Email sent after a week in hospital

Hello beautiful family and friends

I want to express my deepest gratitude for all your amazing support during the last two weeks: all your well wishes, phone calls and visits, prayers and positive vibes, words of encouragement. To Matt for ensuring I came home to such an immaculate room. For listening to my strange ramblings before I went in; especially Liza, Matt & Sharmista, Shushann, Nic and Srini!

In a nutshell, for all the love and caring you all showed in so many ways. It was yet another beautiful reminder to me of how absolutely priceless friendship and human connection is.  I appreciate your love and care and support  more than I can express.

I want to express a particularly deep public thank you to Craig.  Oh my goodness, where do I start, Craig?  I can't tell you how extraordinary your support was.  You were literally my rock during this often uncertain and scary experience.  Thank you for looking out for me when I was showing warning signs, for getting in touch with the hospital, for all your immense wisdom, for the perspective you gave me, the advice you brought, for your numerous visits, for bringing all my stuff to me, for the nuts and priceless letters from home, for taking me out on walks.  And for your constant peace and calmness which was like a soothing balm.

But most of all, thank you for keeping everyone in the loop the way you did. For reassuring my mum and sister who felt so helpless and far away.  For hunting down hard to get info from the doctors and sharing that, for all your emails and all the calls you made.  You were a priceless gift to my family especially.  Without you, they would have been absolutely frantic with worry.

As you all know, I'm home now.  Apart from the worry it's caused all of you, I'm grateful for the experience.  It's given me some priceless insights into a condition I've had since I was a child. It's brought home powerfully the importance of looking after myself: living life slowly, getting lots of sleep, nourishing food, exercise, walks, connection.  It's given me a renewed appreciation of the immense freedom I enjoy in my life and all the little things that I realise aren't little.  It's given me the incentive to do some therapy to sort out some fears I woke up to. Allowed me to get off medication I've been wanting to get off for ages. And brought home the realisation I don't need to feel shame or pretend to be "well" if I'm experiencing emotional difficulties from time to time.  That is such a relief, such a freedom.

I look forward to catching up with all of you. And embracing and sharing the adventure of life that I feel so privileged to share with all of you.  

Sending you love

---

What a beautiful letter which I am sure will mean as much to your friends as it does to me.  I hope you will re read it many times when things get tough and remind yourself of the amazing support you have in Australia and you will ask for help immediately if you ever need it in the future.  I know the next few weeks are going to be very difficult as your body continues to recover and your brain adjusts to being without some of the medication it has become so reliant on.  We love you so much and hate that you have had to go through this experience but hope that the long term result will make it all worthwhile.

Remember we are here for you any time of the day or night.  Be gentle on yourself, take any support that is offered and take it one day at a time.


All my love, Mum

---

Wow G!  That is truly an amazing letter you wrote.  I think your friends will be blown away by the sincerity and raw emotion of it.

Will chat soon

Jo


xxxxx

---

Thanks Graeme - you are very welcome - & you are well loved.

And "in a nutshell" is apposite, coz that's where you were! -  and what a speedy escape - well done - & may it continue, as the L'Oreal girls say, "because you're  worth it".

Cheers mate

Craig

---

Blessings dear Graeme

I’m sorry I wont be there tonight to give you a hug. See you next week. I was thinking of buying Craig a big bag of cashews for all his care. I know how much he loves them.


Shushann xx

---

My dearest Graeme,

I was so surprised to receive that long explanatory email from you, that you were actually in hospital and needing help.

I did wonder why I had heard nothing from you in two weeks, but I prayed for you nevertheless. I'm still in the dark but the main thing is that you're better now. I'm so grateful to all your friends who've supported you and been there for you in your time of need. Just goes to show what wonderful friends you have, and how you receive in return all you give out. 

Please take extremely good care of yourself in every aspect of your life and know that there's nothing more important than you!

With much love and a myriad of blessings,

Heather xxx

---

Thanks so much, Heather.  All is well and the experience was actually a priceless one, one I wouldn't change for anything, except the worry it caused my family and friends.

Basically, I went off on an extraordinary spiritual high - due at least in part, I'm pretty sure, to the stimulent medication I've been taking for several years that masks lower energies in my psyche.   I was in such a state of peace and complete fearlessness that I stopped taking the medication altogether.  I continued to feel peaceful and joyful for several days with extraordinary revelations and experiences and love beyond anything I can describe.

But sometimes what goes up, comes down abruptly - especially when the brain suddenly isn't getting the chemical it has become reliant on. 

So I plummeted into a sudden world of illusion and in that state, literally stared face to face at my Ultimate Nightmares.  I lived for about 12 hours of intense suffering and intense fear before I realised that it was just a psychotic episode and I was in the North Sydney High Dependency Ward (Maximum Lock Up!)

I stayed there for about a week, meeting beautiful people and coming off the medication I'm been wanting to come off for years.  Now I'm home and feeling fantastic.  

Hope all is going well.  

---

Letter of gratitude to Jilly

Dearest Jilly

I am so, so grateful to you for so many reasons I hardly know where to begin.

