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 15^th 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…

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

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. 

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!

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 13^th – 15^th 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

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!

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.

Regulus and Leo Image by Russell Croman via http://www.earthsky.org

The Fable of the Lion and the Star

Once upon a time in the vast vistas of the African Sky, there lived a Star. There are millions of stars in the Africa Sky but this one was especially special. He was radiant and bright – little children would see his light twinkling in the night and wish upon him. Grownup children would look to his shining face for hope in troubled times for he offered a connection to the Divine (this was back before mobile phones and the internet, before you could just drop God an email). Animals of the dusty earth would wonder at his ancient wisdom and use his shimmering beams to navigate their way by. He was that  magnificent.

And down on the dusty Earth far below the Sky, there lived a Lion. Now in Africa there are many many lions – almost as many lions as there are stars in the sky. But this was a special lion. She was powerful and regal. Warriors would invoke her for protection when they had to fight a fight of terrifying odds. Children liked to ride on her back and play with the sharp ivory of her teeth. But the Other Animals were wary of her – she was firm and fiery and refused to follow the Herd. This made them uncomfortable and they would whisper amongst themselves: “why does she insist on being alone? does she think that she is better than us? and why does she not need to be part of a herd or a pack or a pride?”

It wasn’t that the Lion thought that she was better than anyone else. It wasn’t that she was particularly antisocial. It was just that once upon another time she had lost something precious – a primal part of herself. And none of the Other Animals could understand that. They were normal and real and whole. You see, not too long ago, the Lion had been Something.

She had chosen the rough route of Career Above All Else and risen swiftly through the hierarchical branches of the military tree. Because of this, she was bequeathed dominion over a piece of land across the Seas, a demanding position and one traditionally reserved for male Lions of regal pedigree. She was neither male nor blue-blooded. But, in this strange Kingdom across the Sea she shone like a monarch, working magic with the environment. The community began to flourish: everything and everyone had a purpose and a place. And she thrived on being strong and in-charge – the Good Leader that took care of many important people and all their important things.

But ALL she did was work. And although her work made her happy, she knew, deep down in the muddy swamps of her unconscious soul, that things were not-quite-right. Because she had begun to think all her Power was associated with her being a Good Leader. Her role began to define her and though she was safe, she was as trapped as a mangy old lion in a rusted-cage zoo. She had given up her rights as a creature of the Earth to Freedom. And she hadn’t even noticed the sacrifice!

And so, one day a Monkey Outlaw came to the Kingdom. Well, that’s not entirely correct. He was sent to the Kingdom by Gods-In-Charge-of-Balance. You see, They had been watching this particular Lion for a long time. They had seen how she was wrapping herself more and more tightly in the heavy chains of Responsibility. They looked through the Veils of Time and saw that she would become more and more powerful in the Kingdom and that her influence would stretch far and wide. This was good. BUT  They could also see that little by little, her great Lion heart was fading away, shrinking to the size of a bullet. And this was not-good-at-all!

Please understand that lions, for all their might and strength, have delicate hearts fashioned out of a special alchemical alloy. If a lion heart does not have sufficient opportunity to open up and expand through Love, it slowly shrinks to the size of a bullet and lodges in an unfortunate feline spine. And when this happens, the lion becomes an emotional cripple because it no longer has a heart. Just a heart-shaped bullet lodged painfully in its spine. And a lion without a heart and a bullet lodged in its spine is not capable of doing all the wonderful things a lion is designed to do.

The Gods-in-charge-of-Balance knew this and could see what would happen to the Lion if things continued on that course. They decided that an Intervention of sorts was crucial. And so they sent the Monkey Outlaw into the Kingdom to save the Lion from herself. But all this happened long before the Lion met the Star – it’s not really that important in the Grand Scheme of Things and we are getting ahead of ourselves. This particular tangent may help us to understand the Lion a little better but perhaps we should get back to the real tail at hand for now?

Anyway… where were we? Ah yes: It was a crisp night and the stars were all out, glittering in the Sky like little diamond faerie lights for the 10^th Annual Animal Mardi Gras. The Lion looked up into the Sky and caught sight of the Star. She noticed him immediately for he shone with a unique brilliance that distinguished him from all the others.

She saw the innate magnificence in the way he sparkled. And she felt a strange affinity to the Star – although she knew absolutely nothing of the Sky or what it is to be a star. She was, after all, a creature of the dusty Earth. But she knew that she wanted to know this  Star, and perhaps learn a little about the Sky and the nature of nebula. The funny thing was that the Star had noticed the Lion too and felt a strange flicker of fire begin to smoulder in his soul (for remember, Star fire is very different to Lion fire). Somehow in-between the mêlée of the celebrating crowd, the Lion and Star slowly moved towards each other. It was quite an effort for both of them – he had to hang down really low in the Sky to be near the Earth and she had to climb up high to get close enough to hear him speak.

