One of the things that interests me that is less controversial is bees. I am fascinated by the global bee crisis. Some months ago I even watched some YouTube clips about it with my kids (lucky them!) I am interested in the fact that what we do in our landscape has an effect on life around us. And that the things we take for granted (our food supply) can be effected dramatically. Catalyst had a program on bees last night. I am yet to watch it (I may wait and do so with my kids ;))
Here is a lovely picture which explains something simple we can do to encourage bees in our gardens.
Speaking of things to do with climate, I was proud to see this woman from Marshall Islands speak at the UN
There is a special place in my heart for Pacific Islanders. Over the last 15 years, part of my work has been to support and encourage democracy development in the region. But it has also given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people who become friends and we share in life's journey - the birth of children and the passing of loved ones. When I heard this woman speak of her baby daughter, I thought of all of the Islanders I have met, and the Islands I have visited.
Just before commencing my maternity leave when expecting Maggie, I was responsible for organising a regional meeting. I was thrilled with the number of women who attended. one woman in particular, from Kiribati, spoke to me about expecting a baby. Asked about my other children. I asked her about her family. She four children. Then she said "I had five. My baby had a fever and we went to the doctor. Then we went to the hospital and she died." Again I was confronted by the reality that in so many places in this world children are dying of preventable illnesses.
After Nicholas was born, I went to an International Women's Day talk given by Kirsty Sword Gusmao. She spoke of the maternal health situation in Timor Leste, and it was then that I was able to get involved in the Alola Foundation maternity pack program.
Through my work in Papua New Guinea, I became more aware of children's literacy (or the lack of it)and the work of Buk Bilong Pikinini. Again, I was able to raise awareness in my work place and hold a book drive to support the creation of libraries in PNG.
I am not an expert on much. But I am grateful for the times that I have followed my heart and I believe I am richer for it.
