For The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge ‘Earth‘
This week’s photo challenge ‘Earth‘ offers me the perfect opportunity to introduce you to GaiaGuardians. The brainchild of my friend and mentor Karen Thurman, GaiaGuardians builds upon the work that Karen started in 2014 with the On Your Doorstep project and is all about inspiring the protection of Mother Nature through art. As Karen reminds us,
Art can be a powerful tool in driving change. Ansel Adams’ photography of the Sierras led to the designation of lands as National Parks in the US. Sebastiao Salgado’s Genesis project is about “seeing and marveling, understanding the necessity for the protection of natural beauty and inspiring action for its preservation.” There is much beauty to preserve and we don’t have to go far to find it. In our own country, county and hometown, Gaia’s glory abounds.
GaiaGuardians is looking for art and literature that celebrates nature: photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, tapestries and other needlework, stories, poems and more. There are only three simple rules:
- The work has to be your own
- It has to be from your country of residence (there is an exception is for people who are on long-term travels)
- It has to be of nature
You can learn more about submitting your art and literature here.
**Note – the crew of Amandla are happily sailing along the east coast of Australia toward Fraser Island with limited internet access so a response to comments may be delayed **
Sue Slaght May 13, 2016
Lisa thank you for the introduction. I have had a quick look at the site. A creative project to be sure.
I’m hoping the wind has found you and you are happily sailing along.
Lisa Dorenfest May 13, 2016 — Post Author
The end goal of GaiaGuardians is lofty, but with Karen at the helm, I am certain that the project will effect positive change.
And with me at the helm on the 3-6 am watch, we will slowly make our way to Fraser Island via Mooloolaba to have some unanticipated work done on a compressor. The good news is that we have wind and a beautiful starlit sky
restlessjo May 13, 2016
That sounds fabulous 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest May 13, 2016 — Post Author
?
anotherday2paradise May 13, 2016
A wonderful project, Lisa. I will pop over and have a look at Karen’s site. Happy weekend to you and the Captain. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest May 13, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you for having a look Sylvia.
We are enjoying a lovely sail up the east coast of Australia. Wishing you a tremendous weekend!
NW Frame of Mind May 13, 2016
Thanks for sharing a link to GaiaGuardians, it looks like a very interesting project!
Lisa Dorenfest May 13, 2016 — Post Author
Thanks you Lisa! Hope you’ll join us and share some of beauty from your doorstep!
restlessjo May 13, 2016
I’ll come back and look at Karen’s idea properly a bit later. I’m just back and my head (and Inbox) is in a bit of a state. 🙂 Happy sailing to you and the Captain, Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest May 13, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you Jo! I can imagine just how crazed you must be after such a long time away. Glad to have you back.
Frankie Beane May 14, 2016
Looks really interesting. .
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
I am delighted that you think so!
badfish May 14, 2016
Thanks for the intro. Looks like an interesting project. Glad to see you’re on the road/sea again, sorry you have compressor issues…it’s always something with a boat, isn’t it?
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
You are very welcome Mr Badfish.
And it is always something with sailboats but such is life. The good news is that we are enjoying a bit of time in Mooloolaba before we get it fixed tomorrow and set off again. Looking forward to more adventure.
badfish May 16, 2016
I have trouble replying from my blog to lyou…I write it and it says: it failed. This is what I just wrote, let’s see if it works from your blog: Sailboats aren’t cheap, I know. And Someone told me the cheapest part of having a sailboat was the purchase price!! Mooloolaba…so exotic sounding, eh? Happy trails…er…wakes.
Lisa Dorenfest May 17, 2016 — Post Author
I think the response issue is that you have a WordPress site and I have a self hosted site. WordPress doesn’t always play well with self hosted sites, so thank you for coming back and retyping your comments. A good rule of thumb for running costs of a boat is about 12.5% of its value excluding provisions and mooring costs. But really, the live aboard lifestyle is much less expensive than the living in NYC style. We’ve sorted the compressor and are off tomorrow at 8:00. Heading to Fraser Island as originally planned. So excited.
