FOGO

Friend E suggested the title for this post and Friend N confirmed its existence. Red for danger/stop?

FEAR OF GOING OUT - how do we deal with going back to normality, whatever that might be, and feeling safe? It's just round the corner for most and for each of us normal may be vastly different.

Suffice to say normal is unlikely to be what we knew, but a different reality will ensue and before too long, because we all have such short memories, the new norm will take hold. But for those who are worried and rightly so (the vaccine is months away) all I can say is learn to manage this as you would do any other part of your life. With assured and careful steps on ground you are secure on. 

My way back? Not vastly differing from the present. Perhaps I was more of a hermit then I realised. 

Nature is your safest go to and that is where I will be going. A good reason to do so now here is because the Poinsettias are flowering.This is the national flower of Brisbane and it is not often that I see it in such splendour. Don't miss it. Its been Brisbane's flower since June of 1930. It was a strange choice as it is neither a native of Queensland or even Australia but comes from Mexico and Guatemala. They were looking for a plant that was easy to propagate and this one excelled here. From June to August they flower and they are unmissable. The flowers are actually bracts- highly coloured leaves around the small green flower in the centre. Emily H Bulcock wrote a poem about it called "Brisbane Poinsettia City" and it was published in 1930. Her words could not be more relevant to now so here it is for all of you. 

She shall be called Poinsettia City;

For her red flags wave the winter through;

Emblem of hope for a brave, young city:

Breathing of spring and a world made new.

Who could be joyless or utterly hopeless

When rioting colour warms and glows,

Drowning life's grey in a sea of scarlet?

And ever the conquering torrent grows.

Here is a fire of flaming splendour

That all may share in the winter long;

Mean little cottage or towering mansion

Wave your banners! Sing Hope's brave song!

Regally clothe her―our beautiful Brisbane

In royal garments of richest hue;

Let all take part on the quest of beauty

Till her fame goes forth―the wide earth through.

A world made new, lets hope, with all the benefits that this strange time may have unwittingly bestowed upon us. Red is for warmth, vibrancy and new beginnings.