March 2005
Paint by Number
Did you ever do one of those paint by number paintings? I loved them! As I had absolutely no artistic skills whatsover (nada, nothing, less than zero, zip), it made me feel as if I was the greatest, the last of the famous artists!
It was so fascinating, first choosing a colour then filling in all the numbers for that colour, and yet there was no clear picture yet. Choosing the next colour and once again applying it to all the spaces for that colour. As each colour was applied, the picture gradually became recognisable. Once the last colour had been applied the picture was now complete and you could see the full impact of your glorious masterpiece. What a sense of achievement, how proud you felt, you immediately wanted to show it to everyone you knew, so that they could see your hidden talent.
Well isn’t life a bit like that? As we experience and learn new things, we get to see the bigger picture. We enter into new phases of our life each and every day, from first day at school, with all the fears we had, to graduating, to our first love, to marriage, first child, first job and all through life we are entering into new areas of our lives of which we have no idea of what the outcome will be.
It is only when we look back and see all our different colours we have painted on to our life canvas, that we can see the magic that we have created or where we had mistakenly painted in the wrong colour. We will either have a masterpiece or we have a less than perfect picture. It’s all about choices. It’s all about what we want from life - what’s acceptable to us. We can always paint over our mistakes to try and achieve that perfect masterpiece, or perchance we may be happy with a skewed picture. It is also so sad to see how sometimes we paint in the spaces that we think other people want to see, only to find that they clash horribly with the background colours we originally chose.
So as we can see, life is like a paint by number painting, as long as we strive to have that perfect picture, and as long as we keep trying to fix the mistakes, we will always have that talent we yearned for and that Masterpiece we are so proud of.
Rain, Glorious Rain
The Western Cape is in a second year of drought and according to the experts, the worst in a hundred years. Our area the West Coast has been declared a Disaster Area, with really strict water restrictions in place.
Yesterday it started raining, a bit early for our normal Winter rains and hopefully a good sign for a break in the drought and replenishment of our empty dams. It rained steadily all afternoon and into the night. What a relief! We do take water so much for granted, we abuse our rivers by polluting them and waste water daily.
We have a Wetland in our area full of Flamingo, pelican and numerous wild duck and other birds, including other creatures and wildlife. This year we have seen how much of the water has dried up, the size is almost half of what it normally should be. This area is a gift to the community, more so as it is in the middle of built up suburbs. It would be an absolute tragedy if we were to lose it through human mismanagement of our resources and heritage. The sight of a flock of pink flamingos in sight is awesome, a sight that not many have access to, yet here we see it on a daily basis whilst driving into the city or on our way home.
I do hope that we will have good rains this winter as our part of the country is rich in fruit, wheat and barley. These are quite important commodities for our country as a whole, apart from feeding our nation these commodities bring in huge overseas revenue from exports.
Personally and quite selfishly I wish to see my garden flourish and the plants survive and revive, so I look forward to every precious drop of liquid falling upon it.
Scented Delights
Isn’t it wonderful how many diverse scents and aromas we get naturally from plants? There is nothing more stimulating or magical than being in the garden in the evening.
The scent of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow, with it’s blue white and purple flowers, quite heady at times but a scent you will always remember and look forward to.
The perfume of the Jasmine Creeper can be so overpowering if close to the house, but wafting on the breeze it has a scent like no other, sweet and intoxicating.
The fresh scent of mint as you brush past it, so green and fresh. It has a zing that reminds you of purity, cleanliness and upliftment of the spirits. A gotta have in any garden.
The haunting, deep, clear and oh so sweet smell of my deepest red Rose “Papa Meillon”, you almost feel as though you are falling into the scent. Absolutely delightful! How criminal that most hybrid roses have no scent? They have deigned to have a perfect bloom rather than the magnificent scent!
The really gorgeous scent of blue/purple, lavender, clear, clean, makes you feel safe, invokes feelings of peace and tranquility. Can’t do without this one.
Then of course the unmistakeable scent of Rosemary, fantastic, astringent, inviting, moreish. Reminding one of big days outdoors with friends, family, lamb on the spit - spiked with Rosemary. This is the bringer togetherer - great.
Nasturtiums, such pretty, bright faces, sharp scent of pure honey, Makes you want to eat them, which of course you can. Plan a space for them they bring you joy.
Honeysuckle, so sweet and restful. Rambling up into trees, over walls and into your olfactory sensors, bringing dreams of repose and happy memories.
Carnations, so elegant and sweet. Their aroma is of a sweetness that can make the darkest depression disappear in an instant.
There are too many to list here, but they are all of such delight that they cannot be ignored when planning your garden space.
