Nature and life

What I thought one of my better posts last year concerned trees. Autumn is around the corner and I know the majestic beautiful old tree in my garden will be losing it's leaves soon. The leaves will be a rich red and brown colour but then what will follow sadly, are the the emtpy branches. Again I am back onto the subject of greenery. I have not inherited my mom's green fingers but I recently spent some money on a few new shrubs. I did not have a lot to spend and had to carefully choose what was suitable and well worth the few rand. Admiring the tiny pretty blue and purple flowers as I carefully potted them I wondered why it made me feel so good. Being outdoors, feeling the wind through my hair and the sun on my skin revived me somewhat. Seeing the results weeks later brings a feeling of much joy and accomplishment.I suppose trees or shrubs for me bring a sense of new life and some hope along with that. Yes I am a summer person. Yes I love things to be attractive around me. But I know too that without winter there can be no spring and I am learning to live one day at a time.

TREES - Joyce Kilmer

I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.
Against whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain,
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like you and me,
But only God can make a tree.

Learning new things...having small adventures!

I have been trying my hand at new things lately. I mentioned making Pesto in a post but think I should also mention my instant baking powder bread! It is proudly baked in my gas oven (so quick...it bakes while you make tea and your guests are waiting). Have it warm straight from the oven and watch the delight on everyones faces as you serve it with jam or cheese.
This morning I became creative with a dated, slightly yellowed, small crocheted cloth - I carefully sewed it onto a small cushion cover. It looks adorable. My mom would have been proud as it once belonged to her!
Today I read a fun post! This blogger suggests one learns or even tries to notice one new thing every day. This reminded me of my dad who always said, read one fact from the encyclopedia and a new word from a dictionary daily. He would bring home some stamps and ink to get crafty with. Sometimes he would surprise me with a comic book (Millie being my favourite) or show me how to trace pictures. Whatever it was, it always inspired me to learn something more about anything and everything. This is probably why I am so inquisitive and often feel frustrated when I can't get creative. I really would like to keep all that up!

QUICK BAKING POWDER BREAD

500ml Flour
10ml baking powder
Pinch of salt
20ml sugar (optional)
250ml water
Oil

Sift dry ingredients and mix with water.
Add to oiled pan.
Brush with a little oil.
Bake in hot oven for about 20 minutes or until light brown

Some wisdom

Someone gave me these words today and I have been pondering on them since:

Those who leave everything in God's hands will see God's hand in everything.

Pesto

Always wanted to make my own Pesto and yesterday finally did. So easy...recipe says wait a week but we did taste some of it already and it was so yummy. Here follows the recipe:

PESTO
4 cups of roughly torn basil (I used wild basil)
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup sesame and sunflower seed
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup parmesan
1 cup olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Process basil, nuts and seed, garlic and salt until you have a smooth paste.
Add cheese and mix well. Slowly pour in the olive oil and mix until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and pepper and store in an airtight container for about a week.

Mmmmmm... rest where I am.

Well, we still have not sold our house or bought another. We are still living and lately quite contently in this leafy suburb of Rondebosch. We have decided, yes, we want to leave in the end...find a quiet place in the country! But for now we will make the best of what we have here in Cape Town. I am looking at adding new plants to the garden, we have a lovely, neat and and very quiet student renting a small space in our home and I am making the most of my beautiful surroundings! I am enjoying friends, catching up ...going for coffee or a walk more frequently. Just finding rest in where I am right now. We have an empty nest...but it is not the end of the world and can be a lot of fun too. I am not in control and am waiting patiently, yet excitedly, to see what God's plan is for us next.

We should laugh more!

The average adult laughs 4 to 8 times per day, but the average child laughs about 150 times per day. No wonder the Bible says we need to approach Jesus as children. We would be so much better off if we would stop being so serious about everything and enjoying our lives more.
Thank you Joyce Meyer for reminding me!

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say Rejoice! Phillippians 4:4

I am starting today...

