Newsletter April 2024

Flower of the Month

Delphiniums

by Bibi

Delphiniums, with their vibrant and elegant presence, adorn gardens with tall spikes of blossoms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Interestingly, the name “Delphinium” traces its roots to the Greek word “delphis,” signifying a dolphin, as the flower buds are thought to resemble the aquatic mammal’s shape.

Caring for Delphiniums involves well-drained soil and abundant sunlight, thriving particularly in cooler climates. Despite their overall low-maintenance nature, they can be a tad finicky, preferring consistent moisture and sometimes requiring staking to support their towering stems and prevent toppling.

These summer bloomers enchant gardens from late spring to early summer, adding vertical interest with their majestic spires. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Delphiniums attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s crucial to handle them with care, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

In the Victorian Era, where flowers served as a silent form of communication known as “floriography” or the language of flowers, Delphiniums carried profound symbolism. The tall and stately spikes of the delphinium symbolized dignity, grace, and a light-hearted spirit. The name itself, connected to the Greek word for dolphin, added a touch of playfulness to its meaning.

In the language of flowers, the delphinium conveyed not just a sense of levity but also an open heart and lightness, making it a poignant choice for Victorian flower arrangements. These symbolic meanings brought depth and emotion to floral displays, allowing individuals to express sentiments without uttering a word.

Floriography, a subtle and intricate form of communication during the Victorian Era, found the delphinium playing a crucial role in conveying sentiments of grace and lightness. As a result, the presence of Delphiniums in floral arrangements became more than just a visual delight, transforming into a nuanced expression of emotions and positive sentiments.

A great glimpse into the planting care for Delphiniums:

Delphiniums can be easily propagated by cuttings. Check out this YouTube clip:

Plant of the Month

Blue-Star Fern

by Bibi

The Blue Star Fern, scientifically known as Phlebodium aureum, is not only a visually stunning plant but also boasts some intriguing characteristics that add a touch of fun to its allure. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, this fern has become a favorite among plant enthusiasts for its unique qualities.

With its captivating blue-green fronds, the Blue Star Fern gets its name from the striking coloration that sets it apart from other fern species. This distinctive hue adds an elegant and sophisticated touch to any space it inhabits.

One fun fact about the Blue Star Fern is its adaptability to various light conditions. Unlike many ferns, it can thrive in lower light settings, making it an ideal choice for indoor environments with limited sunlight. This adaptability, coupled with its moderate watering needs, makes the Blue Star Fern a low-maintenance and forgiving plant for both beginners and experienced plant owners.

The fern’s delicate and arching fronds contribute to its graceful appearance, forming a clumping habit over time. As a tropical plant, the Blue Star Fern appreciates higher humidity levels, making it a great addition to bathrooms or spaces with increased moisture. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this fern also showcases air-purifying qualities, enhancing the overall indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants.

Phlebodium aureum, primarily found in South American tropical forests, extends into North America. Unlike typical ground-growing plants, it utilizes a creeping rhizome to thrive non-parasitically on trees, reaching heights into the canopies, classifying it as an epiphyte. Indoor cultivation of this species should align with its natural growth pattern to ensure proper care.

The blue star fern, an epiphyte unlike many ferns, thrives in loose mediums rather than potting soil. To maintain its ideal moisture levels without waterlogging, opt for a well-draining substrate, as waterlogged soil is not conducive to its growth.

Propagation of the Blue Star Fern is an interesting aspect for plant enthusiasts. It is typically achieved through division, where the plant can be separated into smaller sections to encourage new growth. This not only allows for easy propagation but also provides opportunities for sharing and expanding fern collections among enthusiasts.

Blue Star Fern combines beauty with adaptability, making it a standout choice for indoor and shaded outdoor spaces. Its intriguing characteristics, from the captivating coloration to air-purifying abilities, make it a delightful addition to any plant collection. Read more here.

