Appreciate your friends

live with intention.
walk to the edge.
listen hard.
practice wellness.
play with abandon.
laugh.
choose with no regret.
continue to learn.
appreciate your friends.
do what you love.
live as if this is all there is.
-mary anne radmacher


I'm all about spreading smiles, laughter and J.O.Y. happy Christmas all.
This is incredibly fabulous!! Enjoy!

Jean-The-Queen, My Mother

Today I went to Blouberg Beach, it's a special place for me (and my family). I just wanted to be there, feet in the sand, wind in my hair, listening to the waves crash against the rocks. It was a good time to remember my darling mother, I miss her so much - but feel close to her there.

I was then reminded of a poem that someone sent me in a card when my Mom passed away, I'll share it with you, it brought great comfort during a difficult time.

Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we are to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever
the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means
all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was: there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, some-where very near, just round the corner.
“All is Well”

Henry Scott Holland, 1847-1918 Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral

And so this is christmas ...

And so this is christmas and what have you done
Another year over; a new one just begun
And so this is christmas, I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one, the old and the young
A merry merry christmas and a happy new year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear

So this is christmas, for weak and for strong
The rich and the poor one, the road is so long
So happy christmas for black and for white
The yellow and red one, and stop all the fight
A merry merry christmas and a happy new year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear

So this is christmas and what have we done
Another year over, a new one just begun
So happy christmas, I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one, the old and the young
A merry merry christmas and a happy new year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear
- (john lennon, yoko ono)

Tigger ... Our Dog

A life that touches the hearts of others goes on forever!

The cutest dog on planet. He believes he rules our house - guess he knows how to wrap us around his doggie leash.

Wouldn't have it any other way if you ask us.

Just to say that I have the best husband in the world

Thanks for playing the money game. It was generous of you.
Love you lots.

When I need you
Just close my eyes and I'm with you
And all that I so want to give you babe
It's only a heartbeat away
- Rod Steward

There's something about a Cape Town Sunset ...

Picture taken outside our house, Durbanville - Cape Town. Stunning!

Sunset Thinking
Do you ever watch the sunset
And just sit and think about things
Just you and the sky and darkness
Giving your thoughts some wings

Perhaps you’re got some troubles
And don’t know what to do
Or you just plain need to get away
To spend a little time with you
Sunset beauty makes you feel as though
Your life has meaning after all
To see a sight so extraordinary
Makes you feel capable, strong and tall

It’s funny how flashes of color
Like a sunset or sunrise can inspire
It can calm your inner self a bit
It’s a scene you can never tire

The serenity gives you a chance
To put things in perspective
Life can be overwhelming at times
And a sunrise can be reflective

So when the sky lights up next time
Let your gaze do some drinking
Soak up and the amazing sights
And do some sunset thinking!

Marilyn Lott

Happy 65th Birthday Dad

My dad celebrated his 65th birthday today. What a privilege. Thank you God that we could share this day with him. We wish for him many more healthy happy years. The stars were even brighter last night, My Mom above, also shining down on my dad as he celebrates another year. Happy Birthday Dad.

Some random thoughts for today:

• i don't like the wind - cape town is far too windy
  
• i want to put a Xmas tree up this year - will shop for one this weekend
• i seriously need to sort myself out with a diet & stick to it, early new years resolution
  
• i enjoyed being with my dad last night for his birthday supper - i do worry about him
• i wonder where my mom is, if she is looking down on me…
• i am looking forward to having some time off over Xmas in a few weeks
  
• sunshine makes me smile, but I'm more a winter baby
• i posted my Xmas cards ... that's a first for me ...
• i miss walks on the beach… I should do it more often ... I live in the most beautiful place in the world
  
• i love to shop
  

Well have a good night everyone.

Cape Town, South Africa

I've said it before, there is no place like home ... Blouberg Beach, Cape Town.

My Wish ... The Rascals

Proudly South African

Point Of Grace – How You Live

Point Of Grace – How You Live
From the album How You Live

Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don’t hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes

And have what you want, but want what you have
And don’t spend your life looking back

Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
‘Cause you won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
‘Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night

Don’t run from the truth ’cause you can’t get away, no
Face it and you’ll be okay

(Chorus)

Oh, wherever you are and wherever you’ve been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don’t think that you can
‘Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man

And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
‘Cause in the end, there’s nobody else

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW1daW6k0LE

Animals in Africa

Ladies Dinner - 27th Sept : Jade Court

Thanks girls it was a good evening, sushi - eat as much as you can & we did. Enough Sushi for a while ...! See you all on the 25th October, Juliette looking forward to your suggestion for the evening.
pictured back left: Natalie, Sharon, Juliette, Karen, Nicole
front left: Kelli, Trudy & Sandy

What's in a name ...

2 of the 3 most important men in my life

if you are wondering who the third is, it's my brother, Michael

In this photo, my dad and my husband - could a girl want for more?

