Fallen kowhai blossom. Image: Su Leslie 2020
After a dry and quite mild winter, September has turned very cold, very wet, and very, very windy.
Instead of sitting on the deck, camera in hand, poised to capture shots of tui and kereru gorging on the newly arrived kowhai blossom, I’m sitting indoors (wearing Ugg boots) watching the beautiful yellow kowhai flowers blow around the lawn.
I’m sad not so much for the missed photo opportunity but for the loss of an important food for our native birds.
September has been THAT kind of month.
Between the weather, the pandemic, a surgery that doesn’t seem to have made anything better (though at least not obviously worse), and a general low-level exhaustion — if I weren’t hosting this challenge I’d be wondering whether I should even participate.
Indeed if it weren’t for a trip to the Muriwai tākapu (gannet) colony last weekend, I doubt I’d have a post.
But if anything speaks of the changing seasons, it is migratory birds.
When I visited Muriwai in mid-August, almost no gannets had returned to the colony from their wintering in Australia. By last weekend, all of the main breeding sites were densely occupied; nest-building was clearly visible, and I suspect that many of the birds may already be incubating eggs.
Having spent the winter discussing the building of new raised beds and garden areas, T and I had planned to spend some serious time on the various projects this month. We’ve made progress, but until the wild weather passes, we won’t be able to finish building and actually plant anything.
In the meantime, the blue borage and calendula are growing like mad, and my motley collection of pelargonium cuttings have all taken and are waiting to be planted out.
About the Changing Seasons
When I took over hosting The Changing Seasons from Max at Cardinal Guzman, I carried on using the format that Max had developed.
Over the years though, I think that we’ve all evolved different ways of approaching the challenge and for some, the original guidelines may seem prescriptive or even off-putting.
My own view is that The Changing Seasons is simply an opportunity to reflect on the month that has passed, and to share those reflections in whatever way feels appropriate. For some bloggers, it’s a framework to record and reflect on particular interests and projects — like a garden. For others, every month is different, and so there is no set way of approaching it.
I think we do need guidelines, especially for those who are new to the project. But do those we have still work? I’m interested in your views.
In the meantime, here is Max’s original statement.
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.
One thing that won’t change though. Include a ping-back to this post, and I’ll update it with links to all of yours.
Update
Tish at Writer on the Edge
Marilyn at Serendipity Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth
Suzanne from Life at No. 22
Tracy at Reflections of an Untidy Mind
Lani from Life, the Universe and Lani
Pauline at Living in Paradise
Ju-Lyn at All Things Bright and Beautiful
Sarah at Art Expedition
Brian at Bushboy’s World
Joining us this month is the Textile Ranger from Little Wild Streak. Pop over to her post and say hi.
Zimmerbitch 
The birds are so much fun to watch, with their special look that inevitably makes you smile.
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Hoping that after a slow start, the surgery you had will make a difference. But your photos certainly improve my mood!
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Thanks Margaret 🙏
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons, September 2020 – Ladyleemanila
lovely photos, Su 🙂
https://ladyleemanilablog.wordpress.com/2020/09/29/the-changing-seasons-september-2020/
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Thank you
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Oh I know! The weather has just suddenly turned cold hasn’t it? At least today was bright and sunny with blue skies here in Wellington.
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Oh to be in Wellington. It’s rained on and off here for the last couple of days and is freezing.
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So many worthwhile infos here, such lovely photos, great links to give info on your natal plants and birds, also much sadness and disruptions – and yet, and yet – NZ is still on my quiet, dreamy ‘wishlist’ – although it’s quite clear that, unlike Stephen Colbert, I’m never gonna be in your country….. thank you for all your informative, lovely posts – that’s also part of the joys to be had when befriending virtually great human beings!
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Thank you so much.
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Depressing when you have things to do and the weather won’t play ball, let alone feeling below par. 😦 Hope you’re soon restored to yourself, Su. I’ve always followed this challenge but never taken part and I’ve always enjoyed your entries. I think we always have to bring our own style to things. I love that sullen seascape. Very indicative of mood 🙂 🙂
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Thank you Jo. I’m sure after a few warm days in the garden I will be restored!
