heaven at the edge of the ocean…

Posted on May 17, 2013 by

sunset shimmer…

Mist envelopes me as I dip down a hill on the R43 towards Gansbaai. Low hanging cloud swirls like Scottish fog and I’m momentarily disappointed: I was banking on a blazing sun sinking below the horizon in a kaleidoscope of colour. Now the light’s turning white and I can barely see the taillights of the car in front of me – there’s goes my hope of capturing a spectacular sunset.

However by the time I’ve turned into De Kelders and begun driving along the craggy edge, I’m starting to feel an exquisite rush of enchantment. Suddenly the familiar fynbos morphs into a mysterious foreign landscape, as if I’ve been teleported across the seas to somewhere magical like the Isle of Skye (sans the drudgery of airport security, visas and long cramped flights). My mood lifts, unlike the cloud.

so sweet!

Nico warmly ushers me through the front door of Cliff Lodge, its interior bright and welcoming as he leads me up a flight of stairs to my room. I’m already taken by the art adorning the walls and in this weird half light, it feels more like I’m climbing towards a cruise ship cabin. He opens the door with a flourish and shows me around. The suite is elegant and spacious: a Manhattan penthouse transposed on a rocky ledge overlooking the Atlantic. I sink onto the four poster bed, the mist taking on a positively romantic hue as I gaze out at the swell sneaking through the fog. What an idyllic place for a honeymoon, romantic weekend or even a rejuvenating getaway to pamper yourself.

romantic mists…

Ocean Suite is the chic cherry on top of Gideon and Gill’s award winning haven (with a further four rooms equally stylish, thoughtfully appointed and nautically named). There’s a telescope for whale viewing, flat screen TV and DVD player and even a Nespreso machine (in case of midnight emergencies) in the fully stocked mini-bar – though I soon discover both Nico and Gideon are exacting barristers who pride themselves on the quality of their cappuccinos. And, as someone who is an out and out caffeine snob, trust me these men know good coffee! I feel at home and instantly relaxed.

moon set…

The massive balcony showcases the breathtaking view – an immense expanse of sea that stretches on forever. Looking out it’s rugged rock, crashing waves and endless fathoms of crystal cerulean… which in whale season, comes alive with mating couples and later, frolicking mothers and calves. And although you can charter a boat to take a closer look, you’ll be astonished how much you can see from the comfort of this lofty vantage point.

awake in heaven…

Waking refreshed after being gently soothed to sleep by the murmuring lullaby of the ocean, I admire the moon lingering high in the pastel pink sky, shimmering like mother of pearl. The mist has cleaned to reveal a magnificent vista and I’m awed by the epic beauty of this place as the light paints watercolours across the canvas of dawn. A great start to my day!

And it just gets better: downstairs a delicious array of cereals, fruit, yogurt and freshly baked goodies greet me along with the heavenly aroma of freshly expressed coffee. Gideon serves me one of the best flat white’s I’ve ever sipped as I sit soaking up the sunshine. Gill’s freshly juiced watermelon and mint is a revitalizing tonic… and there’s still a litany of delicious cooked delicacies to choose from. One is quite literally spoilt for choice.

beach breakfast…

 

This part of the Overberg is magical throughout the year but there is something particularly beguiling about winter with her wild storms and raging seas. I can think of nothing better than being curled up safe inside, basking in the warm glow and watching heavy swell crash against the rocks below. In fact, I’m such a devoted wave watcher that after sampling the sumptuous smorgasbord breakfast, I skip down to Die Stal to see the ocean shatter itself into white foam splitters, revealing brief rainbows in the spume. Later I’m lucky enough to be included in the local Kelp Kult and taken for a bracing swim in the Walker Bay reserve. Riding seaweed seahorses on the back of a rip, my spirit soars with sheer sensory delight of sea, sunshine and salt. It’s a lot like being a mermaid – and the irrepressible power of the sea has always fascinated me.

signs!

It’s significant to note most Cliff Lodge guests are based abroad and return at least once – if not once a year. Glowing feedback spread by satisfied visitors and consistently excellent reviews on Tripadvisor ensure this glamorous retreat is fully booked throughout the season. Both Gill and Gideon are remarkable hosts: warm, accommodating and perfectly professional. And they keep exceeding expectations. For the first time since moving to my little farm sanctuary, I feel reluctant to return home. Spend one night here and you’ll understand why: it’s heaven.

warming up for winter…

 

From now until the end of July, Cliff Lodge is running a winter special: 10% discount for a 1 night; 20% off if you stay for two nights and a glorious stay for 4, pay for 3 (they close from June 15th for a month).