Drop-by our Youth Week Pop-up Stall (Sat 13/4/24) outside Little Giant Roaster Cafe to take home this beautiful Blue Star Fern. Special 10 % discount for CFS Members. 🙂

Recipe of the Month

Hot Cross Buns inspired by Eastwood Chinese Senior Citizen Club Easter Cooking Event

by Susan Connell

Ingredients for Dough

4 1/2 cups plain flour; 1 1/2 cup currants;

2 x 7g dried yeast; 40g butter;

1/4 cup caster sugar; 300ml milk

1 1/2 tspn mixed spice; 2 eggs lightly beaten

pinch salt; 4 tbspn water

Glaze: 1/3 cup water; 4 tbspn apricot jam.

Methods:

1. Combine 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, mixed spice, salt and currants in a large bowl.

2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and add the milk. Heat for 1 minute, or until lukewarm. Add warm milk mixture and eggs to currant mixture.

3.Use a flat bladed knife to mix the dough until it almost comes together, then using clean hands, finish mixing to a soft dough.

4.Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth.

5. Place into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm, draught free place for 1 – 1 ½ hours, or until dough doubles in size.

6. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Punch dough down to its original size. Knead for 30 seconds on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Divide into 12 even portions and shape each portion into a ball.

7. Place balls onto the lined tray, about 1cm apart. Cover with oiled cling film and set aside in a warm, draught free place for 30 minutes, or until buns double in size.

8. Preheat fan-forced oven to 170°C.

9. To make the flour paste, mix ½ cup plain flour and 4 tablespoons of water together in a small bowl until smooth, adding a little more water if the paste is too thick. Spoon into a small snap-lock bag and snip off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe flour paste over the tops of buns to form crosses.

10. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until buns are cooked through.

11. To make the glaze, place water and jam into a small saucepan over low heat and stir until jam dissolves. Bring to the boil for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat. Immediately brush glaze over warm hot cross buns.

12. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Book Review

By Dr Bibiana Chan with assistance from Chat-GPT

IKIGAI – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

What motivates you to rise each morning? Is it career aspirations or family responsibilities? Perhaps it’s the anticipation of weekend plans or the allure of a fresh cup of coffee. For many, hitting the snooze button becomes a ritual before reluctantly extracting ourselves from the comfort of our sheets. The question of what truly drives us out of bed is a universal ponderance, one that seldom yields a straightforward answer. Perhaps this book will reveal how Japanese answer this question. Ikigai can be translated as ‘the reason for which you wake up in the morning’.    

This diagram shows ikigai as the convergence of four areas of life: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. The very center, where each area overlaps, is your ikigai – your reason for getting up and where you should focus your efforts to find ultimate fulfillment.

This book is a captivating exploration of the ancient Japanese concept of ‘ikigai’ and its profound implications for modern living. This book delves into the essence of finding purpose, joy, and fulfillment in everyday life. Through a blend of Eastern philosophy, scientific research, and personal anecdotes, García and Miralles adeptly navigate readers through the principles and practices of ‘ikigai’, demonstrating its relevance in contemporary society. The authors draw upon the wisdom of Okinawa, a region renowned for its high number of centenarians, to illustrate how living in alignment with one’s ‘ikigai’ contributes to longevity and well-being. They discuss the significance of mindfulness, gratitude, and cultivating strong social connections in nurturing a sense of purpose and happiness. They also described the Japanese Flow,

‘There is no doubt, though, about their ability to be completely absorbed in a task, or about their perseverance when there is a problem to be solved.’

I could definitely relate to this, being brought up in a Chinese culture. ‘Ikigai’ is more than a self-help book; it’s a cultural exploration that invites readers to reflect on their values, passions, and goals.

This book presents complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner. It incorporates real-life examples and interviews adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it easy for readers to relate and apply the teachings to their own lives.  However, while ‘ikigai’ offers valuable insights, some readers may find its approach simplistic or idealistic. The book’s focus on individual fulfillment may overlook systemic barriers to happiness, such as socioeconomic inequalities or structural injustices.

In conclusion, this book is a thought-provoking read that encourages readers to reassess their priorities and live with intention. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, greater fulfillment, or simply a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, this book offers a wealth of wisdom to inspire and guide you on your journey towards a more meaningful life.

