November 1. Day 306. Pecking order

I'm not a violent person. At all. In fact, if I was to select a phrase which best describes my attitude to conflict it would be "anything for a quiet life".
I know this conflict avoidance is not always helpful. Sometimes things are not best left unsaid. Sometimes it really is better to put your cards on the table instead of assuming those around you are mind readers and know what is troubling you (Although by now my family should have come to realise that the silent treatment and over enthusiastic cleaning probably means they are in trouble. Big trouble). When that happens keep your distance.
Life is so much simpler if we learn those rules. Establish a pecking order, work out what role each of us is going to play so we don't have to keep going over and over old ground.
And learn when to back off and give each other space. These ducks in the City Botanic Gardens today exhibited over and over again what happens if you don't get the pecking order sorted.
The black duck's feathers were a little ruffled. As soon as any of the other ducks came within floating distance this is the reaction they got. Short, sharp and unmistakable. "Quack, quack get out of town".
If you are going to mess with someone make sure it's not this little black duck.
Time to take off and find a more peaceful section of pond. Anything for a quiet life, I say.

October 19. Day 293. Spreading your wings

Like so many couples we elected to have a bridal registry when we were married. The argument in favour of such lists is compelling. No risk of getting three toasters and no guess work on the part of the guests. The happy couple gets exactly what they want and need. Easy.
And in the lead up to the big day like children in a candy store you get to walk clipboard in hard around a department store and make a note of every little thing that would make your dreams come true.
But you know what? Seventeen years later this month and I can't tell you one single gift I received from that list. Not one.
I can, however, off the top of my head nominate three gifts that still take pride of place that didn't come from that carefully selected catalogue of gifts we put together ourselves.
There's a set of wine glasses from one aunt and uncle, some Japanese inspired bowls from other and the duck.
I love the teal duck just as I loved these ducks in Kedron Brook today. In truth the duck ornament is a useless dust collector and it is not something I would have ever bought myself .This is what makes it so perfect.
It sits on the sideboard and I admire it every day. And there's the one argument against bridal registries.
There is nothing as special as a gift that's unexpected, perfect and selected with love with just you in mind.
It might be a bit harder but spreading your wings a little can yield unexpectedly great results.