All Posts

Even though we often enjoy unseasonably warm days from mid-August onwards, the signature call of the Egyptian geese throughout the winter serves as a constant reminder of the true season. On such a balmy day, their call travels across the pathless fields of La Pinède, echoing beneath a windless blue sky. But on my walk today, I saw a swallow gracefully drawing patterns in the sky as it swooped up high, then this way, then that. Although Aristotle, loosely translated, said, “O

The beginning of my FND journey didn’t come with a loud announcement. It was not one of those ¨Prince Ali, fabulous he¨ moments. The arrival was soft and gradual. First I noticed a curious inward sway of my left foot where a normal swing-through used to be when walking. As time went on, a progressive preference for certain footwear and walking surfaces emerged. And while, through all this time I could continue a modified exercise regime and working, I noticed how I had becom

It would not be right for me to introduce La Pinède and omit these other beings who are continuing to play an integral role on my FND journey. They have been there at my side without judgement (perhaps with the exception of Sky) and provided joy where otherwise there may have been tears or even a little self-pity. Emmy Let me start with Emmy. She’s a german shepherd / border collie cross and has the energy of both breeds packed into one canine. She’s also exceedingly loyal,

It was one of those surprisingly balmy winter days. The sun was pleasant on the skin, coming at me with just the right temperature while a gentle, warmish breeze coaxed the sunrays to move over my skin. I love to take evening walks in La Pinède (a pine grove in my backyard) and this walk was particularly pleasant. It usually relaxes me in both body and mind. (In the next post I will expand a little more about La Pinède and its influence on my journey). La Pinède as the aftern

I think it hails back to when I first drove down the main road into the farm estate in 2011. My soul stirred. And as occupied as my mind was by other things at the time, I remembered this moment. It felt like home. As it turned out, this place became increasingly important as my world became smaller and walking became more difficult. The estate lies in the part of the Helderberg area still labelled as rural. There are quite a few functioning farms here, as an increasing numb