Handmade with love

This week I have been surrounded by wonderful crafts and gorgeous people. I have only recently learnt how to crochet, starting with just basic granny squares, but I adore beanies so early this week I started to play. Playing with wool, playing with colours. Life was good.

I started making a baby’s beanie in an array of bright colours. I love colour. I taught myself how to do a scalloped edge and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. I then set out making a watermelon hat. I was amazed by how quickly crocheting can create wonderful little items. I think I may be hooked, pun intended. With uni and life getting in the way, it was nice to get back to crafting and to create something.

For me this week has been a truly crafty week, even while working. Everywhere I turn I am surrounded by beautiful things being handmade with love. This just makes me so happy.

At Encompass, a youth service for people with a disability, I am based in the textiles room. It is bliss. We have made quilts, bags, dresses and recently learnt cross stitch but our current project is just so fun. We are making stuffed toys which they are going to donate to the children at Geelong Hospital. With many of the clients having spent a lot of time at hospital themselves, making these toys is such a special project. From spotty dinosaurs, kooky aliens and green horses there are some truly gorgeous, colourful toys being made. I love my job.

Then on Friday I was asked to look after a friend’s delightful little shop. Frank & Dolly's is a sweet little shop where each piece has been lovingly handmade and holds a soulful story. 

I was very happy to sit in amongst the handcrafted, fair-trade pretties while working away on my own craft. What a wonderful day.

Now my fingers are itching to finish off a present for my little nephew. I can safely say my crafty bug is back and I am loving it. 

You don't have to be a hippy

It's true. You don't need to be a hippy to care for our Earth. 
You don't need to be a hippy to be passionate about climate change.
You certainly don't need to be a hippy to create change in this world of ours.

Yet many people have this preconception that if you want to look after the Earth, you must be a hippy. Chris Van Ingen has shown Geelong otherwise. 

Last night, I attended an amazing display of talent and creativity at the Reel Change Film Festival. The night was designed to showcase films created by the youth of Geelong that shared a message of 'Climate change, be the change'. 

I am truly in awe of the amazing talent, passion and dedication that the youth of Geelong have for climate change. From the young people who organised the film festival to the film makers, I am privileged to be a part of such an inspiring movement to create change. 

Chris Van Ingen, my cousin, was one of these film makers. He wrote, directed and produced a brilliant short film entitled 'Just Good Business'. Chris wanted to highlight the fact that you don't need to be a "hippy" to care about our environment. He simply wants to look after the world for his nephew and by growing your own vegetables, having chickens, solar power and catching public transport...it's just good business because in the long run, living with the earth is a more economical way of living. 

Chris wanted people to understand that anyone can be the change and I totally agree with him.

We can be the real change in our world.

Chris received an award for 'Best Actor' at the Reel Change Film Festival

Good evening and welcome to television

Television: Past, Present and Future

A Trivia Night to Remember

The people of Medimime have been working endlessly for months in preparation for this year's trivia night fundraiser. Costumes being made, sponsorship letters written and questions collated.

With two lovely hosts and a series of questions covering trivia from musicals, medieval time and general knowledge the night was well on its way.

Families, friends and work mates all came together to support this great cause, with all money raised going towards the Palliative Care McKellar Centre. 

Music provided by The Gems got people up and dancing and provided an extra touch to the music questions especially with people swaying at their tables. 

All around the room, you could see people laughing and simply having a great time.

Everyone working together to answer questions or for things to run smoothly behind the scenes. 

I was happy to have two delightful little helpers during the night. 

Although, the final numbers haven't been calculated we can definitely say that our trivia night was a success. 

Thank you to all who showed their support for this year's Medimime trivia night, for providing amazing prizes, for dressing up, for gathering friends and family, and for all who worked behind the scenes. 

All of you have made this a trivia night to remember.

Welcome with open arms

It was last year when I had the privilege of meeting the remarkable Jarrod McKenna. Amongst other Oaktree volunteers, I heard him speak of love and activism. A late night conversation made me confident that there are others out there who practice the same faith as me. I still remember hearing him explain that “love is my religion”.

Now, this amazing guy is truly practicing love. Jarrod McKenna and his lovely family have found their first home. The difference is their first home, they wish to be others’ first home too. They are welcoming with open arms refugees, the new Australians, of their Perth community.

With enough bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens for three families, Jarrod McKenna and his family have found the perfect home. There is one issue though. Although their offer has been accepted on the house, the banks are refusing to view it as a residential property and therefore have rejected their home loan application.

