From the Smallest Seeds to the Birth of an Idea ~ Finding ~ 'The Way'

photo by blueshell

From the Smallest Seeds to the Birth of an Idea

~   Finding   ~
'The Way'

photo by freestock 

Ideas are a wonderful thing, don't you think? Occasionally they come to us fully formed and ready to run with. But most of the time, for me that is, they come like seeds on the wind, sometimes randomly and land around me like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle just waiting to be put together.

Lately I've been feeling a little excited because seeds that were sown randomly for me, over the past number of years, are starting to come together and are beginning to take shape. All the little seeds have formed the idea and now it is up to me whether I act on it, or accept it as just another idea and leave it at that.

The seeds sent to me have all the markings of a challenge. The idea excites me, but it is still going to challenge me - really challenge me. And, being the type of person that likes to rise to challenges, and also to share things with others, no doubt, it will become a challenge to a small handful of people as well.

photo by freestock

The idea is at the stage of germination. Enough random seeds were planted for the idea to take hold and it has begun to grow. Although it is a newly formed single idea now, I can feel its power. It is a strong idea and I can feel it taking root while it waits for me to feed it.

This particular idea is a positive one and so I do want to feed it and explore where it could lead me. And so begins the research to help answer the many questions of the whats, the hows, the whys, and the wheres. This in itself is huge, but like any journey - it all starts with one step. And so this entry in my blog marks my first step along my new journey. I am planning to dedicate time to journalling about the process of seeing an idea through to the end.

Research and planning are the stages that seal the deal for ideas. Research separates the do-ables from the not so do-ables. I have commenced my research stage and from what I have read so far, the only feeling I get is one of excitement, so I guess that is fuel for my idea. It already gains strength from the positive vibe I'm sending it. The picture below is a metaphor of my feelings right now.

photo by tree growing from book

What I am planning to do will not be easy. In actual fact, it will be my EVEREST moment in life if I can accomplishment it. And, no...there is no literal or subliminal message here.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts, research, resources and any interesting bits and pieces along the way, for whoever decides to follow along.

photo by freestock

Life Lessons - Time

They say time waits for no one
For this I'm sure is true
I'm always running down the street
Chasing after you

They say time speeds the older you get
For this I know is true
I try my best to reel it in
I use my strongest lure

But time heeds not; it's mission bent
No one can tame this beast
I'd like to learn the secret
To slow it down, at least

They say tomorrow always comes
Thank God, for that, I know

Because another day has ended

And my list to do just grows

But, for some, tomorrow won't come
Time for them will cease
Does it matter in the scheme of things
If their goals, they did not reach?

They say we must live each day like our last
Prioritise the best
Spend the time with loved ones most
Forget about the rest

Live your life and live your dreams
Hope for a better tomorrow
Energise the positive
Don't dwell on all the sorrow

They say life's not a dress rehearsal
What shall we do today?
We only get one chance at this
Will we fritter it away?

Time, you teach us lessons
On the things that we should do
You are a strict taskmaster
That sometimes makes us blue

But other times, you send us joy
Time for blessings and wealth
You offer us times and seasons
Throughout our life and health.

They say time waits for no one
For this I know is true
But it's teaching me some lessons
That, I'm sure you're learning too

by Debbie Smith

The Joy of Raising Orphaned Possums

Back in September this year, I was asked to raise two little orphaned brush tail possums. I was delighted to be asked, but decided to wait before blogging and in my last possum update I promised I would blog about these little guys separately. Things have been going well with them and I feel confident now to share a little bit about the experience so far. So, firstly, I'd like to introduce you to... Penny and Sheldon.

Sheldon

Penny

They have come a long way since they first arrived. It has been a very busy year for me taking care of four baby possums, working and fitting in family life. I also have experienced some health issues this year, so I haven't always been able to get back to update my blog and capture the wonderful moments that we've experienced this year. But, I think I'm well and truly back to normal and now that the holidays are here, it is the perfect time to update everyone who is interested. Thanks to those who have commented on my blog previously. You know it makes the writer happy that someone has, not only read what I've written, but took the time to drop a quick line of encouragement. I know this writer really appreciates it. I'm not writing this for any sort of recognition though. This is purely a place for me to practise my writing and technology skills and write down my experiences living here at Willow Pond. But even still, it is nice to know I am not always alone. So, thanks guys - you make me smile.

