In the Bush

Memories and Laughter.

Once upon a time not so very long ago, (about 21 years ago!) we lived amongst the cool tall trees of a majestic tropical rain forest in New South Wales, Australia.
Our three girls enjoyed growing their own flower and vegetable patches.
Vases of bright colourful dahlias and gerberas brightened our little tin cabin and sweetened our home.

It wasn’t a home as we live in now – not too many mod cons, but it was truly home. All it was really missing was the presence of our delightful later addition to the family – Stevie!

After an afternoon of gardening, we’d all look forward to a nice hot bath.
But we didn’t have a bath like we do now! See the best bath we ever had. I’m sure you’ve never had a bath like this one!

We’d light the fire under it late in the afternoon so the water would be nice and hot, then submerge up to our necks and soak all our aches away.
Many times we’d sit there, warm as toast, under the stars, listening to the rustling of the leaves in the trees, and dreaming of more happy times.
Someone would throw another stick on the fire, lighting up the dim forest, and warming our toes and hearts even more.
Close your eyes and imagine that you are miles and miles from any sounds of civilisation. Occasionally the boobook owl mournfully sings his song.
A possum scampers across the roof. Frogs croak monotonously.
No one seems to want to break the spell of peace that settled around our forest dwelling.

We lived like this in a time when others were still running on their crazy hectic merry-go-rounds of “civilisation.”

Living like our great grandmothers did in the days of long ago left time for living. Truly living.
So after our peaceful introduction to the twilight hours just as in the days of long ago, we would sing while I played the piano or we’d sing while we played – old songs of courage, hope, happiness and well known songs of joy and cheer.
To the light of the flickering candles. No electric lights to break the spell way out there. Just the cheerful laughter of our girls.

Memories of singing wafting from our fresh cut pine tree mingling with the delicious aromas of Christmas cooking, are among life’s sweetest memories.