Welcome to Dullstroom, a charming town nestled in the picturesque Highlands Meander region of Mpumalanga, South Africa. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities, Dullstroom is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Memorable Moments in Dullstroom
Flyfishing is a seriously ethical sport, but these farmers at heart, had a lot of fun.
We visited a friend’s low-roofed weekend house next to their farm dam. We arrived there completely unprepared, with our oldest daughter and the second child still a baby, we intended to have a wonderful weekend.
So, as we set off to drive to town wanting to buy fishing tackle, our friend’s daughter (who is used to skiing holidays in Europe) wants to ride with the baby, and together they sit in the front of the ’85 model Isuzu bakkie (pickup truck). The bakkie permanently smelled dusty, the seats were torn, and the dash was cracked, but it was ours to love.
First stop, an expensive shop that displays little flies on velvet shelves. Then, a slightly cheaper shop where you could buy fishing rod sets. We are not exactly finding what we are looking for.
Our companion does not understand what we are doing. So why not buy the nice set of fishing rods? We drove from one store to another and bought nothing. Finally, we went to a cafe where we bought some fishing hooks and lines.
Curious, as all children should be, our companion asks me why we drive around with such an old Isuzu bakkie. I replied to her: “Oh, but it’s reliable”. But the bakkie had a way to it… It didn’t want to start and had to move a step forward or backward to get the starter going.
And at the third shop where we stopped, and again didn’t buy anything, the bakkie didn’t want to start. So, she looked up at me and said: “I thought you said it is reliable…”, but I am still convinced, he is reliable because we know exactly what the error is and how to correct it.
Back at the cottage, we head into the woods with knives. Long apple-tree sticks are picked and cut clean, and with the fishing hooks and line, fishing rods are built. Children are sent into the garden beds to scoop out earthworms with kitchen forks and pour them into empty tomato sauce tins.
The whole day is spent fishing ‘illegally’ with worms and to our surprise, with big, excited screams, a few small ones are pulled out and thrown back to be fed again and maybe caught again.
Thought for the month
You don’t need “rich man stuff” to have fun and enjoy life. Happiness comes from making a conscious decision to enjoy life and the little things that come along. You have to look for opportunities to try new things and experience the beauty of each moment. Having your loved ones around you is a wonderful joy.
“It is not how much we have,
but how we enjoy,
that makes happiness” – Charles Spurgeon.
Discover Happiness in Life’s Simple Pleasures: Embracing the Joy of Everyday Moments
- The true source of happiness lies in embracing life’s simple pleasures.
- Finding beauty in the little things: Appreciating the power of small moments.
- Cultivate a gratitude mindset: Recognising and being thankful for what you have.
- The art of savouring: Fully immerse yourself in experiences to boost happiness.
- Nurture relationships and connections: Finding joy in meaningful connections with others.
- Find adventure in everyday life: Seeking new experiences and embracing change.
- Cultivate a positive mindset: Choosing to focus on the bright side of life.
Conclusion
Just like having fun and enjoying the little things in our everyday life, Art provides the same type of calmness one gets in these precious moments Art is inspiring and dreaming. It communicates a deep appreciation for the transformative power of moments, using vivid and emotionally evocative language, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Happiness is not about material possessions or extravagant experiences. It is about consciously choosing to appreciate and find joy in the little things that life offers us every day. By embracing simple pleasures, cultivating gratitude, nurturing relationships, seeking new experiences, and adopting a positive mindset, we can truly enjoy and make the most of our lives.
