PARADISE LOST....PARADISE FOUND....WHAT IS PARADISE? No.2

Paradise has a different meaning to each one of us, I suppose.  For me...not being a religious person...i.e. a person who manifests devotion to a deity...I don’t look upward believing paradise to be behind the clouds...beyond the wide blue yonder.  

Of course, I could be wrong. I’m wrong about many things. There is always someone at the ready to point out that fact.  This is not to say I don’t look upwards to see if it’s going to rain...or to growl at the endless expanse above when something goes awry...or because of the widespread stupidity and hypocrisy that engulfs our world on a daily basis, unfortunately.

To some paradise is a sacred dream of perfection...of supreme bliss.  Both are impossible to find on planet Earth presently...if they ever were, or, even more disturbingly, and sadly, ever will be.  Humans prove time and time again, they never learn from past mistakes.  It’s about time humans did!

Paradise is where love outweighs hate; where peace replaces violence; where empathy is the permanent substitute for apathy.  Paradise is where common sense is the norm.

Paradise is where respect for one’s fellowman reigns, no matter their creed, culture or colour of their skin; where human life is valued most highly.  It is where cowards do not exist.

Paradise is where children are not harmed in any way; where children are valued, loved and nurtured.

Paradise is where all people are equal; where prejudice doesn’t exist; where self-esteem is encouraged, and held precious.

Paradise is to be able to laugh - openly, freely, joyfully...but not at the expense of another, or others. 

Paradise is where poverty doesn’t exist; where greed is unknown. 

Paradise is where corruption, duplicity and deceit are non-existent; where the only games played are those played in sports’ arenas, on playgrounds, in the yard, or in the manner of board games around the dining or kitchen table.

Paradise is for everyone throughout the world to be free...to be free to live in democratic societies; where one is allowed, and encouraged to be an individual; to have the right to be an individual without fear of reprisal. 

Paradise is a civilised world, free of chaos; a world filled with civilised people behaving civilly...and kindly towards each other.

Paradise is to live in harmony with nature and animals....

Paradise for me is also a place where no flies and sand flies/midges exist.  I guess that rules Tin Can Bay out.  When we used to visit Tin Can Bay during my childhood I was the main food supply source for the sand flies. They loved feasting on me.  I’m sure they flew around in circles doing a joyful jig every time I arrived at the Bay. To them, my presence was paradise.

From what I’ve expressed above, I guess some would say I live in a Fool’s Paradise.  That’s fair enough...they could be right.  On the other hand, they could be wrong.  

Paradise is not being dictated to, or dictating to.

Paradise is where morality is held in high stead; where the right principles of human conduct are exhibited and adhered to; where justice, fair play, decency, and ethical conduct are of the greatest importance.   

Paradise is a place – tangible or intangible - of beauty, not ugliness.

Paradise is a state of happiness, and of peace; where fairness is paramount...

Paradise is where crime in all its forms and guises is non-existent...

Imagine John Lennon’s lyrics.   Imagine the words of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow....where troubles melt like lemon drops...”   

Imagine living our lives by the sentiments of both songs. That would be paradise! 

Yep!  And for me...as long as Cherry Ripes, Connoisseur chocolate-coated ice creams on a stick are included...and my two furry mates, of course.  The three of us living in a little cabin on the foreshore with an uninterrupted ocean...and no nearby neighbours!

Chocolate Paradise Pie: Preheat oven 175C.  Melt 3tbs butter; add 1/3c digestive biscuit crumbs and 3tbs sugar. Combine well. Transfer to 946ml ovenproof dish. Press firmly into base. Top evenly with 1/3c choc chips. Bake until chocolate melts; spread melted choc out smoothly. Combine in bowl, 1/c plain flour, 1/4c sugar, 3/4tsp baking powder; add 1tsp vanilla, 1/3c milk, 1tbs canola oil; mix on low until smooth. Still on low, add 1/3c choc chips, 1/4c shredded coconut and 1/4c crushed walnuts. When thoroughly mixed, pour over crust. Bake, uncovered, 35-40mins. To serve; top pie with ice cream, and/or hot fudge and caramel toppings; sprinkle with walnuts.

Paradise Slice: Grease 20cmx20cm tray tin generously with butter. In bowl, using fingers, rub 225g plain flour and 115g butter together until it resembles bread crumbs. Stir through 30g caster sugar before adding 1 lightly beaten egg. Mix until combined into a soft pastry. Roll pastry to the size of greased tin; transfer to baking tray; push pastry into edges; trim excess: prick pastry all over; line with greaseproof paper; top with dry baking beans. Blind bake 5 mins in 190C oven. Remove beans; evenly spread 3 or 4tbs raspberry jam over pastry. Cream 115g butter and 115g caster sugar until light and fluffy; add 1 lightly beaten egg; mix until combined. Add 80g quartered glace cherries, 120g currants and 150g ground almonds; mix well. Spread evenly over pastry, edge to edge. Bake 30mins. Take from oven; sprinkle caster sugar on top; cool in tin. When cool, remove from tin; slice.