I don’t normally make new year resolutions but towards the end of 2023 I decided 2024 would be a ‘Slow Down’ year. No more suffering from ‘FOMO’.
I had more than fulfilled my late husband’s wish that I was to pursue my art.
I achieved goals between 2019 and 2023 that I had never dreamt were possible.
My garden was established. It was a pleasure allowing others to take a look and help themselves to plants.
I had a quiet new year celebration and a most peaceful few days with no family around.
The night of the 4th at 11pm, while packing to leave at 5am for Pretoria, I heard a huge crash.
I rushed out with my torch and found that my beautiful Khaya anthotheca (Red Mahogany tree) had split in half at the base and the one half had crashed to the ground.
At first light I took a few photos and sent a voice mail to our local tree felling team.
Thank goodness for a wonderful house and dog sitter who was happy to take care of all.
After my granddaughter’s wedding I travelled on to join the family who were camping at Kosi Bay. It was such a treat to be boating and fishing at Kosi Bay once again. My watercolour suitcase was with me but came home untouched.
Once back home my enormous tree and Great Dane who was in her 11th year, and suffering with cancer, took center stage.
My gardener is having treatment for cancer. The weeds are so happy being allowed to take over my acre of garden!
Decisions and more decisions. Why can we not float into each new day and simply enjoy the moment?
My over 100 Clivia seedlings, grown from my own seed and just planted out of their bags, plus my over 100 odd that were flourishing beautifully are now in the full sun. Burnt leaves and burnt late blooms!
My shade Cycads, also grown from my own seed, are now full of burnt new leaves.
I developed a mental block against picking up a paint brush. My past achievements felt like miracles.
While working through my 2024 to do list, looking up lovely artworks and watercolour demonstrations were a wonderful escape.
I took time out to read the blog written by ‘the Happy Struggling Artist’. I so enjoy the way she writes.
This snippet of what I found in her blog sent a message to my struggling brain:
“Personal growth is also never a static thing. While we are chasing our dreams and attaining our goals, our surroundings and influences are constantly changing. And so are we! Possibilities, opportunities and what we may want won’t always stay the same from day to day, never mind year to year! And that’s why I think our list of resolutions so often just end up being a disappointment.”
Her January 8 2024 Blog is worth reading.
https://www.thehappystrugglingartist.co.za/blogs/news/2024-word-of-the-year
Another snippet taken from this excellent blog:
“In 2024, when the pawpaw hits the fan, I want to gear down: Take a deep breath, surrendering to the truth that nothing is really in our control except our reactions. Then, manage my reaction by trusting firmly, both in my ability to handle difficult things and that everything will eventually work out the way it should. In equal measure — In 2024, when the pawpaw blossoms and bears fruit, I want to gear down: Take a deep breath, revelling in, celebrating, giving thanks to everything working out the way it should.”
The huge fallen tree will have to be a new feature in my garden. I laid my beautiful Great Dane to rest on Monday.
I have now jumped into 2024 determined to seize the year with all I can.
I am back to no resolution as there will be no slowing down in 2024!
I can do this!
Marian Mattinson(Gunter)
WASA representative in Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal