Plett in Pictures 2012

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This Year

Camille Styles (Originally Emily McDowell) 

If you have been following my blog for some time, you will know that I am quite a goal-orientated person, so it is really no surprise that every year I set myself New Year’s resolutions… Each year my resolutions are not dissimilar to the year before, and like many people, many of them become a distant thought when the sparkle of the festive season fades into yet another year. 

This year I will once again set myself goals for the year ahead, but this time I choose to focus my energy on positive thoughts and goals… Things that are fun, and easily achievable, all the while being beneficial.

Sterling Style

* Live each day like it’s a special occasion

I posted about this recently (here), and truly believe that it is an excellent way to live. What better occasion than being alive to dress up in a pretty dresses, and gorgeous heels, with beautiful perfume all the while drinking sparkling champagne out of your fanciest glassware…

Pretty Peach Peonies

* Be here now

This relates back to yesterday’s post (here) as well as my first resolution. I spend far too much time thinking about the past and worrying about the future, and not enough time enjoying the present.  (Yes, I understand the irony of making resolutions, all the while resolving to live in the now)

Riches for Rags

* Do more of what I enjoy

Discovering new music, and rediscovering old music. Learning something new every day, whatever form it may take. Reading, whether it be books, magazines or poetry. Writing down my thoughts and theories, poems and stories – real or make believe.  Drawing, painting, colouring and creating.  Trying and tasting new recipes. Spending time with the people who make me happy, the people I love, those who make my heart sing…  

The Gifts of Life

* Be kind to my body

Eating a healthy diet, and exercising is just as important as indulging in delicious, less healthy food and having fun – as cliché as it is, it has to be said that the important thing to be aware of is the balance between the two.

Riches for Rags

 And for you my friends…

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art -- write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” - Neil Gaiman

xxx

Now & Then

My last post is one I have been meaning to put up since last year (sounds like it was ages ago) –  so in my mind this is officially my first post of 2013...

Oh So Lovely Obsessions

Last year was a battle for me, and I know I was not the only one. I thought about how relieved I would be when the year finally came to an end – and when it did, I felt nothing but panic. How silly it is to assume that when the calendar rolls over, everything will be different - All the problems of the past year will dissolve, any challenges will be overcome, all the fears that have not been faced will disappear… In fact, a new year is even more frightening. Besides all the issues that resurface once the confetti settles, the New Year will indefinitely bring with it new difficulties. You see, you take an imaginary leap from what you are familiar with, however awful it may be, to the unknown. Uncertainty; not knowing, that is terrifying.

Pretty Peach Peonies

Three panic attacks later, I managed to get out of bed. The world still looked the same. I still had the same anxieties to deal with that I had had before the clock struck 12 the night before. Even worse, these troubles appeared magnified, and seemed to warrant more attention, it is after all, a year later.

Oh So Lovely Obsessions

However, by some bizarre mind association, I felt better ready to solve my problems, to conquer the challenges, and to finally face my fears...The time it will take is uncertain.

Observando

Honestly, I am still petrified about what else may lie ahead, but was reminded of a quote from Corrie ten Boom, “Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength”, and I need all my strength to deal with the known, instead of wasting it on the unknown.

wit + delight

xxx

Weekend in Clarens

In March 2011, my lovely friend, Carla, got married in Clarens (see post here). From the moment I arrived for the wedding, I fell in love. In the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, it is honestly one of the prettiest places in South Africa.

So when Josh invited me to come with him, on what was essentially a family holiday, I was super excited…

We arrived at Clarens Inn and Backpackers in the evening, on the weekend of JAMBOREE, an annual music fest. Greeted by the smiles of joyful family and friends united. A bonfire burning in front of the stage was surrounded by people drinking, laughing and enjoying the spirit of togetherness.

Various bands played long into the night – including Folk Rock band, Rooibaardt, who seemed to be the favourite, and understandably so, with their fun sound, wide array of instruments, and satirical lyrics.

I stayed in the girl’s dorm – Wall to wall bunk beds, with bright pink linen, and floral curtains. Ruffled covers on bottom bunks gave me the impression that there were only top bunks available – An exciting prospect for a 12 year old, but rather intimidating when considering the amount of gymnastics that was necessary to heave myself into bed. Throughout the night creaking springs could be heard under thin foam mattresses.

I was up early the next morning, dreading the use of the communal bathroom – public bathrooms being one of my biggest phobias.  With rubber flip flops firmly on my feet; I closed the shower curtain, turned on the water, and braced myself for a cold shower and was pleasantly surprised by the steady flow of hot water.

After a very necessary cappuccino, we piled into the mom wagon, and deployed into town for breakfast at The Post House – no doubt one of the most popular breakfast spots in the town – and after eating the breakfast tramezzini I completely understand why.

The weather was miserable, but the bonfire and a steady flow of alcohol kept everyone warm. People danced barefoot in muddy puddles to the eclectic mix of musicians.

On Sunday afternoon, we once again piled into the mom wagon, and headed to the Golden Gate National Park. The sun was shining, and we enjoyed a large part of the afternoon talking nonsense and laughing on a rock overlooking the most beautiful valley.

Sunday night was our last night in Clarens - it is always sad when such a wonderful time comes to an end - especially for those saying goodbye to family who stay far away. I was reminded that rather than focusing on the sadness, we need to remember the good times that were had, and the memories that were made.

I had the best time, listening to awesome music, sleeping in a creaky bunk bed, learning new words and phrases, singing songs with made-up lyrics and mostly just laughing loads.

Thank you my Joshua for sharing such a special weekend with me – So much of lesbians for you guy xxx