To Be Or Not

Today I made to get out before a rain, that may now not come...
But in the process I knocked a drinking glass off the bench which shattered quite well...
So I cleaned that up and the kitchen floor got a vacuum, bonus!

Back in the day a broken glass was simply that a broken glass, pain in the arse!
But these days after many a sordid year and intensive soul searching a broken glass it is just not...

But because I now think this way, I expect stuff to happen...
When maybe it is simply stuff that hasn't happened or maybe, just maybe, the glass just fell off the bench...

This little incident made me think, 'Am I being slowed down for some reason?
So when I go out I am naturally more aware of what is in my space;

The group of three aged ones, the man shuffling behind the ladies with a plastic in hand and a lap dog on a lead...
The fact that when I went to cross the road the way was clear by sides...
The two beautiful black labs with white star patches on their chests and an owner that let one say hello but not stop for cuddles...
The deep metallic blue Mustang that roared by and then the starling that flew over head to the church copse...
The couple who passed me engrossed in each other and clearly special needs.
The many maori who were out and about all returned a greeting of morning, not kia ora or ata marie...
I noticed the people I could and couldn't say morning to, also who I could keep eye contact with and couldn't, even who got a smile and didn't.
I came up with no real answers as to how I discriminated, but felt a little fear and disappointment in myself..
Through the shopping area I walked, a few people around, a woman in jacket and a just above knee double skirt with a severe split at the back, no stockings, she looked fashionable cold.
The kids at the village school out playing screaming laughing and having fun, an adult in high vis in the mix, made me pang for my job my kids, but also made me feel happy in remembrance.
Lots of traffic, a little of chatter people at cafes, exiting shops, bus stops and atm machines...
A toddler made myself and another's heart jump as he reached under the front of a his mum's parked car to pick up the soft toy he had dropped, she calmly called him, she hadn't seen what had alarmed us.
The air crisp, chilling, thrilling and revitalising...
At the library I put my books in the returns box before entering and this beaut of an Alsatian lay on the path in the corner I spoke to him but didn't approach, even though he didn't seem to bothered by me...
Walking into the library engulf by a comfortable warmth it felt so good...
I heard mothers talking to children, setting up lunch dates with acquaintances I found books for Cullen that I knew I would have to force him to read...
I maneuvered around people lurking waiting for others issued my books...
I left the library then at that moment decided to go to this Indian Shop to purchase my milk and a couple of potatoes, I bought milk and a kumara instead...
The young guy remembered and it was a nice exchange, I do wonder if they feel betrayed when you stop going there for months, just because they are out of the way...
I left there and retraced my steps stopping at the Second Hand Shop with the 20c box of books...
I bought; The Music Of Chance by Paul Auster, 'contemporary fiction at its most thrilling' is one comment.
Earth Search - James Follett, the BBC Serial MushroomFM Escape is playing at the moment...
The Empire Strikes Back - Donald F. Glut, based on a story by George Lucas...
Overshoot - Mona Clee, A after end of days novel based in 2032 world...
Many people were in the shop so wait was a little while but not bad as it was nice and warm a fellow
book bargainer mentioned such to me as she came to wait beside me.
The people waiting were of mixed creeds races and likely religion an eclectic bunch it was nice...
On my walk home passed someone mowing a lawn someone running with drinking tube in mouth, saw two old school cars in a row, the smell of licorice all sorts filled the air making me crave such before I walked into a thick wall of smoke from someone burning rubbish in their yard.
I made it home before Cullen did turned heater on and sat down to catch up online...
I missed someone special online, I managed to get a request list off and do this post...
If I was slowed down for a reason I am unsure as to what this might be...

It may just be that the glass fell off the bench...

Related Story:

Synchronicity and the Hedgehog

Kopurererua Valley Tauranga

The largest wetland restoration project in the southern hemisphere.

I photographed and filmed this piece today.

I may mispronounce some Maori words and I have my cynicism inserted within.

Maori words I use; 

Wahine = Woman 

Tane = Man

Kete = Flax Bag 

Tewhatewha = Long handled axe like weapon.

