the man that is Daniel Andrews...

Just one word...YES... https://t.co/qcNuB2dIwE

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 31, 2021

NSW Teachers' Federation website...

Kudos to NSW Teachers' Federation website👏-appealing, informative+navigable...By contrast, VIT website=bland (blue+white)+far from easily navigable (try finding a specific resource)...Ours looks like some rookie doing an apprentice run...Web designer-HELPhttps://t.co/vCfjjYzb93

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 31, 2021

white rose and erica...

A white rose in my garden persists in snuggling into my erica...
(Not easy to photograph, especially if a wind is blowing)... pic.twitter.com/dSXpDM2gfd

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 31, 2021

live stream pressers...

PASSING THOUGHT; Waiting for live stream pressers to start is like testing how long you can hold your breath underwater...
I'm definitely improving with regular daily practice... pic.twitter.com/ums3E7UrQP

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 31, 2021

Brett Sutton in Afghanistan...

Incredible...In 2003(not 2013), for 6 months, Brett+Afghan doctor worked in an A. district=60,000 people...=the only doctors servicing the district...Before that, locals relied on untrained drug sellers...Brett treated 100's of patients per day...Mass consultations...Just wow... https://t.co/2oemeG32vo pic.twitter.com/UPqcKYSJwK

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 31, 2021

2nd dose excitement...

PASSING THOUGHT: Feeling excitement building in anticipation of 2nd AstraZeneca (it's been a 3-month wait)...Poor reaction to 1st dose...headaches + dizziness for days (yet not sick, just not hungry)...But that is melting away...May feel more secure, but still will wear a mask... pic.twitter.com/RZ8Kt9cXjX

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 31, 2021

waltz of the flowers...

it's almost time for
the waltz
of the flowers
I can see clearly
now#tanka pic.twitter.com/5GyBklef0e

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 30, 2021

up in the clouds...

up in the clouds
I see signs
of our yesterdays
spilling
tattered secrets #tanka

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 30, 2021

Returned to the Dreaming...

I too am in tears=a recent memory+a current struggle...Recently, my faithful little furball...16 years old...ventured over the rainbow bridge...Worried re my 19-year-old grandson in NSW - tested + for covid recently...
I'll keep in mind 'Returned to the Dreaming'=so lovely...🙏❤️

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 30, 2021

VIT registration...

PASSING THOUGHT: Just waded through my annual VIT teachers' registration...(+required a 5-year criminal record check)...What a minefield...PLUS polished my 20 PD hours record...So grateful I began that immediately after my last registration...This year has been so crazy hectic... pic.twitter.com/1KPsSTyBFW

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 30, 2021

October girl...

Somehow, I think I am tempted to get this mask...https://t.co/KH35TDVoFN pic.twitter.com/3on8Tz1Lmv

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 29, 2021

emerging blossom...

Never tire of taking photos of emerging blossoms...
They seem to be such a beautiful sign of hope...

📷Blossom in my Dromana Hills garden now pic.twitter.com/n6i4G77HzW

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 29, 2021

lockdown's important lesson...

PASSING THOUGHT: Lockdown's important lesson= It's OK to whinge but not OK to whinge incessantly...E.one is suffering...The cure for 'pain' is to help https://t.co/MeOiK3S3xU e.g. I photograph my neighbour's construction progress each weekend+send her photos...We both feel better pic.twitter.com/yExfxmza6j

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 29, 2021

soothing golds in the mist...

Soothing golds in the mist...
Ideal for setting the tone of peace on a Sunday morning...
A magical photo...
(Saving it for any future 'rainy day')... https://t.co/zo9YEUKLJn

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 29, 2021

clean air is vital to live...

PASSING THOUGHT: Never have I been more intensely aware that all I really need to live is the clean air I can breathe...fostering clean food harvests, clean bodies...
=our ultimate weapon against any biological 'warfare'...
(International Day of Clean Air for blue skies= 7.9.21) pic.twitter.com/5jXwu97RF0

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 29, 2021

When I lived for a while near Dry's Bluff in the Great Western Tiers range of Tasmania, (50km from Launceston), I appreciated the 'taste' of clean air...Yes...It does have a very special, exhilarating 'taste'...
📷This was a view of Dry's Bluff from my Liffey home... pic.twitter.com/UW1Ot7C02l

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 29, 2021

inspiring wonder at clouds...

In the Swiss Alps, Moleson, a French graffiti artist aims to encourage a more contemplative approach to life by inspiring childlike wonder at clouds drifting by.
The 16,145 square foot painting =“Un nouveau souffle” (A New Lease on Life).
🧑‍🎨Saypehttps://t.co/sPj7mZ1vKg pic.twitter.com/18M6A8EeWP

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 28, 2021

kelpie dog silo art...

Silo art of a kelpie dog + a farmer at Nullawil (small country town in the Wimmera-Mallee region of Victoria), is the 7th, and latest, to join the Silo Art Trail. The art trail began in 2016.

🧑‍🎨Sam Bateshttps://t.co/Vym19P3ivb https://t.co/rqNFxxw9Me

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 28, 2021

new roost for doves...