• Thank you for bringing Eckhart into my life, a beautiful teacher who has helped me to escape the tyranny of my mind and awaken to the beautiful light of my own Being.  It has brought me an experience of peace and inner stillness I couldn't have imagined.   
• Thank you for bringing Geraldine into my life, a teacher who taught me that by not fearing death, I can more fully embrace life.   
• Thank you for bringing Nic into my life, a teacher who has taught me the gift of self acceptance and compassion, and the innate perfection in all things, including myself.   
• Thank you for bringing the beautiful teaching of Adya and Gangaji into my life.   
• Thank you for being the catalyst to the greatest spiritual transformation I've ever known, especially the unblocking and release of years of repressed pain, which has allowed me to open to love, wonder and joy.   
• Thank you for bringing HAI into my life and the gift of letting myself be seen and connecing deeply with others.   
• Thank you for sharing my spiritual journey with me, for providing constant support and encouragement every step of the way.   
• Thank you for being someone I can be totally real and open and vulnerable with. My first real experience of what true intimacy is. It's the most precious gift in the world.   
• Thank you for being so real and open yourself, for letting me into your own inner world the way you do, for sharing your joys, hopes, longings and fears.   
• Thank you for bringing into my life many people who have become such dear friends: Craig, Chris, Desmond, Peter,  Abe, Irene, Shashane, Lydia, Philip and Christina to name but a few.   
• Thank you for gently challenging me when you can see me stuck in a negative belief or pattern.   
• Thank you for the beautiful space that is your home and how you make it so freely available for the soul nourishment of others, including me.   
• Thank you for your wonderful and often naughty sense of humour, for so many delightful laughs.   
• Thank you for showing me what it's like to be truly young at heart no matter what your age, in touch with your timeless self.   
• Thank you for all the delicious bowls of Jilly Zoop, made with love, and for all the fellowship we've shared over meals.   
• Thank you for the example you show in being an attentive, loving space for others, always listening with an open heart.    
• Thank you for the example you set in being positive and cheerful, despite all the physical pain you feel.   
• Thank you for your smile and your radiance.    
• Thank you for bringing the beautiful music of Peter Miller Robinson into my life.   
• Thank you for wonderful, fun, shared  experiences like our drive up to Kangaroo Valley, watching The 100 Foot Journey, enjoying The New Year fireworks from prime position and delishious lunches at About Life.   
• Thank you for all the beautiful quotes and gems you've shared via email and Facebook and your slips of paper - and for often reading out the ones that have really touched you.  I've added so many of them to my own collection.   
• Thank you for the soul nourishing rituals on a Tuesday night, like "Would someone like to start an Om" and "Let's have a cuppa!"    
• Thank you for all the beautiful hugs we've shared. 
• Thank you dearest Jilly for all these things and so much more.  Before I met you, I never really knew what love was.  Now, in my meditation and in my life, I regularly experience it so deeply it leaves me reeling.  Love so vast, it cannot be described. Love for everyone.  Love for everything.  It's a pricless gift that is healing and transforming me.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done to open me to that.    

If someone offered me 100 million dollars and the only condition was that I didn't get to meet you and experience all that you've brought into my life, I'd happily decline.

I love you more than words can express

G  

Friendship with Sue

Dear Sue

Here are some of my favourite memories from our five years of wonderful friendship...

• Meeting at The Balmoral Burn.  What a blessed day that was!  (May 09)
• Giving you some lessons on Lightroom and editing your East Africa photos. (Jul 2009)
• Going on a wonderful camera club weekend to Port Stephens where we really bonded.  (Mar 10)
• A fun photography outing to Callum Park.  (Jun 2011)
• Creating a blog for you to show off your amazing photos and being caught up in your enthusiasm.  (Oct 2011)
• Creating a slideshow portfolio of your East Africa photos for the Camera Club. (2012)
• A photography outing to Penrith Whitewater and stopping off at the Spur for a meal on the way home.  (Feb 12)
• Taking me and my folk on a wonderful Palm Beach tour.  (Feb 2012)
• A fantastic outing to Thirlmere on a steam train.  (May 2012)
• A lovely camera club outing to Hunter Valley where you, Guy and I really bonded to become The Three Amigos.  (Apr 2012)
• A photography outing to Newtown to photograph graffiti and interesting characters.  (May 2012)
• Treating me to a wonderful harbour cruise on old sailing ship. (May 2012)
• A super day exploring the Hawkesbury area (Windsor Junk Yard,  Ebenezar Church and Richmond), followed by tea at that amazing farm.  (June 2013)
• Delicious Turkey dinners at your place with ratatouille and crumble (yum!!).
• Yummy peanut biscuits!!
• Watching live together on TV as Julia Gillard got replaced with Kevin Rudd. Sensational stuff!  (Jun, 2013)
• Seeing the World Press exhibit together and being moved to tears.  (Jul 2013)
• Being wowed by the photos at The Antarctica Exhibition with Pamela  (Aug 2013)
• Being wowed by the photos at the Wildlife Photographer of The Year 2013 and 2014.
• Cooking up a stirfry storm at your place with Guy  (Aug 2013)
• Creating your Russia Collage for the camera club. (Oct 2013)
• Photographing Zombies on the Zombie walk  (Nov 2013)
• Our annual outing to Sculptures by The Sea (2013,   2014)
• Our annual Vivid Festival outing (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
• Having our faces projected in lights as part of the 2014 Vivid Festival show!
• Celebrating my birthdays at The Oaks and Ripples.
• Seeing David Doubilet's amazing underwater photos at The Opera House.  (Jul 2014)
• Your wonderful support after my break ups with Ally and Dani.
• You inspiring me to buy a Kindle (one of my best ever purchases!)
• Feeling chuffed whenever you win a credit or merit at The Camera Club and adding them to your amazing Awards Board.
• Learning to use an Apple Computer together - not always easy!!
• Being excited to see and edit your photos whenever you come back from a trip.
• Going to The Camera Club together on many occasions, especially the end of year Topshot.
• Seeing some wonderful movies together at The Cremorne Orpheum (including 12 Years A Slave, All is Lost, A Long Walk to Freedom, Philomena, The Book Thief,  Tracks, Finding Vivian Maier) and some not so great (The Great Beauty, Winter Sleep.)
• Introducing me to Shaun the Sheep (so funny!)
• Hearing all your news when we catch up.
• Sending me links to some heart warming videos and amazing photos.
• Your 70th birthday meal at Ripples (Dec 2014)

22 Dec 2014

Dear Sue

Happy birthday!  Thanks you so much for your wonderful friendship over the past 5 years.  Meeting you at The Balmoral Burn was a very blessed moment for me. Since then you have become my Australian  family. I cherish your friendship and all the fantastic photography outings, meals shared, and movies watched more than you'll ever know.  Thank you for being the gorgeous, warm, kind hearted cheerful, thoughtful person you are. You and your zest for life are a continual source of inspiration for me.

Love G


20 Dec 2012

 Hi there Sue

Happy birthday, birthday girl.  I hope you have a wonderful, fun filled day.

Thanks you very much for your friendship this past year, as always.  It's something I really cherish.  I miss my family in Cape Town greatly, but having family like you in Sydney helps greatly.

