The Koala Foundation announced a few days ago that that Koalas are now functionally extinct
Massive land clearing combined with climate change, and the ignorance and lack of care by governments have created this tragic situation. It is estimated that by 2050 these iconic creatures will be extinct in NSW.and parts of Queensland, If we continue to ignore their plight by 2100 the species\ will entirely disappear .
We are experiencing those lazy,hazy,days,of,summer,as an old popular song says. It certainly feels that way with many days over thirty Celsius. Heatwave days that have drained the moisture from the land and all our energy. Even stitching has been put aside.
My efforts in the last few days have been focused on trying to keep plants ,baby birds and trees alive.
My bird guardians take good care protecting their young. Ever alert they always let me know if snakes are out near the house . Living here for many years now I can understand warning calls about which danger is being broadcast.
Another New Year has come all too quickly.My resolution is to make every minute count, every second precious and find beauty in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.
Namaste
Sand,sea and sky seem to merge as the day fades . Once more the waves roll in and out as the clouds roll over the sky; the elements connected and connecting, infinitely.
It seems to have become more difficult to post, because of fearing to be repetitious and boring. After a while even new projects seem to take on a similarity, although I can see, sometimes, an improvement or a new way of presenting a former theme.
Here are some newly created characters, miniature needle felted rabbits. They bring back to mind visiting one of Beatrix Potter’s homes “Hilltop” at Sawry in the Lakes District of England. Much to my delight we saw two rabbits ,pictured below,frolicking in a field.
In the main wild rabbits are considered to be a major pest. Here in Australia they were introduced and have multiplied too well endangering native species ( this introduction being a consequence of ignorance and folly of man, not the fault of the rabbit).
As a pet or subject in art or literature rabbits become endearing. In the whole scheme of nature they have a purpose and a reason, for everything is connected and relevant.Sadly the interconnection of all things has been forgotten and abused . The balance of nature is now much compromised and too many creatures,including humans, face extinction.
As happens with rabbits, these little characters are multiplying too! The only danger they represent is a pull at the heartstrings.
Brisbane is growing rapidly. Like many cities worldwide the buildings are reaching up higher and higher to the clouds.
Our visits to the city centre have been few and far between, mainly driving past to the the airport. Rarely do we venture to the inner city. Even more rarely do we see it as a tourist, and then we head to Southbank Parklands which was the traditional home of the Turrbal and Yuggerah people. Now this area is the cultural centre of the city. It is here that the art galleries,museum, theatre, conservatorium,markets and eating spots are to be found, as well as the man-made “Streets beach”. It is also the location for various festivals throughout the year.
On this visit we discovered Epicurious, an organic garden established within the Parklands to enable people to experience and learn about gardening. Midweek free samples are available with volunteers on hand to assist with advice.
What a wonderful concept to bring awareness and connection to nature, and to encourage healthier lifestyle options.
Close by to Epicurious is a rainforest area, where a huge fig tree provides a tunnel though it for children to explore, and a rock pool is a haven for wildlife.If you look closely there is a bearded dragon on the rock to the right of the ibis.Perhaps best of all this area of the Parklands offers an opportunity to find peace in the very heart of the city.
Always amazed, thankful and delighted to have wildlife visit. It is such a privilege that they feel safe and relaxed in our garden.
Sadly the numbers of wallabies who come now are much depleted as, over the years, many have become statistics of road kill.
Currently we have only one regular, a young female and her first joey. Her joey is still tiny but so curious and itching to leave the pouch and explore the world. When the joey first leaves the pouch, after inital hesitation and staying very close to mum, they try their legs almost becoming airborn as they tear around the lawn in ever widening circles so full of joy in discovering their newfound freedom. To us a poignant reminder of how precious and wonderful life is.
It is a while now since it has significantly rained on our place, a while, too, since being able to upload photos to the computer which means having to use what is available. Today I found this picture which is pertinent .
Just back from a trip to Melbourne, where it is green and blooming, has made the dry,dusty, brown around the house all the more evident. There are a few clouds about, and a smell of rain so here’s hoping that nature will soon rejoice and be replenished .The weather forecast predicts nothing more that a maybe light shower but there is always that chance that rain will be torrential. In such a dry country as Australia any rain is a gift to be cherished .
” How do I love thee, let me count the ways” said Elizabeth Barret Browning.
A quote so apt as I wonder “what is it about Melbourne that so delights and inspires?”
Love those trams- old and new. They make it so easy to move around the city.
Love the street fixtures.
And the street art.
Love the trees that line the streets and the mix of old and new architecture.
Love exploring the alleys that are interspersed through the city. These are fascinating little worlds of bustle and colour, delicious aromas, and street music.
Love that in Melbourne pigs can fly and that sculptures with a sense of humour are placed around the city.
So many iconic notions make up the character of Melbourne. It is a city that has a mix of culture and eccentricity, colour and mood.
Melbourne, “how do I love thee” – with all my heart.
Some years ago I lived in Canberra, however on a recent visit earlier this year I came back as a tourist
The city has changed- a lot. It has spread up and out, and just like “Topsy” it has grown. At this time the changes that impressed most were around New Acton.
Exciting changes that address environmental awareness working to bring nature, art and the city together as a beautiful union. Changes that look to creating healthy lifestyle options and beauty to enrich life.
There were vegetable boxes planted in courtyards around which were cafes,restaurants, hotels and bars.
In a large oak tree there were nesting boxes .
Sculpture is placed thoughout the precint, to inspire, to ponder and to provoke thought.
New buildings were innovative .
Overseeing the city the tower on Black Mountain, that created considerable controversy when it was erected. Since it has become an icon.
The visit was too short but huge in impact being a very a special time, as family gatheredfor my daughter’s wedding.
January has proved to be a month of comings and goings. During this time there were touchdowns in three Australian states, Victoria, the A.C.T and Queensland, as well as in three different capital cities, Melbourne,
Canberra, leaving as a warm,bright day became stormy ,
and Brisbane. Brisbane as a last stop seemed to shine a special welcome back, the setting sun giving the city quite an ethereal glow.
All three cities have provided inspiring experiences and ideas, but it seems that the garden beauty of Melbourne, and in particular St.Erth at Blackwood, has lingered.
From this wonky computer taken, “pushed for time”, picture you can see that everything is still unfinished. These are all are works in progress that will hopefully see completion this weekend.
Now I really do need to settle and connect again to that slower, daily rhythm that encourages creativity and utilizes the wonder and passion that the memories have filed. That rhythm requires stillness, solitude and a hermit like phase, which seems to be elusive as I dart here and there, reconnecting with friends, local places and activities. This year it seems has chosen constant motion and travel as a theme.
Fruits of Heart 