Sir Francis Bacon voices this so aptly:
And because The Breath of Flowers is far Sweeter in the air(where it comes and goes, like the warbling of Musick), than in the hand, therefore nothingis more fit for that delight, than to know what be the Flowers and Plants, that do best perfume the air.
Artificial Life
There has been so much in the media lately about the bad effects of fast foods and obesity. This is such a sad fact of life and we actually need to make responsible choices about our lifestyles. Making responsible choices means having full knowledge of products or paying full attention to the details on labels.
None of us really want to be ill in our older years, or depend on someone else to help us, bathe us, feed us. Surely this is not the reason why we have been put on this earth? Surely it is about quality of life and longevity rather than quantity of life as a dependant? Life should be full, happy, joyful, and definitely not artificial, like the substances we are being exposed to.
Our Government ensures that cigarettes carry a warning that tobacco can harm you, medication has to carry full details of harmful side effects and there is even talk about Alcohol carrying warnings. Even more recently we have had foodstuffs withdrawn out of our shops because of the deadly effects of the colouring “Sudan Red”, a carcinogen, so awfully deadly to humans. The question is - “If we have to have details on packages of harmful agents or side effects” then how were these colourants able to enter our country?
Even worse is the fact that most average people do not have access to the internet to do their own research, those that do, don’t have the time to look things up because of time constraints or other better things to do, or just not being aware of what destructive additives we have in our foods and drinks, because it is not stated on the labels.
This brings us to a sweetener, now being labelled as “Sweet Poison”, more commonly known as “Aspartame”, being put into so many foods as a replacement for sugar. This especially so in the case of “Diet” food, yoghurt, drinks, in fact so many items labelled as “low fat”, “fat free” or “diet”. Minister of Health, please look at this artificial sweetener and protect the people, this is your responsibility after all!
Imagine how horrific it must be like to find that you are really ill, every day for three weeks and then to find that the reason is, you have been affected by this substance!
To find out more for yourself and to allow you to make a responsible, personal choice, please go and find out. Do not spend another day feeling bad.
Go see the facts for yourself!
Easter Greetings
Easter is a time for remembering our past, celebrating freedom and looking toward to the awakening of renewal. A time to share with family. A time to re-establish your faith and who you are.
For some it will be breaking the fast of Lent and celebrating the resurrection, for others it will be celebrating Passover and the end to slavery, others still will celebrate the holy day with observance and going to Church, for some it is really an excuse for another long weekend, for others again the Easter Egg will be all that they look forward to.
It doesn’t really matter what religion you are, it is the symbolism and worship surrounding this weekend that is sacred and all important. The issues such as Freedom from Slavery, The Promised Land where all people would be equal with all their rights intact, the Resurrection showing us that even from the darkest hour can come renewal and perhaps miracles, the end of the Fast of Lent - the forty days of fasting relative to soul searching and repentance, for reflection and taking stock and in preparation for Easter. Perhaps humans need to have these holidays to remind us of what we should be practising naturally every day of our lives.
WISHING YOU A VERY SPECIAL EASTER
Easter is a time of love, of family, and of peace.
It is a time when we say a quiet thanks for all that we have
and for all that the future holds.
Easter is a feeling in our hearts of hope and faith and trust.
It is a day of miracles; a day when our dreams seem a little closer;
a time of retrospection for what has been,
and anticipation of all that will be.
And it is a time for remembering
with love and appreciation
the people in our lives
who make a difference…
people like you.
~~By Anna Marie Edwards.~~
Healing Space
We live with so much stress these days. Technology has brought wonderful changes to our world but with it comes the dreaded instant gratification. Everyone wants an answer NOW, because it is possible with email, cellphones etc. It also means we have no escape, we are now always in demand, therefore always under stress. No time for ourselves, no rest, no relaxation, no time to think and ponder and dream.
My answer is to spend time in my garden and - you guessed it - I do not take my Cellphone with me. I spend quality time, planning future beds, colours, secret little hideaways, colour for healing, pebbles, rocks, plants for the river, plants to invite the butterflies and birds. Whilst I am doing good old physical work like digging, mulching, weeding, fertilising, I am also able to think, dream, see into future times, wonder, take in all the beauty and restore my body and soul with the healing that automatically happens.
There are also my herbs which bring natural healing.
Sage for Bronchitis, bacterial infections and rheumatism.
Mint for Indigestion Nausea and Cramps.
Thyme for a stimulant and tonic, to raise immunity and for lethargy.
Bay Leaf for colds, flu and insomnia.
Basil for loss of concentration, migraine, aches and pains.
Rosemary for Obesity, dandruff and liver decongestant.
