Denese was born in what was Rhodesia. The town she came from has an unpronounceable and unspellable name, which I can't remember and wouldn't even attempt to write even if I could remember. She grew up on a mixed farm in one of the most fertile countries in Africa. One of four children, she preferred the outdoors and the animals to being inside. She was sent to boarding school at quite a young age, so I believe she learned to be very private and self-contained, as a result.
Migrating to South Africa interrupted her final year at school. Then her family was offered migration to Australia three months before she was to complete her enrolled nursing training. She wasn't given the choice to remain and finish her course. I think that has been one of the disappointments in her life.
Aged twenty, she arrived in Western Australia. She married and raised a family with three children in Nyabing. I've met Stacey, her older daughter. She's a terrific young woman and her small daughters were the impetus for Denese to create a garden "horse". Her life seemed relatively cast in stone. But her marriage ended and she decided to give FIFO work in the mines a go, living in Perth during her time off.
After meeting her now partner, she made the startling discovery that she was expecting a baby. This was definitely not in her life plan. After much heartache, fear and consultation with specialists, she decided to continue with the pregnancy. After the baby's arrival, the family found a house in Beverley. Denese had family here and it made sense to her to be close to them. That hadn't been in her plan either.
Caleb is now a blast of enthusiastic and energetic male energy. He has grown up in Heavenly Beverley with his mum and dad, on acreage with the above ground pool, the bike, the cubby and the inevitable broken bones.He is a typical boy who wants his mum in one second and then careers off on his next adventure in another second. I take my hat off to Denese. There is not a chance in hell I could have coped with a child at our age. I trip over anyone younger than four...
I met Denese pretty soon after we moved to Beverley. It has taken me a while to get to know her, but I now regard her as a really close friend. She is someone I would have no hesitation confiding in. And she's eminently sensible. And pretty. And her eyes smile.
Guy, her partner, has been involved in our renovations at the House that Rocks and the Shops since the beginning. Fatherhood at fifty has come with a very steep learning curve. I expect their life hasn't been easy, at all, but they both have mountains of courage and perseverance. And a boy that's theirs to love.
"Moon Rising" was inspired by Lake Kariba, on the Zambia - Zimbabwe border. A gentle, peaceful picture, "Moon Rising" caught the attention of a lovely visitor into our Gallery. The full moon over the water called to Donna. Her Mum had been a Moonchild and died last August during the super full moon in that month. I hope, in time, that "Moon Rising" brings Donna beautiful memories of her Mum and eases her sadness.
So, our second sale in the Gallery has been completed. And I'm thrilled for Denese. I wonder if there's a bit more spring in her step and light in her eyes, as a result. She still has her works here in the East End Gallery and she's planning more.
Now, if the hot weather would just ease off, we could start walking again and I might lose some weight!
A photo of "Moon Rising" - doesn't really do it justice.
Garden Horse - available for sale for the littlies in your life!
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