Australian Bushfires

Photo Credit: Eden Hills Country Fire Service

Australia is hurting. For weeks now, bushfires have been ripping through this vast country destroying wildlife and wiping out towns. With scorching summer heat and little rain, the fires continue to burn across the nation. It’s now come to communities taking refuge on packed beaches and in the ocean for safety. To date, at least two dozen people have lost their lives and over 13 million acres have been destroyed (for context, that’s equivalent to wiping out nearly 40% of the state of Illinois).

My beautiful adopted state of South Australia is no stranger to the fires. While the region has been lucky to have gotten a little break from the heat and a bit of rain this weekend, the fires continue on.

The natural treasure that is Kangaroo Island will never be the same. Fires ravaged through destroying homes, the Flinders Chase National Park, the iconic Southern Ocean Lodge, and a massive amount of wildlife — including 50% of the island’s koala population, 25,000 are feared dead.

Just 20 miles from our house, over 85 homes in the Adelaide Hills have been left uninhabitable and 1/3 of the vineyards are gone.

This country may be small in population, but it’s got a huge heart. From heroic firefighters and emergency service workers to an outpouring of community goodwill, this nation is resilient and will rebuild, but it will take care, time, and help. For those looking for ways to financially contribute, there are hundreds of worthy organizations and communities needing assistance. A couple standouts:

The CFS Foundation, supporting volunteer firefighters.

The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, helping to save local wildlife.

Thanks for reading + for any goodness (including thoughts) that you are able to send Australia and its peoples way.❤️

Chris Cornell — ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’

I’m not normally one to jump on the social posting bandwagon when someone that I didn’t have a personal relationship with passes away, but this song seemed appropriate with the sad news of Chris Cornell’s untimely passing. I can’t count the number of times that my husband and I have listened to this cover on repeat since its release. Like his career, a classic. 💛

International Women’s Day

To all the women out there, happy day of you and your counterparts.

International Women’s Day. March 8th.
It was yesterday in Australia, but it’s still today in the USA. No matter where in the world, let’s take those other 364 days each year and continue celebrating and supporting women (along with all kinds of people). Let’s make it an everyday affair.

Image from For All Womankind. They have posters, tees, and pins available for purchase. All profits support not-for-profit organizations working to advance reproductive freedoms both in the US and globally.

When You’re Too Tired to Turn Up

Last night I was at a concert in the park. As my upper body danced in my camping chair, I thought of this gem of a video…

Understanding, acceptance + having a good heart

❤

Even when I disagree with someone, I’m wishing them the best, I’m hoping for the best, because we can’t win the other way.”

Uniting America.

I don’t often share my political views publicly, mainly because they have evolved over the years just as I have — and that evolution continues. I will say that that the presidential candidate that I voted for is not the president-elect.

That being said, today there are no winners or losers. As you celebrate or drown your sorrows I encourage you to consider that statement from both an economic and human standpoint. As you talk to friends or foes, this is not a time to brag with “We won!” or sulk with “We’re F*cked!”. This is not a joking matter. This is a time to understand that the United States of America is truly divided — and without understanding, we will never be united. This is a time to come together and work together. No matter what political party you do or don’t identify with, we all need to better understand the opinions, challenges, and needs that every American faces no matter their gender, race, or class — and only then can we truly work towards making America great.

As a reminder, I’ve lived abroad for the past 7 years. The reason, my husband is an Australian and his career brought him back here. And while I’m a tax-paying permanent resident of Australia — I work in a global role for a US company and I travel back for work, conferences, and friends/family time several times per year. Despite my current address, I fully intend to live full-time in the US again sometime in the future. I’m an American and I love my country dearly.

Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment – Sunday Candy

I love everything about this song — yep, everything.
It’s one of those tunes that I can listen to several times in a row and not tire of it. I recently rediscovered it — and I’m not ashamed to admit that I probably listened to it 15-20x today.
The lyrics make me smile, the music makes me wanna dance, and the video is just pure happiness.

In particular, the below lines are simply brilliant —  with the main love story aside, the affection and admiration that Chance the Rapper shares for his grandma is heartfelt in the sweetest way. It reminds me of my own grandmothers whom are now gone, but each had a library of their own pretty awesome adjectives.

I got a future so I’m singing for my grandma
You singing too, but your grandma ain’t my grandma
Mine’s hand made, pan fried, sun dried
Southside, and beat the devil by a landslide
Praying with her hands tied, president of my fan club, Santa.

I’m not a religious person, but I’m surely spiritual and I love some good heartfelt gospel… and ‘Sunday Candy’ is just that. Brilliant gospel.

I Voted.

Signed.
Sealed.
And soon to be… Delivered.

Thank you Gordo McQueen.

I fly quite a bit — so much that I’ve been either Premiere 1K or Platinum on United for the past several years. Despite my hundreds of flights and dozens of upgrades, it was not until last week that I had my most epic customer experience with the airline (and yes, I was in coach). Enter Captain Gordo McQueen of UA685.

—

Dear Captain McQueen,

Thx for kicking off our morning with your audience address. You taking the mic to say hello + inform those at Gate 66 what we could expect from today’s flight was a new one for me (and I’m sure the majority of flyers). Your mentions of the beautiful trip up the coast and the array of sights that we’d see made the short flight sound almost delightful.

As I looked around the gate while you spoke, I saw a mix of amazed shock + large smiles from those listening. Then when you finished, those people looked to their neighbors and flashed another smile. The few minutes you spent with those waiting to board your flight set a friendly tone + went above and beyond what people expect from today’s airlines.

By the end of this flight you’d already won me over, then this note came delivered to my seat…

Thank you Gordo McQueen.

Sincerely, Rebecca Collins

The Perfect Meditation

I’ve attended various relaxation and meditation classes, but nothing’s ever quite spoken to me like this meditation gem. Priceless.

“If your thoughts drift to the three-ring shit show of your life, bring your attention back to your breathing.” (my favorite at 1:16)

Thank you Jeff Lewis of Flipping Out for turning me on to the comedic (yet relaxing) goodness that is F*ck That: An Honest Meditation by Jason Headley.

Warning: Adult Language.

Purchase on iTunes, download the app (for even more goodness), or buy the book (a great gift).