In times of trialsA friend's visitIs comforting. We need each other In sickness And health, Not just in marriage But with friendships too.When solitude Brings only Crazy thoughts A friend's visit Is supportive too.Friends are moreThan a welcome distractionThey are my clan. Thank you for all the different ways you have been supportive and encouraging, … Continue reading A Friend Indeed…
family
Matriarchy Mandala
Continuing my search and formulation of my heritage follows on from Discovering my Ancestry I discovered that I have ancestry from the beginning of the colonization of the Cape, South Africa, by the Dutch East India Company in the seventeenth Century. Obviously it starts centuries before but I hadn't realized my roots in South Africa … Continue reading Matriarchy Mandala
Discovering My Ancestry
Discovering my ancestry: a journey of synthesizing and assimilating. ‘We don’t talk about that!’ My mother rasped at me in response to me showing her an antique lace cloth I had found in her belongings. She sounded like she was choking as she spoke; she sat on the other side of the room and … Continue reading Discovering My Ancestry
To My Astonishment…
‘Have you started my story,’ I heard my mother ask. She was phoning from heaven. I was astonished because I didn’t think she could phone me from heaven. I paused. I didn’t know what to say. I had been planning to start her story. ‘I haven’t …but I am planning to…’ my voice trailed off. … Continue reading To My Astonishment…
What Would I Say to My Younger Self Now That I Am Sixty three?
The trouble with giving one's younger self advice is, we gained that wisdom and knowledge through experience; the type of experience that can't save us from ourselves because it is precisely because we went through these experiences that we gained the knowledge. Yet I do wish I had learnt that 'fearful people pleasing gets you … Continue reading What Would I Say to My Younger Self Now That I Am Sixty three?
Sunday Session on the Patio
Sitting on my patio With Views If warm blues and lazy greens The birds chatter,Tweet and whirr,Piep piep and warble... Butterflies flutter. I listen intently All is still Except the birds,Sounds holographic To me.We have made a new compost bin this weekend And I thought about the Unwanted things that come From inside The kitchen … Continue reading Sunday Session on the Patio
My June News
We had a busy month completing our guest room and spending time with family; and believe it or not it was my art that kept me sane. Guest Room Completed Completing the guest room was quite a marathon: it took us from the end of April, laying the foundations, to the 21st of June when … Continue reading My June News
Relationships in Synergistic Communities
In the past, the author viewed friendships as separate from other relationships, perceiving them as burdens. However, their perspective has evolved to embrace all individuals as part of a vibrant community, likening it to a diverse garden. Each person, like plants, holds unique value, contributing to the synergy of social interactions. The author emphasizes the importance of collaboration, kindness, and connection, advocating for community growth and effective relationships that can address shared challenges while respecting individual roles.
Noffke’s Home Building News
Derek returned home exhausted after working late to put a temporary roof on the guest room, ensuring it was waterproof for upcoming rains. They had been juggling two projects: fixing a broken fence and constructing the guest room. With family help, they progressed despite challenging weather. While the walls still need finishing touches before guests arrive in June, Morag remains optimistic about completing the work in time.
A Puppy in Our Extended Family
The author explains their recent absence due to helping their daughter and son-in-law with a new puppy, emphasizing the commitment to training and care. They also mention supporting their family during a trip and look forward to returning soon.
Morag Noffke 