Ladybuggz May 14, 2016
Interesting article Lisa, I think I may send some of my photo’s in! Thank you for the info!!
((hugs)) T. ps…..be safe!
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
I am so excited that you are thinking of sharing your beautiful photos with GaiaGuaridans Teresa. The prospect brought a smile to my face.
We are in Mooloolaba right now having had to make an unexpected stop here to fix a compressor. We plan to be underway again tomorrow. Fingers crossed that we can stick to that plan.
Tish Farrell May 14, 2016
Lisa, I love the idea of art having the power to bring about the guardianship of our wild places. What better objective 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
I couldn’t agree more Tish! Thank you.
Debbie May 14, 2016
Hey Lisa! love the link to Gaia Guardians, will check it out later. I was just making a late reply to your reply over on my blog and then the link to your post came in my mailbox.
Mooloolaba – on route to Fraser — oooh, I am SO jealous!!!!!!
You will love Fraser, the most amazing island in the whole world. the worlds largest sand island. totally pristine and wonderful.
and starlit nights…. thats something to be really jealous of, over here in pollutionsville….
May the Wind always be behind your Sails….
Debbie 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you for checking out GaiaGuardians Debbie.
I am sad to report that it doesn’t look like I will get to go to Fraser Island after all. The tides are at the wrong time to allow us to move through the inner channel as quickly as The Captain would like…thus, it looks like the next stop is Lady Musgrave Island. I’m pretty gutted because you are not the first Australian I’ve heard rave about Fraser Island. But I am certain that I will visit many other lovely spots on the way up Darwin, so I’m trying (and at most times succeeding) not to be a big baby about missing Fraser Island.
Mabel Kwong May 14, 2016
Such a beautiful shot for this week’s challenge, Lisa. That kangaroo looks like it misses its friend in the distance 😀 I had a look at Gaia Guardians. What an interesting project and it is amazing to hear that it is including various art forms. Anyone can be artists.
Good to hear that you and crew are doing well out at sea. Take care, look out for each other and stay warm. Mr Wobbles is giving all of you a wave and if he could, he would offer all of you some of his bananas 🙂
Liesbet May 14, 2016
Beautiful photo – and initiative. I don’t thing the roo-roo noticed your presence! Glad you are having a lovely sail to Frazer. Enjoy nature and wildlife there! Did you stop in Brisbane??
Liesbet @ Roaming About
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
Ahoy there Liesbet!
The females and the joeys pretty much ignored us, but the male had his eye on us the whole time and looked like he was considering kicking our ass. Luckily we got out of there unscathed.
We are in Mooloolaba unexpectedly to fix a compressor. We hope to be out of here tomorrow. We are south of Bundaberg but Fabio prefers to skip it an head to more remote locations. He has had enough of city life. Unfortunately, the tides won’t let us get through the inner pass of Fraser Island in a timely enough fashion for The Captain so we are headed next to Lady Musgrave Island. I’m sad to miss it but otherwise, life is good.
lexklein May 14, 2016
Perfect link for this week. I like the name (and the aim!) of the project; if I were more artistic I’d give it a go myself, but for now I will just go the site and admire! Love the kangaroos!
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
Well you certainly underestimate your talent as an artist…I consider your nature photography tops! Glad you enjoyed the Roos! It was a real treat to see them in the wild.
Traveller at heart May 14, 2016
Glad to hear you have the wind behind you and a starlit sky. That’s a sailor’s paradise.
Hope all is well.
Lisa Dorenfest May 15, 2016 — Post Author
In general things are awesome. We did need to unexpectedly tuck into Mooloolaba for a few days to have a compressor repaired. It is a really nice place and we look forward to getting underway soon. Thank you for your well wishes.
Traveller at heart May 15, 2016
?
littledogslaughed May 14, 2016
We will be checking out the link Lisa-it sounds like a wonderful project. Safe travels–may night skies be starlit and your days sunny and plenty of wind-
Lisa Dorenfest May 16, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you Meg for having a look at GaiaGuardians and for your well wishes. We made an unexpected stop in Mooloolaba to sort our a issue with the freezer. We have enlisted a mechanic and expect to be sailing out of here on Wednesday (a little later than we’d hope, but such is the life of a sailor). At least we are comfortable, warm and well fed.
themofman May 15, 2016
I’ve read the manifesto, and I’ve applied.