Note: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience’, flow is “the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter: the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.

Check out this YouTube clip on “How to live to be 100+?”

From the Desk of Bibi

What makes you get up in the morning? by Dr Bibiana Chan

Last month, I talked about my preparation for the Milford Sound Track hike (54 km in 3 days) carrying a backpack of 8 kg. I am going to explore ‘What makes you get up in the morning?’

Recently I had an informal mentoring session with a member. I shared with him about a Community Flower Studio (CFS) Instagram follower, a social enterprise in Bega called ‘Grow the Future’ (GTF). The workers at GTF teach young people life skills and help them find employment through farming and grow sustainable vegetables. They also sell their harvest to the public weekly on Tuesday afternoon. I said one day I would like to visit GTF. This young member, listening to stories of GTF and scanning through images on their Instagram, said he would like to visit them too. I briefly mentioned that we might be able to offer a colour sand glass workshop for their young people. I asked him to write me a proposal, and we would take it from there. The next morning, his proposal arrived in my inbox! I was taken by surprise for this to happen so promptly! I was wondering what the ‘drive’ behind his action was. One thing for sure, he was very motivated to meet ‘like-minded’ young people to ‘spark’ some synergy between CFS & GTF!

When I was studying for my PhD, many friends and colleagues asked me ‘What is the drive behind pursuing your research? ‘My own experience of clinical depression’ was my standard response. I explained that the research was an important part of my recovery journey – I wanted to find out why Chinese (and Asians) considered mental illness as so stigmatized that often professional help was not sought until crisis points!

I also used the analogy of ‘climbing Mount Everest’ to describe my PhD journey. A couple of fellow UNSW PhD candidates started a weekly afternoon tea meetup; I gave it a nickname: PhD Students Survival Group. I didn’t think I could succeed without the support of other students. We are all very ‘driven’ people; that is ‘the Need for Achievement.’ This is one of McClelland’s Theory of Needs. Achievements don’t have to very big. At my deepest clinical depression, washing the dishes (left from the night before) was the BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT OF MY DAY!!!

However, as many PhD students at the School of Public Health were overseas students, World Health Organization (WHO) scholarship recipients, we were also motivated by our connections with others – the Need for Affiliation. In our busy work and study schedules, we still made an effort to meet for afternoon tea to enjoy some delicious snacks (provided by fellow PhD students following a roster). Two decades later, some of us are still meeting for dinner, though infrequently.

McCleland’s third need is the need for power – asserting authority and control. I guess when you climb up the social or academic/corporate ladder, ‘power’ becomes a by-product of your status. Among my PhD buddies, we often share our passions for ‘making a difference.’ We understand too well that in order to make a difference, you have to be in a position where you have the power to do so. For example, the research topic of one doctor from Vietnam was on HIV intervention. Upon her graduation in 2008, she led a research and training team at the Hanoi Medical School Centre for Training and Research About HIV/AIDS. She played a pivotal role in running training workshops for health professionals around Vietnam about HIV interventions. This photo taken on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of this center (12th Feb 2020), Van stood right at the center.

She also took centre stage at the 70th birthday celebration of the United Nations (the one with her arm raise up high).

I visited Hanoi in Jan 2011 during Chinese New Year. Van and I met for lunch; it was a challenging time for her personally. She visited Sydney in 2017, and I showed her the new Barangaroo precinct.

In May – August 2023, Van who was the National Professional Officer for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Program in WHO Vietnam, became the first foreign national to take up a position in Lao to join the WHO’s Lao office to train health professionals in HIV intervention. Due to the difference in geographical locations and the different research interests, our professional paths do not often cross paths. However, we are still connected by social media. Something very special about us – we share the same birthday and birth year!

When you read to this point, do you start pondering about what your drives and needs in life are? If you are or know someone aged between 14 – 25 years who may like an informal chat with me or other CFS members in various professions about ‘what are their drives in life?’, feel free to book an initial mentoring session with me. Be inspired!

