Studying the Bilimbi

Averrhoa bilimbi, or bilamagu, as it is known in Dhivehi, is a fruit tree found in the backyard of most rural Maldivian homes. We have one growing in the tiny open space we have. The fruit grow in clumps, from the trunk of the tree. The trunk is knobbly and it is an old wives tale that the tree will bear plentiful fruit if you repeatedly strike the trunk with an eakle broom while the tree is young.

The five-petalled maroon blossoms are pretty, but have no strong fragrance.

A close cousin of the star fruit, the acidic bilimbi is used for medicinal purposes and culinary uses. Its juices are also used as a stain remover from fabric.

The firm green fruit is often used in pickles and curries. When ripe, they turn soft and yellow-green. They make mouth-puckering, but strangely refreshing juice; and it also used as a quick snack, dipped in salt and pepper or cayenne.

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune
Without the words
And never stops at all

- Emily DickinsonHope. Optimism. Rainbows. Waiting for a better tomorrow.

Orchidaceae

The orchid: Graceful. Delicate. Exotic. Coveted.

25,000 varieties. Boasting of an interesting and intricate history.

Depicting a sense of elegance and luxury.

Symbolising pure affection.

What's the rush?

"Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."

- Eddie Cantor

Silhouettes

A painting of a fisherman out at sea in the night, by Em.

The pier at sunset.

Em, my beautiful little angel.

Man on a bicycle on the pier, waiting...

Pachyderms at Play

It's amazing watching elephants as they bathe in the river. You get to see the tender, loving side of these great land mammals; the mother-baby relationships; the younger ones splashing about; and the older, wiser ones standing dignified.


And afterwards... you get a ride on their bare backs. Amazing!

The Himalayas in Layers

Water

Whether it is a fountain in the city,

a little fish pond in a greenhouse,

a trickling stream in the bush,

a roaring waterfall,

waves that crash ferociously onto rocks,

the merge of the blue and the white in the wake of a speedboat,

or the gentle lap of the sea onto the sandy shores,

... water soothes me.

Calms me.

Mesmerises me every time.

Craft supplies + Creative Kids = fun x learning

Provide children with a host of supplies, and they go mad creating:

A countryside scene in clay;

A foil, shell and glitter glue mobile;

A collage with different textures and materials;

And beadwork.

A fun time had by all. Lots of sharing, talking, teaching and laughter. (Okay, lots of mess afterwards too...).

What sorts of indoor, hand-on, artsy things do you do with your kids? I'd love to get new ideas...

Berries

Daily Reminders

I have spent my life divided between three continents, and hold dear the memories of the years I spent in each. Closing my eyes, my mind travels back in time remembering the smells, sights and sounds of each place that was once home. I feel the freezing winds of Scotland; I recollect the humid heat of Sri Lanka; I breathe in the smell of freshly cut grass in New Zealand's meadows; and I taste the saltiness of the clear waters that surround the Maldivian islands.

Every time I move away to set up a new home elsewhere, I leave a little bit of me behind. I also take away with me lots of memories and some small mementos to place in my new home and remind me daily of the past.


This kiwi stands on my workspace, its large egg never hatching.

The Maori doll is a favourite toy of my daughter.

A hand made clay tea set, only used for particular occasions.

A wooden decorated elephant, stands on my bookshelf, ready for the festivals.

My tea bags are stored in this Charles Rennie Mackintosh ceramic jar.

Over the front door hangs this Celtic design carved in stone.

On my kitchen counter sit a basket of beautiful shells I have collected over the years.

I wonder what I will take away with me when I move again from here?

Textures

A tree trunk

A thatch fence

A coral wall

Green fruits

Fish Cake

Today I made "Boakibaa" or fish cake, Maldivian style.

The ingredients: canned tuna, rice flour, onions, grated coconut, chillies, lime juice, curry leaves, cumin seeds, salt, pepper, turmeric and ginger.

Everything is whizzed up in the food processor and the result I agree doesnt look particularly interesting.

But after you bake it in an oiled square tray, the aroma is heavenly.

Sliced, it's perfect with hot sweet tea, served as a savoury tea time treat.