Here are some of the things I greatly admire about you and some of the memories from our friendship that I'm really grateful for:

• Your general zest and energy and passion for life - very, very inspiring indeed.
• How positive you always are, even during really tough times like your big operation a little while ago.
• How young at heart you are.
• How you love to laugh.
• Your great love of travel and exploring new places - I can so relate!
• Your passion for photography and taking great shots, we're kindred spirits there too of course.
• What a great friend you are to all your friends - how you constantly keep in touch and nurture your friendship.  Something I've learned from and aspire to.
• Your wonderful, wonderful photography - it's always such a pleasure working on your photos, there are always such gems there.  
• All those merits and credits you've got - it's been a privilege to help select and sometimes work on some of those photos
• Your great encouragement with my own photography - you are always so good for my confidence which is something I struggle with a bit at times as you know.
• Fantastic outings we've been on together - like Hunter Valley, Newtown, Penrith Whitewater, Balmoral, Vivid Festival and more.
• The three musketeers - you, me and wonderful Guy
• Taking my family on that great tour of Palm Beach - they so enjoyed it.
• Taking me out on The Sailing ship in the harbour, a lot of  fun.
• Your love of a good movie, something I enjoy too.
• Treating me to some lovely meals out.
• Your love of Africa and wildlife - and those incredible Safari photos you've taken.
• The fact you cherish your memories so much and savour them, something I've learned from too.
• Your delight in the blog we created together - it was such a fun and fulfilling project , and still is, and it's been great to share in so many of your memories from your life and travels.
• Those delicious meals you've cooked me - how I do appreciate a delicious home cooked meal!
• Your willingness to always learn new things, and how well you've done with your new Apple computer despite it's many frustrations and being so different from your last computer.
• Your love of Mango Groove - what great taste in music!!
• Knowing you're there for a chat if I'm feeling a little down - you never cease to cheer me up!
• Being able to be real with you - I don't have to put on any pretences.
• Your general awesomeness.

All in all, thanks so much for being you!  I look forward to many more years of great friendship.

Have a wonderful birthday and Xmas!

Hugs, G


Photo memories

Your 70th birthday (2014)

Sculptures by The Sea  (Nov 2014)

Sculptures by The Sea (Nov 2014)

Sculptures by The Sea (Nov 2014)

Opera House presentation (2014)

Windsor Junk Yard (June 2013) xxx

Scultures by The Sea (Nov 2013)

Vivid Festival 2012

Harbour Cruise (May 2012)

Harbour Cruise (May 2012)

Palm Beach tour (Feb 2012)

Palm Beach Tour (Feb 2012)

Palm Beach Tour (Feb 2012)

Port Stephens (May 2010)

Delicious Turkey dinner

Correspondence with Dani (year after break-up)

Hi G,

How are you ? Hope you are well and had a good weekend. Seems like a very long time since we caught up....what have you been up to ? I've seen a few piccies on your FB page of bushwalks, camping and South Africa -    looks like you've been adventuring a fair bit. How is Mack ? your fam ? and Alex and Sue ?

I'm still at UTS and enjoying it though it is busy and intense as we're finishing 3 buildings this year. 1 down 2 to go. They renewed my contract for another 3 years so I'm very happy about that. Still paddling though not so regularly - club politics, or paddletics, are getting to me again so don't think I'll renew my membership next season. Happy doing coffee cruises with friends and rubber necking at wildlife (some things don't change). My fam is good. Mum and Dad just came back from 6 weeks oversees hiking, sightseeing etc in Europe. Nat and the kids are good though Andrew is recovering from an ankle operation so is getting waited on hand and foot (pun intended). Zak is very passionate about his surf photography; almost as much as Sally is about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles !

Just thought I'd let you know that I've been seeing someone for just over a year now. His name is Paul and he's also a sustainability manager. We met at a David Suzuki lecture ! We are actually moving in together this coming weekend - up to Hornsby. Sad to leave my lovely little unit so close to the City but it feels right and I'm looking forward to more space, an actual backyard and not having to listen to my wannabe rock god neighbour strangling his guitar. Ahh the serenity. Just thought I'd let you know in case I post something on FB...

Anyways, would be good to hear your news. I hope you are happy, healthy and enjoying life :)

Ciao,

Dani



Hi Dani

When I was in South Africa in April, I went on a canoeing trip in the wilderness. One night I lay on the ground and looked out into the vast night sky and my thoughts turned to you as they sometimes do.  I wished from the bottom of my heart that you were happy and well and that you'd found love with someone really special.  As I wished it, three shooting stars shot out across the sky in instant succession.  I was absolutely awe-struck as I'd never seen anything like it. And I was also filled with a great sense of peace that surely this was some kind of sign that everything was well with you.

I was so, so happy to read your e-mail the other night and to learn that this wasn't wishful thinking.

I'm sending you positive vibes as you move to Hornsby - that everything goes smoothly and beautifully. Hornsby may be further away from the city, but at least it is on a direct train line and you're always sure to get a seat. Think of all the great books you'll be able to read on your commute.  Maybe even put your Kindle to great use.  It will be lovely to have a backyard too.  You'll be able to make up for last time with lots and lots of delicious barbecues.

You made me chuckle when you mentioned the irritating guitar player in your block.  My neighbour has taken up the trumpet (of all things!) and he's been playing the same dreadful tune for months, often early in the morning, and never gets any better at it!  I've seriously considered phoning him up at 4 am each morning to tell him how much I enjoy his playing.

You asked for some news from my side so here goes ...

2013, after our break up, was a very tough time for me emotionally. I found myself grappling with feelings, unimaginably deep, that left me reeling at times. It was also a time for deep reflection, and a time of great spiritual growth; a kind of opening of my heart that allowed me to feel emotions I've been blocking for years. A priceless gift, though painful at the time.

2014 has been a wonderful year, one of the happiest of my life. I spent nearly two months in South Africa and connected more deeply with my family than ever before, especially with my little nephew.  On the Sydney front, I've thrown myself into many wonderful hiking adventures, capturing the wonder of nature with my camera as I go, and making some very special friendships along the way. My meditation practice keeps getting deeper and I feel more and more connected to something greater than me that I cannot name or define, nor would ever want to.  It gives me an immense sense of calm and trust.  I'm still playing tennis and my dodgy forearm has suddenly come right which means I just about always beat poor Brendan these days, much to his disgust!  Work's going great and I still find time to work on my quotations project which I firmly believe is going to change the world of online quotes and earn me enough passive income to free me up to travel and photograph all the world's remaining wild places (I live in hope!)