Music by

Loveshadow - U TERU S . Birth of Souls

I hope you enjoy.

Camelia

My Weekend Aboard The Good Ship Fungus

What an amazing weekend!!!

The best virtual trip I have ever taken!

I went on a world cruise with some of the finest people,

 in the twitterverse, even the universe!

The MushroomFm crew were just fantastic!

They pampered and primped kept us fed and watered!

While entertaining us with wonderful music and some amazing drama!

I have never been on a cruise before.

 I think I'll be hard put to find one more amazing than,

 the virtual cruise upon The Good Ship Fungus.

52 hours of the best energy this world have ever seen!

Meeting many presenters and frolicking with them and other passengers,

from across the globe. A lot of flirting, dancing, drinking eating and games.

Meet the crew and passengers in real time

We had all we could wish for'

with little imagination the crew took you to the Captains cabin, on deck, the bar, the bar, the bar, the casino, the gym

even up high in the crows nest and down to the belly in the engine room, the brig, or in my case boiler room!!!

Two people won a prize each of $222 USD each!

While many many people won MushroomFM tote bags!

 I know I did and I cant wait to see it!

 I will treasure it forever!

For it is unique and holds many wonderful virtual memories.

So come take the journey through,

 the podcasts and enjoy the excitement, we certainly did!

Happy Second Birthday Mushroom Fm

Friday 27-04-12 (est) 

The Captain's Cabin                                                                                                        @JonathanMosen

All Aboard with Dave and Emma                                                                                     @DaveandEmma

The Booze Cruise                                                                                             @janbart53 & @glenbuck1

The Watery Oasis

The Cozy Canine Retreat                                                                                             @jdronmushroomfm

Treasure Hunt                                                                                                                             @smileyliz

Saturday 28-04-12

Next Stop Down Under!                                                                                                         @BigBeat50

The Rubber Room                                                                                                                   @kiwisnake

In The Gym                                                                                                                   @jimbodownunder

80's Disco on the deck with a wee bit of Lovin'                                                                        @irish_2009

Sentimental Sailing                                                                                                                @AlexBanwell

On-Deck Dance Party                                                                                                            @charmorby

Treat Yourself                                                                                                                   @candygirlmusic

Ashore in the Great State                                                                                                               @arm4r

Hunt for the Melting Pot                                                                                                   @meltingpotshow

The Steamie                                                                                                                           @gordonluke

Laughter, the Cure for Sea Sickness                                                                                     @btmushroom

The Stowaway Fringe                                                                                          @Skhyering & @techring

The Mid-Cruise Social Gathering                                                            @traceyclasper & @TerryClasper

The Buffet Table                                                                                                                    @baxaphobia

Beach Boys Beach Party                                                                                                        @bboyer202

Rebel Fungus                                                                                                                         @roosterloop

Sunday 29-04-12

The LifeGuard                                                                                                                           @djtyler03

The Minxy Roulette Wheel                                                                                                        @JuliaMinx

Mushrooms A-midships                                                                                                     @shonanddamo

The Mastery                                                                                                                      @FunGuyDanny

The Flashback Gold Serious Workout                                                                                @kevin_russell1

Rock Under the Brig                                                                                                         @inthecenterring

Game Play                                                                                                                        @childsplayradio

The Blue Ship Show                                                                                                             @bluesheep71

Welcome To The Cabaret                                                                                                   @rachaelwarke

The Onboard Comotion                                                                         @traceyclasper & @TerryClasper

The Captains Ball                                                                                                            @JonathanMosen

Big Loves and Thank You All!

synchronicity and the hedgehog

WARNING
*contains graphic - gross content*

A beautiful Saturday dawned in Tauranga. 

I woke at a quarter past eight despite having only gone to sleep a few hours previous. 

After a most successful first Skype session with a very awesome person.

I cuddled kittens and child made sure the were all watered,

then I jumped in the shower nothing like a shower for a cob webby head.

After my shower I turned on the computer and started making breakfast.

Fried Ham and Egg with tomato on toast.

