So, why am I wittering on about this? Because it is our EIM destination, and my week to do some research and thinking about the history of this place that loomed large throughout my teenage years.
The Australian involvement in the war in Vietnam started when I was ten years old, in 1962, and did not end until ten years later, this country's longest involvement in a war.
I really think that it was through this defining issue that I began to understand how politics could influence and affect one. I began to identify issues and think about the broader influences that impacted on my little life. Public debate about our involvement in the war created social discord and a lot of heated discussions depending on one's ideology.
Conscription impacted as a very significant issue for many of my young male friends during those years.
I was forced to think more deeply about such issues, to form an opinion, read far more widely, and most importantly, to listen and analyse others perspectives then consider my own in light of their discussions...in fact, this country, sadly for all the wrong reasons, became a catalyst for my development towards maturity.
My first thought for which flower image I should use to depict the country was the lotus. When I Googled for the National flower of Vietnam, there it was, no additional thought required.
There are so many beautiful images of this delicate flower available on the web, particularly of the white locus, that I was very sorely tempted not to try and paint an image, simply use a photograph. There was one beautiful dark blue watery reflection image that really caught my eye. Rather stupidly, I decided to try and replicate it.
I still haven't purchased any better watercolours yet, not having been to town, but I had been playing with my Derwent water colour pencils and used these to paint my little flower and bud. Never mind, I tried! Very little delicate translucency here either, but it did get me away from the red colouring of all the previous images...
I am hoping that they will produce dry beans for winter soup and casserole use They have the look of pale green haricot beans....fingies crossed.
But even if they don't form beans solid enough for keeping as dry produce, it will reduce the quantities of fresh beans they bring home. It will be worth the experiment! ;)
As we have (finally) achieved marriage equality in Australia, surely this issue, which is just as blindingly necessary, if we think for a minute about those who make up our society, it should be a simple anencephalic decision for us to make!
This is not a divisive issue to us to resolve, but not taking it, is.
My brother holds an Australia Day barbecue for his friends every year at his home in Bellerive, and we had a lovely few hours, trying to keep out of the sun, enjoying the food and chatting with friends. Chris even came home with a whole trifle, what a score!
On the way home we snapped a few shots of this lovely Eucalyptus, Corymbia ficifolia near his house. They are a popular suburban tree, being relatively small in growth, and the glorious colour range is very evident on the drive into Bellerive.
Don't forget to check out the other inchies of Vietnam,
Bye now,
Di