Tasmania in Flames...

A pic from our local paper The Mercury

As a general rule, I don't like to talk about current events on the blog here. The internet and media at large is so full of bad news everyday that I prefer to keep this space, my space, as a happy, inspiring and creative place. But today, I'm making an exception because what's happening around me this week is extremely close to my heart and I feel it deserves a little place in my Red Parka world.

I have no idea if this is big enough news to reach many of you, but for anyone in Australia, it's been impossible to escape stories of the bushfires that are ravaging many parts of our country, and in particular, my beautiful island state of Tasmania. My home here in Hobart is not in any danger but we have been shrouded in smoke for the last five days after experiencing the hottest day in our recorded history (42 degrees - 107 for my American friends) and it's been an intense time knowing that just over the hills that surround my town bushfires are raging.

Looks like a nuclear bomb.... photo taken from ABC News

Miraculously, no lives have (yet) been lost although some people are still unaccounted for and hundreds of people have lost everything - homes, boats, schools, shops, livestock and cars have all been destroyed as well as bushland and all it's natural inhabitants. Tasmania is such a small community that we are all connected to an event on this scale. I have friends in affected areas who were evacuated by boats, who lost contact with their loved ones for frightening periods of time, who even spent time in a hole dug in the sand covered by wet sheets or hiding under the jeti neck deep in water while fires passed overhead.

This morning I looked out the window and saw the mountain clearly for the first time since the fires began. It seems the worst is over, although the risk is far from passed. I really want to share with you guys the amazing community spirit that has been shown here - I know this happens all over the world, but just when you think humanity has surpassed itself with selfishness and disconnection, a tragedy strikes and people open their hearts, their homes and their wallets and do whatever it takes to help. Within hours Facebook pages were created where people could post what they needed, what they could offer. Some people started coordinating people with boats to ferry in water and food to those stranded on the Peninsular, others started collecting household items and clothes for those who have lost everything, while others worked at rescuing lost animals and reuniting them with their owners. And of course, our firefighters, other emergency personal and members of the community are out there, heroically risking their own safety trying to get these fires under control. I know there will a long road to recovery, but I also know that we as a community will pull together to do what's needed. And after all this is over, the hardy Australian bush, which thrives on fire despite the destruction it causes, will regenerate itself in the amazing way that nature always does.

As tragic as it's been, the fires have presented many an amazing photo opportunity as our skies turned orange and smoke clouds swept the island. Here's a few pic myself and Wade have taken, along with some some taken by friends of mine. Nature is a beautiful, scary beast sometimes!

Gorgeous photo of a fiery sunset over Hobart's waterfront, taken by my lovely friend Paul (aka @walruswhisperer on Instagram - go follow him as he's awesome AND takes a mean photo!)

The above four photos were taken from our house (which you can see in the third shot) as the days went by the smoke thinned out somewhat. The sunsets were incredible due to all the smoke. Scary + beautiful. (Photo 1 by Wade, others by me.)

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading and taking the time to listen as I work on processing these events. And know that not only am I ridiculously grateful for the fact my family and friends are all safe and sound but also for you people, scattered all over the world, that make me feel like a part of something big and beautiful and special. So thank you. Jen x

PS. For the months of January and February I'l be donating 100% of the funds raised from sponsoring my blog to the Bushfire Appeal. So if you're interested, now is a good time to give sponsorship a go!