Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 21 February 2021

Sunday Selections #521

 


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.
 
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
 
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life.  Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle. 
 
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent.  Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 

I usually run with a theme. This week I am being a little bit more random and showing you some of the things which have caught my eye while I have been out and about.

 

I was surprised (and pleased) to see a passion fruit flower blooming beside the road as I walked down to the local shopping centre.  Some weeks later the blooms have gone but there are no signs of fruit.


Some of you will remember this statue which I featured some weeks ago.  I wasn't aware that rather than being a government initiative, April Pine's statue of Andrew Inglis Clark (in weathered bronze) was a gift to my city.  This statue was given to us by the Canberra Airport.

They have also given us another - and I really like it.  It took some finding (the lane it is in is under construction and doesn't yet appear on any map) and its name is cumbersome but I am very pleased to be able to show you 'New Heights of Knowledge -Between Innings' by Gary Price.





We are told that there will be a third statue nearby - and I am looking forward to seeing it.



Wandering into the Canberra Centre I was pleased to see an installation celebrating the Year of the Ox.  Is it just me or is that a particularly flirtatious ox?


 Just before I headed in to do my shift on the crisis line I spent a little while sitting on a bench enjoying the tree overhead.







On a separate outing (more medical appointments) I spent a little time by Lake Tuggeranong.  The swans steamed across the lake to see whether I had bought them anything.  Disappointed, they lost interest very quickly.  It was mostly another grey day, but the serenity and the beauty of the lake were very welcome.

I do hope that you find treats and beauty in the week(s) to come.

136 comments:

  1. It is a lovely passion flower, they are so intricately formed. Andrew Inglis Clark’s statue is wonderful! The young boy sculpture also is so aptly named. Two great gifts from Canberra Airport for sure. The New Year decorations are very colorful and I do like them, even the flirty ox :) Enjoyed the sights around the lake, especially those beautiful black swans. Thanks for sharing them. It is always lovely to see what's going on in your part of the world.

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    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you for your always complimentary comments. I think the small reader's sculpture is a mouthful - but I do love the statue.

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  2. Never had an ox flirt with me, so not sure.
    That's a lot of books that boy needs to read.

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    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: Perhaps you just didn't notice the oxen overtures?

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  3. Great photos and wonderful scenery. Love those swans. I hope you're having a good weekend.

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    1. RasmaSandra: Thank you. We had been commenting recently that it had been a while since we had seen the swans. It was lovely to see this pair - even if they were obviously unimpressed that I came with empty hands.

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  4. That ox is coquettish! Such a joy to be with you and see black swans, wonderful art, and street shots. You are a pleasure. Hope your health is good.

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    1. Cloudia: I am very happy to share the things which please me, and equally happy that you enjoy them. I am also very glad that others can see that the ox was definitely flirtatious.

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  5. Love those sculptures and yes! That ox has a very flirtacious gleam in his eye!

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    1. molly: They are both excellent statues aren't they? I am impressed at the 'movement' in the bronze statue and simply love the small reader.

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  6. Brilliant EC, and I love the statues, really great. And the Passion Flower and the Ox. I adore the Black Swans, beautiful.

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    1. Bob Bushell: I am so glad you enjoyed these things with me - and yes, the black swans are gorgeous.

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  7. I love that statue of the boy on the books and the man in the suit. I find swans so soothing to watch, so graceful and I had never seen a passion flower before - just gorgeous.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. Wisewebwoman: Isn't that statue of the child on the book pile brilliant? The artist apparently intended it to be androgynous but I certainly saw a young boy. Passion fruit flowers blow me away every time I see them - and I agree with you about the swans. Serene and lovely. Keep looking after yourself. Please.

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  8. love the passion flower and the swans again, what a great city you like in with all that public art

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    1. Linda Starr: I am endlessly grateful to the Chief Minister (now long gone) who filled our city with art. And now I am grateful to private companies who have picked up the baton that the Government has put down.

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  9. That ox sure does have a "come hither" look, doesn't it? How can you not love the statue of the boy on the books? Reminds me of my own childhood when I developed my life long love of reading, and of physical books, which I treasure immensely. There is not a spot in our house where you won't see a book or two (or hundreds) if you glance around!

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    1. David M. Gascoingne: Snap. I grew up with books and our home has lots and lots and lots of them. I dislike shopping - with the exception of books and garden products.

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  10. And, another Sunday is here already! How the weeks do fly by!

    A lovely array of photos depicting your beautiful city, EC.

