It’s been a strange week, one that’s made me feel grateful for my family and our health. Last week, my daughter fell from her bike and fractured her collar bone. She lives in Melbourne, on the other side of the country, so I flew over to be with her.
My daughter knows that I worry about her cycling around the city. I’ve heard and seen drivers’ intolerance of cyclists, and I know how easy it is to forget to check for someone coming past on a bike. If there’s an accident, there’s nothing between a cyclist and the bitumen, and bones get broken. Or worse.
But the bottom line is, her bone will heal, and I know that. The week or two she loses won’t matter—it will be nothing in the scheme of things. She still has her health and her future. I’ve heard lots of sad news lately—of families coping with illnesses that will take much more than a sling to heal, and of a mother living with an illness which won’t heal.
This lone leaf speaks to me. It’s still there, hanging on for dear life despite the winter.
Monique’s been busy at home, and spent most of yesterday’s chilly winter afternoon indoors, catching up on writing and editing. The skies took on a gloomy cast as a brief rain shower wet the earth, and then the sun pushed its way between the clouds. That was when she grabbed the camera to make the most of the light. She chose this photo because she loved the way the light shimmers across the water droplets. It’s an unusual angle of a leaf, and the light is more important than the form, but ultimately it’s the form of the droplets that shines.
I love the colour and the shine, too, and also how abstract this photo is. You’d barely know it was a leaf and the water looks as if it’s bubbling, as if it’s alive. Bravo, Monique!
About Midweek Moment:
Monique Mulligan and I are writers who share a passion for photography. As a digression from the written word, we share our favourite photos each week in ‘Midweek Moment’. Please click over to Monique’s website to view more of her photography and to read her writing. If you’d like to see more of our moments, click here.
We hope you enjoy!
I know this feeling, as a young man my son took his first job in Perth for three years – it’s such a long way away when there’s trouble.
I’m not sure if you are still in Melbourne as I write this, but would love to meet up for coffee and chat when you’re on our side of Oz, so do get in touch!
Hi Lisa, Thanks for visiting! I know how you must have felt with your son over here in the West—it’s so far away when they’re sick or hurt, isn’t it? This is our daughter’s third year in Melbourne, and she has two more years of study to go. I’m not sure she’ll ever return to Perth, as she loves Melbourne. Frankly, I see why and I could live there myself!
I’m back here in Perth now, but next time I visit, I’ll let you know as it would be lovely to meet. I make a point of actually meeting my cyber friends when I can!
I’m sure we can organise something if you’re over her again, that would be lovely:)
Definitely, Lisa—I’ll let you know! Thanks. 🙂
I’m glad you can be with her and that she’s safe xxx
Thanks, Rae! Apart from everything, it was nice to take care of her and be her mum again! I do miss her! x
I’m so sorry to hear about the accident, Louise. Wishing her speedy recovery. So much sadness and resilience in that leaf of yours…. sending much love.
Thanks, Gulara. Our daughter’s on the mend now, and I loved the resilence of the leaf, too. xx
I love your leaf analogy. I felt like that leaf last week. I’m a bit greener and sturdier this week.
I’m glad you’re feeling greener and sturdier this week, Pinky. I think we all have weeks where we just cling to the branch until the wind has passed. xx
Such lovely images, Louise – as always. I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s accident though, I hope she’s feeling better. Those Melbourne street with tramtracks and crazy driving can be quite worrying too, I agree. The leaf is perfect, such a Melbourne winter shot.
Hi Helen, Our daughter’s collar bone is healing well and the pain’s settling. She’s actually on holidays now, so is back at home for a while—I’m a happy mum right now, with all of my brood under the same roof again!
I’ve driven in Melbourne traffic a number of times, and I’m still trying to get the hang of the tram tracks. Apart from the trams, though, I find driving in Melbourne less stressful than driving in Perth! The drivers are much more tolerant—they let you in if you’re in the wrong lane, and seem more understanding. Over here, drivers won’t do that and are much more intolerant and impatient. :/
Wow, so drivers are even more aggro in Perth? Because I found Melbourne stressful enough, though a lot of that was to do with the volume. I didn’t really drive in Melbourne at all when we lived there, as it was so much easier to walk or catch a tram – plus there was the whole ‘other side of the road’ thing.
Glad to hear your daughter is getting better, and that you’ve got all your nestlings back in the nest, for a little while at least 🙂
Melbourne drivers are much more polite and patient than Perth drivers—I’m ashamed to say that the West is known throughout the country for being rude on the roads!
You’re right about it being easier to take a tram or a train in Melbourne—the public transport there is terrific. Another area in which we fall down over here.
And it is lovely to have a full nest again! 🙂