Tilda's Reign

No evil queen could look as chilling as Tilda Swinton in Narnia.

Take away animation and special effects film gimmicks and Tilda can still command the screen with a look.

The ultimate in bringing everything into her unique orbit.

It is a door that she has gone through, and I can't follow.

It is a door that she has gone through, and I can't follow.

At a gathering the conversation turned to how different people were coping with difficulties in life.

Job, family and financial issues and so forth.

A friend mentioned the article by Caroline Overington and her examination of grief and loss.

It is topic that is not often let out for public view.

As a mental health professional on the coal face,

I see the burnout factor and what is known as compassion fatigue frequently.

The business of caring can be rewarding and painful in equal measure.

Looking after yourself when you are sometimes the last person on the list.

It is timely to remember all the carers and supporters, whether personal or professional.

A special thanks to Matthew Reilly for being so refreshingly open in regard to the battle 

he and his wife had with her mental illness.

I hope there is more honesty and sharing on this complex topic of how we grieve and 

cope with the real struggle of mental illness in the 21st century.

Timeless Trees

There are two massive gum trees by the road in St Jude Street, Willunga. They reside in what is known as the Bell Paddock, which is opposite the Willunga Uniting Church. The first tree that I will talk about is known as the Bell Tree - this tree has the distinction of having a working bell in it - very high up in the tree. The Willunga uniting church originally had a bell tower in it, which was demolished early last century. This led to the bell being permanently placed in the tree. There is a bell shaped plaque by the tree. It is a beautiful restful spot in the paddock, the bell tree is by the roadside edge of St Jude Street. A bit further up the paddock is another huge tree, well over 100 feet tall. Both the trees are South Australian Blue Gum Trees. The second tree seems so solid and timeless. I can't imagine how long it has been there. These trees are both an historical and aesthetic asset to the streetscape and the township of Willunga.

These trees represent solidity and a sense of timelessness. There is also a feeling of reverence, which may be due to the size and enormous height of the trees. They have survived from the 1800's when the first settlers were making the township of Willunga. They are also such beautiful and huge specimens of big South Aussie Blue Gum. May they live on for many a year and for future generations.