We have crazy weather in Melbourne. Some days are totally unpredictable. We can wake to cold thick fog and by lunch time the sun is out and the temperature has soared. By mid afternoon it can be blowing a gale. And by night fall the air’s cooled and I don’t know whether I should be putting on the heater or an extra item of clothing. On other nights it’s balmy and almost spring like.
Welcome to my patch of life in Melbourne. It’s often joked we have “four seasons in one day”. At the moment it’s distinctly Autumn, with vibrant colors showing their faces.
I look out in my back yard and we have a large oak tree that stands just beyond our gate. My sister gave it to me when it was in a pot, barely a metre high. Now it stands ten times that height and depending on the season looks lush, colorful or barren.
This was today.
This was at the end of last Autumn as the leaves changed color and fell to the ground. Close by kangaroos frequently roam and and graze on the grass beyond our back gate.
When the season is warmer the oak tree provides shade and a cool respite for the kangaroos who return to graze.
Not far away on her horse, my daughter enjoys a cross country course before the rains come. Up above the skies often reflect the seasons as we go about our daily lives.
Changeable, so much like our moods.
Lately I’ve been feeling upbeat and hopeful only to hit a slump mid afternoon. And other days this week I’ve felt down and lacked motivation only to be inspired by something that happens during the day and propels me to action.
As obvious as it sounds, sunshine really does pack a powerful punch, in lifting our moods and making us feel happier. But even when the clouds come it’s still worth searching for that patch of blue. The optimism that can lift those rays to new heights.
My wish is for more predictable and calm weather as we continue our journey.
However, as it’s something we can’t control, let’s just accept and enjoy whatever season we’re in, whether it’s rainy or cold, sunny or warm.
May you be happy and safe and always remember that beyond a storm lies new beginnings.
This post was inspired by a post by Dennis Wagoner at A Trivial Mind at Work
In response to Hugh’s Photo Challenge: Week 23 – Season. hosted by Ronovan this week.
I can totally relate to 4 seasons in 1 day. It’s crazy April here in the UK. We had warm sunshine yesterday, and then last night I drove through a snowy Christmas card scene to visit friends which was only about 30 miles away. Driving home at 10.30pm it was thick fog and freezing temperatures. This morning we have opened the windows to let the warm spring breeze blow through the house. Crazy Mother Nature!! And I’m grateful for all of her foibles.
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Sounds like the weather’s a bit crazy all over the world. Enjoy the warm spring breeze Suzy, I think ours is coming to an end here. Seems that rain is on the way this weekend, which would be welcome except my daughter’s supposed to be having a big sleep out for her birthday! 😦
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We lived in Melbourne for three years and I was always astounded by how quickly the weather could change. I love your first photo – it’s such a sunshiny yellow.
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Thanks. And yes, Melbourne never fails to put on a show of diversity.:-)
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Stunning! What a great entry to Hugh’s theme this week. I love how you’ve tied seasons to the ups and downs of life; it’s all a part of the journey. That photo of the yellow flowers, by the way, is so uplifting! 😊
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Thanks Kim, I love that shot too!
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Everywhere we’ve lived, locals say “Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes–it will change.” This appears to be the case in many places around the world!
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So very true. Everywhere seems to be the same!
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For some reason, the pictures with the kangaroos made me smile. Probably because I’m an American and if I want to see a kangaroo, I have to go to the zoo. But you’ve got them right there! I just get tons of squirrels… And deer. And ducks. And geese. 🙂
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Sounds like we’ve both got enough animals combined to start our own zoo … 🙂
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That might be fun! 🙂
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Makes me want to see Melbourne
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You’d love it Kris. 🙂
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I definitely love the first photo, combination of my two favorites-flower and the color yellow. Seasons does an effect on our mood. I always hope that most would be positive, great post!
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Thanks Amy.
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I long ago gave up holding out for good weather (in my part of the world I’d go insane) but I do appreciate it whenever possible. Have a great weekend x
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Thanks Jo, you too! xo
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Such great photos and a wonderful post for Ronovan’s prompt word this week, Miriam. I love how that small oak tree has grown into something spectacular. Hopefully, it will produce some wonderful Autumn colours for you soon.
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Yes, it’s been amazing to see how much it’s grown. Thanks Hugh.
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This adventure with life is that mood changers lie around every corner. So now we just have to venture there, jump on the wagon, and let it take you for a ride, and enjoy the experience. Thank you for your words. You are visited by kangaroos, we here in Ontario by deer. The other day some were out in the field jumping and bounding about. It must be Spring!
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How wonderful, Dan. You painted quite a picture. 🙂
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Oh my, kangaroos in your backyard!! LOVE IT!
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Hahaha They con’t come RIGHT in, fortunately. Outside the gate is close enough! 🙂
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I can hear my son now…..”mommy, can I hitch a ride on one of them? Can I go out and play with them?” Ummmmmm – NO! hehe
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Hahaha Yeah, definitely NOT a good idea 🙂
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I can really relate to four seasons in one day. We have that here too! But no kangaroos. Kangaroos would be lovely.
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They are nice to see close I must admit, so long as they stay OUTSIDE the gate!
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No Miriam you got it Melbourne weather is particularly crazy, I’ ll vouch for that. I say it has 5 seasons in one day. Don’t know the fifth one is called but we’ve got it.
The yellow flowers do look lovely. Are the ‘roos standing in a reserve or Crown Land or is that private property?
