Notebook

An abundance of golden nectar was harvested at Mogalakwena during the months of January and February.  During marula time in the bushveld...carpets of green and yellow fruit are gathered around the marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea)

The marula is one of the most valued trees in southern Africa, not only for its nutritional value, but also for its spiritual, healing and fertility properties.

The fruit is regarded as sacred and the end of February/beginning of March marks marula festivals in many rural villages throughout southern Africa.  During these festivals the harvest is celebrated and ancestors are thanked.

Archaeological evidence shows that marula has been a food source since 10 000BCE. Marula juice and beer are made, jams and jellies are cooked.  The delicious nutritious kernels are scooped out of the seeds, the wood is used for carving, the bark pulp used as a dye, as an antihistamine and to treat dysentry.

At Mogalakwena Craft Art Studio we capture the harvesting of marulas in needle and thread...what a delight!

The New Year brings with it a fresh opportunity for creativity. To try one’s hand in new endeavours  time to boldly embroider a new story: weave or plait, tie a knot , or catch a stitch in time ……Embrace the journey and write an inspiring new chapter!

"Winter is a time to tend to our inner gardens..." Rainer Maria Rilke - Letters to a Young Woman.

A time for healing the mind and spirit.

A time for slowing down: stitching, knitting, crocheting...

The branches of the lemon trees at the Artist's Retreat are heavy with fruit...busy stocking the pantry with marmelade, lemonade and mouth-watering lemon cakes.

Autumn is a time to reflect and give thanks to nature's bounty.

"Days decrease,

and autumn grows, autumn in everything"

Robert Browning