, or at least those who can afford it, will soon be relying on New Zealand produce. Sorry for the gloom.
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Don’t apologise. I feel it too.
And if we don’t stop bulldozing fertile land to build houses, no-one will be eating.
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Long term planning is not a feature anywhere.
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Ain’t that the truth.
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Pingback: The Secret Diary of a Garden – From Pyrenees to Pennines
When can I move? I share your worries and applaud you for doing what you CAN do to make your corner of this world a GOOD and happy one.
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🙂
Thank you so much.
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Sue, your first two sentences resonated. All my stress and campaigning changes nothing, sadly. Time to enjoy those things closer to home, or discovered on one’s travels, and re-discover inner peace. As I’ve tried to here:https://margaret21.wordpress.com/2019/11/30/the-secret-diary-of-a-garden/
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So many of us feel this way, and it would be hard not to. I’m hoping that a little time out will help recharge my batteries; there are still causes I want to fight for.
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Me too. But we do need a break from wall-to-wall stress don’t we?
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Absolutely. I’m no good to anyone — myself included — when I’m constantly stressed and angry.
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It seems to get harder and harder to stay calm and positive but your post helps focus my mind on beauty and good things. I do hope your little kakabeak is tenacious and learns how to thrive.
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Thank you so much. I’m hopeful for my kakabeak — and for the kowhai seeds I planted a few weeks ago. Almost 50% have germinated.
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Hooray.
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My first contribution and not sure if my pingback worked.
https://dawnbird.blog/2019/11/30/do-look-back-30-november-2019/
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Learning to let go of things that we cannot control is probably one of the hardest challenges of simply living life. And yet the key to inner peace is doing just that. I wish I had been taught that as a child, not as an adult banging my head against the wall repeatedly. But perhaps like so much advice, I would have ignored it anyway.
I hope your introspective days bring quietude to your everyday moments. Stunning photos, as always.
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Thank you so much Lani.
Letting go is something I’m really bad at, and I think it’s a sign of how messed up the world has become that I’m even trying.
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I hear you…xo
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – November – Life, the Universe, and Lani
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You do sound a little wistful. I hope the arrival of summer provides more hope. I think I am becoming more angry. And tired of being part of the generation who the youths are blaming for the state of the planet. I rather think that rot started with the industrial revolution, and I wonder how many of them are willing to give up their mobile phones and large screen TVs, or the two SUVs their parents own and the flights abroad each school holiday? Don’t get me wrong, I admire their concern, but when you’re a child with no responsibility then it’s easy to blame others. Rant over. Sorry!
Your photos are fab as always. I need to get my post done today. I’m looking forward to 22 Dec when the days begin to get longer again 🙂
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Don’t apologise Jude; you’re saying pretty much what I’m thinking.
I’m becoming a lot less sympathetic towards the complaints of the millenials (my son being the worst offender in my little world). I listened in amazement the other day while he and his girlfriend trotted out all the “evil boomer” rhetoric, followed by some fairly pathetic excuses for their own actions. And of course they fail to see the irony.
Sigh.
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I was surprised to learn that millennials are the group born from 1980 – 1996 so my youngest son is one. They are also known as eco boomers as they were children of baby boomers (1941-1965) The most recent group of people are post-millennials or Gen Z or Linksters, given their links to social media. Fascinating to read about the characteristics of each generation.
https://metro.co.uk/2017/09/20/what-is-a-millennial-6942535/
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Thanks for the link Jude., it is fascinating.
I read a similar article recently that also called them the Me Generation and had what I thought was quite a good analysis. I can’t find it offhand, but will send the link when I do.
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I think we need to balance those moments of introspection and inward focus with the outward. I hope this month was replenishing for you. Your photos make me want to visit NZ… it’s been added to the bucket list.
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Thank you. I am hopeful that retreat will re-energize me.
I hope you do get to visit NZ sometime and we can meet up.
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That would be lovely😍
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🙂
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I can totally relate. I read an article this week that described NZ as one of the few countries left where a progressive majority controls the government. So at least you have that!
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For now anyway. We have an election coming up next year. Who knows what will happen then.
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Fingers crossed….
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I suspect I may have to do a little more, and am feeling a bit more energized to get out and become involved.
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Your first sentences describes my situation as well. Some years ago we decided to have no evening paper and not to listen to the news every day. Often too depressing. The little world is what works for me too. Doing the little things right and feeling good about it. Thank you for uplifting images and I hope you will find harmony with yourself again. I try hard myself, but I don’t know about the results. Mostly I feel I am running away from everything. Living a life that is no longer mine.