But what a magical thing it was to hear this Star speak! He spoke of wondrous things the Lion could relate to. They were clearly very different creatures from completely different worlds and yet! they were very similar Beings. At the heart of it, they valued the same things. They both enjoyed their brief meeting so much that they decided to spend more time together – even if meant that the Star had to hang down really low in the Sky and that the Lion had to climb a really high mountain to hear him speak.

They started to go for coffee together. The Star would get cosmic coffee from Starbucks and the Lion would get her java from a gourmet beanery in Kenya. And although the Star couldn’t go to Kenya and Lion was not allowed in Starbucks, it was still ok because the Star hung down low in the Sky (and he even began to enjoy this hanging thing) and the Lion climbed the mountain to be near him (and she was starting to enjoy the hike). And the more they talked over their coffee, the more they began to discover that although their worlds were very very different, their dreams and hopes, fears and faults were surprisingly similar. In fact, one could be so bold as to suggest that their hearts were made from the same beautifully complex alloy.

They enjoyed spending time together doing the sort of things that creatures do when they want to know more about what makes another creature tick. And because they shared many interests, it was easy for them to find things to do together. And whenever they spent time together, even the mundane things felt magical. They loved having long conversations about everything or nothing at all, and the more they talked, the more their affinity for one another grew. Of their many common interests, the most joyous discovery was a shared and profound love of the Ocean. The Star loved to surf and the Lion loved to watch the waves. So it was that on one particularly special night, the Star, being the inspired romantic that he was, asked the Lion to meet him at the Shoreline – instead of at the their usual meeting place on the high mountain. When she arrived, she looked around for the Star and found him glinting mischievously (and a little nervously, it should be said) in the Sky above a Lighthouse.

“Hello!” said the Lion.

“Hiya KittyCat” said the Star.

“Lovely tower” said the Lion “what is it for? It looks too odd to be a house. And what on Earth is the funny thing it does with the light?”

“It’s a Lighthouse” replied the Star, sounding very knowledgeable (for that he was) “They warn ships of dangerous coastlines or indicate where to enter a safe harbour. The light you see flashing on top sends that signal to the ship.”

“Ah” said the Lion, ambiguously (she liked to read between the lines and she had noticed that particular glint in the Star’s eyes) “And which message is this Lighthouse sending?

The Star smiled mysteriously, because this was such a typical Lion observation-question. “Climb up to the top of the Lighthouse and I’ll tell you”

“I can hear you perfectly well from down here” said the Lion with a wry smile. She looked out wistfully towards the sea and saw the rocks that lay between the Lighthouse and the waves.

“ – “ said the Star, momentarily stumped at having his plan so neatly derailed.

The Lion smiled again, stretched and climbed up the tall red Tower until she sat on top of the flashing light.

“I like the view from up here” whispered the Lion as she gazed out to sea.

“I like it too” said the Star, gazing at the silhouette that the Lion’s form cut against the night Sky. Then he hung as low in Sky as he could and lent down to kiss the Lion.

It was a unique osculation – as only a Star-Lion kiss could be. For the briefest of moments, a reverent silence filled the air as the whole World held its breath. Even the waves stopped their timeless battering of the shore. Everything hung in a strange balance while Star lips met with Lion muzzle. Air-of-Air mixed with Fire-of-Air – and the very atoms embracing this unusual pair shimmered with an incandescent light.

“So” said the Lion, a smile like a cat that had fallen into a bucket of fresh cream skulking across her face “what does this  Lighthouse signal?”

The Star leaned his luminous body close to hers and whispered; “The presence of a safe harbour. But” and he pointed to the rocks that lay between the Lighthouse and the waves “there is also a warning of the danger that the rocks represent. Fortunately the distance required for this warning is not great. And then it’s clear sailing in the Big Blue”

The Lion relaxed into the comfortable warmth of the Star’s luminosity and sighed. And together they watched the dawn in contented silence as the first envoys of the Sun’s morning light began to bleach darkness from the no-longer-night sky…

ready to unwrap your gift?

