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Hi Reader,

It feels good to sit down and write the very first Backyard Gossip of 2026.

Our travels to Belgium were really special. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, especially when living between countries, it’s this: time together has to be quality time. We organize our visits so we can truly be present, and we love sharing experiences rather than rushing from place to place.

So that’s exactly what we did.

We shared moments with friends and family, went to a Candlelight Christmas concert, bowled with the whole family, wandered through the Chinese Light Festival at the zoo of Antwerp, experienced an incredible light show inside one of the classified buildings in Antwerp, visited the beautifully renovated City Hall, explored Christmas markets… and even met up with our old South African neighbours who happened to be travelling through Europe at the same time. 😊 Yes, it is a small world!

What struck me most was how easily conversations picked up, as no time had passed at all. That’s the magic of deep connection. It was wonderful… and at the same time, it was also really nice to arrive back home. When you’ve lived in several countries, your heart ends up belonging everywhere, and nowhere, all at once.

And then… 2026 started with a polar plunge.

Yes, really. I even managed to convince a dear friend to join me. To be fair, it didn’t take much convincing, just planting the seed and letting it sit 😊

One friend summed it up perfectly: “NUT. You’re inspirational, crazy, but inspirational.”

I’ll take it 😅

So now I’m curious about you.

Have you planted any seeds for 2026 yet?

Or are you letting this year unfold as it comes?

My vision board is done. My planner is set up. But for the first time, it doesn’t feel like a brand-new beginning. It feels more like establishing and deepening what I’ve been building over the past year. And honestly? I’m really looking forward to that.

Here’s to another year of stories, small seeds, meaningful conversations, and staying connected.

Happy New Year,

Peggy 🌿

P.S. If this year is about planting seeds rather than forcing outcomes, you’re in good company.

Backyard Gossip | Stories about life, business & the spaces in between