Olive Picking on the Side of the Road
I’ve been having a tough time finding the inspiration to write and I’m not exactly sure why. Coming back to Perth has given me a sense of well-being that only a few other cities ever have.
I haven’t stopped writing altogether, but the last couple of weeks have proved a difficult lesson in sharing. I’m not able to write for anyone else but me right now….as I say that…mmhh…maybe I can write a little….you know, now that I’m here…
Why not, eh?
One of the reasons I may be having trouble finding any sort of motivation is that I have just celebrated my thirtieth birthday. It was a little bitter-sweet to be entirely honest. Birthdays have always been a priority for Kevin and I. As most of you know, we always planned bbqs, parties, camping trips…fun-filled events - for both of our bdays – it’s always just been an excuse to celebrate. Although it’s exciting to be in another country for the ’big day’, in my heart I am somewhere in between here and home. I don’t know how to explain it…another reason not to write. I’m only able to write around the idea of my feelings. I can’t quite figure it out in my own head, so how do I type it up into a neat little paragraph (or a slightly larger paragraph, in the instance)?
Maybe another excuse for the lack of written word – I’m relaxing a bit. I feel like the shock might be wearing off a little bit. I’m seeing things a little more clearly; I am getting outside everyday and I’m spending more time by myself than I have in years.
Just a nibble
Getting used to the alone thing. I guess we’ve all had to do this at one time or another; a break-up or what have you. There’s something special about eating alone at a restaurant.
With my many hours of quiet time, I am re-learning that everyone is extraordinarily complex. I knew this before, but it has really hit home during this trip. We all have these amazing experiences. Listening to people’s stories and hearing how they work; what goes on in their minds. What music they like, how they get on with their families, why they are where they are…its all so fascinating.
Maybe focusing on other people allows me perspective that I don’t get when I turn inside-out. I am saddest when looking deep into my own heart, but when I get a tiny glimpse of what lays in others’ hearts, I can see, reflected, all that I am going through and all that I’ve been through…just from farther out. I like this perspective best: no magnifying glass necessary.
Jellyfish
Anyway, my time in this city has been wonderful. We’ve been enjoying some great live music. I have a bike.. it’s blue and it’s awesome: a birthday gift from a friend. I have ridden it almost everyday since I got it last week. What a great feeling: riding along the water and looking out into the plain of blue that is the Indian Ocean.
Kim and I have found time to go to the aquarium (AQWA) and the zoo. I am currently a walking encyclopedia of flora and fauna. There are some CRAZY animals out there. My favourite it the Leafy Seadragon. These are absolutely beautiful creatures. They bob gracefully through the water and you would never know they even existed, as they blend in so well with common sea kelp.
Beautiful, unassuming, and complex…. just like us.
…
Theme Songs of the Day:
We Are Not Criminals – Matt Gresham (…we saw him live and he has SO much energy!)
Paper Aeroplane – Angus & Julia Stone, from the album Chocolates and Cigarettes
7 comments
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May 20, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Sal Guenette
Hey Jill…
I Love reading your bloggs and I am glad that you are finding contentment. Enjoy your time there, not the spiders.
When you come back Devlin will make you a cake.
with our love,
the guenettes
June 2, 2009 at 3:25 am
jillrushton
Thanks Sal! We’ll have some birthday cake together! YUM! Can’t wait
May 21, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Carmelle Whiteley
Hi Jilly, thanks for continuing your blogging… as difficulty or “chore”-like as it may be sometimes; it’s a little glimpse we’re allowed into your life and heart. We miss you! I hope you had a great birthday. Chris and I were thinking about you when we were watching Stevie Nicks belt out “Gypsy”. Hope you know you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Did you make it to Fraser Island when you were on the East Coast? Did you find your own little piece of paradise?
Love you,
Carmelle & Chris
XOXO
May 23, 2009 at 9:52 am
Jill
Oh Jill, how much we miss you! I love reading your blog and it makes me feel like I’m there with you:)
When you come back we can help you celebrate your birthday all over again. You know how much I like to drag out birthdays!
Love,
Jillo
May 25, 2009 at 8:55 am
Darby
Hey Jill,
Three items on my agenda today:
1) Your courage in sharing this journey with all of us is amazing. And certainly, sometimes we must keep our written words sacred and private. Writing of your journey is really, at it’s core, just for you (even though we all love it). So write when/how/where/for whom you need to!
2) Happy Birthday!
3) Thank YOU for the ongoing music recommendations. You are supporting my insatiable addiction to music downloading. My visa is getting tapped out in the iTunes store…but thank you, it’s money well spent on ‘good for the soul’ sounds. Here’s one for you in case you haven’t listened in: Jenn Grant. Her two albums: Echoes and Orchestra for the Moon – both really great.
June 5, 2009 at 10:28 am
Jazzy
You just keep on truckin’ Girl!!!!!
Luv ya xoxo
June 20, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Pavlina
Your strength is unlike any…I am sure u will end up with like 30 bday parties when you get back. I am definitly going to schedule a vodka drinking party with you upon your return and before my move….love you!