Happy New Year! Can you believe it? 2012’s come to an end (the world survived) and a bright new cycle of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and months begins. Here’s wishing you a most magnificent 2013 in which your deepest soul dreams begin to blossom…

And to celebrate, here’s 13 suggestions to make it marvelous:

1. Practice random acts of kindness. The more extravagant, the better. Smile at the grumpy checkout clerk. Cook chicken soup for a sick friend. Leave a secret gift for a stranger. If you blog, discover like-minded bloggers… ‘like’ posts that move you and leave comments. You’ll be surprised by the surge of positive power that comes from reaching out. There’s no need to spend money: simply invest your time, attention and heartfelt intentions…

2. Plant something. Anything will do. If you live in a flat, plant a seed in a pot and watch it grow. Start a herb/or vegetable garden. You’ll get great pleasure (and good health!) from tending and cooking your home grown produce. If you have the space, plant a tree – or sponsor a sapling in a forest reserve like Platbos. This is the kind of good deed that benefits the whole world… a little more green, a little more oxygen, a little more beauty.

my first gardening attempt…

3. Listen to local music. Many of us from ‘small’ countries like South Africa seem to think only bands from the big northern super powers are ‘cool’. You’d be surprised at how talented your local folk are… so take the time to go to gigs and listen to upcoming minstrels. These shows have an intimacy no Big Concert can ever offer. And chances are you’ll get to meet the musicians while they’re still humble. But be careful not to get too charmed by the stage act… dating someone who thinks they’re a Rockstar (capital ‘R’, small ‘s’) is a darn side less glamorous than it sounds. Trust me. On the sunscreen…

Combine points 2 and 3 by joining this year’s Greepop Reforest Fest. Be a tree champion – with great taste in music. Bet there’s a shirt for that…

4. Retreat! Take time out to replenish your soul. Even it’s only one day a year, switch off your phone, unplug your laptop, jack out the matrix and allow yourself to really relax and unwind. If you can, get out somewhere in nature where you can simply focus on being – instead of doing – for a change. Meditate. Treat yourself to a spa. And go it alone: let it be time for you to reconnect with yourself and whatever makes you happy. You’ll be more productive afterwards and full of energy and enthusiasm to kick point 1 into overdrive.

5. Go get wet. Yeah. We’re mostly just water after all. So go shower under a mountain waterfall, swim in the sea or take a dip in a dam. Play in the garden sprinkler or soak in a deep bath with a book and some candles. Or book a session in a flotation tank or hot spring. There’s something very healing about being gently supported and nurtured by water.

6. Make something. We’re born to create and each of us has an artistic streak, albeit buried under layers of logic. Make mixed tapes (ok ok, CDs/playlist) for friends, draw a picture, bake a cake, write a poem, act out a skit… While I might not know what your ‘gift’ is, you surely do. And if you’re unsure, try points 4 and 5 first – then ask yourself. Being creative is like fire for your soul: stoke those flames!

ps :: giving someone something that you’ve made as a present makes for an unforgettable, personalised gift they’ll treasure forever.

make music…

7. Find adventure. At least once this year, go do something fun and exciting. It needn’t be as complicated or expensive as climbing Kilimanjaro – simply set some kind of ‘grail’ goal for yourself and go off in search of it. Plan a hike to see the lesser spotted eagle-otter. A roadtrip to the southernmost tip of Africa. Swim with dolphins. Spot a whale breach at midnight. Climb the tallest tree in your gran’s garden. Look for a blue crane feather. Whatever blows your hair back, go discover it! When you open yourself to the joy of process, adventure usually finds it’s way to you. 

8. Make dreams come true. Yours. And those belonging to others. But start with yourself. What have you always longed to do but been too afraid to try? If you’ve wanted to write a novel, record an album, make a dress, have an exhibition: put on your Nikes and just do it! Seriously, forget failure or ‘making a mistake’ and set off on an inspiring adventure. If money’s an issue, consider crowdsourcing platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Have fun. And dream big!

9. Collaborate! Seldom can any one human being do everything excellently on their own. No matter how talented or driven. Find ways to embark on projects with like-minded people who have strengths that compliment yours. Start a high diving wine appreciation club, a derivatives haiku blog, an amateur sheep shearing ring. Go find someone you know to do something really cool with!The sum of the parts is a glorious whole bigger than you could ever envisage alone…

10. Tread lightly. While you’re busy gardening or adventuring or getting wet-ing, remember you are part of a far greater family on this blue planet. Begin by bringing consciousness to how much electricity and/or water you consume. Start a compost heap, recycle your rubbish. Consider walking/cycling instead of driving wherever possible. Support local producers (lower your low carbon footprint) and companies with environmentally responsible practices. This step can be applied very successfully in conjunction with point 2.

100% pure country

11. Up-cycle! (no, ‘it’s not about the bike’. But I like how you’re thinking – we’ll cover that next). Instead of getting caught up in this disposable decade, dream up innovative ways to find novel uses for old things. Instead of shopping for a new wardrobe, get together with friends and organise a clothes swap. Use broken mugs or cups as flower pots, collect wine corks and make a pin-board. There are a billion brilliant and easy ideas out there – Google ‘upcycle’ or search Facebook/Pinterest… I bet you find something amazing to help you out with point 6.