For more info visit www.clifflodge.co.za, call 028 384 0983 or email stay@clifflodge.co.za

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My advice? Book now and treat yourself to the Ocean Suite: you’ll be delighted you did!

the endless sea…

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strength in weakness…

Posted on May 7, 2013 by

I read this poem in at some stage during my miserable high school career and it struck a chord then. The stroke and resulting journey have brought me to my knees to teach the lesson of humility countless times. And? I’m profoundly grateful for those experiences, no matter how uncomfortable, as they’ve afforded a glimpse of the universal heart that beats within all of us. For the first time in perhaps ever, I feel truly loved. Just as I am, as is, as me. So I thought I’d share it with you tonight:

Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier aka The Creed for the Disabled  (author unknown)

 

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things.

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy.

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

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skye bornof lightning

 

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of light and shadow…

Posted on May 2, 2013 by

night/shadow

I don’t know what to write sometimes. Words can seem so empirically empty, so devastatingly devoid of meaning. The way one life weaves within the fine weft of another, the way we all form part of a massive tapestry no one can truly see, but reach toward, ever falling short of grasping the whole. So we wage internal wars, project outward all the broken, unresolved issues onto a world of mirrors, blaming others for that which we do. Harm rendered to self becomes harm to another. There can be no peace without until there is peace within – and how on earth do we achieve this?

Instead we judge and by judging, split the world and ourselves, in twain. Striving for ‘right’, we label something else wrong and so condemn ourselves to suffering. We look to what is broken in the world and repulsed, propel ourselves hastily away in the hope of heading towards the ‘right’… and thereby redeem our fractured selves. Those committed to good, split off to wage against perceived evils – eternally judging an Other worthy of vitriol and vilification. As we do with parts of ourselves. Surely this is the hell many fear, scrambling over one another to flee. And paradoxically digging deeper into the pit.

Is there are difference between judgment, the cruel shearing of limbs, and discernment? Is this the unpleasant bind of like to dis? Does peace promise rectitude from grasping, a hand more open to life which alights thereon? However temporal. However temporary. Why do we fight destruction and exalt creation when they are one in the same, donning a different cloak? What human failing is it to greet one but deny the other? When all life around us echoes this law: day dissolves to night as unified parts of the self-same passage. When we see seasons pass through changing skies, marked by leaves turning green then red then brown and falling. Barren. There’s no eternal spring inherent in nature, no season upheld as higher than the rest. So why do we wish to hold fast to one and demonize others? How do we reconcile this ancient, elemental fracture in the psyche of mankind? Is the great work, the horrific quest through which each soul must travel only so it may, eventually, embrace itself? Dark and light. All broken, in some way or another. May compassion replace rejection and gracefully empower us to accept what is and love ourselves regardless.

swirled together…

In striving for any reconciliation outside ourselves we are bound by fate to fail. If we try to love others but have no love for self, eventually our internal fission is projected outward and we inflict this suffering externally. A nasty spiral of grasping blame and punitive punishment. The open palm curls into clenched fist. The highest law still holds – blessed birth-right of love and unity. How do we love another until we have learned to love and respect the self? The source from whence our humanity springs. How do we tap this? Perhaps through the slow process of transmutation, a patient exercise of temperance where the vessel, sufficiently strengthened can finally bear the consuming power of such unconditional love. The light within which all darkness is embraced. Where do we gain such intolerable strength?

What persistent patience permits the little eye to close and open slowly to the eternal I? Release the groping desire to be seen, nervous need for glory, acknowledged achievement of  some transient goal… in favour of this higher human dream. The immortal task that promises everlasting nothingness: the eternal freedom of unity and peace. Who amoung us is brave enough to embark upon the quest? Who have the courage to remain forever in the dark?

day/light

Light and shadow. Day and night. Both are necessary… and beautiful.
Posted in Letters from limbo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

spicing things up a little…

Posted on April 23, 2013 by

Winter is coming (yes, I’m a GOT fan) and even now the autumn evenings are crisp and icy. Living on solar power in the Western Cape over this period of rain and grey and gloom is challenging to say the least. And I really feel the cold. But over one long and especially dark, wet weekend whilst watching Into The Wild (again) I decided to make something to lift my spirits – and my temperature. This drink is hot and spicy, and because it’s packed with healthy superfood powders, is really good for you too!

hot ‘n spicy…

Scarlet’s Spicy Hot Chocolate

300ml milk (cow, soya or almond)

200ml water

2T Cacao powder

1T Maca powder

1T Lacuma powder

1T coconut oil

50g grated good quality dark chocolate

 

A pinch of

-          coarsely ground black pepper

-          dried chillies/cheyenne pepper

-          ground ginger

-          cinnamon

 

Honey/agave syrup/sugar to taste

  • Place milk and water into a small heavy bottomed saucepan on high heat.
  • Add cacao, macca, lacuma powder and spices slowly – use a whisk to blend ingredients together 
  • Add honey/syrup/sugar
  • Keep whisking, watching for small bubbles forming around the edges and a white crema appears
  • Remove from heat (you want to avoid boiling point) and strain to remove residue
  • Add grated chocolate and whisk one last time
  • Pour into a cups/mugs and serve

Adaptions…

To turn this into a sexy after dinner or decadent late afternoon treat, add a shot of Frangelico, froth some milk or cream separately and top. Sprinkle a little (emphasis on little) cheyenne powder and grated chocolate and serve.