On the romantic front, I made a conscious decision to stay single for a year after we split up; to focus instead on broadening my circle of friends and getting total clarity on what I wanted for my life. And then, in June this year, as if by clockwork, I fell for a lovely South African girl who I met through hiking.  We got really close, but a few weeks ago she left for a year long sabbatical in Africa to train to be a nature guide and do volunteering which she's been planning to do for years.  I'll join her next year to explore Mozambique together.

Mack is as gorgeous and wonderful as ever, although he's suffering a bit from what the vet thinks may be mild arthritis, so I'm not walking him as much as before. Liza is still a big part of his life.  We always see the vet together and I think he is extremely curious as to the exact nature of our relationship.  We so clearly have absolutely nothing in common. Except for an endless mutual adoration for a little furry creature.  And that counts for everything.

You asked about Su and Alex.  Well, a short while after we separated, Su happily announced that she was pregnant.  She asked if they could continue to stay in the house after the baby was born. I immediately said yes, feeling it was meant to be.  They got married in November at Balmoral Beach and I took photos. And then on Jan 15, beautiful little Amilie was born.  She was the perfect baby, often sleeping 12 hours shifts, and just about never crying and I was a very proud and doting "uncle". Then in June, they decided to emigrate to Europe, and at the end of July they left and took their (my!!!) baby with them.  I felt sad but very grateful to have experienced it all.

Your positive influence continues to live on in my life ...

• I still use my slow cooker often
• I've been to all the National Geographic presentations at the Opera House after enjoying Matthias Klum so very much (that was honestly the best present I think I ever got)
• I live in excited (almost cold turkey type) anticipation of the next series of Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead which you, of course, introduced me to (having now gone to the dark side and become a compulsive downloader of movies!)
• I continue to use the word "nana nap" to describe what has become a regular practice.
• I went to another fancy dress not so long ago, and wore my mullet again!!
• I still think of you when I have a mocha, though I've greatly cut down on my caffeine fix.

Anyway, that's enough news I'm sure. There's always tons more on my blog, which I continue to update religiously, much to the delight of my mum and my 80 year old self.

Wishing you all things wonderful.  Plenty of happiness, joy, excitement, adventure, wonder, fun and laughter. A relationship full of love, connection, sharing, support and mutual discovery.  And Saturday morning paddles jam packed with exhilarating wildlife sightings.

With love,
G

PS  If you're looking to do an amazing but relatively unknown hike that's not far away, I can't recommend this one enough.  You'd love it!!

PS PS  If Zak ever puts his surf photos online, please send me the link as I'd love to see them. He and I seem to share so many passions.

Liz's 40th birthday party

I went to this wonderful party on 21st June.  An amazing meal at a top restaurant (Postales) with delicious Tapas and Paella. Then to a nightclub where there were two hen parties trying to outdo each other with sexy moves on a stage (I was one of only 3 guys in the whole place!)  Then 4 of us smuggled ourselves into Liz's very upmarket hotel suite for a fun (but innocent) slumber party.  All in all, a great time.

No party is too posh for a leap!!

Dear Liz 

Happy Birthday!  Happy Everyday!! 

I wish you sunshine and happiness as you continue to paint a wonderful picture for your life.   May your world be full of colour and may your crayons never melt ...

As always, a couple of quotes! 

• Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.  Don Miguel Ruiz 
• Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can. Danny Kaye 
• You have your colors, you have your brushes, paint paradise and walk right in. Nikos Kazantzakis 
• Life is about using the whole box of crayons.   Ru Paul

May you paint a beautiful life for yourself full of fun, laughter, adventure, wonder, inspiration, wisdom, friendship and love. 

Thank you so much for your friendship.  You have been a major contributor to many of my most treasured experiences and memories this year.

Big birthday hugs, 

Graeme 

Letter to Chrisel

Dear Chrisel

It's been so wonderful to get to know you during the past 4 months. Meeting you through Meet Up was such a gift. It's amazing that in such a short time you've become one of my very closest and most cherished friends...

Or maybe not when I consider all your beautiful qualities...

Here are just some of the many things that I have come to love about you ...

• The fact you're so directed by your purpose and values and desire to follow your heart.   
• Your courage in giving up work and following your dreams. So inspiring!   
• The way you got rid of all your old furniture and "stuff", opening space in your life.   
• Your love of travel and exploring new places and experiences.   
• Your love of Africa's nature and wildlife, especially giraffes.   
• Your love of the outdoors, nature and hiking.   
• Your love of doing adventurous and different things.   
• Your deep love for music.   
• Your  passion for your penny whistle and all the beautiful tunes you can play, even in the traffic!   
• Your love of movies, including animated ones.   
• Your love of good food and red wine.   
• Your love for good chocolate in all it's wonderful forms - and for taking me on a chocolate tour. 
• Your deep love for South Africa - it's spirit, , personality, beauty, places, people.  I can so deeply relate!   
• Your deep love for your family.   
• Your wonder for the universe and its stars and planets.   
• Your passion for jeeps!   
• Loving so many of the same things I do. Even little things like Nesquick, instant pudding and Grandadillal lollies!   
• The fact you love skinny dipping.    
• How passionate and inspired you get about many things and the way your eyes light up when you talk about them. So inspiring!   
• The way your sunshine shines through, even when you're full of sinus and cold.   
• Your deep appreciation for life despite the suffering you and your loved ones have been through.   
• Your amazing yoga poses and very own, unique routine.   
• The fact you can be chatty and animated and buzzing - and also quiet and calm and reflective.   
• Your sense of humour and the ease with which you laugh.   
• What a wonderful friend you are to your friends, be it looking after their challenging doggies or making them amazing cakes on their birthdays.   
• The fact you want to make a difference to people in the world.   
• The way you look after yourself with yoga and veggie juice, even if it makes your hands a bit orange! The wonderful, endearing way you tell jokes, especially when you put on  funny voices!   
• Your close relationship with your mum.   
• The fact you need time and space to regroup (e.g. before work on Monday.)  I can really relate to that. The fact you get anxious sometimes, like when you need to perform.  I can so relate to that too.   
• The way you've accepted your condition and wanting to inspire others in similar circumstances. 
• Your courage in getting IVF treatment and doing all you can to make your dreams happen.  You'd make such an amazing mum.   
• The fact you're sensitive and wary of rejection. I can so relate to that.   
• The fact you've been deeply in touch with your shadow, and come out so strongly into the light. 
• The fact you're not totally sure where you belong, feeling like you have your feet in two countries.   
• The fact you're so in touch with your feelings and that you feel so deeply.   
• The way you can see all sides of things and are so open minded.   
• Your inbuilt navigation skills,  I'm envious!   
• Your skills as a leaping photographer.   
• The fact you've written music for special people in your life.   
• All the amazing things you've gotten me into: tea, broccolini, Lúnasa, the Lindt chocolate cafee. The Comedy Store, smoothies, stretching, Trevor Noah, Sting.   
• How you make people feel so comfortable, able to be completely themselves.   
• Your quirky side   
• The fact you feel different from "the herd."    
• The fact you're secure enough to drive a bit of a beaten up car (like mine!)   
• Being able to have deep discussions about the meaning of life one moment, and being able to laugh about something lighthearted the next.   
• Your kindness.   
• Your great sense of fun.   
• Your amazing openness and willingness to share  deep things about yourself.   
• Your down to earthness.   
• Your beautiful smile and stunning, green eyes.   
• The fact you are so comfortable to be yourself.   
• Your kind, warm, positive energy.   

