Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 1 April 2018

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.

126 comments:

  1. Love the bloom in the mall.
    And what a nice compliment for a stranger to pay.
    Enjoy the chocolate!

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    1. dinahmow: The bloom improved the mall markedly. I am not a fan of them usually and go into them as rarely as I can manage.

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  2. Is Lifeline Australia a suicide prevention line? Or maybe just emergencies like fires (just!)? Either way, what a difficult job to do. Hats off to you.

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    1. Sandi: Lifeline's primary focus is suicide prevention, but if the caller is in crisis (any crisis) we are there. And sometimes it is challenging, but it is always rewarding.

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  3. It's always nice to receive a compliments...and, more particularly, the unexpected ones. (Speaking for myself...all compliments are unexpected)! :)

    Your gesture will have brought much pleasure to the recipients...knowing they're not forgotten is a pleasure most welcome, I am sure.

    I don't "celebrate" Easter...I've been having a very quiet time...which is nothing out of the usual for me, anyway. And as everyone and his dog, goldfish and guinea pig will be up here on the mountain today, no doubt, to view the passing by of the Queen's baton, I sure ain't goin' nowhere!

    Have a great week, EC. I'm sure the Skinny One will devour his chocolate bilby with gusto. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: Snap on the unexpected compliment front. I hope that the chocolate eggs were/are a nice addition to the weekend packs.
      The smaller portion is still asleep. Jazz is outside, but I expect he will be in demanding breakfast very shortly.

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  4. Hey, I'm here early for a change! Usually there are too many comments before me to read them all. I really like the word "chuffed" and never hear it said out loud. And so good to see that your jellyfish bloom is being appreciated. Happy Easter to you and himself, dear one. Oh, and nice hair! :-)

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    1. DJan: Chuffed is a wonderful word isn't it? Happy Easter to you and Smart Guy.

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  5. I m guessing you don’t post pictures of yourself because I don’t remember seeing one but how about a picture of your hair?

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    1. Birdie: You are right. I don't post pictures of myself (and avoid photos if at all possible). So there probably won't be a hair photo. Salt and pepper and curly.

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  6. EC, have a happy bunny day too. I love the electric squid, fantastic.

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    1. Bob Bushell: The jellyfish are fun aren't they? Happy Easter to you (when it arrives).

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  7. Kudos to you for helping with the homeless. Everyone should give back to society and realize that some people need help for a variety of reasons - and the reasons shouldn’t matter.

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    1. Dsvid Gascoigne: Thank you. I was brought up to believe that I had an obligation to contribute to the community - and get more out of it than I give.

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  8. You are a generous soul.
    That's great the jellyfish now reside in the mall. They were really cool.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: The jellyfish's home in the mall is temporary. I don't know where they go to next - and think they improved the mall immensely.

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  9. Snap on the bilby, except mine has two little eggs, one green and one silver. The Haigh's bag says Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Online. You've been left out again. It's nice to have gentle sunrises at times, rather than fiery red. Someone trying to pick you up in a chocolate shop. Ha, you've still got it. Do you think the flower seller grows all the flowers herself?

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    1. Andrew: Trying to pick me up? That never occurred to me. The flower seller does grow them herself. In her own garden and her son's garden. Or so she tells me, and I have no reason to doubt her.

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  10. I hope you get some well-deserved rest after a stressful day. It's wonderful that you are willing to provide some solace to those in emotional turmoil, despite your own wars with pain/discomfort/struggles in your daily life. Gigantic hugs to you for all you accomplish!

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    1. River Fairchild. Thank you. So much. I rarely feel I accomplish anything. And have been vainly attempting to wrestle the garden into submission this morning. Another fail.

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  11. Hi EC - oh yes: no wonder the bilbies are popular ... more choccy! Have a very peaceful weekend - you achieved a lot ... as counselling is stressful and tiring ... Lifeline does so much excellent work ... congratulations and thanks for popping by - cheers Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: More chocolate? I had never thought of that. Not only do they have big ears they have long noses so you may be right.

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  12. Chocolate Bilby!!! Ahhh!!! I must go to your fantastic land. I want to see the quokka smile & hug a juvenile wombat.

    Okay. I'm calm again now.

    The callers were fortunate to have you over the Easter weekend. x

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    1. Bea: We have rather a lot of amazing critters don't we? And wombats of any age are magic.

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  13. Those jellyfish are something else, I like one in my garden but they maybe a bit big.
    Merle.........

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    1. Merlesworld: They are big - but I can just see them as a garden feature.