    I hope the week ahead treats you kindly. Take good care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: It is definitely Sunday. Again. I think my city is under rated - but I am grateful for that because more people is not a win in my eyes. Fingers crossed for a kind and healthy week. I hope you and the furry overlords have the same.

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  11. Maybe it's just the time of day, or perhaps your photo skills, but your city always looks serene - something I drink in every time you post photos. I love the calm beauty of the wildlife and lake as well. Thanks for sharing all of it with us.

    What's not to love with a statue featuring books? Excellent choice. The year of the Ox display is beautiful as well, with its flirty ox and bold colors!

    Hope you can fend off a few medical exams in the coming week. Give my homage to His Furry Highness and hugs to yourself.

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    1. River Fairchild: Thank you. I (usually) exclude people from my photos. They are very, very rarely my focus. And their absence does make for serenity in my eyes. I do love that new statue and am glad that I tracked it down. Having found it (and it is not far from one of our public libraries) I intend to visit it.
      Fingers crossed on the medical matters. His Highness thanks you - but I won't give him a scrootch just yet. His mood is uncertain (again) this morning. And hugs to you too.

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  12. The book sculpture is just wonderful and you are right about the ox. River above is right. There is a serenity about your city as photographed by you.

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    1. Andrew: Isn't that book sculpture wonderful - and completely different to most that are placed in public arenas. I like my city and think that it often IS serene - particularly in the early morning when I take many of my photos. Those of Lake Tuggeranong were taken mid morning on a week day though - and it is a very short block away from the town centre.

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  13. That reading child sure looked like a girl to me. I just love your photos, You have a good eye for motifs and ... well they are exotic and well known at the same time. I know passionflowers, but only as an indoor plant. I know that black swans exist, but only ever saw white ones. This duality is akin to the suspension of disbelief that every good book brings with it. Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. Charlotte (MotherOwl): Many thanks. White swans seem exotic to me, despite the fact that books and fairy tales have ensured that I have been aware of them for a very long time. I am so glad that you saw the small reader as a girl. I am sure that the sculptor would be too.

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  14. Ciao ,
    Un luogo meraviglioso , mi piace la scultura della bimba seduta sui libri , l'albero è maestoso ,mi sarei fermata anch'io ad ammirarlo ... Io rimango sempre affascinata dagli alberi , in tutte le stagioni ... anche il lago e i cigni neri hanno il loro fascino .. Grazie

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    1. Ivana: Welcome and thank you. That tree has become an old friend now. I stop and sit under it before each shift on the crisis line.

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  15. A great selection of photos as always, EC. The statue of the boy with his books is wonderful - hooray for books, and for the people who appreciate them! I'm looking forward to seeing the 3rd gift sculpture from the Airport.
    The swans look lovely and serene as always (tricksters!); and like you, I love being around trees. Our passion fruit vine has gone absolutely crazy this summer, and we have far more fruit than we can keep up with, although our granddaughter makes sure that she helps us cope with the glut!
    Fingers crossed for your appointments this week, EC, and I hope you've got some good books to read!

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    1. Alexia: I am also looking forward to the third 'gifted statue'. And hope my search for it isn't quite as hard as it was to find this one.
      A glut of passion fruit? Jealous thoughts. The pulp freezes well, and I suspect I would be storing some for winter treats.
      My fingers are tightly crossed. And of course I have books. Lots of them.

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  16. I love the beautiful passion blossom. I bet the parrots have eaten the bud before the fruit had a chance to develop.

    What an interesting statue of Andrew Inglis Clark.I've never see one constructed in such a way. I also like the statue of the child sitting on the pile of books. You certainly have a lot of street art in your city.

    Thanks for sharing your photos with us. It's such a pretty place by the water and so nice seeing the black swans.
    Hugs, Julia

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    1. Julia: I have no idea why this passionfruit vine hasn't set fruit. Birds are one possibility. It is rambling beside the road and I doubt it gets any attention from the garden owner.
      We have a lot of public art and I am very, very grateful to see each and every piece.
      The black swans are bullies - but very beautiful aren't they?

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  17. The passion fruit flower is a cool looking flower. But... I look up the plant and found this... "In places such as Hawaii, where the plant has escaped cultivation, passionflower vines are considered an invasive pest."
    What made me curious was the curly parts of the plant in the picture. That usually a climbing plant that latches onto other plants.

    I like the tree picture. It's in my 2nd collection of trees coming soon.

