love vanilla cupcakes.....

Seeing red…

2012-02-08T02:09:00.000-08:00

Lord almighty I can’t believe it! Windows Live Writer, where have you been all my blog thirsty days? You are the wind beneath my blogger wings I think, because SERIOUSLY, blogger was killing me! Maybe just maybe, my blog dreams will come true and this will be the year where I fit posts into my hectic life, because YOU have made it so easy,possible, achievable!

So about the spread…..i’m back tracking to December, back to the month where tinsel ROCKS, red is the rage and reindeer ears are THE fashion accessory to die for!
This was my table from this year’s “IT’S A WRAP”…gift wrapping will never be the same again, for me at least. I love sipping sherry with my home girls to the sound of sticky tape, paper tearing, and ribbons being wrapped. This was our third year, and December’s just won’t be the same without it. ever.again. It’s a KEEPER!
Fast forward to February, and looking at this table reminds me that Valentines is around the corner. No, I’m not ‘gung ho’ for it, but I have always loved the idea of embracing every special occasion that comes our way. You keep them simple and low key, but you recognize the love, no?...just to break the monotony of …well…everyday life….yes?
So whilst Christmas is just a distant memory, I’m still seeing RED. Maybe a cheese platter, red roses and a bottle of bling rose might be FUN!!

Us Crazy Chickens at Christmas!

This photo..

2012-02-06T04:20:00.001-08:00

ok seriously....sometimes you need a sign....i've been searching....i've looked so hard I feel emotionally dazed and confused...I'm spent....searching, deliberating, wondering if and when I should return to blogging...i never really left....it just ...happened...and I have struggled to find my way back....get into my groove.
I tried really hard last year to be really good at prioritising, and 'single tasking'...it WORKED wonders!! But the truth is I fell behind in other things that were not, at the onset of my year, high on my list of priorities.....it was a big year for our family, so they came first, along with exercise, health, blah blah...and blogging slipped lower and lower down the list...

And then whilst stopping in for visits with some of my favourite blog friends, I noticed a trend...so many of us seemed to be taking "sabbaticals"....it made it ok.......but I missed it nonetheless...

At the start of 2012 I promised myself I would try really hard to make blogging one of my priorities, because I do so so love being in this space....but in the back of my mind, I have toyed with the how, what's and why's...today I was busy editing THIS PHOTO for my daughter, when I stumbled across an option to 'blog post', with the click of ONE EASY BUTTON...no ways...can't be, and yet, when I checked it, she was here...my sweet little girl's face...almost as if to say...."Mom seriously, you should hang here more often!"....

And maybe I will!:-)

WiSh upon little silver stars

2011-11-18T01:24:00.000-08:00

I had to get directions to find this place again:-D

It's been TWO months since my last blog - two long, busy, challenging, happy months. I've come back to this spot so many times during the crazy 2 month ride, just to sit in the quiet little cyber room, to gather my thoughts, because how do you put into words, how crazy life can get sometimes??
I WISH i knew....
Right now I wish for a lot of things, and they're pretty much a cookie dough mix of the staples and the extra's - kinda like flour, eggs and oil, that don't mean diddly without the icing and the fairy sprinkles.....

I'm doing a lot of wistful wishing i know, like...that the sky would once again open up and be warm, that i will soon find the inspiration and time to feel the joy of approaching Christmas, (because krikey, it's already past mid November), that stacking bracelets never go out of fashion, that one day they make a nailpolish that doesn't shabby on day 2,

But then there's the big things....I'm wishing on a wishing star for someone's health, for a GF's marriage, for more time with my DH, for my girlchild's heart to always be protected, for my boy to know where and how to use his gifts, for my girl to find hers, for more time to be creative, to love and encourage more, to be the best that I can be, and last but not least, to be here more than I am....oh how i WISH!....

ELEVEN years of boy joy

2011-09-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

This boy turned 11 on Sunday, 9/11, of 2011.

A 'simple birthday with just his closest friends', ended up being a birthday surrounded by children who all mean a lot to him, in his little world. I can only hope that throughout the rest of his life, he will be blessed in this way, and surrounded by the love and unadulterated joy that one finds in friendships like these.

He told me it was his best birthday ever....i smiled and said..."you said that last year boy, remember??...and the year before that"...he smiled and said...".you're right Mom."...but when we looked at each other, one of those 'I see you, and I know your thoughts' moments passed between us, and we both just understood that ..this year was different...this year we were blessed with amazing weather like we have never had before on his day, and it allowed him the freedom to run wild and free, shriek with laughter, play silly with his friends, get dirty, be imaginitive, and enjoy all the good stuff about just being....A BOY. Strangely enough, all of those things define a little part of who he is as a person....he was so in his skin:-D

I hope that this boy never looses sight of the important things in life, and I hope that he grows up to be, exactly who he was MEANT to be - that must be one of the greatest gifts of all.

This boy can make me smoke with his strong will sometimes, but then he makes me laugh like a crazy woman too. He gets things, as if they were clear as day to him from the start. I hope he never loses that. He says the darndest things - he's a straight talker, shooting from the hip. I can't wait to see what the essence of him will lead to...in the meantime all I can do is try my best to help him get there, and hope that one day he looks back and knows that no matter what, our hearts will always be tied to one another.

I owe a lot to this boy soul of ours....i am relieved when he is often the flipside of a bad day, i am loved because he still throws his arms around me KAMAKAZI style with reckless abandon when he sees me first thing in the morning, i am amazed when he unwittingly reveals his wisdom and depth about life, i am a friend when we share our hearts - no holds barred, i am blessed because he is mine.

HIP HOP...

2011-09-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

Berry and Pine - my dance partner in crime - photographer by day....dance diva by night

Sometimes, you meet the nicest people in the strangest places...and they are people you would never have met, if you hadn't ventured out into new territory!

Monday night's are my dance nights - this is the only form of exercise I could even possibly contemplate doing ...frankly i would rather stand and hold a horse in the rain than do squats in a gym:-/...and if you know me, you would know that standing in the rain is really REALLY hard to do, seeing as "wet and cold" and I, have never and will never, be friends....uh-uh

The best part about voluntarily choosing to ~~make a fool of myself~~ exercise in this way, was that i was truly blessed to meet some special people along the way, who rock my Monday nights, like Greys Anatomy never could:-D. "Pine"(my affectionate name for her) - generally she goes by the name of Michelle, but she's just PINE to me...it's a long story, but ...I'm gonna tell it anyway:-D....if you look closely, her cutsey top is an ultra cool 'Pineapple' dancewear top, she recently brought back from the UK. To tell you the truth, she was DUNKED pineapple from head to toe:-D...needless to say the name stuck...but it's Pine for short. I'm the berry, so together we figured we could make a mean cocktail!

We couldn't be more opposite if we tried. She's the awesome kind of sweetness that knows no boundaries - the kind that you can see a mile away - i'm the sassy that you spell with a capital S; yet we laugh so hard together sometimes it hurts - plus we arrive dressed the same for class, unplanned, no memo - the photographer in her had to capture the moment! I guess what amazes me is that if I hadn't decided to take the first step and just dance, I would have missed out on knowing these awesome people that make my Monday nights, and getting all the extra benefits that come with sometimes getting off the couch and out of your comfort zone. They say you should try and do something that frightens you every day. Well it's been months since I started my first class, feeling about as comfortable as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs:-D, and yet I'm so glad i took this HOP towards HIP...this cat's come a looong way....

Mellow yellow.

2011-08-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we think we know ourselves....but then I go and fall madly in love with yellow again:-D, and I am very quickly reminded of that famous old saying that goes....never say never.

I vowed yellow and I would never be friends again, I reminded myself that you can forgive people for MOST things....but some things can follow you all the days of your life!! I mean after all - it's also just so "80's", and whilst i loooooove 80's, it's the music that takes me back there.....I mean who doesn't have a memory or three attached to "Tainted Love"!!?? Well clearly, for whatever reason, yellow had a thing for me, and for some reason, like an undecided visitor, I kept stepping up to the door, and then turning away again.

Maybe it was the love of 80's music, coupled with the LUMO and yellow revival that finally broke through my stubborn streak and made more of an impression on me than i realised:-D...The thing is, pink and I had run our course, and grey was happy to let someone else in. Yellow took me back to my youth, and reminded me of some really mellow yellowy days....and suddenly it didnt seem like such a crazy idea after all. SO....I took the plunge on the back of "I solemnly swear to only wear certain shades of yellow, to wear it tastefully and to never wear it with black :-/ ..except if it's just a smidgen? I will enjoy it's 'sunnyness' to the max, wear it with pride and always be mindful of the fact that it has been said to bring clarity, and bring relief from SAD, confusion and indecision".

What I've learnt about yellow (besides the fact that you can write a WHOLE BLOGPOST about it:-D) is that it can be... kind of ..."in your face". Some would say she's an attention seeker, but I think she's just really strong - able to stand on her own - she don't need a loota "stuff", so you just need to be a little subtle with her.

My mellow back to yellow reminds me of how often in life we are wrong about things we feel so sure about; that you can go back - to things that served you well - heck revivals happen all the time! That things do really go in cycles.and circles; that we can revive old friendships and put a whole new spin on it:-D....and that you really should never, say never.....

on the VERGE...

2011-08-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

These pictures make me smile for a number of reasons…..the beautiful wide verges we have here at home…..they are verges to die for. I know, it’s just a verge right?...but heck, you could walk 5 people wide in most places, side by side, into the quiet of the evening, and have room for a dog on either side of you:-D. That’s how Mama like’s itJ. We’ve spent more time on these verges since our two little girls came along, than we ever have before. It’s been such a lovely reminder of how pretty our hood is – from all sides, and how friendly the neighbours are – dogs excluded:-D. I’ve loved watching my kids run like the wind, down wintery sidewalks, with just the sun set to keep me company…

It feels like I’ve been spending a lot of time on other verges though too lately…..just looking left, looking right, just watchin’ the neighbours as it were, never crossing the road though – I guess I like my side is allJ. It’s been a hectic time, but it’s funny how sometimes it can be Hurricane Hilda on the outside and as calm as..well ….when your hair’s not blowing in the wind, on the inside. That’s when you notice things the most. I’ve been on the verge noticing, how the world is going crazy, and how home seems like the safest place to be; noticing how so many families are hurting or lost – where are you Moms and Dads?? noticing how people have lost their way, and yet the answers are as obvious as the wide open road on a clear day; noticing how our girl child copes so much better when she knows I’m around – maybe because she knows I’ll always have her back; noticing that our boy child shares his heart so freely with me, and yet, it’s his Dad he needs more right now.

Hubby and I attended a funeral on Friday – strangely, we both had ties to this person, in completely different ways. We were not closely involved in his day to day life, but somehow we were close enough to be drawn there to celebrate his wonderful life, and his untimely death in a tragic aircraft accident. My man and I cried. From the first song, to the last song. And all the bits in between. Mine was the uninhibited cry….it bordered on the ugly cry – you know the one. We cried because we knew his loss could so easily be ours, and from where I’ve been sitting on the verge, I saw so many families who, unlike this one, would never survive this tradgedy, because you can’t get more broken than broken already is. Things so often cross our paths to remind us of all that is important in life, and yet people still choose to look the other way. I often remind my boy that, at any moment, on any given day, you are on the verge of greatness, in whatever shape, form or size may have meaning for you, but if you’re lost in the woods – greatness ain’t never gonna find you son!

Our beautiful, warm, yellow and happy sunny days are back. I know this because…well apart from the sun of course :-D, I’ve fallen asleep to the sound of tree frogs for the last few nights. It feels carefree and heavenly to be on the verge of spring and summer again….

A happy to my husband.

2011-07-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the 27th July, was my DH's birthday. I felt blessed to have spent another year with this kind and gentle man, - this person i share my life, my children, my hopes and dreams with. I always, always pray on his health - to me that is the most precious gift anyone can have. Second to that, I hang on tight to my hopes of him achieving his goals, he works so hard towards, daily.

I give thanks for the inner strength of this man, his character and values, that are the reason why he is well loved by all who know him. His perserverance and determination are a sure sign that he'll go the distance no matter what....his understanding and control are like my lighthouse in the eye of a storm, but he is also vulnerable, where I am strong....I guess that makes us a great match:-).

As we've grown older, we've grown closer, we've surfed big, scary waves together, and learnt hard lessons from some of those waves, but all for the good of growth and meaning in our life, and journey together.

Our CC girls rocked the "Happy Birthday" song across to his breakfast table, where he was sitting with his "man friends".....here's to many more my special man!

Colouring outside the lines....

2011-07-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

sigh...I know.... this blog has got "monthly" written all over it, right now:-)...and while I've missed penning my thoughts, and am tempted to wander down the path of regret, I find myself stopping at 'it's just where I'm at right now'...:-)) and leaning towards 'everything in life happens in seasons'...

Speaking of which, my kiddies and I have just come back from 5 amazing days at the beach. We "bunked" winter for 5 wonderful days...turned our back on her so to speak, without so much as a backward glance, and felt NO SHAME:-).

We basked in the sun and the salt of the sea, and just for a while, we relished in the fact that we could swop one pot stews and soups, for simple summer salads and pastas....even if only for a while.

We made the most of golden beach sand between our toes, heck - we even went as far as painting them a pale pink shade of summer....aahhh it felt good, it felt familiar...it just felt right. My girlfriends and I sipped cocktails on the lawn to make sure we weren't dreaming, and watched our laughing children row boats, and surf the dunes, till the sun sank low....all the while counting our blessings for this time together, and the fact that we could colour outside the lines in this magical place.

Some hubbies joined us for the weekend, but for the most part, it was just us...and it felt goood....

These two tween girls, who have been friends since way back when, when they only had eyes for Barney, got to hang together again and share their hopes and dreams.

These two, who have known each other their whole lives, were attached at the hip....

actually, ...most of these children have known each other their.whole.lives....

and it showed in the joy they shared, of being together again:-)

Our host and our precious friend, who is temporarily based in Canada with her family, will go back with a pocketful of memories, just like the rest of us. We all feel so lucky and grateful that our tanks are full...it'll get us to the other side of "we miss spending time together!"....kind of like our girls who rowed each other across the lagoon i guess.....

our friendship is our life raft, our two man canoe for when the waters get rough...

But for now it's back to winter blankets, and the need to savour hot chocolate with squishy pink marshmallows in it. Back to school lunches and busy schedules that make up our full lives.

I stood in the kitchen making tea this afternoon, just counting my blessings, and asking God if he knew how much I appreciate my life, and the people he has placed in it?

Every.single.one of them.

The magic of May

2011-05-25T04:05:00.000-07:00

A little bit of eye candy can go a long way....

How is it possible that I have no sooner finished dishing the dirt about April, and June is already yapping at my heels like a welcoming puppy....seriously? I'm thinking.....when did this become a monthly blog??

- when my girlie started preparing for and writing exams?

- when my boy started playing rugby? (and my words "you will never play that game if it's the last thing I see to" seem a million, futile miles away now, lost in the galaxy of 'i lost that battle fair and square')...:-(

- when being in the summer of your life means your days are as unpredictable as they are long...

The silver lining in all of this though is that:

- today girl chicken finishes her exams, and we have travelled another long, dusty, bumpy road together, as mother and daughter, holding each other up along the way, and we have grown closer for it.

- boy chicken is enjoying every minute of launching himself onto ~~much much~~ bigger boys, and holding onto their ankles for dear life, until they finally relent and drop like a stone:-) .....

- although these summer days of our lives are long, unpredictable and often exhausting, there is always a whole lot of magic woven into it too.....even if you only find the time to reflect and ponder on it...ONCE A MONTH!!!!:-))

All shook up....

2011-05-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

Autumn is making her presence felt......

I was all shook up this April - in a good way...April was so so good to us this year....it came and went in a flurry of activity...mostly playful, mostly fun, very indulgent! I LOVED every minute of the chaos that came and went with the time I got to spend with friends and family...it was soul food to say the least! Although business was quiet everywhere...it kind of felt like our whole country had "permission to play". The stress, trials and tribulations of our modern way of life, are condusive to more work, less play; I just felt so GRATEFUL for this chance to just colour OUTSIDE THE LINES for a while.....be frivolous....reIMAGINE...

Sights like this just make me giddy

My soul is so restored that I feel ready to invite the seriousness back in, with no hard feelings.... sometimes my serious side holds me back - it's a funny thing, but my children are looking at me through new eyes lately....that's what happens when your eyes have time to take each other in, when your words are unhurried, kind and thoughtful, and when your soul shines.....

Below are some pics to remember the happy times.....

There's a 'ROYAL HIGHNESS' in ALL of us

Our 'Royal Wedding High Tea' table made me swoon.........

Camping restores my soul – it’s where I’m happiest. No hotel lobby could match the contentment I feel when our little van drives out of our driveway on route to 'camp happy'. When I know our children are outdoors from early morning, until late into the night, without any pressure, expectations and the trappings of modern life and society, I can't help but just smile all over. I know my little chickens will remember these holidays forever…

Just as their Dad and I will.......

Just be...and play

Sweet sweet memories are made of this......

Priorities and purpose

2011-04-18T02:21:00.000-07:00

There has been so much on the go this first term, that I have felt so much like this picture...confused at times between whether I'm playing in pink wellies, or stepping out in stilletos.

The wellies are my family, friends, home, and causes that I give my time to, because I LOVE and I feel they define my purpose - my heels represent the part of my life that require structure, order and focus to run a successful business...

There are times lately, when I have had one on each foot, whilst thinking I was wearing a PAIR. You know those moments when you are so confused, you're not sure which hat you're wearing?? - mothers can so relate. By last night, the stress and the strain of trying to do it all was telling.....hmmmm.....

SO this week I'm going to have to say no to some of the places and things my HEART DESIRE, to once again FOCUS MY HEAD, and find calm and peace again in this little life of mine.

It's so hard to say no, but saying no to one thing means saying YES to another doesn't it???....

LUNCH BOX LOVELIES

2011-04-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

We have just said goodbye to a week of holiday memories.....lazy mornings, picnics in park like surroundings, wimpy treats with friends, movies, sleepovers and paydates. For the first time ever, I stuck to my plan of putting together some semblance of a "holiday programme" and MAN OH MAN but it paid off....no cabin fever, no whining, no wanting for a thing....not even once...just two little chickens in a happy bubble.... SO going to do that EVERY HOLIDAY!?!?

But back to reality, this being our first day back at school. Basically that means that every afternoon/evening, I'll be wasting precious time (actually make that past tense) musing over what to put into school lunches. I know this may seem like a mundane post, but people BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN about this i see, so clearly I am not alone in this diemma, and there is a NEEEED:-))!!! So....desperate times called for desperate measures, especially when your children 1. don't eat yoghurt (i loathe moms who smile sweetly and sAY ...oh i just pop a little mini yoghurt into Johnny's lunch box...grrr!!) 2. would rather be pricked by pins than eat a fruit!.....enter the FRUIT KEBAB....don't be scared off by the term kebab - seriously.....it's a whole lot of pomp and ceremony for a few pieces of fruit threaded onto a stick...but it works...it packs a mean punch in a lunch box....it looks all purty, and all of a sudden they can stomach naartjies - go figure??...all I can think is that maybe naartjies look a whole lot less intimidating next to a grape, a kiwi fruit, and a strawberry...i dunno....???

Aaaanyway....after spending way too much of my precious lifetime googling healthy lunches, which yielded nothing but images of people who do incredible things with carrots and your average cucumber - oh you would NOT believe!!....I eventually committed to finding my own simple, quick and easy solutions, that are just a little more interesting, for the days when you feel up to it, and need something to replace another jam sandwich lunch box story.....yawn

Some of my weekly winners:-

fruit kebabs

popcorn, popcorn and more popcorn

salami and cheese cocktail sticks

fruit bars

muffins

pretzels

crumpets

mini pies and sausage rolls made from left overs or bought

wraps

couscous salad

chicken legs and wings

heart sandwiches...seriously...you need a heart cookie cutter...how hard can it be!
Frozen juice works well to aid in keeping lunch boxes cool

If anyone who's reading this has ideas or advice to offer, I am so ALL EARS!

little green notebook of words...

2011-04-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

This notebook found it's way to me from a friend, who saw it and knew it would MELT my heart.....she prettied it up, as only she can do, and i felt BLESSED to receive it - I LOVE anything that's been crafted or put together with love.....it always shows.

This little green book is now one of my treasures, and in it I write, I draw, I think, I remember, i DREAM.....

This past weekend I found one of the most BEAUTIFUL quotes I have ever heard - profound actually - not because of what is means in the greater scheme of things, but profound because of how much it resonates with me. It may as well have had my name in lights...in the same way a theatre sign would, it may as well have been a WANTED sign on a lampost, with my mugshot and name at the bottom:-)).....it makes sense of some of the crazy things I do, the lengths to which I will go, the determination I have with regards to things or situations that may have others totally confused, as to why i even bother.....i can't explain it, but I know that there are other people out there, who share my affliction..... the words I wrote in my little green book go like this.....

The HAPPIEST people don't have the best of everything - they just MAKE THE BEST of everything.....

Some people run marathons and win, some people write novels and publish best sellers, some people 'nurture' and grow people, some people craft and create masterpieces, some people do business and build empires....some of us just try to make the best of everything....wear that badge PROUDLY!

if the shoe fits....

2011-03-30T23:46:00.000-07:00

sigh.....

Last week, some wonderful blessings came my way......I FELT SO LUCKY...one of which was this BEAUTIFUL pair of wellies...my ABSOLUTE HEART's DESIRE....ticked all the "welly wants" boxes for me......I refused to leave the shop without them. We were a match made in heaven, destined to be together, even though "technically" they weren't my size *blush*.....sometimes it's a case of "HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT THEM"???:-D...besides...I'm a size 5....sometimes a four...and if the shoe is REALLY awesome, I CAN BE a six if I have to:-DD.......it's called being *FLEXIBLE* peeps....:-P

But enough about the wellies....what I really wanted to share is that old saying...IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT. Last night, my darling boy and I spoke long and hard about exactly this....he shared his heart about his future goals ( I mean it's all of 10 year's old, but hey, it HAS GOALS and PLANS...I MELTED) - he is my *ambitious* child, (and I know this is going to sound kind of crazy), but in an UNAMBITIOUS way....is that possible???....

I think his ~~lack of concentration~~ free spirit sometimes has him wondering (as only his complex little mind can) if maybe those plans aren't just pipe dreams.....

Last night I told him....boy, those are big shoes to fill....but you can wear them...you can own them...you make them yours if that's your hearts desire!! Only you can say, "I can't". I always tell him, what I think we all need to remind ourselves of everyday....we all have AMAZING POTENTIAL if we believe we do....and even i we don't....so why not just try the shoe on.....it might not feel right...it may not be perfect, but you may need some time to adjust to the fit, and then find out you LOVE IT.........and that the size you've been wearing all along was just a littttle too tight anyways:-)

Butterflies...

2011-03-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today my garden is FULL of butterflies...every shape, colour and size I could possibly imagine. All of them so beautiful and swift as they FLUTTER BY.....

This morning, as I watched them dance around my garden, my mind couldn't help but ponder on how i wished I felt as light and happy as they look....and how desperately I would love to just lay my head down in a meadow full of flowers and gaze up at the sky.....

By this afternoon I'd come to the conclusion that maybe the reason beautiful butterflies dart from flower to flower, is because they understand the consequences of what could happen if they rested on that sunny rock for too long...they may very well end up being eaten alive....maybe, they choose to spread their wings and fly as high as they possibly can, despite their longing to linger.......just like we can choose to be overcome by the feelings that can sometimes take hold of us, or choose to spread our wings and find the next flower...even if it is with a heavy heart....

a simple message....

2011-03-24T03:20:00.000-07:00

My sweet sweet friend from colour giggles sent this LOOOVELY message via email a while ago...she knows what makes me tick all right!!! Her little space is FILLLED with yumminess and inspiration..... visit there just because i can...but I always leave feeling "sunny" and happy.....love that! She...is a YELLOW person...no wonder.....

But i digress.....I loved and cherished this little thought, and saved it to a folder, for a rainy day:-)....well today is one of those warm and balmy days....the rain is so fine it almost feels...."invisible?"......and today these words spoke to me, so I really just wanted to share them with anyone else who needs a little bit of bling confetti....

Forgetful...

2011-03-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

Personally, I think forgetful is.......

.........when you're making popcorn, and you forget to put the lid on the pot :-( .......EISH MAN.

home

2011-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a beautiful sunny day, that starts with pj's and slippers, fresh eggs and a lovely, hearty, lazy breakfast..

It's the kind of day where, as you're going about your business, you have time to be present and SAVOUR each and every minute of it.....I LOVE THESE DAYS SO MUCH...

I love that I had time to be grateful for our blessings, as I lay streaky bacon on the grilling pan......and that I could quietly watched my girlie, as she carefully set the table.....taking in her sweetness...

This morning's bounty of fresh eggs....

I love that I could leisurely soak in the sight of this adorable child as he happily strolled across the lawn, in the morning sunshine, covered in hay....arms laden with eggs - our breakfast. This boy loves his chickens.....they really are his more than anyone else's, since he's their keeper....this made me smile:-)

Testing eggs for freshness......

I couldn't help but get tangled up in all of this.....I've missed the feeling of yarn weaving through my fingers, and then straightening itself out in beautiful, neat rows of colour.

I had time to reflect on how much joy these two little furry souls have brought to our daily lives...and how darn cute they've got....the cuteness never ends....

Today was a 'stay away from the craziness day'....there was time to work, time to play, time to be grateful, time to take it all in....it was a day where we could just enjoy the melting pot of everything that we call home....food for the soul...just love, lazy long weekends:-))

My beloved LAUNDRY + BASKET

2011-03-17T05:01:00.000-07:00

Our Laundry and Kitchen recently had a makeover - it was totally UNPLANNED - so much so that I wanted to gouge my eye's out at the time, so that the pain would distract me from how distraught I was at the bad timing of it all....pathetic I know, but we all have our moments of weakness! A leak under our kitchen sink had slowly been seeping into the bottom hidden carcass area, and finally 'burst it's banks' so to speak. We DRY HEAVED for 3 days from the STENCH that eminated from ROTTING WATER that had been slumming it there for who knows HOW long??...eeeuw...eeeeuw....eeeeuUUUUWW...... We had to keep the laundry door shut for a week - I GAGGED every time I had to go in there to get to the broom, or open the fridge - that's a lot of gagging, TRUST ME! We removed our entire kitchen sink unit/cupboards etc. and had fans blowing on it 24/7 - that was just the start of it! I SHUDDER to think what it must be like, living in the aftermath of a TSUNAMI....!!!

We went without a sink/wash up area for a month....I feel stupid even mentioning that! The upside is that we learnt to make do, and learnt to soooo APPRECIATE the simple things in life.....like having a sink to wash up in! Perspective is a wonderful thing!! But WAIT...this post get's WORSE!!...not only am I sharing my dull moments of domesticity, but what I ACTUALLY wanted to blog about was my adorable linen basket on the counter, (I know...I'm EMBARRASSED *BLUSH*), which I selvedged from our local SPCA for 30 ROND!!!..true story:-).....I resprayed her a light grey, and brought her back to life - she is now so classy, you would never know that she was once brown and thrown out by her previous owners! So if you love thrifting, SPCA KLOOF is just a wonderful place to find old treasures to reclaim, or UPCYCLE.

Definitely becoming one of our favourite weekly stops!!

pink pastel parlour

2011-03-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

Time permitting, one of the things I love the most about blogging is all the SHARING that takes place....be it about life, domesticity, relationships, homesteading...my mental notebook runneth over!

On Thursday last week Sabrina got her notification to say that it was her turn to be the Entrepreneur the following day - nothing like less than 24 hours notice in exam week!!

Basically each child has a turn to sell ANYTHING - homemade or not, to classmates, for R5 - exactly like baker baker used to be...back in the day...sigh...the days when we had time to painstakingly place the sprinkles evenly, with the CHERRY on TOP.

Over the years I have found 2 things to be a safe bet from a time and popularity point of view, for last minute party favours, baker baker or cake sales at school ...POP CORN and ICE CREAM.

Sigh.....be still my beating heart.....I love EVERYTHING about an ice-cream parlour...

..i could LOSE MYSELF in the smells, the flavours, the names of the flavours, the pink and white candy stripes, the vintage memories, THE TOPPINGS!!...the cutesy everything...the yumminess of it all!

For some reason blogger still hasn't sorted the problem of certain pics being flipped!...you get the general idea:-)

So my girlie and I set to work....we grabbed ribbon, cutesy pegs, and all the ice cream sundae dishes we could find....we printed these adorable printables from EAT DRINK CHIC (thank you thank you thank you!), packed a cooler bag with ice cream, toppings (jellies, chocolate, mallows, sprinkles), cutesy tea towels and pastel apron and VOILA....her mobile ice cream parlour was ready for business!

......and they all SCREAMED FOR ICE CREAM:-))

HURTING

2011-03-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

Wow...our Earth is so angry.....to be honest, I think she's hurting BIG TIME. I wish more people would feel her pain, and make changes.....

The devastation in Japan has touched us all, hasn't it? A few weeks ago, it was New Zealand.... are we taking note...?

We all deal with these situations differently - it affects us all for different reasons......we take different things away from these situations that boggle the mind and tug at our hearts, as you hurt for these people millions of miles away.

What I've taken away from these situations is that we really are so so small in the grand scheme of things.....yet we try to think BIG BIG BIG....and that's ok, that's GREAT infact, as long as you've got the here and now, the small things that mean a LOT, taken care of too.

In our part of the world there is sadness, all the time. We have broken people, poor people, lost people, but despite all this, I am so so so grateful to this country, where I get to experience love, joy, laughter, the old, the new, creativity, making a difference, the freedom to explore, and so so much more every day that I tread on dusty African soil. What has really hit home for me through the current devastation that's taken place, all over the world, is this.......there is sadness, suffering and devastation in some way or another everywhere.....for a while now, there have been a number of places we've had in our prayers....., Africa's problems seem further back in the que......so today I'm thinking....

I want to live more in TODAY, because who knows about tomorrow
Does it matter where i am on the world map?...I'd like to just leave my mark on it
Today if I am kinder to the EARTH and my immediate environment, it'll be a battle won
Don't get too caught up in the negativity of what you think you have to face - because ultimately it's what's happening EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE in our world, that could directly or indirectly impact on your life....the globe really has become a VILLAGE
Embrace life!....do something fun, and spread love, joy and kindness, that someone else won't get to do today....

CELEBRATING BEE-ing!

2011-03-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday. At the moment there is just so much going on, that my birthday vibe was slightly jaded....I've been in Mommy mode, prioritising, strategising, organising....there's just been no time to reflect on celebrating my day, my year, MY LIFE.....

A little bit of vintage can go a long, long way......

But at 8 am yesterday, girlfriends started arriving at my home.....one sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU at my gate, at the top of her voice, and I loved her for it.....the others rallied around me, filling my home with their wonderful CHATTER, LOVE, LAUGHTER, and JOY.....it brought home to me, how VERY BLESSED I feel, to call each and every one of them FRIEND...at that very moment I realised, how often our friends can be the wind beneath our wings!

Anywhere in the garden is good enough......

Bee, Vee and Ke

Bee, Can, Ants and Susie

The silliness of it all was just what I needed, to be drawn into the now and just revell in it!!

Roses from my granny's rose bush.....

Our Judester.....oh so flambouyant when we MAKE HER:-))

Bee, Ants and Jude.... sometimes I just don't know if I'm feeling catwalk or wet wellies??

From the veggie patch to the catwalk.....

Birds of a feather.....LOVE to flock together

Some of us....

Ke and Trac....always up to no good!

Today, 2 WONDERFUL things happened. They were things that I wanted so desperately, they had become a need. They were 2 meaningful things, that my heart had a lot riding on. Wonderful things happen all the time if you really look for them, and expect them to show up. I revell everyday in the simple joys like: my children are here, and they're healthy, and they're happy....that's wonderful right there...but we all have those extra special little (or big) things that sometimes feel so out of reach we battle to even breathe easy.... This morning I let one go...I just let it go and freed myself up from the expectation that was holding me hostage...and then what seemed like the impossible happened...sadly I can't share it for a while, but it sure is feeling a lot like my birthday week!!!:-))

AUTUMN

2011-03-01T03:14:00.000-08:00

As we welcome autumn, I can't help but reflect on the fact that summer just wasn't herself this year. She's been shy, reluctant, and maybe somewhat confused about whether it was her turn or not. I feel like her and I just haven't spent enough quality time together....

Our grass started turning a few weeks ago, but I've been in denial, citing that it was too much harsh sunlight, which is true - kind of, but in my heart of hearts, I know the real reason the grass is turning, is of course because it is undeniably now AUTUMN.

So as I wistfully look back, wondering why summer seemed so fleeting, it's strange how these photo's of what seemed like a thousand AUTUMNS ago, also a reminder that time is fleeting, popped into my head.....
This season has a charm all of it's own, bright sunny days, and cool crisp evenings.....the best of both worlds I guess:-)

DREAMCATCHER

2011-02-25T07:22:00.000-08:00

The word DREAM is just everywhere at the moment, and since i'm a "sign reader" I generally tend to act on things when they present themselves time and time again.... It's strange how words FIND YOU....I spoke about this in a previous post about TIME, but the thing with DREAM is, it really wasn't supposed to be my word this year, but it may as well have been. It's got my name all over it at the moment, and no matter how much I try and ignore it, it just won't go away, instead, it's coming to me in all shapes, forms and sizes...right now, I guess you could call me a DREAMCATCHER:-D. It's stalking me, following me around like a paparazzi - and I'm just thinking....how weird is this???...time and dream are two words I really don't think share a close association, and besides, it was all about TIME this year....it just doesn't fit into my PLANS!!! - you know how when a girl get's something in her head.....but life does work in mysterious ways doesn't it....

So here's what I'm thinking.....you need to really, really take TImE to DrEaM, and maybe that's my message...time and dream altogether, wrapped up in one neat little partnership, like two little love birds that spread joy and beautiful song....:-))...sigh....

But here's another reason why DREAM has been stalking me....I have been asked, nudged and cajoled into facilitating a DREAM CLUB over the next 12 weeks - starting 2 weeks ago already with our first session, which was AWESOME!! I'm excited, I'm nervous, I'm DREAMING that soon we will DARE to DANCE ....but more about that in a later post:-)).....

Sticking with dreams, I really wanted to share the news that today we returned from a 5 day adventure, living one of our all time dreams, a bucket list item actually, and I wanted to share it, because I do believe that with the right tools, dreams SO DO COME TRUE!

Just cruizin'.....

This morning our family returned from our wonderful adventure on the cruise ship, the Sinfonia. I have no doubt that this unforgettable experience is something we will all treasure forever – as young as our children may be, these last 5 days are firmly embedded in their hearts and minds, and likewise with Nick and I. During the build up to our trip we all worked hard and made our share of sacrifices, so our children have learnt that work hard, play hard is so worth it in the end....

A number of years ago, I created a vision board which I placed on a mirror in my dressing room. Throughout the day, every single member of our family uses this area – probably because you can pretty much find anything you’re looking for in there :-DD- ...now I’m not saying I’m a hoarder, or a collector of sorts, …this is ORGANISED CRIME, where everything has it’s place…most of the time. I guess one could say my dressing room is an extension of my HANDBAG, only more stuff…..need I say more??? But I digress…back to my vision board…..vision boards have to be in a place where you will see it, and feel it, and my 'girlfriend room' is where I have those quiet little moments with myself, as I contemplate life, give thanks, (and mull over just how and why cellulite gets into places you almost never knew you had!!). I only realised a few weeks ago that the last two items that were still left on that board from 2008, have both come to fruition in the last 2 months!! I truly believe that goals and dreams are such important things to have. However you also need to the tools to accomplish them – a vision board has proved to be one of the most powerful things I have ever done from a personal growth, self belief and motivational point of view. If you don’t have well defined dreams and goals, you’ll never achieve them. Seeing dreams come true only motivates you to dream bigger and better….even if you start with something small…just DREAM it, and vision board it!

Love is...shoes...anyway you can get them!

The girls swimming at Barra

Sammy and Bri' snorkeling at The Portuguese Islands

Beautiful crystal clear waters at P I

The beach infront of Casa Do Sol - Mozambique

Beautiful beach area - low tide outside Casa do Sol

Me and my honey - Barra

Bartering for shells....

Barra

Sabrina and Paigey - Tropical Party on Deck

Girl power - and ONE BOY

Quiet time at the back of the boat.....

.....sigh.....sometimes no captions necessary.....

The Sinfonia's amazing DREAM TEAM with our littlies...an amazing group of HAPPY ...and there's that word dream again!

HEART LOVE.

2011-02-14T00:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines to any lovelies who read this post.

Well in Keeping with the valentine's vibe, I have to say that LOVE is so in my face right now.....not only has everything been red, pink and heart shaped for the last few weeks in preparation for our Grade 7's Valentine Market - a biggie at our school, but I'm currently reading an amaazing book, all about the power of LOVE....yip...it's all Jennifer Rush right now:-)), but seriously, it has been such an incredible reminder of how powerful this tool is.....

The law of attraction and the law of love are one and the same. Love is the feel good emotion, and that's where we need to be, to attract ANYTHING positive into our lives. So maybe Valentines day isn't so bad after all, if we use it wisely as a tool to remind ourselves that, what we send out into the world is what comes back to us ....

Our sweetie, displaying her VALENTINE GOODIES.....this cutsey little 'shopfront' display unit did not look cutesy at all when we found on it on the trash heap outside the party shop...but nothing a sprinkling of spray paint can't fix:-) ...it's been all candy pink, red and white, hearts and love and bird delight....pink ribbon and lace and red polka dot too....just what is a pink lovin' girl to do!!!

SIGH......such eye candy...just HEART it all....the cutesy pastel pegs can be bought from my UBER talented friend, Venessa Matthews at LITTLE MUD HUT.....she can also be found at the I HEART MARKET - just GIDDY for all her creations!

this time....

2011-02-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Time is my word....

I started this year with absolutely no new year's resolutions whatsoever......none. and I was ok with it. But deep down inside, I was like..."Really???.....you're SERIOUSLY not going to go with even one???".... .I guess I really just couldn't bear the thought of something left unachieved, unfinished, incomplete - in the face of me striving really hard to be better at everything I'm not "better at", and doing really well at being disciplined in all the goals I had set myself. Why then go out and settle on a bunch of unrealistic goals, that are sure to lead me down the garden path of self loathe and failure....

But soul searching and introspection is a wonderful thing, - because I mulled over it all, contemplated, and then told myself to wait...just bide my TIME, and "IT" would come..... and it did. SO instead of new year's resolutions, my heart and mind were ONE on choosing a WORD - a word that resonates with me and where I'm at, at this point in my life, a word that encompasses a multitude of things, and would remind me what they are and what they mean to me....and after some long hard thought, reflecting on some powerful, meaningful words, and more soul searching, I finally found TIME, and it found me....

SO far, it's been a revelation to see how being focused on just one word, can bring about so much positive change. It's simple, it stands out, it's uncomplicated, and there's no "getting confused" about what you're trying to achieve - it just is, what it is.

Time is now my word, my mantra, my promise for the year, to myself. A promise to use it wisely and to be respectful of it, my promise to give it, share it and make the most of it, to savour it with those I love, and be ruthless with things that rob me of it, to plan more, and cash in on that organisation, and then last but not least, to always remember that above all else to enjoy the now....and be present in it....this TIME.

Just January.....

2011-02-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

I.do.not.know.where.January.went.

Just when I was getting used to saying her name again, she was gone. She left us with some great memories though - she blessed us in ways we just weren't expecting, but she made us sweat every time:-)

First the rain, which was delightful - my garden just blossomed and FLOURISHED...but then...maybe not so fun anymore:-/.....when I stopped being able to count the number of times we uttered that word - always questioning when it would end, and then, almost as if it was too good to be true, the day before we left for our Drakensburg camping holiday with friends.......things like this started to happen ....

And oh Lord, then this......!!!!

And life was good, and we revelled in every minute of it!

As we prepared to enjoy the outdoors, doing crazy things like this, in the glorious January sunshine :-))

And we did soooo much of this..... we forced ourselves to languish in heated pools until 10pm at night...sigh...i LUURVE a heated pool...anytime, anywhere, any season!!

Watching our children outdoors from sun up to sundown, sigh...made my heart so very grateful for every ray of sunshine:-))

And when the evenings came, they pulled out all the stops, and challenged those beautiful summer days to beat that magnificent sunset and open star spangled skies...

Sipping my tea in bed, whilst I took in the view from my caravan window every morning reminded me how much i LOVE summer, camping, and green open pastures - with little tractor ploughing the fields in the distance to complete the picture, and I would just smile and think.....does God know how to push my buttons or WHAT!?!

We would get crazy...oh how I looove crazy.....

Our children took great delight in watching this little fledging trying to spread his wings, day after day - he found himself quite content on Savannah's head..

ok...i don't know how this pic snuck in.....men, beer, bush..not much else to say, except that eeeeveryone's happy...

And last but not least, this very simple shot of our 2 chickens at breakfast just makes me smile....everything from the clothes they are wearing, to the bikes in the background, camping chairs and their favourite enamel camping mugs are a wonderful reminder of how good January was to us, and just how much I appreciate it at a time where chaos reigns elsewhere in the world.....and seriously, i mean I'm reeeeAAAl appreciative, seeing as we don't have a boat...

Making memories

2011-01-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

After 19 wonderful days of having my Mom in our home, we sadly had to say our goodbyes at King Shaka Airport this afternoon. I shouldn't really say sadly, because although our hearts were heavier than usual, the last thing we did before we turned away from each other, was LAUGH. Mom and I laugh a lot together, so that was a given!

It has been a wonderful time of real togetherness, where my mother has enjoyed valuable quality time with our our family, and in particular, our children, allowing my DH and I to also steal some awesome one on one time together:-). SO all in all a happy, memorable holiday - a lovely way to see in the year, remembering how fortunate we are to have the warmth and joy that comes from family, love, sharing, togetherness, laughter, abundance and beautiful memories. I lit these candles in remembrance of my wonderful grandmother who i adore, love, miss a thousand times a day - our first Christmas without her. The funny thing about losing a loved one, is that often, remembering them and finding the memories, means that no matter how much you carry them with you in the present, you have to painfully look back all the time, spend time dwelling in the past, "hang in the archives", you can't help but go there, even if it means you have to go against so much of what we are told to avoid. The upside is that it makes you appreciate those in the present as exactly that...the GIFT they are...

We now have a few days of family time here at home to pack and prepare, before we head off camping with friends - I'm considering building me an ARK, to replace the caravan, as a result of all the RAIN we're having...just GOING WITH THE FLOW so to speak:-))...

2010 - IT'S A WRAP

2010-12-31T08:08:00.000-08:00

IT'S A WRAP - 2010

PRETTY PAPER YUMMINESS

THE WRAPPING 'ELFETTES'

I have such blog guilt about being away from this space for so long, and yet just a few minutes ago i was sitting outside with my boy, chatting about the importance of always trying where possible, to be in the moment - that is one of my 'things'. With December being the busy month that it is, being in the moment means so much less time to reflect or blog - the downside. It's been a month of birthday's, all sorts of year end parties and get-togethers and I guess all I can say is that I am so grateful to have the priviledge of wonderful people in my life who share these adventures with me. At times like this I try and be ever mindful of how sad this time of year can be for those who have less - time, friends, family, health or happiness.

It's the last day of December and 2010, and I feel more hopeful and less reticent about 2011 than I did for 2010. As I look around me I see friends and family on the verge of great things and I feel excited that 2011 is going to be a year of opportunities and growth, and whether they are simple or grandeous, they are opportunities nonetheless. I have no great revelations, resolutions, or plans for the year ahead, except to say that I am so happy in my own skin, and with where I am at right now, and that there is an opportunity just to be happy, and spread the joy, because where joy and gratitide is, abundance is never far behind.

Vee and Bee - Coffee Club Christmas Dinner

Our family Christmas table

The Stemp family - Christmas 2010

Happy new year everyone - see you in 2011;-)

On the couch...with a cappuccino

2010-11-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you read something, and you just know......................that if you ever met the person who wrote it, if you knew them, they would *know* you back....you would be HEART friends, because it's almost as if they can see into your soul....that's how I felt when I read this......

I want a life with less stuff in it - fewer clothes I don't wear, less mail and less paper; fewer to-do list items that don't make my heart sing. I want everything in my home to either do something or mean something.

I intend to travel less - only for real fun or real money.

I want less email and the nerve to not answer it if I don't feel like it, and maybe not even open it if I don't feel like that. I want a clearer calendar and a shorter tax return.

I look forward to divesting from my wardrobe any garment that has "sweat" as its first syllable.

I relish the thought of knowing less about Brad and Angelina and more about me. I crave the chance to do more work that matters and less that spins my wheels.

I want days to be longer so I don't have to choose between mediation and writing in my journal, or between yoga and Pilates, my husband and my daughter. Long days would mean making dinner from scratch and writing with a pen. Days like that would put empty spaces in my life so if something wonderful showed up, there would be room for her to sit. I want more time to spend with my dog. (If I had the time, I'd get the dog.)

I want to live in the day I'm given and stop defusing miracles by needing them so much.

I want to spend more time with the people I love and the ones I find interesting.

I yearn to immerse myself in the sacred and be choosy about the profane.

I choose to live my life now and never again strive to reach a goal unless I should happen to take up hockey....

When I read this I was overcome by emotion....how can someone so far, be so on the mark about my life....I guess because whilst we do sometimes feel like lost souls out at sea, we are more alike, and less alone than we think.....
This piece was writen by one of my favourite authours: Victoria Moran

How does my garden grow?

2010-11-22T03:26:00.000-08:00

After a weekend away at the beach, my soul is restored. I am ALWAYS aprehensive about my feelings regarding the spring season, but never before has my garden been so full of life, growth and promise...

This morning the pups and I took a stroll all over the property so they could run wild and explore - this is a place that always makes me stop and smile, as I take it all in. Such simple stuff I tell you, but I'm so grateful for it all.

I see my children in every corner of this garden - I see their muddy little footprints everywhere - and the footprints of their friends. I see my husband taking in the view while he has his quiet time, and I feel the love and friendship we've enjoyed here. I can hear my little ones chasing butterflies and chickens, and oooh'ing and aah'ing over newborn baby chicks. I see them shrieking each time they see and identify a new bird, find chameleons, and the times they've seen our visiting buck.....and I love the way they (still) run from bees - lol!

They have played, prayed, explored, laughed, cried, hurt, hunted, rested, and grown up in this garden.

I have tried, in vain, for as long as I can remember, to sucessfully grow tomatoes....I won't bore you with the failures I've had, but tomatoes trees now grow with reckless abandon, in all the places they *shouldn't*:-)))....but each time I pop a cherry into my mouth, I'm amaaazed, that they're HOMEGROWN!! This one particular tomato tree is LADEN - none of us have EVER seen one so full of fruit???....just shows you, when it's meant to be, it'll be where it's meant to be...:-)

I feel like the trees watch over us here. Some parts of our garden are neat and orderly, while others rambling and wild.

This year the mango tree has produced her first fruit. Just last night our boy was saying how much he loves "wet" (fresh) mango...I'm holding thumbs that he'll soon be able to pick them straight from the tree:-))

My hydrangeas are starting to shine....i've missed them....they provide colour and love in the home every time I step inside...

And these little pink blossoms remind me how much i still love, love, love PINK.

Everything passes....

2010-11-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

A beach weekend with both families and their dogs...i'm hoping for this.....that they'll hang, like old friends:-)

ahhhhhhh.....finally I feel like I can see a glimmer of light.....that represents my life from a few weeks ago, before our home became the place where *'to do's* took hostage of our family!!! It was a hostile take over at that....i went kicking and screaming, resenting the fact that all the time I seemed to be spending with my children, revolved around tasks, chores, schedules and more of all that!! But eventually, as is the case with all things that need to be done, we all settled into the routine, of "let's just suck it up, and get those 'to do's' on our 'ta-daaa' list!! To say that my children have impressed me this last term with their commitment and perserverance towards a ridiculous amount of school work (in my humble opinion), is an UNDERSTATEMENT - my observation is that, as a Mom, juuuust when you think you're about to pop over the edge, things happen that surprise you, which is often just what you need, not a minute too late, to regain your composure....oh and lots of mantras that go..."this too shall pass"....and my absolute favourite "inch by inch an elephant's a synch:-).

Exams and the 12 projects (hey..when things feel overwhelming I COUNTDOWN OK??) we've had over the last few weeks, are now a thing of the past, and all I can do is hope and pray that they are both rewarded with the results deserving of the effort they have so dilligently put in (so that I can ~~prove that Mom's always right!!~~ back up my theory of "what you put in is what you get out" ...please Lord let it be!!).

We woke this morning to a beautiful sunny day, with promise of 2 more days of beach temperatures and sunny skies....yes please! I feel so ready to run out and embrace this *time out*!!! Packing this morning and then off to a weekend away with friends....

Just one snag.....yesterday we had our first 'puppy playdate' with puppachino's and all:-))) - my two sweet girls thought it was *heaven*. We figured best to introduce our little girls to the 2 boy friends they'l be beaching with this weekend. Ahem...yes well, some things do take time ....at some point in the playdate, when things were not looking promising - Hunter barking way too excitedly and licking his lips at the sight of our tiny, teensy weensy little Jasmine, I do recall anxiously looking over at Candice and saying..."I'm so ok with this - I really am"..
<>

Just planning what to pack for the girl pupps:-)

Time....

2010-11-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

It's so close....I can hear the music. see the lights. smell the mince pies...feel the joy.

Today was Coffee Club. There were 13 of us....9 of us regular 'coffee love'-ers, 2 visitors that popped in - we luuurve welcoming newies:-)))), and two precious baby girls added to the mix - we figured that's the next generation taken care of - LOL....our two little babies went round and round the coffee table, getting loved, and hugged and smothered in pink, fluffy kisses, totally entranced - they in turn, made us MELT.

You know the saying that says...when we take more time, we have more of it...my Wednesday morning magic puts me in that happy space....I've sooo needed that after busy weeks with children's exams, and lots of DIY happening on the home front ...and work.

The strangest thing happened a few weeks ago....

I sat down and said..."God...you know my heart, and where it is and wants to be, and you know it's in the right place, so if you don't mind, could you handle things for me while I spend my time and energy on things I think you would want me to be taking care of right now". Just to be sure, I ended with........now remember, you promised, you've got my back....

It's amazing how, since I had 'THE TALK', I've been able to 'take more time, and have more of it', where I've needed to...sometimes it's all about just saying...this is what I need right now......

SUN

2010-11-11T03:12:00.000-08:00

After 2 days of rain, that just wouldn't be beat, we woke to the most amazing day today. It was still, and sunny, and everything looked almost luminous green from rain, rain and more rain. Suffice to say I just had to take full advantage of the weather, (wished it could have been on the beach!) and did something that I have never done before....declared the porch my temporary office, and soaked up the sights and sounds of the outdoors. I really am so grateful that have the flexibility that allows me to work this way. The downside I have noticed lately, is that sometimes, being your own boss and being able to dictate how and where you do things can sometimes means that you very rarely choose things out of your comfort zome, which is essentially how you grow. So am really making the effort lately to reach out to new ideas and just new ways of being, or doing things - even trying something that scares me...maybe say like EXERCISE....snigger:-))

Took this pic yesterday on my mobile of my daughters class having their version of ART JAMMING, with a real artist. THEEEY LUUURVED it...we jammed ART so much they had this beauty at the end to show for it:-) We are very proud of our boy, who has also been accepted into this amazing programme for next year - our daughter has blossomed by being on this project, so as parents we are just so grateful that we are associated with a school that is so forward thinking, and shows such great initiative and commitment.