New roof evolving on my neighbour's extensive Dromana construction...
And doves already have found a new roost...
(This roof has just been applied to the man shed) pic.twitter.com/K6RQA8Vy5T

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 28, 2021

Sunday morning light...

Mother Nature offering peaceful beauty to open our Sunday morning...Thank you...
May you and Dan and your little family enjoy the day...
Thank you for all the hope and support both Dan and you ceaselessly give to all Victorians...We so appreciate your calm strength...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 28, 2021

echidna train...

A wonderful glimpse into nature's ways...
Meet the echidna train - female in front, exuding a powerful pheromone that brings all the boys to the yard — trailed by a conga line of bidding bachelors.https://t.co/f6FN8srROJ

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 28, 2021

in the clouds...

Found this incredible cloud image photographed in Hopetoun, Western Australia...
📷 Jarvis Smallhttps://t.co/Ohde6zPFpR pic.twitter.com/SBP40w3I44

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 28, 2021

flippered friends...

Love this lockdown 'invasion' of flippered friends...
Looks like they are taking precautions (checking many directions)...
Very wise...very wise... https://t.co/gUq410PsiS

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 27, 2021

novels set in Sydney...

There is the almost forgotten novel 'Kangaroo' (1923) by D.H.Lawrence. It was adapted as a film ('Kangaroo') in 1983 starring Colin Friels + Judy Davis. Another is Patrick White's 'The Eye of the Storm'.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 27, 2021

baby dolphin...

Dolphins always seem to be smiling...in a state of pure happiness...
Such a beautiful photo... https://t.co/cKMUOR3Dp9

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

street art and nature...

I seem to be in the zone of beautiful street art this morning... + a parallel zone of beautiful eyes...
Powerful vibes in this stunning art... https://t.co/Ovpz2MTLOo

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

3D street art...

Utterly amazing...Utterly brilliant 3D wall mural...
"I did this task to shed light on the issue of the conservation of parrots in the jungle of Chiapas, México."
Recorded by a Mexican street artist in Palenque, México on January 10, 2021https://t.co/Ul0q9MdqVj https://t.co/yX7cOhv4ov

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

o the eyes...

This brought a smile to my morning...
Interesting that Russell's eyes are not directed toward the scones, but to the photographer...
So many messages in those eyes, all on just one topic...
Great photo... https://t.co/HPXHWVeduy

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

the wonder of ancient art...

The wonder of ancient art skills never ceases to amaze me...
And further, so much of the art survives over time... https://t.co/MnPozWaIZG

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

painted buttonquail...

Stunning markings and lovely tones on this gorgeous little bird...
I have never seen one of these birds before...
Hope the little one has Dromana marked in its travel diary...
Lots of mulch in my garden world... https://t.co/Rwl9YpMnef

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

my mantra...

PASSING THOUGHT: I refuse to live in fear of a virus, but I'll respect its dangers+adjust my life accordingly. I refuse to be rattled by the federal metronome's swinging 'hand'. I'll ensure I'm not putting my community in danger. DONE.
I'll find the beauty of living=IN PROGRESS.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 24, 2021

great start to the day...

Such a wonderful first Twitter post to read this morning...Thank you so much...I have 5 hours of parent -teacher Zoom interviews to face today...I need a strong beginning to the day 🙏🙏🙏 And lots of warmth and kindness to you from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 24, 2021

memories of Blackheath days...

Blackheath days seem so far away...
Quite normal to pack bags Friday after work+travel from Camden to the Blue Mountains- Leura+Blackheath - for the weekend...
In spite of all those travels, never saw snow there...
Sighhhhh...
(Love the footprints in the snow...Quite haunting...) https://t.co/UvLqwCCzYZ

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 24, 2021

a wisdom of wombats...

A group of wombats = a wisdom of wombats...
So tempting to turn this phrase into a 'slang-leaning', political metaphor...giving these gorgeous characters a bad profile...
I'll refrain... https://t.co/je9v1HenmB

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 24, 2021

country mansion..

So utterly cute...
The little family living the dream of a country mansion... https://t.co/eBsSHMNlKX

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

remembering Ray Bradbury...

Never felt 'connected' to 'science fiction' (sorry H.G.Wells) until I read work by this guy...Why? Bradbury goes beyond science fiction...a kind of teasing, taunting, surrealism...
My lingering favourites ='Dandelion Wine'+'The Day It Rained Forever'+'A Sound of Thunder' ... https://t.co/a1X0jHLLE0

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

team Victoria...

I too was born in Sydney...but have claimed Victoria as home for many years...Can't be more proud of the Victorian team's relentless efforts to get us safely through chaos...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

bicycle buses...

What a grand idea...Exercise...Good ventilation...But when it rains? Pop up roof?

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

It has a rain canopy, yes.

— Spicy Garage (@spicygarage) August 23, 2021

Mornington Peninsula concerns...