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    1. Mike: The passion fruit vine is decidedly a climber. This one had nothing to climb so spread across the ground. As you know I am a tree hugger and I look forward to seeing your tree post.

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  18. As Sunday comes around again, once more you have given us a wonderful selection of photographs to enjoy.

    I do like the book sculpture, it's wonderful.

    I definitely think the ox looks a little flirtatious! LOL!

    What a wonderful tree to sit underneath.

    The weather in my part of the UK has been quite grey and wet, however the first of our daffodils are now in bloom and I'm hoping to get some photographs of them soon. I just love their yellow cheerfulness :)

    May the new week ahead be a good one for you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Daffodils are definitely sunshine on stalks. I am so pleased that yours are in bloom and hope that they bring sunshine with them.

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  19. I like that knowledge between innings very much and I also spend quite some time looking up into trees. Love the lake and swans. How are you and Jazz these days?

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    1. River: This is the best new statue that my city has acquired in quite a while. Looking up into trees is something I do a lot of - with no guilt. Jazz has been doing pretty well (long may that last) and I am much the same.

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  20. I love that new statue very much and look forward to the third one yet to come. And your pretty passion flower always takes my breath away to see such a beautiful thing. Thank you for sharing these lovely scenes with me.

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    1. DJan: I will keep an eye out for the new statue and take photographs of it as soon as I can. Isn't the passionfruit flower gorgeous? I really like the fruit as well.

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  21. Very nice sights to go see in your area.

    My selections will be over here.

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    1. messymimi: I am very lucky. I look forward to seeing your Sunday Selections when they go up. As I always do.

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  22. This is a lovely collection of interesting things, EC. The Clark statue looks immense - is it truly or is it the perspective only? And of course I love the child on the stack of books. My stacks are threatening to avalanche on me lately.

    That is a stunning display for Year of the Ox. So vibrant.

    In the third from last photo, are those three birds on the "cross" real, or are they part of the structure?

    Have a good week, dear friend. I hope your kindness returns to you many times over.

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    1. jenny_o: It is lovely to see that you are feeling up to a little blog visiting. The Clark statue is considerably bigger than life size. You have a good eye. There were indeed birds on the crosspieces but my camera zoom didn't allow me to identify them.
      I hope your week is gentle and wonderful. Hugs to you. Each and every day.

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  23. Brilliant photos and I used to have passonfruit growing in my back yard years ago until the fruit bats decided to invade them and totally destructed any of the plant left... have a great week and what's left of Sunday...hugs. xx

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    1. Aussie aNNie: How frustrating. I like both passionfruit and fruit bats but can quite see that they don't mix at all well. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday too.

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  24. I shall ask Google in a minute... but I think Clark was one of the politicians who drafted the Constitution for Federation, yes?
    And the boy on the book stack is wonderful!
    It's all lovely, but I think the book stacks wins!

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    1. dinahmow: He was - and his statue (predictably) stands at the head of Constitution Avenue. Like you, my pick of the day is the reader on the book stack.

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  25. I do like the new statue that you found and I do think that ox has a roving eye! Love the peace and Swans at the lakeside Sue. Have a good week ahead.

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    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Thank you. I am so glad that quite a number of you agree with me about the ox's roving eye. I wondered whether I was imagining it - but it leapt out at me.

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  26. Love the boy sitting on the books. And the red ox display is just wonderful - playful and bright. Just what we need right now.

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    1. Olga Godim: Happy Birthday - I agree, playful and bright are more than welcome at the moment - they are essential.

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  27. I love the statues they are very well done ! Nice walk !

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    1. Gattina: Thank you. It was several walks over several days but I enjoyed them all.

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  28. There are two bulls (by themselves) in a pasture by our mailbox. During our snow event, they literally RAN toward Laura making quite a lot of noise. I presume they were looking for a nice pile of hay to be thrown. She told she was sorry--- Perhaps the Ox is meant to be hungry. Naaaa. He's flirtatious!

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    1. Bill: I hope that Laura had food for them next time she went out. As a toddler I had to be forcibly discouraged from going in to chat to a bull - who wanted to be with the cows in the next paddock.

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  29. Dear EC
    I enjoyed your selection today. I agree about the statues and the Ox too! Being near water is always relaxing.
    Have a good week
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Ellie Foster: Thank you. If ever I become rich I will buy a house beside the water. You are right - it is relaxing, and beautiful with it.
      I hope your week is lovely and that you are finally seeing some sun.

