On Saturday March 15, together with esteemed founder and convener, Beverley George, White Pebbles members, Marilyn Humbert, Kent Robinson, Colleen Keating, Michael Thorley and Gwen Bitti gathered at the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens in East Gosford for their autumn meeting. Apologies were received from Pip Griffin, Maire Glacken and Samantha Sirimanne Hyde. Following coffee and a chat at the café, we agreed  to continue with Kent Robinson’s suggested theme from summer — Waterfall. Members then headed out on their ginko.

The strolling type gardens, filled with sunshine and neatly pruned greenery, offered harmony. Children played while ducks bathed and flapped wings or waddled around the gardens. The ever-present koi swam together, surfacing with gaping mouths. The last of the pink lotus blooming added an elegant touch to the pond. Cascading mini waterfalls and quacking ducks added a lively blend to the gardens. The wisteria walk extended a peaceful path and, although there were no blooms, the vines offered cool respite from the heat and a place to reflect. Meticulously raked patterns of white pebbles provided a serene visual element, inviting contemplation.

Following our ginko, we revealed our evocative and insightful waterfall haiku, in a private room. Each poem, while focused on the same feature, brought a unique perspective, capturing the varied sounds and elements of the falls and surrounding area. Members workshopped and gave measured and useful feedback on poems. In addition, individuals shared a few of their newly published haiku, as well as poems on something that recently surprised and delighted. Marilyn encouraged us to enter more competitions. She also read a quote on haiku by Japanese author and haiku poet, Santoka Taneda, 1880 -1940 and enlightened us that he was the originator and part of the free-form haiku movement.

Our joyful meeting concluded with our favourite photographer, Debbie Robinson,  capturing our smiles.

Members who had time stayed on to enjoy lunch together at the café. We departed with fond farewells until our winter meeting.

L to R: Colleen Keating, Kent Robinson, Michael Thorley, Marilyn Humbert, Beverley George and Gwen Bitti