During crisis

When crisis after crisis after crisis happens over a short period of time it is inevidible that it will have some affect on one's life! In my case I tried to keep cool. I tried to remain in control but finally the following symptoms reared their ugly little heads. I felt restless, did not sleep or eat well, struggled to find peace, found life difficult and empty and there were neverending tears! It felt as if the sun was never going to shine again. I was broken and felt useless. Friends were amazing during this time and I added a few verses and words of encouragement sent by some of them here. These plus some other recommended changes and wise quotes slowly added to life becoming somewhat meaningful. I have started eating more healthily (even though I had Licorice for breakfast one morning this week!), am drinking more water and finding small highlights in each day. I am pleased to say that finally things are looking up - am feeling hopeful and positive once again. I am smiling again and yes, I am slowly finding rest for my soul for which I am so grateful!



Our doubts are traitors where we often might win the good, we lose by fearing to attempt. William Shakespear. From Duncan

There's never a teardrop that God doesn't see. He knows when a sparrow falls from a tree. There's never a moment when God doesn't care, never a time when he won't hear our prayer...no matter what you have to face God is with you in his grace. From Eileen

God blesses those who realize their need for Him, for the kingdom of heaven is given to them. From Erma

Author of my faith, may every heart beat of my heart, every breath of my life, reach beyond and rise above the song of self to give glory revelation.
And
The breeze of God's grace is always blowing. All you have to do is hoist the sails. From Sannie

Be blessed, get up and live. Look after yourself, make a difference and live without being suspicous!
And
My character is far more important to God than my dreams. When I weigh myself and find that I am too light...The Lord says 'It's not about you, it's about God'
From Doreen

Then I found this quote while watching a movie:
'Our hearts do not need logic. They can love and forgive and accept that which our minds cannot comprehend. Hearts understand in ways minds cannot'
Lois Wilson

'n Happy person is a healthy person. Proverbs 17:2 (On an old and tattered paper cutting between my Mom's things)

A poem found today

Think of the things
that make you happy,
Not the things that make you sad;
Think of the fine and true in mankind,
Not its sordid side and bad;
Think of the blessings that surround you,
Not the ones that are denied;
Think of the virtues of your friendships,
Not the weak and faulty side;
Think of the hopes that lie before you;
Not the waste that lies behind;
Think of the treasures that you have gathered,
Not the ones you failed to find;
Think of the service you may render,
Not the serving of self alone;
Think of the happiness of others,
And in this you'll find your own!


- Robert E. Earley

MEMORIES

I have been quiet, I know. Memories come flooding back as I am unpacking boxes of photo albums, ornaments, children's letters and drawings etc. from my parents home. Some memories are amazing some very sad. I have dreaded doing this and have shed many tears in the process. Some from sorrow and some of joy. Healing seems to be taking place slowly at the same time. The pretty embroidered Damascus tablecloth which my late mom only brought out at special occasions is proudly on my own dining room table next to the Christmas tree which my daughter and friend cheerfully decorated this year. My husband has fixed the old Cuckoo clock which I bought for my parents with my first pay cheque and with every cuckoo sound comes a small message of hope. My mom and dad kept every picture and every letter or postcard the children or I wrote - reading them is like reliving my whole life again...I am reminded once again who I was then and who I am now.

I don't really know where to go with all that I inherited, especially the bigger things like the dining room suite etc. in this small home, but for now I know that it is in my care and that is all that matters. My newly wed daughter and her husband came and scrubbed down the small Welsh dresser that my dad made with much care for my mom and it now has new life in their home. My dad would have been proud!

Finding the papers and now having proof that I really am from French decent has left me much to ponder on and I am inquisitive about this heritage.

Shortly after my dad passed away it was my eldest daughter's wedding. I tried to only concentrate on that to help make it the fairytale celebration and all she ever dreamt of. And it really was all of that! The day after returning home from the wedding venue my younger daughter, the bridesmaid and the young man who drove the car were involved in an accident. The Lord looked after them and they were not injured.

I am glad to say that with all of this God is in control. He knows every hair on my head. He has made me who I am. He knows the plans he has for me and in Him is my real heritage! Even though all of the above is important I know that even when I have nothing I am still something because He loves me just the way I am.

My Dad

My dad's life is over I heard today. My heart feels sad yet I will rejoice. No more pain or sorrow or tears for him. In every little yellow flower I shall see his smiling face and in my children's songs his wonderful voice lives on. When I look at all the many pics he took of me I know that he loved me more than he ever said. I shall remember his art, the Christmas lights he put up each year, his old black and white movies - being the joker at the social gatherings with family and friends - he loved his books and he loved romance and he loved life. I see him in that yellow knitted pullover that he wore so often when I was a child and I miss the good times but I shall find joy in the journey...that's what he wanted me to do.

