35 Fun Questions - feel free to join in

I came across this meme on CookSister's blog.    The idea is to provide one-word answers to the questions below - please feel free to join in the fun.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Your hair? Curly
3. Your mother? Anxious
4. Your father? Inspiration
5. Your favorite food? Mediterranean
6. Your dream last night? Pass
7. Your favorite drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Serenity
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Illness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Europe
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something you aren’t? Intolerant
15. Muffins? Homemade
16. Wish list item? Canon EOS 500D
17. Where did you grow up? Johannesburg
18. Last thing you did? Nap
19. What are you wearing? Tshirt
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pets? Lots
22. Friends? Varied
23. Your life? Interesting
24. Your mood? Curious
25. Missing someone? Folks
26. Vehicle? Toyota
27. Something you’re not wearing? Watch
28. Your favorite store? Bookstores
29.Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried?    ???
32. Your best friend? Elisabete
33. One place you go to over and over again? National Botanical Garden
34. One person who e-mails you regularly? Lizzie
35. Favorite place to eat? Patio

Feel free to join in the fun and let me know, by posting your link in comments below, so I can read your list too!!!!

Picture: taken at the National Botanical Garden :   Gena D Images

Dancing Ladies : Mark Spain

I decided to end the year with Mark Spain's Dancing ladies (my title) ... I saw some of these prints at an art store a few months back, and so loved them, did a bit of research and here are some of Mark's work for your enjoyment.

Images from Artposters.com.  For more info on Mark and other prints, click here.

Dance on and out of 2009 .... and into a great 2010!  May you be happy, abundantly inspired and creative and very successful in whatever you do, hopefully surrounded by family, friends, good food, drink and music!   Wishing you all a wonderful new year!

Gena

A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime ....

Such great words! I am sure most of you have seen/ read this before , but I thought it worth re-publishing, just because ..... 

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,   

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,  this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire  fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,  whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Authored by:  Brian A "Drew" Chalker

Picture taken in Mpumalanga, south Africa

New Growth

A young agapanthus flower head .... still green, still stretching and spreading out, still taking on it's lilacy colour before each and every single bud opens up in full vibrant flower, lasting for well over a month.

An emerging process - new growth, new promise, new beginnings .... a second chance?

I've decided to take part on Susan Tuttle's visual interpretation of a word, the first being EMERGE (click for dictionary definition). When I saw this picture last night, it so reminded me of the word emerge, that I decided there and then to take part ... click here for the full post and more pictures.

5 Indispensible Kitchen Items

Since we are on lists of things that are important to us, and in some ways, since we are nearing Christmas, maybe it's a good thing to do - you just never know who sees your lists, hey!!??

So, onto my list of indispensable kitchen items:

• Chefs Knife (altho large, it's just such a pleasure to work with)


• Electric Frying pan (which I use loads, funnily enough not for frying as such, but to make risotto, stir fries etc. etc. etc.)


• Kettle - absolutely essential - how else could I make the coffee I so desperately crave!?


• Electric beater - what a win, this little hand held machine beat up cakes, desserts and many other things in a whip, if you'll pardon the pun!


• Stick blender - this whips up dips, sauces, and soups in minutes.
  

So there you have it ..... my 5 kitchen essentials.

What are yours?

Picture credits: Gena D Photography

Open Gardens in Johannesburg

Gardens of the Golden City is a "volunteer organisation who work hard to get privately owned gardens to be opened to the public to view during our spring and summer months. A nominal fee is charged per person which goes towards a worthy cause (one of the many pre-nominated charities - all info on their website).

For me these events are fantastic in that I get to take 100's of pictures and enjoy someone else's amazing garden, and believe me they are all beautiful in their own right, but some, well... are truly spectacular, and all this whilst supporting a worthy cause!!

I recently posted an article on Vintage Rose as to why I enjoy attending the "open garden season season (spring and summer) - for more pictures and details, click here.

For more information on the organisation and forthcoming gardens, click here.

5 Things I cannot (could not?) live without

I was thinking recently, if in an absolute worst case scenario, what could I absolutely not live without, what would make the world of difference to me and my "wellbeing" as it were. Being Libran, I've already worked out that under varying hypothetical circumstances, some things would be of greater value than others ... anyway, this is what came to mind .....

