Rebel, Enclosed and Dirty.

Now that this year is into Winter, we have to admit we can start to see a light at the end of the tunnel of Covid 19 and the lock-downs we have had to endure. The pandemic has lasted over two years, and I understand that people are tired of it. Many people have become rebels, not wanting to get vaccinated, not wanting to wear masks and not wanting to be watched by Big Brother all the time, wherever they go. The feeling of being enclosed in our homes is reminiscent of so much that happened in the past, with the Jews, Romanies and homosexuals in Europe, the women of Middle Eastern countries and the past injustices meted out to many of the native populations of so many different countries. I could mention many of these, but let us hope that we can learn and scrub clean the dirt of previous beliefs and actions.

The story that follows shows that there are always inconsiderate people in any colony and yet, there is also a contradiction, in that we should stand up for our rights, too.

***

Revolt!

Freda followed Georgina up to the highest point of the nest.

“What are you going to do?” she asked her best friend.

Georgina snarled. “You know it’s time to stand up for ourselves! I’ve been telling you for ages! We work, work and work, and the freeloaders in our home just take advantage of us. Surely you realize I’m going to call all the workers in our nest to arms!”

Freda swallowed. “Do you really think that’s a good idea?” she said timidly.

“If you can’t stand with me, then why did you come up here? Don’t think you can change my mind.”

“But, Georgie …”

Georgina frowned and her antennae waved furiously.

Freda looked out over the nest. Just what was Georgie so upset about? Sure, there were a few grubs and other sundry things taking up some space, but they weren’t doing any harm. She tried again.

“Georgie – why can’t you just leave things be. The grubs aren’t doing any harm.”

“I agree, Freda – but are they helping our nest and the rest of our ants? Are they contributing in any way? What if they decide to breed up and take over our nest? Then what will you think of them?”

Freda nodded carefully.

‘Yes, I guess you are right … but what if we nurture them and help them? Won’t they be grateful? And then they may help us.”

Georgina shook her head with disgust.

“You’re just like all the others – ignoring the threat and hoping to lead a cushy life without doing anything about it. I think things are going to get out of hand – we have to do something!”

‘Okay,” Freda said, looking around at the nest and her relatives all scurrying around doing their jobs. “Let’s see who agrees with you.”

Georgina nodded with satisfaction.

“Right!” She turned and shouted to the rest of the nest, but no-one took any notice.

Freda quietly turned away and went back to her work.

Georgina grumbled to herself as she thought of new ways to get everyone’s attention.

“I can’t believe they are all just like sheep – following along without thinking of the consequences.’

And then she went back to work with the rest of them!

***

Joyce’s Pumpkin Soup.

Ingredients: Half a reasonable size pumpkin; 1 cup of well mashed potatoes; I finely chopped small onion (optional); 1 small bottle (250ml) thickened cream.

1. Skin pumpkin and chop into cubes. Cook in a saucepan until soft.

2. Drain, but keep the water it was cooked in.

3. Blend the cooked pumpkin well, then add the mashed potato and onion.

4. Blend well.

5. Slowly add the thickened cream.

6. If too thick, add a little of the pumpkin water until you reach the consistency you like.

7. Serve.

8. If you have a larger pumpkin, or use it all, double the ingredients. If you have a smaller pumpkin, halve the ingredients.

***

Following on from the above story, most of us dream of having a wonderful family, but we are not always so lucky. Many of us come from homes where there may be violence, or excessive drinking or arguments as well as only one parent as the parents have separated. There is always help out there … so don’t be afraid to ask for support. Life can always (even in a happy family) be improved upon. Keep your head up and look around you, and always strive for happiness.

Some of the children’s books I write talk about that. They are AU$18 plus postage each and can be bought from me. If you are interested please email me at maureenlarter@gmail.com and I can give you more information. I have written about 40 books – even I have lost count!