Guest Blogger: Jo Hedges

A Special Celebration

Thanks for inviting me here, Carol. I needed a break from my writing. This is also an important occasion and Under the Tiki hut is the best place to enjoy it.

I’m a South African expat living in Kenya, East Africa. Departing for the US yesterday, I left a dejected husband, who, because of work commitments couldn’t join me. Behind him sat a string of sad-looking cats that, for obvious reasons have to stay home! Hubby has never been to Malibu. Neither have I but as a writer I go anywhere. I’ve visited many places in that secret place in my head!

I wriggle my toes in the soft white sand and watch lazily as the azure waves lap the beach a few feet from my chair. For a moment I dwell on the fact that this is a celebration; this moment should be shared by the two people who’ve made it happen!

Oh well, no use moping about what could have been. I sip my iced tea and lean back comfortably. I’m here; the weather is perfect and the sun rays feel balmy on my skin. I intend to enjoy every moment.

I close my eyes…

I awake slowly. I know I’ve only dozed for a few minutes. I feel rejuvenated and relaxed at the same time. Squinting up the beach I see a tall, slender man approaching. Something in his swinging gait reminds me of my beloved back home in Africa.

Although my husband achieved the big six-oh this year, to me he’s still the same gorgeous hunk as when we met at school back in the mid-sixties. He was a swashbuckling 17 year-old; I, innocent as a babe, was two years younger.

The man on the beach came closer. His hair was silvery-white and curled around the ears in that endearing manner just like my husband’s does. I could almost make out his features now - he was that close – but the afternoon sun on the water caused the image to shimmer. I could see he had craggy lines around the eyes and mouth which testify to years of smiling, sometimes of sadness but mostly enjoying life.

I was mesmerised by the approaching stranger. About three meters from where I lay, he gave a little bow, dipping one shoulder and smiled at me. My senses reeled and my heart missed a beat. He was just like…

At my chair, he sank to his knees in the sand, laid a muscled arm across me and hugged me close.

“You didn’t think I’d miss our 40th wedding anniversary, did you, my love?” he said as he looked at me in that special way.

Taking my hand, he eased me off the chair and pulled me towards him. That’s my man. After all these years, I still feel the tenderness as he encircles me with his love. Arms around each other, we walked towards the Tiki Hut and the romantic candle-lit dinner set out by the cabana boys.

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I'm a writer/magazine journalist living as a South African expat in Kenya. I've been published in several SA magazines. I regularly write about for an adventure magazine about our motorbike tour through South Africa when we're on leave; I've written for a health and wellness magazine and also had an editorial on pet travel, published in a travel magazine. Recently I became a help-writer for a weekly farmer's magazine. I've had two articles published to date, with on-going stories in the magazine fast-track.

In between I work on The Great African Novel.

I've been blogging since October 2008 and write about my experiences in the beautiful valley within the Great Rift Valley. My blog is www.memorablemeanders.blogspot.com

Comments

Miranda Stowe said…
Aww, what a sweet man!
Joanne said…
Nice to meet you, Jo. I like your feline helpers there. Though it looks like they're anxious for you to get back home!
Ciara said…
Nice to meet you, Jo. That sounds like a keeper. What a great man.
Liza said…
This gave me such a smile!
Anne Gallagher said…
How romantic! Not only sweet but cute too! Lucky girl!
LR said…
Aw that's sweet.
Talli Roland said…
Aw! That's so lovely. What a romantic man.
Anonymous said…
I feel all warm and gushy inside. I need to hug my wife!
BECKY said…
Hi Jo! Great story and so fun to see you at Carol's hut!! I'm so glad that we met...somewhere on this blogasphere...I don't remember where or how, do you?! Have a great ...uh evening, I think!
Laura Eno said…
What a romantic story and the Tiki Hut would be a perfect place for a celebration!
Arlee Bird said…
40th anniversary!!!! Congratulations--that's a great achievement. Enjoyed this little romantic interlude at the Tiki Hut. It was as sweet as can be.

Lee
Best selling author Lani Diane Rich visits
Tossing It Out
Wednesday November 16th.
Mason Canyon said…
Oh, what a romantic and tender post. So nice to meet you Jo. Congratulations on the anniversary.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Freelance Editing By Mason
Hey, you couldn't go to the Tiki Hut without him! Not on your anniversary.
Pat said…
What a sweet story, Jo! I enjoy reading about couples who have been together for decades and are still deeply in love with each other.
EG CameraGirl said…
I enjoyed that story! Wonderful!
Way to go Jo--the same love all these years fresh as the first day but better.

I loved your story.

Teresa
Carol Kilgore said…
Nice to see everyone here, and some new faces, too.

I, too, think Jo's given us quite a romantic story.
Tracy Jo said…
Lovely story! Nice to meet you, Jo!
Joyful said…
Such a sweet story.
Janet, said…
What a sweet story. And how true it is about being able to go anywhere (if only in our minds) with our writing.
RCUBEs said…
I think it didn't matter wherever you are because both of you will light up a place, whether in Malibu or Kenya. That's awesome that he got to join you sister! What a surprise it must be! Happy Anniversary! God bless you both!
Jo said…
Hi everybody! I've just flown in (!) to say thanks for the wonderful comments on my post/story. My apologies for only responding now, but as one of two expat ladies currently in the valley, I've been busy all week with school functions. I'm back on blogger now and thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the wonderfully kind words. Please do pop into my blog. I sure will visit yours too. Blessings and greetings from Jo, Kenya, East Africa
I so enjoyed the interview and the intro to Jo. She sounds like aa amazin' woman.

God bless and enjoy this beautiful day sweetie!!! :o)
Carol Kilgore said…
Thanks to Jo for guest blogging here and sharing such a great story with everyone.
Jo said…
Thank you Melissa Anne, Nezzy, Carol and all the previous commentors again, for your kind comments and edification. I've enjoyed this post tremendously and intend to keep in touch with all of you. Greetings, Jo (Kenya)
Unknown said…
Aw, what a sweet story and what a wonderful man! Thanks for sharing.
Jo said…
Thanks Shirley for your visit and comment. Greetings from Jo
Julie Flanders said…
Great to meet you, Jo, I really enjoyed your story! Touching, and a pleasure to read.

Also love your feline companions, what cuties! :)
Arija said…
How romantic for you two love-birds.

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