If you’re camping (in the cold, heaven forbid!) pre-pack the dry ingredients into a Ziploc bag so you can simply decant into a saucepan. You can roast some marshmallows as you warm your hot chocolate for a super sweet bite to complement the spiciness goodness. You can also do this at home in front of a blazing fire (way more sensible) where you can curl up with a fluffy blanket, sip and savour the spoils of winter!

Enjoy…

< aside > ironically, one of the first few posts on this blog started with me and my desire to mix chilli with chocolate… it went a lot less well than this latest experiment!

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ancient essence of trees…

Posted on April 2, 2013 by

enchanted emerald forest

When I moved to the Overberg, my wise friend Jean mentioned there was an indigenous forest in the area. As must by now be rather obvious, I’ve a bit of thing for trees so for an arbourphile like me, that’s akin to telling an alcoholic he’s been asked to farmsit a vineyard. I set off to track down this magical place only to find Ma Nguni had already bought trees for her garden from Platbos. So when the lovely Tasha of Miöja came to visit, we took a little dusty road into the Uilkraal Vallei and meet divine forest guardian, Melissa. The rest, as they say, is history…

And in the spirit of history and it’s making, here’s our first ever guest post straight from the great green heart of the forest:

Healing  from the Forest

~ by Melissa Saayman Krige

Forest Call

Nine years ago, a synchronistic chain of events brought my family to Platbos. My husband and I fell instantly in love: amazingly, this ancient indigenous forest was up for sale. After successfully navigating numerous hurdles – both practical and financial – today we are fortunate and blessed to call Africa’s southernmost forest our home.

beautiful boughs…

Walking alone in the golden light and soft, earthy smells of the forest were a source of comfort in those early days of adjusting to our new off-the-grid home amongst the old and wizened trees. Quickly I sensed I was anything but alone. Over and above the birdsong and soft rustle of the trees, I perceived another presence. Like a fleeting light in the shadows, it was vital and electric; yet evasive. Each time I turned to capture it, it was gone.

Intrigued and enchanted by what I have come to think of as “The Call of the Forest”, the following years were a time of great discovery and learning for me. I learnt old growth forests have exceptionally strong and stable energy fields as they’ve occupied the same place for hundreds of years. In the case of Platbos, current research suggests that this forest is possibly many millions of years old. Pollen records show many of the forest’s tree species have been in existence for over 26 millions of years – at least. No doubt Platbos’ great antiquity is the reason the trees here have energy fields three times larger than normal. As alchemists of life, trees integrate what is above with what is below, transforming the elements – sun, earth, water and air – into life-sustaining matter. Trees – as channels of radiant light – provide not only for our material needs: they also support our spiritual well-being.

Overberg ‘jaguar’

In time, I realized the invisible presence I was sensing was the overlighting life force of the forest. By attuning to the forest energies, I learnt how to discern the different properties of the trees; making vibrational essences from the tree flowers was the natural way to harness their healing potential. Following the traditions of the Bach Flower Remedies, I use pure, local spring water to hold the vibrational blueprint of the leaves and flowers of the forest trees. As Maseru Emoto has shown, water has an infinite capacity to store information within its matrix. Vibrational remedies (similar to homeopathic medicine) utilize this capacity of water to hold the energetic signature of a physical substance within its lattice matrix. The age-old roots of the forest, its wilderness and seclusion, make the tree essences of Platbos entirely unique. They hold not only the energy of the trees, but the ancient memory of the land itself.

The African Tree Essences & Ancient Forest Tree Mists

There are thirteen different tree types that make-up Platbos Forest. Far from being a “bad luck” number, thirteen represents transformation and rebirth. This number holds a vibration that transports us to the next level of perceptual awareness. Like branches spiraling up the Tree of Life, the thirteen African Tree Essences (ATE) offer a framework of supportive energy to illuminate our spiritual journey. Each essence holds its own specific set of qualities. In addition, all assist to anchor the light body – the higher Self – within the physical body. The tree essences share correspondences with the different chakras and they can be used effectively for clearing blockages in these energy centres. When these are released, the new energies can enter, unobstructed.