Parsley for Nervous conditions, kidney problems and a diuretic
Oregano for Muscular pain and digestive problems.
Lemongrass for Fevers, Sore Throats and insect repellant.
Apart from the herbal healing, just sitting in your garden quietly meditating, thinking or dreaming for a few minutes each day can heal and replenish your stretched and jangled nerves.
Then there is the healing qualities of colour and aroma that still needs investigation, but that is for another day. Today I am healing.
Human Rights
Well what a busy weekend! At the same time most invigorating, especially with having the extra day to enable me to fit in so many things.
Yesterday’s holiday was to commemorate “Human Rights”. The basic unalienable rights of each and every human being.
What is Human Rights Day? Human Rights Day (21 March) is the day set aside to celebrate human rights and to remind all South Africans of their human rights.
What are human rights? Human rights are the rights that everyone has, simply because they are human beings. They are the rights we all have from the moment we are born. We do not have to earn them and they cannot easily be taken away from us.
The list of human rights protected in South Africa is the Bill of Rights, which is Chapter 2 of the Constitution. The Constitution is the highest law of South Africa. Everyone in South Africa, including the government, must follow it. The rules set out in a Constitution are very hard to change, and so the rights in the Bill of Rights are also very hard to change. This means that it is difficult for anyone to change your rights or to try and take them away from you.
Rights and responsibilities Because everyone has these rights regardless of their race, age or gender, we all have to respect other people’s rights as well. It is no good saying that you have these rights if you are doing things at the same time, which go against other people’s rights. And, we must all respect and follow the laws of the country as well.
Many of these rights are now included in our Bill of Rights, and include the rights to:
Equality (Section 9)
Human dignity (Section 10)
Freedom of expression (Section 16)
Assembly, demonstration, picket and petition (Section 17)
Freedom of association (Section 18) and
Freedom of movement and residence (Section 21).
We have come a long way in our country toward protecting Human Rights and hopefully we will strive even harder to defend and uphold these rights.
“Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.”
“Storm Jameson”
Long Weekend
Hmmmm, a long weekend, a chance to do a million things that I have promised myself.
A chance to use my Digital Camera, a chance to do two things at the same time, to go out and to take some great photos. Where shall I go?
A chance to read a book, must have at least ten books to read, the ones at the top of my list are:
The Terracotta Warriors by Maurice Cotterell, the secret codes of the Emperor’s Army. It decodes the long-lost secrets of China’s terracotta army.
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, how little things can make a big difference. The book describes that magic moment when ideas, trends and social behaviours, cross a threshold and spread like wildfire.
Reading People by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius and Mark Mazzarella. Secret Tips that reveal the truth behind body language.
This does not include Aromatherapy, Crystals, mysteries and religions of the world.
Perhaps a chance to do some Flower Pressing.
Maybe some gardening.
Listening to some favourite music.
Watching some movies.
Doing some gardening.
Washing the dogs.
Mowing the lawn.
Going for a swim.
Having a Braai.
Relaxing with family and friends.
Not enough days in the long weekend for everything so will have to do a bit of each.
“Guard well your spare moments.
They are like uncut diamonds.
Discard them and their value will never be known.
Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dreamtime
All my life I have had a recurring dream. In this dream I see my life (as I know it) playing out before me. I re-live all the trials, tribulations, joys, accomplishments, achievements, losses and gains. Re-live all the happy times and all the sad times. Re-look at all my fears both old and new. All of this so vivid as though I am living them in the moment.
Then I wake up only to find that I am not even of this earth but from very strange surroundings, not even human yet unlike anything I have encountered before, but from a far away time and Galaxy, exactly where I do not know, and that my whole life that I have just re-lived has only been a dream!
Which is the actual Dream and which is the illusion? If it is a dream then is it still a dream when I wake up? Has my whole life been a dream? Is this a figment of my own imagination? Is it a portent, does it carry a message? Is this dream of a distant time in the past or a time to come in the future? Is it of “the Dreamtime” perhaps? Too many questions and not enough answers.
The really interesting thing is that in the Dream I stay the same age and of the same looks from my childhood until present time! Is it a mask I am wearing, is the Dream hiding something from me, is there a lesson in this Dream for me or is it mean’t to make me question?
Some day I hope to find the meaning behind this dream, if it is a Dream that is.
Spirituality
Love the animals, love the plants, love everything.
If you love everything you will perceive the divine mystery in things.
Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day.
And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
What is spirituality all about? Long discussions from all points of different religions see it differently. New Age sees it in another view, and Africans, Maoris and American Indians see it another way.