PASSING THOUGHT: Feeling unsettled...Daniel Andrews mentioned a covid case has emerged in Sorrento...seems like a mystery so far...(No mention on the Vic Gov. website)...This supports my weekend fears of hearing a whirring freeway...Melburnian escapees to Mornington Peninsula...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

The only positive I see...How much higher the case numbers could be if MP was delegated a regional area...Far far too tempting to frustrated, locked down Melburnians on a sunny weekend...A scenic escape just a short distance away...Keep MP metro...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

Admittedly, as another MP resident, it has been rather cold comfort...just waiting for it to happen...Weekend traffic increasing has been like a warning...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

I agree, it was really only a matter of time. Sigh. Now obsessively monitoring the list of exposure sites for updates! Hope you're safe and okay.

— Vanessa Lanaway (@reddotscribble) August 23, 2021

Thank you so much...We can't be too alert or too careful...Please be safe...Now to keep anxiety under control...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

That's the hard part, isn't it - managing the anxiety! We'll be okay. Just gotta keep our heads down, masks on and spirits up! 🤞

— Vanessa Lanaway (@reddotscribble) August 23, 2021

We have one in Frankston. It's a bit unsettling.

— Louise Zedda-Sampson (@I_say_meow) August 23, 2021

On a walk this morning, I saw two different families packing suitcases, kids and their dogs into cars. I'm not even remotely surprised that there are cases in Sorrento. #covidiots #selfish #CovidVic #covidvictoria #COVID19Vic

— cinegirl 14📺 (@cinegirl14) August 23, 2021

Here is Sorrento mentioned as a mystery case...+ I heard Daniel Andrews refer to it in his presser today...'as far south as Sorrento'...https://t.co/LXydEuqdWJ

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

Also, from 'The Age'...
Mr Weimar also warned the state had again seen a spread into more suburbs in Melbourne, including Essendon West, Camberwell, Thornbury, Fitzroy North, and Maidstone.
Cases had spread as far as Sorrento and Mansfield, he said. https://t.co/AUBIHAhOrs

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

At least, it seems, someone has officially noticed and penalised the escapees to the peninsula...https://t.co/RUyrlWsRGj

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 23, 2021

And a friend told me yesterday that main arteries from Melbourne to the Mornington Peninsula had checkpoints...She couldn't understand the heavy traffic on the freeway I claimed + added that perhaps it was really the MP residents moving around...Really? Via the freeway?

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 24, 2021

my new normal...

PASSING THOUGHT: Still maintaining my habit of avoiding shopping malls+cafes. Supermarket/chemist shopping once a week - as early as possible. No drives. Adjusting to my new normal is OK. If I feel down, I look elsewhere for worse situations...+ feel very lucky...Keep walking...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

down-to-earth-happiness...

This really is a sign of 'down-to-earth-happiness'...
for the cat...
Not so sure about the human...
Maybe she will succumb eventually...
Henry will work on it... https://t.co/xJdCi5dShX

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

tune in to how you would like it to be...

There seems to be a message here...
Tune in to how you would like it to be...
It may be a memory...it may be a dream...
A vision...
Live it...even in your mind...
Somehow...
Your soul will thank you... https://t.co/NRkH1vqOl7

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

if I owned a boat...

Hit me with your best / worst boat names for your imaginary boat all you imaginary billionaires! Let’s have a boat naming party 🍾🛥🎉

— Eileen Chong 张奕霖 (@eileenchongpoet) August 22, 2021

Seas the Day

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

Vitamin Sea

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

Wavelength

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

Gravy Boat

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

dancing gum trees...

It is almost as if the gum trees are in a hypnotic trance...
Quite magical... https://t.co/Wz0oPQVesB

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

scary story...

Morrison rules the world

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

my nights are locked in lonely eyes...

my nights
are locked
in lonely eyes
but my soul
feels differently #tanka pic.twitter.com/2qvKsTVDYe

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

tree wisdom...

Tree wisdom...
Bend with the times and the circumstances...
That's survival...
That's life... https://t.co/rgZt6SkOPf

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

Mornington Peninsula issue...

PASSING THOUGHT: While geographically it seems unfair to include the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne lockdown, there's more to the story. The MP's an escape, a scenic magnet to exhausted Melburnians. Holiday houses+motels=mere c.1 hr away=temptation+high risk. Keep MP metro...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

It's a beautiful, warm sunny day in Melbourne...BUT, bearing out my argument, from my back verandah, I can hear MP traffic whirring on the freeway...Not all can possibly be travelling within the 5km limit...(No, no photo)...Travellers are desperate...So am I...I'm staying home...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 22, 2021

children's lockdown empathy...

These pandemic kids. Honestly. Empathy is going to be their superpower. Their ability to withstand and stay positive in the face of extraordinary awful circumstances is something to behold.

— Jamila Rizvi (@JamilaRizvi) August 20, 2021

Completely agree and my boy is blowing me away with his empathy and ability to articulate feelings in ways that I’m pretty sure took me about 35 years to develop. Excited to see what leaders they will make - no doubt we’ll need them! 💙💙

— Sarah Anderson (@SarahIsSocial) August 20, 2021

let there be peace on earth...

'Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be...' https://t.co/ePSIpihZKz

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

Everybody Knows...

Perhaps this Leonard Cohen's song tends to be a little 'dark', but it hits all the current cords playing out to humanity...
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling...https://t.co/m1odbuV3cL

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

a cosy surface is fair game...

