A gentle place set on the edge of a valley in Tasmania, subject to the rhythmical pulses of the seasons. It was a serendipitous find courtesy of an owl that had not learned to distrust humans.

I share my Simple Pleasures with a wizened gnome-like creature who is intrigued by herbs and mechanical things.

In 2002 my busy career was brought to a screeching halt due to a severe back injury. Overwhelming grief barely tolerated at first, then accepted with a perverse joy as a dawning awareness of the tranquil beauty around me.

Spring heralded by laden bumble bees flying from one floral tribute to another.

Summer’s lengthy twilight encouraged reflection. Being part of the whole glorious chaos around me brought a new hibernating spirituality.

Rain acquired a beauty of its own with the sound of water streaming off the corrugated iron roof into a storage tank, becoming a symphony.

Ravens colluded to thwart the dog that conscientiously tries to defend his food. Wedge tail eagles soar overhead stalking their prey from a distance. Echidnas waddling from one gourmet feast to the next, only centimetres away.

The wind almost a constant companion, compelling the trees to perform a sensuous ballet or a gypsy flamenco.

The healing energy wove its magic spell.

Jenny Tomaszewski

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