IN THE SHADOWS OF LOSS: FINDING SOLACE IN THE WILDERNESS

Please Note: This post delves into personal experiences with grief. If you find this topic uncomfortable, you’re welcome to explore our other adventures here. Your well-being is important to us.

In March of 2016, my world shattered with the sudden loss of my mother. Her parting words, "You have fun," echoed in my mind, a bittersweet reminder of her vibrant spirit. Amidst the darkness of grief, an unexpected beacon of light emerged, guiding me through the wilderness of sorrow.

One fateful October night, amidst the depths of despair, I stumbled upon a virtual sanctuary: Safari Live, a live feed from the wilds of South Africa. Led by the charismatic guide Tayla, the journey through the African bushveld became a lifeline, offering solace and distraction from the ache in my heart. Through the lens of Facebook and YouTube, I found myself immersed in the wonders of the untamed world, finding solace in the untamed beauty that stretched before me.

As I delved deeper into this virtual safari, I forged connections not only with the intrepid presenters but also with the majestic wildlife that graced the screen. Among them was Karula, a legendary leopard matriarch whose grace and strength captured my imagination. Her passing left a void in the wilderness, but her legacy endured through her cubs, Hosana and Xongile. Their stories intertwined with mine, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Tragically, Xongile's fate remains unknown, lost to the vast expanse of the wilderness. But it was the untimely demise of Hosana that truly broke me. His playful antics and unique bond with his presumed father touched hearts worldwide, including mine. His passing, a poignant reminder of life's fragility, left an indelible mark on my soul.

Hosana's story took a tragic turn when he fell victim to the very hands assigned to protect these magnificent creatures. Shot and killed by game wardens, his death served as a stark reminder of the threats faced by wildlife in an increasingly uncertain world.

Despite the pain, Hosana's legacy endures. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who followed his journey, a testament to the profound impact of wildlife on our lives.

Though I can no longer bear to watch full episodes or join live drives, I remain connected to the lives of these wild characters. Their stories, intertwined with my own, serve as a reminder of the healing power of nature and the enduring bonds forged in the wilderness.

Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of my journey. Together, let us find solace in the wilderness, and may the memory of Hosana continue to inspire us all.

Have you ever found unexpected comfort in the natural world? Feel free to share your story below.

Until next time,

Christina E.

NAVIGATING LIFE'S TWISTS AND TURNS: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE PILBARA AND BEYOND

Hey there, wonderful readers! As I dive back into the world of blogging, I'm buzzing with ideas to keep you all captivated. While I aim to post daily, you might notice several entries marked April 12th, 2024 – a little content marathon, because, well, stories wait for no one.

For the past five years, I've been the Operations Manager for an Indigenous Australian art group. My best friend, who I've known for 16 years now, was my boss there. Last year, we made the tough decision to leave due to some uncontrollable behind-the-scenes issues. Things got pretty ugly afterward – the rumors spread about us were outrageous, humiliating, and downright hurtful. But hey, we're taking the high road and trying to move past it all.

We decided to start our own business, a partnership doing much of what we'd been doing for the past five years, but with more control. However, as they say, the best-laid plans often go awry. Financial struggles have plagued us for the past few months, and since my sister's passing last May, I've been battling depression too. But hey, I'm not one to dwell on misfortune, and neither is my bestie. So, we're both currently on the job hunt, fingers crossed.

Our plan is to supplement our income and run our business on the side for now. Once our finances stabilize, we'll consider transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship.

In the meantime, depression and plenty of free time make a person want to dive into distractions. As for me? You already know I love creating art, photography, and gaming. Right now, I'm hooked on Stranded Deep, a survival game where you're marooned on an island. I'm taking my time exploring the islands and enjoying my cozy island home, surrounded by sharks. Yep, I'm in no hurry to leave just yet. I'll share more about this in future posts, along with some screenshots from my game.

Other games I'll likely talk about soon include House Flipper, Hotel Renovator, and similar titles.

I'm also kicking off my own YouTube channel soon, featuring gameplay videos. Most will be ASMR, but I might throw in some live streams or voice-over videos too. Stay tuned for updates on the channel's launch!

Now, let's talk about the Pilbara. For those unfamiliar, it's a remote region in the northwest of Western Australia, where I currently reside. It's hot, arid, and when it rains, it's cause for celebration – you'll likely find me dancing outside in the rain.

The Pilbara offers everything you could want – warm Indian Ocean waters, pristine beaches, red dirt, hills, thrilling 4x4 adventures, excellent fishing, and yes, even sharks. As an animal lover, I find sharks fascinating. Seeing them in the wild here has been nothing short of amazing. Sure, they can be intimidating, but they're also incredibly graceful creatures. I'll never forget the majestic hammerhead we spotted while fishing at Cossack – pure magic.

Seeing that shark was awe-inspiring for me. I had always loved the hammerhead shark; its unique shape just shows how wonderful creation truly is. The way it effortlessly glided through the water, its distinctive head cutting through the waves – it was a sight to behold. It reminded me of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and how lucky we are to share this planet with such magnificent creatures.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on turning life’s lemons into lemonade, or maybe your own gaming obsessions? Ever danced in the rain or come face-to-face with nature’s marvels like a hammerhead shark? Drop your stories and thoughts in the comments below!

Until next time,

Christina E.