Further readings:

Ikigai – find your passion and purpose the Japanese way by JNTO (Japanese National Tourism Organisation)

Motivation: The Driving Force Behind Our Actions

Subscriber’s Corner

I am a huge Swiftie! by McKay T.

Recently, Taylor Swift has become a somewhat controversial figure within the environmental community. Although she has been headlining concerts around the world for the past year, her excessive use of her private jet has been criticised by climate activists around the world. How did she get there so quickly? Was that trip really necessary? What is she doing to offset the excessive carbon emissions she is producing?

As a massive Swiftie and an environmentalist, this has led to a dilemma for me. 1989 was the album of my childhood. There are many embarrassing recordings of me attempting to sing Blank Space, Shake It Off and many other Taylor Swift songs. I recently returned to Taylor shortly after she released folklore and became a full-time Swiftie when I listened to Red (Taylor’s Version). I know all the lyrics of her songs, I’ve made friendship bracelets commemorating the inside jokes she shares with her fans, I’ve watched the live recordings of all her concerts. And yet, I am a staunch environmentalist. I’ve marched for climate change in the city, I’ve spoken at climate poetry competitions, and of course, I volunteer with Community Flower Studio. How do these two things come together when they seem so contradictory?

I had the honour of watching The Eras Tour when she was here in Melbourne. More than five people were on Ticketmaster trying to get seats for me and my friends, and my expectations for the show were high, even though I tried to avoid spoilers on social media (an impossible task). Watching it was an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. I cried when she emerged from the pink sheets singing “It’s been a long time coming”, I screamed all her songs until my voice was hoarse, and I made impossibly loud screeches when she revealed her surprise songs for the night. Even without the Swiftie lens, it is undeniable: Taylor can put on a show. Her talent as a performer was evident to everyone who was there. No matter how far you were from the stage, she captivated you with her presence, stage effects and, of course, her voice. It was easy to see how everyone had been swept up in the Taylor Swift craze, just like me.

And so, we are met with an unstoppable force and an immovable object. How can these two parts of me—climate change activist and huge Taylor Swift fan—reconcile? I certainly was not going to stop fighting for climate change policies, and after watching The Eras Tour, I don’t think I will stop being a Swiftie any time soon.

It’s easy to attack Taylor Swift. After all, she’s probably the most powerful female celebrity at the moment. The world’s eyes are on her, and she’s so easy to scrutinise, especially when she’s not new to being in the middle of controversy (see: her album reputation). So, it’s easy to have tunnel vision and talk about her when we discuss celebrities and climate change. Never mind the hundreds of other celebrities with private jets zooming around the world as well, with or without a world tour, or the questionable maths that put Taylor at the top of the chart in the first place – it’s easy to look for an individual to blame for committing a crime, and when someone’s so near the ring of fire, it’s so tempting just to push her.

That’s not to say Taylor Swift should be completely absolved of any wrongdoing just because she isn’t the only person doing something. I am a huge Swiftie, yet I can easily criticise her for her carbon emissions and selective activism. However, that knowledge can coexist with the awareness that she isn’t the only person doing something wrong – and frankly, she’s not the only thing we should look at for climate change emissions. No matter how many private jet trips she takes, the amount of greenhouse gases huge corporations produce dwarfs her actions.

Taylor Swift will clearly not stop using her private jet—after all, even amid criticism, her fans will always go to her tours, stream her albums, and buy all her merchandise. I will not stop campaigning for climate change…yet I will also continue to engage in the seemingly hypocritical act of going to her tours, streaming her albums, and buying her merchandise. Does that make me a bad person?

Discussions online desperately need nuance. We are expected to fulfil dichotomous roles of hater or lover, but we forget to create a space for individuals in the middle of the spectrum. So, I don’t think I’m a bad person – I think I’m just a person. Climate change activist or not, I recommend you see Taylor if you have the chance. Because even if she made a trail of carbon emissions to get there, she knows how to put on a show.

Further reading:

Times Magazine’s Person of the Year 2023 – Taylor Swift.

A video recorded in 2009 showing Taylor Swift’s musical talent.

An inspiring speech by Taylor Swift in 2022.