Well this week has been a weird rollercoaster ride. But I still managed to squeeze in some nature journaling, up at the lovely Binna Burra. A mystery plant, a bird list, and a view into the forest.
All completed while being filmed for TV! Yes, you read that correctly. On Thursday, the lovely Ray and I were visited by a very hardworking film crew from the ABC TV’s Gardening Australia program. Ray talked plant fossils and I raved about nature journaling and wildlife illustration. I have no idea how the segment will turn out (but we seemed to be in safe hands), or when it will air, but I will let you know when I do, dear blog reader. 🙂
The next day, this placard and I went to Brisbane for the School Strike for Climate. I wanted to support the kids, but I think they supported me more. These kids break my heart, but they also give me immense hope.
Before the strike I recharged at The Library Cafe. A young woman wanted to know the story behind my sign. On my way across town, people smiled and gave me the thumbs up. Throughout the whole day I only got three negative responses, all from older men (one told me I was old enough to have more sense. Ha – the irony!). I’d like to think that public attitudes to climate change are shifting, for the better.
Then the buoyant mood was darkened by the terrible news from New Zealand. The next day was one of rain and reflection. Pictures of the bright and defiant kid’s faces mingled discordantly with those of grief and consolation. But the rain pattered down, and the mist cured the mountains. Yellow robins flew stealthily about the garden, glowing softly through the grey.
Today was the Beechmont Market.
It seemed that people wanted to escape the gloom, with plenty of laughter, conversation, patting of dogs, eating, browsing and a fair bit of purchasing too.
Lastly, I’d like to share with you a sneak preview of another Pollinator Link illustration that I also completed last week.
Bright and beautiful things are all around us, if you know where to look. And together we can defeat the darkness.
Until next time, happy nature-loving!
That was a busy week of highs & lows… I await the Gardening Australia segment with baited breath!
Regards, Mel
Oh yes I have just recovered! I await the GA segment with trepidation… !
Yes, what a week. You are making a difference Paula!
Oh thanks Renee! This feedback means a lot to me 🙂
You gadabout you…pity you couldn’t belt that old fool with your sign…but that would be counter productive. I am so proud of what you are doing, Paula. I too went with friend Peter to support the Bowral school strikers. More grey heads there than young people, and they didn’t march. SYDNEY was the place to be, and all around the world. I mean what good is an education if nobody will be able to breathe? Good on em, I say! Can’t wait to see your bit on Gardening Australia…woopee!
Love Sue
HA! Sue, your comment made me laugh. I didn’t have time to even reply, the bloke scuttled off too quickly, kind of like a cockroach, but then again, that’s a bit unfair to cockroaches! Great to hear you were protesting in Bowral – well done. Funny that a conservative MP implied that all protesters are unemployed. I’ve been protesting all my life and have never been unemployed 🙂 And I often see friends and colleagues in the crowd who are hardworking people who have been working all their lives. But then plenty of these people in powerful positions would just prefer a meek and disengaged population that kept their heads down and did what they were told. Especially kids! That’s why these protests are causing such a backlash. Yes the TV filming was a bit of a thrill. Will let you know when it’s scheduled.
Yeah, kids and pensioners…I dont think I was ever the sort of kid who didnt speak up, tho I was pretty quiet at school. Now Im making up for it! Even offered Paula my time to go and stand in the gates of Adani’s space and protest, but she says there are plenty of people there already. I’m wondering if Gardening Australia would be interested in my paper made from plants? I may contact them myself soon. Could never inspire like you do though…well done you!
Sue
Thanks Sue – I’m very glad you are speaking up! And the paper form plants – Why not? Take care, and keep on caring 🙂