~Written and edited by Veronica Clark ~

Tuesday 2 October 2012

October Thoughts..."By Invitation Only"

Hello dearest friends!!
 
Today marks our monthly "By Invitation Only" post by a wonderful group of International Bloggers.  The theme for this month is just simply,"Thoughts for October"
 
Our gracious hostess and my gorgeous friend, Marsha from Splenderosa is hosting us all as usual. Thank you!!
 
 

 
For most of  the participants in "By Invitation Only" this means, that they are going into Fall/Autumn, but down South here, at the tip of Africa, we are heading firmly into Spring (well, I guess its a matter of opinion!!!! The veld  and mother nature is buzzing, but sadly the weather remains pretty much wintry) We have had sooo much rain we almost need an Ark!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
So, for me this is going to be a very personal post and I beg your indulgence please....
 
 
 
I started blogging as a birthday gift to myself when I turned 49! I loved every moment of the Blogosphere and meeting amazing like minded people who are just so incredibly inspiring, talented and supportive. I have made the most wonderful friends locally and from all over the world!!! I never expected that...
 
 
 
 
So, I am deeply grateful for the unexpected blessings that came my way through Blogging, in the form of amazing friends!! 
 
Each and every one of you are treasured and appreciated!!
 
 
As you know I have been absent from your blogs, as well as my own, for some time now....
 
It has been the most difficult year of my life! At times, I just could not see the light and in those times my creativity and  need to blog just deserted me.
 
Starting last September and finishing this September it has been a "Annus Horribilis"!!!
 
The first tragedy was my young son's friend, who passed away in a tragic accident at University, right in the middle of a Film Festival that the two of them were working on together. I am so proud of my son for seeing it through amidst all the sadness. On the way home from that funeral, my husband had a heart attack. He recovered well and was doing fine, only to present me with divorce papers a few weeks after that. Yes, the rug was pulled from under me... Loosing family, friends, my home, etc and dealing with the impact it had on my two beautiful children took its toll, no matter how I tried to stand tall. I think here of another blogging friend, who also went through the same ordeal of divorce, at the same time! Well, twelve months on, and I have not been able to sell my house, yet, and move on with my life. My son and daughter have been amazing, and my friends have quite literally been the wind beneath my wings.
 
Then, in the last month, my brother-in-law took his own life and my ex husband landed in hospital again from all the stress. Those have been my major calamities with all the drama and oddities that divorce brings, thrown in for good measure... 
 
 
 
Now, you are thinking....well, and....???
 
Well, I have learnt a few things...
 
I have learnt who my friends are and they are angels, each and every single one of them!!! The buckets of love I received has renewed me time and time again.
 
Being a painfully private person, I have had to learn to share my calamities with others who have offered the most amazing insights and advise. Thank you!
 
I have found solace and daily strength and been deeply grateful, for the privilege to live in such a magnificent place, surrounded by so much natural beauty to feed my endless quest for answers...
 
 
 
 
 
I have found a new appreciation for simple pleasures...
 
 
 
 
 
...of just lying in the sun on the beach in such a magnificent setting!
 
 
 
 
I have also learnt, that in chasing after what you want, you run right past what you need!!!
 
And I was going to say...."oddly" but there is nothing odd about it... My house has not sold and the reason, was that I had to give up the dream of big and beautiful and scale down to small and easy!!!
 
The Hand of God and His timing and Plan is clearly visible to me now!!!
 
 
 
There has been the wonderful blessing of new friendships with people who, in the words of Mr Leonard Cohen, ...has shown me, "what I only knew the limits of..."
 
Do you know that wonderful song "Dance Me to the End of Love"???
 
 
 
Wonderful, isn't is? As is all his songs and his deeply touching lyrics, each one a poem of life's mysterious ways..
 
So, as the sun sets on your summer and our winter, bringing us both to a new season, alive with possibility, I am ready to go forth and live with renewed vigour in the knowledge that all will be well and as it should be...
 
 
 
Thank you for your precious company and for your indulgence.
 
Now, hop over to join the party by clicking here to enjoy all the wonderfully gifted women who contribute so generously of themselves. It promises to be a feast!!
 
 


May each and every one of you spread your wings and fly high and enjoy the view while you journey to a new or a familiar destination.
 