Personal DNA Maps

Things I learned from my mother

1. When buying sweets candy for the house, make sure it’s something you hate or you’ll eat it all and have to go buy more.
2. How to harmonize and sing with my eyes closed.
3. Beware of short men.
4. People with a real sense of style don't wear black; anyone can wear black. Wearing color properly takes style.
5. Always wear socks to the gynecologist. You never know whose feet have been in those stirrups.
6. Communication is crucial to happiness.
7. Money buys freedom.
8. In times of pain, we do the most growing up.
9. Sometimes you have to suffer for beauty. No one said it was easy.
10. Never make fun of someone on public transprt for picking their nose because they might follow you home and wipe it on you.
11. Be careful with the gloss. Sometimes it looks like you just ate a lamb chop.
12. When traveling, never dress like a ragamuffin. Always wear clean underwear and dress handsomely.
13. To pretend you like it even if it’s vile. You’ll find a way to return it.
14. Have a dress coat and shoes for all seasons.
15. The man should always love the woman a smidge more.
16. Smile.
17. Don’t stick your arm out the window.
18. That kissing it really can make it better.
19. Don’t marry anyone who works for his family; they'll control your life.
20. Enunciate.
21. One won’t kill you.
22. If they are nice to you, but rude to the waiter, ask for the check.
23. When my hair is too long, I look like a country western singer.
24. Don’t wear silver and gold together.
25. Never pick up a hitchhiker.
26. To look the other way when I give blood.
27. Always have your own money stored away someplace safe.
28. It’s okay to tell people to fcuk off.
29. To always say “thank you,” even if you don’t mean it.
30. Don’t remove your shoes on airplanes; your feet swell and you might be unable to put them back on.
31. Don't make your mother cry on Mother's Day.
32. Always begin by saying, “Well I got it on sale.”
33. Never get floral curtains or anything too busy. “You’ll want to vomit.”
34. That the small ornaments belong at the top of the tree.
35. To be fearless.
37. Hot chocolate tastes better if someone else makes it for you.
38. That I’ll thank her one day for insisting I take time to notice the little things.
39. Bite your lips and pinch your cheeks.
40. To shave or wax the hair on your toes, too.
41. How to wrap presents.
42. To roast marshmallows in the toaster oven when there’s no fireplace.
43. That I have a vagina.
44. To pronounce the store W-o-o-l-w-o-r-t-h-s.
45. How to hover over public toilet bowls without touching anything.
46. Believe me, if it's going well, he won't be looking at your shoes.
47. If I’m running late with dinner, cook an onion and set the table, “It will appear as if you’ve been cooking all day.”
48. To move the crotch of a bathing suit to the side to pee instead of taking the whole thing off.
49. To make macoroni cheese and mashed potatoes.
50. To love Michael Bolton.
60. It’s all in the presentation.
61. Don’t over pluck your eyebrows.
62. Always have a black suit that fits.
63. Wear the most expensive accessories you can afford and you’ll always look put-together.
64. Sesame seeds contain calcium.
65. Posture.
66. Don’t lick your knife.
67. To ignore gossip.
68. Wearing white makes you feel clean.
69. Eat raw parsley for good breath.
70. Brush my tongue.
71. To drink my damn water.
72. To always use fresh garlic.
73. That I’m a terrible driver “The Worst!”
74. Have a glass of wine.
75. To appreciate chicken soup, magazines, extra blankets, chick flicks, and bedtime stories when I’m sick.
76. To love the holidays.
77. Passion.
78. How to be feminine: walk in heels, say excuse me (though I rarely do this), and personalize thank you notes.
79. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well, just get up and do it.
80. When navigating a nearly empty soup bowl, tilt it away from you and do the same with the spoon.
82. “Always remember your mother.”

Interesting

At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be:

02:03:04 05/06/07

This won't happen again in our lifetimes.

I am

I Am ...

A wife
A friend
A sister
A daughter
A aunt
A niece
A lover
A artist
A dreamer
A decorator
A thinker
A bleeding heart
A muser
A housekeeper
Flower lover
Quiet
Encouraging
Easily depressed
A worrier
God fearing
God loving
God needing
A warrior
Living for my family
A super woman
Able to do 10 things at once (I know, I know, that's all?! Yes I know sometimes there's more I have to do at once I just can't do it ALL you know!)
A listener
Transfixed by adoration
Grateful
Blessed

Who are you?

Happy Birthday Keith

If I were given a chance to be anything I wanted to become, there's noting I would rather be ...than your wife.
And there is no one I would rather have ...as my husband.
Happy birthday Babes.

Sad!

I hate this.

I was totally rooting for her, but alas, more sadness.

Gotta go. I'll try to write more often, but jeez, there's just nothing going on.

6 Years Ago ....

When I married you I married someone who means the world to me. As time has passed by, I have come to know the deepest warmth & the sweetest smiles anyone has ever known. And I want you to know that there's no place in the universe I'd rather be ... than cuddled up with you in the comfort of our home. Strawberry.