Cultural Daisies - The Russian Romantics

There is nothing quite like the music of the Russian Romantics. It’s evocative and breathtakingly beautiful – folkloristic simplicity and passionate complexity on a dramatic journey together. If you have never spent time with this music, this is your chance. It’s not often we get to hear three magnificent pieces performed live in one afternoon (especially in this neck of the woods). Prepare to get lost in the rich harmonies and beautiful melodies as they carry you away to where ever it is you want to go. Escapism at its purist – trust me, it’s worth trying and all you have to do is listen.

On Sunday, June 11th at 3 pm in the Feather Market Center in Gqeberha, the East Cape Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing music by Alexander Borodin, Sergei Rachmaninoff and, of course, Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky.  They will also be featuring one of my favourite pianists, Nina Schumann.

Russian music from the Romantic period is particularly special because it has a distinctly Russian flavour. Composing in a style that was nationalistic was encouraged and well-received by Russian critics and audiences. In fact, if a composition sounded too Western and not evocative enough of Russian music, it was harshly criticised and often shunned by the public. Borodin was one of the main proponents of this style and getting his stamp of approval went a long way in Russian circles. Tchaikovsky’s style was typically Russian in many ways but provided a bridge to Western music which is why he was the first Russian composer to achieve real international acclaim and put Russian music on the map. Rachmaninoff was the youngest of the three, so bridged into a different era of music. I am sure when you listen to the concerto you will hear how well-suited it is for movie soundtracks or more popular music.

The opening work entitled the ‘Polovtsian Dances’ is taken from the opera Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887). In a nutshell, the story is about a complicated military campaign initiated by the Russian Prince Igor, who decides to wage war against the Polovtsian people, a Tatar tribe. Their campaign is however botched and Igor and his son get captured. These dances are taken from the end of Act 2 where the Polovtsian people are showing the prince some of their culture with dance and song.

As you will hear, Borodin’s music is evocative of distant lands. Notice his mastery at taking a melodic motif and weaving it through the fabric of the music. I love the folksy vibe added by the tambourine and the many cymbal crashes. Near the end, the trombones play at full force – hopefully, they’ll hold back enough so that you can hear the rest of the orchestra!

Alexander Borodin, Portrait by Ilya Repin

Borodin was often known as the composer who didn’t compose enough. He did, in fact, have another day job as a highly respected chemist and medical doctor. Besides doing valuable scientific research, he was passionate about education and was instrumental in founding the first medical college for women in Russia. Composing was his side hustle. Hard to fathom, as he was one of ‘The Five’ (not to be confused with our Big Five) – a group of composers from St. Petersburg, dedicated to creating a nationalistic style of Russian classical music.

 

Borodin was the son of a Georgian prince and a Russian army doctor’s wife. For obvious reasons, he was never acknowledged as the prince’s son and was registered as a serf. Serfdom aside, he still enjoyed a comfortable life supported financially by his father, which enabled him to thrive in academic and musical circles. In his thirties, he married a pianist named Ekaterina Protopovova (a real tongue twister) and together they adopted several daughters. This is probably where his passion for women’s education took root. Never a particularly healthy guy, suffering from heart conditions and bouts of cholera, he dropped dead at a ball at the tender age of 53 whilst apparently wearing full Russian costume. Some say his death was caused by fatigue, wearing multiple hats in the workplace and caring for a wife who was ill as well as his daughters had taken its toll.

Dig Deeper

When was the Romantic Period in Music?
  • Between 1820 and 1900
Some facts about the Romantic Period?
  • The Romantic period has nothing to do with romance, just more drama and passion in the arts.
  • It’s hard to describe in words (hence all the flowery adjectives).
  • Composers dig deep to find their own voice/ style, often drawing inspiration from nature, magic, folklore or deep emotion.
  • You can expect to hear lots of contrasts, lots of louds and softs.
  • People start making music at home (not just in castles and churches)- this is when the middle class started buying pianos for their living rooms.
  • Symphony concerts become public events.
  • Anyone can study music.
  • The technical capabilities of instruments improve.