 
Live Well
 
Veronica
 
xxx
 
All images are my own 

46 comments:

  1. I applaud you, my friend - for your strong will to move forward, to accept, to realise and to be there for others, even when you yourself are in pain..
    Col xxx

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    1. Hi Col. Thank you dear friend! So, looking forward to seeing you at Kamers!!
      Sending lotsa love!
      V
      xx

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  2. Dear Veronica, I'm appalled at what you have been through and humbled by how you have come through all this with hope and strength. Thank you for having the courage to write this post, and I wish you only growing happiness from here forward. Love to you and my beautiful Cape Town (I'm an infrequent commenter but visit often!).

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    1. Hi Karen. Thank you kindly for your visits and comment! As well as your kind words of encouragement! Our gorgeous Mother City awaits your next visit. I saw the lovely posts from your last visit. Sending a Cape Town Hug ( a wet one tonight ~ oh joy!!)

      Love
      V
      xx

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  3. Dear sweet lady, I read your blog and felt your sadness and pain. It truly has been a hard year for you. You will never be alone we are always here for you to lean on in good times and bad. It’s hard to accept the loss for a family member and friends when tragedy strikes, but good memories are held in you heart forever. From you’re ex husband you have two wonderful children the most precious gift of all. And here you have friends who care about you and with us you will never be alone. Every morning when you wake up look in that mirror and see that beautiful woman looking back at you, she is bold brave and can do anything she wants. I read this the other day and I thought yes this is true

    LIFE’S JOURNEY IS NOT TO ARRIVE AT THE GRAVE IN A WELL PRESERVED BODY, BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT, SHOUTING. HOLY S**T. WHAT A RIDE!
    Take care my friend
    Sue

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    1. Dearest Sue....awwwww...thank you for those wonderful words of encouragement and care. I deeply appreciate it! I am delighted be back here with all the wonderful friends in Blogland, missed it so much!

      Yes, the plan is to enter that grave well worn and with a glass of champagne held high as we slide in!!!
      Sending love and hugs
      V xxx

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  4. I have to say, this is a lot of turbulence for a person to endure. Do you realize how amazing you appear to the rest of us? What a whirl wind you have been through and yet you are still here, standing like a tree and bending with the wind as it blows. Soon, happiness is going to sneak up behind you, tap you on the shoulder and present itself.

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  5. Hello Veronica ,I love finding like minded ladies from different parts of the world.Now I found you and love your blog and October there..

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    1. My comment vanished...?? so here goes again... Great to meet you as well, I am hopping over for a visit!

      V

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  6. Veronica....first what a beautiful poignant post that has me in tears. I want to reach over and give you a hug.....a virtual one will have to do. I am so so sorry for all you have had to endure, my gosh so much at once. Life is crazy, and so unpredicatble. I do believe God doesnt' give you anything that you cannot handle or cannot use to make you stronger. And looks like you are coming through this as good as can be expected. I applaud you for openng up as you did so beautifully here, and I know you have a lot of support out here in blogland and i always say its such an incredibly special group of people....they truly deserve a special place in heaven:) If you ever need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to vent to.....please know I am here, you can email or call me. I am told I am a heck of a good listener/advice giver:)
    I think this post is a treasure in more ways than one.......may October for you be a turning point, a new chapter to better times, and may you see the light and rainbow that I know awaits you Veronica.

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    1. Dearest Tina! You are so gracious and loving and I thank you so much for your offer of support and encouragement! Absolutely right, I am humbled so very humbled by the love I receive in Blogland! I will drop you a line for sure girlfriend.

      Sending loads of love and hugs to that enchanted home!! And Teddy!!! Woofie kisses.xxx

      V

      xx

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  7. Dear Veronica, like Tina I was moved to tears by your story. I have been through a similar year myself and it definitely marked me deeply but made me stronger too. How truly inspiring that you are looking forward with hope and sharing it so bravely with all of us. Thank you...sending strength and a virtual hug from one blue-eyed redhead to another...
    Heather

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    1. Hi Heather. Thank you so much for the virtual hug, blue eyed gal! Each and every one is received with great gratitude and much appreciation!!! I wish for you much strength and love in dealing with your situation as well. May there be many wonderful blessings ahead for you.

      Sending love
      V

      xx

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  8. I rarely say this - possibly never - but I feel totally humbled by your post & by your beautiful writing. What a year....you must be an extremely strong person to be able to even sit and write this, with such wisdom & dignity.

    It is a pleasure to meet you through Marsha's group....I hope the year ahead brings you the good things that you deserve.

