Ghoul … or not as the case maybe …

 

This is Gregor Baci … who, from the 1600s, has been immortalised in this Hungarian painting … sorry – it just amused me today of all days, as one of Wiki's 'Did you Know' …

Portrait of Gregor Baci

Apparently he lived for a year after the event, caused possibly in a joust … the spearhead was sawn off - making life more comfortable for the poor man in the last months of his life ... 

I note that a comparable case was described in the The Lancet in 2010 when a craftsman was impaled by a metal rod falling 46 feet (14 m) from a church ceiling - he survived for five years.

Dracula - 'portrait in Ambras Castle'

I wonder if the rod was dislodged by bats in the Belfry … 

... or perhaps by Dracula ... 

The Baci painting hangs in Ambras Castle, Innsbruck … and was likely held by Ferdinand II, Archduke of Austria, as he had been interested in arms and curiosities.

Life is sorting itself out here … November brings a few NHS aspects and then I hope December will leave me alone til 2026 dawns and a prognosis can be made as to what next …

The Spanish Hall in Ambras Castle
(couldn't resist putting it up - beautiful)

Life ticks along thankfully – can't say I'm desperately thrilled with it … but, though sluggish, I am positive and continue to make people laugh … which is good for one and all …

Enjoy your Halloween treats or horror films … no doubt there'll be a few Eastbournians out and about pranking around – I'll see them, but will be behind closed doors … not misery me, just glad I can get away!

All the best to everyone … I shall see you round about …

Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

Humbleness from a Daughter of our Time …

 

Sue of Elephant's Child recently sadly departed … if anyone would like to see and hear the simple Service, particularly the words for her, I give the link below.

Dinah and her husband from NZ had been over to Australia a few years ago and were able to meet up with Sue and Graham in Canberra – hence their close connection.

Dinah has recently moved but was able to keep some of us in touch with the news re Sue … I seemed to be on that short list: which makes me feel very honoured.

I hope to get back to regular blogging shortly … so this is an interim post for us all to remember Sue – her posts were always full of light and positivity …

A Canadian rainbow

... this week we've had a few rainbows … when I immediately think of Sue as I look and admire nature in the sky …

So below is the link to her Service – which will be up and available for six+ months - while I've also linked to two January posts … her last birthday posts, but it features some of her favourites …

Himself's lap with cats settled in …

'Roos … a roo fix happened …

Murals … in which most featured birds can be found in her city …

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

her birthday weekend post with real birds: Eastern Rosellas and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos … she was a Capricorn, as I am …

... and lots of yellow … the sun lets us live, while for Sue she loved the cold … when she featured her frozen bubbles, to which I've also linked ... with her thoughts ... 

A Crimson Rosella

... she offers us lots … including 'zombie brains' – courtesy of a bubble or two: appropriate as a thought at this time of year … and also as it's winter – her inner child felt happy and healthy … a few years ago.

Bless you Sue – it's been a pleasure knowing you, and I will remember your Elephant's Child blog … where you encouraged us with humility to stay young, to stay curious, not moan ... but help the next generation towards peace for all.

Narcissi - starting to bloom
in Canberra's Spring

Norwood Park, Canberra - for Sue's service of remembrance ...  

Her birthday weekend 2025 January post ... 

The next week's Sunday Selections post, before she took time off for her health ... 

One of her bubbles' posts in July 2018 ... 

Finally ... Sue's posts are entertaining to read, while she also has lots of books to recommend ... so it'll be worthwhile popping over occasionally, as we remember ... enjoy them!!

Thank you too particularly to Graham, Sue's partner, and to Dinah and her husband their friends in New Zealand ... for keeping us in touch ... 

Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

For Sue - a beacon of warmth to all of us ...

 

She walked this earth, a light in hand...

Encouraging us to think of others …

She slipped away quietly, sadly, swiftly …

Sue - with her curiosity ...

Nothing was same old, same old for Sue …

She lived life to the full, even unto the end …

I know I will remember her for many a-year …

Sue's Canberra balloon

A beloved human with many an interest …

... the addiction that blogging becomes …

... begetting many blogger friendships …

Glories for the glorious
shining one ... 

Books, Birds, Bloggers, Food, Nature, Stories …

Art, Words, Balloons, 'Roos, Health …

... overcoming adversity when it arose … until the shadows came ...

Home for nature's creepy crawlies ... 

... always with truth to the fore, or tongue in cheek when a laugh was due, whichever was the most appropriate for the time … 'Himself' always being thought of …

With reflections and memories for her family - I shall miss her interactions ... 

Sue's blog:  Elephant's Child:  her last post ... - one that she did not know ... 

Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories