There’s something magical about the smell of smoke from a coal stove. It has a way of carrying me back through the years, to a time when life was simpler, warmer—full of love and laughter. My earliest memory is sitting with my mother, polishing the black coal stove until it gleamed. The silver trimmings caught the light, a testament to the care and pride she put into creating a home.
Those moments weren’t just about chores; they were a ritual of connection. In the kitchen, surrounded by the comforting warmth of the stove, the family would gather. The scent of meals cooking, hearty and nourishing, was an invitation to togetherness. It was more than just a place to prepare food; it was the hearth, the heart of our home.
Now, when I think back, it feels less like a memory and more like a dream—a dream of days gone by, when love was a tangible thing. My mother was the anchor of those moments, her presence wrapping us in a sense of belonging.
Today, things are different. My mother lives far away, and the cruel irony of life is that she can no longer recognize me as her son. Our conversations are fleeting, strained by distance and the merciless passage of time. Thankfully, my sisters are close to her and can ensure her needs are met, but the closeness we once shared is no longer there.
The ache of nostalgia is a bittersweet thing. It reminds me of how it felt to be loved and cared for unconditionally. Now, as the breadwinner, the roles have reversed. I am the one others rely on, the provider, the protector. While I’m proud to fill that role, it contrasts starkly with the carefree days when I could bask in the warmth of being someone’s child.
The coal stove remains a symbol of that love—a bridge to a time when happiness was as simple as sitting by the fire, feeling the presence of family. Even now, that smell can bring it all back, a flicker of light in the solitude of memory. It’s a reminder that while the present may demand strength, the past will always offer its quiet comfort.
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
As I look back on 2024, I’m struck by the rich vista of experiences that have woven together to create a year of profound personal growth, family connections, and unexpected adventures. This year has been a beautiful blend of professional achievements, spiritual exploration, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Good memories
Family: The Heartbeat of My Year
Family has been the constant rhythm underlying every significant moment of 2024. From the very start, we kicked off the year at our beloved beach house in the southernmost point of Africa, setting a tone of togetherness and relaxation. Throughout the year, I treasured numerous precious moments: celebrating birthdays with my children and grandchildren, sharing coffee catch-ups, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. A particularly touching highlight was welcoming our kitten Shiva in June, bringing warmth and cuddles into our home during the middle of winter. Watching my grandchildren explore the world – whether at the World of Birds with monkeys climbing about, attending a first netball day, or sharing art experiences like introducing my granddaughter to watercolors – filled my heart with joy and wonder.
Professional and Personal Growth
This year presented remarkable opportunities for professional and personal development. In April, I was privileged to contribute to an international forum in Brazil developing guidelines for Artificial Intelligence implementation. This experience was not just professional but deeply personal, allowing me to explore spiritual and religious spaces in a new country. Back home, I continued to engage with technology and governance, participating in fascinating meetings like the IT forum for provincial legislators and an intriguing AI roundtable discussion. Our national elections resulted in a historic shift in our national political landscape, resulting in a Government of National Unity, was a moment of significant reflection and hope.
Spiritual and Personal Exploration
2024 was also a year of deep spiritual growth and scholarly pursuit in the realm of runic traditions. A significant milestone was the publication of FUTHORKH, the first journal of the Knights of Runes. In March, I was thrilled to receive this inaugural edition, which featured several of my own contributions. These included a comprehensive write-up on the purpose of the Knights of Runes, a profound reinterpretation of the first 80 verses of the Havamal, and an original rune poem that reflected my deep connection to these ancient symbolic traditions. My spiritual journey continued to unfold with various meaningful experiences. I marked a significant personal milestone by getting a tattoo of an Armanen rune row encircling a dragon, symbolizing my initiation into Norse mysteries. My Rosicrucian journey continued with meaningful experiences, including presenting a meditation presentation at the Cape Town Pronaos conclave. In October, I added to my scholarly collection by acquiring Gorsleben’s Edda, a treasured text that further deepened my exploration of runic wisdom and Norse spiritual traditions. This book represents more than just a purchase – it’s a gateway to deeper understanding and continued spiritual growth. I made deliberate efforts to connect with myself and nature. A day of solitary meditation at the Meulwater botanical gardens and an art project focusing on the four elements were powerful moments of self-discovery and introspection.
Adventures and Family Trips
Our road trips and outings were filled with excitement and discovery. A memorable two-week, 3000+ km journey to visit my mother was a highlight. Driving the 4×4 Gladiator route, enjoying a safari in Pilanesberg National Park, and spending time with my sisters created lasting memories.
Moments of Joy and Anticipation
The year was punctuated by moments of pure joy – like the exciting news of my stepson and his wife’s pregnancy, and the anticipation of a gender reveal in December. Family celebrations at restaurants, beach house retreats, and our first camping trip in years at Vloedbos resort were simple yet profound moments of connection.
Reflection
As I write this, looking forward to ending the year at our cherished Cape Agulhas beach house, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. 2024 has been a testament to the beauty of family, the excitement of personal growth, and the joy of unexpected adventures. Every challenge was balanced by moments of beauty, every professional engagement complemented by deep personal connections. It’s been a year of living fully, loving deeply, and embracing every experience with an open heart.
Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?
~ A Childhood Symphony of Flavors ~
The aroma of a home-cooked meal isn’t just a smell; it’s a time machine. It whisks me back to the warmth of my childhood kitchen, where fast food was a distant dream. Instead, dinner was a vibrant orchestra of flavors – a perfectly balanced plate featuring tender meat, fluffy rice, earthy potatoes, crisp green beans, and the sweetness of pumpkin and carrots.
This wasn’t just sustenance; it was a feast for the eyes. Each spoonful was a burst of color, a testament to the variety that our garden and local market offered. The secret ingredient? A large steamer, where steam and heat worked their magic, coaxing out the essence of each ingredient and creating a symphony of aromas that would lure anyone from the living room to the kitchen.
Our hunger was a low rumble that grew with every fragrant puff escaping the steamer’s lid. But unlike heavily spiced takeout, these dishes relied on the pure, unadulterated flavors of the ingredients themselves. Everything was cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, an invitation to savor the taste of love and family.
With each bite, I didn’t just taste the food; I tasted the security of family, the comfort of being nurtured, and the wholeness that came from sharing a meal with loved ones. It was a delicious reminder that the greatest pleasures in life are often the simplest.
On this full moon, reflecting on the blessings since the last new moon:
For adventures that broaden my world: My trip to Brazil opened my eyes to new cultures and deepened my understanding of humanity.
For a team that empowers me: I’m grateful for each member of my work team, their reliability, and the knowledge I gain from them.
For the heart-melting joy of grandchildren: Having them visit filled our home with laughter and unforgettable moments.
For a wife who inspires me: I admire my wife’s strength and resourcefulness in adapting to a quieter space.
For connecting with loved ones: The lunch with my son and daughter was a cherished time to share life experiences.
For creating a sanctuary of peace: Incorporating Feng Shui principles made my meditation room a haven of tranquility.
Under the full moon’s radiant glow, I offer heartfelt thanks for these gifts, big and small. May my gratitude continue to blossom and my heart overflow with joy.
zeal4living