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons: September’s Reasons To Be Cheerful – Tish Farrell
I love your gannets and that ocean vista in complementary gannet shades. Also that you have calendula flowering at your end of the planet and so do I. And as for the weather – it’s all mixed up all over the place. Our temps dropped 10 degrees as if someone threw a switch. Good luck with the raised bed operations, once conditions permit. I’m making huge compost heaps up at the allotment, trying to cover all exposed soil surfaces either with trash or green manure-making plants. I may have to do a changing seasons part two, as I’ve not featured the allotment in this Sept. post.
https://tishfarrell.com/2020/09/29/the-changing-seasons-septembers-reasons-to-be-cheerful/
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Thank you Tish. The calendula has been a surprise; it barely survived last summer and has been in flower constantly since autumn.
Part 2: the allotment very welcome. I get enormous inspiration from all your gardening endeavors.
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Interesting. My calendula flowers in the summer, but often has a second flush in autumn and winter. I will get to part 2 – any time now 🙂
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I think it may be that we had such a mild winter, after a very dry summer and autumn.
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Su. your photos are lovely! I especially like that last, Maukatia (Maori Bay). The drama, the composition, all the sameness yet wildness of the colourings. There’s a feeling of being able to look at it over years and still notice something different.
Give yourself time, Su. If you feel like taking a nap, take one. If you feel like sleeping till noon, enjoy! Don’t feel you have to keep to any rigid schedule. Be loving and patient and give yourself real time — all the time you need! — to heal. 💕
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Thank you so much my friend.
Maukatia is a beautiful place, and does have an ever-changing quality.
I am taking things easy, and that’s probably good for my body, but my mind is whirling with all the projects I want to do. I’m feeling more frustrated with the weather than anything at the moment.
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I’m glad you persisted Su, lovely photos.
Leslie xoxo
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Thank you so much Leslie
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🙂
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – September 2020 – Little Pieces Of Me
Lovely images Su, as always, you are truly a skilled photographer. I am glad you opted to share this month as I am absolutely falling in love with the gannets. As for the format, I think both options are working well. As you’ve said people have tailored the rules to fit their wants. The only challenge I have is the 5-20 rule because I go over every.single.month. I try…but FAIL.
Thank you for being an exceptional host of this challenge. I love the monthly recap on a personal level as I often go back to my own posts from months past to see where I was and what I was doing that I may otherwise have forgotten about.
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Oops…I forgot my contribution:
https://littlepiecesofme1.wordpress.com/2020/09/29/the-changing-seasons-september-2020/
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Thank you so much.
It’s great to have your feedback. I think that we do tend to tailor the challenge to our own needs and interests, and sharing as part of a community is wonderful.
I also look back over previous posts. I didn’t this time as September has traditionally been a month of travel for me, and I was very definitely grounded this month. I don’t need reminding of that!
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Some lovely comments here Su. I echo them. I have been taking part since the beginning, but my take on the challenge has varied (see here: https://cornwallincolours.blog/2019/01/30/changing-seasons-january-2019/) and this year I have taken a break which is probably just as well seeing I have barely set foot out of the door! I think it is a lovely way to share our views on life/travels/gardens/nature as time goes by. I think keeping the restriction in the number of photos is good though as some people could post far more than that and the blog posts get a little too long. I see it as a chance to chat with fellow changing seasons folk and share something of our lives.
Love the colour of those Gannets – I feel like reaching out and stroking those feathers! And I have Marigolds, Borage and Scented Pelargoniums in flower now too, but sadly no Kowhai blossom.
Take care and be kind to yourself. 💗💙🧡
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Thank you so much Jude.
I wish I could send you one or two of my kowhai seedlings. I planted seeds from our tree last year and a surprising number germinated and have grown well.
2020 has been particularly challenging for a project called The Changing Seasons, when for most of us global “change” has shrunk our lives so dramatically.
I agree with you on limiting photo numbers. I really want to read everyone’s posts and engage with them. The community aspect is hugely important to me as well — more than I’d imagined when I first started participating.
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I can actually buy several varieties here, but without the long hot summers I don’t know whether they flower very well. Apparently they can be kept in a large container so I might risk giving one a try.
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Good point!
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Terrific pictures o& the gannets! Sorry you are not feeling great at the moment: hope things improve for you soon.
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Thank you Anabel. I think I mainly need to be in the garden, rather than looking out the window at all the things that need doing. 🙂
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I hope October brings you better days. And those birds are magnificent!