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  30. Hi EC – wonderful passion-flower … love seeing them and I so love the fruit! Strange gift for the airport to donate to the capital/city – it’s a great statue though … while the second of the small boy – I keep thinking the little boy is going to slip off his pile – but his imagination is wandering away to glean more knowledge – looking forward to the next one.
    Yes – the Ox is certainly looking wistfully out … but cheerful to see the decorations … Your bench is delightful looking up at your tree: peace indeed. The lake with grey skies must be lovely to have in the city centre … while seeing the black swans serenely wander by …
    Wonderful to see … all the best this week - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am with you. I love the flower and am a huge fan of the fruit. I was surprised that the airport was donating statues to the city - but grateful. I do like both of the ones we have seen so far and am looking forward to seeing the third.
      I do like colour and the celebration of the lunar year was beautifully done wasn't it?
      As I said to someone else earlier in the comments I make a point of spending a little time on that bench before my shift, gathering my thoughts and soaking in the peace.
      Take care, and thank you for coming by.;

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    2. Hi EC - yes lovely to see the celebratory start to the lunar year - I admire creatives who can visualise spaces and fill them with beauty. I can see the benefit of the bench ... time to reflect on the day and shift ahead ... have a good week - Hilary

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    3. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I am an appreciator and like you admire (and am grateful) for the creators in our midst. Take care. I gather Spring is showing definite signs of her arrival - which must make you happy.

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    1. Natalia: I really like them both - they are quite different but welcome additions to our public art collection.

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  32. I personally have never seen passion fruit flowers, even though passion fruit is abundant in my country. It turns out that the passion fruit when it blooms is very beautiful and amazing.
    The statues that are presented to your city are also beautiful and artistic.
    The geese in the lake gather just because they want to be fed. Even though they are disappointed and leave, they have given their own color to your daily life.
    Have a good week
    Regards

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    1. Justcherry: Passionfruit flowers are beautiful aren't they? We grew them at home when I was a child and I can remember the delight I felt when I saw those blooms.

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  33. Love those quiet moments around the lake. Serenity! Water, even if a cold and angry sea, speaks to me somehow. I guess that’s what life on islands does to one.

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    1. Marie Smith: My island is too big for me to often see the ocean but I do find serenity and beauty in bodies of water. If ever I become rich I will live beside one.

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  34. I like that Knowledge statue. And the passion fruit flower. Why no fruit I wonder. Was it not pollenated maybe? The ox is beautiful, feminine, and yup, looks to be flirting.

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    1. Strayer: Who knew that oxes flirted - and across species too. I have no idea why the passionfruit flower didn't develop fruit. There are lots of natural pollinators in my area, but they didn't seem to 'take'.

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  35. The new statue is beautiful and the ox is so cute. The photos of the lake are so peaceful and relaxing looking. Hope all went well with your appointment. Have a wonderful and safe week my friend.

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    1. Mason Canyon: Thank you. That appointment triggered more - but so far I am really liking (and trust and respect) my new doctor.
      I hope your week is wonderful - and packed with books.

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  36. It's barely Sunday in my world and already I'm very late visiting. I've never seen a passion fruit flower before, so that was truly spectacular. I also was taken with the black swans. I truly LOVE seeing them. I've only seen one in our zoo here, and I'm not sure it is even still alive.

    I remember the first statue you showed, which is surprising, since I haven't known you that long. I really like the little boy on the books. It speaks to learning and that is badly needed in this time of corona virus. Young children are finding it harder and harder to learn from home and to participate in school events due to distance learning. This is a fabulous find, and I love it and its symbolism.

    Well, I admit. The ox IS female this year, so I suppose it is flirting. It certainly isn't stomping around, at least. As always, great photos from your part of the world, dear.

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    1. Bleubeard and Elizabeth: You are not late at all, but in a different time zone. It is Monday morning here now (though the sun is not yet up). I really, really like that young reader - and you are right about its symbolism. I very, very rarely see white swans here (and only in captivity). The black ones are at home on our (man-made) lakes and I do love seeing them.
      Look after yourself. Please.

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  37. I enjoyed your photo journey, particularly the posters of the Ox. Nice statues to look at, too.

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    1. gigi-hawaii: I am glad that you enjoyed coming wandering with me.

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  38. A passion fruit flower!! How nice, I've never seen one. I love that first statue and the ox, yes, looks kind of coy and flirty lol...Beautiful photos of the swans!

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    1. Rain: Passionfruit flowers are spectacular aren't they? I love to see them - and am very partial to the fruit too.