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  14. Thank you for being so kind to the homeless...and a hotline volunteer. I hope you did get your rest after that. I think the jellyfish is so cool. The chocolate bunny makes me hungry lol. Happy Easter to you

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    1. Kim Standard: Thank you. The jellyfish were lovely, and I am glad that they didn't disappear as soon as the Enlighten festival was over. A very Happy Easter to you and yours.

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  15. You amaze me, EC, with all you accomplish and your caring for others. Love the jellyfish and although I have never seen a bilbie, I can imagine it being nice in chocolate. Happy Easter to you and yours.

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    1. Glenda Council Beall: I have never seen a bilbie 'in the flesh' either. And himself is very happy with his. Happy Easter to you and yours as well.

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  16. How nice that you got a compliment about your hair. Just a simple thing like that can make ones day so much better, and from all the worthwhile things you do, you deserve it. Happy Easter to you.

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    1. LL Cool Joe: Thank you. It was lovely, and completely unexpected. Happy Easter to you, and to all your family.

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  17. Your day was long but you saw a little of everything along the way. LIke the jellyfish you ran into again. I think they're following you!

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    1. Stayer: Am I stalking the jellyfish or are they stalking me?

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  18. That is the most beautiful posy I've ever seen, so colourful, and lovely to know the roses were/are scented.
    A bloom of jellyfish is an unusual sight in a shopping centre, but how pretty they are :)
    Happy Easter.

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    1. River: All the posies were a little bit different and she lets you chose which one you want. And I had trouble - they were all lovely.
      A very happy Easter to you and Lola.

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  19. Gorgeous posy (I'm so glad you treated yourself!) and adorable chocolate Bilby. I've always thought you were pretty wonderful -- your work with Lifeline reinforces that notion! :)

    I got a "hair" compliment today too -- we're twinsies!

    Happy Easter to you, EC!
    Marty K

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    1. Marty K: I grew up with no sister, and no relatives other than immediate family. I am very, very happy to have found sisters under the skin, and across the seas through the blogosphere. Happy Easter.

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  20. Happy Easter to you and it good to hear of your contribution as a Lifeline counsellor... my mother did for many years but not something I feel I could do... I try to support the community in other ways..

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    1. Anna: Community work needs to be tailored to the individual doesn't it? And your work at the show definitely fell into that category - and wasn't something I could do.

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  21. Wonderf jellyfish. It is big and beautiful lights.
    And all your photos are lovely.
    Wish you had relax evening after all of the hurry.
    A big hug,

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    1. orvokki: Thank you. Aren't the jellyfish wonderful? I did rest, and feel better for it. I hope your weekend is lovely.

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  22. The ombre-d sky in the first photo got to me as soon as I clicked over. And it is entirely fitting that jellyfish together are a bloom. They are indeed.

    Wishing you and yours the best of celebrations and a wonderful spring.

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    1. Nilanjane Bose: Thank you. We are moving into Autumn here - and I am revelling in the cooler days and nights. Spring is in my thought though as I work towards preparing the garden for a spring display.

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  23. I love the early morning pics but feel a bit guilty that you had to get out of bed to get them. The other pictures were bright and colourful and i’m glad you showed them. I love your dedication to get photographs and your determination to make them look as appealing as possible. Which they do.

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    1. Terry: Feel no guilt. I am an early riser. As I type this it is just after six, and I have been up since just after four. And thank you re the photos.

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  24. Dear EC
    That sunrise was very lovely - as was the sunset. The jellyfish are a very decorative addition to the shopping mall.
    Happy Easter to you and yours - we have had rain for the last two days and have just been told that we might get yet more snow tomorrow. I am really ready for Spring now so your lovely photos have brightened another grey day here in the UK.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. We are longing for your rain. We have had a dry summer and last month received less than a tenth of the average rainfall. I hope your grey days transform into bright sunshine - and come here.
      Hugs.

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  25. What a lovely and kind day you had. A bloom of jellyfish. As much as I was around them in my younger days I never knew that.

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    1. Jono: I was really tickled by a 'bloom of jellyfish'. And still am.

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  26. Your day was one of giving to others, not just in donations but of yourself. You inspire me, EC. I hope you have a wonderful week.

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    1. Marie Smith: Thank you. I get much more than I give, and hope your week is wonderful and that Spring settles down to stay with you.

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  27. What a lovely visit with you and on Easter morning:)

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    1. Rick Watson: I am glad, and hope that you and Jilda have a wonderful Easter.

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  28. Oh my gosh, I love seeing the jellyfish again! Thank you for all the service work you do for others. You're making such a difference in so many people's lives. You're amazing!

    Elsie

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    1. Elsie Amata: I loved seeing the jellyfish too. I knew that some were in the city for the Enlighten festival, but avoid the mall when I can and had no idea they were still there. It was an unexpected treat.

