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.