My daughter’s Mom-in-Law , chose three ‘shelters’ from my recent collection of houses, huts, shacks and dwellings of all types.

They continue to bring joy and calm in the making, created typically at the end of day that has been filled with chores and admin and studio work.

The little grouping of three work well together, as if to keep each other company even.

Ellen explained in a text (that she agreed I could share) of how each hold significant meaning for her:

“… they represent facets of my life: The School House - my job and my passion; The Cape Dutch - reminds me of the church where we got married in, and of my faith; The Rondawel brings back memories of The Kruger Park, one of my all-time happy places, of Africa and my proud heritage of being proudly South African .. “

Ellen is a remarkable woman of faith; with an unwavering commitment to her family and of unyielding passion and zest in her vocation in the education profession where her strong leadership skills as principal benefit all who encounter her.

I admire her love of life, adventure, travel and her limitless supply of deep heart-felt compassion, empathy, kindness and a never-ending well of generosity.

She is the ‘heart’ of her home, of her school, community and within our combined families, and reflects for me all that ‘shelters’ are meant to be.

I know she will continue to provide refuge to all whom she encounters.