Gorgeous Gabriel

Is it possible that it's almost 2 years since this cherub was born? On the 27th Oct 2011 - we will be celebrating this gorgeous nephew of mine's 2nd birthday. I am so blessed to have spent time with him as he develops into a little man.

No longer a baby, this Dude rocks!


& here's a photo of the Dude with his Dad (my brother, Michael)

My wish for you Gabriel ....

Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is. Mary Anne Radmacher

Thanks to my new friend in the computer Fiona I feel the need to pick up and carry on in this space where I left off :-)

Quick catchup - actually just wanted to check I remembered how to sign in to dashboard ....

Spent a stunning day at Kirstenbosch yesterday, was reminded again how beautiful Cape Town is and how blessed we are to be here.

I am on leave at the moment, just arbing around at home - catching up with some chores that needed attention last year ... going to gym (working hard on my 20kg's/10km's for 2010) ... spending time with my nephew the most beautiful little boy in my world. Pictures speak for themselves, isn't he the best :-)


Last week I completed my 2nd Spar Ladies 10km, I can't run it (yet) but I did jog a few times and then walked a very fast pace, my time was 1h30m - Yey Me!

I also managed to surprise my hubby with a party at Cubana Green Point for his birthday and it was such a delight to see the surprise on his face, so worth it! *Heart* you lots!

I wish you a blessed week and enough of everything you need right now.

All about me ... right now ... good space :-)

Can't remember where I saw this originally but thought it's been so long since I posted anything maybe a small step to get me going again, I can't keep up anymore :-)

1. Today I feel… blessed
2. This week… has been an emotional one, my dear uncle is in ICU in hospital - get well soon Uncle Nev
3. Last night…I took some photographs
4. Lately the song stuck in my head is… I’ve got a feeling- by Black eyed Peas
5. My New Years eve… awesome, I got to baby sit my 6 week old nephew, Gabrielle - what a blessing he is.
6. This year I’m looking forward to… learning new things, celebrating everything, spending time with my love, exploring, discovering, walking and shedding the kg's ...
7. What big lesson/s did you learn in 2009? That dreams can come true!

Baby Gabriel Vincent has arrived ... welcome sweet Angel

Born : 27th Oct 2009 at 09:06am
Parents : Michael & Sharon are still beaming ...
That makes me the Proud Aunt of this beautiful baby :-)

Well done brother, he is gorgeous!

Randoms

Outside my window... the stars are out.

I am thinking... How wonderful it was to share a meal with my SiL & BiL tonight, Keith made chicken & mushroom pie with the creamiest mash potato - I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and fab-u-lous family.

I am thankful for... all that I have been blessed with thus far.

From the kitchen... the smell of the coffee machine brewing ...

I am wearing... black pj's bottoms and a white t - getting ready for bed now-now :-)

I am creating... a baby shower for my SiL - first grandchild on our side, I have so many ideas for the baby shower - just need to find a theme and go for it! Can't wait.

I am going... to love Keith and be a better wife - I seriously *heart* that man.

I am reading... Not yet but going to start a new Marion Keynes book shortly.

I am hoping...to unwind, relax, and enjoy the next 3 days off from work.

I am hearing... Keith calling me asking for a cappuccino - what was that I said above that I was going to be a better wife and here I sit blogging whilst the poor soul calls out for cappuccino.

Around the house... love my home...

One of my favorite things... is my Nikon camera!

A few plans for the rest of the week... sleep would be good. and photo taking. and maybe some sleep?

A picture to share... My beautiful SiL the one I am planning the wonderful Baby Shower for, come on 02 November ... my nephew will be born.

Have a good week.
K

Go now, and live.

Haven't written for a while ...

(read this somewhere today and it totally sums up how I am feeling)

Slightly overwhelmed with my thoughts and life in general. Nothing serious, it happens now and then. I do hope you enjoy this photo though, it's all I have for now.
Hoping to be back soon with a little more to talk about. Don't forget about me, ok?

He makes me smile ... The beach makes me happy ....

Have an awesome week.

Another Tag thing

One word ...

USING ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Be sure to tag 3 other bloggers (and let them know!).. remember only ONE WORD!


1. Where is your cell phone?

table

2. Your significant other?

mine!

3. Your hair?

long

4. Your mother?

missed

5. Your father?

fabulous

6. Your favorite?

husband

7. Your dream last night?

submarines

8. Your favorite drink?

oros

9. Your dream/goal?

happiness!

10. What room you are in?

computer

11. Your hobby?

photography

12. Your fear?

unwarranted

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years?

alive

14. Where were you last night?

brother

15. Something that you are not?

thin!