God is in control

My youngest daughter just finished off her last school exams ever! My eldest daughter is getting married in two weeks time. With the good news comes the bad news. My Dad is very ill and we don't know how much longer we will have him with us and if he is even going to make it to the wedding.
God remains in control. He is before things, and in Him all things hold together. Collosians 1:17.
I shall hold onto His promises. He is eternal. I will place my entire trust and faith in the living Christ. I will survive! Yes Lord, the workmanship of Your creation bears testimony to Your great glory. Amen

Old autograph books

How many of you guys still have your old autograph books? I found mine the other day. Messages written in the sixties and early seventies gave me a good laugh but then there were serious ones a few life lessons too. Some of the friends who wrote in them have probably long fogotten me but because of these small cherished books of mine, they will always have a special place in my heart.

Here are a few of them:


All good brothers love their sisters
But I, so good, have grown
To love somebody else's sister
Far better than my own!
My brother

Never trouble Trouble
'Till trouble Troubles you.
Paul

When you cry, you cry alone,
But when you laugh,
the whole world laughs with you.
Rene

It's hard to part with
friends you love,
It's hard to say 'Good-bye',
But it's harder still to find the towel
When soap gets in your eye!
Judy

Love is silly,
Love is sad,
Love is futile,
Love is mad,
Love is a sorrow,
Love is a curse,
BUT
Not being in love is worse!
Antoinette

Great heights reached by men,
and kept:
were not attained by sudden flight:
But they while their companions slept;
were toiling through the night.
G. de Klerk (a teacher)

Love is like an old Ford car
Easy to start
But darn hard to stop.
Ria

Silence is golden.
Drienie

True friends are like diamonds
So precious and rare.
Others are like autumn leaves
Scattered everywhere.
Dale

I thought and thought,
but all in vain,
At last I thought,
I would write my name.
Petro

You owe so much to yourself
that you cannot afford
to owe anything to anyone else.
Mrs van Schoor (a teacher)

I cried because I had no shoes
until I saw a man without feet.
My Dad

If you have a mother
Love her while you may.
For the world is quite a different place,
the day she is taken away.
Mrs Dance (a teacher)

That smile that you send out,
returns to you.
Jeanne

The light of true friendship is like the light of phosphor
You will see it best when all is dark.
S. Hofmeyr (a teacher)

Oh Henry please dont kiss me!
Oh Henry please don't kiss!
Oh Henry please don't!
Oh Henry please!
Oh Henry!
Oh!!!
Sannie

When your life on earth has ended
And your path no more is trod
May your name in gold be written
In the autograph of God.
Alta

We are seldom sorry that we said too little
But quite often that we said too much.
Mr Peens (a teacher)

The shortest poem in the world
Hired Tired Fired
Andre

Life is not a vacation
but an education
And the lesson for everyone...
how to love more.
My Mom

On a piece of paper

When I helped out at a recyling depot some years ago, I found this scribbled in a childlike manner on a tattered piece of paper. I have no idea who wrote these words but another blogger's post reminded me of them once again.

When faced with a mountain
I will not quit
I will keep on striving
until I climb over
find a path through
tunnel under
or simply stay
and turn the mountain into a goldmine
with God's help.

Small pleasures

Some things made me grin from ear to ear the last couple of days! Thought I would share a few of them with you.
My neighbour's husband gave her the most magnificent bouquet of flowers for their anniversary - they went on holiday shortly after and I was the neighbour she thought it suitable to so kindly give it to!
Then I found a beautiful new silk scarf with roses on it for next to nothing at Oasis Recycling's little shop.
The Pomegranate tree which my husband planted a few years ago is finally showing some signs of small fruit just as I was beginning to lose all hope!







I promised my daughter that I would create a few items for her to sell at her stall for a market day and so I created some greeting cards. I was inspired by another blogger who makes felt birds and am pleased to say everyone seems to find mine quite delightful as well.

My favourite charity

ST LUKE'S HOSPICE

On Saturday morning I attended a yearly Thank you spring tea at St Luke's Hospice for the fifth time. As usual I came home feeling enriched by the speakers, delightful music and the wonderful company. Death is not always an easy subject and actually a topic most people try to avoid. I learnt how Hospices, remarkably can be happy places for the dying. It was brought to my attention once again that one matters because you are you, and you matter to the last moment of your life. Hospice care includes not only being cared for, being cleared of pain but can help to prepare the mind for death and spiritually as well (if they so desire). The family too can be councelled to come to terms with the situation. All of this is given, irrespective of the patient's ability to pay for these services!