Yesterdays session made me toy with the idea of attempting some canvasses myself! I mean how SCARY can it be to paint a TREE!?!...lol!

still in October...

2010-11-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

It has been oh so long since I last posted.......

I almost cannot comprehend that we are already hurtling towards the middle of November, when I am barely done reminiscing about how good October was to us. She brought the much needed rain, that brought relief to so many thirsty areas, and revived our gardens, back to the green lawns and bursts of colour that are always so inviting at this time of year, that draw me into my garden, to walk, and smell and savour......oh how i have missed the flowers!!

October was also an extra special month thanks to the much anticipated arrival of two very special friends....my precious gf's, sisters.....Andrea and Linda. There were times when I had to blink, to pinch myself, to comprehend that having them in my personal space was for real! Having them here to sip tea from antique rose tea cups, to laugh and to share and reminisce, was food for the soul and a gift in itself.......

We have also been totally focused and lovestruck by our two darling little girl pups, who despite some sleepless nights, have already grown so quickly, and have brought a new energy to our home and our life.....

And then DIY, lots of DIY....so so so much DIY, as I've tackled some small reno projects and the more serious DIY mini redo and maintenance of our garden cottage....

I have had these prints for about 12 years now, and finally shabbied some R20 frames to do them justice......

A few months ago I discovered the joy of having a staple gun...love love love...I bought the fabric on the left for about R40 about 10 years ago, and am half way through recovering the 4 cottage dining chairs

Twiggy vinyl wall art is one of my new favourite things!!! Finally we've found just the thing for above our bed......

Just had to thank my two gf's, Trac who very kindly sponsored ECO friendly paper to HPS to enhance our ECO SCHOOLS 2010 submission, and Vee, who as always worked her MAGIC and helped us put together such a YU-MMY licious front cover - sadly this photo depicting it half completed, doesn't nearly do it justice...a wooden album cover with my all time favourite...TREE!!

And last but not least, so enjoyed making this little tweety bird which went onto a gift bag..made with love

Now November is here, and with it, is the promise of Christmas....my absolute favourite time of the year. A time of celebration, thanks, love, joy, giving, caring and sharing.......

These two...

2010-10-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday the 9th October, this happened.........

These two precious little sisters became a part of our family. It was not a decision taken lightly AT ALL, and something we have debated, mulled over, researched and agonised over for months and months. 3 years ago we became the proud owners of a beautiful cross Jack Russell called Sam, after much begging and pleading from our children to have a puppy to love. The long and the short of that story is that Sam was smart, energetic, adventurous, boisterous and in true Jack RUssell style, a little crazy sometimes. We soon realised that what he needed was so much more than our two children were in a position to give. Luckily, the story ended happily, and we found a new home with a WONDERFUL, loving family whom we trusted to have him, the moment we laid eyes on them. Since then, we've all grown older and wiser, and have taken the plunge AGAIN. I researched for hours, days, weeks this time until I felt confident that we were doing the right thing....

I am so so grateful we decided to keep these little girls together.....knowing they have each other makes all the difference...

Dom's puppy, Jasmine is just like her owner, mischievious, more daring than her sister, playful and brave

Sabrina's Kimmi, just like her owner is a little princess...gentle, cautious, 'responsible over her sibling', obedient, and sometimes fretful

There were tears of joy when she realised her prayers had been answered

This little girl's heart feels whole again.....

Long lasting friendships

2010-10-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

Just had to post pics, from our Friday fondue evening for memory keeping. A fun-filled evening with awesome food, and quality time with friends who'm we have known since our girls became best friends at 18 months old. I admit the dresscode leaves much to be desired - it's a long story, why we always have to wear serviettes on our heads, but it's stuck nonetheless, and every year we seem to get more and more ridiculous.....this year we funked it up a bit with some cool, hip and happening SUNNIES - ISH!!

I cherish the fact that we have stayed close and in contact, and that we are watching each others children grow up...i LOVE that I have known Tom from before he was even born, and have such fond and vivid memories of the first time I ever laid eyes on him as a newborn (feels like yesterday). I can remember Kate as a little girl, regularly climbing into my car with her Spiderman socks on - totally mismatched to the rest of the outfit :-),....on Friday she wore an outfit especially for me - sweet thing.

I love the fact that my children have friends that they have literally grown up with - I think that is a priviledge and the kind of friendships you cherish.....

Dom, Tom, Kate and Sabrina
I often wonder where and how these 4 kiddies, who love each other dearly, will be in 10 years time......

And whether we've inspired them to always remember to ~~dress better~~ make time for each other, their families, their friends, and to sieze every opportunity to create wonderful memories....

Kate and Sabrina

Indirectly, it was these two little girls who brought us all together...in life, you just don't always know where wonderful things will come from:-)

FUN DO FRIDAY...

2010-10-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

It's Friday!!! I can't HELP but celebrate and oooh and aaahh over the fact that it's weekend. That's one big plus about my life as a working girl, versus when I was at home with babies full time.....Friday's become just that much more significant...that's a good thing right? The not so great, make the great REEEALLLY AWESOME. I've really worked hard this week, and that somehow always makes me feel even better about FRiDaY:-) :-) . I've mentioned the work of Mark Gungor before - well I took the online survey, and turns out, I'm from "FUN COUNTRY" first, and second, from "PERFECT COUNTRY".....your home country defines a lot about what you thrive on, what drives you, what you're passionate about, what fils and soothes your soul....and I guess, yeah....if I'm totally honest, I have ALWAYS worked to live, not the other way around. No matter how good I might be at my job, I will NEVER love a job as much as I love just enjoying life, loving and living it to the full - that is really part of my personal purpose and will ALWAYS take priority in my life. I've realised that people from FUN COUNTRY do crazy things...even at home where noone can see them.....just for kicks...yep...that'd be me:-)

Today is a FUN FRIDAY for me....I have 2 very precious friends popping in for tea this morning - just because WE CAN.......and this afternoon my soul sister Linnie will hopefully find some time to stop by, and spend some time hanging in my lounge, sipping tea out of rosy vintage cups...just like we used to....

sigh...so spring...so summer too

In between all this, I'll be focused and working...crazy eh?

This evening we are hosting very dear family friends of ours for our annual "FUN-DO" (FONDUE) event. What I really love about this event is that our two families have created a tradition together....a yearly event where it's just something that we do together, our two families. It's so important to have traditions within a family, but also in friendships...it kind of just cements things??....So at this event, we cook, we chop veggies and prepare food together, we laugh, we dance, we share, we do crazy fun things with our kids, we fondue at our FUN-DO...we make memories that will tie us together, always.....

Have a super duper happy festive crazy weekend...

NOw THIS is WHAT i'm ALL ABOUT TODAY!!!...yummy

LUCKY IN LOVE....

2010-10-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today, 13 years ago, my husband and I committed ourselves to one another, in the Home Affairs office in Umgeni Street. Heck I guess one could say, it could ONLY get better from there, eh? Looking back, I don't know what was worse - Home Affairs, or the purple suit i was wearing at the time, ~~which I thought was STUNNING~~ . Sadly, Greek Papa's (ministers) are not legally recognised in South Africa, SO prior to the actual BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING we had on the 18th October, today is the date that we LEGALLY became husband and wife.

It just so happened that a project I've been working on this week, took me back through the last 5 years worth of family photo's we've taken, and going back in time has really made me realise what an incredible journey it's been, and how much Nick and I have accomplished and experienced in our life together. We've done some crazy, amazing, wonderful things, and I do firmly believe that aside from honesty and communication, FUN is without a doubt one of the essential ingredients in a marriage. A lifetime of good and bad experiences, have brought us closer together than I think we ever imagined we could be, all those years ago.

I feel so so grateful for the history I share with this wonderful man, for our journey together, and for the wonderful life we have had so far. I love that ~~he has survived some of the crazy stuff I do~~, lets me be me, and that he has been the rock that I've clung to when the world seems scarier than usual. He compliments me with his gentle, soft, sensible side, and yet he's a far bigger risk taker than I am. He loves a party as much as I do, and is every kind of father a child could wish for - that makes me love him even more.

The cherry on the top is that 13 years ago today, in addition to a husband, I gained another whole family that I married into, who I love love love, and are such a blessing in our lives....people who make our world a better place. Today I am just remembering how lucky in love i am :-)

Spring mist and rain

2010-10-05T03:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning, and spring has finally made her presence felt.....she teased us for a whole month with sunny days and high temperatures, but we are soooo delighted with the much needed rain.

In true Hillcrest style, we woke this morning to mist floating through the nature reserve below us, and fine rain that promises to restore our gardens to the beautiful lush lawns we so desperately miss!!

Linnie is here visiting from England and time spent with her has been GOLD!! Working hard towards next week's showcase, but will DEFINITELY be stealing moments away from my desk to enjoy our precious friend.....YAY!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

tO "BEE" fREe

2010-10-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I had a bee visitor.....i know it was an intentional visit because yesterday I saw another bee, and since my very wise aunt and mother believe that certain animals/insects show up for a reason, I believe.... it just makes sense to me - i guess maybe that thought also comes from my belief that God was intentional about everything he made...colours, nature, animals, US ..and that everything is relevant and linked and influences everything else....on purpose...that's what I mean.

SO my Bee visitor waited to get my attention and then tried to leave...through the plate glass window....it was just SOOOO not gonna happen, LOL!!- the whole 'I can fly through this big glass window thang'....obviously. So I jumped up to let it free through a window, thinking, all the while, how I could so relate to how it was feeling....like I can see through the window - i can see where I'm going and what's ahead and where I want to be, but I have to dig so so deep ~~sometimes~~ lately to stay focused and apply myself, and that sometimes, i guess most of us can feel a little like there's an invisible wall between us and something that's possible, or necessary, or on our 'wish list'...you fill in the blank. It takes me back to last night, when a little voice inside me said "Hey, cut yourself some slack....it's been a tough year....". Losing my Gran took what felt like YEARS off my life....everyday is a day without HER...it's like a stone that weighs me down....just a little...it's a sadness that's ever present, it's something I know I haven't really come to terms with.....not that I'm focusing on the negtive, but I felt relief just taking the time to think about and acknowledge the changes in my life that have influenced me this year....

This morning whilst chatting to a speaker, a man who is wise in so many ways, and for whom I have huge respect, he said something that unwittingly brought me such peace ....just like me setting my bee free.....his words set me free....AmaZing.....sometimes we hold onto people and things and situations so so tightly, that it hurts and hinders us more than it should.....it's so good to just sometimes let go a little.....I have that problem with my children.....I hold onto EVERYTHING about them, too tightly....

So today i thought i'd let go of the fact that it's Monday, and that we're back to school, and that I'm busy, and I would try to concentrate on just bee'ing "free"..... so whatever's holding you back today...just try and let it go...just like you would let a pencil fall out of your hand....or watch a butterfly or bee fly away....

Restoration..to soul, home and hamster

2010-09-27T02:18:00.000-07:00

Room with a view

It's Monday morning...(think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts).....We have just arrived back home from a looovely beach weekend away with friends....just what the soul needed to be restored....but yes..on that note...it's fast turned into a DIY Monday I tell you....

I love the way GIRLS always cling to each other for support

It's amazing how quickly the chaos returns .....30 seconds into arriving home we are frantically trying to rescue Sabrina's hamster, who had ONCE AGAIN wrapped her leg (i have no idea??) through the bars of the cage, and had resorted to trying to gnaw her leg off to get free.....last time she did this, her leg and thigh was UNRECOGNIZEABLE (breathe into a paper bag...heave), but fortunately she was too weak at the time to put up much of a fight as we tried frantically to work out what was what from the mangled mess??!?!....this time, she had so much fight in her, it took 3 of us to free her.....(sweating).....wheoh where are the jaws of life when you need them???...I am now CONVINCED that there's DEFINITELY something in a name...I keep asking Sabrina why oh why she bloody called her STORM in the first place??? ....because now, there is NOTHING calm about her..., and as things stand, it appears there never will be!

The pool people are here to do a complete overhaul/restoration on our pool...FUN....so that's another distraction and my to do list is growing by the minute....

But driving on the way home this morning reflecting on what a lovely weekend we all had, my DH and I observed that, life will always be a series of "Monday morning's". Let's face it, life is filled with risk, beauty, chaos, serenity, and good and bad surprises ALLATTHESAMETIME eh?....to survive it all, you really just have to accept that that's the way it is, swim with the current, put your happy face on, and feel it right down to your toes....no really - you gotta just put that fear, and all the other stuff we love to cling to, in it's place.

The sea was BEAUTIFUL

Nick and Gary

Our little spring chickens - Sabrina, Savannah, Dominic and Kenyah

Too too too much CUTENESS...sigh....

I am so enjoying capturing this boy lately.....he's warming to the camera - finally!!

Ken....such a precious soul...

Happy Monday:-)

Me on a Monday

2010-09-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

Today is juuuust the most beautiful day outside, and although it's Monday and I have a TON of stuff to do, (especially at work), I am DETERMINED to see it as a wonderful day that has been wrapped up in glorious sunshine and opportunity, which interpreted into my language, means BEAUTY, JOY AND ABUNDANCE arrree miiine.....

OK so you might be laughing inside at the fact that I am sooo full of 'ignorance that is bliss', but seriously, I made a CHOICE this morning, based on the fact that potentially, this day had...well...really NOTHING going for it, that I was going to choose to be happy, despite all the "i would sooo rather lick paint than DO THIS" kind of work I had in store for me - ISH. SO it was do or DIE i'm afraid...

It did seem so much easier to lie down and sucumb to the overwhelming feeling of "how will I EVER get through TODAY", but i just said to my procrastinaing self...."self...none of what you have waiting on your desk is going to miraculously disappear, so best you put those big girl panties on, suck it up, and ENJOY THE RIDE!!".......I also often think about all the lessons i teach my children, about giving your all, doing things right, and doing what needs to be done, and I thought I would dedicate this day to them, and try and lead by example....sigh....seriously????....

shew.... that's a loota psychology just to muster up the Monday mood dont ya think??...but hey...a girl's gotta do what a girls gotta do to get her mojo going....

So i really just wanted to pop in to report, for anyone else who may be chewing their way through Monday, that starting at 7am this morning I have had my head down, and am super happy to report that I have achieved sooo much, by just taking one DARN THING AT A TIME.....

Happpy Monday!!!

Delightful

2010-09-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

I think we're in for a scorcher of a summer...these first few days of spring have been so much warmer and sunnier than last year, so I guess we could call this a thumpin' happy Tuesday, and on that happy note, i just have to say......

waaaant.....sigh


i luuurve.....

i neeed......!!!

Have a happy day, and consider yourself lucky today!!

a love list.....

2010-09-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

To live life BEAUTIFULLY....that's my thing.

This is the conclusion I have come to over the last few days, after ~~countless conversations with myself (and yes I DO have friends)~~ much soul searching. I needed to just take stock and post mortem the last few crazy weeks (i do this), which have left me feeling quite dazed and confused actually.....I like fine magical MIST...not thick delusional FOG.

I suddenly realised this morning what's been the cause of me feeling like I've been having a "charmed life blackout". I feel as though I just haven't been able to let my heart, mind and soul work their magic, the way I want them to...and therein lies the problem......

the thing about being a perfectionist, or having OCD, or like me, wanting everything to be simply *magical* is that there are just not enough hours in the day for ~~the sometimes sky high expectations we have of life~~ us to get to everything *blush*....sigh....seriously...how is a woman supposed to say (we speak like 60000 words a day don't we??) and do everything, JUST the way she want's it, in a 24 hour time frame...eh?

That said, I am a firm believer of the opinion that, those of us who expect and believe in miracles in a gracious and appreciative way, will have them show up for us.

So I woke up today to beautiful sunshine, and reminded myself that even though it's Monday, I need to expect and give thanks for all the miracles that will come my way today....see the diamonds in the rough - they don't all need to be blingy chandeliers to be worthy of appreciation ~~i guess~~ !

I've also decided to go back to spending more time with my gratitude journal, because its always been a sure way of reminding me of the beauty, when I have less time to reflect...so here's just some stuff from my love list today....

i love that when I went to buy strawberries, I found them at R9.99 a punnet, and they were just beautiful, the way they should be!
i love that today i posted my mom an envelope filled with love....snail mail
i love that i found time to be creative...even if just for a few minutes
i love love love love that my children's exams are finally over and that they'll have 'me' time again
i love that today's weather will mean we can have dinner outside on the porch tonight

this boy.....is a perfect 10.

2010-09-10T00:48:00.000-07:00

Today's post is dedicated to our darling son Dominic - aka Dom, knucklehead, my china, or (as he likes to call himself) THE D-MAN. Our boy turns ten tomorrow - double figures!...i hope that means double the fun, and with this little soul, that probably also means....ONE HELL OF A RIDE......:-)

AT 10, this boy knows what he wants, and he's not shy to say it. But what I love about him, so very very much, is that despite his confidence, his wisdom, and his brave heart, he has the manners and respect of an old fashioned boy, which he knows is something we feel really strongly about....