1. Coffee - I function just that much slower without the good stuff!!

2. A bottle of water - with me at all times

3. My Camera - as if that would be an option?!

4. Comfortable shoes (of course, here we are assuming that I already have in my possession a few comfortable clothing items!? hehe!)

5. Lip balm/ gloss/ lipstick

So what would you not be able to do without?

Boredom and frustration can represent impending change! Really!

There are times when no matter how good things are, how comfortable we are, how much things are just going along .... quietly and happily, we arrive at a point of discontent, disharmony, frustration even, or boredom if you will. More often than not, not making any sense at all!

It always appear strange to see people hit a phase like this in their lives, since it seems out of place - after all, what right do we, any of us, have to be unhappy, bored or frustrated when you have all your basic needs met?!

This got me thinking, that surely as long as moments like this are real and with the awareness that we (generally) have lots to be grateful for... is being bored and / or frustrated with the status quo, such a bad thing? Is it being negative? or even necessarily destructive?

I remember listening to a CD by Anthony Robbins where he expressed that frustration is a good thing, because until you reach this point, you are not driven to take note, to face facts, to ask what is going on, to determine what can be changed, what needs to be changed, to... well, in effect, make changes.

So, I am of the opinion that feeling fed up, bored and frustrated are not bad feelings or emotions at all (albeit that it can feel very uncomfortable at times). It's not a bad place to be, and neither do theses feelings/ emotions (necessarily) lead to destructive acts, provided, and that's really the trick.... that we are open and honest with ourselves and with those around us, so that they know that all is not well for a little while. More importantly, I'd also add, provided that we make a concerted effort to understand what is going on and make the necessary changes, act on them, not abandon our thoughts, feelings and emotions - these are, after all, disguised "gifts" or opportunities for us to do what we need to do to improve our viewpoint of the world around us, to take on the challenges, to learn new things and do new (exciting??) things ...

So, picking up my glass of Van Lovern Merlot (aka a good South African red wine), here's to taking on new challenges and making changes!!! Cheers and I wish you well .....

Picture credit: Gena D Photography

Penelope Cruz - an icon in her own right?

I came across these two pictures (above & below) of Penelope Cruz, in which at first glance she reminded me so much of the gorgeous Audrey Hepburn, one of my all time favorite style icons. I did a bit of research on Penelope, and, boy without much effort, found numerous pictures and articles, and what an amazing array there are ......depicting her as she is, to vixen, to innocent girl, to a fashion icon, to ... well pretty much the whole array.

I'm not going to say too much, since I am certain that anything I say, has already been said and/ or written about her, but my point is, this lady is gorgeous and very adaptable too, having taken on a number of movie roles and represented (and still does) a number of brands such as Mango and L'Oreal, to name just two.

Of course, let's not forget that she is a Spanish born actress, who still speaks with a rather heavy Spanish accent. But despite which, she's taken on Hollywood and sure conveys her roles with great gusto! I'm thinking here in particular of her most recent role in "Vicki Cristina Barcelona", in which she plays a deranged wife. I so enjoyed her in the role, it was both funny and sad, but played with such intensity that you didn't for a moment doubt her energy and enthusiasm for taking on the controversial role. If you haven't seen the movie, do yourself a favor and see it (link below) - you won't regret it... promise!

Despite the "sexy kitten" image, Penelope conveys an air of "certainty" or tenacity or even determination, if you will - she is most definitely not a fool.

And then, of course, the lady is extremely stylish and in my mind certainly a fashion icon in her own right, after all, she has a look that girls aspire to and boys adore!

Link/ info on Vicki Cristina Barcelona (movie): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/

Photo credits:

Picture 1.: http://www.listal.com/viewimage/783137

Picture 2: http://www.listal.com/viewimage/447068

Picture 3: http://fashionbride.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/penelope-cruz-mango-summer-2009-7.jpg

Picture 4: http://www.cyberstylist4u.com/scarlett-johansson-vs-penelope-cruz-for-mango-who-owned-it

A List of things that make me happy 2.

A while back I attempted to compile a list of things that I love and things that truly make a difference in my life. Initially I thought this would be a daunting task, but once I got going it really wasn't that difficult. I am now going to add to that list and also wish to challenge my readers to compile their own list. Go on... even if it's 5 lines, try it, it's a great way to remember the good things in life.