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  39. I love the little boy on the books!

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    1. Cindi: It is a brilliant statue isn't it? I was so glad that my effort to track it down was successful.

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  40. That's a very appealing statue. There are few birds as graceful as swans, be they black or white. If they were less common they would perhaps be more appreciated.

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    1. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands": Graceful, majestic and beautiful. They are not very common here - but so very welcome.

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  41. Your pictures are always a special treat for me. I look forward to them all week.
    I love the art that finds its way to your city. Makes me want to visit, but rather than desire that will probably never happen, I'll just keep on looking at your wonderful photos. You have such a good eye that catches the most interesting things.
    Enjoy your week. (I know what you mean about medical appointments.)

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    1. Myrna R.: Thank you. There is so much art in my city that I could probably feature new pieces every week. I am so very grateful to both the pieces which are old friends and to the new ones.
      Stay safe, stay well.

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  42. Yes, that ox is definitely flirting with passersby, and I think he was especially smitten with you. ;) Love the swans especially. Thanks for taking me along.

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    1. J C: I did feel more than a little bit guilty that I had nothing for the swans. Beautiful, beautiful birds - but bullies as well.
      It has been many a long year since anyone has flirted with me. Perhaps the ox is the start of a different year.

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  43. Fine mix of pleasures for my eyes. Which statue is after my heart you know anyway. ;-)

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    1. Sean Jeating: I do know which statue speaks to you - as it does to me. I suspect that my own unread towers would reach higher into the sky though.

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  44. Swans are so pretty. I love the statues. Hope you are well.

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  45. Stupende quelle statue!!
    Ti auguro un sereno inizio settimana.

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    1. Giancarlo: I am glad that you like them - I do too. Have a healthy and happy week yourself.

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  46. Good to see that Chinese New Year decorations are put up in your country too. They even got the colour of the ox correct as 2021 is the Golden Ox. Our passion fruit flowers are more more blue/purple and just as beautiful. New height of knowledge is a good play of words for that beautiful statue.

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    1. kestrel: I would love to see your passion fruit flowers. They are very, very beautiful things aren't they? The title is a good play on words - but sooooo long.

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  47. LOVE those statues and your post also reminds me that it's the year of the Ox. Don't think the French pay much attention!

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    1. MedicatedMoo: Welcome and thank you. It is only in recent years that my city has started celebrating the special days from other cultures - and I love it.

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  48. That first flower is stunning.
    Love the sculptures.

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    1. Hena Tayeb: Isn't it a beauty. I am endlessly grateful to live in a city filled with public art - and really like the latest addition.

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  49. Yo también estoy deseando ver esa tercera escultura, ya que soy un enamorado del arte urbano contemporáneo. Las dos que nos muestras son preciosas, así como también me ha gustado mucho las paz que ofrecen las imágenes de ese remanso de agua, del lago Tuggeranong.
    Gracias por tan linda entrada, y por estas pinceladas de tu país, que nos sirven para que poco a poco, lo conozcamos mejor.
    Que tengas una bonita semana.

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    1. Manuel: Thank you. I will keep my eye out for the third statue and will certainly post photographs when it is installed. We have no date yet.
      I do love water and am very pleased to show some of the beauty of my city.
      Have a great week.

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  50. Loved those! The statues are terrific - love the boy on the books especially!

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    1. Jemi Fraser: The child on the book pile speaks loudly to a lot of us doesn't it? While it is quite close to one of our public libraries I am surprised that they didn't put it even closer.

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  51. That boy statue sitting on books is wonderful. It reminds me of the little girl standing up to the bull, one of the NY statues that I don't recall the name of.

    That lake view is great. I could sit there and just watch the swans.

    Have a lovely day.

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    1. lissa: Thank you. I really like that statue and was very glad that I made time to wander down to the lake before my doctor's appointment. The swans were a delightful bonus.

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  52. Nice statues, fine views, crisis line sounds stressful but worthwhile

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    1. Andrew R. Scott: Thank you. The crisis line can be confronting but if they can live it, I can listen. And ache with and for them.

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  53. I love the passion fruit flower blooming! So fascinating! Thanks for sharing all the photos from your journeys around town. Those new statues are lovely. :)

    Hope you have a wonderful week!
    ~Jess

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    1. DMS ~Jess: Isn't the passion fruit flower gorgeous? I do love the statues too. I hope you week is filled with joy - and books.

