2009

This is my wish for you:
comfort on difficult days,
smiles when sadness intrudes,
rainbows to follow the clouds,
laughter to kiss your lips,
sunsets to warm your heart,
hugs when spirits sag,
beauty for your eyes to see,
friendships to brighten your being,
faith so that you can believe,
confidence for when you doubt,
courage to know yourself,
patience to accept the truth,
love to complete your life.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Support Breast Cancer Month

Cancer may come unexpectedly into your life, Bringing fear, hard times, and great strife. Families suffer and the end clearly unknown.
Families are stronger than ever and not alone.
Our personalities must stay optimistic, Feeling better and free will be realistic.
The experience could be a long, hard ride, Twists and turns in which you have cried.
When you fight and beat it and go on to live, Don't forget the people who are here to give. Love and care will forever and always stay.
Cancer will be knocked out of the way.
Your soul is and will be stronger than this; It can conquer cancer, destroy and dismiss. Courage and memories are very much needed, As tiring treatments have faithfully succeeded.
Friendship, family, and faith cannot be suppressed; They are the loving souls that make you blessed.
By: Michaela Fournier

Positive thoughts ...

Had some time this afternoon to catch up on some blogs and stopped and said a couple of prayers for friends in the computer:
For Tricia and Nate & beautiful baby Gwyneth - go one have a peep they have the most amazing story and God is blessing them each and every day
For a new blog that I discovered this afternoon, Katie needs our prayers
For one of my favourite bloggers, just cos she is such an inspiration and I admire her, but then in the same category I also love to read her daily updates and hers, these ladies are fab - and local is lekker!
My Mother T had a second dose of chemo today, I pray for her to feel better soon and continue to be strong.

I'm grateful and I'm blessed - What are you grateful for today?

Out and about in Cape Town

Recovered from the engagement party last night, decided to not waste the day indoors. Went for a drive to beach, put my toes in the water (freezing!), took in the view, walked with Tigger & Keith.
Not inspired to write much today. Here's to the week ahead!

It's the weekend baby

It's the weekend and what does that mean in Cape Town ... Rain!

I don't mind I love the rain but enough is enough, bring on Spring?

Plans for the weekend, feel like going to a movie tonight and having popcorn and coke light! Any recommendations on what to see? Wouldn't mind seeing Hansie movie or what about Mamma Mia?

Tomorrow morning is the usual pamper Saturday, starting off with me arbing around Canal Walk, can't wait to see what's new in Ginger Mary, need and outfit for Saturday night, going to my bosses engagement party! Then off to Valetta for my usual blow dry and pedicure/manicure.

Sunday with a little bit of luck, the weather will be fine and I can go out and use my new toy, Nikon D40 with signma lens and capture some moments in history. I'm inspired by many of my friends in the computer as they take amazing pic's and I too want to learn this new skill. I'm very new at this and was wondering is there anyone out there that can offer some free tips for me? Please.

• Keith has been working v.v. hard - reckons he needs this weekend to catch up and relax.
• My aunt that had the masectomy is recovering, she is so loved and with prayers she is well on the road to recovery, her cancer has brought us all closer together. I love my Mother T.
• President Mothlanthe is sworn in as South Africa's new head of state.
• It's Friday, I'm felling happy! And also the fact that Maggie is at my house, cleaning and making it all pretty for me for the weekend, I heart Maggie!
• Thinking of my Dad today, going to give him a call later just to say hello and let him know I was thinking of him.
• I have the most handsome kind precious brother in the whole wide world and he is married to the most amazing funny kind lady, what more could a sister want.
• Keith is also blessed with 3 brothers, 2 of them also have amazing wives, my one SiL was also my best friend in high school, she introduced Keith and I (thanks Charnel!)
• I live in Cape Town, nothing better in the world, but would give up cappcucino's if I could be in Scotland again. Did I mention that Keith and I got engaged in a castle in Scotland - St Margaret's Chapel on Edinburgh Castle. I also have the most amazing family living in Edinburgh and I would love to have a cup of tea and a hot buttie with A.Linda and catch up. Miss you guys lots.

