How I Spent my Birthday

I took a day's leave from work and...

Went for an early morning walk.

Hint of sunrise

Got spoiled (flowers from Angie and the camera from mom & William).

Enjoyed some pampering at Pumula Beauty Salon.

Donated a pint of blood at the South African National Blood Service. There was also good news at the blood bank in that my health has improved quite a bit since the last time I donated in 2010. From nearly failing the iron test, and taking close on 45 minutes to fill the bag I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Then mom and I bought some blankets, bowls, collars, leads, food and harnesses and toys and donated them to the Kempton Park SPCA. We then volunteered for a few hours at the sanctuary, mainly walking the dogs, feeding them dog biscuits and giving all the dogs and cats some love. It really is sad to see that so many pets are without homes but they are in good hands at the various rescue centres around the country.

Thereafter we had some tea and cake at the Mugg & Bean.

Then ended the day off with dinner at Fahrenheit.

I had such an awesome birthday, and loved giving back to those in need. I challenge everyone to support a worthy cause on their own birthday. It does not matter how small the gesture, it will make the world of difference to those affected and effected.

There was also good news at the blood bank in that my health has improved quite a bit since the last time I donated in 2010. From nearly failing the iron test, and taking close on 45 minutes to fill the bag I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Thank you to everybody that wished me, I loved reading each and every message and chatting to the callers.

Here's to the start of a fantastic year!

On the Eve of my 28th Birthday

Another year has zoomed by (ringing some truth into the phrase that time flies by after the age of 25) and tomorrow I will be 28. Wow, when I was younger anyone over 25 was deemed OLD!

28.Two years away from the big 3-0.

It is around this time that the average person starts thinking of everything they wanted to do before attaining the age in question, but have not due to whatever reason.

This past year has been a really good one for me. I have ticked off most of my goals for 2014 (save and except for the scuba diving course that I really still want to do) so therefore it has been a productive year.

A few things I can say about getting older is that:-

1) Sleeping past 7am on a weekend is damn near impossible (and staying up after 11pm is a record); 

2) You realize who and what makes you happy (and who/what doesn't);

3) The realization that you need to look after yourself (there's no such thing as a soul transplant) Eat healthy, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol consumption, etc; and 

4) Listening to your own instincts or intuition is more reliable than any prior knowledge.

If I think of how different my life at 27 compared to my mom's life at 27, there is really no comparison. My mom had been married for six years, had a three and a half year old daughter. She was also a widow at that age. I am neither a wife nor a mother, and have thankfully been spared the heartache of losing my significant other. Our experiences up till now have been extremely different, but I am so lucky to have my mom. I have learnt ALOT from her

Goals for my 29th year on Earth:

1) Do that scuba diving course! 

2) Travel to Egypt and visit the Pyramids & Valley of the Kings;

3) Be a better person than I am today; and
4) Develop Soleil-Femme (a logo and official hosting would be a nice facelift)

Where's that chocolate cake?

Review: The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie

Kirsty, of Paisley and Proteas recently read the book and had only positive remarks for it. Being a cat lover with a newfound intrigue into the Buddhist faith, I was excited to read the novel and immediately downloaded it onto my Kindle.

The story line revolves around 'HHC -  His Holiness's Cat' and is narrated by his truly. The Dalai Lama rescues a malnourished and near certain death, Snow Lion (or Rinpoche as she is also known) from the streets of Delhi and adopts her. From that day, life is very different for Snow Lion as she becomes the Dalai Lama's most revered companion.

There are many an important lesson to be learned from the Buddhist teachings and principles contained in the book, and many characters are fighting their own inner battles only to find peace from a wise word as shared by His Holiness himself.

There are also some lighthearted moments (including home truths about cats and their behavior) which makes the book even more enjoyable.

Read it if you are:

Interested in the Buddhist faith;
Have cats of your own;
Looking for some guidance in life, or struggling to make a decision;
In search of a deeper meaning to yours own existence.

There is a sequel to "The Dalai Lama's Cat", and David has written a few other books on meditation, Buddhism and life coaching - check them out if you're interested.

His Holiness's Cat (breed: Himalayan)

An Afternoon of Picasso & Moonshine

Last week Tarryn spoke of an art class that her friend had recently started up. It was a casual and fun afternoon held at Glen Eagle Estate Clubhouse in Kempton Park. All art supplies were included in the price, as well as three drinks of the guests choice (ranging from cocktails to beer to wine to soft drinks).

It sounded like so much fun, and something different to do on a Saturday afternoon. I mentioned it to Angie who was also very keen on the idea, and we booked for the next class which took place yesterday.

Not having much artistic flair myself (best drawing I can do is a stick man) I was a bit nervous, however excitement overruled the nerves.

Sam, the facilitator, is such a warm and accommodating (needless to say talented) person and made all of her students feel comfortable and at ease.

We had two cherry blossom pictures to choose from, which we would then replicate using acrylic paint on canvas. Sam gave lots of pointers on how to start, which parts to do first (background and the tree) and "if your artwork doesn't look good, take a step back and then look at it again". We were a group of six ladies and two young ladies, and we all had such a great time chatting and admiring each other's interpretation of the picture (absolutely no judgement was passed!).

Ange and I thoroughly enjoyed the class and will definitely be back for the next one with our mothers in tow.

Thank you Sam, for this refreshing and relaxing afternoon and we wish you every success in the future.

Anyone interested in attending a Picasso & Moonshine class can contact Sam on 079 878 5634 or email picassoandmoonshine@gmail.com.

Ange in action

Concentrating veeeeery hard 

Finished product

Nice from far:)