I am grateful to have you all and for my visit to NZ some years ago. You are still upright. I admire Jacinda and I admire you all. I hope you are all proud of your people. ♥
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Thank you for sharing your understanding. It seems so many of us feel the same way.
There is much about my little country that I am proud of, but even here we are seeing a terrible loss of kindness and compassion.
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Great collection of images befitting the theme of the changing seasons, Su! I especially like the plant images, which remind of the spring which we will not have for another four months.
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Thank you so much Peter 🙂
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Your Nasturtiums look so nice, Su. Must plant some next year.
Leslie xoxo
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Thanks Leslie. They are lovely to have in the garden.
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They are….
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Pingback: Changing Seasons – November 2019 – life at the edge
I think that’s the most beautiful fern frond I’ve ever seen!! 😍 And it’s such a delight to watch all that lovely green growth, especially now that our trees are almost all bare now. I hope your kaka beak will make it through, it’s so lovely! Your introspection resonates deeply within me. I struggle to keep depression at bay at the moment – all those terrible news seem to grate on my nerves and my hope. Better to concentrate on what good I can do in my immediate corner of the world. Xxx
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I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment. I understand that, and know how much worse it can be in winter (UK winters were terrible for me).
Part of me feels bad for consciously blocking out “the news” but it was making me constantly angry and helpless.
I think you are right to concentrate on the good you can achieve. You have such wonderful, creative talents and I hope using them can bring you peace and joy my friend. xxx
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I feel the same bad conscience, and often hear from others that I shouldn’t block the news out, but from time to time I simply need to. 😦
Have a lovely new week ahead, dear friend! xxxxx
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Don’t feel bad about it. Your health comes first. Wishing you a wonderful, creative week too. xxxx
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You too!! xxxxx
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🙂 xxx
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – November 2019 – Little Pieces Of Me
It’s hard to feel powerless in this word. I am glad you are finding places to retreat to.
https://littlepiecesofme1.wordpress.com/2019/11/30/the-changing-seasons-november-2019/
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Thank you so much. 🙂
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Pingback: THE CHANGING SEASONS NOVEMBER 2019 – Marilyn Armstrong | Serendipity Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth
Interesting how “Changing Seasons” means something different now than it used to! Are you getting real winter there? We’re due for our first snow tomorrow. I’m hoping it misses us!
https://teepee12.com/2019/11/30/the-changing-seasons-november-2019-marilyn-armstrong/
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Did the snow miss you?
It’s really starting to feel like summer here — with humidity arriving about a month early. The skies are hazy from the Australian bush-fires and we’re hoping for some rain to top the water tank up.
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Pingback: Changing Seasons August to November 2019 | Mick's Cogs
What a wonderful experience, Su! So glad you shared this! I forget sometimes, as we go into early winter soon here in Texas, that nicer weather’s blooming just the other half of the world, sustainable & nutrient rich! Yes! 😊
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Thanks so much.
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Pingback: Changing Seasons : November 2019 – Living in Paradise…
Pingback: The Changing Seasons: November 2019 – All things bright and beautiful
You have had a delightful month Su, I do envy you your trip to Taranaki and the gorgeous gardens in that area and loved the beautiful photos you have shared with us. We lived there for 4 years and I have it on my to do list for our next NZ visit. It is sad to see how the world is shaping as we “elders” watch it all unfolding. But I’ve come to the personal conclusion that fretting about it only makes me unhappy. So I just get on with life as you never know how much longer is left…
Here is my changing seasons for November https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2019/12/01/changing-seasons-november-2019/
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The Taranaki trip was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t just about experiencing all the lovely gardens, but meeting people who are living good, productive lives that honour and nurture the earth. It was really inspiring.
More and more, I feel the same as you — we have to pick our battles and savour the small victories we achieve. Every time I put my hands in the soil, I feel that.
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I like to think that doing our small bit by reducing plastic use, nurturing our gardens and living as minimalistic a,s possible must help. If only everyone did these things it would help
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I agree. We don’t find it hard to do these things,— and I’m sure you don’t — so I cant understand when I look around and see my neighbours with massive houses, multiple gas-guzzling SUVs, overflowing bins and no gardens to speak of. Grrr.
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Those massive mansions are a pet hate of mine. I actually saw a SMALL new house being built. I went across and congratulated the builders and they said they couldn’t understand why the people wanted it so small!!! I will watch that space see if a garden goes in….