• Within my sensitivity lies my stregth.
• Bye for now have a safe weekend you all.

Me? Portrait of an ISFJ - Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging

The Nurturer

As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.
ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.

ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ. ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method. ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.
The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient. More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions. Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.

The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted. ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".
The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

So I'm - Introverted Sensing with Extraverted Feeling - who would have guessed?

PS: Keith bought me a present on the weekend, I'm inspired by my friends in the computer to take photographs and he thought this was a great tool to start with ... Thanks Babes, watch this space I'll make you proud!

MiL

My mother in law ... Keith's Mom, Jay, Jeanette. She's known to many as I've just mentioned, but to me, she'll always be, My Mother in Law!

Thanks for the support shown to me during this time with A.Teresa's breast cancer, thank you for phoning to ask how she is doing, thank you for asking how I am feeling. Thank you for you!

You've taught me not to live my life to please other people. You've made a difference in my life and I love you lots, Strawberry!

Thank you for a bringing your wonderful son, Keith, into this world so that I can spend my days with him.

Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you need is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down (Oprah)

PS: See you on Saturday, Keith is leaving us money for Sushi & dvd's to make up for when he is in JHB with Colin. Looking forward to our pajama party! Yeah!

Weekend Update

Had a blessed weekend, went to visit my aunt in hospital, she had a mastectomy on Thursday and by yesterday afternoon, look healthier than the visitors sitting around her bed. It's the power of prayer that brought her to where she is now. She is on the road to recovery and as she said with such strength yesterday, she is a cancer survivor! I adore you Mother T.


Keith & I took Tigger for a walk in Durbanville on Sunday, was fresh & chilly. Managed to get a few pic's of the scenery and was reminded how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place.










Of course, in my mind, there is no better view in my eyes than Keith & Tigger. Love you lots and thanks for a great weekend babes.












Things to be grateful for this week:
Mother T coming out of hospital this week
I'm having a l-o-n-g weekend, going to sleep in on Monday morning, hit the snooze button ...
Going to Stellenbosch been offered a complimentary hair colour (can't say no to that)
Looking forward to our dinner club on Saturday 30th Aug at Charnel & Colin - love spending time with the people that count in my life
Going to Durban & Johannesburg this week
Won a gift hamper from a beauty house through a magazine competition, I've selected my products, just waiting for the hamper to arrive
(will come back and add to this list ...)

Have yourselves a good week also.

Breast Cancer

Today, I learned the news of 2 people that have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
It's come as a big shock. The 1 lady is so dear to my heart that I can't imagine life without her. She is my rock. She stood by me when my Mom passed away. She stood by me when I married Keith. She is my person!

The other lady is a sister of a dear friend of mine. My thoughts & prayers go out to your whole family Leila.

One never knows what the right thing is to say to someone diagnosed so I looked for the words in the computer and with a little help came up with this ...

What do you do if your dearest friend or family member has cancer? You support their choice. You listen to why they have decided to take the course of action they are on, and you stand by them. You don't discredit the treatments, you support their ability to trust and believe in the treatment.

The mind-body connection is very strong and it is proven that if a patient believes that they will heal using a certain treatment, their chances are much better that they will heal using that treatment. You can be afraid with them, you can be furious at the cancer with them, you can be sad with them. But when it comes to the treatments they are going through, you stand by them and help them to believe.

Believe that they will get well. Believe that they will survive and thrive. Believe that you will too.

Mother T & Farzanah my thoughts and prayers are with you both today. While you work things out and wait for better times to start - I wish you the smiles of family and friends to lift your spirits and warm your heart.

Tomorrow, I will phone for an appointment for a mammogram! I encourage you reading to do the same.