Raising Penny and Sheldon has been a totally different experience compared to Tamigotchi and Saori. Penny and Sheldon grew very quickly and did not spend very long in their little basket, or the cocky cage. Here are some pictures of the transition from inside accommodation to outdoor accommodation.

I used the cocky cage as the next step in the transition from indoor life to outdoor life. The brush tails only spent a couple of weeks in here because they grew so quickly. They were each given a pouch to sleep in, however, they always climbed into the same pouch to curl up and sleep, wrapped tightly around each other. I added lots of fresh leaf tips daily to supplement their diet of Divelact (special dietary formula) and, at this stage, they were also enjoying some chopped fresh fruit.

I continued to prepare the other side of the aviary for these little guys, which included making another dome home. I made a dome home for Tamigotchi and Saori as well, which proved to be a huge success. The dome home I made for the ringies was the first time I'd ever had a go at something like this and I did not know how it would go, or, if indeed it would work. I didn't attach the top of the dome to the chain and as a result, the first time the ringies climbed up on top, the roof collapsed. I thought this was a disaster, until I realised that they had just added their own touches and now, according to Tami and Saori, it was perfect. The ringies love to collect leaves and twigs to make a drey, and now the dome home was perfect for this. You can see from the photo below just how they have added their touches.

For the dome home that I made for the brush tails, I attached the coconut husk dome top to the chain so that even if the brushies climbed up on top, it would keep its shape. It worked out perfectly. I also cut a little doorway into the husk so they could come and go as they pleased. This shape of dome home turned out to be perfect for the brushies because they have grown much larger and they sleep either curled up together or lean back into the round shape of the dome and use it like a big armchair. Because there is the little doorway, I can take a sneaky peek at them sleeping when I am preparing their new fodder and fruit. There is absolutely a stack of room inside each of these homes for the possums. It is also very cosy in there and I love the smell of coconut husk that you can smell in their fur. Here are some photos of the the dome homes.

Tami & Saori's drey

Penny & Sheldon's dome home

Penny and Sheldon have been happily sharing the aviary with Tamigotchi and Saori. Each species has their own separate enclosure and I have added climbing ropes and branches to make it interesting and as natural as possible. I have allowed some of the old fodder to build up on the floor of the aviary so that it emulates a natural bushland. Ian helped me put some large branches and parts of trees inside the aviary so that they get a real taste of life in nature. Here are some photos of the special, custom-made aviary that we had made especially for these little guys.

Tami & Saori's side without foliage

Penny & Sheldon's side without foliage

These are early photos of when I was setting up the aviary. There is no foliage in the aviary as yet.

Climbing frames, high ropes & trees

It is important to make each area interesting and challenging for them so that they grow and gain strength and agility for climbing.

Below are some photos that will show you where these possums are today. All possums are fully weaned now and Saori and Tamigotchi are getting very close to the next stage in their journey ~ their release.

Sheldon having a drink - lapping

Penny and Sheldon won't be too far behind them, although they are still quite young and have more growing to do.

These little guys are so affectionate and friendly and love their life I am sure. My husband, Ian, already suspects that there will be lots of tears and mixed emotions when the time comes for these guys to go out into the wild. I think he is right, but in my heart I know that I will have done everything that was possible to ensure these babies have had the best start in their life, considering their bleak circumstances from the very beginning. I hope that I've been a good surrogate mum and that I haven't made too many mistakes along the way. I know that I'll be happiest if they survive the hazards but, unfortunately, there are no guarantees. It has been an absolute joy for me to raise these little critters and do I have any regrets? None! 

Enjoy the rest of the photos.

Penny enjoying some fruit & nuts

Penny

Tamigotchi & Saori

Enjoying their fruit & flowers

Saori coming out to play - Tami eating (still)

Saori (left) - Tami (right)

Ready for some action

Swinging in the trees

Exploring

Armchair Travel with Joss & Chris - Day 5 & 6 @ Kibale Forest National Park

Joss and Chris have ventured onto the Kibale Forest National Park where they got to walk with the chimps in equatorial rainforest in Kibale Forest National Park. We received a text from them saying were just 2 metres away from the chimps...and as Joss said...'it is freaking awesome'. Meeting the chimps were one of the highlights for them and it sounds like the promise was fulfilled.


Below is a link that shows something of what they experienced.


http://www.ugandansafari.com/uganda-national-parks/kibale-forest-national-park.html


Here is another link from youtube showing the chimps in action.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5IyqnbAT0E
We were so glad to hear their news and know that they are safe.


