While Waiting For Godot

Many years ago, in another life, in a parallel universe, I gave my heart and soul to the creation of the Soul Food Cafe. The Creativity Portal was just one major site that featured the work that I was doing.  Facebook completely changed the online environment and the shift that came with it, along with consecutive losses, silenced me. Ten years ago I walked away from everything I had known, including Soul Food. Eventually I found my way to Castlemaine and settled here.

Reinventing oneself takes time. While Waiting for Godot is a place to wait, a place to reconnect with who I am and what I am passionate about. Now it is enough to sow a new wild garden. The ground is fertile here in Castlemaine and I  know that something will grow. It may be nettle or thistles or roses or carrots or oranges on my citrus trees. If my backyard is any indication something will grow. Fertile ground never remains empty. I am reminded to stay earthed and to attend to my growing ground.

28 Things To Love About Castlemaine

1. Living within walking distance of the centre of town, the Botanic Gardens and the railway station which provides a regular service to the city.
2. The host of wonderful spots where I can take my dogs walking – many of which are featured in this blog.
3. The devoted team who work down at the Botanic Gardens. The gardens are a jewel, something Castlemaine is rightly proud of! I particularly love the woodland area beyond the creek.
4. The sound of football and cricket matches and sporting teams training at the Camp Reserve.
5. The comforting sound of the Post Office bell ringing. It brings back memories of my late husband and us staying in an English village.
6. The sound of the old steam train chugging out to Maldon.
7. Being able to make full use of a wonderfully stocked, welcoming, library.
8. Having an electrician respond to an SOS call (the sound of the smoke alarm chirping was impacting on my dogs) and came at 5 on a Saturday afternoon.
9. Having devoted tradespeople restore my home with loving care.
10. Having a woodland spring up in my backyard within a couple of years of planting!
11. Warring with the flocks of sulphur created cockatoos who descend upon my trees. They are hooligans but I cannot help but love those life affirming rascals!
12. The Pennyweight cemetery is the spiritual place I love to visit.
13. The exhilarating history of this place! Places like Forest Creek Diggings, the Oak Forest and Specimen Gully Road where history changed.
14. Good quality book shops.
15. Turning off the highway and knowing I am almost home.
16. Proximity to diverse places such as Chewton, Fryerstown, Taradale, Guildford, Newstead, Maldon, Daylesford and Harcourt.
17. The natural beauty of nearby Mt Alexander and Dog Rocks.
18. Stunning autumns and spectacular springs.
19. Looking at old Jack Frost while sitting by my fire.
20. Enjoying the view across town from the Old Castlemaine Gaol.
21. Getting a coffee from James and sitting on the platform, deep in conversation, with a friend at the Railway Station.
22. Knowing my neighbours and knowing how supportive they are.
23. Waking to the sound of so many birds, knowing my beloved ravens are on the watchtower (neighbouring tall trees) and watching a family of birds take turns bathing in the water in the enamel dish on the back deck.
24. The community garden at Continuing Ed.
25. Great supportive friends.
26. The dog walking community.
27. Entering my drive, parking the car and walking in the front door after being away.
28. My home! I give thanks every day for finding it, for being brought to Castlemaine!