Jean-The-Queen, my Mother

10 Years ago today I said Farewell to my Mother.
When a Mother dies, it it like someone cuts a piece of your heart out with a sharp knife.
It was from My Mother that I first learned, to think, to feel, to imagine, to believe.
Not a day goes by without me remembering her, she was my best Friend.
Mom, Thank you for my life, I will always always miss you and love you.
Till we meet again.
With love from your Daughter
xxx

SiL's 40th

Celebrated my SiL & BiL's joint 40th on Saturday night at the Italian Club. Here's a couple of photo's from the event. Sharon, Charnel & I

Keith & I

Charnel & I

BiL & SiL - don't you agree, they look good for 40! Thanks Colin & Charnel, we had a great time and we are very blessed to have shared the special event with you.

Life hands us many different things, good and bad. One of the greatest gifts we receive is the love of a good friend.

Love, always.

Long weekend ...

Enjoying a long weekend, only back to work on Tuesday again. Nice.

Spent the day arbing in the malls this morning, was looking for something fabulous to wear to 2 functions coming up, tomorrow night it is my SiL & BiL's joined 40th party. Then next week have a 21st birthday to attend. Shoo thought I was done with 21st ... makes me feel too old!
My house is spotless, Maggie was here today to wave her magic wand and now the house is looking fab, here's a couple of pic's that I've just taken of my favourite rooms in my house ...

The dining area, I love it as many a good meal has been served there, special memories shared with friends/family around the table.















The lounge, who can resist a Coricraft couch with pillows ... just hate having to fluff them up when I'm done sitting on it. But they are very comfy indeed ...









Then I have another fav spot, picture this, lying on the day bed, curled up with soft blanket, fire going and reading a great book. I love this chill out zone!














Our bedroom ... say no more :-)













The 2nd Bathroom (who forgot to put the toilet seat down ... Mr L)















Monday, Keith and I are going to spend the day together, he is also off so we will go to a movie, have some lunch and just be together. Nice! Looking forward to it.

Thanks for visiting my house, wish I could invite you over for a cappuccino and chat. This will have to do then.

Have an awesome weekend friends in the computer. Praying for CF, Pepe, hoping So Close's A&K feel better soon, can't wait to read about her weekend update, going to lurk on cousin's blog in UK to catch up on her beautiful family, enjoy the writing of new mommy and her darling baby girl, speaking about mothers and all, found this mom blog through her blog and I think she totally rocks, what an awesome Mother you are to your 3 boys.

Be safe you all.
K

It's your life

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony. William Henry Channing

It's freezing in Cape Town today, real winters day, I'm not complaining this is my favourite time of the year. I love the rain, I love the coldness, I love that I don't need to make an excuse to just want to be at home. I love my home, Keith made a fire this afternoon, I lay on the couch reading my new Marian Keyes book, had a cup of tea - was great. Brought me to the reality that all I want is right here, right now. I'm blessed.

Going to snuggle up now and watch a dvd, Keith is going to make rump steak with potato wedges (Oh yes ... another good reason why I *heart* Winter, comfort food ...) speaking of comfort food which translates to weight-gain, I have been to the gym 3 times this week & signing up again with Nelius for another month, boy did he make us build up a sweat on Wednesday, was stiff for 2 days after that. Looking forward to the challenge and my goal of feeling fab & healthy. Wish me luck and leave me a motivational comment, got loads of kg's to loose.

Enjoy your evening all.

Hotels & Facebook

Hello from JHB, sitting in my hotel room at Falstaff Hotel, just had a wonderful dinner and best part, just needed to move the tray off the bed and leave it until room service come and clean it away!

Had a easy flight from Cape Town no delays (!) and stood in line to collect luggage and saw one of my favourite people in my computer, Tertia and I was too shy to say hello. I stood at the baggage collection and just stood there in awe. Hope you are also in your hotel room, feet up, wine in hand and that your trip is a success.