Any cosy surface is fair game to a cat...no matter the circumstances...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

welcome dawn birdsong...

welcome dawn
birdsong
classical rock
meets jazz
meets rap#tanka

P.S. And some just like to 'sit' and enjoy... pic.twitter.com/QIZo7wz0xw

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

possum by night...

Heard a strange scratching sound outside...
This is what I found on an archway near my front door... pic.twitter.com/W4HYK0OrHd

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

Melbourne protest...

#Melbourneprotest After seeing a number of videos of the Melbourne protest, it seems so many were there just for the 'thrill', the adrenalin rush of being in a protest...In fact, going by the signs, the protest involved various arguments...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

#Melbourneprotest These insane times are really bringing out insane people...But also bringing out the very kindest people too...The Sikhs are in a class of their own, as is Melbourne's Father Bob...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

Afghani students...

Just found out another side to the unfolding Afghanistan crisis. A friend, teaching in a Melbourne outer-east school, has c. 60 Afghani students. One parent comes out with younger children+then sponsors the others. Her students are frightened, broken+remote learning challenges...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

My friend said teachers have been allocated selected Afghani students to call every day...checking on their welfare...My friend is in charge of this arrangement, so the teachers involved report back to her...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

stranded fairy princess...

The little girl in white looks so much like a stranded fairy princess...Such a heart-breaking image...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

hunting for new masks...

I just now ordered masks from Alperstein Designs
They use offcut fabrics featuring stunning Aboriginal artworks. Royalties from all masks sold directly benefit the artists and their communities, too.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

My order arrived today. Absolutely delighted with the masks. They are well-made, breathable, colourful+best of all, a fantastic fit. No more sliding down the nose and fogging up of glasses. Love the little artist story included in the package. Well done Alperstein Designs.👏👏👏

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 26, 2021

my son was Vergil?...

An intriguing thread...
My son was about 5...Constantly he told me that his real name was Vergil (or Virgil)...not exactly a common name these days...He said he owned a big house in beautiful countryside...The only Vergil I know was a Roman poet (The Aeneid) in Augustus' era... https://t.co/J269MVTDzH

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

sparkling waters...but I'm staying home...

PASSING THOUGHT: It's a beautiful sunny day in Melbourne today...+ the waters of Port Phillip Bay are not far away...I see them from my verandah...But it's the weekend...I'm not venturing out...Too many will be drawn to sparkling waters...I cannot take the risk of contact...sigh

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 21, 2021

I have only slipped away into the next room...

This touched me deeply after my little musical longing last night...
'I have only slipped away into the next room...' https://t.co/AfLs9XtmJY

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

navigating a tight rope...

Finally, this morning, I found a tiny character attempting to navigate a tight rope...a fine webby one...
However, not too far away...I saw a spider...waiting...
(Sorry...no good photos of the spider...It was even smaller than this character in the photo...) pic.twitter.com/eOXWjMrhzq

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

morning street shadows...

Love morning street shadows...esp when there is no traffic in sight...So refreshing...
This is a view of my street...
The duck, mentioned earlier, found this an ideal 'speedboat' runway... pic.twitter.com/q2lfSGcXpo

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

green flowers...

Another grand find of the morning...a green flower...a shrub of green flowers...No idea what they are called, but they are a unique addition to my Dromana Hills garden spectrum of colours... pic.twitter.com/OIO9770meF

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

flowers smiling for the sunshine...

More early morning Dromana Hills flowers ready to smile for the sunshine... pic.twitter.com/Kto6pNoKUc

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

sit and watch the world...

Amazing what you see if only you take time out+ sit+watch the world around you...outside...
I was sitting on my front steps, + a duck flew low, past my driveway+along the street at speed-boat speed...
(Too unexpected+fast for a photo)...
That's one joyous event...more please...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

'well-being wine' weekend...

Began my 'well-being wine' weekend with a little early morning walk around my Dromana Hills garden...
I found some earthly sunshine... pic.twitter.com/2YTrULNKw7

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

choices...

you never know
how brave you are
till being brave
is the only
choice you have #tanka https://t.co/Hy97c5EPj9

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

this federal government...

YES...I'm older+never has a fed.govt so continuously generated my rage, despair+fear. This govt's symptomatic of many in power roles-supporting the mighty dollar+devaluing/erasing all sense of morality, accountability+empathy. The likes of Daniel Andrews+Jacinda Ardern are few.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

if the little penguins can do it...

Just like Phillip Island's little penguins, we can get up and keep going in these uncertain times https://t.co/s5XNHzAEeW

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

a wistful, dreaming kind of night...

PASSING THOUGHT: It's a wistful, dreaming kind of night...
So wish we could have danced together...but we will...
'Raise a tent of shelter now,
though every thread is torn
Dance me to the end of love...'
Leonard Cohen's voice stirs the emotions...https://t.co/4N7UieMV06

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

'Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin
Dance me through the panic till I'm gathered safely in
Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love...'

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

more spring blossoms...

PASSING THOUGHT: Lovely to find more spring blossoms appearing in the garden today. I stepped outside as a break from remote learning work since 7:00am...It was worth the time out...I am trying to do that more often esp this weekend with lots of marking to do+no going anywhere... pic.twitter.com/MMCVto0VSX

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

I have been so very very bad at keeping pace with marking students' work this lockdown. I can't stay focused on marking and rarely feel motivated to do it. This is not my usual practice.