I've said this before, but he really does make me laugh....all the time....and he is UNDOUBTEDLY one of the kindest, gentlest, wittiest, most lovable people I know.....I LOOOVE and admire his passion for learning (don't be fooled .....about things that interest him) and the brilliance of his enquiring mind....

He calls me on things....(my DH LUURVES THAT!!)

He's cool with his own company for hours at a time, but he's also just plain crazy about people too

I love how if his sister is hurting, he'll cry for her, and vice versa.....he LOVES ABUNDANTLY THIS CHILD....that's beautiful.

I love that a few days ago he said "Mom...i love myself".....I will always remind him to......

I love how, even though his sister loves animals more, when he sees anything in distress, it touches and tugs at his heart, sometimes his eyes will well up, and he'll keep asking if "it's going to be ok"....

His face tells a story...usually a comical one.....but like me, at a glance you can tell what he's thinking and feeling.

Last weekend whilst driving in the car, we somehow got onto how chilled he was in the womb, and he said "Mom - thanks for making me....." and then a few seconds later he said...."oh and Dad.....thanks for supplying Mom with the RAW MATERIALS!!"........LOL!...the whole car errupted into fits of laughter

I am so grateful that he is healthy, happy and ours....

XXXXXX

Mom...when I'm older I really want to make movies in Hollywood...

Always happy....unless you give me grief:-)

<> <>

<>This is where I spend hours and hours playig with my Dad's armies from when he was a boy my age..

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Where this boy sleeps.......

IF you're wondering about all the UNUSUAL CODE, random text inbetween photo's that are duplicated etc etc. - i seem to be in a perpetual cycle of "what the HECK just happened" ever since I changed the template of my blog.....sorry...this is just a MOAN...this has NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with what my BLOG POST is about today...but I just have to vent!!!...i cannot place my text...i have to upload one pic at a time, and DO I SEEM LIKE THE TYPE THAT HAS THE TIME FOR THIS.....(sweating).....

the couch again..

2010-09-07T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mark Gungor, who I love love love says this about men - they spend aloooota time in their "nothing" boxes....:-/...(well aint that a suprise:-/)....but wait, it gets better..my ABSOLUTE best, is all the guffawing, slapping of sides, snorting, and "hi-fiving" that happens, when he announces this....seriously????.....how is that a good thing?.....and then they wonder why they die young???? (rolling eyes) ..it's called "lack of exercise"...!

....c'mon...are we really going to pretend we're suprised though, at this 'insight' into the male pysche (they have a psyche??)....you just need to observe them on the couch to know that that's NOTHING *REMOTELY* happening...right there.....(grin).....but the truth is, in my house, if everyone was on steroids like I am, ~~things would be GREAT~~ we'd have a problem....ish.....confession time...i think I'm half woman, half Ninja. I mean I must be...if you SAW the stuff I get up to, you'd be a believer.

SO I'm pondering on the fact that there MUST be something in it....the *nothing box* thing, but it does beg the question....I mean if God made man in his image, and they spend aaalll that time in their *nothing boxes*, then HEY???.....doesn't it make you wonder...just a little....about ....you know...what's REALLY going on "upstairs"???...

After deciding I've SERIOUSLY got to give this nothing-ness-less whateva, thingiemajig a try (it was either that or exercise ie. a no-brainer) ....... I found these beautiful words about a slower pace of living, written by Victoria Moran....i hope it inspires you to gear down to first, if you're ~~behaving like a woman possessed~~ feeling like you need it....

Here goes...she's just...sigh....a genius at work, a master of words, who's sees into the hearts of so many of us...

"I want a life with less stuff in it - fewer clothes I don't wear, less mail and less paper; fewer to-do list items that don't make my heart sing. I want everything in my home to either do something or mean something.

I intend to travel less - only for real fun or real money.

I want less email and the nerve to not answer it if I don't feel like it, and maybe not even open it if I don't feel like that. I want a clearer calendar and a shorter tax return.

I look forward to divesting from my wardrobe any garment that has "sweat" as its first syllable.

I relish the thought of knowing less about Brad and Angelina and more about me. I crave the chance to do more work that matters and less that spins my wheels.

I want days to be longer so I don't have to choose between mediation and writing in my journal, or between yoga and Pilates, my husband and my daughter. Long days would mean making dinner from scratch and writing with a pen. Days like that would put empty spaces in my life so if something wonderful showed up, there would be room for her to sit. I want more time to spend with my dog. (If I had the time, I'd get the dog.)

I want to live in the day I'm given and stop defusing miracles by needing them so much.

I want to spend more time with the people I love and the ones I find interesting.

I yearn to immerse myself in the sacred and be choosy about the profane.

I choose to live my life now and never again strive to reach a goal unless I should happen to take up hockey....

sigh....Happy Wednesday GF's.....swopping the mood....cappuccino's for cocktails......

Where I blog from...

2010-09-06T11:23:00.001-07:00

This is where I mostly sit, when I'm sipping tea.......:-)

I saw it somewhere......blog buddies sharing where they blog from.....I loved getting a peek into the space that inspire people when they're sharing their hearts and thoughts.....

this is where I blog from:-)...

I love this bird's eye view of the world outside....it makes my day so much more interesting to be able to watch the hens stroll past, butterflies flutter by, bees collect their sweetness from our winter garden, or sunbirds suck nectar from right outside my window....while I do ADMIN:-)....

Happy Tuesday everyone....

.....I'm so happy now that Monday is no longer on my "TO DO LIST"..

Spring

2010-09-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Our first few days of spring have brought no suprises...hot sunny days, inbetween days where the mist belt makes you feel you're somewhere magical, like in a fairy tale:-)......i have always LOVED watching the MIST make its way across our nature reserve...like little clouds floating off on their way to somewhere else.....The downside is I'm really going to miss the dry sunny days of winter, where you could PAINT.....AND PAINT AND PAINT, furtniture.

My DH asked me over dinner a few days ago, if eventually everything in our house is going to be painted white......i thought about it for a second, and before I could answer, my eyes fell onto my raw wood shabby linen shelf, and widened without me even knowing it......he shrugged and said....."I guess that's a YES then".....but seriously...what's a shabby chic lovin' girl to do:-)

I'm taking today off from a heavy month prior, to actually take in the wonders of spring in the quiet .... to lie on the porch and smell the jasmine, whilst I sip my tea and listen to the sounds of nature...even if just for a while...

I just luuurve birdfeeders.....thought this one was just too cutesy and original.....so need to find one that's "monkey proof".....

August RUSH....

2010-08-30T06:00:00.001-07:00

Dear August (- rush),

Man, you've really kicked my butt this month???? It's been a heck of a ride, and I'm not entirely sure how I'm feeling about that??? I'm guessing I needed it??

This morning, I'm cleaning my house because of you - you've left a tornado in your wake:-)....you've def been my "crazy person" friend over these last 30 days, sending me out to do all sorts of things, some of them I just don't agree with??? :-/..... multi-tasking, multi-faceting, dual purposing, double booking, pushing the envelope, cramming, ......crazy person i tell you....but getting the job done:-).....nevertheless...cleaning my house because of you.

I woke up this morning and asked my DH ....."Honey....are we there yet??? (Friday)"........it's only friggin TUESDAY!!!!!....but hey, I did enough work yesterday FOR A WEEK!!!!!!??????...SURELY THAT COUNTS FOR SOMETHING????????

September...now she's my girl.....it's all about the flowers, rebirth, sparkly new and happy, happy...i so need some of that....sloooow...hippy luuurve kinda feeling....sigh.....
Now I'm not saying there's no place for you, but your time is up.....you've had your 31 days! I'll give you this, you make things happen, and you've been really good to me, but I can't say I'll be sad to see you go....I'll need at least a YEAR to get over our little "REN-DE-VOUZ". On the outside, I may seem somewhat glib and "in control", but on the inside, man I'm a wreck!!!

As I said...you're my "crazy person" friend...till we meet again:-)

MIA....

2010-08-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

I WISH ..........i could say I've been bonding with yummy Miss Pink (above), but no.....more like the very dull, standard GREY cousin to her - maybe her and I will meet someday...soon!

I've soooo been MIA lately.....

It's hard being part of a generation of women who can pretty much have it all. I'll never forget Oprah saying on a show she did ages ago, dedicated to the topic of the modern woman, that yes, we can have it all, but maybe just not, "all at the same time"...I LOVED THOSE WORDS and have never forgotten them.....

The last few weeks of me being buried behind my desk, have felt like months actually, because it's so hard to have your heart focused firmly on your family, and your head, closing deals and beating to the very fast paced drum of life in the competitive world of business...but I laugh as I sit here typing this, and realise just how lucky i am to have the rewards that come from these two diverse worlds I live in; .....I've decided I'm soooo a "double agent".....sitting here at my desk, surrounded by everything that's representative of "a day at the office"....when all of a sudden, out of my big glass windows, I can see one of my girls (read chickens) chasing the other, who has her mouth FULL of the spoils of an obviously successful scratch in a patch somewhere closeby.....probably the roses...the poor roses....LOL!!

I love both worlds for different reasons, and they really do bring so many blessings to my world, but hands down, I choose the time spent with the family, and can just appreciate how my business is able to contribute to that, without taking too much away.

That said, there have been moments in the last few weeks, where too much of wearing this.....
has meant just not enough time of this.............

....my me time..... the things that remind me to smell the roses......:-)...especially when they're from my DH:-)

And then my famous old trick....to always "NEVER wear a watch", and that purple nail polish under the corporate attire, can be just the reminder you need, not to take life and the world too seriously....a good way of keeping one foot in one world and the other in another.....if you know what I mean....:-)
And last but not least...having temperatures of 31 degrees in WINTER, means you get to do this!!!!.....just because you can , and honestly, never underestimate the power of tucking into an ice cream...it really can MELT the stress AWAY....
We're off to JHB tomorrow morning early, to support our boys at soccer city....it's not often that our entire family get's to fly together - going to love that!!

On my couch...yep...I have a couch...I've decided!

2010-08-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one this morning, just to share my quiet time thoughts......

Sitting here just enjoying my garden and the sunshine so so much, listening to the birds tweet away...i LOVE this time of the morning, especially on a Thursday.

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, it's really hard to imagine that you're HERE.....(imagine beautiful scrapbooking arrow pointing to pic below)

When ACTUALLY...you're .....here.....(trumpet plays down trodden music here)

From my little CHARMED LIFE bible, I've chosen to reflect on this today...words and thoughts I just LOVE:- BUILD SOUL EQUITY

"No matter what an experience looks like on the outside, there's soul gold in there somewhere. Find it."

Once you're convinced that you're here to learn and grown and expand your capacity to love, know, and experience life, you'll start to value everything you do and everything that happens to you in terms of soul equity. Then you'll feel less pressure to radically alter your life or yourself. Uncovering the intangible treasures within the obligations you already have, and within the woman you already are, becomes much more appealing.

It is tempting for the ego to let the boring, difficult and unpleasant aspects of our lives convince us that life is largely boring, difficult and unpleasant. Living through these, and learning through them, builds soul equity that's worth more than money in the bank.....

WOW...i love this....my example of building soul equity comes from searching for the gold, and the soul equity in the tasks that I find make my already hectic schedule that much more crazy, and sometimes makes me feel less capable of being the "unhurried woman" I so desperately want to be, but the last two weeks, for example, instead of a rushed time spent in the car in the afternoons, wishing it away, we play awesome music (ok we always do that:-)) but I've taken my travel mug with a cappuccino with me (NOW we're talking!!), and a little bit of crochet for the waits, and even spent some time sitting with a friend in my car, having an awesome catch-up session!....Today I'll find another area to improve on....."HOMEWORK TIME"...that's it!....hmmm...wonder how I'll be able to make that enjoyable...NOW THERE'S A CHALLENGE for finding soul gold if ever!!! LOL!

So girls THIS is where I'll be today....(in my mind's eye).....and don't laugh.....it wasn't an easy choice...I CHOSE THIS BEACH CAREFULLY...*sigh*...there were just sooo many YU-MMY one's to choose from....so go find your beach, and build some soul equity today:-)...just because YOU CAN....

totally HOOKED, and in STITCHES!...with my GF's

2010-08-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

I know the title of today's blogpost is somewhat ambiguous, but I just couldn't RESIST, in light of the fact that we are all positively CROCHET MAD at the moment:-)

....I think the lady at the wool shop is having a BUMPER MONTH - I wouldn't be surprised if she's seen a SIGNIFICANT increase in her turnover, and is probably wondering if maybe, just maybe, the economy might be turning after all! LOL!!!

No ...it's just coffee club gone a little crazy....inspired by my special friend Ronda - all the way in JHB, who i feel is indirectly responsible for this little crochet revolution in the little town of Hillcrest...the photo's below are examples of most of our work....and REALLY...our mobile camera's just don't do them justice AT ALL....even if i say so myself:-)We have all had so so much fun with this, but for me what's been the most exciting thing is to watch the different creations emerging from a group of women, who, up until a month ago, (me) and the rest, (except for Trac) up until 2 weeks ago, had probably never held a crochet needle in their LIVES!!! GF's....I think you are all SUCH amazing women - you all have SUCH a zest for life, I LOVE your "can do" attitudes, and I think in some way, we will hopefully inspire other people to TRY something new, no matter how DAUNTING it may seem....because we must be the VERY LAST group of girls anyone would EVA suspect of being crochet queens!! LOL!!

I really would love to post these blankets and other projects on completiong of, going forward...with names attached. We are now toying with the idea of doing a "friendship blanket" for each person....that's if we can get past the current projects we have!!...LOL!!

And maybe ONE DAY.....this...
OOOOR THISSSS....

WILL BE POSSIBLE!!!! - lol!!!!!!!

SIGH

2010-08-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

I LOVE, I WISH.....once upon a time, I lived in a vintage little caravan like this...

After a lovely weekend, Sunday afternoon bliss for me has been spending time in my QE2... our little holiday home on wheels:-).....she's called Elizabeth - Lizzie for short:-)

She's not brand new....she has a history, and I love that about her. She does however, have everything and more that we had ticked on our wishlist, and it was a pretty specific wishlist. She came at a time when we said "we'll never find her" - "THE ONE", but if we did, then we'd know, it was meant to be. My heart led me to where we would find her, and when we saw her, we just *KNEW*.

So her and I hung out this afternoon - just seemed like an awesome way to spend a lovely chilled Sunday afternoon. I decided today, whilst I packed her full of goodies in preparation for next weekend's camping trip, that somewhere in the future, I want to make her ALL MINE. Time spent with her always restores my soul....she's one of my pink things, a happy place, a place where our family get to do things differently...a place where we chill...hangout, shoot the breeze....

she deserves some loving like this maybe??...

I would love to do this.....i would i would i would....(is this heaven???)

sigh...sigh...sigh.....

because then I would ALWAYS WANT TO be here.....

Not that I don't already....:-)...SIGH......

I have been counting the sleeps since .......waaaay back when.....until six awesome families will spend quality time together....outdoors from sun up to sun down....and beyond:-)....around the braai.....heavenly....roll on next Friday....sorry...I know that's being cheeky, since you've only JUST come and gone.....but a girl can dream can't she???....giggle..

Happy Birthday to my heaven sent husband....

2010-07-27T07:19:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrate the birthday and life of a man who has played such an important, life changing role in my story....my sweet, sweet, kind, committed, loving husband....my romantic... who has known me since I was 14, who dated me at 17, who married me at 25, and who became a parent with me when I was 26....and through times when we weren't together, remained someone I could turn to...always.

I will always be eternally grateful for the knowledge that I am married to a man who is above all else, kind, caring, wise, so supportive, committed, loyal, understanding, loving and principled....

We have shared so many chapters of our lives ...things that will bind us forever, ....and through our children, our love continues and we will always be one.

I love that we compliment and challenge each other to grow, in the ways that we are different, but live harmoniously in ways that make us the same.

I have always known that my DH is one of my blessings....truly heaven sent.....happy happy birthday my sweet, sweet man.

Sweet, sweet love....

2010-07-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

It's happened...i couldn't stop myself....i've tried to deny it....i've tried to convince myself it wasn't for me....that my life was full enough, that a pastel loving galfriend, moving toward the beauty and serenity...no the heavenly appeal of "all white" could never be converted. I revisited the horror of tye-dye gone wrong, and every other little shred of evidence to prove that we would, could, never be friends....just shows you, never say never!!

One lesson from my GF Ronda, and I was hooked (no pun intended)!!!...the YUMMINESS of it all was just too much, and I surrended...to crochet....

I'm in love, it's official!

I thought I loved white, pastel and subtle, but I am so being woo'ed by these brights! They are so so so beckoning for me to come out and *play*, so late yesterday afternoon, as I waited for my daughter to finish dancing, I started my first blanket...sigh.

To do a circle, a square, a hexagon, a ripple...the possibilities are endless, and where have I been, while the world of croche' has EVOLVED??? I can just picture it now....after lots of little balls of colourfall yarn have been joined together, my two little chickens will be wrapped in the love of a crochet blankie...happy weekend.....:-)

Thanks Rond's...for sharing the love, and the passion my friend....mwah

A symphony in the garden

2010-07-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Picture these little tweeters, for real, in a real tree....just outside my window right now....

at this very minute our garden is filled with a symphony of bird song, and I think, i know, it is juuuust the most beautiful thing!!

They're all excited - so excited - to be enjoying the fine sprinkle of diamond like droplets from the sprinkler. It's like the MIAMI BEACH of bird world unfolding right before my eyes....so much cuteness!!!...and now, instead of catching it on camera, I'm sadly off to play Mom's taxi for a while.....