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Thanks Amy. I think there might be a road trip in the pipeline (Covid permitting) and that will be wonderful.
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I can imagine how the weather dampens every enthusiastic impulse and hope it will soon improve for you, Su. I’m so not looking forward to winter! 😂
I’m glad the gannets and a visit to their colony gave you material for writing this post – your photos are stunning as always – and even if I sometimes fail to participate myself I always look forward to reading yours. 😍
Totally agree about what you said regarding the rules!
Can’t wait to see what you’ll manage to create in your garden once the weather permits! 💕
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Thank you my dear friend.
I’ve just checked the weather forecast and it looks like I may get some garden days very soon. Yay!! Especially as I bought more seeds and seedlings today.
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Sorry to read the general personal climate, Su, and praying that changes soon! I do love those birds. I’ve a new-to-me bird on the blog today and am looking forward to seeing what migratory birds might show up. The signs say pelicans and ospreys come through and I’d love to see them!! I never remember this challenge and would really like to. I never joined before because I didn’t see why the photos would all have to be new. Now I’m wondering what I’d post, as we really haven’t seen much change in the six months we’ve been here, just in temperatures and photos of a thermometer or screen shots of a weather app wouldn’t be too exciting.
janet
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Thank you Janet.
I think the “new photos” thing was really just so that people didn’t make a post only out of shots that they’d already shared that month.
I’ve struggled this year with not getting out much and wondering how interesting my garden actually looks to the rest of the world (however fascinating I find it).
I hope you do get to see pelicans and ospreys, but just being in nature is incredibly healing.
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Love looking at other people’s gardens although I have some serious garden envy going on!! I agree wholeheartedly about nature. 🥰
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I understand garden envy! Although I like to think of it as “getting inspiration”.
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Gardening is different in Arizona! But we’ll see what happens in fall, winter, and spring which are sort of the growing seasons is here as opposed to summer which is the everything-dries-in-the-ground season. LOL.
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Our summers are starting to feel like that 😦
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But I guess it’s a matter of perspective. I know that Auckland is very unlike Arizona.
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Sorry, you’re not feeling too bright at the moment. The gannets are beautiful birds and you have captured them wonderfully. Not sure I can add on anything regarding the rules as I am pretty new to these sorts of posts. Having said that I am enjoying it, which reminds me I had better get too and write one up, it has been a busy month! Take care, Su.
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Thanks Suzanne.
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Sounds like one of those months. I hope you feel right as rain super soon. Speaking of, we’ve had a lot over here in Thailand. It seems like almost everyday it starts of sunny or rainy and ends up switching by the evening to the other extreme.
I’m not sure about guidelines, other than the ones you already have, but now I’m full of doubt. Have I been doing it right? Reveals more about me than you – hahaha. I noticed in comments that folks spoke about limiting the photos, so if that’s it, I’m good. Maybe word count? Do you feel like reading them all takes too much time?
Anyway, I do love those gannets. They look so downy and creamy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before, but that’s the wonder of nature, always something surprising and new, and beautiful variety. Take care! And big hugs.
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Thanks Lani. I am feeling better today (there is no wind, and some sunshine — it doesn’t take much, does it?)
Thanks for your input on the format of The Changing Seasons; I appreciate it.
I really like that everyone does something a bit different and we get to share in that. I would be reluctant to impose limits (unless that was the consensus) because I hate the idea of someone not contributing because they think they have written too much, or added too many photos, or gone “off topic”.
My philosophy is that publishing a blog post (rather than writing a journal entry) inherently carries an invitation to others’ to read and engage. That carries (I believe) a responsibility to respect readers’ time and attention and only write as much as necessary — whether that is a few words or a few thousand. I know I am happy to read long posts if they engage me, and am happy to look at lots of photos as long as they have something to say.
How do you feel about reading long posts?
Hope October is kind to you. Sending hugs.
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Good answer. I have to admit that while I love to read, it better be a pretty good entry for me to read a long blog post because I am reading several in a sitting.
You could argue that blogging is a little self-indulgent so I want to be respectful of other people’s time as well, and I want them to read, so I generally don’t go over 1000 words.
Yeah, I guess my answer would be no. I’m a fan of brevity. (Even though my partner writes lengthy art criticism posts) But I completely agree with what you are saying.
Sending hugs back!