I am feeling overwhelmed with universal sadness I guess, constantly trying to keep students' spirits uplifted too...hoping mine follow suit...My efforts seem to take an emotional toll...But I will try harder this weekend... 

Dan's zinger for the day...

PASSING THOUGHT: Sliding my rare political comment under the radar, but this just had to be shared.
Another Dan zinger... https://t.co/fgYpnCAahT

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 20, 2021

morning shadow colours...

Morning shadow colours... pic.twitter.com/omdGTwVMkB

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 19, 2021

ablaze with colour...

Morning Dromana skies ablaze with colour + whispers of rain... pic.twitter.com/7hlZBvCvuo

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 19, 2021

Others have been out to capture the beautiful Melbourne morning skies today too it seems... https://t.co/wbf7yXQOLm

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 19, 2021

a tribute to Sean Lock...

This amazing comedian had a sense of humour that crossed geographical borders+connected with people world-wide. That's an extraordinary gift. I will never forget how his eyes sparkled+'grew' as he launched into narrative...and his side chuckles...An absolute winner...A legend...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 19, 2021

the story goes on...

Each year I write one post on my blog 'Zanzibar's Songlines'...I have tried to maintain that momentum since 2009...It's a fanciful blog, but it has a thoughtful message or two...Here is today's post...https://t.co/T231Mnd24r pic.twitter.com/zZy1FiS9ho

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 18, 2021

locked in life's colours...

locked in life's colours
supplemented by
an injection of
kindness, wisdom and
common sense #tanka pic.twitter.com/VmUwDlwgMj

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 18, 2021

life goes on...

PASSING THOUGHT: Just before nightfall, (still feeling down after the pressures of the day), I looked up from my computer and glanced through the window...A huge flight of birds...ibises...travelling to their ritual spring nesting grounds at Coolart, Somerville...
Life goes on...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 18, 2021

teacher stress...

PASSING THOUGHT: I know I shouldn't add to the current quagmire, but today has been a super challenging day of not just doing remote learning but supporting struggling students (lots of emails)+closing the day with teacher welfare PD incl survey of school procedures. So hard 😒 pic.twitter.com/zE6WuUPZ28

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 18, 2021

special place in the world...

Everyone deserves their own very special place in this world...
Sometimes, it is up to others to make it happen...
Just gorgeous... https://t.co/jEOox7eo9Z

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 17, 2021

an outback sunset...

The radiance of a sunset - especially from the inner sanctum of outback Australia - energises the spirits...
So beautiful... https://t.co/6UUJJHoUVJ

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 17, 2021

the cushion brigade...

On a whim, (translate as 'a desperate need for a pick-me-up), ordered me a bit of 'non-essential' from a local store online...
My Dromana place in the world all wrapped in a cushion...Make that 2 cushions...
Even my street is mentioned... pic.twitter.com/vwyEbOYBPy

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 17, 2021

joys of remote learning...

PASSING THOUGHT: The joys of remote learning...Our online learning portal has crashed-since 7:15am...Can't access lessons or email students...An hour has gone by + still not working... Perhaps students are delighted...Meanwhile, teachers keep checking and checking and checking...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

snow gums...

The trunks of snow gums have such wonderful, fluid flows of colour... https://t.co/vW4aoUM8Qu

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

my poetic vibes...

my poetic vibes
wander blindly
in some desert
hoping to sense
an oasis#tanka

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

amazing hollow tree...

An amazing hollow tree...
Perhaps timeless secrets are ticked in there...
This park, in Western Australia, features karri trees... growing up to 90m tall... making them one of the world’s tallest hardwoods. https://t.co/QJK67g9rmE

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

ethereal misty morning...

I'll add this to my little gathering of magical morning skies...
Can't see them?
Ahhhh...That's because they are so close in the ethereal mist... https://t.co/L4O5nSzw0m

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

gentle sunlight on inner Melbourne...

Almost spring, gentle sunlight over inner Melbourne by the Yarra River... 2 years ago... pic.twitter.com/4ZB03RbTOL

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

wandering inner Melbourne...once...

Was it really 2 years ago since I was last wandering inner Melbourne... pic.twitter.com/4qVlsN9hXV

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

strutting magpie...

Strutting...because he can...
A magpie can be all style...
📷Dromana vacant car spaces pic.twitter.com/gSFDaMNmaH

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

early spring street flowers...

Some pretty Spring flowers beginning to appear on my Dromana street walk... pic.twitter.com/K6ZTQPhU5x

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

productivity and existence...

NOTE TO SELF: 'You don't need to justify your existence in terms of productivity. Rest is an essential part of survival...'
- Just love this... https://t.co/uKx9eP49Fa

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

promising morning skies...

I think maybe our timelines need some promising skies...
This is a magical morning sky in the Dromana Hills on 2nd June, 2021... pic.twitter.com/dGtUnVeTJk

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

And another view of the refreshing morning sky over the Dromana Hills on 2nd June 2021... pic.twitter.com/e48wp0B7Xu

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

And a last view of the Dromana Hills morning sky on 2nd June, 2021... pic.twitter.com/IE5Hk71dYT

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

a bid for a reassurance speech...