16. Muffins?

no

17. Wish list item?

nothing

18. Where you grew up?

CT

19. Last thing you did?

eat

20. What are you wearing?

little

21. Your TV?

on

22. Your pets?

adored

23. Friends?

loved

24. Your life?

abundant

25. Your mood?

content

26. Missing some one?

yip

27. Car?

polo

28. Something you're not wearing?

bra

29. Your favorite store?

Any

30. Your favorite color?

grey

33. When is the last time you laughed?

earlier

34. Last time you cried?

recently

35. One place that I go to over and over?

facebook

36. One person who texts me regularly?

Keith

38. My favorite place to eat?

home

39. My favorite food?

curry

40. What did you do today?

stressed

Okay, I tag:

You
You
You

A-Z Meme

Found this Meme via this friend in the computer

1. A - Age: 30 something ... 21st March is another birthday for me.
   
2. B - Bed size: Double, I sleep on the left side
   
3. C - Chore you hate: unraveling the vacuum cleaning, plugging it in - only to find that it is a fraction to short to reach the corner you most need it, then having to unplug it into a different socket and then packing it away afterwards, hate it!
   
4. D - Dad’s Name: Leslie Charles, I got my second name from him, but mine is spelt Lesley
5. E - Essential start your day item: Shower
   
6. F - Favorite actor(s): Clive Owen & Jason Statham
7. G - Gold or Silver: Bling it on!
   
8. H - Height: 1,78m
9. I - Instruments you play(ed): Had piano lessons at school - would love to learn the play the violin
   
10. J - Job title: They don't have a title for what I do
    
11. K - Kid(s): Nope - just an adorable dog & gorgeous husband!
    
12. L - Living arrangements: Alive thanks!
13. M - Mom’s name: Jean (also known as Jean-the-Queen) Miss you loads Mom.
    
14. N - Nicknames: Kazza, K
15. O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: spider bite (1 night), breast reduction (2 nights) - prefer to overnight in my own house thank you.
16. P - Pet Peeve: People that are late - people that are negative and judgemental. Oh and queues
    
17. Q - Quotes you like: All that we are is the result of what we have thought. Buddha
18. R - Right or left handed: Right
19. S - Siblings: Younger brother by 3 years
    
20. T - Time you wake up: 06:45 weekdays - on weekends I don't have an alarm, I wake up when I want to
21. U- Underwear: Yes
22. V - Vegetable you dislike: I enjoy all vegetables.
    
23. W - Ways you run late: I’m usually on time (rarely late, honestly)
    
24. X - X-rays you’ve had: back and neck (falling down small flight of stairs at brother's house 2 years ago - was v. lucky) Do the x-rays at the dentist count?
    
25. Y - Yummy food you like to prepare: Only thing I might be really good at is making divine salads and Keith would say I make the best egg & toast sandwiches
26. Z - Zodiac- Aries, on the cusp 21st March
    

All about Brown

I came home tonight and was inspired to take pictures around the house that was Brown! That pretty much sums up my entire house as everything is neutral, choc, cappuccino and brown! Not sure what it means - maybe I'm ready to change the interior or maybe it's just that I'm feeling wholesome and connecting with the earth - deep ... no pun intended ;-)

Hope you like my collection of browns, in the 1st group of photo's :

Wall hanging on either side of the lounge suite
My dog, Tigger!
Circle of Friends with a candle ... I light this and each time I am reminded of the symbolism of friends standing around a campfire in deep communion and the circle of friendship indicating that friendship never ends. I brought this one all the way from Edinburgh Scotland. I heart it!
My curtain & tie back. Love the richness of the choc brown taffeta type curtains

In the 2nd group of photo's:
Our bed!
My new pebble mat at the front door. I just had to have it, drove to 3 different stores to find it, eventually found it at Tygervalley!
Art hanging on my wall, compliments of my very talented cousin Darren!

3rd Group of photo's
Another shot of the art hanging on my walls in the house.

You like? Me too!


Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.

Effect of Brown

How the color brown effects us physically and mentally

• a feeling of wholesomeness
• stability
• a connection with the earth
• a sense orderliness
  

The Scent of Brown

Chocolate was the original scent of the brown colored Magic Scents Crayons from Binney & Smith Inc. introduced in 1994 with mostly food scents. There were numerous reports that children were eating the food-scented crayons, so the food scents were retired and replaced with non-food scents. The scent for the color brown became "dirt"

Nutmeg: A spicy scent, smells just like fresh ground Nutmeg. A great Holiday scent, very yummy. Aromatherapy benefits: Rejuvenating, uplifting, energizing.