Okay so here goes :

• the smell of toast
• the smell of freshly brewed coffee
• a fresh (lemony) perfume
• my wonderful dogs who make me smile every day
• spending time with my ageing parents (listening to their amazing stories!)
• a breeze on a very hot day.
• ice cold orange juice on a hot day
• beautiful art (in whatever form)
• architectural detail (in old or new forms). In fact great attention to detail is amazing as it takes a huge amount of thought and attention (even if it's something that I personally wouldn't enjoy in my own space, I still appreciate the thought process ....
• growing and picking herbs from my own garden and using them in our meals
• hugs (okay so I'm a hugger!) giving and receiving
• the seasonal changes in nature ..... which I avidly try to capture with my camera

To read the previous entry click here

Photo Credit: Gena D Photography

A New Allegiance

A Sunset view of the Castle in Penela, Central Portugal, where my parents come from.
OK, so I'm back home, for a week already and still battling to get down to the normal (mundane) things... Horror of horrors I've not even finished unpacking!!!!!!!! My absence is attributed to the fact that I spent a number of weeks in Portugal visiting family and getting to grips with financial and legal stuff that needing attending to. In between we took drives into the country, we visited castles, the coast, and a myriad of other interesting places, granting me ample opportunities to take pictures .....
By my very nature, I am a multi cultural person, of dual nationality - being Portuguese, but born and raised in South Africa, I therefore have always considered myself 100% South African. And yet I found myself loving, no, adoring, Portugal - the scenery, the old buildings, the development that has taken place, my wonderful extended family, the lifestyle, the more relaxed atmosphere, the great food.... and just like that, I now have an allegiance to that country like never before, to the point that I can see myself living there - something which never really occurred to me before......

Ah well, time will tell, but in the meantime, I am definitely making plans to go back soon, to see more sights, to enjoy the people and the great food. And I'll read blogs about people who have made the switch, like Emma of emmashousinportugal.com an Australian lady who took the plunge in a big way!

For now I'll sort through the thousands (literally) of photos and post them on facebook and here so those interested, can enjoy them. Okay, so back to reality and unpacking the suitcase ...

For more pictures on Portugal, see posts on Vintage Rose Studio: click here
For those interested, herwith links to my photo albums on Portugal posted on facebook: Album 1 Album 2 and Album 3
Photo Credit: Gena D Photography

Explore. Dream. Discover

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do,

than the ones that you did do.

So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

- Mark Twain

Picture: Gena D Photography. Durban, South Africa

A flurry of frills.....

This picture really appeals to me - even though it's not something that I would personally ever consider wearing - this is an advert for Australian company Mokum Textiles (scanned in from Australian Vogue Living Mar-Apr 2004) - they obviously sell fabrics and textiles and have chosen to use this fascinating interpretation to give their product "body and movement" ...

The Orient, South Africa

South Africa is nothing if not diverse ... we have diversity in every possible form - from language, to colour, to culture to numerous influences, you name it , it's here. I guess most countries that have had an influence of other cultures through the years or in some cases, centuries, will encounter this phenomenon to some extent. Of course, today with the advent of easy travel, access to mounds of information via the Internet, the influences on a a developing culture or society can be huge.

This is a topic I want to explore in greater depth with time, but right now, my reason for approaching this topic today, is really that I was watching an insert in a (TV) magazine program recently, where the shoot had taken place at a boutique hotel in South Africa, called the Orient - see, there you go - the Orient in Southern Africa?! and to make matters more interesting, the design of the Orient is definitely not remotely local or even traditional in design, but influenced by North African architecture, in particular Morocco. Nevertheless, here we have this amazingly exotic, high class structure set in the middle of our countryside, in the Crocodile River Valley - just take a look at the pics and click on the link below for more information and photographs of this fascinating place - which caters for conferences, is an ideal place for that exotic wedding or even a romantic getaway ......

I recommend you visit their website for more information and other amazing pictures. The Orient

Sue H's Visual Blog

What an exquisite picture of a southern african landscape!!! First off, this is not one of mine (much as I wish it were), it was taken by Sue H, an old work colleague who is based in the UK. Sue is a keen photographer and has taken some really amazing photographs, in numerous places around the world.