Jarrod proposes that “The banks don’t get it. Maybe you do?”

So friends, family and strangers within the community are rallying together so that their dream for a welcoming home can come true.

Jarrod and his wife, Teresa, need to raise $600,000 by Sunday 12 August so that their First Home Project can become more than a dream.

If you would like to support this dream, donations or loans are both gratefully received by Jarrod and Teresa.

By welcoming refugees not just into the community but into your family as well, I am thankful Jarrod.

Continue to practice love in everything you do.

Leaves of my family tree

“…without you I would never be me, you are the leaves of my family tree…”

‘Sing Together’, Train

There are times when words never seem enough. Things happen that can totally flip your world upside down. Thankfully, love for one another can be expressed in so many more ways.

With a hug. A smile. A look.

This past week has been an emotional week around the Peace Tree. When a loved one passes away it can be easy to simply fall apart. With my family, we have pulled together. A cocoon of support. It will be tough for a while but it draws us together.

Whenever someone passes away, I find it brings so many memories of my loved ones who are no longer here. All the raw emotions from past funerals and goodbyes come swirling back and countless tears are shed and many hugs needed.

However, death is a part of life. I do know this. It does not make it easier though.

There has been so many times where I want to show my grandad something I’ve done or share with him how I am doing at university. To make up fairy tales and talk life philosophy with my dear Roly. To simply hug my great-grandad and hear his stories. To have met the wonderful women that were my Oma and Grandma.

I take comfort in knowing that they are all at peace now, an ultimate peace. I hear stories of what they were like when they were younger and I share my memories of them. People’s stories can continue to live on and without having these beautiful people in my life I wouldn’t be the person I am today. They are, and always will be, the leaves of my family tree.

Climate change, be the change

You don’t need to be a climate scientist to make a difference.

As Anna Rose says “...we don’t need anything other than what we already have to do this. Our minds. Our bodies. Our words. And most importantly our hearts.”

That is definitely what this amazing group of people do every day. The values of sustainability, peace and advocacy for the earth are incorporated throughout their lives.

When I am feeling down about the state of our world, I think of these guys. I know that with people like Zac, Sam, Madison, Edward and all of the AYCC Geelong gang our world is in safe hands.

Each one of them makes a difference in this world. Not one of them is a climate scientist, in fact most are still in high school, and yet their knowledge, enthusiasm and organisational skills just amaze me.

Last night, I went to dinner with these lovely people and had fantastic in depth conversations of climate action, organising federal budgets and many hypothetical questions around foreign aid.

Amidst these conversations, I learnt of their latest endeavour ‘Reel Change’, a film festival allowing young people to have a voice on climate change. The funds raised from the film festival will go directly to assisting local businesses in Geelong transition to a low carbon future.

With creativity and enthusiasm, these young people will continue to create real change in this world of ours.

For more information, you can register here or visit the ‘Reel Change’ Facebook page. The Reel Change Film Festival will be run Friday 31 August. Head here to book your ticket to see this youth led film festival. 

Fairytales, puppets and friends...

Entering into a magical world and instantly transforming into our childhood selves, we explored the land of Camelot and shires.

Venturing past the babbling brook, the quirky creatures of the Furry Menaces joined our entourage.

Imagination ran wild as we pictured pixies living under mushrooms and saw the smiles on children’s faces as they explored the castles.

On our journey to the summit, Zan looked on in wonder at the sleeping possum who had taken refuge in one of the cottages.

Together we climbed and like true princes and princesses, we surveyed our kingdom...what a beautiful world we live in.

The land was at peace until we heard the growling from further in the castle grounds.

Cautiously, we crept past the colourful mushrooms...

...and Lewey couldn’t resist making a wish as we made our way closer.

With the growl now becoming a roar, we could see a dragon had entered our kingdom. 

Armed with a sonic screwdriver and determination, Jamie fought on.

The battle was fierce. The sonic screwdriver almost eaten.

But as in all fairytales, the hero prevailed and we happily skipped away without a scratch.

There was peace once more in the kingdom.

Music and peace in my heart

The last week has been such a beautiful, soulful time spent with family.

Together we have created wonderful music in front of the wood fire in our mountain hideaway and made our debut on the music scene.

We have shared laughter over silly faces, quirky dance moves and perhaps a bit of friendly cheating on the local mini golf course.

Time was spent with my mum crocheting away by the fire while Chris busies himself with poetry or music.

