There’s so much to talk about today, so I’ll start with yesterday. I went out with Kye to drop off some film from our Europe trip. We ended up meeting up at the Fairfield Boathouse for coffee. I could tell he was keen for a walk, but I had gone for my second run since returning to my regular routine, and my legs were struggling to step down a small incline. So, I convinced him to accompany me to the place I usually stop by when waiting for the film to be dropped off.

We made our way into Fitzroy. I found a park between Walkens House of Film and Viet Rose Bakery and Cafe. I quickly jumped out of the car and rushed in to grab one of their mock meat Bahn Mi. It was bloody tasty! Kye got a salad, I think it was the BBQ pork one. He devoured it! We still had just under an hour after finishing our meal. So, I took him around where I usually walk to take photos. It was really cool. We had a great time talking about the architecture we liked and sharing stories about the oddly related points we made. A very typical but very interesting conversation flowed as we wandered around the backstreets. As I was telling him that sometimes I get on this roll of finding a cool spot and then another, and it eventually just takes me around the whole neighbourhood, we started to spot some photo-worthy street art.

Then, it was off! I was getting lost taking photos of the buildings and art, and so was he. You wouldn’t be surprised to find out we’re brothers, but it honestly gets lost on me how similar we are. I’ve always seen us as very different, almost polarised characters. But I am quickly reminded of how close we are anytime we hang out and go on an adventure together. Yesterday was a very surprising adventure. After some more photos and Kye changed some kind words to a passerby, we somehow managed to do a full circle and arrive across from Tree House Bar. I dropped off the film to the lovely crew at Walkens, and we jumped in the car again.

This time, I found myself in Abbotsford Convent, surrounded by beautiful gardens bursting with patches of colourful flowers. After discovering some cool spots in Fitzroy, I couldn’t help but think, “I should have brought my camera.” The ancient architecture around me felt like stepping back in time, evoking vivid memories of our visit to Herstmonceux Castle Estate with Carolyn.

The pretty flowers, set against a gothic-style structure, combined with the soft, cool wind and the scattered visitors, created a familiar atmosphere. It transported me back to one of my favourite memories from the estate. After the guided tour of the castle, which was worth every penny, we embarked on an adventure through the gardens. Determined to find the pond, we followed the map, even venturing through a small forest before almost stumbling upon it.

Next to the pond stood an abandoned building, exuding a sense of peace. I remember standing there, simply appreciating the ferns. It was then that I realised I had a passion for natural and plant photography.

Our next destination was a meadow. My motivation was simply to say to myself that I had been there. As we climbed out of the forest and into an open plain, the meadow unfolded before us, breathtaking in its beauty. I was honestly lost for words. Something so free, open, and filled with pure joy washed over me.

We made our way up to one of the property fences, attempting to capture the landscape in a photograph. However, as I struggled to find a good position for my camera, I noticed the rain clouds quickly approaching us. Without hesitation, I jumped up, and we swapped positions. Carolyn carefully held her phone, trying to steady it for a timed photo. I think we managed to capture one or two shots before I announced it was time to go. I’m pretty sure the cows heard me from a farm over.

The clouds, now in pursuit, grew darker and heavier, creating a sense of urgency. It was a bit of a panic as we hurried to leave, the rain beginning to fall.

We began to retreat towards the tree line and gate as I felt the first droplets of rain falling from the clouds. Taking Carolyn’s hand, we sprinted, gazing directly at the face where the soft droplets transformed into heavenly pellets, a wall staring back at us. We dashed across this open stretch of grassland, gradually getting drenched from my right to my left as the wall of rain passed through us. Laughing and yelling, we skipped through the field. I vividly recall thinking to myself, “This is one of the best moments of my life.” It felt like a movie, enveloping me in a tranquil joy and filling me with life from head to toe. This was a special day, not just for the holiday, but for my entire life. I eagerly anticipate receiving the photos from that day. I’ll even create a small gallery from all the mentioned photos.

Writing the ending for this blog has been incredibly empowering, allowing me to recall and build memories. It’s something I want to continue working on, as I feel like I’ve spent the last 20 years trying to unlearn memories and alter or skew them. However, by living more in the moment, I’ve found that it brings them closer and connects them more easily. I genuinely want to remember everything now. I actually wrote much more in today’s blog about the bike and the rain to justify the title, but I might leave it as a reminder for where to begin tomorrow. I’ll return and add the film once I get it back, but for now, you can enjoy some of the photos or perhaps some of my favourites.