I turned 61 a couple of days ago. Not a milestone birthday, just another year gone, but this one was signifcant for being my first back in South Africa in 27 years.
The day itself wasn’t particularly exciting, in fact, I worked until midnight, but it was punctuated by calls and messages from people around the globe, all wishing me well. And the day before was spent in the company of people I care about, doing what I love – cooking!
I’m always a tad melancholy around my birthday, thinking of those who have moved on, those with whom I’ve lost touch, and those who simply cannot be with me through distance and circumstance.
I’m fortunate in South Africa to be close to family and the friends of my childhood and early youth, but, of course, here I’m separated from dear Australian family and friends who have become precious to me over the years. And with whom I’ve spent some spectacular birthdays!
My friend, Karen, who shuffled off this mortal coil earlier this month, always rang to sing happy birthday (badly offkey!), and she sent a multitude of little packages, full of glitter that went everywhere. There was no call this year, and no glitter, leaving a space in my heart that will never be quite filled.
But birthdays have always been about new beginnings for me. It’s as though the clock re-sets and new paths open. This year I’ve made a renewed commitment to this South African life, by planting a tree …
I’ve always wanted a Fever Tree (Vachellia xanthophloea) and this year, I got one as a birthday gift from my man!
She’s a young sapling, but I have faith that we’ll see her grow to be a wondrous beauty that provides joy for many years to come.
I also got two Quiver Trees (Aloidendron Dichotomum) …
And two aloes. All to be planted with some ceremony this weekend.
Melancholy – a little; content – indeed! And hopeful for a bright African future.
Until next time – sala kahle!
African Scatterlings 
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