Saturday 21st June 2025

It’s a beautiful winter solstice day here in Plettenberg Bay. This is a sunrise from a few mornings ago.
It’s been a tough six months on the physical level. Two wrist fractures. First one in early January, titanium implant in fractured left wrist and as that was finally getting better and out of its cast, I damaged my right wrist.

Sometime in April, my whole body was on fire. How I raged against this. Eventually, blood tests were taken, a diagnosis of polymyalgia was made and a course of cortisone was prescribed. How blissful to be free of that dreadful pain.

Then, in brief, last month on the 21st, I had a stent inserted into my right leg in Cape Town by a vascular surgeon. In the process the iliac artery was accidentally nicked, which meant excessive bleeding. From an original spinal block to full on anaethesia and blood transfusions, the operation was 4 1/2 hrs. My husband & I were informed that they ‘nearly lost me’.

And, just recently, an awful strain of whatever it is. Bronchitis, a strain of Covid. Breathless, you name it. Sore. Coughing. My husband too. He must’ve caught it from me. He was so kind and caring post the stent story. We have coughing competitions. He’s getting better hopefully.

For quite a long while I was trying to figure out what this all meant. I thought I was accident proof, but it seemed like I was more accident prone. I quit on trying to find meaning or purpose in all of this. What I finally realised is that getting older is a serious business, and that I need to treat my body with more respect. And to try to mend the mind-body split. But all my analysis lead to paralysis. I chose to go slow and play the role of observer as one thing after the other slew me. But in the last little while an idea formed of my making a representation of all that has happened. As a way of honouring it all. I did some pencil sketches, charcoal, chalk … More ideas came and I finally have been painting these last few days. I looked at my hands palm up and palm down. I looked at separating my thumb and baby finger from the middle three fingers, and saw the palm or the top of my hand as the trunk of a tree, the fingers as branches. The markings of the palm and top of hand are quite different. So my two hands and wrist front and back are represented in my painting. The leg is there. Other details are there. eg a representation of the mind-body split. It is unfinished. I started from a black canvas.

I’m aware that my physical pain is negligible when the pain of the world or those in the middle of war or poverty or disease is of a far greater magnitude.

My husband & I took a very short walk this a.m. A first for both of us who have barely stepped outside. A tree – I had to. And my orchids at home are truly lovely.

This solstice feels extra special to me. I like to think I’ve turned the corner health-wise. I hope there are no more unpleasant surprises.

My older son Mike and his lady Louise announced their engagement a week ago! We are delighted for them. They are ideally suited, both highly creative, both need space and quiet. Apart from being an artist, she’s a homemaker and a lovely cook, like Jüte, my sous chef daughter-in-law. Dave will be home from his tour soon. If I’m not mistaken, 30 shows in the US and Canada. All a huge success. He played a gig last night in Germany, one to go also in Germany I think, and then home.

So for us in the southern hemisphere it’s the longest night of the year, shortest day; for you in the northern hemisphere, the shortest night, longest day. For myself, I will honour this longest night of the year, aware that it also marks an increase of more light. A shift from darkness to light. New beginnings, in spite of still a way to go with winter weather –

Each solstice reminds us of the earth’s cycles and the need for balance. I am in gratitude for all that life offers, in spite of pain. I pray for peace in the world. I pray for a shift, a turning, towards love and compassion, truth and understanding, less confusion, more insight and clarity, more respect for our fellow man.

May the Force be with you in these troubled times. I hope this finds you all in good cheer and well.

49 Comments on Winter Solstice

    • Hello Elaine, I’m sorry you’ve struggled to get onto my site. We’re never really out of touch, though I have felt your absence a bit lately. Maybe because I’m not much on social media. But I’m pretty sure I would receive a notification if you put up a blog post. Occasionally I pop into FB and I see a photo of yours, a caterpillar or a butterfly – always wonderful to then feel your presence!

  2. I’m glad I got to your post. Life (and illness) have kept me from blogging as much as I’d like. I felt so much empathy for you as I read what you’ve gone through. Frustration, fear, pain go together as our aging bodies remind us that they need much more attention than we want. I’ve been working on an on-line workshop called Conscious Aging, with lesson and journal prompts. It’s a great reminder that our years have helped us develop into the person we are now, and that at this time of our life, we usually deepen our spirituality practice. I send good health wishes to you and your husband!

