Well, this is my second go round on writing my blog. The first one I looked at the negativity in the U.S.A. and the fire issues in Australia. I decided I do not want to get into what is happening to our neighbours to the south. Their own people can decide when they vote as to how to proceed.
Australia though is another issue entirely. I have seen so many people rally around the world with massive prayer groups for rain for the whole continent. I have seen people risking their lives to save so many species especially the koalas. Firefighters from around the world have gone to assist them. There has been an outpouring of help from people who are making items to help the animals with burns. I saw a few farmers offer their land to beekeepers. Many celebrities have sent millions each to help with the fires in Australia and to help support the animals.
My heart breaks seeing such high numbers of animals, birds etc whose population has been devastated. Hopefully this will not be a situation where species may not being able to recover. I too have sent prayers and Reiki to this enflamed continent. I have co-ordinated with others around the world so that the power of prayer is multiplied. I have seen the Irwin’s step it up and look after 90,000 species at risk from injuries. Steve Irwin would be so proud of his family not only continuing in his footsteps but going above and beyond.
In many ways it warms my heart to see so many people rally to help. There has never been to my knowledge such a level of devastation of the fire. We have had many major fires ourselves in Western Canada, but nothing that compares to the massive fires in Australia. In many ways, the fires in Australia puts things into perspective.
There ARE climate change issues. These must be addressed. I read one article where a farmer by letting nature be and allowing downed trees to rest and soil to rejuvenate began to have water on his property. He taught this to his neighbours. He no longer has drought on his land.
We used to know these things. Grasses were left to hold down soil on our prairies. Sand dunes natural vegetation was left in place so that sand did not blow around. When did we forget these principals? I remember as a child talking with developers and questioning why they would cut every tree down to build a house, only to put a tree back in afterwards. They often planted a non-native one which did not last as well.
Case in point our Norway Maple was diseased and had to be taken down this year, as did many other Norway Maples on our street. To me a property with lots of native trees on it would fetch more money for the developers. Yes, it would take more care in protecting them while building, but the beauty of the property would be priceless.
I also remember as a child where farmers had controlled burns. This would rejuvenate the soil and seeds that needed fire to open would occur. Did you ever notice wild blueberries needed the rich soil from a burn to grow and thrive? I saw this in Algonquin Park.
I hope that we all in our own way are helping Australia. In many ways it is a wake up call for all of us to do better with our world and our own little piece of it. You may think that one single voice may not make a difference but indeed it can.
I saw a developer leave the natural grasses, bittersweet etc. in place on the beach where they developed cottages in a circle. The first circle they had totally gutted the bushes and sand drifted everywhere. I am not sure if my young voice mattered so much as seeing what I had said would happen did indeed occur. I like to think I mattered.
Look at young Greta. You may not agree with her methods but indeed she was heard. A global consciousness was and is needed to make the changes that really matter. This is our only planet. We cannot continue to pollute it, through garbage (especially plastic) into our oceans and expect everything to stay the same. Did you know that the oxygen levels in the oceans are dropping? Mammals and fish will die if not enough oxygen is available. So, do your best to be your best you. Take care of yourself, your family and your land, whether you own it or not. Do we ever really own the land? To me we only have it on loan for a few years.
On a lighter note my husband and I had a great time at Christmas with our children and grandchildren up in Barrie. What a joy it was to see how excited they got opening their gifts from Santa and family. Their excitement was infectious. The Christmas dinner was superb! I have to remember to take mince meat tarts there next year for my daughter-in-law and I to consume! Apparently we are the only two who love these. I made my Mom’s famous almond crescents. They are so delicious. I didn’t see any plumb pudding this year. I will look for it for next year and make the custard sauce with apricot brandy that my Grandmother used to make.
I don’t know about you, but Christmas is so wonderful, but also sad when you think of all your friends and family and pets no longer with us. I have Christmas ornaments of my past five dogs. I also played a revolving photo album where I got to see many of my friends and family. It was wonderful to see them again, but boy were they missed.
Enjoy every moment in your life. Celebrate those special moments. Remember special people and pets with love and gratitude for all they have given to you. Embrace your current family and the treasures that are your children and in our case include our Grandchildren. Remember that true friends can be your family as well. Sometimes they mean more than actual family. If you have both, you are indeed a very rich person.
In this new year of 2020, be at peace with yourself. If you make mistakes, own up to them and learn from your experience. No one is perfect. Just be your best you and that will be enough.
May this year be all that you hoped for and more. Blessings.