To see more of her work, click on the link below - I really love the silhouette of the naked tree, taken in China - click here to see more. And for South African specific photos: click here

TOAST, an inspirational website

TOAST is one of my all time favorites. It's a Uk based store with a great website .... you can click thru the catalogue pages (see links below), and somehow I always feel like I've "just travelled" somewhere else when going through their catalogues. The photography is exquisite and evidently taken in some really wonderous places. They also sell some really great products too.

I thought to post these pictures as they remind me of summer holidays (so those in the northern hemisphere will really appreciate them and those in southern will feel really eager for spring and summer to arrive!) Don't you just love the colours and contrasts?!

Picture Credits : Toast Catalogue

Toast website: http://www.toast.co.uk/

For a previous post on TOAST see Vintage Rose Studio

Ciao Bella in South Africa

This picture is from a local fashion shoot on old style classic dressing, in the Aug 2009 edition of Fairlady magazine. I love the total contrast - an elegant young dame in smart, black attire next a traditional, albeit over the top, African man, standing in what appears to be a street market!

Picture Fairlady Magazine, Aug 2009 edition. Photographer: Mark Cameron

A list of things that make me happy 1.

I recently read an article on the things that make, or that people perceive to make them happy, and got to wondering, if I could compile a list of my own. Evidently it would never be comprehensive and neither would it be conclusive, since after all we change constantly, and I am sure that there are many things yet uncovered, which I will only with time come to realise what they mean to me.

That said, in an effort to put some ideas down, here goes....

• the smell of rain (especially after a hot, dry spell)
• a good cup of coffee (without which I don't think I'd function very well)
• a great home cooked meal, like goulash, for example
• good company - normally a good friend with whom I can share almost everything
• a good (dare I say it, South African) red wine
• sitting in front of a crackling fire
• listening to animated '"story teller" (you know the type that can tell stories with just the right words, level of emotion and thought ......that are just by nature very entertaining)
• good music (and this can vary substantially depending on the time, the event etc. -see my previous post on music .....
• a great unputdownable book
• a great discussion or debate
• laughter (and someone who makes me laugh)
• making someone smile!
• stargazing
• wonderful fabric!!! (my weakness!!!!)
• rich autumn colours
• the smell of popcorn
• a great (entertaining) movie
• vast open spaces
• my camera (how could I forget!!!!) see link to My Photography
• being able to make a difference (in whatever form)
• being surrounded by good friends
• sharing a meal
• the smell of baking bread
• the smell of jasmine in spring
• a bunch of roses
• the sound of running water (i.e. a river, or water feature)
• being part of a family
• spring!!!
  

I'm going to stop here, leave the rest for another time ....... What an interesting exercise to do and it wasn't as "brain wracking" as I thought it would be. Like the question - "what are your positive traits?" - one normally has to think about it, yet when you get going, it's amazing what you can come up with!!!

Try it, it's a great exercise in getting to know yourself, and if nothing else, at least we are reminded of all the things that we take for granted or simply forget about and that in effect we should be grateful for!

To read my previous post on "Where would we be without music" click here

For My Photography aka the love of my camera, click here

For wholesome, comfort food, see recipes under Vintage Rose

Picture: Gena D Photography taken at National Botanical Gardens, South Africa

Traditional African textile used in fashion and decor

Some of you may know about Shweshwe(shwe-shwe) - a traditional (south) African textile which has been in used for a very long time and has an unbelievably rich history. It's now even used in funky shoes, see pic below.

Due to it's amazing qualities - pattern, rich colour, and strength - it's being used in fashion and in decor. See the article on this fabric at Vintage Rose Studio.

Picture : an excerpt out of the Jul09 Woman and Home magazine (South African edition)

PS. Incidentally if you are interesed in purchasing shoes like these, contact The Space

Little bits of wisdom

I came across these wonderful words .... and so enjoyed them, that thought they were worthy of being shared!
You are wise... when you know the limits of your wisdom.

You are true... when you admit there are times you fool yourself.

You are alive... when tomorrows hope means more to you than yesterday's mistake.

You are growing... when you know that you are but not what you are becoming.

You are free... when you are in control of yourself but do not wish to control others.

You are honourable... when you find your honour is to honour others.

You are generous... when you can give as sweetly as you take.

You are humble... when you do not know how humble you are.

You are beautiful... when you don't need a mirror to tell you.
You are rich... when you never need more than you have.

You are you... when you are at peace with who you are not.