What are the chances of bumping into another favourite person in my computer, Wenchy from her blog I know she lives in JHB. I'm only here for a short time but that would be awesome, I wonder if I will be too shy to say hello to her as well. Well to both of you, You Rock!

Off to take a bubble bath now, best part about being in a hotel room on my own ... total control of the TV remote ... and the TV is not even on. Just me, laptop, Ismael Lo on the MP3 and white crisp linen sheets & duvet covers. Sheer bliss!

Have a blessed week my friends in the computer and may I ask that you continue to pray for Nate, Trisha & Baby Gwyneth.

Blessings & Hidings

Wanted to write a post, got to the title and couldn't think what I wanted to say. Just wanted to let everyone know how I was feeling today. Good!

It's a Monday afternoon, survived the Monday Morning Blues and getting my mind ready for a cardio session at the gym this evening.

Feeling bad (still!) for hitting my dog ... I can't believe I did but it was in a moment of complete panic and relief that I nipped him on the leg. We took him for a walk yesterday afternoon and he disappeared in the garden and manage to climb through a fence to the neighbours behind. I searched all over for him, called him, but the little shit didn't come. I then heard dog's barking behind where we were looking for him and then realised he must be tormenting the dog's - I got into my car and drove around to look for him - left my frantic husband on the premises in case Tigger came back to look for us! Couldn't find him, was just about to drive away when I see him sniffing a plant! Can you believe it. Out of complete relief I scolded him and he just flopped down and I nipped him *hard* on the leg. Got him into the car and drove back to where Keith was still searching for him. We both ignored him for a while (all of 5 minutes ... I applied the naughty chair rule to the dog). But today I feel worse, how could I do that to him. Keith reckons Tigger has long since forgiven me ... however I still feel bad, can't wait to get home after gym and take him for a long walk and shower him with cuddles tonight.

Ok so what else am I grateful for today ... everything and more. I am blessed and I continue to thank God for this.

My dad at the ripe age of 65 got his first PC this weekend, now is wanting to register on facebook and learn to surf the net .... precious! For father's day my treat for him is to send him on a crash course to learn how to navigate his way around ... I don't have the patience to teach him so I will paysome to do it for me. Bless him.

To my friends in the computer I wish you all a happy week and I look forward to browsing (not lurking) your pages.

Keep warm & keep updating.

Mwah!

PS: Still couldn't come up with an appropriate title for this entry so will just call it ... blessings & hidings

Winter, Cape Town, Fire, Warmth, Love, Cosy & Cappucino

Quite is the fire. Quite is the moment Quite is the time for laughter Quite is the time for hope Quite is the time for passion A quite fire is like timeless echos in the wind
by: Margot Lindsey

I'm your winter fire, surrounding you, embracing you, warming you

Missing in Action

Hi, just wanted to let you know I haven't fallen from the face of the earth, or gone on any long vacation, or "out fishing" .... just lost the plot a bit to blog. Being following my regular blog's love reading about their daily adventures, how God is blessing them (http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/), how soon they will be a mommy to "TWO CHILLENS" (http://www.babeless.blogspot.com/), how they are being loved, spoilt and treasured (http://thenocturnalwench.wordpress.com/).

Thank you to my blog readers as well, in the words of Arnie ... I'll be back.
Have a good day ya all.

A Simple Day by Fion Lim

To wake up in the morning, knowing you're still alive,
To know you have a choice each day, starting afresh,
To find joy in everyday, acknowledging simple pleasures,
To live in the present moment, engaging your awareness,
To count the blessings in life, believing abundance abounds,
To enjoy the work you do, following your passion,
To make a little difference, adding to the universe,
To be what you are, listening to your inner being,
To give away love, rejoicing in the chance to give,
To receive love with gratitude, feeling good about it,
To smile at strangers, seeing how infectious it can be,
To speak words of kindness, spreading a little warmth,
To understand with compassion, opening up your mind,
To play with children, nurturing your inner child,
To appreciate the nature, soaking up all the beauty,
To feel the warmth of the sun, glowing upon your skin,
To listen to the falling rain, pattering on the grounds
To taste the richness of food, sliding down your throat,
To smell the freshness of air, filling up your lungs,
To see the falling night, concluding a well-lived day,
That's life, that's living,
That's the core of what really matters...
And if I've missed out anything,
Please let love make up for all of it.