ATTENTION: Last weekend, I suggested Australians sorely need a 'rallying', reassurance speech from federal leaders-maybe Penny Wong @SenatorWong. Many supported the idea. Now I am asking state leaders to step up. Daniel @DanielAndrewsMP - show how it's done? Mark @MarkMcGowanMP?

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

Here is a link to my earlier post we need a great speech... 

I know I may seem like some strange and unknown voice crying from the wilderness, but I have hope...I must try...Who knows...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 16, 2021

Melbourne current pandemic restrictions...

Lockdown will not end this Thursday 19th August, but extended to 11:59pm Thursday 2nd September, 2021... 

On the advice of the Chief Health Officer, we will introduce additional measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in Victoria. pic.twitter.com/iCo6gzKFEs

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) August 16, 2021

VICTORIA
16-08-2021
========
Table of restrictions
.
.#breaking #victoria #melbourne #metromelbourne #covid19 #covid19vic pic.twitter.com/rApo6ZkPs6

— COVIDPete (@CovidPete) August 16, 2021

resilient old street...

A colourful little street in the rain has a particular charm - enhanced by 'sans vehicles' + people clearly strolling - no pressurised haste.
The bonus is it's a street that has marched through time...lots of time...
May we all summon such beautiful resilience... https://t.co/E0BdUccMh5

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 15, 2021

space and freedom...

PASSING THOUGHT: Many feel that pandemic-fueled lockdowns spike our freedoms. Some feel that translates as 'no freedom'. But it's the perspective of 'our space' that's been clipped, not our freedom. Kabul's Taliban-threatened residents have no personal space. That's no freedom. https://t.co/jdwHmFCq2g

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 15, 2021

Jeroen Weimar again...

I have been seeking hope today, and this tweet about Jeroen Weimar certainly helps...a lot...
This is beyond leadership...He is demonstrating the skills of being an empathetic mentor, a guiding light... https://t.co/480rGnGZiM

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 15, 2021

flow chart role model of tautology...

Brilliant role model of a form of tautology validating a form of platitude...or a form of platitude validating a form of tautology...whichever sparks your fancy...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 15, 2021

I like the suggested hashtag of 'scomoisms'...I'll be running with that at any/every opportunity... 

Just discovered the hashtag #scomoisms. I'll definitely be running with #scomoisms in future posts...There should be quite a museum-worthy list evolving of #scomoisms...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 15, 2021

I think we should start that trending.
"To start this trending, we must follow the trend"#Scomoisms

— Leo Jai (@lionheartleojai) January 18, 2019

smirking milk dregs...

PASSING THOUGHT: Not motivated to do supermarket shopping that should have been done yesterday. Trying to find+activate some hope beyond lockdown seems somehow more important. But the milk dregs are 'smirking' at me. The little left may not give me a morning coffee tomorrow. 🙄

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 15, 2021

Just love David Milner's 'turn of phrase'...Always nails the mood, the climate + kickstarts a smile... 

Anyone got any exciting plans for between this lockdown and the next one? I was thinking about going outside.

— David Milner (@DaveMilbo) August 15, 2021

consumption and climate...

Amazing how long ago the warnings were already there...
Consumption and climate are uneasy bedfellows... https://t.co/QwESPscd1n

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

retired teacher issues...

I am close to being a 'retired teacher', but covid has thrown any plans into chaos. I must hang in there with a lighter load locked in place for next year. I feel so sorry for what is happening to you + hope I don't have the same issues. We try so hard to improve student lives...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

flowers of light and beauty...

These stunning flowers radiate light and beauty...
The world cannot drink in enough of that light and beauty right now...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

Somalia beach stones...

These stunning stones from Somalia's Madagascar beach could easily be inspiring works of art...
Ahem... They are inspiring works of art... https://t.co/HNa1UlfZ54

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

we need a great speech...

I'm breaking my political rule AGAIN...This thread's brilliant...
Great speeches bring hope.
They provide a light for others to walk towards.
Powerful words spoken at the right time, by the right person can change a nation’s thinking.
Australia needs that great speech RIGHT NOW🙏 https://t.co/elJaMwyAye

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

Perhaps Penny Wong @SenatorWong may step up and make that great speech we Australians need...so desperately...(even if we don't realise we need it)...
A speech from Penny would reach us...
we would listen quietly...
we would feel grateful...
we would remember...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

Penny @SenatorWong
... Already many are supporting my thought...in minutes...even if you post your rallying speech to us as a video on your timeline, that would help...
Of course, filmed in parliament house would be best...
PLEASE on behalf of all Australians...
We need you...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

To reach those who want more than 'words', @SenatorWong, perhaps propose a federal plan for quarantine...a grounded plan easily established by all states...Such a plan would diminish state divisiveness, bring us together...@DanielAndrewsMP

PLEASE give us hope...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

labels match the model (PM)...

Seldom, if ever, do I retweet a politically-laden post. (Even if quietly I agree or support it).
But this one is different.
As a 'long-haul' citizen who has seen all these particular national leaders in action, I could not agree more.
The labels match the model - perfectly. https://t.co/YNhCOZPiOK

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

breaking news...

