A compassionate, gentle spirit, born far too early in an era overcoming WWII.
Born 6th April 1943 in the then Union of South Africa, she found it difficult to relate to the conformity of the society of her up-bringing, coming from what was then termed 'old money' and brought up as an upper class individual with decorum, dignity and integrity. And having to converse to the family in four different languages, (English, Afrikaans, High Dutch and French); as well as a stern Nanny who only spoke Zulu, possibly gave her the gift and love of languages.
At the early age of three years it was discovered that she possessed natural talents and gifts; able to draw, write and make crafts, with a wisdom far beyond that of a normal child of her age.
The local Africans of the then Provinces of the Orange Free State; Zululand and Natal would ask if they could ‘borrow’ this Child of The Universe, in order to help them hunt for the tubers and plants needed for the making of Natural Herbal Medicines.They loved this strange auburn titianed haired 'fairy' child with her huge dark red-mahogany eyes ringed with a grey halo. Who seemed to know exactly what was needed even before it was asked for.
Starting school at the very tender age of Four Years, her first illustrated poem for English Literature, was called “Snow” depicting a Mountain and the Sea with snowflakes drifting gently down. Unfortunately the original art work has long gone, but the words still linger.
What made this more remarkable is the fact that as a child she had never seen snow nor a Mountain with the Sea in the foreground.
Still actively involved in creating and writing and still nutures the adventurous spirit of travel.