    Love from London, England
    Simone XX

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    1. Simone, I am so touched by your wonderful comment and compliment! Thank you so much, I deeply appreciate it. Welcome to our lovely group at BIO. What a wonderful blog you have and its an absolute pleasure to meet you!

      Sending a big Cape Town hug to London!

      V
      xx

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  9. Veronica, all of us fight change with a vengence. It's human nature. To accept change gracefully, acknowledging that it is the only way possible, is a true sign of maturity and experience. Life is filled with cycles. Everyone has them. I love this post, though it is a bit sad, but it is filled with hopeful dreams and the power of friendship and love. Welcome back, darling...

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    1. Thanks you my dear friend.... I have missed you all soooo much and I am so happy to be back in your precious company! You are all, the wind beneath my wings!!

      Sending love

      V

      xxx

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  10. oh my....my eyes welled up with tears as I read on and my face fell for all you've endured. My heart is with you is all I can say. lady

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    1. What a beautiful blog you have!! Great to meet you. Thank you for your kind comment. I deeply appreciate it.

      V
      xx

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  11. Oh my gosh. So much in one life. I wish you peace and things that get better and better.

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    1. Thank you Lisa... peace is what I crave right now gal! Feels like I have been a hamster on the London Eye!!! I have to spend a whole week to catch up on your amazing writing!!

      V
      xx

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  12. Veronica... this coming year will shower you with all the wonder you deserve... A beautifully touching post... xv

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  13. Thank you Vicki for your wonderful wishes and encouragement. Looking forward to visiting French Essence again!!!Missed all the blog friends soo much...Sending hugs xxx

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  14. Veronica, like the women who replied before me, I was moved to tears from reading your post. I know they say God never gives us more than we can bear, but it seems he thinks you are Super Woman. I think if we keep you in our prayers and best wishes, things will get better in the coming year. I love what you said about chasing after what you want...you run right past what you need. You are a wise woman. I am going to needle point that sentiment into a pillow. I do that often too...I am too impatient and sometimes miss the beauty around me. I am a very private person too, and it is hard for me to share my problems, but I am SO happy you shared yours because it is going to be a source of strength for quite a few women.
    xxoo

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    1. Thank you kindly for your lovely message and prayers! Would love to hear from you again as you did not leave a name or contact! Would love to see the pillow when it is done!!

      And yes, I do hope that other women find some kind of solace and inspiration and know that they are not alone ans best of all, reach out and take hands of encouragement!

      V
      xxx

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  15. Oh my goodness.. Veronica, this is such an honest post and one that must have taken lots of courage to write. Life is complicated and so unpredictable and tests our will at every turn. Things happen when we least expect it and to those that we don't expect things to happen to! This events are so sad, but I also feel strength in your writing. I admire that and I feel you have all the right priorities in life.

    leslie
    xx

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    1. Leslie, it did take loads of courage and I almost did not publish it for fear of it being too personal! But after the response, I have had, I am so very pleased that I did! Thank you so much for your lovely comment!

      V
      xx

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  16. I certainly hope that Spring brings with it a new beginning for you after such an awful time. And well done to you for surviving it all with your grace and wit intact. All the very best x Sharon

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    1. Thank you dear friend! It sure will!!! I am determined that it will!!

      Sending love!

      V
      XX

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  17. Yes those are surely life simplest pleasure. Love walking on the beach for me. Got my eye on your next posts.

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  18. Thank you for sharing your heart...I am not completely sure how I found your blog, but it never ceases to amaze me how I can go from thing to the next in blogland and find the most wonderful treasures. Your true beauty shines through all of the pain you described. May you find our Father's love deeper and more precious than you ever imagined.
    Love from a resident of the state of Florida who is longing for a cooler October!:)

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    1. Thank you AuntP!! Blogland is indeed a maze of the most wonderful journey imaginable!!

      Sending cooler vibes to Florida in return for some sun!!!

      V

      xx

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  19. Dear Veronica

    Thank you for sharing your life and your knowledge with us - you are a brave woman who really deserves respect. Your post was so touching and it got my mind back to my own life two years ago, when I had cancer and thought I would die. All my wonderful blog friends "carried me on their backs." They helped me to gain faith in the goodness of people and give me the will to survive. And thank God, I'm alive!
    No one goes through life without trials (although some of us get just too many trials), but I see your strength and know that you, like my self, come out stronger. It is also clearly when I read your post.
    It is amazing to think that you have spring, while we fall.
    I think of you and wish you the best with your future and a wonderful summer!