The Featured Daisy

The pianist, Nina Schumann

Facts about Nina

  • Piano professor at the University of Stellenbosch
  • Holds degrees from the University of Cape Town, University of California in LA and the University of North Texas
  • Married to a pianist, Luis Magalhaes – they are the award-winning TwoPianists duo
  • Has 2 children
  • Won all the major South African music prizes, as well as some international competitions
  • Given over 140 concerto performances with orchestras in South Africa, Germany, Portugal, Scotland, Armenia and the United States
  • Has 40 concertos in her repertoire
  • Is a cancer survivor
  • Lives and performs with Parkinson’s disease

Read more: Nina Schumann – A Great Year Ahead

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 must be one of the most famous pieces of music ever composed. It has always been one of my favourite compositions, not only because of the gut-wrenching horn solos, but the solo piano leads you through this glorious voyage right from the beginning. Written in three movements, each is uniquely beautiful. It begins with slow piano chords that then cascade into swelling arpeggios as the strings play the opening theme. The melodies are passed between the instruments, each having a moment to sing out and add to the drama. The second movement starts with slow chords in the strings leading into an arpeggiated passage in the piano that then accompanies the clarinet as they pass the melody back and forth. Close your eyes and let the music wash over you as the drama and intensity builds. Listen especially for the magical horn solo that really digs in. The third movement presents a change of mood and tempo, lightening things up with a little brightness and cheekiness. Lots of flashy runs and big chords in the piano. The concerto comes to a close with a big tutti section (everyone playing at the same time) and a couple of bombastic cymbal crashes.

As you watch the pianist, I am sure you can imagine the skill required to perform such a piece of music. Rachmaninoff had massive hands, he had a reach of twelve white notes on the piano with one hand. He was also a world-renowned concert pianist and so he wrote his compositions to suit his hands, in many cases playing the premiere performance.

Rachmaninoff was born in Russia in 1873 (d.1943). His talent for music was recognised at an early age as both a performer and composer. At the age of 18, he wrote his first piano concerto which was very well received. He continued to climb in Russian society and became a well-known musician in the elite musical circles, eventually also touring as a concert pianist across Europe. In 1910, he caused quite a stir by marrying his cousin – in Russia this was illegal. They had a daughter and when the Russian Revolution began, the three of them left St. Petersburg on the back of an open sled to seek asylum in the United States, via Helsinki. On arrival in the United States,  they had to start from scratch, having had to leave all of their possessions and wealth behind. It didn’t take long before he was performing again but didn’t do as much composing as before. After living in New York for many years, he eventually moved to LA and apparently built a house that was a replica of his house in Russia.

One of the central themes of Rachmaninoff’s life seems to have been his struggles with depression and anxiety. After hearing of Tchaikovsky’s death from cholera in 1893, he went into a major depression which impacted his productivity. Not long after recovering from this, he experienced another decline after what he perceived as the failed reception of his first symphony. His second piano concerto was the first major work to come after a long period of composer’s block. Treatment with hypnotherapy and supportive therapy helped draw him out of his funk and compose again. Perhaps this is why the second concerto has such depth with moments of darkness swelling into uplifting waves of passionate expression. I usually feel completely exhausted and emotionally drained after listening to it!

Sergei Rachmaninoff, The Man with a Scowl
The Romantic orchestra is much larger than orchestras from other musical periods.

Fortunately,  the interval will give you a chance to recover and prepare yourself for one of Tchaikovsky’s greatest works, his Fifth Symphony. Once again, this is manna from heaven if you are a horn player as it has some of the most exquisite solo passages in the orchestral repertoire ( I am sure the other instruments have great solos too).

Tchaikovsky shares a number of similarities with both Borodin and Rachmaninov. Although Borodin was the elder, they were more or less contemporaries. Besides the fact that they both died at the age of 53, both Tchaikovsky and Borodin studied something else other than music. Tchaikovsky studied law and worked as a legal clerk for a while. When the opportunity arose a few years into his career, he left the world of jurisprudence and joined the new St Petersburg Conservatory to study music.

Pytor Ilyich Tchakovsky (left) and violinist, Iosif Kotek

Much like Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky’s life was also governed by depression and disappointment – hard to believe knowing what an impact he has had on classical music and that most people in the Western world could recognise at least one or two of his tunes (whether they know it’s Tchaikovsky or not). One of six children, he was sent to an all-male boarding school at the age of ten. Sadly, his mother died of cholera when he was 14. In his thirties, he was briefly married to a Belgian soprano only to have the marriage end in failure after a few weeks. Later on in life, he had a close relationship with the wealthy widow of a railroad tycoon, who became his patroness. Interestingly enough, they agreed never to meet even though they exchanged written correspondence for the fourteen years she supported him. One can assume that much of the adversity and depression in his life was related to the fact that he was gay. Homosexuality was illegal in Russia at the time which forced Tchaikovsky to keep his private life very much under the radar. There is often speculation that his final sixth symphony was written as his own requiem – he died shortly after its completion. There is no evidence to suggest suicide and records show he died of cholera, nevertheless, people always seem to prefer a more dramatic story.