All in all, you're pure sunshine.  Thank you for being the kind, loving, wonderful, inspiring soul you are.  Thank you for being You; exactly You.

I'm also so grateful for the wonderful experiences we've shared over the past 4 months.  Here are just some of the highlights for me ...

• The Comedy Store - what a great place!   
• Picnicing in the sunshine at Berry Island with Mack.   
• Your delicious babootie.   
• Walking backwards with you at the park and on the beach.   
• Bringing you soup when you were sick.   
• Feeling so comfortable with you felt I could share my Afrikaans story.   
• Being inspired together by David Doubilet's photographs at the Sydney Opera House.   
• Introducing me to The Lindt chocolate cafee and their orgasmic iced chocolate.   
• Walking in the Sydney Botanical Garden at sunset with our cameras.   
• Introducing me to The Central Coast's secret places and that bracing swim at Maitland Bay.   
• Finding your ear rings on the beach - they obviously wanted to be found!   
• Introducing me to yoga - what a great instructor you are!   
• So many wonderful meals and decadent desserts shared.   
• Chilling on the couches at the pub in North Sydney.   
• Watching some great movies like How I Tamed Your Dragon 2, Lucy, Magic in the Moonlight, The Notebook, The Prestige.   
•  Enjoying the flowers at Muogamarra Nature Reserve and looking down onto the river from the trig beacon   
• Gorging ourselves with chocolate on the Sydney chocolate tour - one of the best and most memorable presents I've ever received.   
• Meeting Angel, your wonderful Spanish friend.   

Needless to say, I'll miss you like crazy while you're away and you'll be very much in my thoughts.  I wish you a year full of adventure, new experiences and friendships, self discovery, wonder and beauty, fun and laughter and lots of love and deep connection with your family.  I can't wait to follow your journey!

Lots of love and hugs,

G

Text to Chris

Hi Chris.

Thanks again so much for all your support, guidance and inspiration with the DIY for my home. You've opened up a whole new world. You give the term true friendship real meaning.

G

Email with Liz

Hi Graeme 

It looks like you are having an absolutley fabulous time in South Africa.  Very jealous.
Since you gave us the link, I have been snooping around your blog. And all I can say is WOW!!!!  It is an absolutely extraordinary piece of work.

Firstly, Your photos are beyond amazing.  I don't know if this sounds odd, but all of your photos have this very positive, uplifting feel about them.  They give a sense of hope, wonder, awe and a general sense that everything is right with the world (sorry for getting a bit deep there).  Anyway, there is definitely a gallery waiting with your name on it!  A few of my favourites are the "Torres Del Paine, Chile" with the sunlight hitting the peaks, the lion sitting so grandly and looking so majestic, the moon setting over the 12 Apostles, the sun setting behind the elephant, the sunset one with the boat in the water (you must have taken it recently)....really I could name so many more....
Your memoirs are so warm, honest and funny.  Its great reading about your family and seeing photos when you were a boy...with hair  (haha).

Your poetry brought me to to tears (particularly the one entitled 'The Child' for a couple different reasons).  I love poetry and used to write heaps as a child and in my teens but I haven't done so for ages.

I also have a love of Enid Blyton but my favourites are Naughty Amelia Jane and Noddy.  My daughter is reading them now and it fills my heart with such joy.
Movies, well a many of my favourites are not on the top 250 list - Mary Poppins, To Catch a Thief, Pretty Woman (yes a weird choice), Groundhog Day, Pillow Talk (I grew up watching Doris Day movies with my mum), Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Intouchables and The Other Son to name a few.
It really is a beautiful blog.  Now I want to do one as well - not for public display but for my girls.  I have no idea how to start one so maybe a little help when you get back??

Can't wait to hear all your stories when you return.  Don't forget a recipe or two for me.

Cheers
Elizabeth

Hi there Liz

Wow, thanks so much for your lovely email and all your kind and affirming words about my blog and photography. I really appreciate it. It left me beaming.

I started the blog 10 years ago as a way to keep my South African family (especially my news starved mum) connected to my life in the UK. But in the years since then, it's taken on a life of it's own.  It's become something I do mostly for myself; a way of getting perspective on my life and celebrating all the memories and people I cherish most -    a kind of gratitude journal. I believe so strongly in the power of gratitude which is why your nightly gratitude ritual with your girls resonated so deeply with me when you told me about it.

Your words about the photos conveying a sense of hope and wonder really mean a lot to me.  A big part of my personal spiritual journey is about waking up to the wonder and beauty in the world around me. It's what makes me feel connected to a higher power and what gets me out into nature so much. Life can be a struggle at times, but a beautiful one, full of joy, wonder and goodness too.  I feel it's such a deep privilege to be alive on this amazing planet. I'm so glad at least some of that comes across in my photos.