I never want life to only start for me when I die. I realised once again that one should not wait until your life is dangling by a thread to live but to live every day as if it was your last - And I am left wondering yet again about what really is important in life and whether I have all my priorities right.


The picture above is that of a large tree in the beautiful St Luke's garden. It is lit every December with a small ceremony. One can purchase a light to be added if you would like to bring a small tribute to a loved one who passed away.

Apple for the teacher

I always wanted to be a teacher but somehow it just never worked out that way. I think the reason that two of our children are school teachers might stem from this longing that they picked up from their mother! Well two years ago, at fifty something, I bravely decided to do the TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). I loved every minute of it and started teaching at a school for English soon after the practical. After a bad fall and dislocating my arm I stopped for a while. This year I thought to myself that if I have the tools to teach English as a foreign language, then surely I can teach Afrikaans (my home language) as a second language? I have since started teaching a little boy who is struggling with Afrikaans. I am pleased to say that he is doing really well and becoming far more confident with speaking and writing Afrikaans! I have been looking forward to these afternoon lessons with James and I am keen to take on more students.
Who would have thought that after all these years my dream would have come true?

METAMORPHOSIS

Last week was a busy one. In a way that is a good thing as I did not get a chance to ponder too much on all the emotions it brought with it. Firstly it was my eldest daughter's graduation ceremony. I felt a wave of pride rush over me when her name was finally called out and she was handed that well deserved Master's degree. We know how hard it was to persevere with the studying while having to pursue a full time teaching job. She did so well though, balancing her relationship with David, (her fiance who supported her much during this time) and even starting a new hobby, namely running. The running brought a smile to our faces as when she was a little girl whe could hardly even make it for a walk around the block and which went along with lots of grumbling and moaning. In fact the Masters degree in Education is quite something too as she really did not enjoy her school years that much and mainly looked forward to attend the art classes. Well Monique, no one can be prouder and I look forward to seeing what other wonderful surprises your life has in store for us to observe and we feel so privileged to be to be part of it.

I rushed from the one function to the next - it was the matric lunch for the girls and their moms. My matric daughter waited patiently for me at the gate. I glanced at the familiar uniform and thought...only a few months more! The tables were set in cheerful spring colours and we were welcomed by some of her best friends and their moms. During the speeches we were reminded of the big world that awaits these beautiful young ladies in 2011! Not long to go then it is the final exams for our youngest! Mischa I wish you well...the world is your oyster!

I found this poem many years ago not realising how quickly the years will pass and my own girls will be all grown up!

METAMORPHOSIS

Yesterday, a lovely child
Enchanting those she meets
Pouring tea for favorite dolls
Begging Mom for sweets...
All too soon a leggy girl
Discovering boys and clothes,
Spending hours before a mirror
Powdering her nose...
Presently a woman grown,
A tender bud unfurled,
Ready now to prove herself
Before a watchful world!

D.J. Faulhaber

Happy Food

Can food make you happy? Well, I thought that food should be eaten to keep us healthy and give us energy. When a meal is nicely presented and tasty, it's an added bonus. But then I read this thought provoking article in my son's Men's magazine. The writer suggested that there are certain foods that contain some elements which could give us a general feeling of well-being. I am impressed as to what eating more of some of these yummy morsels have done for my serotonin levels!
I will mention some of them for those of you who like this idea. Please let me know if you have tried them and whether you found them to make a difference.

Green beans - rich in magnesium
Butternut squash - peel chop and roast in olive oil with rosemary as it will help to keep your nerve cells alive
Chocolate - rather not too much of this one but it does release the endorphins
Cottage cheese - could help you nod off when you cannot get to sleep
Butter beans - brings on feelings of motivation and pleasure
Sesame seed - people with depression have low levels of the amino acid threonine and it can be found found in sesame seed.
Portobello mushrooms - for the Vitamin B3 as a deficiency can lead to depression
Liquorice - yay! it helps the body to deal with stress and contains isoflavan and isoflavene, used to treat the symptoms of depression
Cauliflower - it has a spirit-raising vitamin
Carrots - carrots are high in the vitamin Biotin and a deficiency of this could cause depression and fatigue
Walnuts - an excellent source of Omega-3's which help brain cells and moodlifting neurotransmitters to function properly
Sweetcorn - the vitamin B1 found in these little yellow kernels will improve mood, alertness and energy even after just a few months of adding sweetcorn to our meals

A few of the other foods that were mentioned are:
wheat, oranges, hummus, grapefruit, brazil nuts, parsley, tuna and lentils.

