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Showing posts with label Brandon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brandon. Show all posts

January 15, 2026

Farewell Jessica

Hi there Brandon

I just wanted to reach out and say how profoundly sorry I am about the loss of your beautiful Jessica. I'm thinking of you and your dear family.

I'm so sorry my message is so belated; I haven't been into Facebook in ages and have just seen your post about the memorial.

What a shock it is to lose someone you love in such a tragic way. I can relate just a little bit because I lost my dear dad in similar circumstances but its even harder when it's your own child.

I hope you are doing ok.  You are such a legend and we all love you so, so much. Life's hardest knocks so often happen to the very best of us. 

I hope the sadness in time becomes mixed with many happy and precious memories of a sacred life. Jessica, in the photos you shared, looks like such a loving, gentle, radiant being. I know she struggled greatly at times, but there was so much beauty there and a life full of priceless moments and experiences. Life is such a beautiful struggle, isn't it, so full of extremes.  Virginia Woolf, who also struggled with her demons, said  it better than I can: "The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder." 

I'm sure you've read or heard it before, but just in case you haven't, here is my favourite poem that always gives me some comfort when I lose someone dear.


Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye


Sending lots of love your way

G




June 09, 2025

Kayley

I found these wonderful old photos of Kayley on Russell's blog. She's grown into such a wonderful young woman. 




Now all grown up (Aged 17)

May 17, 2025

Afrikaburn reunion

Lovely to all get together again. We had Vietnamese summer rolls and pancakes for dinner. We then watched the slide show I had put together which everyone loved.


 

May 17, 2025

Night on Table Mountain

Rob and Dawn invited Russell, Brandon and I to stay with them in The Mountain and Ski Club hut on the top of Table Mountain. I walked up with Dawn via Constantia Kek and the Jeep Track and the others joined us later.  The weather up the top of the mountain was sublime with a warm berg wind. Dawn and I had a glorious swim in the dam. Russell brought up a bottle of delicious port and Brandon made the best hot chocolate I have ever tasted with cream liquor in it. The next day, Russell and I strolled to the Diving Board for photos. He then stayed for a swim while Dawn and I hiked down together again. Some wonderful heart to heart chats with her.






































May 13, 2025

Playing Wingspan

It took a while to learn the rather complex rules but after that, I really loved the game.  It is a birder's delight. Always lovely to spend an evening with Russell, Brandon and Warren. I forgot my glasses and had to drive back with Russell and Brandon to get them as I couldn't read the cards!



Warren and Jo's beautiful doggie

May 09, 2025

Afrikaburn 2025: Our wonderful group

Initiation

 
All newbies to the Afrikaburn must ring the gong, roll in the dust and then shout loudly "I'm not a virgin anymore!"  




Visiting theme camps



Pancake People

Pancake People



The Garden of Weeden

Brandon after doing his wonderful presentation of aliens



A spanking at The Purple Spanking Booth!

Music in the desert


Stick on tattoos






Dressing up to go out
















Tutu Tuesday















The Purple Pancake Palace back in action










Gifting tequila shots










The Shit Show






On the way to The Binnekring










At the Binnekring








































Having loads of fun







Visiting art installations in the desert




















All lit up at night










At the Burns


Russell, the fire warden extraordinaire















Camp life



Cooking Thai Red Curry














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