Made one for myself and the boy, forgetting that he is now off eggs as he is off fish.

I signed into twitter and started reading, tweeting and eating.

I also tuned into MushroomFM's radio programme Down at the Old Bull and Bush.

Presented by the wonderful @janbart53 and @glenbuck1

Tweeting with these awesome folk throughout their show 

and also with the amazing @davetaylor2112 and the stunning @ephphy

mostly about alcohol, oh and the Land of Cake! (where I wanted to live)

Which came up in the pub quiz, 

that I could but (virtually) stare blankly at, while I watched pebbles drop

 into the great abyss that was my mind.

Turns out that The Land of Cake is Scotland! 

Wow! Wow! So I'm okay. 

I think I'll stay here in my lil' piece of NZ paradise and sneak the odd cake.

So a great morning was spent connecting with great people, sharing a laugh and more.

Dave suggested I get out in my zombified state,

as it may just help clear the cob webs. (my words not his)

I knew he was right and I knew that I would,

 because I just didnt feel like sleeping at 12pm on a most gorgeous summery autumn day!

So after a glass or two of pure tap water (I know living dangerously) not!

I put on my shoes and fluffed around here and there.

Didn't really know where we were going to walk.

At the end of the drive I asked Cullen aka the child aka the boy.

Take me where you and Tom go and show me this 'scary' wasp nest.

So off we went in the opposite direction to our norm of going to the boardwalk,

aka one of the biggest Wetlands project in the southern hemisphere, 

aka the reserve.

So went down our street toward the tennis club where only a few people were playing.

Down the side of it and down the hill behind it.

It is just this huge green space with a small piece

near the top planted in native shrubs.

He showed me the wasp nest now laying abandoned on the ground.

It was approx the size of my hand stretched out.

After that we continued down the hill then walked back up 

our neighbouring street towards the little access way that would take us 

through to this little park on our street.

Now Cullen didn't want to go to the boardwalk he just didn't feel like it

and I didn't feel like just going to the shop and then home.

We hadn't even walked ten minutes and I needed more!

More exercise more fresh air more spaces to extend the eyes.

So we walked past the access way and continued down the street 

and ended up at the reserve. 

Cullen was happy trying to catch Monarch butterflies, 

I carried on down the grass driveway size lane lined either side by flax and shrubs, 

some of which towered more than a head above me.

Occasionally stopping and breathing to take it all in.

I chose a path in the fork and nearly stood on a decapitated eel!

It was a horrid site and not to big either approx 30cms in length.

I squealed at the fly attracting sight and instinctively covered my nose and mouth.

Although I could not smell anything at all.

Cullen passed the horror a minute or so later I heard his reaction behind me.

 I stood waiting upon a large lid for large pipe works, surveying the site.

It was at least a half meter high. Then I said because it's obligatory!

"I'm the King of the Castle and you're a dirty rascal"

The boy not impressed grunted and jumped up. I pretended to push him

 and catch him, he looked at me like 'what are you doing' so serious I laughed.

Then we were off down another path amongst shrubs and following

 Yellow Hammers (sparrow like birds that are yellow)

We came to another fork a gravel one we took a few steps west

 then we kept going north, along the 'actual' man made wooden boardwalk.

I had intended to maybe walk up a huge hill and back along the main road

calling into the supermarket on the way home.

I stopped for a time watching the traffic on the highway crawl along

 at a snail's pace which is unusual but I couldnt figure what was going on. 

I noticed people coming along the boardwalk in the distance.

 Cullen had raced off back into shrubbery.

I watched a Grey Heron fly south then turn fly north then turn again.

I lost sight of the Heron as I turned hearing Cullen pound up talking fast.

"I caught a snoring cicada, only the second one I have ever caught"

He opened his hand and this amazing bright yet deep reed green

cicada sat singing his protest it was a gorgeous little thing, approx 2cm in length.

It flew off.

We continued north saying Hi!

 To two couples with babies in strollers going south.

We nearly made it to the end of the boardwalk and Cullen expressed his

total dislike for walking up the hill along the road side with the traffic.