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It’s council reserve with a creek out the back, which means it can’t be built on. Fortunately. 🙂
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Lovely.
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Beautiful scenery and cozy weather, and I feel like coming to Melbourne right away. Have a nice weekend, Miriam.
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Thanks, hope you have a great one too. 🙂
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You are welcome. 🙂
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That oak tree must be happy with its spot! I find August to be the hardest month to bear in Melb. It always gets me down. Whereas June and July are usually cold and clear and beautiful.
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True. Cold and crisp with blue skies I can handle. It’s the continual grayness that gets me down. Have a great weekend.
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You too!
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Wow! Four seasons in one day, Miriam! I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but if you have the loved ones with you I think it doesn’t really matter.
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Yeah, true Monica. It doesn’t really matter. 🙂
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❤
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We’ve been having days/weeks like that here in Madison. In the past few weeks, it’s been cold enough to have snow flurries one day and then t-shirt weather the next.
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Crazy isn’t it. Seems to be the same all over the world.
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In Maine we say, “If you want the weather to change, wait a minute!” We are indeed on opposite sides of the world and the seasons. Your fall, our spring! Although, it’s supposed to be 25 degrees tonight, New England is a great place to live.
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Sounds like it. I love living here too, mostly the weather is kind and we’re pretty lucky.
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That sun seems to make such a difference. I love your outlook about just accepting. Crosses over into so many of life’s journeys.
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So very true Jessica. When are you going on your holiday?
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Tomorrow. 🙂
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I plan to take you along with me!
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Oh YAY! I’m so excited. 🙂
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Me too!
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How’s the birthday going?
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Great. We’re just about to head out for the morning. Then a big night and weekend planned, weather’s looking a bit dodgy but we’ll make the most of it! xo
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Hope you have the BEST time! ❤️
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Thanks Jessica. xo
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Sounds like Melbourne weather is not so different than central Indiana weather. It was 80degF last Saturday and 34degF the Saturday prior.
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Ha, crazy world!
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4 seasons in one day ? Haha. Thats quite something 🙂 I have experienced three 🙂 You guys are so lucky you do not have the hassle of snow
We all feel uplifted when the sun smiles down upon us but I love rains also 🙂 I think its romantic 😀 The perfect climate to snuggle with your loved one or listen to your fav songs looking at those water drops forming patterns over the windows or get that fav book and coffee and go on a reading marathon 🙂
Awesome pics as usual Miriam and beautiful messages conveyed 🙂 Every post of yours reminds me why I became a BIG fan of your blog from the first day! And between your daughter rides a horse ?! Woaah! I remember me trying to once years back and it was so difficult! Even with a guy to help.
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Hey, thanks for your great comment Minaxi. I agree that rain is great to snuggle indoors to and we desperately need it here. Just hope it eases tomorrow for my daughter’s big 18th birthday sleep out. Otherwise we’ll have to resort to Plan B. 🙂
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Wow 🙂 Ah the elegant 18 😀 Convey my birthday wishes to her ❤ So much of funn awaits her 🙂 I hope the sleep out works tomorrow! It would be a great memory for her 🙂
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Thanks Minaxi, I’m hoping the whole weekend will be memorable. 🙂 We’ll make it special for her, regardless of the weather. 🙂
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I know you will 🙂 Take loooots of pictures 🙂 It will be a great treasure to look back and fondly cherish upon 🙂
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Absolutely. 🙂
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Such lovely photos, Miriam! It’s so interesting that kangaroos seem as plentiful where you are as deer are in my area. Wishing you calm seas and plenty of sunshine on your life’s journey. 🙂
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Thanks so much. ♥♡
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Love those yellow flowers and oak tree! Can make for the wicked weather. 🙂
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Thanks for that. 🙂
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Beautiful photos. Love the one of your daughter on a horse 🙂
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Thanks, that’s where she’s most at home! 🙂
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Love that, Miriam! What’s the name of her horse?
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Merlin. 🙂
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Love Merlin!! 🙂
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Haha Me too, he’s a real character! 🙂
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Great shots capturing all the seasons! We do live in an amazing country don’t we?
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Absolutely. We’re extremely blessed.
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It’s a very nice post with the amazing photos and beautiful descriptions. Enjoyed the post as well as the autumn in Australia.
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Thanks so much, appreciate your kind words.
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Hi Miriam, your pictures are stunning! I always enjoy your posts 🙂 Have a wonderful week! Jenny
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Thanks Jenny, love your comment. You have a great week too. 🙂
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We get days like that too. Chicago has a saying that “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.”
I love your tree. I love that you have that history and connection with where you are. That kind of constancy is a beautiful thing. 🙂
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Thanks Vanessa. Even today the weather’s been changeable! Seems it’s the same all over the world! 🙂
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For us, this Spring can’t seem to make up its mind. I never know what season it’s going to be when I step outside. Yesterday was kind of Summer, and today was a bit late Autumn. I can’t keep up! lol
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Same here. Cold here today then warmed up and windy in the afternoon. Crazy weather can’t make up its mind. 🙂
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CAN relatye to da weather thingy, it snowed yesterday,,, an was melted an sunny an warm today, an concerning the animals, lol, u gots da RooS an i gotz da Bear an dear an elk lol…..those roos are very kewl aminalZ, never seen one in person live,,,only at the zoo….
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No bears or elk here but yep, definitely plenty of roos. 🙂
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