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  29. Blessed Easter to you, and thank you for all of your volunteer service.

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  30. My youngest and I volunteer to help the homeless people too. We help buy, prepare and serve the food (as well as clean up after). So many wonderful people we've met! I think it's great that you brought along some Easter treats to the place where you help out. Love learning about the bunny native to you. Long ears do make for good Easter eatin' :) Happy Easter to you!

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you and your daughter for all you do.

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  31. Happy Easter..hope the skinny one enjoys his chocolate baby.

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    1. only slightly confused: He did. I hope your Easter with the grands is wonderful. And am sure it will be.

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  32. Love the photos and being a part of your day through them. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend (celebrating or not). Take care my friend, you do wonderful work!!

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. I hope your Easter is filled with joy.

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  33. So you have lovely hair as well as being Um! Ever so nice./ I had no idea that Bilby's were Edible.

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    1. Vest: I am pretty sure that Bilbies were eaten by our first people. And as a vegetarian am glad of the chocolate alternative.

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  34. Thank you so much for your pictures, your good wishes and for being such a conscious, generous person with beautiful hair.

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you for such an all encompassing comment.

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  35. I loved seeing all of your photographs.
    The posy does look so colourful and your sunrise/sunset photographs were gorgeous.

    I didn't know it was called a bloom of jellyfish, they look great in the shopping centre, certainly something a little different.

    Enjoy the Easter Weekend.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. The jellyfish bloom is a decided improvement in the mall. Days later my posy is still colourful, and the scent is delightful.

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  36. You're a treasure - for all you do and are.
    I'd like to see a picture of your beautiful hair.
    Blessings, EC.

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    1. Rawknrobyn. Thank you. A picture of my beautiful hair won't be a happening thing though. I just don't do photos.

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  37. You are worth treating. Go for it.

    Love that last sky watch.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: Thank you. I loved that gentle sky too. Heart balm.

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  38. You do a marvellous job volunteering, not all are cut out to do that work. Like you sunrise and sunset.

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    1. Margaret-whiteangel: Many people volunteer in areas I couldn't. The RSPCA would break my heart, and I would be unable to resist giving their charges 'furever homes'.

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  39. It is lovely to learn about your day! How long does a shift at Lifeline take? Four to five hours? I know that holidays can be very hard on many people, and how wonderful that they have people like you to talk to.
    The jellyfish are lovely, and the skinny one is a lucky guy to get such delicious chocolate!

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    1. Carola Bartz: Thank you. A shift is usually around the four hour mark, but of course the last call can change that. His high and skinniness is very partial to chocolate and was happy. Which pleased me too.

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  40. A compliment out of the blue, by a total stranger, is a wonderful thing (in my experience at least). I'm glad that man spoke up!

    Beautiful skies and beautiful hair and beautiful community service. A marvellous post.

    I hope you got some chocolate at some point!

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    1. jenny_o: It was a wonderful thing. And shocked and surprised me. I did indeed get some chocolate but the MS toothache is giving me too much grief to even think about it at the moment.

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  41. Wishing you a Happy Easter and hoping you've had a wonderful weekend so far!

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    1. Nas: Thank you very much. I hope that your Easter is a joy.

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  42. The lovely gentle skies are typical of autumn, aren't they? not that it feels much like autumn here at the moment.

    I like that you treated yourself with a posy and I hope the toothache retreats soon. Without the pleasure of eating life would soon become a chore for me!

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    1. kylie: Autumn is (finally) showing signs that she is settling in here now - though we got to 30 today. The toothache has been with me for weeks now. Intermittently and nastily. I wish that there was something wrong with my teeth because then at least it could be dealt with.

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  43. That's such wonderful volunteer work you do, and I'm glad you had such a lovely day around it.

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  44. You already know that your volunteer work has a special place in my heart, but I had no idea you've been doing it for so long. That dedication is very much appreciated for those in crisis. Also cool that you're able to help out the homeless. Holidays are so hard for those abused or without homes to call their own. I really like that lighted jellyfish which is so colorful and stands out. Always a BIG yes to chocolate! Hope your day is as amazing as you are EC.

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    1. RO: I took up this voluntary work when the paid employment avenue was closed for me. And don't regret it at all. Holidays and particularly 'family holidays' are hard for lots of people for lots of reasons.

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  45. I have snorkeled through blooms of jellyfish, not pleasant as I could feel them sting m without seeing the seeing them though they were right in front of me. But the big ones in your mall are beautiful.
    What a day you had giving in a whole lot of different ways to people in need! Good for you. You deserve those posies and so much more.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: As I type y response the posy is in the kitchen - and still gives me joy. I may have to buy flowers from my Slavic friend more often.
      Some jellyfish pack quite a mean sting don't they?