So we turned around and started heading back the way we had come

which is a much better choice for walking.

A man and his two children biked past without greeting.

Then a little ahead of us they stopped at the edge of the gravel,

as we got closer we saw that they were watching this hedgehog.

We came to stand next to them and then slowly moved onto gravel.

The man said "Unusual to see them in the daytime isn't it"

The response always given when hedgehogs are out in daylight.

But I stopped and agreed with him.

Then they all moved forward walking their bikes.

All five of us stood scrutinizing this hedgehog, 

which stopped suddenly and seemed to shake and shudder,

 then the man mentioned what I had that instant noticed.

"It's spikes are they moving?"

Horror movie scenes flicked through my head.

I had a pretty good idea what it was that was moving on this creature.

His boy went closer and confirmed this.

"It's maggots!"

We were sort of moving slowly still staring in slow mo horror.

I without meaning to, blurted out.

"God I wish I was more of a farmer" The man said "Why what would you do?" 

I shook my head hand again coming to my mouth.

"You'd put it out of it's misery?" He answered for me.

I said again without thinking. "Yeah well it's getting eaten alive!"

I felt my skin crawl at the thought.

We had stopped moving at this stage still watching the poor creature

slowly walking and occasionally twitching and stopping.

He said "Maybe I should do it, get a stick and hit it over the head?"

He didn't sound so sure. I in a feeble voice said

"You have your babies with you"

He then went on to talk about how cruel nature can be and some

of the classic African fight of the fittest programmes he had seen recently.

We were all still watching this poor hedgehog.

"Yeah I better do this aye the poor creature is suffering. I cant let it suffer.

 I'll hit it on the head with a stick"

I think this was more to himself than I, but I said.

"Yes it would be the best thing. 

Though I don't if know you can trust any stick around here"

I looked around at the flax stems the dead stumps and branches hopelessly.

He, his daughter and son put their bikes down and he said.

"Don't judge me." I replied "Oh know! Not at all he must be in agony!"

So in the maybe five mins we had seen this creature.

His fate had been decided.

At this stage the hedgehog had walked about 4 metres down the gravel track.

The man walked down to meet the creature his children followed.

I looked to Cullen to see if he wanted to see this and he said yes with a little

uncertainty which I'm sure we all felt.

In that time the man had found the perfect stick!

A piece of 2x4 long enough to be effective short enough to not be awkward.

He asked his kids to move away saying they might not want to see it.

I tried to get them to turn away and they did for the first hit.

But curiosity got the better of us all.

The second hit we all watched and it looked like he was successful 

as the hedgehog lifelessly flew into the flax.

We all breathed and felt some relief  I think.

I was still horrified at the thought of it being a living meal.

"It is gone, he is gone for sure" said the man "I think I did the right thing."

I affirmed "Oh you did definitely, it would've been in so much pain?"

"Well" he said to his kids 

"How is that for an afternoon? We helped stop suffering."

I babbled 

"Yes we got to see the circle of life, the hedgehog doesn't suffer

 and the bugs still live" 

Silly statement I guess but it was an odd moment.

He then said. "Lucky we came down here we weren't going to today,

isn't it funny how things work out."

I nodded saying "Thank goodness you did come down this way

 I don't think I could've done that"

We went off again on how crazy life was, I mentioned the decapitated eel we'd seen and

he said how crazy people were to do such.

I did my same old spiel.

"I think everybody does do the best they know how, 

it's not always right but it is the best they know."

The man agreed saying. "Yes it comes down to the parents"

I said "Yes and how they were raised"

He asked if we were from around there I told him our street.

Then he pointed out his home to the north looking out over this beautiful valley.

I had a twinge of jealousy as I exclaimed. "What a beautiful view!"

He gave me his business card and told me

he was a male hairdresser and worked from home.  

(I cursed myself for never carrying my cards around. 

But justified that with that thought with, 

he wouldn't want to buy my jewellery anyway)

He then said he didn't make a lot being a hair dresser.

But enough to own his home (mortgage) and support himself and his kids.

