BLOOD, PAPER and MONEY Blood relatives, the blood shed in slavery and free servants, and lives obliterated;Paper trails of birth, marriage and death certificates, letters, and decrees, and the lack of a paper trails that keep some family members nameless and homeless;Money: the root of all evil woven through kingdoms, beliefs, and commerce. Pieter van der … Continue reading Chapter one, The Confessions of a Mother
poem
Living With Gratitude
The landscape, frosted white and crispWith dark branches reaching towards the misty skyLike black gloved fingers only just visible say 'hi'While foggy strata conceal things, Valley veiled.And as the sun appears, o'er the hills,Melting frost: rooves drip and crows craw,Owners whistle and call...For their dogs. Tis peace and contentment That envelope my week.Today I think … Continue reading Living With Gratitude
Our Well-being is so Tenuous.
Health is not valued until an ailment comes along. My post is mostly directed to people in their second half of live - 'getting older', although maybe some young people could relate, if like me, I remember when I was seventeen suddenly developing asthma; it was a an alarming experience. One moment I was jogging, … Continue reading Our Well-being is so Tenuous.
Ramblings from my Teacup
When we long for things other people have Have you ever been at the beach or park and you see someone walking along with a lilt in their step, hair flying in the breeze and they seem to embody the picture of ideal happiness or health. Maybe it elicits a feeling of slight envy; you … Continue reading Ramblings from my Teacup
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
Interlude
The author reflects on a serene moment by the Tweed River, enjoying a sunny afternoon after a walk. Inspired by the scenery, including playful lambs and birdsong, they express gratitude through a poem. The passage also notes the beauty of nature's unpredictability, with a sudden hailstorm following the sunshine, fostering a sense of humility.
Fostering Our Inner Beings
The content emphasizes the importance of self-worth, personal growth, and letting go of old habits that hinder progress. It encourages individuals to recognize their inherent value and to cultivate new, positive thoughts and routines. The narrative draws parallels to nature, illustrating the struggle of transformation. Ultimately, freeing oneself from past burdens allows for a more fulfilling life aligned with core values and authenticity, leading to confidence and fulfillment.
Joyful Spring
Again I reflect upon the change of seasons and my internal season. I do detect incremental changes. It's time to celebrate with an expression unedited from my soul in art and a poem. The leaves of trees budBirds dance and twitter with joyMy heart is laughing My art is moving Art-thaw of winter cracks wide … Continue reading Joyful Spring
Slivers of Joy
The author reflects on the importance of taking pauses in daily life, contrasting past rush with newfound appreciation for quiet moments. Through this practice, they enjoy simple joys, like sunshine and birdsong, while questioning activities that enrich their life. Emphasizing mindfulness, they encourage others to recognize their own moments of joy.
The Sun Rises Out of the Dark
"Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” – Rabindranath Tagore It is easy to feel weighed down by personal problems or world events but what I know I need to do is turn my face towards the light when the dawn is still dark. Here is my letter-poem … Continue reading The Sun Rises Out of the Dark
