We have had a mild and very wet winter here in Brisbane. As I sit here writing this my Jasmine is flowering and its beautiful, heavenly scent is wafting through the open windows. Today the 22nd of August, started off with thick fog and transformed into a beautiful day with the sun out and 23 degrees. The week started with rain and ended in sunshine, I just hope Spring is not as wet.
The first weekend of August, we had another trip down to see mum. The Richmond River was brown, murky and very full after all the rain. There was even warnings for road closures up in the mountains, we thought it was due to flooding but areas of the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales and across the Queensland border had received the heaviest snowfalls of up to 40-50cm since 1984.
We had a beautiful sunny drive down and stopped for a picnic by the river. Lining each side of the highway was bright bursts of yellow wattle. When we arrived at mum’s we weren’t her only visitors, with some Rosellas popping in for a visit. Sunday was a very wet, windy and cold day with an adventure to a nursery for hot drinks and change of scenery.
With the bad weather the ocean was very rough and we visited it before mum’s appointment. We sat and watched the angry sea and listened to the amazing noise of the waves crashing. The ocean may have been angry, but it was very relaxing just sitting and listening.
My last afternoon, I took my sketchbook and explored Mutton Bird Island. I sat and drew Korffs Island while watching the whales making their way up the coast. I spent a lovely couple of hours drawing the birds and plants that I saw. It was a wonderful way to relax after a busy few days with mum.
Mum’s pink Magnolia’s was in flower when I was visiting her and I got home to my little Gem Magnolia that had turned brown. I do love my Magnolias when they have turned, I love how it looks with the variety of colours and textures. My Little Sarah Magnolia was also in full flower, a beautiful tribute to my sister Sarah on her anniversary. This page was dedicated to Magnolias and what they mean this time of year to mum and I, with some Violas thrown in.
For 8 days in August, the country comes to our city of Brisbane with the Royal Queensland Show. Tim and I thought we would spend the day walking around the exhibitions and watching the various judging events. It was our first time at the Ekka with no children for over 25 years and we absolutely loved the experience. So much so, that we ended up visiting the Ekka again later that week.
I have mentioned the wattle lining the highway, these beautiful trees are in full bloom every where you look. On September 1, Australia celebrates these trees with a National Wattle Day. On one of my walks with Tilly, we went foraging and brought home a big armful of these lovely blooms. The house was full of yellow and the smell of sweet ness.
I took part in another of Australian Botanical Artist Heidi Willis lessons on Patreon, this one was of the Sacred Kingfisher. I was constantly questioning my water colour usage to insure I didn’t use it like acrylic paint. This picture took me two days to complete and I learnt so much, as well as enjoyed the process.
The last week of August, we went on holidays to Central Western Queensland and explored Longreach and Winton. A beautiful part of Australia which I will discuss more in another post. I have included some pages from our trip that were in my sketchbook.
As I finish writing and editing this post, it is the 10th of September and spring has defiantly sprung. We are due for a top of 29 degrees today and my garden is full of new life. I love this time of year and wish it could be like this always. I know that once the storm season starts the humidity will make an appearance. As I have gotten older, I have grown to dislike the humidity and how it saps all my energy.
Stay tuned for the post about our trip to Central Western Queensland which I am working on. I look forward to seeing where September takes me and sharing my journal pages with you at the end of the month.
Until next time.
Take Care,
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