Advent calendar

I am planning things for Christmas already! Have filled a box with packets and parcels for my 2 nieces. Two of everything, identical items, one for each. This is their advent calendar. I can't wait for 1 December when they open the box and see all the 'presents'.

Adding colour to a memory

My mother had this 'kist' in her bedroom all her life. We often sat on it and chatted to her while she was trying to grab a minute away from us and read her book on the bed:-) I didn't want to throw it out so we just painted it and recovered it to fit in with the other renovations we are doing.

To walk or not?

I have to decide to Walk the Talk or not. The sun is out, the wind is icy. Even the dogs are on the bed refusing to go outside unless it's to pee.
Let's see, read it again carefully: Walk the Talk.

Turbine Art Fair 2015

I went to the Turbine Art Fair again this year. Very nice. It has such a great vibe.
There were four pieces I wanted. I sat in the bar, had a drink, and decided not to be impulsive.

There were so many great pieces but I thought my photographs didn't do them justice. So below are four close ups of some of the work. The one that really tickled me was the large painting of the side of a glass building with the one open window. When I was in college we were given a title: Happening in a deserted area. I painted a tiled floor with one loose tile at an angle, I didn't get a good mark for the project. But here now is a similar concept selling for R40 000.00. Hmm :-)

#CareForTheCarers

In celebration of Mandela Day, our agency, Mortimer Harvey, gave back to those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. Thank you to our colleagues at HospiceWits. Hope you enjoyed the relaxing break! 
‪#‎CareForTheCarers‬

New look library

We repainted the library walls, the colour is Ocean Melody, but I'm calling it Varicose Vein Blue.
We are very happy with the result, we sat on the couch with a glass of wine admiring our work. Yes, we have read all those books and more. As soon as there are more books than shelf space we take a bag of books for redistribution to a charity.

Carbon Filament

I bought these light fittings before Christmas and we have only put them up now. Amber glass, in 3 different shapes (only showing you the one shape here), with the carbon filament bulbs.

Hi. How are you? How have you been?

Since I started my new job 1 May I haven't found the time to update my blog. Ha ha, yes, it sounds incredible. It doesn't really take that long to post something, but by the time I finish work it's late, I still haven't downloaded the images and I can't think of anything refreshing to say.

Of course I managed to load my holiday pictures, but long after the holiday's powerful magic was losing its sparkle to everyday routine.

Well, at last, I have found some sort of rhythm, and I am trying to achieve some balance between work and play. During those first few weeks I went to the ballet twice and I am ashamed to say I caught myself nodding off during Swan Lake. Disgusting, ha ha, I know, but I was exhausted. At least in Giselle the music was so beautiful and a lot more lively so it was easier to stay awake. By the time I went to see Trevor he had my full attention. What a guy. And I enjoyed my niece's concert just as much.

Amongst all that we had such a traumic and emotional experience, sad, heartbreaking. Rest in peace, dearest Brenda. We think of you often.

Back at the office - I love my new job. I am using skills I am good at, I believe, but I still have a long way to go. It is fun, I run up and down the stairs, go from meeting to meeting, persuade colleagues to say yes when they wanted to say no. I have dropped a ball or two, forgotten an instruction (or two) but I believe I will win, make the changes and make a difference. I say a big thank you for this opportunity. M'wah!

Trying to think of what else has happened. I was ill. Had a duvet day. Had a birthday. Got wonderful presents and great surprises. My sister-in-law made me the best cake.  Decorated a love tree. Bought a decent chopping board. Took forever to read a book - it was a good book. Not THE good book ;-) Dyed the top of some curtains pink and the bottom of a coat lime green. Went to an art exhibition. Discovered colouring books for adults. Bought a microwave. Bought a tin of pink paint. What was I thinking? Gave it away. Gave away a huge bag of soft toys, a bag of shoes, a bag of books, a bag of bags. Started redecorating our bedroom. Washed my car. Wrote on the wall. Failed at pottery. Met Odette and Ashleigh before they went back to Mauritius, did the banting with them. Bought new pots and pans. Pranked a colleague. And now am dreading the pay back. Ha, ha.

I promise to return to blogging. I have missed it.