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  46. I worked on a crises hotline in my youth but mostly we got calls from the terminally lonely. love those jellyfish!

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    1. ellen abbott: Welcome and thank you. We get a lot of calls from the lonely too. And lonliness can lead to some desperate things.

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  47. Replies
    1. Lady Fi: Thank you. They bookended the day beautifully.

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  48. What a wonderful post. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kudos to you for helping those in need. Your crown must shine brightly at night with all the stars you've added to it.

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    1. Sandra Cox: No crown here. I get so much more than I give.

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  49. Wonderful photos as always. Beware of the stalking jellyfish. Actually it looks like it belongs at the mall.

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    1. Rasma Raisters: Thank you. The blooms did look good in the mall didn't they?

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  50. Dear EC, I so enjoyed this posting because I could just see you moving from place to place, bringing the goodness of yourself to all those you met--from the posy seller, to those filling the bags with food for those who so need help from week to week with what is a necessity of life, to the center where you helped those who called to get through another celebration of life while theirs appears so bleak to them, to the mall for the chocolate Bilby, to the man who was inspired to speak by your hair, to the standing among those also enjoying the "bloom," and then home to give the chocolate to "himself" and to enjoy a sunset that I hope filled you with delight. Peace.

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    1. Dee: Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed this self indulgent post. And that sunset did bring joy. As they all do.

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  51. Fascinating imagery, you show us a good time. Thank you for sharing these happy recent times. Its very big of you.

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  52. I do remember the jellyfish! Your sunrise and sunset were perfect for your hectic but fulfilling day. I hope the Skinny One enjoyed the bilby :)

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    1. Carol Kilgore: I really liked the skies that day (and every day). He is indeed enjoying his bilby.

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  53. You've had one wonderful day. A great compliment. Beautiful flowers. And jellyfish. What more could you ask for?

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    1. cleemckenzie: You are right. It was a busy day, and stressful, but good.

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  54. I'd love to see the flower seller's garden, wouldn't you?

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    1. Sandra Cox: I would. She grows vegetables too. Lots and lots of vegies.

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  55. What a wonderful commitment you've made to the crisis line, I'm sure at times it can't be easy, but it's so worthy and those in need do appreciate it more than perhaps they can say. I can see you doing this, and your calming nature that I view here is well needed. Lovely photos as usual, wish I could smell the roses too, wish I could see blooms ready to burst, but it's still really winter here! Seriously, it's really snowing hard at the moment even. Must check is it really April! Yikes.

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    1. Karen S.: Some shifts are difficult, but if it is difficult for me to hear, how much more difficult it must be to live it. And it is a salutory reminder that I don't have a great deal to complain about. Your spring is coming. Really it is.

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  56. What a commitment to this cause! You are so faithful and willing to be there for others.

    Glowing jellyfish. How large is that display?

    Looking forward to my corollas.

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    1. Susan Kane: There were corellas in last week's Sunday Selections. And perhaps (probably) in next week's display.
      The jellyfish are big. They probably stand ten or twelve feet tall. An adult can walk under them without ducking.

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  57. What a perfectly delightful day from start to finish! I'm sure there was a lot of stress involved in handling the influx of hot line calls, but the blessings you provided those callers with your caring heart came back to you a thousand fold throughout the day.

    And cool! You taught me something new. I didn't know a group of jellyfish was called a bloom, but it's the perfect name. The Atlanta aquarium has a large jellyfish exhibit, and it's blooming breath-taking!

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  58. My dream photo is YOU w/ your cat!!! Love the photos & chocolate bunny. xx

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  59. Hello my friend! Sorry I'm so late in blog land!
    I hope you had a beautiful Easter!
    What a great post! Thank you for helping those in need! I love the flowers you purchased! Gorgeous! That chocolate Bilby is so cute! The jelly fish your mall, is a great idea!
    That was so special, about the comment, on your beautiful hair!
    Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Not late at all. You are always welcome. I am still floating over that compliment.

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  60. I was happy to see the Jelly fish again and loved that Australians have their own rabbit species - the Bilbies. Nice to be complimented on the hair like that.

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    1. Kalpanaa M: The jellyfish and the compliment were both a bright spot in the day. Bilbies aren't precisely rabbits, but it is nice to feature a native rather than an introduced animal.

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  61. What an emotional journey your post led me on this week. I admire the work you do EC, and the way you care for others. The compliment you received was lovely, its kindness has cheered me too.

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    1. Kim: Thank you. An unexpected compliment is a lovely addition to the day. And rare.

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  62. The day might have been long but you spent it well. You deserved those posies and more.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. Shortly I will be going into town on the same errand - and hope my posy seller is there.

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