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  54. That ox is sexy looking! LOL! I love that passion fruit flower! So pretty! Loving all your pictures of the statues and swans. I hope you're feeling ok??? Big Hugs!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: I agree with you about the ox - and he knows he is too. I am glad you like my photos. I am much the same. How about you? Do you have a surgery date yet?

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    2. No date yet my friend! Thanks for asking! Big Hugs!

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    3. Magic Love Crow: I hope you get that date soon. Very soon.

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  55. Between Innings is is a wonderful piece of art to see and enjoy. My eyes are not working so well lately and thankfully I could enlarge the picture and confirm to myself that he is sitting on books.

    As I have said before, you live in such a lovely place with so much beauty to see and you sharing these photos with us is truly a gift. I have been looking at snow for a month and I do need to see more color.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I am sorry to learn that your eyes are not behaving. I rely on embiggening things myself and know how useful that facility is.
      I am very grateful that I am able to feed my beauty addiction in my city, and more than happy to share it. I am also grateful that you and other people seem to like what I share.

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  56. what a stunning tree to sit under and I love both the statues.
    You are really excellent at finding the beauty in every day

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    1. kylie: It is a lovely tree - and there are usually birds in it too. A lovely haven in the heart of the city. I am so lucky to be able to feed my beauty addiction. To feed it generously.

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  57. the loads of beauty you have in meet you where ever you go :)wow your observations are breathtaking !
    and statue is magnificent! new heights of knowledge yes i loved it
    stay safe and healthy friend!

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    1. baili: Thank you. I am constantly looking out for beauty - and find it each and every day. I am a lucky woman. You stay safe too please.

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  58. The passion flower is really pretty. I've never seen one. Still have snow on the ground here, so won't be seeing any pretty flowers for some time to come. Sadly so, I'm not a fan of winter. I don't like the snow or the cold. The statues are awesome. I really like the 2nd one with the pile of books under him. Will be nice to see the 3r one.

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    1. Sandy: We have had a much damper and cooler summer than usual. Most years by this time I am looking at snow photos from your side of the world in envy. Unlike you it is the heat I don't like and find difficult. Stay safe and stay warm. I will certainly post photos of the third statue when it is installed (and I have found it).

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  59. Lovely photos, as always! I particularly like the "New Heights of Knowledge" sculpture, and you're right: That is a very flirtatious ox. :-) I hope your medical appointments were helpful; or at least productive.

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    1. Diane Henders: I really, really like our newest statue too. I am looking forward to seeing the next one too. The medical appointments were a mixed bag. More tests required.

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  60. Great photos all - especially loved the swans and the height of knowledge sculpture.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: Thank you. I really, really like Height of Knowledge too, not least because it isn't a celebration of old white men. The swans were a welcome and beautiful distraction.

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  61. Dear EC, I continue to be amazed at the art you keep discovering near you. That says a lot about the character of Australia. As to that ox---I'd use the word "coy" to describe the expression! Peace.

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    1. Dee: Thank you. I can see coy in that ox as well. I do hope you are feeling better.

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    2. Dear EC, I'm so much better. Today, for the first time in nearly a month I"m feeling equal to being the person I trust myself to be. Peace.

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    3. Dee: Wonderful news. Please make a habit of it.

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  62. Where I live, there's a great deal of natural beauty but almost no cultural beauty. Before last summer, there were some local statues of a pioneer man and woman, but the Black Lives Matter people destroyed them, claiming that such people ran the Native Americans off the land. Of course, they too, now live on that land, and I have no idea what if anything they do to help Native Americans who are still here. I suspect that it's easier to get wasted and destroy statues than to bring about positive good.

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    1. Snowbrush: I am grateful to have both natural AND cultural beauty here. My country's treatment of its first people was, and is, not good. Fortunately while there are (in my eyes) justified protests they don't seem to involve destruction on the whole. Sadly it is much easier to destroy than it is to build.

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  63. I love to find suprises like this in the most curious places. We don't have a lot of it around here though. the lake looks like a pretty place to sit and ponder peace.

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    1. Coloring Outside the Lines: I am very grateful for those surprises (and treats). The lakes in my city are man made and I love them. At the moment the city is trying to reclaim some of the land (for apartments) and I am cursing them.

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  64. Beautiful post, especially the swans. I hope you have had a good week and that the docs were not too doomy or gloomy.

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    1. e: Thank you. The doctor is certainly flagging some scary options. Hopefully I will get some answers in the coming weeks.

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  65. Beautiful swans and lovely artwork!

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