Even slackers that don't do much, except type a bit of bullshit from time to time, need a holiday. I'm not referring to myself here, it's just a general observation. Actually, I do have a couple of updates, written before and after Christmas, ready and waiting. But I can't post them. It seems kind of stupid and insignificant, when so many of my family and friends have been affected, and/or know someone who has been affected, by the shocking fires that have ravaged my poor, dearest homeland of Tasmania.
I realise of course, that there is always tragedy happening somewhere around the globe, just as much as there is happiness and joy. Hopefully there is considerably more happiness and joy than there is tragedy. We just think there are more devastating world events than uplifting ones, because that's what the news portrays. I think it is Rob Brezsny (astrologer/author/mystic poet/musician), who says that there should be news stations that are devoted entirely to reporting only good news. It's an idea I have always thought could really go down well. For example, it could report on how many people were born in the world today, particularly any interesting births - like in the supermarket or something. Journalists could travel to various world celebrations and festivals, and there could be lots of live footage of people laughing, and more of those stories where chipmunks go water-skiing. I wonder if this "Good News" program would be successful, or whether people would just change the channel to see how many were killed in the latest plane crash in Bolivia.
It's always different when the tragedy in question directly affects you because it affects the people you love, and the places you know. It's like during the recent (almost) war between Gaza and Israel. I didn't want anybody to be hurt. But it was Israel and the Israelis I cried for, because I know them. In this regard, it is the Tasmanian's and Tasmania (whose terrible fate during the hottest day of the heatwave that swept southern Australia), that I mourn for now. I left just 2 days before it all began, and I expect that when I come home on Wednesday, it will be to a blackened state. Especially considering that the fires are still burning.
I am deeply and truly sorry for everybody who has lived through their worst fears. All natural disasters are frightening of course, but there is something about an out-of-control bushfire that sends a shiver deep within. They are so unpredictable, so lethal, and often come without warning. Fire is completely and utterly terrifying. It is why it is depicted as the landscape, which those of us unfortunately destined for hell will come across, once they leave this world. Or so we are told. There is also something else that is different about fires, in regard to other natural disasters. That is, fires can be fought against. So many people owe their lives and property to the scores of brave firefighters that risk everything. Many do it as volunteers. What an incredible character trait - a level of courage that exceeds anything that a lot of us could muster up.
I read just now, that there are a lot of firefighters who are stranded themselves. There are also 100 people reported as missing. And also, that there are little forgotten towns, like Murdunna, that are isolated, and have no information on the situation, due to essential services being cut off. It is easy to forget what happens when you don't have running water, power, sewage drainage, news reports, telephones, fresh food and water (and there is no way to get it). I experienced these things once (during Japan's tsunami in 2011), and it is disorienting, as well as being frightening. You wonder how long it will go on for, and there is no way of finding this out. You are trapped and you are vulnerable. The days are long, and the nights are longer. All you do is pray that luck is on your side, and you simply believe that everything will be ok, because that's all you can do. I think it is a heartening and enduring human trait, that in the face of inconceivable disaster, people are optimistic about their chances, and positive about what they do have, not what they don't have.
There is a site on Facebook that is providing information to people, explaining how people can help, and the most needed donation items - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tassie-Fires-We-Can-Help/265695153558391?ref=stream.
And of course, what would humanity do without the Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.au/tasmanian-bushfires-appeal-2013.aspx
Tassie will get through this. There is an incredibly strong community spirit, and an open and genuine sense of caring that is unique to this incredible place. This support system - which exists in Tasmania as a whole, and then at a micro level amongst Tasmanian smaller communities - is something that cannot be destroyed, by anything. In the face of devastation, Tasmanians are strong and resilient. Just like our beautiful state itself. I have always been proud to be Tasmanian, and I am more proud than ever right now.
Bless everyone and stay safe.
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