Tonight's photo: Possibly the last photo shot with my Canon.You are probably wondering why anyone would want to take a photo of a hole in a hedge. I certainly know I had a few funny looks from passing pedestrians!
One small group of overseas tourists were also a bit puzzled and stopped and watched me while giving each other, "what is it?" type looks. Thankfully they didn't take any photos - I would hate for them to go home and tell their mates, "and this is me standing in front of a culturally significant hole in a hedge".
Actually, it wasn't really "me" who took the photo. My Inner Child saw it and thought "wow".
When I was a child a hole in a hedge was more than just a hole. They were gateways to secret worlds, escape routes from German prison camps and doorways to the world outside.
I grew up in a council house, (public housing - the photo is my old street) and it is funny to think of that old house and realise that a house like that where I live now, would cost around a million and a half dollars.It had three large bedrooms, living room and a kitchen bigger than many Sydney apartment lounge rooms. It also had a large front garden and a huge back garden.
The back garden was completely surrounded by hedges and I would crawl through holes to retrieve footballs from neighbour's gardens, or escape into the laneway at the rear of the house.
Once I was in that lane - there was no stopping me - the world was mine. As long as I was back before tea of course.
If any of the neighbours saw me they would stop and ask, "Ay lad - does your mum know where you are?" At that age I had an angelic face that I realised could be used to my advantage. "Yes Mrs Watkins" I would reply, hoping like hell Mrs Watkins didn't bump into my mum as well!
I was never really in any danger. People in the area knew me. If anything happened someone would have recalled seeing me. We may have all lived on a council estate but we looked out for each other.
And no hole in a hedge will ever lead back to that world.
Wherever you may be - be safe!
