A day of remembrance

ANZAC Gallipoli Remembrance: 25th April 1915

ANZAC poppy wrap

I found this beautiful ANZAC day poppy wrap online.  It was made for someone traveling to Gallipoli for the remembrance day celebrations; absolutely stunning!

As history unfolds: Gallipoli 100 commemorations at Chunuk Bair.

New Zealand and Australians join together in remembrance.

The poppy signifies so much to so many people.  I have a bunch of poppies as part of my blog header for a reason; not just because it signifies the gathering up of flowers. As a teenager I learnt so much about the First World War from my English teacher at high school. These lessons have stayed with me for life. Learning about the battles and the appalling conditions experienced by soldiers during that campaign were expressed in First World War poetry.

This poem is iconic.

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, May 1915.

For me this is the poetry that I remember: 

The First World War poetry of Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and Rupert Brooke is what resonates most for me. 

Anthem For Doomed Youth - Poem by Wilfred Owen

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? 

Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds. 

I began writing poetry as a teenager and even now I still write. I don't get to share my writing with others, but prefer to write for myself.  My desire to record using an art journal or visual diary certainly makes more sense now I think about it.  

Keeping a journal

Image of the world; iridescent, brilliant and fluid. 

My blogging has had to be sidelined recently for living life and all that entails. Family and work have taken centre stage for some time now.

I will be starting my journalling experience gradually.  This is my start!!

I have been researching various sites learning about visual diaries and art journals. There seems to be no workshops or courses available in our immediate area, but there are numerous online courses.  I've purchased the resources required and I intend to concentrate on the processes and techniques to develop and then from there.............who knows?  

 My plan is to start writing and documenting our recent trip to the USA and our side trip to Cancun in Mexico.  This was the first time we had traveled to either country.

It was so inspirational in so many ways.  Also, my best finds for a capsule travelling wardrobe, because I am notorious for over-packing.