    • Thanks Pam for coming by. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been visited by illness and that this unwelcome guest has left! It’s a bit exhausting being hyper vigilant. But it’s what I have to do and be. Maybe this aging process requires vigilance since we are in the winter or autumn (fall) of our lives. And why not – our lives are precious and vigilance is required for fullness, including the spiritual level.
      All good wishes to you Pam.

  3. Oh my, Susan, I am so sorry to read about all these health issues. Getting older is hard, to experience and to watch. Both my parents have been in hospital this year and both are frail. Mom is better than dad despite being older. I hope you both continue to recover. Soon it will get warmer and everything gets easier.

    • So kind of you to stop by Robbie. I’m really sorry to hear about your parents. Always a worry. I wish them well. We seem to have turned the corner, a day or so ago. Have a lovely weekend.

  4. A poignant and touching recap of the last months, Susan. I do hope your health issues abate and you get back to full strength. Happy Summer Solstice to you. xo

  5. Great blog, Mom. Ya, shoh – what a tumultuous time you’ve had! And thanks for the well wishes 🙏

  6. Hi Susan – I’ve been thinking about you … and intending to write – but so far not done so! Good to hear your news … I’m just grateful it’s summer here … have minor problems myself – but life goes on … and I love the long summer days – though of course now waning! Eastbourne tennis just started – I’m not going, but the town is full and buzzing … tennis and cricket – the happy ball days!! So glad you had that brief walk this am – that/those bugs sound v unpleasant on top of all other things. Big hugs – Hilary

    • Hi Hilary, lovely to hear from you. Were you watching tennis at Queens? I hope the weather continues nice and warm but from what I hear its been especially hot. Have you been writing blogs? I haven’t had any notifications … I hope your minor problems remain minor, but even those ones are unsettling. Ah well. Another week ahead and July around the corner. All best to you, Susan xx

      • Yes – I ‘dribble’ on with my postings … ie not dribble as in drip, drip, drip … but as in occasionally I post!! I did watch Queens, and now we have E/b … but actually I prefer listening to the cricket, theoretically I can do other things – which I must now do. The courts on the tv look amazing – and it’s only a stone’s throw away from me- though I’m not going. It is blowing a hooley! Sunny but better than the heat of last week. Minor is a nuisance, but a wearying nuisance … I’m not fussed, but would like things fixed … NHS will get to it at some stage. Sorry notifications don’t seem to be happening and I keep meaning to set up a notification listing which I haven’t done – and perhaps I can get to it … I’ll let you know … cheers for now – H xoxo

  8. You have had to endure quite a lot with your body these last several months and it is lovely to see you coming through it with art. Will you be sharing some of it on your blog?

    • Thank you for coming by Alethea. I thought about putting it up but it is not yet finished. I’m adding to it. I like it. Maybe at some stage if I’m brave enough, I’ll share it on a blog.

  9. Hi, Susan – Your solstice reflections moved me deeply. What a harrowing few months you’ve endured. I’m so glad that some light is returning, both in nature and in your own healing. Congratulations on Mike and Louise’s engagement. May the coming season bring gentleness and strength in equal measure.

    • Thank you Donna for coming by. So special, and thank you for your concern. Winter has still to dig her heels in, will no doubt get snow in various parts of South Africa. Plettenberg Bay can get it too on those mountains that are not that far away! ‘…gentleness and strength in equal measure’ – beautiful words Donna, to you and family too xx

  10. Oh my. Susan! What a tough time you’ve been having, And scary. I’m so very sorry. I guess these things are just going to happen more and more often as we age. We might as well try to get used to it. It’s good to hear the great news about your sons. And that you are on the mend now. Thank you for the beautiful reminder about the solstice. Last night we left the restaurant in our little mountain town and I was surprised to see that it was still light. Now I know why! Thank you for the light you bring to your readers, just by sharing your observations about life and the world around you. It’s so good to hear your voice again and see your lovely pictures. So glad to hear your creativity is blossoming again. I think that’s one of the best healers of all. Sending much love to you from the opposite solstice. Love, Jeanie

    • Thank you Jeanie for your lovely reply. It warms my heart. I don’t want to anticipate ‘accidents’ happening as I age. But I need to be aware that it is more than likely. To think that I co-wrote a book about aging. Ah well. I have to say that being creative was the last thing on my mind in these last months… or rather, it was on my mind but I was resisting doing anything about it, though also very low in energy. It was not that long ago, in the last several days, that I thought that maybe if I get a bit creative and paint this story, it may aid my healing. Which it has! Much love to you, and I hope you and family are all well. susan xx

  12. Happy Solstice, Susan. I had wondered where you were. I’m so sorry about the fractures and illnesses. I hope this year will be better for you.
    Congratulations on your son’s engagement! Joyful news to balance all the bad things.