Maybe a little tea and sunshine in the garden a little later:-), and a visit with our furry little song-friends.....

Just another ordinary miracle today....

2010-07-19T00:38:00.001-07:00

I LOVE......

It's Monday, and I have no idea why I'm so upbeat...seriously...???...who's upbeat on a Monday for pete's sake!!! - weird.

My theory is that maybe, just maybe, the day is filled with possibility. I was just thinking this morning, once again, about the occupational hazard that comes with working in an industry of "over achievers"....leaves you always asking the question....what have I done with my day????

I've always thought that if people just knew that is doesn't always have to be about award winning stuff like winning the comrades or climbing Mt Everest - heck....being kind to a neighbour, helpling a friend, or just making an effort to be happy and spread the VIBE, are conscious decisions that require effort and energy, and more importantly, contribute to making the world a better place:-)...so I guess what I'm saying is, noone's exempt from achieving something in their day....:-) ....my disclaimer is that we should all try and do something that requires us to put in a little effort, no?

.....if you're going to do something, just give it heart....add some fairy dust, some magic...the world needs it.

Sooo..started the day with a STUNNING acoustic album....helps me break the back of serious tasks on the work front.....which lay ahead of me....and as I hear the first song.....I melt, I smile, and I just know that today is going to be GREAT day...just because it can be:-)...(click and listen to my song of today) ENJOY GF'S...have a happy week, because you deserve it and because YOU CAN, and maybe, try and help someone else to have a great week too!!

It’s not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when its time to snow
Don’t need to teach a seed to grow
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a rain drop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Birds and winter have their fling
But always make it home by spring
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don’t throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we’re all a part
Of the ordinary miracle

Ordinary miracle

Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional
That things just work out after all
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

It’s just another ordinary miracle today

A promise for the season

2010-07-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

We've been back to school for two days now. I've promised myself that this term is going to be different, and it is - I can already feel it.

Having fingers in a lot of pies can mean you are surrounded by possibility and opportunity - all of the time - kinda like the kid in a candy store:-) - it stretches you, AND it fills you up. But it's always good to roll with the tides, and so this term, this season, I'm channelling.

As we are now, (supposed to be) fully into winter, I really want to enjoy the last few weeks of it, be intentional about what I do and how I spend my time, before spring comes around, and things start to get crazy again, and it's festive.

I'm channelling my time to include more down time, more structured time, more health time. I think it's so good to seperate the seasons, by doing different things, or doing things differently.

So for now, for these last 6 weeks, I'm really going to continue our rituals of .............

Enjoying soul food

Set the dinner table "special"....every night, with linen serviettes

Candles...ooh candles.....(ok that's every season, but lots of candles in bulk!)

Hot baths, warm slippers and lots of cuddling with my family

Warm, balmy DRY days

House painting - actually painting of any kind...like furniture...YU-MMY

Beautiful, beautiful, sunsets

Reading...lots of reading....

Exercise - I can't believe I said that but hey!

Crochet...YAY to YARN!....winter is so the time for all the YUMMY YARNS

Bonfires outside on the porch with blankies

Baking...a warm kitchen and the smell of baking

Fairy lights...ok that's another any season thang, but nothing better than being welcomed home by fairy lights in winter.....

I dunno...might sound crazy, but we just don't do all these things throughout the entire year. Each season brings a new routine, and a new joy with it.....what are you loving about your season, what do you do differently???

Part of leading a charmed life, is to create a little ceremony around the cycles of it...that's my thought for the day:-)

Unexpected twists and turns in the road...

2010-07-05T02:22:00.000-07:00

A beautiful African bush sunset, with the trees I fell in love with...
I couldn't decide whether I was more smitten with the animals or the trees:-)
A magnificent african bush sunrise...wish my camera could translate the beauty of the sounds of the early morning too!
Panoramic views
We LOVED this area around the 3 rondavels, which a camera cannot do justice to!

I’m sure I’ve said this countless times before, but you just never know how things are going to work out… . One minute you’re on a journey, you’ve plotted your course, you’ve done your planning, and the next minute, your compass has you facing a totally different direction....holidays are no exception:-)

In my last blog post, I mentioned that we were about to embark on our second campervan trip, to introduce our children to the wonderful sights and sounds of the Eastern Transvaal. We’ve been dying to experience the Kruger National Park with them, and the magnificent beauty of the area referred to as the ‘Panorama region’.
The never ending scenic view from Olifants Camp in Kruger.

Well as it turns out, the movie “RV” with Robin Williams, ended up being far too close to home, as our trip turned into ‘a series of unfortunate events’. I won't bore you with AAAALLL the details, but by the end of the trip, there wasn't really that much that HADN'T gone wrong with our motorhome, which resulted in us spending the last 5 nights of our campervan trip in hotels!....niiiiice..... I feel I must just mentioned that hotels are LOVELY, when you're geared up for them. As campervaning travel is different to ordinary camping like tenting, and your clothes go straight into cupboards…imagine how that translates into an unplanned, spur of the moment, hotel stay, or 5 - with no suitcases!!! Think about it…..each member of the family has to literally walk in through the lobby (which is always lit up like a Christmas tree!!) with a pile of clothes in their hand. If you’re a GF, you’re silently praying that your knickers and bra don’t fall out from the place you think you squashed them into...somewhere in the middle of the pile:-/. This while your hair dryer dangles off some other part of your body. Your TOILETRY/VANITY CASE, squashed under your arm, half open, (due to bloody broken zip)….shoes, boots, jackets stuffed into the one bag you have….which happens to be from PEP STORES (thankfully with DAMASK print, but PEP nonetheless!!!), which you (fortunately) bought when you popped into PEP in Graskop, to buy extra warm clothes, after all the unforeseen detours for repairs, resulted in you not staying in one place long enough to do WASHING! ...breathe....Bear in mind, that to add to the stress, dinner dress code in hotels is smart/casual, compared to your current wardrobe of shorts and bush attire…for KRUGER around the braai!....I can do this...i can do this...i can sooo do this!
The Baobab tree in the Kruger Park - it was love at first sight for me...

So...up until the last day we could still drive the van beautifully, but unfortunately the battery that drives the interior lights and water pressure had died a slow and MISERABLE death, so rendered the living area unsuitable for night time etc. I would have to say that possibly one of the things I loved (read loathed) the most are the number of unplanned detours we had to make to towns we never knew existed!! I'm all for small towns...love love love them, BUT SERIOUSLY???...towns so small, that 5 minutes after you've entered them, you already know that the guy at the hardware store, is the son of the lady who works at the post office!!...and...and...just a tip...don't ever trust signposts in a small town....picture a big sign...(kind of like the HOLLYWOOD sign of small towns, type size) that says..... "PANCAKES!!!!"...yum, lovely...something like that. So I'm asking the lady (who I swear is Glooooria, from Mr Bones) if it would be a good decision to go and have a bite to eat at the pancake place across the road - "Ag NEE!!", she says...."VAT place closed down FREE YERRS AGO OLREDDY"....hmmmm.....ya well no fine. You'd think they'd take the sign down FREE YERRS AGO OLREDDY???? So our next best bet was to eat at a place which had the DREADED....neon flashing sign outside...u-huh....exactly...not very different to the one you see in the movies, that always eludes to a place that's tacky... :-/...it came with stray cats and everything!!.....I can do this...i can soooo do this!!!!!!
This little Lilac-breasted Roller had injured her wing....

The very very last straw, of which there were many (snigger) was when on our final night, Nick walked out to the van to fetch something, only to realise that THE ENGINE BATTERY had now also finally given up the ghost...SAY WHAT?!?!?.... picture in your mind, Jim Carey in THE MASK, when his jaw drops and his eyes bug out AT THE SAME TIME.....yes that would be me when I heard the news at the dinner table that night, when my DH *casually* sauntered back to the table, his eyes a little too wide for my liking, and then, with just the teeensiest quiver in his voice, said...."you won't believe what's happened"....to which I answered "Hey buddy, right now, I'd reckon AAANYTHING'S possible"...still...I wasn't expecting the DAMN ENGINE to have choked and died....I mean it's a MERCEDES for pete's sake!!! is nothing good for anything these days?? ......not when I had already visualised our first meal back at home, not when I could smell the vanilla candles, not when I could see my girls (read hens) roaming on our lawn....not when I could almost touch and feel the cool linen THAT WAS MINE!!!!...sob...and see the bling and clean clothes in my cupboard DAMMIT!!......SAY WHAT?!?!....

But all that said, the main thing is that we got to see and do everything we wanted to, despite all the twists and turns in the road (no pun intended!). We spent quality time with our children, who had our undivided attention 100% of the time. We had some good laughs, and some real, what I like to call “amazing race” moments too! And best of all, our hotel trips are paid for, and the entire cost of our trip is going to be refunded to us - it's the least they could do.

I just have to say that the Eastern Transvaal region has views and sights that leave you in absolute awe. Waterfalls, forests, wildlife, sounds of nature, and a history so rich and interesting. I would definitely recommend this mode of travel for touring, despite our unfortunate experiences on this trip. Seeing sights from this vantage point is just unbeatable!!

I’ve compiled a list in my mind of things this trip has taught me….

1. We really are so blessed to have two amazing, helpful, well behaved children, who handle disappointment so well....possibly better than their parents:-/

2. No matter how bad things get, a hot shower, clean hair, and clean underwear can get you through anything.

3. Not all “smalltown folk” are wholesome country folk, who paint, grow their own veg, bake bread and have quaint gardens….thinking Midlands, Hermanus, Clarens???....thiiink again!!....have we seen some funny types???…..It's funny how sometimes the MOMENT you lay eye's on someone, just know they cut their own hair...and not with a pair of scissors either....seriously chick???

4. A pair of blue jeans, a black turtleneck, boots, scarf and jacket can be reworked, reworked again…and then some!

5. It’s surprising how a subtle touch of leopard print can add a bit of glam to the above outfit that’s been reworked, reworked again….and then some!

6. When you’re living on the edge, a bra seems….well….inconsequential :-/….(I say this never having gone bra-less a DAY IN MY LIFE!)

7. Camping holidays, in any shape, form or size are not for the fainthearted.

8. Just when you think you've seen some of the best sights this country has to offer, you get surprised time and time again.

9. I’m so booking my next trip on a cruiseliner!...kidding:-)

Below our Dom at a panorama view, near God's window in Graskop....
Bourkes Luck Potholes - one of the countries most beautiful natural wonders.

The children and I at Bourkes Luck.

Below...Pilgrims Rest...still so 1800's! I loved the olde worlde everything of this place...

A hot and cold day...ice and sun...

2010-06-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

My DH could not believe that for the first time since it's inception, Coffee Club never happened this week....he says it's nothing short of a miracle...LOL, and I say that sometimes...jealousy can make you really nasty!

But alas, it's true...for the first time, even throughout holiday periods, we've missed our creamy cappuccinos and chinwags. The problem is that we're all off doing other stuff, as we join the rest of the country....and float along on this little bubble of "World Cup" happiness. I was just contemplating as we frantically pack for our trip away, how wonderful these last few weeks have been - besides the fact that for me, it's been a very much needed form of distraction. I have just marvelled at the fact that our children get to experience this hype, joy, excitement, and just...I guess...for a country and province like ours....all the improvement and growth that has come with it....in more ways than one... . Nothing in life is ever perfect, but so far it's been one heck of a ride!This little group of friends are becoming really tight...all different ages and sizes...they look out for each other...sadly half our troop was missing...
Today Vee, Trace, Dawn and I visited the ice-rink in Durban. Not only was it great to see the refurb (AT LAST!! - wasn't that overdue?!?!), but we literally had the ice-rink all to ourselves, barr 2 other Mums who were there with their kids...it waaas AMAZING. Fortunately for us, ques started for the afternoon session as we were leaving. Clearly we hit the jackpot!
Of course the Moms skated....!!...some of us..no names mentioned are having "out of body experiences today"....you know that feeling when your body just doesn't feel like your own....hmmm...ya that one....We treated the kids to a Wimpy lunch at Suncoast - the vibe, the weather and the venue just couldn't be beat today....it's like playing tourist in your own country...seeing all the changes, everything new and PURTY:-)...I have no doubt that at the end of it all, we'll be left with all the stories, the memories, and all the wonderful improvements we've seen every day.....

On Saturday we leave for another campervan trip...this time to the E.Transvaal (Mpumalanaga) area. Our children's first experience of all the wonderful sights this region has to offer...and of course, their first time ever to KRUGER! Everyone is sooo excited...I guess Ill be swopping big city lights, perfume and bling, for star spangled skies, leopard print and animal hide...EISH.....:-)

A happy day with the hens...

2010-06-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today has been one of those days where I've really been reminded of how fortunate I am to be able to run a business, spend quality time with my children, and nurture the home....simultaneously!

They know EXACTLY what she's getting in there...it comes in a red cup, and it's filled with YUMMY things for Hen Ladies to eat....

The business is keeping me busy this week with my right hand woman on leave, but despite the interruptions, it has been a sublime day:-)
I was even able to spend quality time with my girls, who I absolutely ADORE! My laying hens are such friendly souls....unlike the silkies we have at the moment, who have a mind, will and therefore also a residential address all of their own. The male is short tempered, bossy, and unfriendly....hence why he's still only called..."THE MALE"....hmmm. Frankly, I don't know what he does all day:-/...but all I can say is I'm relieved that I don't have a male like him in my life. He's also lived the good life - 2 wives - up until a few weeks ago, when his Hen no 2. just lay down and died....can't say I blame her, sadly; - I probably would have done the same thing myself, because let's be honest, if she was feeling suicidal, which she must have been by then, what good was that going to do her?!? Oh and PS: He's not even good looking??.....yes I'm still talking rooster here...we've had some damn fine lookers in the past, I'll tell you!

So I'm wondering if subconsciously, maybe that's why I've kept him around.....to remind myself of how lucky I am that I have the man I do!So back to our peace loving, gentle, friendly girls.....not only are they good layers, but they are kind, tolerant and very gracious when it comes to all the little peeps that visit here, and ...sometimes they're even good for a laugh or two:-)Oh I forgot...of course it was a good day today...it was THURSDAY!!

The kids, Lizzie and I are off to see TOY STORY 3 in 3D this evening; Hubby is in JHB for the night:-(.....but then I do always have this little man to keep me happy:-)

Winter soups and the WORLD CUP 2010

2010-06-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

our children WELCOME WORLD CUP 2010
Nick, Mark, Craig Such tension............ .........but nothing a good old braaivleis can't fix!
and of course we had to keep the table "traditional"
Aside from World Cup 2010, I'd like to officially welcome winter to our part of the world!?!....well....our very watered down version of winter, for what it's worth anyway:-)...

I often smile and wonder to myself how funny it is that we often get just what we want, just when we need it. I was reading in a magazine yesterday, that recent studies done, can now confirm that there definitely are healing properties in a bowl of chicken and vegetable soup.....e-he...seeriiious.

Maybe that's why I feel like my soul is slowly being restored....winter has arrived, bringing with it, it's first cold spell...and so it is that we find ourselves indulging in thick, creamy soups, and hearty vegetables, let's not forget the creamy cappuccino's and horlicks!

I'm also enjoying having these lovely long holidays in winter, which means cold, early morning trips to school have been replaced with long, lazy snuggles and cuddles in bed, with our little chickens....I actually think I could get used to this....long wintry holidays in June/July:-)...long may they last.

The WORLD CUP opening date will always be memorable for me for two reasons, soccer, and the day we had our little service in the garden for GG (Great Gran)....my two boys planted the 2 rose bushes, one for each Granny the children had lost, and the girls baked some scones for the "service".....

Our Bri had chosen some verses from her little white Bible she was given as a baby - I dont think she realised how much they soothed my soul :-), and Dom wrote his own words, about why he loved Great Gran so much. I, needless to say, couldn't get through my words - the waterbugs and dragonfly story, but my DH was there, the other half of me, to finish them off, so a great team effort by all. I just loved this page from the Little White Bible so much...it really brought me comfort.....xxx

Putting itchy eye's, soggy tissues and sadness behind me

2010-06-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

Another milestone...a memorial service was held for our Gran in Ceres, at 10h30 today.

I just couldn't face being there.....in the space she used to fill, knowing I wouldn't see her there, uh-uh....I just COULDN'T do it! They would have had to peel me off the walls of her room, and forcibly remove me - it would have been ugly:-/...and I have NO SHAME!!! That to me, is far more traumatic than seeing the dramatic changes in her, brought about by her illness. At least I could see her, touch her, help her, and knew her spirit was there. I said goodbye to her twice in the last 3 months (ok.... so she was a little indecisive...should I stay??..should I go?? :-/), but it gave me the peace of mind I needed, to have no regrets about the decision to stay home in my "safe place". My little piece of heaven, where the chickens roam, the kitchen smells of freshly baked bread, and the sun fills the rooms with light and warmth....I've needed that!!....instead of facing the heartache of seeing her empty room, her empty bed....wondering whether or not there really is a HEAVEN???...hey???? I dunno????...see....there i go.....thinking those crazy woman thoughts again!!