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Thanks for that. I’m getting some really good feedback that I’ll consolidate in next month’s post. 🙂
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Oh good. And thank you!
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – Sept 2020 – Life, the Universe, and Lani
We have had our first day without wind in what seems like weeks. No rain at all, though. I would gladly take some of yours. I suppose the wind helps brings the birds to our shores; the gannets to you, the godwits to us, and the beautiful albatrosses to Otago. These annual visitors are a joy, and you capture the gannets so lovingly and so beautifully. I have been watching the live stream of the albatross chicks at Taiaroa Head; captivating stuff.
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Thanks Amanda. I agree; watching the gannets is such a treat. With no tour buses this year, it also feels like a nicer experience — less damage to the tracks and fewer cigarette butts!
No wind today here either. Our rain doesn’t seem to have done much to alleviate the drought. I guess this is the future for many of us.
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I’m sorry to hear that September has been such a challenging month for you, Su. I too would be sad to see all those beautiful flowers get strewn to the ground rather than enjoyed for as long as possible on the trees.
It’s funny how I see you and I as part of the balancing on the universe – as you are trying to wind up, I’m trying to wind down 😏. Hoping that your weather changes for the better and you are feeling well and strong soon.
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Thank you so much Joanne.
The wind has dropped today and the sun is out. It’s amazing how much that has improved my well-being.
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I get it. It’s like we’re all little solar panels 🙂
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Absolutely. I used to say I was solar powered, but our summers lately have been hot and humid enough to fry this solar panel.
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Ugh to hot and humid! Not my favourite combination 😕
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Pingback: The Changing Seasons – September 2020 – Reflections of An Untidy Mind
Sometimes it is hard to get motivated, isn’t it? Su, your surgery, the recent Covid outbreak in NZ, the cold weather and concern for your friends and family overseas must be very draining. I’m glad you feel that you can share the good, bad and ugly with us because you are not alone in struggling with 2020.
It has been unusually cold and wet here too. I’m trying to embrace the cold days given last year’s shitty spring/summer but I am looking forward to some sun after a long and depressing winter. I love your moody photos, especially that shot looking over the cliff to the nesting gannets and the sea below. Your photos of the gannets are just amazing. The gannets are amazing. I enjoyed the garden photos too. It will sparkle once the sun decides to come out.
If you want to watch a delightful television series, can I recommend the Canadian production, Shitt’s Creek? It is adorable, Su. My True Love got me on to it. It is adorable. Very heart-warming. I’ve stayed up far too late watching it rather than preparing my photos for my Changing Seasons post.
PS. The format is fine with me. I mostly use it as a guide and go from there.
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Thank you Tracy. I do feel comfortable being “warts and all” in this community. Everyone is so supportive (and often very wise).
I’ve noticed Shitt’s Creek in the listings on Netflix (or TVNZ), so thanks for the heads-up.
I’ve been watching Upright — a darkly brilliant and sometimes very funny series written and produced by Tim Minchin. Have you seen it?
The sun is out here today and it has really made a difference to my mood. Hope you get some sunshine soon.
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No I haven’t seen Upright, Su. I’ll check it out.
Sorry, I missed a “c” in Schitt’s Creek.
Yay for the sun. It has come out here too. Very windy though. Good laundry drying day.
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Pingback: What’s Been Happening? – September 2020 – Life at No. 22
https://lifeatno22.com/2020/10/01/whats-been-happening-september-2020/
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Pingback: THE CHANGING SEASON, SEPTEMBER 2020 – Serendipity Seeking Intelligent Life on Earth
Your photographs are beautiful. They are always beautiful. Not just pretty to look at but elegant and perfectly beautiful, as if you have removed all the rough parts and left just the beauty. I think there is some importance to this challenge, that it shows us how our world is doing and not just in one place, but all around the world. Thank you for doing this and that you for your efforts. I hope you are feeling better soon. I hope we are ALL feeling better soon!!
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Thanks so much Marilyn.
Photography has become such an important part of my life and it is so nice to feel that my images are enjoyed.
The wind has dropped here, and I have been out to a community garden to chat and buy wonderful produce. Consequently, I am feeling better.
I hope you are doing better too.
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BLAH months are ….
Having been there, they are difficult to talk about or describe.
I cheer you on! with the hope that you will feel energised and better soon.
