“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ~Dr. Seuss

There are times in life when we come across the gift of being in the presence of individuals that will inspire one to either take on a challenge, follow our dreams or reignite a previous passion. We usually don’t have the forethought that we will have these uniquely distinct encounters and often we may not even recognise the beauty and deeply rich experience that they offer us in the moment or even shortly thereafter. However, if we take the time to truly embrace the gift that they are in the moment, we can glean from these brief encounters a deep re-enlivening of our psyche. And whilst these moments are often coupled with the painful rupture of their end it is all too common to get caught up in our sadness of their loss rather than the gratitude of their occurrence.

I have been graced with several of these moments, and at different times in life, have like many, been whisked away by the tears of their parting. However, I have always tried to remain bonded to the initial inspiration that they stirred within me and acknowledge the value of the experience they have given me. I am very fortunate to have had such powerful experiences that were an unexpected gift; a wonderful wealth of inspiration that have reignited my own creative passions in life. As I delve back into my stories over the summer holiday I remember the initial catalyst that inspired me to write Beautiful Creatures. Today, as I read through the first draft of my novel, I am equally reminded of all the hardships and comforts that have guided me along my own creative journeys. Each character molded from the knowledge of my own travels through the journeys of life make me eager to re-embark on my quest! I am ever so grateful to have the luxury to embrace this wonderful adventure. Aware of how fortunate I am to have come across those rare individuals that truly support, guide or inspire by the simply beautiful souls that they are themselves, I thank you all. Whether near or far, you live on in my heart and soul and I am eternally grateful for the honour of being inspired by you…

Sharing a breath

When their eyes met in that moment it was hard to maintain her calmness… Their reunification slowly materialised after years apart. She had traveled an unfathomable journey through vast landscapes hoof upon the ground one day to the next and along the paths made from the scars on her heart.

She had not imagined that this would be her initial response, an apprehension, but so much had happened along her travels in life to bring her to this point. It was like she was still within the dream that had kept her alive along the journey that brought her to this final moment. Now side by side, Amore was at peace, and every painful wound of her past fell away with that first moment when they shared a breath. The slow nickering of her excitement of the being reunited with Amado was hard to contain but the flood of her emotions overtook her that first moment that she realised she was home… 

That memory would now be one that would forever haunt her.

This is no Dragon!

Here is just a little blurb from one of the new Beautiful Creatures characters…

It seemed only fitting to share him on Father’s Day!

He was an unusual fellow. His upper body like that of a stone statue kept him cloaked within his ocean habitat as he watched carefully with his eyes that independently investigated his surroundings. The static curvature of his head and body were divergent to the graceful mouvement of his tail as he gently wrapped it around the swaying sea grass.

There were three different herds of his particular kind the Knysna, Swartvlei and Keurbooms. Knysna was the native home of all these herds whereas the Swartvlei and Keurbooms herds were newer settlements. It was the beginning of the summer breeding season and his partner had just transferred her eggs to his pouch. He would carry them for the next three weeks before giving birth to several young. During his pregnancy he would become quite sedentary for weeks at a time. However, his mate would make daily visits to be with him. He loved and looked forward to these circadian encounters which helped to reinforce their bond. Her visits would also ensure that they were reproductively in harmony during the summer months. The diurnal sacred dance with his lifelong mate was his favourite part of the day. They would come together entwining their tails in a gentle union as she would tell him of her happenings since last they had danced together…