His Fifth Symphony or the ‘Fate’ Symphony starts off ominously with clarinets playing in their lower register accompanied by strings. Sadness and despair are palpable throughout, interspersed with sections of joy and positive energy. Can you hear hints of Russia in the music? In the second movement, the highlight has to be the very long horn solo (this has nothing to do with the fact that I am a horn player). Another beautiful and evocative movement. This contrasts nicely with the lightness and almost carefree feel of the Valse in the third movement. The final movement does have a bit of a heroic feel to it and once again gives the trumpets and trombones a chance to play out (their favourite thing to do). I know you will love this symphony. Tchaikovsky didn’t base it on a particular idea or story officially, but some believe this was his ‘fate’ symphony, written to communicate the sadness and loss he felt throughout his life.

We hope you have enjoyed our cultural adventure. Please let us know if you go to the concert and how you enjoyed it. Do you have a favourite composer of the three?

Feel free to post any questions you may have, even if it’s a restaurant suggestion for after the concert.

Jacobus de Jager

Meet the Conductor

  • One of South Africa’s up and coming conductors
  • Lives in Stellenbosch
  • Winner of 5th SA Conductor’s Competition
  • Has already conducted the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Free State Symphony Orchestra, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and the Cape Town Pops
  • Studying piano with Nina Schumann and Luis Magalhaes
  • He’s off to Scotland in September to continue his conducting studies

Ever wondered when to clap?

  1. When concertmaster walks on
  2. When conductor walks on
  3. After the first piece
  4. When soloist walk on
  5. At the end of the 3rd movement (not before)
  6. Beginning of symphony
  7. End of fourth movement
  8. Then you can clap as much as you like

Sources

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST LINK:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Div2aYBhzthN8djZ5Yu6l?si=1d6df1a6f0ce46ef

by admin

Everything we wish we had known before...hiking a multi-day trail

A common utterance over cups of morning coffee at Dune Daisies Headquarters is “we wish we’d known (…) before we (…).” Which is then followed either by inspired Google searches or cringeworthy laments. Surely, we can’t be the only ones who have wished for such things? When we started to note them down, the list was substantial, and we would love to share them with you.

This month, we’d like to start with unpacking (‘scuse the pun) “everything we wished we had known to pack before we went on our multi-day hike.”

Hiking as a form of exercise and adventure has become vastly popular. There are trails over mountain ranges, through forests and hugging rugged coastlines. In our neck of the woods, there are a variety of established trails, ranging from one hour to five days, 2kms to 90. However, your enjoyment of these hikes can be marred by your degree of preparedness.

It’s one thing to forget your water bottle when you take the dog for a half an hour amble down the road and quite another when you have 5 hours to get to your next pit stop with not a drop to drink. It could actually become a safety concern. Luckily, there are no excuses to be properly kitted out as the marketplace is literally flooded with every piece of equipment you could ever dream of taking with you (including things you didn’t!).

Congratulations, you have taken the plunge and booked your first ever multi-day hike! Once the payments, dates and hiking party have been finalised, your organisers will provide you with all sorts of information on your upcoming adventure; distance & average duration of each day’s walk, accommodation options, points of interest, transport details and … what to pack. This last item will depend on how long your trail is, but we (together with some of our trusty hiking buddies) have narrowed down a few must-haves to include. So that you don’t have to declare “I wish I’d known to pack that before I went on my hike”. Interested? Come and let’s pack your bag….

Hiking day pack

Depending on whether or not you are slackpacking or carrying all your gear, your requirements for a day pack will vary. If slackpacking (we love this option!), it’s important to have a good quality day pack that can fit the following: space for 3ls liquid; sarong (for drying off after swims & lying on when you take a much needed rest); buff (you can wet your buff beforehand and keep it in a ziplock bag for that extra coolness if hiking in hot weather); lunch pack and long sleeve top or lightweight jacket (for a range of weather). The day pack should have good back support and ideally have zips on the waist belt to pack your phone (for pics), sunscreen and easily accessible snacks.