Having said this, your post is filled with beauty: wistful (fallen kowhai), jaw-dropping (gannets), hopeful (calendula & borage blooms). And as always, you inspire and make me smile.
Thank you for hosting this monthly get-together. As I’ve mentioned before, I very much look forward to it as it gives me a chance to take stock as well as catch up with BlogFriends. Guidelines are important as they give structure (even if we choose to disregard them) – I like that we are asked to use new photos from the month and not from our archives. I also appreciate the photo limit (although I think I have flouted that one more than once!).
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I’m so glad that you enjoy The Changing Seasons (and that you contribute).
I’m pretty sure I’ve posted loads of photos from time to time, and I’m reluctant to set limits because sometimes it’s not possible to tell the stories we want to share within strict constraints. I’m totally with you on guidelines, and I think the important thing is to respect that it is is privilege to have readers for our blogs and we should aim to make sure we don’t bore or exhaust those readers.
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Hear hear! Well said, Su!
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Lovely Su. 2020 has been depressing in so many ways and I think we’re all suffering from exhaustion. I know I am. I heard a very good suggestion, ‘lets declare 2020 over and done with and put up the Christmas tree.’ Sounds like a brilliant idea to me. Keep smiling Su, we have to believe it will get better, weather and all.
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Thanks Wendy.
Hope is really important at the moment; though Christmas is never a great time for me, so I’m going to skip ahead and just have a dram for New Year.
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Pingback: Changing Seasons : September 2020 – Living in Paradise…
Another month and another great post you have given us Su. Sorry to hear that your health is not the best, hope that it improves as, hopefully the weather does. So sad about the Kowhai flowers, the Tuis will miss them. The gannet photos are stunning. They bring back the smell and noise of the colony to me. I think bloggers do tend to interpret the format to suit what they want to say about the month. But I am so grateful you took up the hosting and kept it going.I love to be able to look back to previous years. I am guilty of not keeping to the photo limits and I will be interested to hear the consensus about that. I definitely could cut down the number of photos I post. So next month that will be my challenge as I have gone way over this month…
https://retiredfromgypsylife.wordpress.com/2020/10/02/changing-seasons-september-2020/
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Sorry to hear you have been having a tough time Su. I think this year has taken a heavy toll on anyone with intelligence and empathy. Hope you feel better soon.
Your photos are superb as always – the Gannets are fantastic. They were the favourite bird of our department head who passed away in July and will always make me think of him.
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Thank you so much Darren. It has been a pretty horrible year, and the fact that we have a general election in a couple of weeks is really adding to my stress levels. I just don’t know how I’d cope with a more right-wing government being elected.
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I hope that won’t happen. NZ and Canada are the last bastions of civilisation as far as I am concerned.
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So do I. I used to think if NZ turned to shit, at least we could go back to the UK … (sound of hollow laughter)
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Hi Su – enjoyed the photos and your sharing –
I think it seems easier to just invite folks to reflect on their month in their own way- and to be honest – o never quite understood what was expected when I saw the posts of folks who joined in with it when Cardinal hosted.
I thought it was supposed to be quarterly – and at one point I thought people were supposed to take photos of the same thing and share it at different seasons (maybe because a few bloggers did that)
And also – if it is a monthly reflection the word seasons might indicate quarterly and so I did have ambiguity back then-
Anyhow – joining in when I can I do like the month reflecting and it is a goal of mine to try and do this regularly in 2021 –
I just came from Pommepal blog and loved how she said the monthly posts have been a log and journal for her – and we all know our blogs can be that in many ways and so I think the changing seasons challenge is a very important one to keep going – so thanks for hosting 😉
And regarding the month!!
I know the kind of month you have had – and can pinpoint certain months (‘maybe even a couple “full years”) with the many little and big challenges that take a toll.
Sending a blog bug and some tea 🍮
— and
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Thanks so much for your feedback Yvette. It’s interesting to know what other bloggers’ think so that I can make sure the challenge stays relevant.
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Sorry to hear your month has been less than spectacular, Su. That news about the surgery results is especially disappointing, but I hope you continue to heal and hopefully your condition will improve. I’m glad you got to visit the Muriwai tākapu colony though because your photos (as always) are breathtaking! So enjoy seeing your part of the world through your lens and words.
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Thank you so much. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the surgery, but at least the biopsy results are good (arrived today). 🙂
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So glad you’ve joined us.
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