Eleventh Day of Christmas
Twelfth Day of Christmas
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Monday, December 07, 2020
Tuesday, December 01, 2020
Friday, November 20, 2020
Happy Birthday Harrison!
A Global Cocktail Party
On December 2nd, Harrison Owen celebrates his 85th birthday. An occasion worthy of great celebration, Open Space style. With lots of camaraderie and cheer, and a touch of “Be Prepared to Be Surprised”!
In 1985, 35 years ago, Open Space Technology was conceived over two martinis ~ a great experiment that continues as vibrantly today as it was then.
Its ritual and refrain, always the same: Sit in a circle, create a bulletin board, open a marketplace and get to work. Four timeless principles (now 5), a law, bumble bee and butterfly are all it takes for dynamic discussions on issues that matter.
In the spirit of Open Space, from morning until late at night (when it starts, it starts; when it’s over, it's over), on Wednesday December 2nd we will gather and toast this special guy who has touched us all and many beyond. Over the years, his shared work has become our work in all kinds of places and settings worldwide.
In the weeks before…
Between now and then, with just the right amount of chaos and confusion, we invite you to visit and contribute to our giant virtual Marketplace Birthday Wall. A simple birthday card would not suffice. Share your good wishes, add a photo, story or memory with Harrison. Our invitation is to play around with the mural technology. Easy when you get the hang of it!
First type your name and log in as a visitor. Then hover your mouse and go exploring. The hand and square at the bottom right allow you to move around and zoom in and zoom out. On the left, a bunch of tools with which to play. So give it a go and have fun creating your own special message.
On December 2nd…
The plan is that we’ll be hanging out in a world-around Zoom. A dedicated link will be provided on the Birthday Wall a few days before. Our space will include a main Zoom room and breakouts. Bring your heart, favorite stories and a glass or cup of good cheer.
The plan is that we’ll be hanging out in a world-around Zoom. A dedicated link will be provided on the Birthday Wall a few days before. Our space will include a main Zoom room and breakouts. Bring your heart, favorite stories and a glass or cup of good cheer.
Harrison will come by mid-morning Washington DC time and drop in throughout the day between naps.
See you soon!
Suzanne, Michael, Barry and Lucas
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Stuff From My CV
My career has taken me many places and my wardrobe has followed me!! Here is a clip from my life as "Bananaman", promoting the old South Brisbane peoples Market which has now evolved into the Hope Street Cafe
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Sunday, September 06, 2020
Monday, August 31, 2020
Friday, July 31, 2020
Sunday, July 12, 2020
Lindsay Farrell RIP
A tribute to Dr Lindsay Farrell
RIP 10-07-2020
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| Lindsay Farrell Tony Robertson Photography 2017 |
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| Lindsay Farrell Tony Robertson Photography May 2018 |
Lindsay Farrell, Artist ‘Nailed Hand of Christ’ and ‘Giraween’
“This series of paintings are about Girraween and the source of the longest river which ends up in Lake Eyre. If you go up into the waterfall, you can see the way that water has come through the granite and formed this cross shape, at the source of the longest river, heading towards the centre of Australia to that once great, vast ocean. We can see a trace of history and time and eternity, where the journey is to become, almost, to the beginning again.
I was lying in bed here, at The Wesley Hospital, and reflecting that some 25 years ago I painted the hands of Jesus, on display in this chapel. The hand in that painting, is actually my hand. I did a drawing of my right hand… and I think that hand, that was held for me, is the hand that holds me….
Two weeks ago I was standing in the art gallery for a lecture about the Tintoretto Resurrection and I felt giddy. I had a scan and they said ‘Lindsay you have a brain tumour’ and I knew it was going to be a very different journey from that point.
I’ve been completely surrounded by those that love me and care for me. I’ve seen people minister to me in this hospital; it’s been a wonderful sense of meeting Jesus in those people and seeing him afresh each day. It’s been a wonderful journey for me, I feel so blessed to be here at this point.” (Source: Wesley Hospital)
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
Featured Social Media Posts From June 2020
Music During The Pandemic
Reconciliation Action Plan Archdiocese of Brisbane
Black Lives Matter
- 28 years since Australia's historic Mabo decision, 'there is a lot of unfinished business'
- Black Lives Matter movement prompts calls for greater focus on Indigenous history in Australian schools,
A Black Live Matter Mannequin at Westfield Carindale
Political Campaigns
Only in Australia
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Featured Social Media Posts May 2020
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| Graphic by Jesse Remedios |
Acknowledgement in a Virtual World A useful resource from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council.
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| https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat |
As a Gay Catholic and life member of the
St. Joseph's Old Collegians Association
I join this celebration with a new generation of young men respecting the richness and diversity of our masculinity. #SJCDiversityDay
The post that scored more interest than religion, ,politics and sport in May:
”Learn a new skill” is the call during isolation. So, after 67 years I am finally baking scones like my dear old Mum.
The design might be a bit rough but you have to admit the presentation is straight out of Hyacinth Bucket’s Guide to Candlelight Suppers.
"Pushing the Boundaries" is going to be the title of my biography. Today I took another step in the journey of boundary pushing by applying to be a participant in the next Spencer Tunick PhotoShoot: Staying Apart Together.I was in the amazing 5000+ shoot on the steps of the Opera House back in 2010 so what better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary than an online event. No I am not in this set,but will publish our pics when they are released!!