BREAKING NEWS: The sun is shining in Melbourne...
The skies and seas are a welcoming blue...
Walk and breathe and enjoy... pic.twitter.com/xnp3MqTwah

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 14, 2021

There is more to your life than political spin... 

remembering Robin Williams...

Robin Williams - a legend on-screen and off...
He could ignite a smile, even when we felt down + reach into a part of our soul, that may have been neglected for some time, and breathe new life into it...
Humanity's treasure... https://t.co/mD3cJjvsnt

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 12, 2021

NOTE: My favourite film of his must be 'Dead Poets' Society'. I'm a teacher and love poetry. No surprises there. 

old v. new world realities...

You just have to laugh wryly at @DaveMilbo's ironic contrast of old and new world realities...The 'image' could symbolise the status of any one of us...
The only bleak alternative is to indulge in a Munch 'Scream' by day and a wolf's howl at the moon by night... https://t.co/2WBzgPnrgT pic.twitter.com/cm58fm3TwK

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 12, 2021

dog library...

DOG LIBRARY - The quirky, the weird, the so 'delightfully logical and down-to-earth' puts a big smile into my rather 'ordinary' day...
(Now to find me a dog...) https://t.co/obWlxgvYmH

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 12, 2021

So many stresses attached to remote learning, and then a delightful little Twitter post like this turns up on my timeline... It all helps to survive these lockdown days...

hello wall my old friend...

Hello wall my old friend
I've come to talk with you again...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 11, 2021

In response to Victorian lockdown extension for another 7 days from today... 

a scream...

ALL of the above + even tired of seeing his back turned on other speakers if what they have to say doesn't suit him...esp if the speaker is female. Gross lack of professionalism and basic social etiquette. No respect for POV. If a speaker demonstrates humanity, he trivialises it.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 11, 2021

Wiradjuri words...

No matter how you say these beautiful Wiradjuri words, they sound like the lilt of magical music...
And the philosophy behind them = a thought worth tucking away in our everyday pocket... https://t.co/HduDG3iJTy

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 10, 2021

after a 'broken' yesterday...

After my 'broken' day yesterday, these beautiful morning skies over Dromana channelled some peace my way... pic.twitter.com/nJCg5JyLkR

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 10, 2021

Still reeling from the tragedy that was yesterday...At least I held my little furball in my arms right to the end... 

my horrific day ends with flowers and candles...

PASSING THOUGHT: Today was one of my days when tragedy+problems seemed to be in abundance... almost queued up... But a friend sent me flowers, chocolates+wine...arriving at the end of the day...
So thoughtful and so kind...
I have candles glowing now...My day is softening away...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 10, 2021

Ironically, tonight is census night...It seems that I need to take stock of many features in my life now... 

everything is energy...

Everything is energy which has no beginning, and cannot die - including you.

— Violet Zen (@violet_zenelle) August 9, 2021

awesome local business service...

Shout out to Main Desire, Mornington. Ordered today at 9:30am. Thought orders over $100 free (but should be over $150). Shortly was emailed=ready for pick-up. Emailed I expected delivery. 3:30pm received delivery+found email=delivering today. Inside a voucher+a handful of sweets.

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 9, 2021

Clearly was my error. Yet still this local business graciously accommodated me.  

book bollards...

Usually, bollards are fixed features, but the middle 4 of the 14 bollards outside Cambridge University Library are 'interactive' + can be rotated individually. These 4 are inscribed with 2 letters each + together spell EX LIBRIS. Designed by Harry Gray + set up in September 2009. https://t.co/JMsOFRN7CX

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 8, 2021

all masked up...

Yes...Very proud of my Dromana world on the Mornington Peninsula. Each time I do the supermarket shopping early, I would be hard-pressed to find anyone without a mask...That includes in the supermarket, the carpark, on the drive to+from (even people walking dogs are masked up)...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 8, 2021

It was IGA Dromana I was referencing 🤣

— lockeddown (@lovingit5555) August 8, 2021

I must admit, I know nothing about the rest of the Mornington Peninsula. Most are outside my 5km limit. My comment, as I mentioned, only referenced my ongoing experience in one place - Dromana...and specifically Dromana IGA area...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 9, 2021

Tommy Emmanuel...

Tommy Emmanuel is brilliant! Saw him on stage, but my favourite setting was at Picton woolshed, south of Sydney. The venue had an intimate, casual feel...And he played to that atmosphere...often getting amongst the guests demonstrating his skills...https://t.co/aaqkbMFWjL

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 8, 2021

Dan's presser draws closer...

the eerie hush
of Sunday's fog
deepens
Dan's presser
draws closer#tanka pic.twitter.com/u0IFo2AV3S

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 7, 2021

Cobberwealth and more...

Father Bob knows how to nail some 'zing' into words...
'Cobberwealth'-old Aussie idiom gets a new lease on life...a universal union of friends sounds good to me...
The www hemisphere gets a makeover...
Just brilliant...
(NOTE: His Cobberwealth Award fosters inclusive reporting) https://t.co/H1r4dlblPS

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 7, 2021

Father Bob Maguire is a long-standing, iconic Melburnian. 

