All it took was a little prod yesterday from my sister in London. "Chalk rainbow crossings, aren't they so cute", so off I went perusing the web, I'd seen a chalk rainbow image but not really taken in what was going on. Then, because the worldwide chalk rainbow phenomenon was awesome, I showed the kids the pictures, and told them the story. Suddenly the Bowerbird family had a strong urge to draw our own chalk rainbow. I'm sure this was all part of my sister's master plan - she knows I love this kind of thing. All the little Bowerbird's eyes lit up when I suggested a night time graffiti session, a chance to release their inner naughty. We scoped out the best place for a drawing in the daylight, then gathered Saffron Milk Caps and pine cones on the way home. After mushroom pizza for dinner we were still inspired and, undeterred by the cold, ventured out with a bag of chalk and torches. I thought we were being surreptitious but it turns out 8pm is peak hour at the Macedon Station pedestrian tunnel. At first we thought of hiding, but who am I kidding, it's a small town and we're drawing rainbows, arrest us. We had lots of words of encouragement, my favourite comment from a passing jogger "the family that graffiti together, stays together". Many people were aware and in full support of this colourful protest, that began with a beautifully painted rainbow crossing on Oxford St, created to celebrate Sydney's 35th Mardi Gras. Ironically a 'Mr Gay" had it removed. The littlest had the best time, piping "I could do this all night". It sure brightens up this gloomy brick tunnel, hopefully it will be still there to admire in the daylight. I think it makes the railway tunnel feel safer.For more rainbows checkout DIY Rainbow Crossings.
On our return home there were more rainbows, solar rainbow fairy lights (still up since xmas because that's how we roll) and a beautiful bunch of rainbow roses (gifted from mum a week ago and still going strong).
I watched this video clip with my children this week and asked them if they knew what it was about. The middle one nodded knowingly and said "gayness", I had to laugh. After growing up with two awesome gay aunties, its really just love to them, they don't judge who it should be between, they don't even notice. The children were horrified to hear that some people don't like gay people, and that same sex couples aren't allowed to get married in Australia. You might have said some people have purple blood to explain the incredulous look of on their faces.
I hope you're inspired to sketch a rainbow, we had soooo much fun.