  13. Dear Susan, I am quietly horrified to hear what you have been dealing with this past while! You are generous in sharing the details of such a difficult time… and I know you are creatively capable of making sense of it all with the various tools you have…. but still! It is a lot to hold.

    Sending you warmth from this Ontario summer threshold, after a very chilly, windy, wet spring! Andrea

    • Dear Andrea, yes its been tough. You and I had a very special interaction just after Easter.Things seemed to intensify after that. There were always moments of joy interspersed in all the pain. A beautiful view, a sunrise or sunset, birds larking about in the garden (when neighbouring cats are not present). Beauty is always calming and restorative 🙂 Sending you a bit of warmth from here, it’s a lovely day. Although a socks and jersey sort of day.

      • Our conversation in the spring created a sturdy arc of energy between us, which I why I am deeply touched by what you are dealing with. I agree about the healing power of beauty, but if you would like to connect via zoom again sometime, let me know. My summer is quite flexible, at least at this point…

        • Thank you so much Andrea. I’d love to take you up on that. It was so valuable at that time. I felt blessed to have had that zoom time with you. Hope your wet Spring has settled and that summer is on its way. Have a lovely week xx

  14. I’m always fascinated by the idea of a solstice, but then I usually forget that it happened until it has passed. Guess it doesn’t really make that much difference, but I like having days that are the “longest” and “shortest”.

    Be well.

    Lee

    • Jolly nice to see you here Lee, thank you for coming by. Yes, I like these kind of markers like longest shortest, quietest, loudest etc.I hope you and family are well.

  15. Hi Susan, Nice to see you here and how you share your wisdom and gems. I enjoy learning about your part of the planet and the ‘Winter Solstice’ … of course, for us, the ‘Summer Solstice.’

    And, yes, I am sorry about your physical challenges, and I continue to send you healing karma. ❤️Reading your thoughts on ‘accident proof’ and ‘accident prone’ – you remind me about a saying in our home, how an accident is unexpected and often no rhyme or reason, nothing intentional. I am taking to heart ‘the role of observer’ and I will add this to my mantras. Also interesting how ‘creativity’ surfaces in challenging times.

    You know how my husband and I are beyond thrilled to see Dave’s sold out show and The Kiffness in Vancouver this past May. An exceptional, multi-talented, unique, creative artist! The icing on the cake was to meet Dave. 💖The entire evening was a life-changing experience on many levels.

    We will stay in touch, Susan. 💕🦋 Erica

    • Hi Erica, thank you for coming by. It’s so lovely to read -again – about your personal experience of Dave’s show in Vancouver. I was super excited that you and your husband met. He really enjoyed meeting you both. He’ll be home on Tuesday evening. His last gig is tonight in Germany. On one of his threads, someone commented that he is a gifted light worker. I think this is true. His music really does unite people. Mike and I saw him in action in Prague when we surprised him in September 3 years back. Although I was exhausted (early flight from Paris) I was uplifted from the moment he was on stage. Blooming electrifying!

      Accidents – are there such things as accidents? I remember reading a book a long time ago called ‘There are no such Things as Accidents’. It gave me cause for pause. I’m not sure now whether one of the important questions to ask is ‘why?’ – or ask ‘why not’? Or why me? In what way am I a co-creator in this accident. But maybe I’m not. Maybe it is just that – an unfortunate happening. Maybe the response to it is what’s important …

      Thank you for your healing vibes Erica. If I could make a heart on my computer, I would, but I can’t. Love in the meantime, Susan xx

      • Hi Susan, I read about Dave’s gig in Germany and the amazing turn out. I love the phrase you share, ‘gifted light worker’ – our planet needs people like Dave, always and especially now. As I have mentioned before, the apple does not fall far from the tree. ❤️ You bring up good points about ‘accidents.’ I don’t know … I enjoy the pictures you share here. As always, counting my blessings, Erica xx

        • Hi Erica. Dave will be home Tuesday night. I just wish I’d been more of a helpful baby sitter in his absence. Mike and Luoise picked up some of the slack. And her brother stays in the house when Dave’s not there and entertains Sam when he gets back from work. A lonngggg time ago I had a series of accidents which pulled me up short and made me question myself and my attitude to life. It needed balance. These more recent events are I think forcing me to address the mind body split. And to be more mindful of my body and give it the respect and care it deserves. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday! xx

          • Hi Susan, You remind me how we are intuitive and have the best knowledge about our bodies. The mind body split is an interesting way to describe this – it shows up in many ways throughout our lives – something I used to share with my young daughters – the ‘listen to your gut’ for the answers, spend time alone, and also when to avoid situations and people.

