Out of the Shadows, Into the Light

Monday September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day.  I am not so naive to think that we can eliminate suicide completely, but we can certainly try.

Here in Australia suicide is still the leading cause of death for people aged under 44.  More people die from suicide each year than are killed on the roads.

Many of you will know that I do voluntary work with Lifeline Australia, a telephone crisis line.  Lifeline believes that suicide is often preventable, and that help can be only a phone call away.

Last year Lifeline began inaugural national suicide prevention walks - 'Out of the Shadows and into the Light'.  Symbolically, the walks begin before dawn and continue into the growing light.  The aim is to help raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage people to seek help.  In addition it remembers those lost and those bereaved by suicide.

I was unable to go on the walk last year, but took part in the walk arranged by my local Lifeline centre on Saturday morning.

 It was a long walk, in blustery conditions.  My mobility issues made it a hard walk.  Will I do it again next year?  I hope so.  I really hope so.

Some numbers which may be useful for Australian readers include:

Lifeline 1311 14

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Sunday Selections #86

Sunday Selections, was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock,  as an ongoing theme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The theme 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.

Like River I generally like to have a theme for my Sunday Selections posts.  This week I am featuring Silvereyes, and some of the delights of spring from our garden.

The silvereyes were able to enjoy apple while the attention of bigger birds was elsewhere.

Clicking on any of the photos will enlarge them.

Spring is here now, although sometimes the weather would argue the point.  We had some beautiful, sunny warm days last week but for the past few days the wind has been fierce and vile.  It has flattened some of our prize blooms in the garden - giving me the perfect excuse (as if I needed any) to bring them indoors.

Sunday Selections #85

Sunday Selections, was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock,  as an ongoing theme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The theme 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.

Like River I generally like to have a theme for my Sunday Selections posts.  This week I went back in my files to a folder full of cat photos from 2009.  Still Jazz n Jewel, just younger black beasties.

In our wardrobe drat them where they had made a nest for themselves.

Guest post

Some time ago I commented on this blog on a guest post by a skilled photographer whose blog I have been following.  Shortly after that, I was honoured when Ginnie and Marcie invited me to do a guest post.  It will appear on Friday 31st August (their time) and on the horses' birthday in Australia.

For many of you there is nothing new in my post, but wandering back through previous posts and those yet to come at Vision and Verb will provide images of beauty and thoughts from the heart.

Blogmeet.

Last week I was fortunate enough to meet another blogger.

When she suggested that we meet I was in at least two minds about it.  I am fascinated by people, but am often uncomfortable around them (and always uncomfortable in groups).

Nevertheless, I put on my big girl panties and said yes.  And had a truly delightful time.  My blogging friend can be found here.

I have now met two of my fellow bloggers and had a lovely time with both of them  (The first of the bloggers I met in person can be found here).  Perhaps I should stifle my feelings of social inadequacy more often.  Tread on them firmly.

Sunday Selections #84

Sunday Selections, was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock,  as an ongoing theme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files. 

The theme 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.

This week I am again posting some photos of the King Parrots who have been brightening my world.  I will move to a different obsession next week I promise.

Magpies

But, before I get to the bird of the day.  The wattles that signify Spring is just around the corner are starting to blaze from the road side.

'This here's the wattle, the emblem of our land. You can stick it in a bottle, you can hold it in your hand.  Australia, Australia, Australia' ( Monty Python - spoken by one of the Bruces.)

Magpies are among our less colourful birds and since they are extremely protective parents will swoop people walking or cycling close to their nests.  The swooping is disconcerting to say the least as it is accompanied by the sound of a clattering beak.  While it is often scary but no more than that, each Spring they will connect with someone causing sometimes severe damage.

Our local council, along with many others, puts up signs to warn pedestrians of the danger from particular birds.  The birds are not relocated or harmed unless they cause actual damage.  Pedestrians wear hats with eyes painted on them or carry sticks and cyclists have plastic fronds attached to their bike helmets.  These measures may or may not work.

So, we have a relatively plain bird, which can be frightening and/or dangerous.  Just the same I love them, and they signify home to me.  This post is for Mia McPherson who commented here a while ago that she loved the currawong's call.  It is beautiful, but it is the magpie's warble which has won my heart.  (Mia and her friend Ron Dudley take the most incredible bird photos which put this happy snapper to shame.)

Each time I go into town to do a shift at Lifeline the early morning city sounds are dominated by magpies calling to each other from building to building.  They also are more than happy to scrounge breakfast from passersby.

While the pictorial quality in these short videos is not great, I think they capture the magpie warble.