The Father Bob Maguire Foundation is a Melbourne-based registered charity providing food relief, social inclusion, educational support and a range of associated services so that no one is left behind.

'nibbled to death by the ducks of sadness'...

So love Father Bob's expression...
'nibbled to death by the ducks of sadness...'
That about sums it up for me...
I'm beyond anger and refuse to sink into depression...
But I can't deny this ongoing feeling haunting me...
It's a tragic world out there, escalated by a pandemic... https://t.co/67wSHIeb21

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 7, 2021

foggy winter light...

foggy winter light
opens Sunday
my outside
and inside
are in synch#tanka pic.twitter.com/Ng3NVpym72

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 7, 2021

Songhai (also Songhay or Sonrai) people of West Africa...

Art does not need to be 'fixed' - to a wall or in a garden...
The Songhai (also Songhay or Sonrai) people of West Africa, found primarily throughout Niger and Mali, carry art with them...
📷Maria Magdalena Ruiz O’Farrill pic.twitter.com/OMZZXWvccB

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 7, 2021

I am still not quite sure what is being carried in those vessels...maybe water or maybe produce from cereal crops...

***Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill has a most informative HubPage on the Songhai People 

recalling yesterday's Victorian presser...

Jeroen o so politely suggests that a journalist's comments are missing a few beats in the song...
An empathetic, master conductor of his orchestra... https://t.co/cp6su0I8r6

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 7, 2021

This must be hailed as a role model of constructive criticism...

It's possibly also worth noting, I have definitely become a tragic of the morning covid-19 pressers...I flick briefly to NSW's pressers (just because I like to compare) but settle and stay with Victoria's...far more informative and reassuring...

And possibly one of the most memorable, recent quotes from Dan Andrews...

I like his wry smile at the end... 

How's the Fed's covidsafe app going, Dan?

"I'd always encourage people to download the app

...

...

and I'll make no further comment about the app, because today's a positive day!"#auspol #springst #covid19vic pic.twitter.com/aMYpKOpVvL

— Squizz (@SquizzSTK) July 27, 2021

limbo land...

PASSING THOUGHT: It's 6:17am+still so very dark outside...My school's shut down online connections (building construction demands) till 11am...My furball's complaining loudly-she needs a 'top-up' of food (1st round of breakfast=not enough)...I'm idly scrolling Twitter...Limbo..🙄

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 6, 2021

I'm waiting for the supermarket to open at 7:00am...Then I will move to beat any possible crowds...I know many Melburnians rushed to my peninsula world when a week's lockdown was announced last Thursday...I don't want to risk that some may be early risers...Never has it been more true that 'less is more'...meaning more safe... 

Hiroshima moves on?...

A confronting, 2013 article by @ccohanlon. Read it slowly; let the words sink deep.
'There are the yellow tags that indicate the gnarled, stunted trees, mostly Australian eucalypts and wattles, that still survive the blast, 58 years on, within a kilometer of the hypocenter.' https://t.co/cxseipaDo6

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 6, 2021

A wealth of informative images are beautifully presented in this article via a skilled wordsmith. The horror of  'that day' lingers on...

I wonder about the mention of those 2 Australian trees - staunch survivors...Why? Why those trees?

'flash mobbing' the countryside...

This gate art puts a whole new spin on the concept of wood carving...
Beyond the chainsaw, love the shading achieved with the controlled flame...
A gate with personality... 'flash mobbing' the countryside...
Simply superb... https://t.co/SPpcJA08Mf

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 6, 2021

first day of lockdown...again...

PASSING THOUGHT: After my rugged reaction to Victoria's lockdown news yesterday, followed by a scramble to change lesson plans+a sound night's sleep, I faced the remote learning challenge of a 6 period day- Google Meets+lots of emails...
And it was OK...I'm OK... pic.twitter.com/YyKbx4Igz5

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 6, 2021

All the background organisation for a 'snap' 6 period day - including changed lesson plans, ensuring the Google Calendar had the correct Google Meet scheduled + a flurry of emails to students reminding them to check lesson details on SEQTA- tends to be rather intimidating...not to mention quite exhausting...Always double-check for errors...

But it all worked out and flowed smoothly...Well, almost...One student decided to close a Google Meet a somewhat earlier than I intended...Just a little detective work and I found the culprit...There has to be one...

the crunch of lockdown...

PASSING THOUGHT: This morning, as I drove to work in the flimsy light of dawn, so many ideas (for some Twitter posts tonight,) tumbled through my mind...Instead, the ideas seemed to shrink, forgotten, when news of Victoria in 7day lockdown from 8pm...Tears are still lingering...

— Gemma Wiseman - on Bunurong land, Kulin Nation (@AuraGem) August 5, 2021

The 4:15pm announcement shocked me, even though a message (about 1pm) was transmitted to principals to tell students to take home essential materials...I thought of lockdown, but likely to be after Friday ready for the weekend...I was so wrong... 

And you know where half of Melbourne went? Mornington peninsula. On my way home from work it’s 730 and it’s like Christmas on the peninsula link cars everywhere

— LeeLee 🇦🇺 (@leedev63) August 5, 2021