Oh, how I miss the bush!

Oh how I miss the bush!

The solitude of wide, open, uncomplicated space where I am merely an observer of the ecosystem around me.
The crunch of dry grass under my feet which is ready to ignite with any tiny spark.
The grasshoppers; who jump frantically as I plot out a path with my feet.
The birds and their calls which travel for miles and echo on mountain sides.
The shy animals who occasionally let their guard down to admit me into their space.
The air; all hot and humid, but clean and allowing me to take big, deep and satisfying breaths.
The shadows; the only place for respite from the heat.
The sunsets; unobscured for God to paint his heavenly orange streaks.
The dawn; all dewy with the promise of a new day.
The insects; as they mill about me in their thousands...and their buzz; alive and abundant.

Oh, how I miss the bush!

WHERE TO TURN TO FOR HELP?

Do you sometimes feel extremely alone?

Do you feel that it's like you are on an island with no one else around, surrounded by deep waters that you would prefer not to venture into?

Well, if that's your reality, then you probably are!

The question is: do you WANT to be in that isolated place?

Is that island comforting or confining?

Perhaps you would prefer to remain just where you are. In that case, it is entirely ok.

But what if it is a desperate place, a place of extreme loneliness and despondency? ..and a place where nobody wants to venture towards you?

Look at the picture above...if that turtle is indeed feeling isolated, then there is only one choice -

HE HAS TO REACH OUT!

That turtle could hope that another turtle will find him but why would another turtle take an equally dangerous plunge to venture towards him.

Is it not easier for our turtle to take the plunge himself?

Yes, it will be into deeper water, but there will always be the hope that he can find a better place where there are other turtles to help him. He also has the knowledge that he can indeed swim! He is well equipped to do that too!

Everything boils down to what is our turtle going to do for himself?

All that is stopping him is his own confidence!

What are you going to do about your isolation today?

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

"Christmas in July?" you might ask. Yes, that is what the residents of Fairland Village (a retirement home) in Johannesburg were treated to this past Thursday.

...and what a lovely idea too: to be able to enjoy a Christmas feast in the middle of winter in South Africa. The little village was abuzz with excitement for a good number of weeks as residents pooled their creativity with table decorations, menu's, place settings and ideas. It certainly was a privelege for me to share the excitement of about 50 golden people.

This is a picture of me and my beautiful, graceful 88year old mother. Not many daughters can say that they have had the privilege to ensure the comfort and happiness of their mothers in their golden years. I am very proud of my mom and the manner in which she has shouldered the difficulties in her life. She is a beautiful, loving and warm person, who cares about all her friends and a shining example to those around her. Mom, if you don't know by now:...

I LOVE YOU!

Obviously she is also very well liked by her fellow villagers too.

This is a picture of Mom and her special friend, Sue, just prior to the big lunch.

The kitchen staff were excellent in their food preparation, serving the residents, but especially their happy disposition which was totally contagious.

So to every one out there...it doesn't matter if the timing is supposedly wrong. There is no time like now! so...

Take time to celebrate your life!