I hope you are well. You might be wondering how I am doing, so I will tell you. I am so over this air-boot thing that I have to wear for my ankle! I can't wait for next Monday. Counting the days. Not that I won't still wear it but that is when I start … Continue reading How am I doing?
Meditation
Affirming who? Ourselves: Are you crazy?
Yes, I mean affirming yourself; affirming myself. I think a lot of us know about affirmations but don’t really apply this idea because deep down many of us don’t feel our worth or adequate or good enough. It's as if we feel we don't deserve to be affirmed. Many of us suffer from a fear … Continue reading Affirming who? Ourselves: Are you crazy?
The Conversation (inspired by the painting Iona Landscape: Rocks by Samuel J Peploe)
A short note to my writing group: On seeing this painting, Iona Landscape: Rocks by Samuel J Peploe I could write about visiting Iona 25 years ago; of receiving a book written in the 1800s and passed down to me, from my Scottish Aunt about Iona history; about the fact that my grandmother was a … Continue reading The Conversation (inspired by the painting Iona Landscape: Rocks by Samuel J Peploe)
Friday Comfort:
There is a powerful connection between our emptiness and our ability to welcome it. Henri Nouwen. Friday used to be family day in our home but now it is our friendship day. Whatever brings you joy I hope that you will experience those comforts; be it family, friends, or some special ritual that uplifts and … Continue reading Friday Comfort:
Reflection: Observations about growing older: ears and eyes.
Jasper, Canada, photo by Derek Noffke, 2014 Athabasca Falls, M Noffke, 2014 Being able to see and hear the sights and sounds in my life bring me joy. I am grateful for sight and hearing and don’t ever want to take it for granted. These are senses that most of us are given from birth; … Continue reading Reflection: Observations about growing older: ears and eyes.
Sitting quietly is a gift.
I acknowledge the long unexplained silence As I sit upon my patio Gazing at my foresty-garden: Autumn rains it's leaves in gusts of winds Pitter-patter to the ground In the lull, like the in-breath, a leaf drifts Down to touch the ground Like a little foraging bird. Leaves leaving the branch akin to letting go. … Continue reading Sitting quietly is a gift.
What is art and can you call yourself an artist?
Many people ask: What is art? When I was studying art we spoke about high art and low art. I think it was a highbrow or snobbish way of thinking and people believed that only high art mattered. Low art included crafters and hobbyists. Even nowadays there are people who talk about insider art and … Continue reading What is art and can you call yourself an artist?
Feedback About My Course I am Attending: Part Two
For the first two weeks we explored our image we chose as our symbol. Mine, as you may recall, was the butterfly wings and the metamorphosis cycle. It was mostly using one's intellect in researching meaning, ontology and considering how it could speak to us. We also were given questions to consider about what we … Continue reading Feedback About My Course I am Attending: Part Two
Know yourself
Chalk Pastel drawing of Calla lilies, by Morag Noffke. This is an edited post from 2018 which I wrote to myself as a reminder of how I want to live. Reading it today, I feel that it is still very true for myself now. It is easy to get caught up in life's business and … Continue reading Know yourself
Sailing: Inner Grounding
Sailing is fun. I used to go sailing with Fritz Nebe, when I was a teenager (+/-1978 - 1981). I learnt all about sailing and adventure, thanks to him. We sailed from Simon's Town to Hout Bay; and from Hout Bay to Saldanha Bay. There we spent many weekends sailing and swimming in Langabaan Lagoon. … Continue reading Sailing: Inner Grounding