So, until next time...
cheers

Armchair Travel with Joss & Chris - Day 3 & 4 @ Kariandusi School Project

Joss & Chris head into their third and fourth day of their trip. This sees them travel to Eldoret and Kampala. They are set to visit the Kariandusi School Trust project where they will spend time either helping teach the children or help with some construction work. Click on the link to find out more about this project.

http://www.kariandusi.co.uk/

What a privilege to visit and mingle with these special children. I'm sure this experience will be life changing.

After their visit to Kariandusi, they will travel and enter Uganda and camp at Kampala. Below is a link for those of you who are interested in seeing what Uganda is like according to their tourism bureau.

http://www.visituganda.com/

Here are a couple of interesting video stories about gorillas and witch doctors...showing wide diversity throughout this country. Click link for story on gorillas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM5FI1D36hM

Click link for story on witch doctors...sadly, yes...they actually do exist. Sometimes this link goes to the newspaper version. If it does this, come back here and try again. The video is quite interesting...and scary.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8441813.stm

Next and final link shows a variety of photos from other explorers of what Joss and Chris may experience.

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/LocationPhotos-g293841-w4-Kampala.html

It would be great to be a fly on the wall to see all the wonderful things they are seeing and experiencing. Our family back home are really hoping they are having a blast.

So, until next time...
from the Armchair Traveller...
cheers.

Joss & Chris' Big African Adventure

I know a lot of you are interested in finding out how Joss and Chris are enjoying their trip of a life time to Africa.

I'm sure they will come back with lots of stories and fabulous photos/videos of their own. For those of you who don't know, Chris celebrated his 30th birthday last Saturday (8 Oct) and Jossy got him a lovely digital SLR camera...so there'll be no stopping all those action shots.

Joss and Chris headed off to Dubai on the first leg of their five-week trip to Africa last Thursday at 2:30am. After a very long 17 hour trip, and spending a bit over a day in Dubai experiencing the heat, crazy shopping malls, and luxury, all that Dubai has to offer,
they boarded a plane to Nairobi, the amazing capital of Kenya.

I've decided to be an armchair traveller on their trip. I am extremely interested in where they are going and what they are experiencing, so I've decided to track and learn...following them in their footsteps.

I have no idea what Nairobi is like, so I decided to google and found a number of interesting videos...here's one I'd like to share via a link. It gives me a little idea of the location, people and life over there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOBYdsLk-Wg

Their first night in Nairobi, they stayed at the Kivi Milimani Hotel where they met up with their fellow travel buddies. Click on link to get the taste of what they are experiencing. Looks very nice to me.

http://www.kivimilimanihotel.com/about_hotel.html#

We received a late call last night to say they had arrived safely and were enjoying themselves. The phone reception was quite poor, and the call was short, but it was great to know that they were safe and sound. They both sounded very happy.

Today, they headed off on the second day of their adventure to Lake Nakuru where they will listen out for the chatter of black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops above Lake Nakuru, see pink flamingos and other wild native animals.


Here is a link for Lake Nakuru that shows the many interesting facets of its heart.


http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/kenya/safaris/parks/lakenakuru.asp


We really hope that they had a great day today seeing things for the very first time. I think they will see lots of God's wonderful handiwork where they are travelling.


Have fun guys...looking forward to seeing where you go tomorrow and what you experience.


So, until next time
from the arm chair traveller...
cheerio

Possum Update

Where to begin...

My last blog back in May about Tamigotchi and Saori talked about them drinking from a 5ml syringe...and they were just little babies. I'd only had them for a couple of months at that stage. Well, things have changed since then.

I've had my little guys for six months now and they are happy little campers. Shortly after I moved them into their small plastic/wire (cat sized) cage, I moved them out and into a larger cocky's cage. I put lots of climbing branches in with them so that they could exercise and play now that they were getting bigger.

They finally got the idea about lapping and that made life a little easier. Saori was the first to get the idea. Tamigotchi seemed to want to remain a little baby and have his mummy feed him by syringe, still. So cute! The above photo is of Saori.

The photo opposite, shows Tamigotchi enjoying his syringed dinner. Notice how much they have grown, yet they still enjoy getting down the front of my top! They really are just like little babies.





Be the first to check out my first video clip of the babies.

While Saori and Tamigotchi resided in their cocky cage, we hired someone to come and build them a custom made aviary/hutch so that we could get them closer to a soft release situation and familiar with outside and all the noises the outdoors brings.