I still have too many questions of my own about so many things, that I hardly think I could say what Spirituality is. I do know though that people with Spirit, think, act and talk differently. They seem to see all the important little subleties in everything, that we seem to miss. They are different!
For me Spirituality is being a part of the Universe, seeking more than just explanations, knowing I am a part of something bigger, seeing more than what is here, trying to attain the highest level of understanding, promoting universal peace and love of all people and all things, trying to serve and alleviate suffering, searching for light when all seems dark, the joy of being and the little spark within me that says welcome new day-what can you show me that I am not seeing!
Easter is on it’s way, autumn here in the Cape, it will be the end of Lent and fasting for some, Pentecost for others, with new beginnings of faith and purpose. A shrugging off of the old of the past and looking to a renewal in the future, just like a beautiful be-jewelled butterfly emerging from it’s deep sleep as a pupa.
Media Space
Isn’t it amazing how we are all influenced by the happenings that are flighted on Television and in the newspapers and magazines?
Very few of them are ever happy stories, instead they are all about the cruelty of the human species. Murder, rape, theft, and all manners of unspeakable acts. Yet we rush out and avidly purchase and peruse the misfortune of others. Why do we do this? Have good deeds and happy stories become boring? Are our own lives so mediocre that we actually get a buzz out of other peoples heartbreak?
It is no wonder that there is so much depression, so many people turning to drugs or drink, just trying to hide from all this daily bombardment of human misery. It seems that there is no end to it and without any uplifting stories or news, people are just sinking deeper into a no-hope situation.
There are so many happy and amazing stories out there, but you need to look for it among the tiny little articles somewhere in the middle pages, never on page one. The stories of people who have very little themselves yet still find money to feed a few more hungry mouths. The NGO’s and their neverending efforts to uplift communities. The one man bands fighting for the rights of people with HIV/AIDS, or the blind, or mentally unstable or many other equally important issues.
The youth of today desperately need a hero or hero’s, someone that can uplift them, show them hope, teach them to laugh, to protect them and cherish them. To give them something to build dreams on, something to make themselves feel proud, something to make them walk tall, something to make them look forward to tomorrow, something to make them build a better future.
The media is not talking to our youth!
Fairy Space
I share my Garden Space with many varied creatures, animals, insects, reptiles, humans and the wee fey folk, more commonly known as Fairies.
Green Fairies that bring peace, love and abundance. Usually found among the ferns and foliage.
Yellow Sunshine Fairies that bring warmth, space and fertility. Their shining faces can be found among the Marigolds, Roses and Daisies.
Purple Fairies, the bringers of spirituality, higher understanding and serenity. Favourite hideaways are in the Lavender, Pansies and Violas.
Pink, delicate Fairies, the rulers of the heart, sending special messages about how important this factor is in reality. They love snuggling in among the highly scented Rose Blossoms, peeping out occasionally to whisper …. don’t forget to tell someone that you love them!
Blood Red Fairies, the grounding Fairies, Their message to us is to keep our feet firmly on the ground and our minds on the reality in our lives. Their hiding places are among the Bouganvillea, Pointsettias and Berries on the various trees and shrubs.
The Blue Fairies (my favourite, all though I love them all), misty, wispy little creatures weaving their magic on us all. Their message is serenity, belief and love for yourself, cherishing all the aspects of what you have in your life, reaching out to others in need. They can be found all around, now on the Plumbago, then in the air, later around the water, sometimes just by the front gate as I’m going out, just to sprinkle some magic dust on me for protection.
All the Fairies have sent out invitations to others telling them of my Garden Space. I hope to share more about them later on.
Flighty Creatures
Every day brings something new and interesting to my garden space. It has been visited by so many varied flying creatures, some only vistors passing through and some that have become resident.
Around our water feature, which is a river, we have giant dragonflies with wings that seem bejewelled, by all the beautiful metallic colours.
In the late afternoon we have a pair of resident Wagtails that come for their daily, noisy bathing antics.
Dancing all and about the garden space we have butterflies. Tiny miniature blue ones, larger white and yellow ones, big handsome Swallowtails of black and yellow, orange and brown beauties and brown butterflies with partly see through wings. A stunning spectacle.
A resident pair of red-eye Doves that nested in our patio and hatched two chicks, a stamp of approval on this new addition to the home, methinks.
An occasional visitor, a gorgeous Collared Sunbird, strutting iridescent colours of green, red and blue.
Clouds of tiny White Eyes, green and cute that come for the whiteflies that would eat my Roses.
The usual cooing doves and chatty sparrows.
Some cheeky Starlings that divebomb the cats and warn the other birds to get out of the way.
A daily flight overhead of a flock of Pelicans that live in a nearby wetland, enormous and majestic as they sail across the sky.