I'm glad you liked the poetry too and some of it resonated. I haven't written anything in a long time, and keep meaning to write more. We should both turn it into our Mid Year resolution :)

Some of the movies you mentioned are amongst my top favourites too.  I just adore Breakfast at Tiffany's - I've always had a huge crush on Audrey Hepburn and I can't get enough of her version of "Moon River."  I can't believe they originally dubbed over it - absolute sacrilege!  Pretty Woman is wonderful too, I watched it again just a few months ago and cried - but then I'm very soppy that way.  And Groundhog Day is pure genius - a movie I could watch over and over (ha ha!)  I watched Saving Mr Banks the other day and it's inspired me to watch Mary Poppins again.  Some of the others I haven't seen, I'll check them out.

You should definitely start a blog and I'd love to help you with that.  With children, there must be so many priceless memories to celebrate as they grow up and a blog would make a wonderful digital scrapbook for you and the girls to look back on. The family would love it too.  I use blogger.com but there are several other good alternatives.  It's easy to protect a blog so only invited people can see it.  I've thought of protecting my blog too as it's so personal, but only family and close friends tend to view it so have never got round to it.  Important to do with youngsters though.

I'm not sure when you guys are off to The Banff Mountain Film festival, but it must be soon.  It's one of the highlights of my year and I'll really miss it. Hope it's as wonderful and inspiring as it was last year.  Be careful on the drive home - I find the adrenaline fuelled antics on screen make me feel totally invincible and I always drive home far faster than I should!!

Cheers,
G

Meeting Gavin at Mount Kosciuszko

Hi Gavin.

Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye this morning. It was so great to meet you. Thanks for making our trip so fun and memorable - I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Your zest for life is infectious and your story telling borders on genius - what an amazing skill you have. Glad you got back safe. I'll send you a link to the photos on Saturday.

 Cheers. Graeme

Pathways to Intimacy Workshop

Hi Denise 

 I just wanted to thank you for an absolutely beautiful workshop on Sunday. I enjoyed every single minute of it and found it transformational in so many ways. Your facilitation was just perfect - you created such a warm and safe space to open up fully. The deep sharing you did about your own life also touched me to the core and helped give me the courage to share more deeply about myself in the exercises and start doing more of it in my own life. Thank you so much for the blessing you are, the work you do and for making such a difference to the lives of those you touch.

 Thank you again from the heart,
 Graeme


 Hi Abe 

 I just wanted to thank you again for the Pathways to Intimacy workshop on Sunday. It was a truly beautiful experience, full of revelations and discoveries and insights that are precious beyond words. I can't express how glad I am that I went. Thank you for all the immense hard work you did in making it possible and bringing such a blessing into the lives of all us who came. Thank you also for doing your Meet Up groups, for without that, it may have passed me by. Thank you for your calm, loving presence and the personal sharing that you do when we meet - you always inspire me to share more of myself with others.

 Thanks for all this, Abe. You're a great blessing.
 Graeme

Email to Kerri (Oct 2013)

Hi there Kerri

Would you believe it, it's me, a blast from your past!! I was thinking about you the other day, as I often do, and I just wanted to send a quick email to say hi.

I'm so sorry about my silence over the past few years, since Ally and I split up.  I've always been so very fond of you, and what happened between me and Ally never changed that in the slightest. But after our break up, I went inwards and shut off from reaching out to anybody.  And then weeks turned to months to years as so often happens.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and that I often think of you and always enjoy getting news about your life from Ally. I've also got some news from my mum - thanks so much for sending her the emails that you have. I heard from Ally the other day that you're working on the coca cola account - that sure is an iconic brand to have on your CV!!  It's great that you're working in North Sydney too.  Aren't we lucky, not having to cross the bridge every day!

Life on my side is good. I'm doing work I enjoy with plenty of free time to go hiking and camping on weekends.  I have a passion for tennis and play every week. I meditate every day and it's made such a huge difference to my anxiety and blessed me in many ways. I still enjoy photography.  Mack is also still the great love of my life - he's as gorgeous as ever and hardly slowed down at all, still full of energy and always got a drop of pee for every bush on his walks. Thank you so much for bring Mack into my life like you did - I just can't imagine how much poorer life would have been without him!

There's no need to send a long reply to my email, I know how busy things are. But know that I wish you all good things including happiness, joy, laughter and fun.

Love,
Graeme

Letters

July 2013

Dear Dani

It's been wonderful getting to know you over the past few months.   I feel very blessed that your journey has criss- crossed with mine. You're amazing, a veritable ray of sunshine, beautiful all the way through.  And the fact you have a gorgeous butt in jeans doesn't hurt either!!!  Anyway, here for the record, are some of the things that I have come to dig and appreciate about you.

• your all round gorgeousness including your stunning, blue eyes
• the ease with which you laugh
• your love of hiking
• your amazing hair and how delicious it always smells 
• your openness 
• your down to earthness
• the fact you saw the humour in being sprayed with fermented apple juice!
• your ability to park in a tight spot
• your love of doing adventurous and different things
• your love of hugging - you're so very huggable
• the fact that you're so physically affectionate
• your drop dead gorgeous smile
• your boots!!!
• your Australianisms
• the fact you still have your soft toys
• The way I feel when I'm with you
• your passion for whales and the way your eyes sparkle when you talk about them
• your love of movies
• your zest for paddling and being on the water - your form of meditation
• the way you always ask me about my day
• how amazingly easy you are to talk to and be open with
• your positive energy
• your delicious Belgian waffles and amazing Tiramisu
• the soft little murmers you sometimes make as you fall asleep
• your passion for Mocha
• the fact you are so comfortable to be yourself
• your delicious derriere
• the fact you've lived in so many places and loved them all
• the fact you were willing to go rollerblading without brakes!
• How proud you are of being a fair dinkum Aussie.
• your ability to procrastinate (tax!!) - I can so relate!
• the way you make people feel so comfortable 
• the fact Mack immediately loved you to bits
• your love of couch surfing after a hectic day
• your patience with my navigation fopauxes
• the way you kiss
• the way you confide in me about your ups and downs at work
• your happy, happy, joy, joy booty shaking victory dance!
• your sportiness
• the fact you own a frisbee!
• your love of Thai and discovering Pad See Ew (Yum!)
• your enthusiasm for sustainability and making a difference at work
• the balanced way you see life
• the fact your parents own a Macadamian nut farm and your nut stash - what a bonus!
• how down to earth you are
• watching you put on your work clothes
• your practical minded approach to things
• your ticklishness
• your natural friendliness
• your sense of fun
• your warmth

September 2012

Dear Graeme

Well, it's been quite a few months now since we met in that little place in Kirribilli and I've really enjoyed getting to know you.  Now that you're off to South Africa for 6 weeks, I'm finding that I'm going to miss you not just a little bit, but a lot.  So here are some of the things about you that I dig and I'm going to miss (in no particular order).

