A belated Happy New Year folks!

If I’m unrecognisable by the end of this year, unable to fit through doors or get into my old clothes, then just blame it on my sweet tooth. 

Along with my morning dose of coffee, I’m trying to decide which of the two Haagen Daaz muffins are better. Its a toss between blueberry and a caramel something or the other. Hmm…tough decision.

Ever since watching one of the episodes of Cake Boss, I can’t seem to take my mind, or my heart off the idea of tiramisu. I purchased a portion from a local bakery during the week, but it was far from what I expected. The consequences of my disappointment is that I went to purchase ingredients so that I can make it all by myself. With TLC. I had no idea that mascarpone cheese was so pricey. But when  it comes such matters, my mother places no restrictions on us. So she kindly bought what I needed. 

From there I went to buy ingredients for carrot muffins and the perfect topping to accompany it. When I think of all these yummy things, then I just think “What bliss!”. Good food is after all a great source of joy and just makes life so much more worthwhile. 

As I made my way back, heavy drops of water fell from deep grey skies. I strolled towards the car, feeling refreshed and happy as I basked in the glory of being under a natural shower. Happiness lies in the appreciation of the little, seemingly insignificant things in our lives. So put a pause button on life, and just enjoy the small special moments. 

The sad part of it though, is that it always makes me think of my grandparents. Its almost two years since my grandad’s demise and my grandmother never stops thinking of him or missing him. Last week Saturday, I went to visit her and we sat together talking about life and about him. Her eyes fill with tears almost every time she talks about him. When I see her, I get a sinking feeling, a sadness overcomes me knowing that there is nothing in this world we can do to help her. She is really lost without him. Her life partner of 49 years. 

Its a bit hard for me to fathom, since I’m only 23. I cannot imagine what it must be to spend 49 years of your life with such a wonderful man and then lose him. What must it be like to live without the most important person in your life? As much as we can try and put ourselves in someone’s situation, we’ll never experience the real feeling of it until it happens to us. 

I wish for a love like the one which my grandparent’s shared and the one that my parents have. A love which is unconditional, and one which transcends all obstacles. I don’t know if this is something that many girls say, but I say it with all my heart that I want a husband like my father. Sure, he has his faults. No one is perfect. But beyond that, the good qualities which he has outweighs everything else and just makes other aspects seem insignificant. He is an exemplary husband and the best father. I couldn’t have asked for better. 

And while we are on the topic of love, lets just say that love eludes me.

Sometimes you think it is so near, yet you realise just how far it is! The hope and expectations (sometimes too high), and then the disappointment. There are times in life when you think you know people, but you mistaken. I was mistaken. And added to that is realising that I am greatly misunderstood, a person who doesn’t consider the feelings and opinions of others. Only the people that are really close to me know the truth, and know that such a statement doesn’t hold true for the way I live my life. 

Each experience that you go through is a lesson in this journey. There were guys in my life who have a lot of good in them, but we just not on the same page. I believe very greatly that no matter how nice two people are, it doesn’t mean that they are well suited for each other. And thats why when people say “Ooh, I have such a nice guy for you…”, I just sigh inwardly, thinking oh no, not again! As I said before, I know that people have good intentions, but somehow I just wish that I could find this special person myself.

What I did quite enjoy was the antics of all the little ones. It was truly a pleasure to be backstage with them. Kids are just too cute, quite mischievous at times, but so loveable. Ever since my niece came into my life, somehow my love for kids has increased greatly.

Just a random thought, I still love Café del Mar…☺ Its attached to great memories of my trip to Sun City last year, which probably adds the extra enjoyment. I’m really looking forward to my next holiday. Just a month to go.

Other  news is that I’ve started writing again. I’ve got my first article published on the new website. Currently busy with another one, which is very close to my heart. It’s the story of two siblings, both brain damaged who need to go to China for stem cell therapy. I’m hoping IA that through my story on them, more people will come forward to contribute towards their treatment. I got into contact with their mother and I’m trying to set up a time to interview her. I wish that I was able to do the interview face-to-face, but unfortunately due to the distance I’m not able to do so. I have some ideas on how to raise more funds. Just need to think about it more carefully and see if it will be possible to go through with it.

On that note, I think I should try and get some sleep. Need to do research for my article tomorrow.

Good night world…☺

I’m welcoming new beginnings, as I decided to accept the offer of being an Emcee for next week Sunday’s event. It will be my first time taking up this role. While I’m slightly nervous, its also something exciting, which I’m looking forward to. I often feel that I’m an introvert, but its times like this that my actions speak otherwise.

