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Writer's pictureCathie Rooyen

Sepia days and sparkly nights

Sunday 31st December 2033


The last day of the year has ended. We had a special sunset after seeing a lovely sunrise with pink clouds. Rusty's clock has gone back to Mauritius time and starts scratching the door at 4am. I try to ignore it. At least he won't be doing that again this year! ( groan, I know, but I can't resist)



Walking through the veld today I noticed the tiny purple flowers and suddenly I was back in the Seventies, as an 8 year old, trying to suck out the sweetness at the base of these tiny stems. I really do think we were the lucky generation by being told to go and play, which would be all day. Everyone in the street found a pal and somehow we survived. Yes, there were flashers and dodgy dudes offering us lifts but we usually ended up laughing and running away screaming. So much fun on the streets and in the parks or in the local swimming pool.



I remember my awe of peach trees in our garden when we arrived in South Africa. I can honestly say I'd never tasted a peach until then. The strange furry skin still creeps me out a little but at the time, fruit on trees was a new miracle for me. There was a fig tree too, but that fruit we only started eating years later. Pomegranates were a mystery and I think we went through at least two seasons without realising that could eat them. I'm still a bit strange with fresh fruit. If it's cut up then there's a better chance of my eating it, and my one sister has a similar issue.



The orchard is on the dog park area of this estate and I marvelled at the sticks bearing pomegranates and some apples. All these dog walks are 2033's sepia coloured memories and I'm conscious of being conscious and in the moment. Animals help that too and today I had some clawing attention from both Rusty and Chutney the cat. The second cat, came screaming in now as I was locking up and demanded some milk because obviously he didn't get any at the other place he spends his days at.


In the background there's the sound of fireworks and revellers all waiting for the midnight bells and the singing of Auld lang syne. My need to see the new year in, stopped years ago when our dogs were petrified of the fireworks. I'm hoping that the noise stays far away tonight. I love a good party and dancing but as long as it finishes by 9pm, haha.


However you celebrate Hogmany or not, my wish is for you to find your inner party and to celebrate the miracle that is you.


Cheers to 2024!


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