Flying to Cape Town

A 26 hour flight. I managed to get some good sleep and watched 5 movies namely Maria (2024), A Different Man (2024), Small Things Like These (2024), Tolkien (2019) and Wicked (2024).

Singapore Changi Airport

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Flying into Cape Town airport

It took a long time to get my bags but eventually they arrived. As I walked out into the arrivals hall, a choir broke into ecstatic, jubilant song.  It turned out that directly behind me was a local sports team that had obviously excelled overseas and there was a welcome party to celebrate their return.  It was a wonderful experience and a reminder of why I love South Africa so much. The people are so full of soul. 

It took a while to find Jo amongst all the celebrators. So wonderful to see her.  We took our traditional photos in front of the Boulders Beach photo on the airport wall.

The traffic home was horrendous with a long line of African taxis weaving in front of us but eventually we arrived in Rondebosch to be blissfully reunited with mum.

Mum's 78th birthday

 A lovely video by Jo.

Beautiful Jilly passes away

She was very ready to go but she will be so greatly missed. She passed peacefully in the presence of Mandy, her beloved daughter.  I was fortunate to phone her earlier in the day when she was still conscious and I was able to express my love and gratitude.   It is through Jilly that I have met many of my closest friends and her Eckhart evenings were a catalyst to incredible personal and spiritual growth, including my daily meditation and mindfulness practice which has transformed my life.

I really enjoyed putting her photo tribute together.  So many priceless memories!

I'll be sorry to miss Jilly's funeral as I will be in Iceland but I will be there in spirit.

My favourite sayings of Jilly

• "Love from my heart to yours. "
• "Thank you for all of life. The easy bits and hard bits. "
• "Yep yep"
• "Come round early for some Jilly zoop"
• "You can call me any time day or night..."
• "Let's make a circle. Would someone like to start an "om"
• "Let's have a cuppa"
• "The computer is broken. Nothing is working!"

Xenia's intuitive download "Purple Diamond"

The phrase "purple diamond" coming to you after asking for a sign could be deeply symbolic. Purple is often associated with spirituality, wisdom, and dignity—qualities that might reflect your friend's personality or the impact she had on your life. Diamonds symbolize strength, eternity, and unbreakable bonds, which might represent your enduring connection with her. Together, "purple diamond" could symbolize a precious, enduring memory or aspect of her that continues to influence and inspire you.

Xenia's poem recited at Jilly's funeral

Jilly I will miss your beautiful hugs as only you knew how to give

You welcomed us all to your home, showed us a little how to live

You provided comfort and nurturing with a warm and open heart

"Call on me any time", that you said from the start

When my Anthony was sick you supported me, and beside me you stood tall....

This was despite your own health challenges, at the time I recall

Your cheeky sense of humour and your ability for play

Your thoughts and insights shared with us will forever stay

Yes your way of giving was heartfelt and from your very core

And what I'll take from all of this, is to be like you a little more....

A reminder to be giving and a little gentler every day

But to also say it like it is, and honour ourselves in every way

Jilly I'm so grateful that I've known you and got to see who you truly are

And I'll always carry you with me, you will never be too far 

Photos on Jilly's funeral pamphlet

Video

• A beautiful video of Jilly singing, something she loved to do.