Today our little chickens (the non feathered kind) stayed at home, and took full advantage of this bed weather we're enjoying. We lit candles, played old fashioned songs, and worked on the words we want to share tomorrow, when we host our own little memorial for Great Gran, here in our garden. I prayed today that God wouldn't send me on a wild goose chase; that he would lead me straight to what I was looking for - he came through for me; I found the rose bush our family will plant tomorrow in her honour, called "My Granny". In addition to that we'll also plant our first ever LEMON TREE, i got from gf's Can and Vee - JUUST too clever and special for words! Thank you gf's! You know i have such a looota love for lemons!!

This week i have drawn so much strength from my wonderful family and friends. My friends abroad have felt so so close at this time, as though they still lived down the road - ahh well you can only dream:-)...and then of course...my blog buddies.... - thank you all for your love, your thoughts, your words of comfort and your wonderful support. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm GONNA.....thank HEAVENS for WORLD CUP hype...you just can't help but smile, laugh and get caught up it in...it's like being in a permanent MEXICAN WAVE!!! lol! These truly have been the distractions I've needed to help me find my "happy space". To not be engulfed and dragged down, by the overwhelming sadness you can feel, when you let it take hold of you for too long.

I feel like I have picked myself up off the floor, and am feeling more like MYSELF AGAIN...heck I've missed MYSELF!! I know there are and will be moments, but I've decided to really embrace and dine out on the highs, and as for the lows.....well....everyday has them....you just gotta put your TIARA and your big girl panties on, and show them who's boss:-)
sigh.....I really think every GAL deserves one of these....just sayin'.....

HEART BROKEN

2010-06-07T01:13:00.000-07:00

Rest in peace, Dorothy Glays Humphries......xxx
To be heartbroken is such a difficult thing .......you don't quite know if you want to sit, or stand, or eat or starve, or sleep, or be awake.....you just don't know. HEART BROKEN however...feels and is, more permanent. It's not just how you feel, it's what and who you are.......you know that it's forever, in the sense that that piece of your heart is BROKEN - gone....for good. You can't undo it, you can't replace it with some other piece, you can't ride the wave until it doesn't hurt anymore, it's just BROKEN...always. Your heart will always look different to the way it did before, and over time, you learn to live with that piece of you that's missing - that's what time does....

I've been heartbroken many times over the last 3 months, watching my precious Gran slip away. She passed away yesterday afternoon, and that's when you really feel like someone's ripped the plasters keeping your heart together, right off, in one foul swoop. I know she's gone to a better place, and I know she's at peace, but what I know more than anything right now, is that we will never again sleep under the same starlit sky, laugh together, or share the seasons....of time, or of ours lives, again......that's the piece she took with her:-(

To my darling special, precious person, Gran.....who ALWAYS made me smile, who laughed at my jokes, and ALWAYS believed in me, right until the very last time we spoke, my world was always a better place, with you in it..... . I am so so proud of who you were, and how to the very end, you were THOUGHTFUL, KIND, FUNNY, LOVING AND DIGNIFIED. I hope and prey that at the end of my life, I will look back and be HALF the woman you were. Knowing and loving you was a gift and a priviledge.

You go be with your Joe ....

LU

xxx
Bee

I remember this day so clearly, like it was yesterday....

I HEART MARKET

2010-06-04T06:13:00.001-07:00

It's FRIDAY. Awesome. Really hoping that the weather stays walm and balmy:-)....so spoilt! Looking forward to making the most of the weekend, so the girls and I thought we pop down to the I HEART MARKET tomorrow........soooo excited! I'm a newby...never been before, but I hear it's awesome......it all looks yummy to me:-)

Just wanted to say happy happy weekend everyone!

Thursdays.....TGIT

2010-06-02T23:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about Thursdays....I LOVE THEM...maybe it's the promise of Friday that does it:-)..and that I'm always so productive because of it....yeah...that's it!

But I love Wednesdays too!!!!!!...Coffee Club is the HIGHLIGHT of my week - in the weekday sense. We share, we commiserate, we plan, we brainstorm, we inspire, we get creative, we get active, we laugh - A LOT....we TALK! (way too loudly - LOL!!)....we get crazy, we welcome new people who need a place to go and people to meet - yesterday we welcomed June...how funny is that!?!...LOL...not as in the month of June...which would actually have made sense - OBVIOUSLY, but as in a lovely person called June who is new to our area.... . It's a happy, happy space and we LOVE..... ooh-ooh-AND we drink a loooootaaa latte's and cappuccino's-obviously!!

Victoria Moran says you must always find time to razzle dazzle...well that's our razzle dazzle time...we get dressed PURTY, and we get to enjoy some awesome company and share the bliss and the joy of being ...just us...that's coffee LOVE right there.

But back to Thursday.....have a good one!:-)

And if Thursday is your coffee day, or EVERYDAY for that matter:-)...here's a little bit of fun (lets call it our Coffee Club anthem), our GF Venessa found for us somewhere....just HAD TO SHARE:-)....

Caffeine is my shepherd; I shall not doze.
It maketh me to wake in green pastures:
It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses.
It restoreth my buzz:
It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction,
I will fear no Equal™:
For thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me.
Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of The Starbucks:
Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over.
Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the House of Mochas forever.
~Author Unknown

Playing tourist....

2010-05-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

Victoria Moran's advocates that we should all practice "the vacation principle" in our home towns. See the place where we live through the eye's of a tourist so to speak, and it'll remind us of some of the great things we take for granted...things that tourists would oooh and aaah about because they see your town through a fresh pair of eyes. I love that pearl of wisdom - i think there's so much to be said for that! We don't always get to do it though, but then again, it's like anything, we have to make or find the time and create those opportunities.....

SO yesterday, playing TOURIST at work was a bit like playing TRUANT from school:-) I had to attend a presentation down in Durban, so decided to allow for extra travel time (and roadworks:-/). As luck would have it, I cruised into Durban without a hitch, which meant i had so much time on my hands. It was a stunning day yesterday, so I figured the best place to be on a clear sunny day must be the beach! As I drove in to Durban, I thought ...WOW...the Durban guys are really working this world cup vibe!! I saw one guy in his truck, with flags on either side, so large, I fully expected his vehicle to get airborne once he reached a speed of 120! So cool! Sadly - I wasn't quick enough with my camera:-(....and I was driving at the time, come to think of it.

I spent the next half an hour taking it all in and capturing a few of the sights on my cellphone camera, so excuse the quality! Is it me, or has Durban Beach got MIAMI written all over it!!! SIGH...I felt like I was back there......so stunning!! Everything is so pristine.....the water was the most beautiful deep azure blue colour yesterday, the sand was golden, and I just LOVE all the new grassed areas that have been fenced off with little board walks onto the beach....I so needed more time to see the rest of it!! I felt like SUCH a tourist, and hey, I got to have some awesome conversations with complete strangers - BONUS. So i figured...it might not be Cape Town, but DAMN I felt proud of our city yesterday, I really did!!
Next week, to celebrate the holidays, I'll be back with kiddies and GF's I hope, to actually put our feet in the sand, enjoy the waves, and soak up the sun.....

Have a "not too shabby" day

2010-05-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

ok...now if I were doing this (pic above) today, I would sooooo be having some of these...(yummy pic below) to go with it, and I would invite ALL MY GF'S to a magical whimsical morning of awesome vintage yumminess, ......with yummy tunes in the background.....sigh...but it's not going to happen is it???...it's Monday!!!!...

but what I can do, is fill my head with a bit of "let's be intentional about having a great day!", fill my heart with a loooota happy, put on the best DARN SMILE this side of Limpopo, and SPREAD THE JOY!!!!!
So this is the message I shared with our little chickens this morning....they woke up soooo not in the groovy mood for school.....I figured it had a lot to do with the crazy happy weekend we had, where the rythym kind of just carried us away.....so we went with the flow....and then dancing in the streets of Hillcrest yesterday, shouting and yelping for comrades runners to give it their all.....I think our kids kinda just wish that life could be like that everyday!:-)

...so I told them, it can be, if they try hard enough:-)....so they're off to hopefully find the crazy in even the most not so crazy things we have to do:-).............believing that sometimes you can find the cupcake in the weirdest places, if you really look for it:-D

Hope you all have a good day!...

Oh wait!!!...and last but not least.....thanks to those AWESOME GF's who leave me love, by posting awesome messages that make me sigh, and think...WOW....ya think???? Thank you, thank you, thank you!!.....I really love, that you love, spending some time here with me and my thoughts...mwah!

Funky little chickens

2010-05-25T05:21:00.000-07:00

Seriously?....I always promise myself I'm going to post more regularly, but it just DOESN'T seem to happen! The pic above will give you some idea of what I've been up to though - engaging in a little bit of funky:-)..... Ish....the one provisor is, you really gotta have whacky friends to do these crazy things with!!! Thank you girls, for being the bunch of crazy chickens you are - to me, being free spirited enough to do these things is such a gift!

A sob escapes me though every time I reflect on all the photo opportunities I'm missing, thanks to my precious camera being stolen on my previous strip to Cape Town:-(.... but then, I quickly remind myself that there are people out there who battle to put food on the table, and I very quickly, pull myself towards myself :-)....that's what I love about Africa....you get to see sights everyday, that remind you to stay grounded, give thanks, and just to GIVE (except to pushy, expectant CARGUARDS!!!) .....as for the B*#$@*& who stole my camera, ...well I won't repeat online what I'd love to give HIM/HER!

Just seems like there is just so much to capture at the moment - Autumn colours, changing scenery, and the vibe..oh the VIBE......you can really feel the World Cup hype in earnest now. I know it's borderline kitsch, but I am really LOVING all SA flags and sideview mirrors adorning cars everywhere - hubby and I bought ours this weekend:-). This morning Vee saw an african guy on a bicycle, dressed in a leapoard print shirt, flying the SA flag, with suped up handle bars and review mirror (also all in proudly SA colours PLEASE!).....with Vuvuzela exhaust pipe!!!!! LOL!!

So all the excitement is the good news....but I find myself still turning to the wise words and inspiration of Victoria Moran's - Creating a Charmed Life. Her chapter called "Become an unhurried woman" is really resonating with me at the moment - I am trying really hard - I love how it says: An unhurried woman is willing to include some emptiness in her day. That way, when you ask if she's got time for you, she almost always does...... Somtimes though the reverse can apply, where we make so much time to help others, that we shortchange ourselves and our families....and we MISS some of the good stuff that passes us by! Which brings me to two more chapters, which are summed up by their title: Conserve your energy, and complicate selectively...yes I think that's what I need to do right now :-)

A hive of activity at the HOMESTEAD

2010-05-13T02:19:00.000-07:00

Another gorgeous day! The BEST news is that our school had their application approved to celebrate ascension day, by closing the school, so our little chickens are home, relaxing and soaking up the sun on the couch next to me, while I work....

As usual, THE HOMESTEAD is a hive of activity with workmen in and out the house. We are redoing the floors in our children's bedrooms, for the SECOND TIME - UGH. About 2 months ago we decided to say goodbye to the awful, impractical tan timbavati carpets we had. Who KNOWS how much chicken manure from dirty little chocolate brown feet hasn't been lifted by our (very tired) vacuum cleaner!...exactly....that's what i thought...eeeeuw. I have ALWAYS LOVED the painted cement look, so I finally took the plunge. The floors are now a gorgeous techniqued dreamy white/cream (that matches with everything). Not only sooo practical, but they remind me of fluffy white clouds, and look very similar to the pic I have posted above (no this is not our home), only better, because the paint has been blended with an off white to give it more shade, or depth and movement, is it???.......just DREAMY I tell you. The bad news is, a 2 day job turned into about SIX!! - are we surprised??? The good news is that Murray (another DIY person 'heaven sent' in my life), agreed that the touch up/fix up job just WOULDN'T DO, and that we should redo the entire thing....BREATHE...we are SO NOT DIY PEOPLE...sob....!!! Please bear in mind that each time we have one of these little "projects", every single toy, book, wimpy power meal give away, marble, card, bead, smudged and reworked pot of lip gloss, shelf etc gets removed from the bedrooms, beds get broken down, pc's unplugged, blah blah, to leave an empty shell - all of which has to be moved back, around a very awkward L shaped passage, at the end of it.....BREATHE.....deeply.

Next we are tackling our kitchen (she says in the very next breath!) - it's been a loooong time coming. Just the mere thought of renovations of any kind (changing a plug would be classified as a minor RENO in our home:-/), turns my DH a lighter shade of pale. I on the other hand get excited about the end result, but live on rescue for duration that chaos reigns in our house. I MUST SAY THOUGH, that the results make it sooo worth it, and I could kind of get used to this:-0. Alas, I have the utmost faith that Murray will make it as painless as possible, and between copious amounts of tea and coffee, sipped to the mellow background music of Jack Johnson, "I will survive"....!

So this weekend we are off to the Midlands in the QE2 (caravan), to enjoy the beauty of Autum in my "holy" place, and breathe in beautiful fresh, sweet air, as opposed to the all too familiar smell of curing EPOXY......

PPS: I know this turned out to be quite a long post - of very boring DIY stuff - that really, only my closest family and friends would find even remotely interesting, but.....I just need to add one last thing....with regards to the part about aaaaall the stuff being removed from the rooms...I feel it only fair to clarify that DH had absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with that....should I be worried:-/???

Wonderstruck

2010-05-10T01:09:00.000-07:00

This morning I have a spring in my step, and a feeling of peace and joy around me, that initially i couldn't describe. I even asked myself why today is different. Generally speaking I am ALWAYS HAPPY - I love life, and I feel so blessed, that well....how could I not be happy most of the time. The last few weeks though, have maybe taken the shine of things a little?? Yeah, maybe that's what it is......watching someone you love slip away messes with your head and your heart in a way that is indescribable, but then again, I am grateful that I have had time to say everything that needs to be said, and to love with all my heart and with everything I have. The good news is that today, I feel more restored than I have in the last 2 months,....infact I feel wonderstruck.

Yesterday on the way to church I commented to my hubby how a wave of sadness had just washed over me, just thinking of my darling Gran, and how I wish I could be closer. During the service though, i took stock of my thoughts and feelings, and when I looked around I realised that I was surrounded by so many wonderful, caring, loving, happy, joyful people, who wrap you in their love, laughter and friendship, and that's what I need to focus on right now.

Our school family fun day on Saturday was the best it's ever been, and once again, we spent a wonderful day surrounded by friends, families, laughter, joy and squeals of delight, and I had moments where I sat pondering on how VERY BLESSED our family is to be a part of this community, it's bliss and it's wholesomeness, and that's what I am focusing on right now.

The weather has been glorious - summer without the rain. Everything in the garden is doused with sunshine at the moment, and this is where I sit and earn a living...wow. This morning we harvested fresh eggs, green beans and our first successful pickings of tomatoes - I shrieked with excitement - now that there is enough for me to focus on right now!!!

At last, I feel as if I am almost back at the place where I used to be. I have raised my "wonder quotient", and am revelling in the joy of our lives at the moment. Baking cupcakes and making homemade lemonade seems like a possibility again. I'm back in the moment, and wonderstruck really is what I am.

Life's little lifelines

2010-05-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

My little darlings, sharing some love.

I almost never took this second trip to Cape Town to see my Gran, because I was petrified of facing that return flight home alone, in an emotional state I knew I would be in. Fortunately on my last trip home, crazy crying person (that would be me) had my hubby and one of my uncles on the flight with me for comfort, but this time, I knew I would be coming home alone:-/-ish.

Sometimes God sends us lifelines in the simplest, and most unexpected ways. For me, last night was one of those times. To fly back on SAA for starters was like being back home for me:-). I was pleasantly distracted, pondering on how safe and good it felt to be back in "my old office":-) - the lovely A320. The cherry on the ice cream sundae was when I stepped on board and was welcomed by the purser, Richard, who just happened to be one of my favourite pursers, back in the day. Richard is tall and burly, with a permanent smile on his face that is genuine, and really reaches out to you with warmth and kindness, for when you need it most:-) I sat in my seat and silently said a prayer of thanks for that fact that in my vulnerable state, I was surrounded by these positive elements, which I had no doubt were 'heaven sent'.

Landing at the new King Shaka airport was AWESOME (read - yet another distraction)!! And then finally, my DH and little chickens (the non feathered kind), were beside themselves happy to see me and have me home, and I needed that too:-) So here I am, back in my happy place, with my peeps, albeit with a heart that has plasters stuck all over it to keep it in tact.
I fell in love with this pumkin on steroids - at the entrance to my Gran's retirement village - so wish I could say it was lying in my back yard...I had a serious case of "vegetable garden envy".

My Gran's home in the sleepy little town of Prince Alfred's Hamlet, outside Ceres. Sadly i never captured the magnificant lawns and gardens. So happy she has been able to enjoy this little piece of heaven and call it home for the last few years. So convenient that I was able to snap these pics with my new cellphone.

Doing what counts...

2010-04-30T04:26:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this post from my precious Grandmother's bedside in Cape Town. The view from her bed is a picture: majestic mountains, beautiful roses, trees showered in autumn colours, and a delightful little house with a tin roof. I love that that's what she sees when she's awake. I'm saddened by the fact that she will never again truly experience being in it, or the smell of it, or feel grass under her feet. But nonetheless, the magic of nature is that even just seeing it, can revive the soul. This morning, inbetween the short conversation her fragility allows, we sat in silence at times, holding hands, taking it all in, me forever trying to etch these moments and memories of our time together, deep into my mind heart and mind.

