You Have Nice Eyes

Technically, your average bug, e.g. worm, ladybird, moth etc. shouldn't be scary. You're so much bigger than them, and they simply can't do much damage to you at all (EEK! It's gonna tie me up with its antennae!!). But still, I'm a bit squeamish around certain bugs. *shudder* I don't like touching worms (but they /have/ been squirming around in mud all day), or being too close to a spider (EIGHT EYES!), and you know those moments when you're staring at a bug that is a really agile jumper?... I have a soft spot for caterpillars and butterflies, though. And that tiny, funky wormipede thing I saw once that could stand up on, like, two legs.
But you know, overall, they're so CREEPY... Who knows what they get up to in those small crevices? With their little antennae checking out the air and stuff, but they're standing so still, just examining their surroundings...
Oh well, forget I said that.

Last Week of Being 15

The effects and changes of growing up are truly interesting. I remember having written an embarrassing poem about being offended that I was growing up, the only line that I recall being:

 “ ‘Two years ‘til you’re a teen!’ I know they aren’t just being mean...”

But anyway, opinions change, and now I’m not so opposed to getting older. As long as it comes slowly. I’m sure it won’t, though. Some changes seem so sudden and fast, you feel rather guilty, reminiscing with nostalgic confusion the swift alteration of mind...

I also remember that my favourite number was always my age, which my brother pointed out once. I said that no, 12 was not my favourite number just because I was twelve (or something like that)... But it probably was.

Another thing I remember was being very afraid of teenagerdom, anxious that I might turn into a terrible, rebellious youth, against my will. Thankfully, I’m pretty sure that I’m fairly safe, which I credit to Jesus, fixing my eyes on Him.

Overall, growing up is a weird thing that apparently happens to everyone. YOLO.

Looking at Dad

This is Hendrix - my little 6-month-old nephew. His dad (my brother) can be seen in there, too. Sometimes little Hendrix won't stop smiling when daddy's around - and neither will dad. For almost two hours, they're entertained by giggles and games on the floor or exploring the dining room for other family members. I get to cuddle him too, of course. We're frequently rewarded with large, open-mouthed, gummy grins, and occasionally a coo. Each milestone is documented, like rolling over or holding the bottle by himself. Quite frankly, Hendrix and dad are besotted with each other. It's no secret, either. Nothing will hide Hendrix's wide, gaping smile or his big, awestruck eyes.
And then there's me, crouching nearby and clutching my camera.

Seven Totally Satisfying Things (for me, anyway)

1. A good, thick, inky marker.
2. HUGS!
3. Staring at a huge pad of blank paper.
4. Staring at a huge pad of paper, full of writing and doodles.
5. All of one's fish tanks completely clean.
6. Every check-box ticked.
7. An album of new songs.

Really Bad News

I'm sorry, Hamish.

Dust in my Face

I took this photo just before. The face of innocence? Deserving to be decked with roses and sugar and love hearts surrounded by a garland of cinnamon pastry? Those big heart-melting eyes radiate sweetness, right?
I think not.
For at least the last hour or so, I have been running, walking, quad-biking around our dry, dusty farm in the sun, searching for this dog, Amber. It started off as a walk to exercise her and Lucy. We plodded along for quite a while, before, as we neared the end of our romp, I decided to unleash Amber, so she could run around a little more. In a few minutes after that, however, she disappeared. At first, I was really mad - how dare she have the nerve to vanish like that... but eventually it turned into fear, as this very day turns out to be the day that DOC are spreading 1080 ("DEADLY TO DOGS") all over the forest. Amber likes to chase birds - she could've pursued it across the creek and then... That was what was running around in my head, anyway.
Long story short, after circling from the house, Model Village and cafe to the forest and over again, and again, with the help of Elie (staff at our place), she turned up at home!!
Innocent cutey-face. Pfff.
I really do owe it to God, though, after earnestly praying that He would bring her home... and He did! THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Valentine's

Belated, I know.