In life if we never take up new endeavours, we will always be stuck in one place. If we don’t try new things, we may just be missing out on an important part of life. Thats why when this role was offered to me, I didn’t decline. If the organisers believe that I can pull this off, then so do I. Besides that, having support from the people close to you makes a world of a difference.

I’m no stranger to being on stage, performing in front of a crowd. Alhamdulillah, I’ve broken that fear. It’s normal to have pre-performance jitters. I think its all part of the deal. But, there’s a huge difference between singing and taking the part of an Emcee. When I sing, I usually lose myself in what I’m doing. The only time I address the audience directly, is when I greet them at the beginning and end of a performance.

This is going to be something else completely. A new challenge for me. My script is staring at me, so I better go and spend some quality time with it.

Seven years of no public speaking and speeches. And now I’ve got a three and a half page script. Oh well, its never too late to start again.

To those of you who happen to read this post before next week, please pray that all goes well.

It’s a splendid Saturday night. One of the things I love the most about Summer is the ample opportunities to spend time outdoors. Tonight is no different. I set up everything for a small braai. Table for three. Just my parents and I. Although my family has expanded, there are times like tonight when it feels so small.

 I’m sitting at the table, watching as the candles dance lazily in the breeze. The braai is going on at the back of me, the aroma undoubtedly tantalizing. I whisk my head up slightly and watch as the hazy clouds meander across the night sky. The stars, dotted across the sky, glitter in silence. Its so surreal. I love moments like this, when I connect with nature. The breeze, tainted by the slightest bit of cold brushes past me repeatedly. I have a strange, but profound love for the sky. Each day and night, a new picture is drawn, a new story unfolds.

 Whenever I look at the sky, I think of Allah’s power and greatness. The sky is so perfect and infinite.

There’s an ayat from Surah Tabarak, which complements my thoughts:

 “He has created the seven heavens in layers. You will not see any inconsistency (defects) in Allah’s creation. Look again. Do you see any cracks (in the sky)?

Look again and once again and your gaze will return defeated and exhausted”.

 Subhanallah! What beautiful verses and indeed when you ponder on it, Allah’s greatness becomes even more apparent.

 The cool breeze I mentioned earlier has transformed into a cold wind. Not that I’m complaining. J

Supper is ready to be served…

My lithe body rested on the bed, drained from an intense Summer’s day. I took in my surroundings, my eyes tracing the peach and white lines long drawn across the bed cover. I laid in silence, trying to block out the blaring of the neighbour’s television, the noise pervading an otherwise beautiful afternoon.

 I was laying in the same place that I would have normally found you. I can remember your angelic smile, which was almost permanently plastered to your face. I can still recall what it was like when I would put my arms around you and hold your hand. The contours of your hands, the slight wrinkledness…

Its been almost two years since you left us. The days go on, but the emptiness, that feeling of longing never seems to fade. It seems like just yesterday when we said our final farewell, those tragic hours preceding your return to our Creator. Those heartbreaking days, when it was hard to perceive the difference between the dream world and reality. You left too soon, so unexpected. It was inevitable, yet with the people we love the most, we wish it will never come.

True love seems like an illusion. But I’ve come to realize the essence of it. I see true love in the relationship you had with your beloved wife, my grandma. She never stops thinking of you, reminiscing on the years the two of you spent together. In every facet of her life, every conversation that comes up, you are always there. Never forgotten. She misses you dearly and cries for you daily. Her life has lost all meaning without you.

You were the light that kept her alive. Although we may have her in person, with your death she has lost her spirit for life. Truly, the love that you shared was unconditional. A love so great, that despite your absence, the flame cannot be extinguished.

You were remarkable, one of the most beautiful, kind hearted people in our lives.

We will love and miss you forever… 

I’ve always wanted to do a beach scene,but despite the images in my head I was never able to project what was in my mind on to paper. I came across a 3 minute video on You Tube. It took the artist 2 hours to do it. Being somewhat technologically challenged, I had no idea that I was able to play it in slow motion.

I got an idea of what the artist was doing and this is the end result. I’m quite impressed. I had no idea oil pastels had so much potential. Just goes to show that by using a different technique, you can discover a whole new world!

I can’t wait to start working on my own again. Due to a lack of the correct Art materials and my preference for canvas, instead of paper I have to wait patiently to begin my own projects. After working on canvas, I find it hard to go back to using my “visual diary”. 

I’m looking forward to my ten day vacation. First to the mountains and then to the coast. Undoubtedly, it will be retreats which will give me a dose of inspirational morphine. 

I think I promised this before, but failed to deliver. Very soon I will put up the work that I have done thus far. I’m still an amateur, but with experience I may just be the next Picasso