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June 25, 2021June 25, 2021

What is LAUDATO SI?

Imagine this…

Saint Francis of Assisi channelled through the penmanship of Pope Francis invites EVERYONE into a conversation about how we are shaping the future of our planet because it affects us ALL.

LAUDATO SI is not just for Catholics around the world but far more importantly it is a call out to ALL religious leaders in the entire world calling for their support in creating global wellness of our civilization and of our planet.

What is LAUDATO SI?

LAUDATO SI is a historic INVITATION to EVERY single individual on the planet because it is at the human level that regenerative responsibilities will flourish.

WITHOUT A DOUBT, I SEE.

June 23, 2021June 25, 2021

A kaleidoscope of colours

The definition of a kaleidoscope is a toy consisting of a tube with mirrors and glass that you can turn and create different patterns and colours, or an ever-changing sequence of colours or events

With a clear plastic bottle along with clever fine motor skills and leaves and flowers gathered from a nature walk.

LOOK – An ever-changing sequence of flower and leaf patterns.

Did you know….

. … When the colour of the sky is changing constantly, this is an example of a kaleidoscope of colours.

June 16, 2021June 25, 2021

An intergenerational project: The birth of a Licuala palm nursery

The Licuala Family Nursery tells the story of an intergenerational adventure,
reflecting the experiences, ethical and social ideas of future generations of children
in my family.

It will be an unfinished story, offering opportunity for wider reflection and
comparison of intergenerational ideas. The story unfolds through the representation of projects carried out with the Licuala palms from my nursery.

My love affair with the Licuala palms spans over forty years as I fondly remember the
beautiful palms from camping in the remote Daintree rainforests with my family in
the 1970s when I was a child. These impressive palms stole my heart with their
immense circular split leaves like giant parasols in an ancient wonderland of natural
wilderness.

My first poster professionally framed for our little house as newly weds was the
Licuala palm. The decision to grow Licuala palms for my children and grandchildren
and great grandchildren grew out of the desire to share this love affair of my
favourite palm with the children as gifts for baby gifts, christenings, birthdays,
graduations, engagements and weddings. The ritual of planting a magnificent
Licualas as part of the celebration ceremonies at these major life milestones fills my
heart with joy.

Of course the licuala palm will become a part of other life events like defining the
passing of a pet or a loved one. It is my hope that the generations of children not yet born into my family tree will share my magnificent love for this extraordinary palm and make the pilgrimage to the Daintree rainforest, where heritage listed rainforests meet the sea. May these rainforests and my children always know they are very loved and may this love fiercely protect them forever.

This intergenerational project is to share the gift of giving the magnificent Licuala
palms to the future generations of children within our family tree.

Bringing ten baby palms, 6 licuala ramsayi palms and 4 licuala grandis palms home in the car. The leaves of the licuala grandis do not split. They are super impressive as giant fans of circular leaves, however 6 licuala ramsayi has stolen my heart forever.

Licualas growing happily in the front garden of my house. The licuallas love to grow under the canopy of the rainforest. This magnificent palm display is what I am hoping future generations of my family will have to enjoy, to wonder with awe at this local ancient species of flora.

June 16, 2021June 25, 2021

How to introduce Children to Indigenous Art

Have you considered sharing the beautiful indigenous art from other cultures with your children?

If so, let me offer a piece of advice.

Consider looking on Facebook market place and Gumtree. It was through Facebook Market Place that I met a collector who was selling some of the indigenous art from his parents’ collection. His parents had lived and worked on the islands of Papua New Guinea and the Torres Straits. The collection was amazing!

And that is how this old mythical wood carving of the Subut bird from the Latmul Tribe, Yamok Village in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea came to live in my kitchen.

Did you know only the men of the Latmul tribe are allowed to carve the Subut bird from their Creation Story? Subut is the good Spirit in their Creation Story and the Latmul people regard the Subut bird as the protector of women.

This Subut bird wood sculpture is about 50cm tall. It rests on an old nest of tables where it is easily accessible by children who love to run their fingers down the grooves of its impressive beak!