Overnight bag/pack

Again, this depends on the requirements of your particular hike, but stick to the ‘less is more’ adage and you won’t go wrong. A small pillow and good quality sleeping bag (that’s not your auntie’s ‘70’s double duvet version) will reduce your packing size. And if you happen to be sharing a bunk room/tent, don’t forget the eye patches and ear plugs to ensure a good night’s rest!

Dig deeper: Hiking Routes

“ You’ll need special shoes for hiking – and a bit of a special soul as well.”

Terri Guillemets

https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/complete-gear-list-base-weight-14-lbs/

Grab a bag

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/best-ways-to-help-homeless-advice-sf-10631036.php?cmpid=pinterest-desktop#photo-11848188#photo-11848188

Water bladder

These are very nifty water packs that you fill up, put in your day pack and allow you to suck water/liquid from an attachment that snakes over your shoulder. They come in different sizes from 500mls to 2ls. Benefits: you don’t have to hold up your walking crew while you stop, lug out your water bottle, drink, put it back in, ho-hum (you get the idea); when empty, the bladder becomes literally weightless; you can add ice if walking in hot temps or an isotonic drink if you need extra hydration. Drawbacks: they can leak! Ensure that your water bladder is intact and sealable before your hike, otherwise you’ll end up with a soggy bottom (trust me, we have been there!).

Micropore / Vaseline / Zambuck / Vicks

You will thank us when you include these to carry in your day pack. Tape micropore over any ‘hot spot’ that you may feel will erupt into a blister and sabotage your walking enjoyment for the day. Those who wish to err on the side of caution can tape each toe in the morning before the day’s hike (just make sure there is no dirt to cause friction). To eliminate any potential abrasion, you can always liberally apply Vaseline or Zambuck in between your toes and all over your feet – the theory is that any small particles of sand/dirt will be unable to find purchase on your skin and cause blisters. Zambuck is a fabulous all-rounder for stings, blisters & moisturising lip balm, plus the packaging is iconic. An evening rub with Vicks can help soothe even the sorest of feet. While we are on the topic of feet, a great tip we received is to take your shoes and socks off when you stop to rest – let those hard-working feet take a breather while you do.

Tyre & transport savvy

There’s a good chance the start of your trail is found at the end of a long dirt road. And so remember to pack your common sense and reduce your car’s tyre pressure. Softer tyres are less likely to puncture. Make sure you have directions to your destination on hand. Cell reception is patchy in the wilderness and GPS is not helpful, so clear, concise directions are a must-have.

Energy

We’re talking battery power here, not muscle power; for cameras, rechargeable headlight batteries, cell phones, etc.  A power bank is super useful even if your accommodation claims to have solar. Infrastructure can fail in the wild, and it’s good to be self-sufficient where energy is concerned.

Hiking sticks

Hold on, hiking sticks? Believe us. Beg, borrow or buy a pair, and you will not be sorry. Your hiking sticks will become your favourite accessory. They will help you scramble up that rocky incline, stop you from wobbling off that ledge and give you a much needed support to lean on when your breath leaves you. Another plus is that even though they come in pairs, you can use just the one and lend its pair to your walking buddy.

http://scoutmastercg.com/ten-essentials-camping/

Snacks & lunches on the go

Everyone loves a snack and as your body exerts itself up those mountains, it will thank you for the added nutrition and energy. There are many online sites to browse for self-prepared trail mix inspiration (www.thepioneerwoman.com) and delicious salad options (or you can try out our cabbage salad recipe).

Earth friendly toiletries

Remember to pack biodegradable nappy bags for when you need to ‘go’ en route. Even if you dig a hole, do NOT leave dirty loo paper lying around. It’s a big no-no. Shampoo bars and environmentally friendly soaps are also a must-have to pack. Many rest camps have showers that drain straight into the earth. There’s no room for chemicals in the wilderness.

Dry Bag

These are worthwhile accessories ranging in size from 5-50l. Perfect for the times when it’s poring with rain or you are fording ice cold rivers and have items that need to stay dry. Bring a dry bag to your hike and know you’ll be helping out your hiking partners.