Honestly, I do think there is something to this.



FOOD IS MEDICINE

Don’t let meals depress you
Rather ward off the blues
With fresh veggies, protein and pudding too!

Foods that cheer us up could be
green beans, tuna and ginseng tea
I’ll add some chocolate and liquorice for me

Don’t forget the brazil nuts and walnuts,
They’re sure to help
Just like hummus, squash and kelp

How about some cottage cheese
Or goats milk or wheat,
oranges, parsley or sesame seed

So come on let’s eat
whether it be vegetables, fruit
or meat

For food is medicine and will keep us healthy
And ensure we stay the right side of happy!

NEW HOUSE OLD HOUSE?

When Andy and I were first married we had a plan drawn up of the house of our dreams. The architecht was perceptive and understood exactly what we had in mind. We were living in Gauteng at the time and would never have dreamt that Andy would have a job opportunity in the beautiful Cape! Our dream home was built in the pretty town called Somerset West. Not only did we wake up to the sound of birds singing but also to the most magnificent mountain views. We were in a quiet spot surrounded by great neighbours and breathtaking surroundings and used to take fun walks with our toddlers and made some special memories. After a couple of years my Andy took a job opportunity in Port Elizabeth where we lived for seven years. After that we ended up in Cape Town for sixteen years where we still pined for our house in Somerset West.

What a surprise when we recently got an e-mail to say that this house is on the market! We took a drive to Somerset West and I could not help but wipe a tear as I walked down the passage and in my minds-eye saw my children playing and giggling in their rooms and splashing water all over the bathroom floor. The old Almond tree in the garden where my son tried to swing from a branch like Tarzan and nearly injuring himself, brought back a flood of memories.

The new owners, however, have made some good changes and renovations but the house is unaffordable for us now! Also they have put their stamp on it.

We took a ride around the suburb afterwards trying to get an idea of the house prices in this area. One house in a quiet cul-de-sac drew our attention. We could not believe it...it was spacy and well kept, has a pool and the most wonderful view over the Strand and Gordon's Bay beaches. The kitchen is a dream and takes us out to a patio with built-in braai area that overlooks the pool. From the bedrooms we can see the Hottentots Holland mountains. It offers large office space while Andy still works from home. Surprise Surprise! - it costs less than the old house. Suddenly all sentiment went out the window. I realise that even if we bought our old house that it will never be the same. Our children are older and leaving the nest but I have those memories to carry in my heart forever. We have other needs now and maybe one of them is a fresh start. A place where we can entertain friends (especially ones that come from afar) - a place to have fun with our older children when they visit and hopefully one day grandchildren too.

I realise that nothing stays the same forever but God. And He brings new blessing and opportunities every morning - I have to look at Him and see what plans He has in store for us. If it is for us to stay here in the leafy suburb of Rondebosch a while longer, that's fine too.
I shall be patient but watch this space...

No news is good news

Who doesn't love exciting news? While I was very busy and home with young children I could hardly wait for my husband to come home from work to hear all the juicy news from the office, who was dating who and what was going on in the world out there. It just lifted my spirit and did not make me feel quite so boxed in. Those days passed in a flash and now that I am older I have found that actually, no news is good news! I have made my peace with the fact that my days can sometimes be a little boring or dreary and have realised that being part of the humdrum of everyday life can be a real blessing! So many things could go wrong in one's daily existence - a family member might become ill, there could be a car accident or maybe even a burglary. These things can really turn one's life upside down. During monotonous days I look for the simple things in life to spruce up my existence. I don't look at a day as uneventful anymore. What, with blogging, a good 'whodunnit' novel, a quick chat with a neighbour, noticing some beauty in an unusual spot and painting a picture, I have no excuse! In fact these things now put a smile on my face.
I think I should thank the Lord every time a friend asks: 'What's new?' and I reply: 'No news is good news'.