The wonderful people of Halls Gap Zoo allowed us to meet the gorgeous meerkats, stunning snakes and delightful deer. It was such an amazing experience with smiles all around.

With the television off, we were able to truly get in touch with the world around us and take time to just soak in nature.

As we prepare to leave the cosy town of Halls Gap, I can truly feel the music and peace in my heart.

Till next year Halls Gap!

Nestled away

As I write, I am snuggled up and nestled away in Halls Gap. With the beautiful mountains either side, it feels as though Mother Nature has wrapped her arms around us. A hug from Mother Nature herself.

Each morning I have woken up to the stunning colours of the stone cliff face and sounds of native birds calling to each other.

Kangaroos bound across winding pathways and occasionally make an appearance on our veranda.

Walking through the bush taking in all the small things; there truly is beauty all around us.

Time spent tucked away here has been good for the soul.

Time to reflect, to breathe, to relax.

We are all individuals

"Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!"

~ Dr. Seuss

One of the biggest quests in life is the search for self; to find the answer to ‘who am I?’

Society all around us tells us to be this and that. In high school, the pressures of trying to fit in and be the same as everyone else can be even worse.

During high school I found it quite difficult to fit in properly, I guess everyone feels like this as we try and find out who we are.

I had friends but sometimes it can be difficult to truly fit in when they don’t understand your sense of humour, or hobbies or your general nerdiness.

Nowadays, I have found many places where I feel I truly belong.

How? By embracing who I am and not letting society dictate who I am.

I am my family and friends, my passion for justice and a little bit of quirky nerdiness mixed in.

I am that girl who will fight for others when I see injustice.

The girl who will reference Doctor Who whenever there’s a chance.

The girl who will silly dance with children or by herself.

By embracing who I am, I have found friends who are just as quirky as me. Friends who get super excited over quoting Harry Potter in their exam or by free comic book days, friends who are obsessed with puppets or share my passion for peace and friends who love to join in with my silly randomness.

So my advice to you all is to disregard society’s so-called norms and embrace what you are passionate about. At the end of the day, we are all individuals.

Be proud of who you are!

Twenty years too long

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of mandatory detention for all asylum seekers who arrive here by boat.

This is not an anniversary to be celebrating.

Instead over one hundred community groups and many more individuals gathered at the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne to have their voices heard.

This year’s World Refugee Rally calls for an end to mandatory detention.

It has been twenty years too long.

Asylum seekers are just that; seeking asylum.

Yet when they arrive here on our shores, we ship them off to detention centres where the conditions are shocking. Talk about separation of families, suicidal ideation and occupational 

boredom.

God only knows what they have managed to escape from.

I have been involved with the local refugee community for a few years now. I know that these 

people would return home if they had the chance but with war, violence and risk of persecution...Australia is their refuge.

So instead of sending refugees and asylum seekers into detention centres when they arrive seeking help, why can’t we open our arms and welcome them into our communities?

Before mandatory detention was introduced, asylum seekers were processed within the community. Why can we not continue this more humane processing?

I will continue fighting. I will continue to make my voice heard.

Especially for those behind detention centre gates who cannot be heard.

Detention centres have got to go!

Halfway happiness

As I handed in my final assignment for the trimester, I could not believe that half the year has passed.

Around me, people in my course are celebrating the fact that we only have one trimester left of our course.

Only six more months and my uni course comes to an end.

Six months and my thesis will be complete.

Six months and we go our separate ways into the world of occupational therapy.

Nerves. Excitement. Celebrations.

So let’s raise a glass and celebrate our achievements so far. We’re almost there!

For now, I am in halfway happiness.

Living life to the fullest with my uni friends, embracing what uni has to offer and dreaming about next year.

With only a few stepping stones left ahead of me, life is good.

Surrounded by papers...

There have been many ideas for leaves on the Peace Tree over the past month.

However, when surrounded by papers and textbooks it can be difficult to find the time to write these musings down to share with you.

This week I will be completing my honours literature review and then I can return to sharing many leaves of peace with you all.

Till then I shall return to my papers of play and sensory processing.

May peace fill your lives. 

Being someone else...