Whilst the essences can be used to address day-to-day emotional disharmonies – for instance, Cherry Wood essence is excellent for fright, shock and trauma – ATEs are especially helpful in assisting us with our spiritual development. Dr Adrian Brito-Babapulle, UK has found that the Platbos essences – the Pock Ironwood and the White Stinkwood in particular– are of assistance for people who hold a higher state of consciousness. In addition, he finds them useful in balancing and correcting the auric fields. For insight on each of the thirteen ATEs, detailed information is available here.

The African Tree Essences are still relatively new to the world’s repository of vibrational remedies, yet feedback indicates that they offer an entirely new level of healing. And of equal interest are reports that the African Tree Essences can awaken deeper states of perceptual awareness. Read what people have said about ATEs here.

Unlike the essences which are odourless and normally ingested with a small glass of water, the Tree Mists combine the tree essences of Platbos with pure fynbos and other essential oils, specially blended together to enhance and amplify the actions of the tree essences. The result is a high energy, liquid incense that can be used directly onto the body, or as an aura mist (the mists are not taken internally). The Tree Mists are a wonderful way of utilizing the healing from the forest: immediate, sensual and very uplifting to body and mind. They are proving to be very popular and are stocked in various outlets throughout Cape Town and by the end of 2013, will be stocked in all major South African city centres. Overseas and local customers can also purchase ATEs and tree mists directly through the website: www.africantreeessences.co.za.

An African Tree Essences Practitioner Training Course will be held 13th – 15th September 2013 is a short but intensive workshop, specially geared towards Health Care professionals who wish to incorporate the vibratory healing of the African Tree Essences & the Ancient Forest Tree Mists into their practice. In time, an online course will also become available.

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I’ve been using the Milkwood (Tree of Wholeness) mist as well as the White Pear (Tree of Joy) essence – both of which I love working with, especially in conjunction with the Bach flower remedies (for which I have developed a massive passion for). The mist smells heavenly and reminds me of the centring feeling of being in the heart of Platbos. Yes, living out in the country certainly seems to have sparked an interest in nature’s ancient healing ways…

wooded camp

Off-the-grid accommodation is available in Platbos for anyone interested in a magical eco getaway and if you’re looking for a feel good musical festival with a difference, be sure to book your ticket for this year’s Greepop Reforest Fest. May 10 – 12 is family centric tree planting fun, with the following weekend (May 17 – 19) is dedicated to planting and dancing to live music. To get in on the action and latest updates, join the Facebook event. Melissa also runs monthly Full Moon meditations under the old Milkwood – a beautifully balancing experience and opportunity to really connect with nature.

For more information about essences, tree planting, staying over, full moon meditations or about the forest in general, email Melissa at info@africantreeessences.co.za or visit  www.platbos.co.za

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seeing stars…

Posted on March 6, 2013 by

This week started on a wonderfully high note: being nominated for a Shine On award from the lovely heart of talented photographer-writer, Karen. Visit her beautiful blog Earth Beneath My Feet and you’ll understand why this is such a bright shining honour.

twinkle, twinkle…

This stellar little award is passed to blogs that:

  • shine
  • make you feel good
  • and are inspiring to the reader

What I love so much about blogging is the ‘pay-it-forward’ sense of community, support and celebration. Receiving this awards means I get to pass it on to eight other blogs which light up my life like the Milky Way.

In no particular order, I’d like to see these beautiful blogs/bloggers, SHINE ON:

  1. The Incidental Traveller: Dawn’s an inspirational woman, ‘natural born’ traveller, eco warrior and dream holiday maker.
  2. Sean Bidd: Sean’s meandering multi-media tales, prose, poetry and photography are a joy to behold
  3. Nu Folk Scene: Fiona’s a musician with country heart, timeless soul and a wild eye for gorgeous style.
  4. Susserative Aspirations: Erik’s a talented writer-photographer – his Resiliency series is testimony to the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome
  5. Tango Whiskey Foxtrot 4: more gorgeous photos and words marry to make the soul soar
  6. Golden Star Poetry: I imagine Rilke might have written letters to this lovely young poet who writes from her heart
  7.  Rebel Thriver: Ella’s an inspiration, helping inspire others to step up and be their own hero(ines)
  8. Cloud Lounge: Owl McCloud’s beautiful, uplifting mix of words and images.

Big love to all you bright stars who write with light. And love. Write on, y’all… write on!

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despair…

Posted on February 27, 2013 by

I was looking for wrapping paper today and uncovered an old folder full of ‘visual’ poetry from an anthology gift I made for the Dream King. Now we’re not *there* yet – my desert romance with The Mercenary needs to derail first and see me back in the arms of the Drama Queen (after a brief brush with politics and a long walk to freedom).  Grand love follows great love, remember? So in lieu of a long post, here’s a picture. And some poetry ::

Inspired by Neil Gaiman’s parthenon of gods from The Sandman, this is the second member of The Endless to appear. If you want to read the first, click here.

Posted in eX-files, Lines and rhymes... | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments