acacia blossoms

acacia blossoms

Friday, June 4, 2010

Events big and small

Last night a gentle wind made this wooden house creak like an old ship at sea. I considered dreaming that i was sailing away to a new and unknown land but then the elephants that were browsing around camp started making a racket. They were screaming and trumpeting, and chasing what? each other?  It was impossible to imagine anything else as their sounds ripped through the night.  I expect they are sleepy today.

This morning a thick mist cloaked the floodplains.  The air is icy desert cold, with no sunshine to warm our bones.  I have lit some candles inside the house to bring some cheer - we have no fireplace here.  I made some bread; it was nice hanging around the stove while the bread was cooking.   

Midday approaches and everything is still, waiting - we know the burning sun is up there somewhere.   We havent heard the news for a week or so - perhaps another volcano has filled the air with smoke and dust? 

And now its thursday and the fog has lifted leaving us with bright sunny cool winter days. There are wild bees  living in the roof, and in one of the old leadwood trees. The hebaclada bushes around camp are full of seed pods.  Their pods stand upright like candles on a christmas tree. The giraffe love to eat the pods and gather around the low bushes, their necks arcing inwards, blue tongues wrapping round velvet pods. One giraffe raises its head and catching sight of us, stares long and hard. Some of the other giraffe start moving away while this one is staring. He almost gets left behind.

We spent some time with a herd of zebra. One beautiful young foal had an ugly gash on its back leg, and walked stiffly next to its mother looking forlorn.  The rest of the herd busied themselves with biting and kicking each other for fun, while occasionally managing to graze.  Behind them two bull giraffes battled it out in their slow motion neck hurling way. It is soundless, but i couldnt help imagining a loud kaboom with each connecting shot.

This morning early , as pre-sunrise rasta colours streaked the eastern horizon,  we heard lions calling.  They have been away for a while - its time they came back.  Meanwhile beyond the blue dome of sky, giant celestial bodies are easing themselves into position for the forthcoming Cosmic Cross, and the owlets are out hunting in daylight.


12 comments:

Kristin said...

What a gorgeous description of winter. I can almost feel the chill despite DC summer heat. The candles and bread seem like a great way to bring cheer.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Your gift with words makes me feel, for a moment, like I am there with you enjoying the sights and sounds of some of Earth's most beautiful creatures.

Angela said...

You always leave me breathless, Val. Such Pictures you create in my head - you are really an artist with words. Am I there with you, or am I only dreaming?
What a world you live in! Thanks for your posts!

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you in the early morning chill of the bush in winter. What an interesting life you live. Thanks for sharing.

mermaid gallery said...

I feel the chill, the awe and the greatness of your home. .....We too have the early morning fog and even though it's spring it feels like your winter chill. So quiet and vast.....thank you for the journey.....

Lori ann said...

...sigh...

Vagabonde said...

Your words are simple yet so poetical. You create an atmosphere that is irresistible. Very enjoyable.

Val said...

lets see if this works....

Kristin - yes the winter chill in the bones - but it is still an awesome time of year here and being cold has novelty value :-) how different can our worlds be??

Bonnie - thanks - and I have been enjoying your recent posts just difficult to leave comments at the mo

Val said...

Angela - I hope you are here with me - i shall look out for you!

Rob - ah desert winter cold - I know you know it :-)

Susan - I find fog so mysterious and wonderous - its not a common event here altho very common on the Namibian coast which is not that far. Its the still quietness...

Lori - soon hey?

Vagabonde - thanks! a little too brief though this time maybe...


Thank you all for your comments - you know i LOVE to read them xx Blog on and enjoy xxxV

Lauri said...

Lovely...

Anonymous said...

awesome

just what I needed to read at this moment!

thanks
xx

Charl said...

Your paintings with words are as precious as K's with his brushes. Thank you so much for this lovely picture.