A new sighting yesterday in our neighbours garden of a Sugarbird with it’s long sweeping tail.
A resident Locust and some Praying Mantis.
How privileged to have these creatures share my Garden Space.
They give me something to look forward to each and every day.
Fuzzy Space
I have some special warm, furry, fuzzy friends who share my home space with me.
Three dogs and three cats. In order of age and respectability (if you please) we have Kitty - a black and white Moggie rescued from behind a garage as a kitten 18 years young and still showing her superiority. Fergie - an outrageous Yorkie with a temperament like a true Prima Donna. Cinders - A huge Black cat, left behind for us when we bought our house, he is only learning how to be affectionate two years later…don’t know how old he is? Torti - a tortoiseshell cat that is absolutely crazy and too, too lovable. She came from a shelter and she chose me. Roxie - A beige cross Toypom type, she was rescued from vagrants. She gives out love like chocolates and despite being small is a fierce watchdog. Last but not least is Shiva - a black Labrador, swimmer of note and companion extraordinaire.
They bring sunshine into everyday life, always with a smile, a wag or just a nudge. It is truly amazing that we should be so lucky as to have these friends. Friends who don’t care if you are big, small, thin, fat, pretty or not, or even what colour you are. They truly give unconditionally.
Wouldn’t our space in this world be so much better if we could all give so unconditionally, every day all day?
Herbal Space
This is a space for all my Herbal musings.
A large space within my garden is taken up with herbs. They are scattered all among the roses and shrubs. Some complementing the adjacent plants and some preventing the insects from eating the partner plants.
There are so many herbs ranging from spicy, warm, sweet or acidic. All with so many uses, from rubs, cooking, washes, healing, aromas, to de-toxing.
My first favourites are the Aroma herbs - Lavender, Rose Geranium, Lemon Verbena, Mint, Lemongrass & Marigold. I can think of nothing more soothing than to have the clean smell of Lavender on my sheets and pillowcase when I go to bed at night. It ensures that I will have a good, deep sleep with lots of dreams. Alternatively to burn some Lavender oil in the room before going to bed, Mmmmmm.
Lavender must also be the most versatile essential oil, it is a natural antibiotic,antiseptic, sedative, detoxer,antidepressant with further qualities which prevent scarring and promote healing. This essential oil is a must in any Firstaid box. Used on light burns it soothes and heals quickly without any scarring occurring. This oil has the ability of balancing mind and body.
International Womens Day
Today this space is being dedicated to all the wonderful women out there.
International Women’s Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
International Women’s Day is all about the celebration of being a woman.
On this occasion, reach out to all the women you admire… be it your wife, sweetheart, mother, sister, grandmother, friend, in-law or your loved one. Take this opportunity to acknowledge them and make them feel special by sending some flowers or even one flower
What is a Sacred Space
There are many opinions on what a Sacred Space is. A Church/Synagogue/Mosque/Hall or where many people pray and ask for blessings. A specific place where many people have died innocently as in the 911 site or Auschwitz or Rwanda. A simple altar in a room with icons and candles. Sites of peace and power such as Glastonbury, Machu Picchu, The Pyramids, The Mount of Olives and many more. Places where miracles have been known to have happened like Lourdes.
To my mind there are many more sacred spaces of equal importance.
The space in your mind where the most precious memories are kept.
The space in your heart where all the love for your most precious family, friends, partners are kept
The space within others that you reside in.
That secret little space where all your new ideas, wishes and aspirations are born.
The space in a forest when all is silent and you feel peace surround you.
The special space you go to for solitude and to let your mind soar.
The space beside a river where you can reflect and de-stress.
Your mother’s home where you feel enveloped in love, security and warmth.
Your friends home where you feel genuinely welcome and where you can safely share your secrets.
The list is endless but I just think that the word “space” is too large to define and that the word “sacred” is only so if we make it so.
Lazy Sunday
Cape Town has been having a severe drought, with very strict water restrictions in place. We can only water our gardens on a Monday (if you have an even street number) or Tuesday (uneven street number) for an hour with a bucket or watering can and another half an hour on a Friday. We have all become Masters in the art of saving water.
Sadly many of the plants that like water have since passed on but on the whole it is surprising how many have survived, and how great the garden is still looking.
This morning , looking out through a forest of lavender flowers, we have woken up to an overcast sky with the lightest of rains falling - Yipppeeee!! After the extreme heat of the past week this is so welcome.
The exact, perfect weather to curl up in your favourite space, perhaps to indulge in some reading, catching up on some of the things you have been meaning to do, cooking up a storm, or just do nothing.
A lazy, hazy, rainy Sunday.