Ice

It’s one thing to have tepid water to drink while you are hiking and quite another to have warm beers waiting for you at your destination. Plan ahead (as far as possible) and make sure someone has thought about your post-hike beverages.

Meditative moments

Sociable animals that we are, it’s natural that we have heaps to share and discuss with our hiking buddies. But make it a ‘thing’ that you start each morning’s hike with a 1/2hr-1hr silent spell. No talking, no chit chat. Just silence. The effect on the group dynamic will be profound and you will all benefit from the inner reflection whilst immersing yourself in the wilds.

And finally, a Dune Daisies must-have: don’t forget to pack your sense of humour …

Let us know what else you think us daisies should pack next time we hit the hills!

Cabbage salad 

1/4 cabbage or biggish baby cabbage

1 each of the following –  red onion, beetroot, large carrot, tart green apple

a root of ginger

a handful of raisins

a handful of mixed seeds, eg pumpkin, sunflower, chia seeds, cashews

a block of mature cheddar (chopped into small squares) or 1 tuna sachet (can omit for vegetarians).

Olive oil & salt to taste.

Chop finely, mix and divide amongst your hiking pals.

by admin

Words of wisdom from my favourite daisy - my mother

Have you ever said something very earnestly to your child and then suddenly been struck by how much you sound like your mother? I have. More and more, it seems. Just as well I don’t mind sounding like my mom, in fact it’s something I aspire to do.

My mom has always had sage advice that never fails to calm and soothe. Over the years, I have heard the same few lines countless times and can almost predict when they will surface, yet they are still as effective and impactful as ever. This Mother’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to my beautiful mom and share with you some of the things she has always told me. These lines are not anything new and she recently told me that they are also things her mother used to tell her. Nevertheless, they are meaningful to me and have given me strength and perspective over the years – perhaps they will be helpful to you too.

The first strangely comforting line has echoed in my head throughout my life, particularly in my younger years. I was at the stage where I was throwing myself into life, somewhat recklessly, and learning some hard lessons along the way. When things weren’t going well, my first instinct was to call my mom (in those days from a call box on the side of the road).  Often, just hearing her voice on the other end of the phone was enough to open the water gates and all that I had so carefully tried to put a lid on came streaming out in a nonsensical rush of emotion. Mom knew that nothing much could change the situation. She couldn’t take away my fears or disappointment, no matter how much she would like to. She would listen supportively, letting me dump all my woes on her through the phone line. Then she would say with a big sigh,

“Don’t worry, my love, as Moses said – this too shall pass.”

Admittedly, back then I found this mildly annoying. Surely she must have some other ideas to guide me through my trauma? Quoting Moses seemed a bit like a cop out. But, as the years passed, I discovered that maybe Moses did have some wisdom to impart. Time does have a way of healing and realising that nothing is forever can be oddly reassuring.

(Disclaimer: I have since found out that that isn’t really what Moses said and it is often used out of context. Nevertheless, the message is good, and I have become quite attached to Moses through it all.)

The next one is a classic. Particularly useful when talking to an emotional and often overly dramatic person, having moments of serious doubt.

“Ma, I am sure it won’t work out, maybe I should just quit now” or “there’s no way I’m going to make it.”

I had the silly habit of trying to talk myself out of situations, preparing myself for the worst. Some might even call it self-sabotage. My sweet mother would listen attentively and then gently say,

“Remember, don’t fall until you are pushed.”

Although I had heard this phrase often enough, the gentle reminder never failed to give me that little bit of extra courage.

Spoil your Daisy

  • Plant tulips or bulbs for her to enjoy later.
  • Write your mom a poem.
  • Make her a card telling her much she means to you.
  • Plant her favourite herbs in a pot.
  • Take her to the beach for supper (pick up her favourite take aways first).
  • Make a photo book of all your favourite memories with her.
  • Take her for a coffee and be sure to tell  her how much she means to you.
  • Buy her a voucher for a spa treatment – there are so many spas in town (good one for moms and sons to do)
  • Treat her to some yoga classes – go with her!
  • Pack tea and biscuits and take her for a picnic in a beautiful garden (the Community Garden is beautiful)

The tween years can be particularly hard when it comes to friendships. One moment you are best buddies and the next, you have found that your supposed bestie has been whispering spiteful things behind your back which a well-meaning friend has decided to share with you. Of course, this is all very upsetting, but when you are a twelve-year-old girl, this feels like the end of the world. You feel physically sick, you cry and literally take to your bed. My mom, a life-long advocate of taking the upper hand and holding your head up high, even when times are tough, used to say,

“Let it be like water off a duck’s back – their words cannot hurt you, only if you let them.”