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Good for you. There has been one modest-sized house built in our neighbourhood recently. The thing we’ve noticed — apart from it’s sensible size — is that the whole project was completed in a few months, including removing the derelict cottage that was on the land. The McMansions are taking up to two years to complete!!!
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It looks so beautiful there, Su. My next door neighbour here is about to depart for an NZ Christmas with her daughter. She’s never been. 🙂 🙂 Your little patch looks beautiful and having just come here from Pauline’s I’m feeling highly inadequate at not growing my own veg. Locally grown stuff is so cheap and plentiful here and my pathetic efforts to nurture a chilli plant… let’s just say, I don’t have green fingers. 😦 I keep looking anxiously at my lime and fig trees and sometimes mutter encouraging words to them. Do you think that will help? I’m a switch off person when it comes to politics. I know that’s abdicating my responsibility but Mick reads enough for both of us. I don’t know how he stays sane! Happy December, darlin!
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Nothing wrong with buying fruit and veg that is locally produced — a good choice in fact because it helps local farmers. We used to grow food locally, but so much of our productive land has been bulldozed and built on, we rely on stuff produced elsewhere.
I hope your neighbour has a wonderful time with her daughter in NZ. It will be a long trip, though.
I think as I get older, I’m getting better at picking my battles, but right now, there don’t seem to be all that many I feel I can win. I suspect that’s true for many of us.
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Pingback: November On And Over The Edge: The Changing Seasons – Tish Farrell
So many lively and heartening photos in your November round-up, Su. Tho I also wholly identify with your sense of powerless over events and the need to concentrate on personal terrain:
https://tishfarrell.com/2019/12/01/november-on-and-over-the-edge-the-changing-seasons/
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Thank you Tish. I’m feeling quite energised by all the understanding empathetic comments. I do love our blogging whanau.
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Absolutely! So very good to be able to tap into like-minded/hearted souls.
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – November 2019 | Art Expedition
My son is a millennial and knows everything that needs to be known. A disagreement is often put down to this. It irritates me on two counts. Firstly, he is often wrong but more annoyingly, it is so fashionable. He is giving in to fashion so readily at the age of 27.
On a brighter note, it is my definite intention to lay eyeballs on Taranaki before I croak it. Visiting your beautiful land is a recurring theme of discussions between us. I have been blog absent lately due to post-retirement madness, but I love the honesty of blogging over other forms of net connection. So let’s hope something does not derail me again. Thanks Su.
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Your son sounds like mine! I can’t believe the bright boy raised to question everything now parrots the most appalling rubbish which must be true because it’s what all his friends think.
It is lovely to see you back in the blogosphere Mick, and I totally understand that other parts of life (I’ve stopped calling it real life, because our blogging whanau is very real) need attention too.
I really hope you do make it to NZ. I can do a Jacinda and offer to pick you up at the airport!!!
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Thank you for choosing to share despite all that is going on that makes us soul-weary.
Hugs and wishes for a better December.
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Thank you so much. I hope December is a good month for you also.
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I totally understand how you feel Su, and there have been several times in my life when external things became too unbearable and I had to retreat. I have managed to get through the last 18 years as a scientist without reading ‘Nature’ or ‘New Scientist’ because it is all just so damn depressing. If I need a journal paper thankfully I can google the specific things I need and avoid looking at the bigger picture.
By the way – I have participated in the challenge this month but difficulties with the ipad wordpress app and having to use an unfamiliar machine meant that I had disabled comments and pingbacks, which I have now rectified! The ipad app has now stopped working entirely by the way, which is really annoying me.
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Thanks Darren; I thought you’d understand too.
I’m so glad you’re joining The Changing Seasons this month. I really enjoy the way it makes me look at what’s happening in my own life, and provides a sort of narrative in others’ blogs.
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Thank you Su. I am happy to join you and it gives me a way of talking about those events that don’t get included elsewhere too.
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Pingback: This is November 2019 – bushboys world
Finally have gotten around to doing my November post Su. So love you words and photos. They made me smile
https://bushboy.blog/2019/12/03/this-is-november-2019/
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Gorgeous photos!
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Thank you 🙏
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Wow, Su! Your work in absolutely incredible! I’m a new follower but a huge fan already! I’m a hobbyist photographer, and you make me want to photograph even more! 🙂
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Thank you so much Laura. I really believe the best way to develop photographic skills and vision is by doing it. I’m glad you’re feeling inspired to take more photos.
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Pingback: THE CHANGING SEASONS, JANUARY 2020 – Marilyn Armstrong | Serendipity Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth
Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa? My blog goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!
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