It’s a good approach. It’s neither preachy nor overwhelming with scientific eco-techno jargon that I find turns a lot of people off. It’s very positive, realistic and forward for the average person who feels helpless — even lazy, in the face of the global environmental sustainability movement.
Lisa Dorenfest May 16, 2016 — Post Author
Oh Allan, you have made my year with your application and your supportive words. I think that your Arboretum Virtualis series would be a perfect fit for the Magazine with its beautiful photographs and moving words. I’ve forwarded a link to Karen. Big hug! Thank you.
themofman June 1, 2016
Thank YOU!
Terri Webster Schrandt May 15, 2016
This is really cool and perfect for the WPC theme! I am checking it out now. Enjoy your current sailing journey…until next time!
Lisa Dorenfest May 16, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you Terri for having a look at GaiaGuardians and for your well wishes. We are unexpectedly moored in Mooloolaba waiting for a freezer repair…now scheduled for tomorrow and then hopefully we will sail onward. Still, no complaints, it is really a nice place to visit.
LDG luciledegodoy May 16, 2016
It’s a clever interpretation of the challenge, and we benefitted to learn about it. The photojournalist is in action. Thanks for sharing this project, Lisa. It’s very interesting.
Sad to hear about the compressor and cancelation of the Fraser Island. Hope it is fixed quickly and that you will enjoy even more the many beautiful places ahead of you.,
Have a lovely week. ?
Lisa Dorenfest May 17, 2016 — Post Author
Thank you as always for putting a big smile on my face and making me feel loved. The good news is that the compressor kept us here 2 extra days so we just might have the tides late/early enough to get us through the inner pass at Fraser in time frames acceptable to The Captain. So Fraser Island may be a go again. As the saying goes, for a sailor, our plans are drawn in the sand in a rising tide. Who knows what the future holds.
LDG luciledegodoy May 22, 2016
‘As the saying goes, for a sailor, our plans are drawn in the sand in a rising tide. Who knows what the future holds.’
Loved it and will never forget it!
Looking forward to seeing your photos and reading about your adventures in Fraser.
Retirementallychallenged.com May 16, 2016
The GaiaGuardians website looks lovely – and I enjoyed seeing the art and photographs (including yours) already there. I know I’ll be back! Safe sailing!
Lignum Draco May 17, 2016
Sounds like a great project.
Enjoy Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, I believe. Watch out for the dingoes – they bite.
Lisa Dorenfest May 17, 2016 — Post Author
? I guess I shouldn’t run around trying to photograph the dingos then. Thanks for the tip
Cardinal Guzman May 18, 2016
Are the kangaroos tasty?
Lisa Dorenfest May 18, 2016 — Post Author
? You are evil! The Captain loves kangaroo meat. Me… not so much. Can’t get over the cute. I am looking forward to enjoying a little crocodile tho ?
Cardinal Guzman May 18, 2016
Cute meat is tasty! 😀
Lisa Dorenfest May 18, 2016 — Post Author
? This is where I could reply ‘then you must be delicious’…but I’m not going there ?
Cardinal Guzman May 18, 2016
Oooh, naughty Lisa. 😉 (I love naughty).
Traveling Rockhopper May 20, 2016
Thanks for sharing! It sounds great!
Lisa Dorenfest May 21, 2016 — Post Author
Thanks for reading! I appreciate your visit!
Green Global Trek October 24, 2016
What a wonderful project! Website terrific
Peta
Lisa Dorenfest October 26, 2016 — Post Author
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Peta!
MNL June 21, 2018
Oh, it looks like Gaia Guardians not at that address any more. Love the kangaroos
Lisa Dorenfest June 23, 2018 — Post Author
Delighted you enjoyed the kangaroos. They were a delight to happen upon in Geehi, New South Wales.
GaiaGuardians has been subsumed by On Your Doorstep Magazine which can be found here
Links updated
MNL June 23, 2018
Thank you!