I still have to take photos of the completed aviary, but after several weekends the aviary was finished and ready for the little guys. I did the majority of the painting but, at one point, Ian rocked up and gave me a hand as well. We still have a little more painting to go on the smaller side of the aviary, but we're nearly there. The larger side is for Tami and Saori and that is now completed.

After the aviary was completed, we found out we needed to snake proof it, so we had to get the handyman to come back and do that for us. It's amazing how much you learn when you immerse yourself into the whole process. We believed we'd thought of everything, but...wrong.

We recently did some major pruning of trees around our property. Ian and I chose three or four massive branch systems and we installed them in both aviaries. They turned out to be perfect for climbing and hanging fodder for the possys. It was now starting to look more interesting inside the aviary. Our plan was to emulate the great outdoors and make it as natural for the possums as possible.

The handyman, under my instruction, built a large sleeping space up high and I filled it with warm straw grass. I went to Bunnings and bought a hanging basket and two coconut husk inserts and I made a dome home for them to sleep in. It smelled awesome; very organic and it just looked like it would make a very cosy place for them to sleep. I secured it inside the high sleeping space.

I tacked some green shade cloth on one side of the sleeping space. This gave the guys some privacy and protection.

We built the aviary inside a fenced off enclosure. Each week, over many weeks, I have planted out native trees and shrubs. Ian counted up to about 46 so far. I got a surprise as I thought I'd planted out about twenty something. When these trees and shrubs mature, it is going to look awesome and provide much food for the birds and wildlife. We want to plant out many more trees so that it encourages all critters to stay away from the busy road we live on.

A few weeks back Tami and Saori moved over to their aviary. I acclimatised them to the outdoor conditions over time when they were in the cocky cage. It was perfect timing with spring coming on. They have both settled in really well. I have added little runways and extra climbing structures, as well as a rope bridge, which they love to run along. They are very good at running around their aviary and I can see they are very happy there. They have made a lovely little home for themselves.

The first time I went into the aviary to give them fresh fruit and change their fodder, I wondered what they might do? It was the first time that we'd be on equal terms (without them being in a pouch that was easier for me to handle them). I wondered if they would want to have anything to do with me? It didn't take long to find out. The first possum out of the nest and to climb all over me was...Tamigotchi! I was shocked. He'd always been the most timid of the two. Saori always wanted to snuggle with me, but Tami always kept me at a distance. Now that he was free of pouches, etc, he wanted to be with me. I was absolutely over the moon. I've always had a real soft spot for Tami because if it wasn't for him, I would never have experienced raising these orphans. He had been the one who always tried to bite me (not hard), but he always had a go at me in the beginning. He stopped biting me after a month or so, but I never dreamed he'd become so attached to me. I kind of knew Saori would be. I think Tami and I grew closer when he showed me he was not ready to lap. He wanted the syringe for much longer than Saori. Tami is approximately 3 weeks older than Saori and is quite a bit smaller than her. He is quite a small ringtail possum.

Now, every time I enter the aviary on dusk, my babies come out and run down their rope and spring on me. I love the smell of the coconut husk on their fur. They snuggle, they walk all over the back of my shoulders, up my arms and up and down my pants and tops. They help me when I put out the new fodder and interact with whatever I am doing at the time. They are very relaxed and happy.

I feed them a variety of fresh fruit and flowers from native plants. They love the flowers. Once a week I'd drive down to Victoria Point to the Fodder Forest to collect enough fodder to last a week. A friend of mine found out and invited me over to her acreage home and showed me what they grew. Their place has quite a number of established natives and lilly pillies. She kindly allows me to collect fodder from her place to save me such a drive to Victoria Point. Tami and Saori enjoy a wide variety of their favourite foods and are in superior condition. The base of their prehensile tails are very solid and strong.

Another friend of our procured two long lengths of thick marine rope which we plan to run from the aviary up into two large gum trees, so that when the time is right for their soft release, they have a way to safely find their way into the trees. Ian calls it the autobarn highway as the rope is thick and will be plenty big enough for them to successfully climb.

Before my two babies moved to the aviary, I was given two baby orphaned brush tails to raise. I've had them for approximately five to six weeks now. They weighed 226 grams when they arrived. Brush tails, I have discovered are totally different to ringtails, but are no less fun and interesting. Their names are Penny and Sheldon and I will write a separate entry about their arrival and progress at another time.

I feel like I'm in seventh heaven when I look after these gorgeous little critters. They are absolutely adorable and I feel so privileged.

Well, that's about it for the time being...

so, until next time....
cheers