What motivates one: Realising that one is getting older and that time is getting less. Opening the curtains on a day when the sky stretches limitless and blue, unmarked by cloud. Being envious: envying people of great accomplishment can urge one to attempts of accomplishment oneself. Challenges: the best motivator of all. Good reviews. Having a good night’s sleep.
Things that make one’s heart beat faster: Winter trees silhouetted on ‘Camden’ hill against a clear azure sky. Her Excellency the Governor General’s beautiful daffodil yellow suit with a purple flower pinned to the shoulder. 
The shorn sheep lying in winter sunshine, faces turned to a sunbeam. Me standing at the door of the shearing shed, face turned to a sunbeam. Today’s frost in first light – a comparison with diamonds and white gold filigree is not idle. A kookaburra’s call at ‘cut-out’, almost like a finishing bell. The pressed wool in bales, lined up like soldiers. The AAA stencil in black.