12. Nourish your body. With respect and care. Seriously, what else is going to be with you for your whole life? Do regular exercise – walk, swim, run, cycle or try yoga. Breathe deeply. Go for massages. Drink water. Make sure the food your eat is full of vitality. Find ways to minimize stress – I’m a shining example of what can go wrong if you treat your body like a slave. Eventually it will burn out. Strive for balance – if you have a heavy night out, be sure to rehydrate the next day. If you have a sweet tooth, find healthy alternatives: my favourite summer treat is to freeze fruit like seedless grapes for a ‘natural’ and refreshing sorbet you can pop like M&M’s.

13. Choose love. Ok, fine so I sound like a hippy? Maybe I am. But if you’re looking for a way to make this a magnificent year, opting to feel love is a powerful talisman to carry with you. What do I mean? Well, it’s simple. There’s a multiplicity of responses you subconsciously select from whenever something ‘happens’. Often we take the habitual path of lazy self indulgence and get mad. Or grumpy. Or tearful. Next time you do something you consider wrong, instead of criticizing yourself mercilessly, stop for a moment and go “ah, look at that. I’ll try a different approach next time”. If someone cuts you off in traffic, instead of having a seething tantrum inside the soundproof container of your car, let it go. Maybe they have a sick child in hospital that they’re rushing to see. Maybe not. You’ll never know. Send them love and let it go. It’s possibly the most loving thing you could do for yourself. Keep firm boundaries (that’s choosing love for you and ultimately everyone else involved) and opt to feel, think and do love… instead of fear. My rockstar comment in point 3? An example of the latter: a lazy jab at an easy laugh. “I’ll try a different approach next time…”

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I’d go so far as to guarantee that if you put all 13 suggestions into practice at least once during the next 361 days, you’ll enjoy a magical, magnificent and memorable year. That said, I’m off to go put points 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 into action… (click here for evidence). Now go make your year amazing, lovely people!

If you’re super observant, you should notice a new button on the right hand side of the blog – Chapter 1, Death? Click on that and ta-da! You’ll find yourself on my project page. And yes, the name is different. Scar*let was the kind character who bore the real me thus far. She’s also a year older, in case you notice the age discrepancy…

Here’s a link to the quick minute video ‘intro’. VERY amateur filming (Ma Nguni, bless her good spirit agreed to get new age and wield an iPhone – you should see the ‘bloopers’!), the acting, worse so and you will need to excuse an inordinate about of leg and shoulder exposure – the wind decided to join the fun.

Matches! iPhone! Striptease! (ok, not quite…)

It would mean the world if you went over to Indiegogo and read what I’ve written. There’s no need to contribute (if you can: awesome! I know these are hard times for most) but what would be great if you took the time out to visit and if you felt moved to, to comment and/or share via email, Twitter or Facebook or whatever other means you have available to get it to a wider audience. This support helps raise your project’s ‘gogofactor’ (an objective algorithm) and projects with the highest gogofactor get featured on their homepage, category pages, blog, newsletter and other social media platforms. As you can imagine, getting featured makes a MASSIVE impact on the possibility of getting funded. So: please help! Anyway you can…

Should you, by some strange twist of chance, know anyone wanting to do a little year-end corporate spending; in the market for a guest speaker or who wants an article written, please send them over – the limited edition ‘Win’g Angel’ and “Extremely Loud and Very Close’ perks were designed with that in mind.

Other forms of support that would rock the big socks

• Visit my other little creative side project 360*tree and climb with me
• Send ‘support’ postcards, pens, pencils or paper (like empty journals I can write in). I’d love to hear from you, especially in the snail-mail, handwritten, old school way. Drop me an email (scarlet.nguni@gmail.com) and I’ll send you my postal address
• Tie a blessing ribbon to a tree… or even better, plant one (um, a tree that is, not a ribbon. wonder what *that* might grow into? )
• Anyone wanting to send care packages of cat food for Thor and the cat tribe, would earn purrs and be most welcome… *wink*

Final Thoughts

It’s been quite a process just getting the project up and alive – nothing like baring your soul to the world at large to call up old demons of fear and insecurity. And putting yourself truly behind a really big dream 100% means you no longer have any ‘what if…’ and ‘if only…’ excuses as to why you’re not doing what you love. But eventually, in the words of Anaïs Nin ::

“…the day came when the risk it took to stay tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

That day, for me, has come.

Come along for the ride. And if you are in the Overberg area this Saturday, drop me an email: we’re having our first Keyhole Stories circle in Platbos – celebrating the healing power of story, understanding and community. Lots of love, Sx