• how sweet and considerate you are
• your cute Saffa accent
• your cheeky sense of humour
• how thoughtful you are
• how you celebrate the little things
• you always make me feel beautiful
• how tall you are
• how much you love Mack
• your rollerblading powers
• your encyclopaedic knowledge of films and uncanny talent as a script writer
• that you're not afraid to say how you feel and show your emotions
• how you cry in movies - more than me!
• your gorgeous eyes
• your twitching tendencies and passion for birds
• your booty shaking G-Force dance - you know what I'm talkin' about!
• that you're not afraid to go outside your comfort zone
• that you wear your heart on your sleeve and are not afraid to put yourself out there on your blog.
• your sweet tooth
• your perfect teeth
• your enjoyment of the great outdoors, hiking and the ocean
• your addiction to lists
• your love of hugging
• your enduring positivity
• your enjoyment of discovering Sydney's hidden gems
• your passion for teaching
• your love of photography and eye for detail
• that you are always supportive and listen to my work dramas
• that you are writing a book
• that you're really a big softie (don't worry, I won't tell anyone.)
• your interest in meditation and in exploring your spiritual self
• your reliance on Sheila
• that you're a very good listener
• that you enjoy travelling in off the beaten track places
• that you bring me flowers unexpectedly for no reason
• that you're easy to talk to
• your G-liciousness!

Better stop before I run out of runway, but the list could go on for a while yet!  See you when you get back from South Africa and I'll be cashing in on all those stored up hugs.

Dani xx


May 2013

Dear Dani

Thank you so much for the past year - for the collage of wonderful, fun, special moments we have gotten to share.

As you know, I love lists, so here are just some of the golden moments that I treasure.

• Seeing you for the first time in a little pub in Kirribilli and being so smitten by your gorgeousness, I forgot to pay for your drink!
• The moment the apple juice exploded in the car, and the way you saw the humour in it.
• Putting my arm around you for the 1st time - the joys of sharing an umbrella in the rain!
• Holding your hand for the first time - while rollerblading, and then for the 2nd time at Govinda's.
• Going to the Sydney Olympic park to watch The Footie - and our first sleep over.
• Lazy Sunday morning sleep ins with a mocha and the paper.
• Your amazing Tiramisu - and those delicious Dutch pancakes.
• Lazing on your couch, all spread out, watching many a movie and munching chili chocolate!
• Ice skating with you - it felt very romantic.
• Getting to see you all dressed up for the theatre (Chorus Line)
• Your excitement when we saw dolphins so close on our whale cruise.
• Our cosey cabin in the Blue Mountains - and our struggle to get into it in the dark!
• Some great hikes and walks.
• Your wonderful letter when I went to South Africa
• Getting to have hair at your 40th birthday party - how great you looked in fluoro!
• Going into the Opera House for the first time to see the amazing Matthias Klum - what an inspired gift that was!
• Our photographic expedition around your folk's farm - and sitting on their porch swing.
• Frolicking in the surf with you - at Scott's Head and Port Shepstone - total exhileration.
• Our super road trip along Waterfall Way and sharing a tent with you at Cathedral Rock
• Cycling around Dubbo zoo, photographing cheeky meerkats and other critters.
• Great movies at the Orpheum (like Beasts of The Southern Wild and Argo) - no other cinema comes close!  
• Introducing me to the exhileration of The Banff festival and The Ocean Film Festival
• Watching you outmanoeuvre and triumph over that crafty Mark! 
• The joys of Thai take-away and introducing me to the deliciousness of pad see ew
• Watching you play games with Sally.
• Dessert heaven in the Hunter's Valley - and that mocha of all mochas (yum!)
• Browsing the Saturday markets and browsing the shops 
• Some lazy picnics in the park
• Experiencing dragon boat racing with you - and coming 2nd!!
• Tasting wine in Mudgee and Hunter Valley
• Sailing and kayaking on the harbour - what a beautiful city we live in!
• Showering together in the mornings - what a beautiful sight to start the day!
• Sampling some of our local restaurants
• Our crack cocaine addiction to Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad
• Showing me your baby photos - your cuteness was evident right from the start!
• Doing my little dance for you before bed - and your complimentary ooh la lah's if I'm wearing sexy underwear!
• Snorkeling at Shelley Beach - with you in your pink bikini!!!
• Your great Xmas gift of a slow cooker - and how it inspired me to get cooking.
• Getting to try your Honu - even if I did capsize!
• Delicious roasts cooked in your oven.
• Mack doing everything possible to get onto your lap - how he adores you!

What wonderful moments and memories - and what a treasure you are.  Thank you for such special times.  Thank you for being you.

Love,
G

Farewell Geraldine

Passed away: 27 February 2014

"I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion--and where it isn't, that's where my work lies."

Celebration of Geraldine's life (March 9)

Letter  (25 November 2013)

Geraldine, you have opened my eyes to indescribable wonder and beauty. Through the consciousness and wisdom that flows through you, I've discovered the power of stillness and prayer and reflection and my experiences of what's within have been so precious and healing that every other experience I've ever had pales in significance. I'll never be the same.  Thank you this priceless gift.  Words aren't enough.

Letter (18 June 2013)

Dear Geraldine  

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your light and your wisdom and your love on Saturday.  Your teachings over the past year have transformed my life already so much.  Saturday for me was a culmination, a turning point, an extraordinary beak through and I'll never be the same again.

