Sunday Selections #373

Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
 
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life.  The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
Like River I usually run with a theme.  This week I would like to share a day with you.  

I have been volunteering with Lifeline Australia for over twenty years now and part of my commitment involves a fortnightly shift on the crisis line.  I head out the door early, and was greeted with a gentle sunrise this week.

There is an elderly Slavic woman selling posies from her garden who has a regular spot in town from Spring to Autumn.  I have been chatting with her for a few years now, and this week I gave myself a present and bought one of her posies.  And the roses smelt glorious.

On my way into Lifeline I stop at the Early Morning Centre which provides assistance for the homeless and drop off some food for inclusion in their 'weekend packs'.  Easter means that the weekend (where regular meals are harder to obtain) will last longer, so I brought extra this week which included several bags of small chocolate eggs.  I was lucky enough to arrive when they were just starting to pack the weekend meals up, and was super impressed.  And smiled broadly because I am there so regularly I am welcomed by staff and clients alike.

Then to Lifeline.  Public holidays/family celebrations are hard on lots of people.  I expected the shift to be busy and heart-rending.  I was right.

After I finished my shift I headed off to Haigh's chocolates for an Easter treat for himself.  Haigh's have been making and selling chocolate in Australia since 1915, but it took over 100 years before they set up in my city.  When the skinny one gets up in a few hours from now he will be greeted with a Chocolate Bilby.  I should explain that Bilbies are native to Australia and their large ears have led to them becoming a popular Easter treat.

Haigh's was crowded. Very crowded, and there was a queue.  When I was nearly there the man behind me tapped me on the shoulder and told me that how much he liked my beautiful hair.  I floated to the checkout to pay for the bilbie.  What a lovely gesture.

Purchases made, I started to head for the bus stop.  And was stopped in my tracks.  Some of you will remember the illuminated jellyfish from our Enlighten festival.  Some of them have found a temporary home in the shopping mall.  I like them best in the dark, but they still have charm.  And I was chuffed to learn that the collective noun for jellysfish is a bloom.

And then home.  I was a tired puppy by the time I arrived.  The garden and the birds gave me solace (pictures next week).  As did this very gentle sunset.  A gentle start and end to a busy and stressful day was much appreciated.

A very happy Easter to those who celebrate it - and an equally happy weekend to those who don't.