Dear Friend,

Oh my, do I regret sleeping at such a late time last night. My mum pretty much screamed at me in intervals of ten minutes between 8.30 to 9.00 for me to wake up. This is because she wanted me to help her get ready to leave for this Buddhist monks retreat in Forrestfield. I had a bad dream last night so I really wanted to just lay in my bed and think for a while. Just reflect on what happened/ who was in it etc. But she threatened not to let me out of the house for the rest of the holidays so I gradually got up to get ready.
I didn't mind going to this retreat anyway, its such a lovely place. Its past the international airport and it's not exactly the country but nearly is I suppose. It's situated amongst the long fir trees and where stray magpies live. It really is the best place for silence and meditation for the monks I suppose. I finally got to take decent photos while I went exploring with my brother (we always explore when we go there)

This tree reminded me of the song Lemon Tree by Fools Garden so I stood there after taking the photo for a while going "does the song even have to do with a lemon tree?" So then I thought of the song Mango Tree by Angus and Julia Stone but it made me sad cause of the lyrics. I then realised this tree was neither a lemon nor a mango tree so I proceeded to shake my head and move along.





I found this lone table admist the trees. I felt I needed to take photos of it.



Look at how amazing the trees are. I think I sat in awe looking at this photo for about ten minutes just cause it reminded me of a fairytale, one with a morale and not a happy ending.

I desperately need to go touch some of my holiday homework. My parents have turned the Michael Jackson memorial in the living room. I watched a bit of it and it nearly made me cry. I don't know why I would be crying for a stranger I do not know. That sounded cold and harsh- I didn't mean it to be like that. Maybe it's because I'm moved by the amount of emotion the world (mostly media I suppose) has shown toward him. I have respect for him, yes, I have respect for everyone. But why is there so much media coverage? I don't understand the world.

I'll write more later.

-Annie
xoxo