a few thoughts on water

Walking through the rain the other day, I was thinking about the sensory assault one can receive from rain: The sight of it can be daunting or magnificent. The smell and feel of it might be refreshing or dampening to the spirits. And there’s always the sound – rhythmic and relentless.

Now and then, when I ruminate about rain in this way, I’m reminded of a lesson I received in Grade 2. 

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pigeon / peregrine

In Birds Art Life Death, Kyo Maclear makes mention of peregrine falcons. For those not familiar with this particular bird, it is best known for being the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of 320-390km/h (depending on what source you go by) when diving for prey. I knew that fun fact since I was a kid (the fact that it’s the fastest, not the actual figures, of course).

Yet, even with my fascination with birds, I never knew much about peregrine falcons apart from the fact that they are so fast. I never thought to read up on this impressive bird, content with knowing that one fact. I’d always preferred eagles, anyway – probably I thought falcons appeared too lithe in comparison. (Probably a terrible generalisation, but I was just a kid, ok?) 

a quiet discovery

I’m not a very good gardener. I’m not even a mediocre gardener. Amateur-ish at best (?) It’s not a huge passion of mine, but I have an appreciation for gardening and the value of having plants and trees around. I wouldn’t want to live somewhere void of greenery, but I will admit to plants not surviving my neglect and general ignorance of how to care for them.

Still, some do alright. Some even thrive. 

Birds Art Life Death

Last year I went to the Brisbane Writers Festival, and attended a panel discussion in which I practically fell in love with a book I’d never heard of before, let alone read: Birds Art Life Death by Kyo Maclear. All it took was for Maclear to talk about the book a bit, and I knew this was something I had to read. And it wasn’t that she was just really good at pitching it – she was just explaining what the book was about, and it seemed to be everything I wanted to read. 

next chapter

Today I finished reading Birds Art Life Death (by Kyo Maclear) and I really want to publish a post about it, but I don’t think today is the day for that. I feel a bit out of sorts. Probably I’m just sleep deprived – more than usual, that is.