I was highly impressed with the scope of imagination of the young people who strategised Mandy Nolan’s Greens campaign.
Not a space, thought, person, or township was overlooked as they campaigned for Mandy and Mother Earth’s sentient rights. With other good folk they door-knocked, spoke to hundreds of people, delivered placards to houses, encouraged many folk to the campaign, changed people’s minds… all of this was created by a remarkable grass roots campaign. No billionaires funding same. Just passion and a highly developed sense of social/sentient justice… and a powerful resonance.
The maxim, ‘all is connected’ resonates in our family environment. Indeed, Romeo, the family python has just returned to his favourite spot; an old armchair on the sunny side of the verandah. He has a romantic history. When a wee little chap we called Ralph, he loved/loves the armchair and nothing can change his mind or hiss when a human bum, seeking warmth and respite wants to remove him.
Perplexed we rang Mr Snakeman. He was wildly excited when he saw Ralph and could not stop uttering the joyous statement, ‘You are so lucky to have him. He is a top predator. He scares away deadly snakes.’ In a flash I fell in love with Ralph, and aptly named him Romeo. I abode in the garden of Eden. Hundreds of birds sing in the sun. As I lay my old decaying bones on another sunny chair I feel the sun deeply penetrate my worn-out bones. I pray for children and all sentient beings in wars, I pray for greater respect and love for Mother Earth. Romeo and I snooze in gratitude.
I awaken, more ‘unwise’ than ever. Another rite of passage to learn as an elder. The greatest wisdom comforts me. We are so connected to Mother Earth… all fickle knowledge fades. Will humans awaken to the greater gifts and spirit of Mother Earth? Will they stop for moments and absorb Earth’s healing blessings? Will politicians stop using fossil fuels that kill all sentient life? I hear Romeo utter a very powerful hiss. He has picked up my final thought! Amen.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