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Diversity Celebrated at St Joseph's College, Geelong
In our Year 12 class of 19790 this recognition was neither spoken of nor encouraged. So in this 50th anniversary of my graduation from SJC I will join the #SJCDiversityDay from Brisbane on Thursday.
From the Facebook page of the College:
This week, St Joseph's College will focus on the
wonderful thing that is diversity!
Normally this would involve a week of activities culminating on Diversity Day, students will still be taking part with #SJCDiversityDay on this Thursday - only this year it will be in their homes all over Geelong!
May the walls that divide us to be torn down, and to
build bridges of understanding and unity. #SJCGeelong ##idahobit2020🏳️🌈
My "Coming Out" Story
Saturday, May 02, 2020
Scott MacKinnon RIP
During the week another missing person notice was released by Qld Police. I only glanced at he pic and thought,"he looks familiar" but left it and moved on.
Today I discover that Scott MacKinnon was found dead at 32 in tragic circumstances.. You see I did know Scott a few years ago when I was involved with the Jane Street Community Garden.
Scott was one of those guys that was always in the background quietly doing the real shit without seeking accolades. He was the guy who taught me so much about composting and how to turn the stuff correctly in the different bins. He was a beautiful young man who smiled and patiently explained the composting cycle with understanding and commitment to creating gardens that supported communities.
My heart is grieving for this loss.We weren't close mates but he always stopped to talk and we shared some laughs and I learnt the power of coffee grains in the soil from this wonderful man.
There is a moving tribute to Scott over at the Food Connect Brisbane Facebook Page. It finishes with a sentiment that I will echo: "We are all in shock, and we'll miss you, Scott. You were an integral part of our whole. We'll strive to honour your memory by continuing the fight for a fairer food system and a kinder society."
Scott's family have asked us not to send flowers, but a small donation to the Human Connection Project would be appreciated.
If any of you find reading this difficult, please seek help. There are caring and dedicated people on the following numbers who can offer assistance.
- Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: Call 1300 224 636
- Headspace: Call 1800 650 890
There are also Mental Health First Aid Courses available at Red Cross and St John's Ambulance, if you're interested in enhancing your skills to respond to members in your own community.
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Earth Day 2020
Earth Day is April 22 of every year. April 22, 2020 will mark 50 years of Earth Day.
The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.
On Earth Day 2020, we seize all the tools and actions that we have, big and small, to change our lives and change our world, not for one day, but forever.
While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward.
We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever.
On April 22, join us for 24 hours of action in a global digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet.
Over the 24 hours of Earth Day, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day will fill the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins and more.
While Earth Day may be going digital, our goal remains the same: to mobilize the world to take the most meaningful actions to make a difference.
No matter where you are, you can make a difference. And you’re not alone, because together, we can save the Earth.
Visit earthday.org on April 22 as we build an Earth Day unlike any other — We’re flooding the digital landscape with livestreamed discussions, a global digital surge, and 24 hours of actions that you can take, right now and from wherever you are.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
A Shameful Day in Parliament
This disgusting behaviour of Coalition members of Parliament should be called out and the Hindu community request for an apology should be honoured.
I am ashamed and embarrassed by the dominant culture of the LNP.
I call on the Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans MP to denounce this behaviour by his colleagues
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I am ashamed and embarrassed by the dominant culture of the LNP.
I call on the Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans MP to denounce this behaviour by his colleagues
Friday, January 24, 2020
Australia Day 2020
Last night thanks to Jackie Trad I joined friends from South Brisbane at The Australian Dream - Free Local Screening. Sam Grant's speech concludes this powerful and disturbing documentary.
My life experience includes unlearning the racism of my childhood and cultural upbringing. It wasn't the vicious racism of name calling and shaming that this doco exposes.Rather it was the more insidious racism of silence,ignorance and cultural prejudice
In my childhood home my parents had two small prints of the work of Albert Namatjira. This was my only exposure to First Nations people as a young boy.My Catholic education from the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers made no reference to local or national Aboriginal or Torres Strait islanders peoples.
I was 26 years old when I first met an Aboriginal person at our community share house in Fitzroy. Brian was my age and a good friend for that year.
Due to travel I was 60 years old before I met my first traditional owner of the land on which i was born on #Wathauring Country. I hold in sacred memory the meeting with Wathaurong elder Uncle David Tournier RIP.
This weekend once again I stand with friends and colleagues of First Nations Peoples. I also join with those who are doing sorry business with the passing of two people.
Aunty Pamela Mam will be buried from Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Tuesday. Her passing has been acknowledged in public for her pioneering work in providing health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Griffith University in 2018. Her tributes included a statement from the Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles. Her life and achievements are celebrated across social media posts.
The other passing this week came to me via a text message from an elder of the community who wanted to let me know that "Sam: had passed away. Sam was a man I had supported during my work with survivors of childhood institutional abuse.
Sam had the look and the passion of a warrior for rights. He stood tall with a thick beard that added to his dignity. His body and soul carried the scars of childhood abuse that haunted him into his adult life.
Sam's life is recorded only in official documents and the records of his institutional history. His passing is shared among the community who knew him as one of the Forgotten Australians.
I had photographed both Aunty Pam and Sam. Both of them gazed into my lens with two very different stories of First Nations peoples that I will hold in sacred memory this weekend.
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