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Wednesday 24 April 2013

No tree has branches so foolish that they fight among themselves.


 

I am still under the weather with a virus and so have missed a few weeks of this blog, however I feel it’s important to post an ANZAC day tribute.  Regular Monday posts will start up again soon all going well.

This photo is from Tyne Cot cemetery in Ypres, Belgium which I visited with my family in January 2012.  There are countless graves of unknown soldiers, some of which were identified as ANZACS or other nationalities, and many of whom are “known only to God” which is what is written on their head stones.  One can only imagine how badly damaged a body might have been that they could not even tell which army the soldier belonged to let alone their name.

We toured other significant WW1 sites that day including some of the trenches and Hill 60.  It was freezing cold, windy and raining and this gave us a tiny glimpse into what the Australians fighting there may have endured many years ago.  But we were wearing high-tec thermals, snow jackets, and socks made specifically for  -30°c conditions; and when it got too cold we had a warm, comfy bed and local hospitality to retreat to.

I still cannot fathom what it would have been like for a young Australian, to be so far from home, in such inhospitable conditions notwithstanding the violence they witnessed and the terror and hopelessness they might have felt.

We may think the world has come a long way since then, and in many ways it has, however some people say we are currently living in the most violent time the world has ever seen.  This is a bit hard to digest given what we know about the two great wars that have preceded the current conflicts going on in the world.

This quote is a poignant reminder that war is unnecessary and stupid.  There are so many other ways to resolve our disputes, and they all have one thing in common. 
Love.

Lest we forget {

To all the Men and Women who suffered and gave your lives so that we may live in beauty, freedom and peace, words cannot express how grateful we are for your sacrifice.

If you’re interested in seeing Ypres, go ahead and do it!  Apart from war history the area is famous for it’s beer & chocolate; the local people are amazing and very welcoming to Aussies.  We stayed at Camalou and could not recommend it highly enough.  The owners are historians and will custom build a tour of the local, historical sites just for you.  http://www.camalou.com/

Photo Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. © Renee Chamberlin 2013. If you would like to purchase images, click here

Tuesday 2 April 2013

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

 
 

What a beautiful time of the year it is!

In the Southern hemisphere we are enjoying the cooler, Autumn weather after a Summer of extreme heat and other memorable weather events.  Family and friends in the North, are enjoying spring time and the anticipation of Summer after what sounds to have been a very harsh Winter indeed.

Many people spend their Easter break doing projects around the home, and as owner builders we would normally be no exception.  Instead, we took the invitation this year to camp and enjoy nature with some great friends, and like-minded souls.  We were rewarded with beautiful weather (for the most part), an abundance of birds, wood-fired pizza (the best I’ve ever tasted) and lots of laughs.

There are so many rewards to be found in spending a bit of time outside.  There is also a very serious flip side.

Vitamin D deficiency has long been known as a health issue in some Northern Hemisphere countries, where the weather is often less conducive to BBQ’s and Beach Cricket.  Recent research in Australia, however, has found that between one and two thirds of Australians are now lacking adequate Vitamin D intake.  

How on earth does this happen in the sunburnt country with a population who largely enjoys an outdoor lifestyle?

I have always been an outdoorsy person, but find these days that it’s getting harder to make the time in a very busy schedule to go out and enjoy nature.  But it’s vital that we do, spending time outside is not only good for your health, it’s great for your soul.

How do you like to get out and enjoy nature and what miracles have you been rewarded with?  I would love to hear your ideas and comments J

Wishing you a week full of miracles!

If you would like to read more about the Vitamin D issue, here are two articles to get you started:

The great Aussie paradox: vitamin D deficiency rates soar
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/the-great-aussie-paradox-vitamin-d-deficiency-rates-soar-20121023-282kg.html

 
Vitamin D are you getting enough?   (Article by ABC ) http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/04/03/3459266.htm


 A huge thank you to my good friends Adam and Steph for an amazing weekend with great food, an abundance of nature and awesome company, just what the Doctor ordered! xoxo


And to John, Happy Birthday, hope you enjoy your week.  Brrrr!


Photo Damselfly © Renee Chamberlin 2013. If you would like to purchase images, click here