Thursday, March 4, 2010

My 'Gift'

This weekend we spent the most wonderful time at a private nature reserve called Jejane in the eastern part of South Africa just outside Hoedspruit.  Our friends have a wonderful holiday home there and are blessed to be able to enjoy nature at her best.

I am at peace in the 'bush' and find my soul when I'm there, I ditch the heels and make-up and throw on the casual bush attire and comfy hiking shoes. A paint brush and camera are never far at hand. This little quote reminded me of why the bush gives my heart pleasure and brings contentment to my restless spirit.

"The human spirit needs a place where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man." ~Unknown



Although I took all my paints with me, I  didn't get the opportunity to sketch, let alone paint anything, but took loads of photographs. We spent most of the day on the game drive and then retired to the 'boma' (an outside deck or reed/wooden enclosed area) where we set up a braai (barbecue). We sat chatting about the day or just caught up on 'life' over a few glasses of wine. We retired early as we were sapped from the exhilarating adventures in the bush.  The evenings were wonderfully warm and the stars tried very hard for us, although the clouds where giving signals of it bringing overcast weather for the day ahead. In most cases this is wonderful for game viewing as the animals don't tend to hide under trees for shelter from the scorching sun and are easily visible in the veld.

                                            


As a thank you gift to our friends, I painted a scene of one of the roads in the reserve. They were thrilled with it. Hopefully, next time we're invited, I'll be able to see this painting framed and adorning one of the walls in their lovely home.......

8 comments:

Melissa Fischer said...

Of course they were thrilled! That is a delightful painting! The sky is fabulous, and I love the red dirt of the road with the little stones in it.

Loved reading about your time in the bush and how it refreshes you. I long for times like that.

Maree Clarkson said...

How lovely Debbie and what a treasure! It is beautiful!

martinealison said...

Hi Debbie,
Grâce à mon amie Susan qui suit votre blog, je me suis intéressée au vôtre. Vous décrivez parfaitement bien et généreusement cette nature sublime qui vous entoure aussi bien par le biais de la plume que du pinceau. Permettez-moi de revenir vous voir... J'aime

Debbie said...

Melissa, I thrilled you liked my landscape seen I don't do too many of them.I was also quite happy with the way the sky turned out..... I'm a bush girl at heart, and in my element when I'm there.

Debbie said...

Thanks Maree, you made my day as YOU are the landscape queen. ;)

Debbie said...

So please to meet you Martine Alison. I really appreciate you popping in to my blog to comment and your kind words. Thanks also to my friend Marina for the translation and thank you too Susan for the introduction!


I took a look at your work and was instantly transported to a fantasy world, a true labour of love!!! You use wonderfully vibrant colours,I Love your work. What medium do you use?

jyothisethu said...

debbie,
you are a wonderful artist...
the posts are interesting to read also...
you are lucky to have such adventures...

Debbie said...

I hope I'm correct in calling you Jyothi! Thanks for your very kind words. Happy to share some of my paintings and happenings of my adventures under an African sky.