Bless them Lord

Please join me in prayers for the following families in my computer ... I read their blogs daily and would love to share their journey - they are truely God's people and daily inspire me with their stories:-

http://evajanette.blogspot.com/
http://mnssams.blogspot.com/
http://www.especiallyheather.com/
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/
http://cortmcgowan.blogspot.com/
http://www.babeless.blogspot.com/

Birthday Photo's 2008

Our Anniversary, 7 years

When you smiled you had my undivided attention. When you laughed you had my urge to laugh with you. When you cried you had my urge to hold you. When you said you loved me, you had my heart forever.

The world is filled with reasons why I love you.

This day, 24th March 2001, I married my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with and love.

Sandra (Sandy) My Friend

As I look back on all that's happened..growing up, growing together, changing you, changing me -- there were times when we dreamed together, when we laughed and cried together. As I look back on those days, I realize how much I truly miss you and how much I truly love you. The past may be gone forever..and whatever the future holds, our todays make the memories of tomorrow. So, my lifetime friend, it is with all my heart that I send you my love, hoping that you'll always carry my smile with you, for all we have meant to each other and for whatever the future may hold.

-- Author Unknown

Tigger

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. -- Author Unknown

My Valentine, My Love, My World!

If Not For You
If not for you, I wouldn’t know What true love really meant.

I’d never feel this inner peace; I couldn’t be content.
If not for you, I’d never have The pleasures of romance.

I’d miss the bliss, the craziness, Of love’s sweet, silly dance.
I have to feel your tender touch;

I have to hear your voice;

No other one could take your place;

You’re it; I have no choice.
If not for you, I’d be adrift;

I don’t know what I’d do;

I’d be searching for my other half,

Incomplete, if not for you - By Joanna Fuchs

To me family means putting your arms around each other and being there

left to right : Keith (husband), Michael (brother), Karen & Sharon (Sister-in-Law)

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them - Desmond Tutu

A brother is a friend provided by nature. -- Legouve Pere

It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on!
-- Author Unknown

Small steps ...

Each day I start my day off by thinking of Tricia, Nate & Baby Gwyneth.

Today was one of the best posts and it included a video link with Tricia, she has her voice back. I encourage you all to spend some time reviewing old posts on the website and allowing the spirit to reach you.

Please continue to pray for them and everyone else that has been touched by this story. I know, my life has changed through their journey.

I'm not spiritual like the other commentors on the site, but I'm learning and want to dedicate my life. Small steps ...

Have a blessed day everyone.

The Power of Prayer

Tricia's awake!

Confirmation that God is working miracles ...

Please pray for Nate, Tricia and Baby Gywneth.
Through their story I too will learn and accept and trust and believe.
Thank you Lord for leading me.

Happy Birthday Mother Teresa

Family faces are magic mirrors looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future. -- Gail Lumet Buckley

Wishing you a wonderful birthday, we are blessed to share another one with you.

I thought the significance of this photo was good, it's our Mother's two sisters and her brother, the only one missing there was her, but she was there with us celebrating from above.

Here's to many more.

Happy 2008

We wish you Health so that you may enjoy each day in comfort. We wish you the Love of Friends and family and peace within your heart. We wish you the Beauty of Nature that you may enjoy the work of God. We wish you Wisdom to choose priorities for those things that really matter in life. We wish you Generosity so that you may share all good things that come to you . We wish you Happiness & Joy and blessings for 2008 and the best of everything that you so well deserve!

Love Keith & Karen