Almond: Smells like Almond extract. A nutty almond, scent. Wonderful and light. Aromatherapy benefit. Anchoring, and strengthening

Songs with Brown in the Title

* "Another Brown World" [i] by Coil on Unnatural History II
* "Big, Bad Leroy Brown" by Jim Croce
* "Big Brown City" by Lynn Miles
* "Black, Brown and White" by Big Bill Broonzy
* "A Boat Like Gideon Brown" by Great Big Sea
* "Bobbie Brown Goes Down" by Frank Zappa on Sheik Yerbouti
* "Bring Back That Leroy Brown" by Queen on Sheer Heart Attack
* "Brown Eyed Girl" by Lagwagon
* "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison on Blowin' Your Mind!
* "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" by Chuck Berry
* "Brown Eyed Pickle Boy" by Tripping Daisy
* "Brown Hat/Tam Lin/The Night" by Einstein's Little Homunculus
* "Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones on Sticky Fingers

Culture of Brown: Brown represents wholesomeness and earthiness. While it might be considered a little on the dull side, it also represents steadfastness, simplicity, friendliness, dependability, and health. Although blue is the typical corporate color, UPS (United Parcel Service) has built their business around the dependability associated with brown.

Bye for now.

19 arb things you might not know about me...

1. I've never broken a bone - had to get stitches once in my left leg after a shaving accident.

2. I have always been a sucker for stray dogs! I can't just ride past a stray dog without feeling sorry for them. Since we got our Tigger, I can only imagine if he were alone on the street how it would be ... we did rescue him from the streets and now I believe he thinks he is in living doggy heaven with us :-)

3. With all the snow in the UK at the moment, I'd swop places with anyone in a heartbeat to be in Scotland right now! Anyone ... ?

4. The last holiday I had was in 2006 when I went to Scotland/London during March. I spent my birthday with my lovely family in Edinburgh. I vowed never to go on holiday again without Keith. I missed him too much ♥

5. I listen to a variety of music my favourite at the moment is Watershed (SA local band). Missed an opportunity to see Parletones this weekend, ah well next time.

6. I got chicken pox as I was doing my last final exam in Matric, I remember writing it alone in an office - just got one scar to prove it (Oh and a Matric certificate).

7. I ♥ taking photo's on my Nikon camera, new found hobby and I'm still learning, but I ♥ it! I keep my photos backed up in 2 different places in case I loose my photo's - You could probably say I'm a little paranoid.

8. I miss my Mom so much. She passed away on 02 Aug 1998 - I will never get over it, I just learn to live with it each day. She was an amazing lady. Jean-the-Queen!

9. One of my biggest pet peeves are when parents don't buckle their little kids in the car! Don't they even care?

10. Totally into White Chocolate Oreos & a glass of cold milk .... I ♥ it! Mmm.

11. I ♥ going to Blouberg Beach, walking in the sand, sitting on the rocks, just being in the moment. I have loved it since my Mom used to take us there as children ... and going back there is always as great as I remember it being back then with her.

12. I had my ears pierced when I was 9. I had l-o-n-g hair at the time and I remember my mom telling me that I could only have my ears pierced if I cut my hair .... she also taught me the art of bargaining!

13. Despite what everyone may think - especially those that know me well - I am really shy about meeting new people - I get nervous! My Myers Brigg profile confirms I am IFSP

14. But you won't believe I am nervous and when I tell people that I am actually shy, they find it hard to believe, so I'm an introvert by nature but forced to be extrovert at times. Not by preference. I have "met" some fab-u-lous people in the computer and ♥ to read their blogs (you know who you are)

15. I ♥ shoes - but would prefer to be barefoot. I also love having pedicures.

16. I ♥ shopping too! Lately been shopping for household items, waiting for the winter season to update the wardrobe.

17. I can be extremely random at times ... you can tell by reading this.

18. I have a younger brother, Michael, who is married to Sharon. They have just moved out of a flat into a house with a swimming pool and garden, they are happy. I ♥ them! I also have 2 other SiL's, Charnel & Tania, both amazing girls. I am blessed.

19. My dear aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008, she has had her 6 sessions of chemotherapy, last one in Jan 09 and needs to go back in March for an assessment. Her courage and strength during this time has made me ♥ her even more than I already did. Through her struggle it has made us as a family remember that we are all in this together, we need to support each other - and sometimes just be there for each other and let each of us know that we are loved and we mean the world to each other. Thank you Mother T you've taught me a lesson (or two ...)

That's it for tonight got to get Keith a Nurofen he is suffering with a terrible headache, he get's cluster headaches and I wish there was something more I could do for him. It's terrible, go take a peep here to read just how hectic these headaches are.

Mwah

I'll be back soon ...

It's been a while, I haven't stopped here to write anything feel bad - but also don't know what to write. I've been easing into 2009 and wanting to keep the spirit alive. Been taking photographs with my Nikon & experiementing with the tripod and different lences capturing images. Being down to Blouberg beach for long walks, seen many sunsets and just enjoying the moments.

Mother T has had her final session of chemotherapy and goes back on 05 March for a final test, we will continue to send prayers in her direction. She is strong!

Had our first dinner club last week, was at SiL's place, made 2 new friends, welcome G&N - hope to see more of you guys.

Have a blessed day and speak soon.

Mwah

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!