This leaf on the Peace Tree has been written by my lovely mum, Jodi Lee. My mum’s words are a reflection on recent events in our local community and thoughts of being someone else.

~~~

I have spent the past few weeks imagining I was someone else. To be precise, I have been imagining myself as the winning ticket holder of the recent Lotto jackpot. Although I admit occasionally I will give in to a whim and buy a ticket to dream big for a week or so, I had not done so on this occasion.

Imagine my excitement to then discover that the winning ticket had been purchased from my local newsagency. While I knew that I had not won it didn’t stop me from daydreaming the whole ‘what if’ scenario.

So I have been spending my free moments imagining I was the lucky winner and mentally spending my millions.

Then driving home from Melbourne a couple of days ago we were caught in a traffic gridlock that seemed to go on forever. As we were waved through a detour by a policeman we could see that the cause of the hold up was a serious accident at the next intersection.

As we passed we could see there had obviously been at least one fatality and it was a sobering thought to realise that someone would not make it home safely tonight. Somewhere, someone’s family would answer a knock on their door and their lives would never be the same again.

As I drove on it occurred to me that this was an intersection I used on a regular basis and it could just as easily have happened to me. I thanked God that it had not and  we had in fact made it home safely.

So I have found myself simultaneously wishing I was someone else while also being extremely thankful not to be someone else. I think I will be happy for now simply to be myself and be grateful for what I have.

~~~

Thank you Mum for always reminding me to be grateful for what I have in life. You have always taught me to “be happy with who you are”. I believe that peace within yourself cannot be achieved solely by yourself but is guided by the wisdom and support of others. I am grateful my mum is one of these people. 

A taste for Live Below the Line

One of the first questions I am asked about Live Below the Line is “but what will you eat!?”

My answer is usually “not much, not much at all”.

There is enough food to survive on but it is really not enough.

Anyone around me during Live Below the Line week would see how utterly exhausted I was and hungry as I went to bed each night.

I still had to get up each morning and face uni but I was barely there mentally. My focus had decided to leave for a holiday last week and fatigue and hunger settled in.

I cannot stress enough how tough I found the challenge this year.

So to give you an insight into what food did make it into my rumbly tummy, here is my menu for the Live Below the Line week.

Day One: $1.82

For 24 cents, my day started with bland, gluggy and almost burnt porridge.

To get me through my long day of uni study, I snacked on a small ration of peanuts at 25c.

Yummy banana oat bread was my saviour for the week, filling and cheap at only 14c a slice. I bartered for local free range eggs and bought the cheapest overripe bananas I could find.

Day One ended with a small bowl of pasta and lentils at 91c. I wish I could have added some cheese but there was no room in my small budget.

Day Two: $1.23

Second day and I realise that I forgot to soak my oats the night before for breakfast...therefore no breakfast for me before heading off to uni.

Again, I snacked on a small ration of peanuts through my long day at uni. Was incredibly difficult to focus in lectures as I just had no energy at all.

Lunch was two slices of banana oat bread at 28c and dinner was a small portion of chicken flavoured rice. Desperately felt like comfort eating today but you can’t really budget in chocolate or ice cream when you only have two dollars to spend each day. My stomach was growling as I went to bed that night.

Day Three: 74c

There was one slice of banana oat bread left for breakfast unfortunately a tad stale. Heated up with a tiny bit of butter and made for a yummy meal. Not enough though.

Was unable to cook anything for my lunch so was incredibly hungry for most of the day.

Dinner was a “large” serving of chicken flavoured rice at 60c. The rice was a bit bland and I would have loved some vegies but I was not complaining. Every last grain in that bowl disappeared!

Day Four: $1.90

Again, was so tired the night before and forgot to soak my oats. No porridge for breakfast so I had a bowl of rice, not as filling as oats but it was a meal.

For lunch I had small bowl of pasta and was very hungry for more but at 40c for my serve I couldn’t afford anymore.

Dinner was again chicken flavoured rice but to “spice it up” I cooked up an egg to go with it. Extra protein and was quite yummy although definitely getting over eating rice!

I worked late that night on an assignment and so I made some homemade chips to try and get me through my work. There was not a lot but it was just enough.

Day Five: $1.95

Yet another meal of rice but cooked up with an egg for some extra protein. I needed as much energy as I could get at this stage. You know it is taking a toll on you, when you wake up and your stomach is already growling.

While working away on an assignment, I snacked on a small ration of peanuts and had a lunch of plain pasta at 65c.

My final meal for Live Below the Line was, surprise surprise, a bowl of rice.

It may not have been a very filling week or even a week of variety but it is a challenge that 1.4 billion people face every day.

If you would like to support the Live Below the Challenge, please head to https://www.livebelowtheline.com/me/tarawatts to donate.