As a wife and mother, even though I am fully aware of the responsibilities I leave behind by taking these trips, they all seem to pale in significance, compared with that of me spending every last moment I possibly can, here with this person i love so dearly. It's never easy to leave the role of wife and mother behind, but there are times in life, where you need to be able to be the grandaughter, or sister, or daughter 100% so you can make it count. The way I see it is, if my children can't cope without me for a few days, then I truly have failed them as a mother. I love that this time away encourages them to draw on their independence, and most importantly, appreciate that life doesn't always revolve around ourselves only. I could never even begin to put into words, the impact and influence my Gran has had on me and my life, so these last few weeks of her life have had me constantly questioning, what else could be more important than being by her side. Up until 6 weeks ago, she has ALWAYS been the person I could turn to for perspective, guidance, a should to cry on, or to share a few laughs with,......because she knows my heart, always has, always will.........

I'm finding it extremely hard to accept that I cannot change this situation, fix it, delay it or reinvent it. Instead, my options are to be in it and endure it. When big things are happening in my life, I tend to "zone in on the crisis", which makes it difficult to focus on the rest. But I've made a conscious decision to be okay with that.

This time with Gran, is for me a gift from my DH, who in my absence not only has to deal with the stress of running a business, but take control of everything else that would generally be handled by me {which is a lot!! - even if i say so myself :-) }... . I love and appreciate that he has been selfless and allowed me this time, to do what really counts....be the grandaughter to someone really special, for as long possible.

Blog love.....

2010-04-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

This photo reminds me of BLOG LOVE....it's the place you go for a myriad of things, least of all to be reminded that even when we're alone, we're all in the same boat. Or it might just be the space you visit when you need to feel you have someone 'in your corner' (or dingy) LOL! ....OR you could be that person who enjoys the view (reading posts) from the edge of the dam...quietly observing....

A few months ago, I happened to pop into Melody Ross's blog. It just so happened that she was preparing for her "Brave Girl Camp". Girls I was FINISHED.....there's a "Brave Girl Camp"??? - what......like the place you go to get over BOOT CAMP??? Intrigue got the better of me, so of course I stayed a while and hung out on her sofa to find out about awesome project that had, "Pick me, pick me" written ALL OVER IT! Hey don't mock - I live i Africa - that's INSTANT acceptance into the programme isn't it???

Before long, I had oooh'ed and aaah'ed over her beyond the page projects (a sad reminder of scrapping days loooong gone) and was totally smitten. I FELL IN LOVE with her honest account of where she was at, at that time in her life, and the way she opened her heart to share her motivation behind "BRAVE GIRL CAMP". WOW. She wrote so beautifully..... . I won't lie - there were times when (the shy blogger in me) - I wanted to "cover her up" - just like you would your best friend who just happened to step out onto the sidewalk naked??? Never before had I read such an honest blogpost, so this was new to me. And when you have something like a gazillion fans (i thought that was only possible in China but anyhoo!) there's a loooota of nakedness being shared! I suppose you could compare it to your first time on a nudist beach (EEEEK) - still something I have yet to experience! But I've digressed, so moving on .... I was just so taken with how REAL she was. That's bravery RIGHT THERE. And in addition to that I LOVED LOVED LOVED (yes i always say it 3 times when i need to get the point across) this stroke of genius of hers?? I mean heck, BUY ME A TICKET HUBBY - I'm LEAVING TOWN!!!!!! Seriously, we all need a bit of BGC don't we???

ON my return to her blog a few weeks later, after BGC had come and gone, she had posted a few pics from the camp, and once again I WAS BLOWN AWAY, so i found my same spot (same spot) on her sofa, which to my mind by now must be SERIOUSLY worn, to enjoy some "lovelyness" (no I KNOW it's actually NOT a word). Everything from the thought that had gone into the decor, to the venue, to the projects they worked on and the success stories, left me in absolute awe of this incredibly talented, brave woman?!?! I loved what she had achieved - I mean being born a woman in this day and age should immediately qualify you for BGC right then and there! I wanted to know more about the women who signed up, so i hung around, and since then, I have been on the most amazing BLOG LOVE journey! I've always loved loved loved blogging, but this experience really made me see it through a different set of eyes.

Blogging I have decided is one of the most amazing things to have come from the 21st century (provided you don't become a slave to it - smirk). Through this amazing meduim, you get to know people, share their daily trials and tribulations, and get invited into their homes, before you've even been formally introduced, or set foot on the welcome mat at their front door??? That there just blows my mind.

People get personal, they BARE ALL! (omg..sweating.) But that said, in a world and in a time where the extended family is no longer (except in Merebank and Chatsworth) and the trappings of modern day life pull us in a thousand different directions (and away from each other) I have been SO inspired by these enterprising, real, genuine women.

Besides being domestic goddesses (who have transformed their homes into these amazing spaces that reflect their personalities and passions AND the different seasons - vomit), they: home school their kids, do their own housekeeping, take beautiful photos, tackle their own DIY renovations - seriously who does that??? and then - AND THEN....still run etsy shops on the side, whilst blogging about it!!!! Sigh - ONLY IN AMERICA! Oh and I forgot to add the part where they have - generally speaking - 2 - 7 children!!!! hmpf!

But what I love the MOST about these women (read over achievers), is how some bloggers or blog posts, can reach deep into your soul, as if they know your heart. They uplift and inspire you, or even just suffice as the 'pick me up' you need on a day when ...when your tank may be sitting on empty. For me, one blogger in particular, puts what feels like a little piece of her heart into most of the posts she writes, and I feel like I know her. In many respects maybe because she so often mirrors my thoughts and feelings.

So i guess what I am sharing today is how blogging (even in my absence) has influenced my life, and I've come to realise that the people we meet along the way, whatever their slant, for the most part are sharing BLOG LOVE in some way or another, with someone who may so desperately be needing it.....

If you're wondering...

2010-04-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering...yes I'm not gonna lie...if you must know.....at my house - a few Friday's ago - just a few of the girls.... . What else is a girl supposed to do a sunny Friday afternoon, but shoot the breeze, with one of these...OMG...did that just rhyme???...seriously? It's really late...that's why. It's now just after midnight....it's been a loooong but productive day - hence the time. So days like today make me want to indulge in one of these....it's my thing lately:-). I'm a tee totaller - but i highly recommend these DELICIOUS little pleasures (that mask the alcohol for those of us who battle to pretend that wine tastes like anything other than SOUR GRAPES! :-s)

All you need is some of this....
And alcohol of course:-) - unless you're making a "mocktail" (my kids favourites!) in which case juice and some blingy thingies to pretty it up will fool them....

Sigh...oh to be a girlfriend...

PS: Don't you just LOVE the ad where the guys scream hysterically, on discovering the dressing room full of ice cold Heineken beer...pf!...ya...WHAT EVA....okay it does make me laugh every time - LOL!

Just thinking....

2010-04-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

Today was back to school for the kids:-/. I drove back home after drop off, thinking how important it is that I really keep my head this term. Last term left me feeling wrung out and spun out, kind of like your soft delicates, wools and silks being left on the denim cycle by mistake, with some serious spin at the end.

I LURVE being busy, - no i NEED to be busy, but SERIOUSLY??...I'm so over MANIC. When I get like this, I imagine myself (I always think in pictures..tee hee) of someone standing on the centre line of a freeway, a very busy one (in another country of course because we all know how that would end in this country, but moving on - LOL), just slowly watching the cars whizz by....feeling them rush by me, but standing my ground and opting out of the madness. So that is my goal for the next 8 weeks.....to revell in the beautiful sunshine we are having, smile more (right down to my liver - did you know that's a form of meditation??? - DANG! - how easy is THAT??), walk slower, talk slower (EISH - not talk less), and do everything with more intent and grace. It's really, really what I need right now.
I love these 2 pics of my children - (thanks Vee) - they really resonate with me at the moment and the calmness I want to pursue....."one day when I'm big I want to be as chilled as this:-).."

And lastly I just have to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all those women in my life who know my heart. You all know who you are - you really are the caramel ice-cream when I'm feeling hot and bothered, or my lush green meadow with black and white cows in it, when I need clarity, and my creamuccino on a chilly day, that warms me to my toes, ...ooohhh and the perfect butterfly or blossom to remind me of all the blessings I have and how fortunate I am to have you in my life. Yesterday at church (i know i know...I meditate AND go to church - the joys of being a family of VERY MIXED "denomination"), someone who doesn't spend much time with me, but more importantly knows my heart, just appeared in front of me like an angel, and wrapped me in some love and comfort just when I needed it:-). I am not coping well with my Gran's illness, and her words and comfort have made the world of difference to me. The flipside though, is that sometimes we can't always get to support the people we love and care about as much as we want to, for whatever reason, in my case, because you're too busy digging yourself out of your own hole. After speaking to my friend Venessa, about all the souls that need caring and how to get to them all, she found this AWESOME quote and sent it onto me...i LOVE IT...thank you Vee! Mwah!
This is for all those friends who have propped me up over the last few weeks, and for those I haven't been connecting with as much as I know I should...

A long time.......

2010-04-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

Shew...this feels so weird...to be back i mean....can't believe that as I logged into my blog a few minutes ago, it asked me for my email, username and password...ouch! - that hurt, and has it been that long? I'm kidding....me of all people knows EXACTLY how long it's been since I've shared some "blog love". You see, I'm the kind of person who stresses about things like that - about whether or not I'm getting to everything, and whether or not I'm giving it my all. So my absence from my blog has been VERY MUCH FELT by me. Because I always ask what the lesson is behind just about every situation (you have no idea) in my life, I decided to make this lesson about taking the time I needed, and not beat myself up about it - trying hard not to see it as an(other) unfinished project:-/, but rather as a safe space that is a constant in my life, just like old friends who you may not see for ages, and then when you do, you just pick up where you left off, whenever you need to......

2010 - so far, every month has brought sad news about SOMEONE'S health - people close to us. It's devastating to say the least, but through it all giving thanks every day that our family are healthy and able to give of our love, time and any other way we can, to those who need us - that is a gift in itself:-)...so keeping the faith....keeping the faith..

In addition to the challenges, our Sabrina and Dominic are now both in senior primary, which has increased their workload and need for Mom's support significantly = less time to blog!!! Life truly is full of seasons, in so many different facets of our day to day living. I really do try and remind myself of that lovely saying "there are no endings, only new beginnings" as it makes seasonal changes so much less daunting.

On a happy note, today I finally managed to make my own cleaning detergents for the house!!! So exciting!!! I't's been on my green "to do list" forever, so although days are busy and filled with what needs to be done, daily inspirations and golden moments are never far away or out of reach..speaking of which, below are some pics of some of those golden moments going back over the last few months and some of the significant memories or events.

5 of us from "Coffee Love" club, getting together for the first of what will be our annual "It's a wrap" party - we had SO much fun wrapping our pressies together. Ant's, Trace, Bee, Can, and Vee.

Sabrina's 11th birthday party - a total SUPRISE - according to her, her best birthday EVER (she says that EVERY YEAR), - she just loooved the "mocktails" and girly girly stuff that went with it... truth be told - I had the MOST fun setting it all up!

And then it was Christmas...sigh....i REVELLED in the Christmas spirit - a girl can NEVER listen to too much Boney M, and have too much FAIRY TWINKLE at Christmastime......

My wonderful brother and his sweetheart - 2 very special people in our lives..

Despite having to rush off to the emergency unit on Christmas Eve when my Mom's finger got squashed in the garage door, her and I managed to pull off a great evening...I am learning to appreciate the AMAZING women in my family more, with each passing day! Despite having stitches in her finger, which was REALLY badly injured, my mother still managed to loosen the cutlery drawer with a hammer, lying flat on her back on the floor (mechanic style) - i think it was then when I realised where I got my fierce determination from:-)

Our first big trip in our QE2 took us all the way to Limpopo - some of our clan at UMOYA - Bela Bela on New Years eve

The girls in camping gear - Linds, Sand's Kira, and Bee
Our trip to Limpopo was another reminder of the vast beauty we have in this country - The Doornwagt Dam was PRISTINE and beautiful to say the least.

In 2009 I was prompted to start a group, and I am forever grateful that I did. Our group of 8 (sometimes 10 if we have visitors) ladies who meet once a week just for coffee - STRICTLY NO AGENDA, have become such an important part of my life. We have become close friends as well as support to one another's families - we share our love, knowledge and skills, to improve one another's lives and businesses. Our children have also become close, and support each other at school too! AT our first weekend away (sadly not all could make it) one of the children summed up our group perfectly in two words - "Coffee love" - couldn't have said it better!

Just a "teensy" bit apprehensive.....

The Moms, Ke(Kerry), Vee(Venessa) and Bee, navigating the crocodile...it got very "interesting" to say the least
We hadn't had this much fun in a long time....Bee and Can
Smelling the roses...

HEART - LOST AND FOUND?

2009-11-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank you to Dr John Demartini for introducing me to these powerful words, and secondly to my friend, Vanessa Matthews - OODLES OF TALENT (um V, seriously gf - howz about an update on the BLOG!!!???), for doing them justice in the ART FORM, and making them SO PURTY, i could just stare at them all day :-)...... The first time I ever heard these words spoken, it put so much of what I believe, into a single phrase, which has now become one of my little mantras. In addition to that, I have shared and passed it on to anyone and everyone I know, who I've thought would benefit from it too.

SOO....I just had to put them out there this morning. Partly for me, but also for so many of the women I've spoken to over the last few months, who've admitted to having lost themselves:-). I'm smiling simply because, to a child who heard that, they would LOGICALLY try and work that one out and come up with this .....????????????LOL!!!... Aaaahhh..the complexities of being female, and MOTHERS!!!...heck....just being FEMALE ACTUALLY LOL! But seriously, how many times do you need to have the same conversation with different people every time, to know that so many of us are in the same boat, and frankly, I think this boat (read issue) is getting seriously overcrowded!! So maybe it's time to (pardon the cliche) 'sink or swim'. Well that was my theory anyways :-)

This morning I had SO many random thoughts flooding through my head, but it's the feeling behind it that I always pay the most attention to, and the feeling I had this morning was just....WOW...some year huh. 2008 was a good year on the HOMEfront, but 2009 has been all about the HEART, and OMGOSH, so weird that it just so happens that the heart shape is being celebrated in all forms this year - they literally are EVERYWHERE - brooches, charms, cushions, wooden hearts, rusted hearts, wire hearts...you name it - we even have the I HEART MARKET now in Durban once a month (which is DEFINITELY worth a visit).....blush...I'm digressing....it's just that I looooovvvve purty things so much, I'm a bit like a child chasing butterflies when it comes to things like that....

I guess what is foremost on my mind is just the shift that's taken place for me this year. I feel just that much closer to mastering, maybe not my life, but mastering me, which is where it starts really. I've forced myself to pay attention this year, to what I want and need. Standing in our truth, and being honest with ourselves can be daunting, but also so rewarding!!! And it's amazing how when you take that leap of faith that leads to action (KEY TO MOVING FORWARD!!), life responds, and coincidences happen, and things start to fall into place. I'm so grateful for the situations and people who have enriched my life this year, but truth be told, I was willing to let them in, because I was ready to. I really feel like I've reconnected with myself and my little world again. SO instead of my head spinning, it's my world that is slowly turning - AGAIN. But I had to put myself out there, and have a goal and a plan, and I surrounded myself with people who would make sure I would be accountable to seeing things through, ahem (blush)...which i knew might just be a problem - judging from some of the *unfinished* CRAFT projects around the house.

In order to cope with life and it's responsibilities, and keep everyone around us happy, so many of us choose (yes that would be me) to close the door on ourselves, the things we love, our dreams, our passions, our heartfelt thoughts, OUR TRUTH. How then will we hear that voice and vision on the inside clearly enough, to be and know who we really are????

So if anyone has LOST THEMSELVES...giggle...reporting to security to ask them to phone your Mommy is NOT GONNA HELP this time. You need to try and find yourself, YOURSELF! Here's a few tips whch helped me:-)

- firstly, spend some time taking note of all the things that "fill your tank" and give you that warm and fuzzy feeling.....and seriously if that doesn't work...EISH... :-o....you're a lost (excuse the pun) cause - KIDDING

- spend some time exploring ways of how to fit those feel good things into your day .... EVERYDAY, for at least 2 weeks or more (hopefully for EVA:-))

**Now remember, a habit takes 21 days to form, so try and make a habit of it**

- doing these things that make you happy, have to be done (and this was the hard part for me) for no rhyme or reason at all (I repeat - FNRORAA), just for FUN - and if you don't know what FUN means, phone a friend or ask OXFORD - but seriously - EISH - it's a 3 lettter word, how hard can it be???

- if you're worried about neglecting your responsibilities (oh hello???), then compile a list of things that you would like to do and have to do, and rate them - I did mine as follows:

LOVE IT - a pink thing

LIKE IT - a blue thing

LOATHE IT - a brown thing (brown is SO NOT my colour)

I have to have to do the PINK STUFF...that's what feeds me, BUT the brown stuff is also necessary, so I sometimes trade them off, a brown thing off the list, get's me a free pass to do a pink thing - blue things are for days when you're feeling "WHAT EVA", but you get the idea.

Try it!...and remember....it's important to do the things we HEART, to hear the voices inside (your HEART - not your HEAD)!

It's a GORGEOUS day here today, so I'm off to do a pink thing - revel in the sunshine, sieze the day and spread some HEART (love) :-)