    Love from Lene

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    1. Dear Lene! What a wondeful community we have the good fortune to be part of! I have read some of your posts thanking friends who supported you and here I am doing just the same... Thank YOU for your support and encouragemnt! Oh, and your gorgeous posts!! I trust that you are fully recovered and sharing many daily blessings!

      V
      xxx

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  20. I had a wonderful neighbor once who told me during a particularly difficult time that life is one big wheel....when you are up dont get big headed as you are certain to cycle down at some point..and when you are down, hang in there because you know for sure that you will be up again. that advice has seen me through many tough times and I hope it does the same for you. thanks for sharing your personal triumphs and difficulties that may just inspire other women to hang in there for the upcycle!

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    1. Diane, thank you so much for the message of encouragement!! This lil hamster running on the London eye is hanging in bigtime, thank you!!


      V
      xx

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  21. Oh, my, word! I must have started following you a while ago! I am so , so glad I got to see this post! It was so heartfelt and I truly feel for you and will be praying for you! I cannot imagine going through all of that and yet your spirit sounds wonderful! Thanks for all of your heartfelt thoughts and the fact that you shared your honest emotions! Yes, God is in control and He never makes mistakes…but that doesn't ever take away how hard it is to go thru such trying times! Aren't you so thankful for a God that truly cares about every hair on your head!

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    1. Dearest Carolyn. Thank you for your encouragement! Your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated!

      Sending Love
      V
      xx

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  22. Oh, Veronica, my heart aches for you, even in the small place in Oklahoma. What an amazing post. I think it is my favorite post to date. I wish I could say something profound to help, but I think you've got it all figured out. Love to you.

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    1. Hi Donna.... It is in the final throwes of being figured out! Thank you for your kind comment of encouragement! It is deeply appreciated!

      Love
      V
      xx

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  23. Dearest Veronica,

    A nice surprise to discover you at Lene's blog!
    First off, I've been to Cape Town with my husband so that is special on its own.
    This post is almost the work of a poet... writing from the heart and in such a loving and caring way. You certainly manage to share with others how you did cope with life's lemons. We all receive them at one time or another. So glad you found the spirit to blog again and it really is uplifting. It has helped me with my health problems. About two years ago I was going down fast by the end of the year, excruciating pain in back, thighs and knees. In January of 2010 I became almost completely paralyzed with high fever that they couldn't knock down. Our medical friends did visit me in the hospital and went over all the scans, MRI's and X-rays and came to the conclusion that I had a very rare auto immune disease where the body attacks itself. I was wilting away and losing weight to the point that I only was 46.8 kg. With Prednisone I got back to movability and slowly got out of this. Embracing life again, even more so as I am grateful for my dear friends and for so many things in life. My husband did have the same year, good 7 months after I was paralyzed, a heart attack without symptoms. Always in great shape but showing a heart rate of only 30. Turned out he had 6 blockages and needed 4 bypasses and a stent in his neck. We both are grateful we are where we are! This Christmas season will be the first year I'm doing well without interuptions. Last year things looked well and my domain got taken down as the woman who set up my website went out of business and she took it down too. Had to buy it back in an auction and I vanished off the Internet for over 3 weeks. Needless to say what that did to my Christmas sales... Had to start all over so to speak. But we never give up and as my paternal grandmother always used to say: 'Keep in mind that it could have been a lot worse!'...
    Hugs to you and wishing you all the best for the spring and summer ahead of you!
    Mariette

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  24. Great pictures, Veronica! I love all of them. They look so dreamy and nostalgic. It takes talent to instill them in your works. Please don’t ever tire of showing us your thoughts and journey. :)

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  25. Hi Veronica,

    I have just been forwarded your blog and paused at this particular post and am just wondering - how DOES one deal with things like this that life does not prepare you for? I gather that with Divine Strength that you have indeed moved on and that kind people from all over the world do care and send out signals of light and love - even when they don't know one. Well done for writing this and to all those who responded. Its encouraging to see that you have so many blogfollowers - I sometimes feel I blog into a 'void' - but nonetheless - it gives one a thrill doesn't it?

    I notice that you visited Somerset West recently for a local Market Day (which I too have not heard about until now which looked fantastic and I'm sorry I missed it). I'll pop in again - right now I am busy in my garden preparing for two charity days - one for Hospice and another for Chilanga Riding School for Disabled Children. Take care.

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