We have a very windy, mild and wet climate here in Orkney, Cindy, with a lot of salt in the wind, and the flax seems to take any punishment! Lots of people grow it here as it can be hard to establish trees but flax thrives. I wanted something tall to mark the entrance to the garden but it's a wind-tunnel spot where no tree or shrub would cope. The flax takes everything in its stride and is flourishing, getting bigger every year. I'm hoping it will start sending up flower spikes next summer!
Thank you for your beautiful descriptive writing and putting the soundtrack of the 'Invisible Sun' by The Police....
I watched the video while listening to the song with scenes from Northern Ireland in the troubles. A realisation that our comfort is an incredibly fragile state in every way. This is so sad to see while we all travel for such a short time on this stunningly beautiful planet.
Yes, I watched it too and as that little boy threw stones at tanks I thought of Gaza, a layering of time that shows how conflict, colonisation and its wounds keep rippling on through generations.
That’s so interesting! It is very hardy. The leaves are used for weaving baskets and other items which are very strong and durable. Our beloved native bird, the tūī, loves the nectar from the flowers. I hope you’re successful with flower spikes from your plant!
Yes, the European name 'flax' is the same as the one for the plant we get linen from, so the usefulness of its fibres are recognised in the English name that we gave it. Thank you for giving me its orginal name, harakeke.
I love your writing, you took us all for a mesmerising trip to the storm. I'm glad you are safe and your house is still standing after all Amy's efforts to tear it apart
Thank you again for your post. Through a storm and seeking the light and hope the other side. Your carefully crafted words enabled me to see and feel what you were experiencing, as well as extract a purpose from it. You help me to look for my own resonances from this ‘wrong and enclosed’ sea that I live near.
Yes, but my heart responses better to the ones out as far West as you can go - Cornwall - the colours and textures ... these colours in the East are so much more muted, although the skies are fabulous. I have made several pieces in response to these, but I struggle with the land and sea here. Seeing it all as the same land, sea and sky is really helpful.
We are the south side of the East, so the cliffs get in the way - but our sunrises are fabulous and the light on the water is sharp and bright.
Turner's skies were on the North side from Margate. We get the reds and oranges lighting up the skies but don't see the sun drop on the water, instead it rises as if from France.
Your posts always seem to come at the right time and articulate the feelings I struggle to express, even in my own head. Hoping very much to be able to join a Life Raft session sometime soon.
I’m so interested as to why/how you have ‘New Zealand flax’ (harakeke) there on the other side of the world!? I live in NZ and am surrounded by flax.
We have a very windy, mild and wet climate here in Orkney, Cindy, with a lot of salt in the wind, and the flax seems to take any punishment! Lots of people grow it here as it can be hard to establish trees but flax thrives. I wanted something tall to mark the entrance to the garden but it's a wind-tunnel spot where no tree or shrub would cope. The flax takes everything in its stride and is flourishing, getting bigger every year. I'm hoping it will start sending up flower spikes next summer!
Stunning. And vital. This invisible sun is heard in your words, felt in your art.
Thank you so much, Kimberly! And all the very best for your book launch - exciting times!
Thank you for your beautiful descriptive writing and putting the soundtrack of the 'Invisible Sun' by The Police....
I watched the video while listening to the song with scenes from Northern Ireland in the troubles. A realisation that our comfort is an incredibly fragile state in every way. This is so sad to see while we all travel for such a short time on this stunningly beautiful planet.
Yes, I watched it too and as that little boy threw stones at tanks I thought of Gaza, a layering of time that shows how conflict, colonisation and its wounds keep rippling on through generations.
That’s so interesting! It is very hardy. The leaves are used for weaving baskets and other items which are very strong and durable. Our beloved native bird, the tūī, loves the nectar from the flowers. I hope you’re successful with flower spikes from your plant!
Yes, the European name 'flax' is the same as the one for the plant we get linen from, so the usefulness of its fibres are recognised in the English name that we gave it. Thank you for giving me its orginal name, harakeke.
I love your writing, you took us all for a mesmerising trip to the storm. I'm glad you are safe and your house is still standing after all Amy's efforts to tear it apart
Thank you Maria. All was well here, but I know many had long power cuts and damage. I think it was worse in the Western Isles.
Thank you again for your post. Through a storm and seeking the light and hope the other side. Your carefully crafted words enabled me to see and feel what you were experiencing, as well as extract a purpose from it. You help me to look for my own resonances from this ‘wrong and enclosed’ sea that I live near.
It's all one world ocean, after all....
Yes, but my heart responses better to the ones out as far West as you can go - Cornwall - the colours and textures ... these colours in the East are so much more muted, although the skies are fabulous. I have made several pieces in response to these, but I struggle with the land and sea here. Seeing it all as the same land, sea and sky is really helpful.
Yes, There's nothing quite like watching the sun sink into the sea is there....? 🌅
We are the south side of the East, so the cliffs get in the way - but our sunrises are fabulous and the light on the water is sharp and bright.
Turner's skies were on the North side from Margate. We get the reds and oranges lighting up the skies but don't see the sun drop on the water, instead it rises as if from France.
Your posts always seem to come at the right time and articulate the feelings I struggle to express, even in my own head. Hoping very much to be able to join a Life Raft session sometime soon.
You'll be very welcome indeed!
Thank you, Samantha. I loved your videos, and wished I could be out in the storm too.
The wind is a mere 50mph today.
Wow!
“The deeper sense of time this offers loosens the knots further. My own lifespan shrinks and I feel lightened by the knowledge of my own smallness.”
Right perspective. 🌱
Thank you Baird, as ever, for your thoughtful and attentive reading.