It was hilarious at the time and needless to say he is now her ex husband. He was devastated when they separated but ironically part of the problem had been that he didn't appreciate what he had until it was gone.  I am sure we are all guilty of that at times. 

Often I am reminded of the Joni Mitchell song "Big Yellow Taxi" when I forget to be grateful, when I grieve or become wistful for something I once had and have no longer.

"Don't it always seem to go - That you don't know what you've go til it's gone.  They paved paradise and put up a parking lot".

And rather than lament, I try to allow it to serve as a timely reminder to turn my words or thoughts to more positive and constructive thinking.  That there are so many blessings in my life and sometimes a loss or a hardship becomes a blessing in disguise.  It can open the door for new and interesting blessings. 

As food, entertainment and petrol prices soar, we turn to more inventive and perhaps more healthful and pleasurable ways to cut costs - we walk more, share rides, cut down needless car expeditions.  We are returning to home cooked meals (crockpot casseroles sorry slow cooker meals), buy locally and grow our own fruit or veges. 

Vege patches are wonderful treasures to have in your garden.  A lot of trial and error, nurturing and neglect occurs in my garden.  Maybe that is why I so delight in discovering Mother Nature's and my successes. 

This summer past was not one of my better years in terms of great abundance from the garden - no doubt the copious amounts of rain and grey days did not help my cause. However I did get excited when I thought I was going to have a bumper crop of cucumbers who were battling for supremacy against the tomatoes.  Alas, our rabbit mediated for the tomatoes and wreaked havoc amongst the cucumber vines. And then there were none.....

The tomatoes were delish and it was also wonderful to be able to give some away to family and friends.  As I raid the kitchen garden I think about all the activity that is happening there - production, pollination and.... pests!  I am always happy to share the food with nature providing they leave some for us.  Note to self though, relocate lettuces next season.  I am so grateful for the gifts from the garden and the wonderful way it helps me to find peace and tranquility.  

Gardening or spending time in a garden, even if your garden is a few pots on the balcony is a wonderful way to be joyful in chaotic times. 

This morning I walked on the beach with my sister and her partner and all of us had had a particular stressful week.  My sister's partner made the comment that the beach has an amazing way of putting your life into perspective for you.  That our day to day existence is small in comparison to the vast universe.  Spending time in nature reminds us of it's vastness and of our transience.  A reminder that everything passes. 

Quite recently my dishwasher died.  It was quite old and had served me well for 4 or so years and where once I might have flipped out particularly as as per usual several appliances decided to end their days at the same time, however I took it as an opportunity to question whether it was perhaps better not to have as many electrical appliances. 

Appliances as we know these days are built not to last, cost a fortune to fix and use electricity which is off course mighty expensive and ultimately has a huge impact on the environment.  Now I know many of you would no more give up your dishwasher than give up eating choccies and I understand that but for me, I actually feel like I am rebelling against Big Brother and it tickles my fancy.  I am planning to give up the vaccuum cleaner next.  I did go without an oven for 2 years and reluctantly bought a new one to cook Christmas dinner for a crowd.  Of course I don't like using it (as I don't like cleaning it) and so I am hopeful it will last me the rest of my life. 

So my quest is to simplify my life where I can.  I equate simplifying with money or sanity saving. Obviously, some may feel that giving up gadgets may not be time saving however this must be weighed up by whether you enjoy the task associated with the time or labour saving devices. 

In essence I guess I am trying to go with the flow of the changing world, find the blessings in disguise and adapt where possible.  It almost seems at times that we are coming full circle with a new awareness, that perhaps we can take a leaf or two out of previous generation's books and escape the chains of greed and consumerism. 

Some of the Australian Bush Flower Essences that may be helpful in turbulent and changing times include Black Eyed Susan for stress, Bauhinia to help us adjust to change particularly technological changes and Bottlebrush which can help us let go of the old ways that no longer serve us. 

The Light Frequency Essences that have been created by Ian White of Australian Bush Flower Essences.  The essences have been made in specific areas around the world that Ian was guided to including the Arctic, Antarctic, Madagascar and the Amazon.  There are seven essences in all and each essence has specific tasks or aspects to help us better align with the energy of 2012 and beyond.  This includes our connection/footprint on the environment so this type of healing may well help us to better know how to align with and heal our planet. 

Please contact me if you would like further information about these wonderful essences.

I hope you have enjoyed this Sage Page as much as I always enjoy writing it for you. 

Love Pam xx