It’s actually quite sound advice, even though it wasn’t often that well-received. Finding the inner fortitude to hold your head up high and pretend something doesn’t bother you, when all you want to do is cry and gouge someone’s eyes out, is really quite a challenge. Nevertheless, my mom continued to challenge me to embrace my inner duckiness.

For most of my adult life, I lived in foreign countries. I left South Africa at the age of 21 and only returned a few years ago. In every place I lived there were many wonderful things to enjoy and there was always a solid reason for me to live in that particular place – studies, work or family. Yet, I think deep down I always missed my country and had this constant unsettled feeling.

I was searching for the perfect place to live, obviously still not accepting that all I really wanted was to be around the people I love most. I must have said, ‘I like it here but…’at least a thousand times. After listening to this for many years, my mom (probably in exasperation) told me:

This often segued into her next favourite saying,

“Just be happy. It’s a choice.”

I never fully grasped this one until later in life. My mom and stepdad really live this one out in their daily lives. I have often found them sitting next to each other on the couch just having a chuckle at themselves. They make the best of everything. They even try and see the upside of loadshedding – an excuse to make hot chocolate on the gas burner! My mom loves nothing better than to sit in a sunny spot and watch the birds dart in and out of her garden. She giggles as she regals stories of how there is one little bird who must be a little ‘slow’ because the other birds come and take care of him. She watches with amazement as the other birds flutter around and bring him titbits to eat every now and then. Her eyes sparkle with delight and I realise that this is what happiness is – this is the big prize. To be deeply content sitting in a ray of sunshine observing all the small miracles.

Mom’s last tidbit is a more recent one. After a difficult period of my life, I was not feeling strong emotionally. My general feeling was of numbness. Every day had its challenges and the sadness of the years before had taken its toll on my spirit. Desperate to find joy again, I looked for it everywhere else except within myself. I threw myself into situations without too much thought, thoroughly convinced that this must be what I needed. I was so happy to be distracted from my grief and be able to fill the hole with something else. I went all in! Of course, the joy was short-lived and when the situation imploded, I was distraught and probably in a worse position than when I started. One afternoon, in the sunny spot on mom’s porch, she said this,

“Make sure that you are singing your song, not someone else’s.”

She had read a story about an African tribe that had a beautiful tradition. A pregnant mother will gather with some close friends and go into the wilderness to pray and meditate until they hear the baby’s unique song. They practice the song and go back to the village and teach it to the rest of the community. When the baby is born, the song gets sung to the child as they gather to celebrate the birth. Throughout their life, the song is sung at pivotal points. It is sung at their initiation when they pass from childhood to adulthood, at their marriage and then finally to say goodbye when they are close to dying. The only other time the villagers sing the song during a person’s life is if they commit a crime or socially deviant act. Then the villagers circle around the person and sing their song to them, reminding them of the music within them and their true nature. My mom said that there are times in our lives when someone may want you to sing their song rather than yours. By doing this you become resentful and lose your own voice. Harmonize and support someone else, but not at the expense of your own happiness.

I feel constant gratitude for all my mother has taught me in life. She is unfailingly kind, gentle and thoughtful. She can be ditzy and witty all at the same time and is smart and strong. She raised four young children on her own after my father passed away and never complained. My mom exemplifies aging gracefully and with humour. People say that girls often end up like their mothers. If I can be anything like my mother, I would consider my life a success.

PS In many homes there is only one parent, one parent fulfilling the role of both mother and father. One parent doing their best, but always wondering if they are doing enough to compensate for the missing parent. I always panic before special days like Father’s Day, knowing that instead of being a celebration, it can actually be quite a difficult and sad day, a glaring reminder of empty shoes. Knowing that Mother’s Day is probably like this for many other families, I considered axing the idea of Mother’s Day. Then, my brother reminded me of what an amazing mother we have and that she was worth celebrating.

Dune Daisy Shortbread

My mom makes the best shortbread ever. Make some for someone you love. Wrap it in a beautiful piece of fabric, grab a flask of tea and find a sunny spot to watch the birds!

Shortbread Recipe

by admin