            You also remind me how we never stop learning on this journey – one of the reasons I gravitate to your words and wisdom, Susan.❤️ Enjoy having your family together. Many reasons to celebrate! xx 💕 Erica

            • Thank you Erica for your lovely words. I’ve often wondered how I would be as a mother if I had had daughters. And how my husband would be as a father figure to daughters. I remember many years ago, a friend of mine in her bedroom trying on clothes, both her daughters were present as was I. She moaned about flabby arms, tummy & I don’t know what else. I thought how sad it was that she was criticising her body in such an unhealthy way and in front of her daughters! We are not taught to love our bodies. Or just not taught enough about them.
              Mike is fetching Dave from George airport (about 100 kms away) tomorrow late afternoon. I said I’d come along but we agree best not to. His immune system may be down and prone to bugs – may even have caught some bugs on various planes etc. I’ll see if I can make a huge card and drop it off at his home .. Have a lovely wewkk! xx

  16. I was pleased to see your blog in my inbox, but am so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. So many health challenges! I hope you have turned the corner and the new season will mark renewed health … for you and for our wounded world. All the best, Susan.

    • So lovely to hear from you Donna thank you. Yes, may this turning and tilting of the earth in relation to the sun (or is it the other way around) be a marker for the world, a pause, a time to reflect on all the unnecessary pain on so many hundreds and thousands of people around the world, with a prayer in one’s heart and breath, for peace. All the best to you Donna, I hope you are well.

  17. Dear Susan,

    Oh my goodness and Goddess! What a challenging time this continues to be for you, and yet the way you’ve stayed present with all the pain for weeks and months on end, with the mystery and ultimately with the art – is nothing short of heroic! Your description of your painting, with its tree-like hands reaching out from the black canvas, feels like the very embodiment of transformation: how we mark what’s been endured not with despair, but with creation.

    Oh, I’m so pleased you and Neil were able to walk amongst the trees today – small steps, I know, but they must feel like immense miracles. And the joy of Mike’s engagement, the blooming of orchids, Dave’s return on the horizon … all shining embers of life holding you gently as the solstice turns.

    May this turning of the Wheel bring warmth to your roots and light to any lingering shadows. Here’s to stories reclaimed, wholeness remembered and the sweet alchemy of becoming.

    Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photos too. The colours from this week’s sunrise alone are just astonishing! And I love the one of you with your arms (and healing wrists) draped over the branches – like you’re an integral part of the tree itself.

    Love and light, your poet friend, Deborah

    • Dear Deborah, your lovely response had me on the brink of tears and I felt my chin wobble. I was in despair quite a bit of the time. Raging. I had not thought of the photo of me and my arms around the tree as an embodiment of what I’ve been going through, but yes of course it is. Thank you for articulating this! The left and right hands and wrists I painted yesterday afternoon and thought how much like trees they are. So yes, marking it all, the pain, the despair, the utter helplessness of it all, had to be acknowledged in spite of my huge resistance (avoidance) to it. And I’m glad I’ve done it the way that I have.

      And of course, Mike’s engagement. Dave’s return on Tuesday night I believe, the colours of my winter garden, the solstice are indeed shards of light piercing the dark. As I read somewhere, no matter how dark it is there are always stars.

      Thank you as always Deborah dear poet friend. With love and deep gratitude, Susan

    • Thank you Jacqui. Yes I’ve been pretty awol. I hope you and family are all well and that your writing continues. I got all caught up earlier this year in ancestors … and the question of whether we carry their pain and drama in our own generation – in other words, generational wounding.

  19. Oh, my goodness, Susan. No wonder we haven’t heard from you. I am so happy to hear you are on the mend and enjoying life and the beauty around you again. Your story reminds me of a quote I read recently: Eudora Welty: “I like the feeling of being able to confront an experience and resolve it as art.”

    Thank you too for sharing the news of the next generation thriving and extending your legacy. 😀

    • Thank you for your lovely comment Marian and the quote by Eudora Welty. In general I see art in its many guises as a guide in helping me/us to connect to an inner spark whether by words, literature, poetry, painting, sculptures, scriptures … they can reveal our own truth to us.

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