My jealousy dissipated. 

But I still wondered about the cards.

We parted with it was nice meeting you under these not so nice circumstances.

Cullen and I walked off, pondering the events that lead us

to be at this place at this time.

The synchronicity and unseen forces making us meet at that point to help save

a little being from the most hideous of deaths.

***

1. My early morning bedtime. (making me want a decent walk)

2. My Saturday ritual of mushroom listening. (keeping me home)

3. Daves encouraging me to go out (reaffirming my need to get out)

 4. The getting out and then deciding which way to go. (getting out)

5. The detours and the stops we made. (placing us at right time)

6. The turning around and changing our path. (as above)

7. My blurting out "God I wish I was more of a farmer!" (making the man stop)

 8. The man and his children choosing that path at that time.
 (being there to see hedgehog and take action)

***

If these things hadn't taken place would the hedgehog still be suffering?

Would the hedgehog had been hurt in the first place?

***

I'm not sure what to take from this encounter 

other than that we can take a life in vain and let it rot in the sun (eel)

or we can respect the living and reduce the pain. (hedgehog)

***

A Good Friday Walk

 ~ not quite the sleepy seaside town ~

~ Pilot Bay curves away in the distance Norfolk Pine stand strong along the shore ~

~ puffs of cloud gather on distant horizon beyond harbour and mountains ~

~ a sign of caring for our sea life stating limit per gatherer ~

~ paua 10 ~ kina 50 ~ mussel 25 ~

~ private boats float ~ in colourful contrast is one ~ deep red and black ~

~ upon the bank ~ the child with youthful gait ~ bounds ~

~ like a mountain goat ~ he runs along the hillside ~

~ exotics flourish beside the sea ~

~ the sand through bush ~ beyond rocky bank ~ invites naked feet ~

~ rock hopping we descend to walk beside bluest sea ~

~ the port minuscule in the distance ~ beneath and beyond ~ cloud clustered horizon ~

~ the distant Norfolk distinct in miniature line the harbour shore ~

~ toward the channel we stroll ~ between boulders ~ upon firm damp sand ~

~ child runs free ~ between boulders ~ to hunt bugs by the bank ~

~ a stranded log lay ~ atop boulders ~ good resting place ~ for long of leg ~

~ in the distance sails drift ~ between mountain and long island ~

~ dappled shade from pohutukawa tree ~ long across the sand ~

~ long island disappears ~ into the horizon ~ far beyond the beach ~

~ Matakana Island ~ across channel ~ lays long ~ 

~ clouds dotted ~ stacked high in the blue ~ framed by trees and rock ~

~ a graveyard of fallen ones ~ scattered upon the shore ~

~  healthy limbs ~ reach out from bank in mockery ~

~ between trees ~ the island disappears into farthest horizon ~

~ a clutch of rocks ~ stand alone ~ apart from the shore ~ strong resistant ~

~ the mighty engine ~ camouflaged amongst boulders ~ a final resting place ~

~ waves come crashing ~ I stand my ground ~ not feeling the spray ~

~ over boulder youth frolicks ~ a good Friday by the sea ~

~ to contemplate the invisible horizon ~ limitless timeless ~ it is ~

Sunday Sounds

I woke to 

Toews On the Waves 

with Bruce Toews @btmushroom

and this is the song that stood out for me

I love it!

Then I listened to 

The Kitchen Table with Nancy and she played this group wow!

Carolina Chocolate Drops

Not this song though..

I then listened to @smileyliz doing Dave's Eargasm show.

She played Pat Benatar!

Shadows of the Night.

Then Eric @djtyler03 hosted Rebel Fusion

He played some great songs!

 I had to ask about these...

Collective Soul

Where the River Flows

and this one

Kid Rock

Devil without a Cause

I have not listened to Kid Rock,

 because I didnt think I would like him.

Well I do!

That showed me!?

Then @jimbodownunder jumped in for Julia and did 

The Devils Mix!

this song was amazing!

Jamie ONeal

Devil on the Left.

Great Sunday music!

Shows will be linked when I get the podcasts