First was the revelation that guilt is so low on the ladder - that it veritable sucks up and blocks consciousness.  Second was the revelation of the great healing power of remorse.  Third was the realisation that my life is unfolding according to a divine order, and that I can trust that and surrender to that completely and welcome whatever comes - and that I'll be ok no matter what.  Fourth was your comment, one I've head from you many times before, but for some reason it resonated like a lightning bolt this time: "Pray like mad."  

I haven't prayed since I was a very young child, when I did deeply and regularly, but something happened that scared me and I stopped altogether.  Well, I've started to pray again - pray all the time - and it's opened the gates and I feel like I've come home.  My meditation has given me many glimpses of my divine essence over the past year, and I've wanted to believe so much in the light of my being - that it is there and that's it real, that it's not just wishful thinking.  Experiences I've had over the past few days, through my prayer and meditation, have awakened me to an unshakable certainty.  It's led to a great cleansing and outpouring of pain that has needed to be let free for such a long, long time.  It's led to a deep sense of peace and a deep joy. 

My chat with D the other night was more difficult that I'd even imagined, she was angry and hurt. If I hadn't been with you on Saturday, I would be in a very dark place.  Instead, I've been able to keep my  consciousness flowing, which has helped me to respond with compassion and love - both for her and myself.  And it's been the catalyst to all I describe above.

So, thank you, Geraldine, so, so much.  You are such a light. Consciousness works through you in such profound ways and you've blessed all our lives so, so deeply.

With great love,

Graeme

From Julian

Hi Graeme, I have recently been struck by pangs of nostalgia and have been going through your blog (again) just to try and catch a glimps of what it felt like to be a little younger and a little more in awe of life. I'm touched by how often you refer to our friendship and treasure the carefree memories. Stay in touch and see you soon. J

Letter to Sue on her birthday

Hi there Sue

Happy birthday, birthday girl.  I hope you have a wonderful, fun filled day.

Thanks you very much for your friendship this past year, as always.  It's something I really cherish.  I miss my family in Cape Town greatly, but having family like you in Sydney helps greatly.

Here are some of the things I greatly admire about you and some of the memories from our friendship that I'm really grateful for:

• Your general zest and energy and passion for life - very, very inspiring indeed.
• How positive you always are, even during really tough times like your big operation a little while ago.
• How young at heart you are.
• How you love to laugh.
• Your great love of travel and exploring new places - I can so relate!
• Your passion for photography and taking great shots, we're kindred spirits there too of course.
• What a great friend you are to all your friends - how you constantly keep in touch and nurture your friendship.  Something I've learned from and aspire to.
• Your wonderful, wonderful photography - it's always such a pleasure working on your photos, there are always such gems there.  
• All those merits and credits you've got - it's been a privilege to help select and sometimes work on some of those photos
• Your great encouragement with my own photography - you are always so good for my confidence which is something I struggle with a bit at times as you know.
• Fantastic outings we've been on together - like Hunter Valley, Newtown, Penrith Whitewater, Balmoral, Vivid Festival and more.
• The three musketeers - you, me and wonderful Guy
• Taking my family on that great tour of Palm Beach - they so enjoyed it.
• Taking me out on The Sailing ship in the harbour, a lot of  fun.
• Your love of a good movie, something I enjoy too.
• Treating me to some lovely meals out.
• Your love of Africa and wildlife - and those incredible Safari photos you've taken.
• The fact you cherish your memories so much and savour them, something I've learned from too.
• Your delight in the blog we created together - it was such a fun and fulfilling project , and still is, and it's been great to share in so many of your memories from your life and travels.
• Those delicious meals you've cooked me - how I do appreciate a delicious home cooked meal!
• Your willingness to always learn new things, and how well you've done with your new Apple computer despite it's many frustrations and being so different from your last computer.
• Your love of Mango Groove - what great taste in music!!
• Knowing you're there for a chat if I'm feeling a little down - you never cease to cheer me up!
• Being able to be real with you - I don't have to put on any pretences.
• Your general awesomeness.

All in all, thanks so much for being you!  I look forward to many more years of great friendship.

Have a wonderful birthday and Xmas!

Hugs, G

Sue

Letter to Sue (Dec, 2012)

Hi there Sue

Thanks you very much for your friendship this past year, as always.  It's something I really cherish.  I miss my family in Cape Town greatly, but having family like you in Sydney helps greatly.

Here are some of the things I greatly admire about you and some of the memories from our friendship that I'm really grateful for:

• Your general zest and energy and passion for life - very, very inspiring indeed.
• How positive you always are, even during really tough times like your big operation a little while ago.
• How young at heart you are.
• How you love to laugh.
• Your great love of travel and exploring new places - I can so relate!
• Your passion for photography and taking great shots, we're kindred spirits there too of course.
• What a great friend you are to all your friends - how you constantly keep in touch and nurture your friendship.  Something I've learned from and aspire to.
• Your wonderful, wonderful photography - it's always such a pleasure working on your photos, there are always such gems there.  
• All those merits and credits you've got - it's been a privilege to help select and sometimes work on some of those photos
• Your great encouragement with my own photography - you are always so good for my confidence which is something I struggle with a bit at times as you know.
• Fantastic outings we've been on together - like Hunter Valley, Newtown, Penrith Whitewater, Balmoral, Vivid Festival and more.
• The three musketeers - you, me and wonderful Guy
• Taking my family on that great tour of Palm Beach - they so enjoyed it.
• Taking me out on The Sailing ship in the harbour, a lot of  fun.
• Your love of a good movie, something I enjoy too.
• Treating me to some lovely meals out.
• Your love of Africa and wildlife - and those incredible Safari photos you've taken.
• The fact you cherish your memories so much and savour them, something I've learned from too.
• Your delight in the blog we created together - it was such a fun and fulfilling project , and still is, and it's been great to share in so many of your memories from your life and travels.
• Those delicious meals you've cooked me - how I do appreciate a delicious home cooked meal!
• Your willingness to always learn new things, and how well you've done with your new Apple computer despite it's many frustrations and being so different from your last computer.
• Your love of Mango Groove - what great taste in music!!
• Knowing you're there for a chat if I'm feeling a little down - you never cease to cheer me up!
• Being able to be real with you - I don't have to put on any pretences.
• Your general awesomeness.

All in all, thanks so much for being you!  I look forward to many more years of great friendship.

Have a wonderful birthday and Xmas!

Hugs, G