My Life's Winding Roads: And I thought September was busy...

Good morning friends and family, it feels like an age since I last 'spoke' to you all. So much happened in October that I am not even quite sure where to start. Good grief my head spins just trying to recall everything. I actually thought of doing a mid month Blog just to keep up but then life accelerated and, obviously I never got there.

The family are all well ... Hmm maybe not jumping around like spring chickens as both Big Guy and Big Bear hurt their backs and are still not quite 100%. There has been severe flu, tummy bugs etc but, as I type this we are all well. Princess had an extremely busy month with her Valedictorian Assembly, which we were very blessed to be invited to. School has changed so much since I was there and even my kids. Being a small class it was very personal and very touching, watching their traditions. One of the cutest of which is the Grade 1's hand over a white rose to every Matric student. The new generation saying goodbye to the old. Afterwards the guests were able to mingle with the students and teachers before the Matric class walked through a Guard of Honour made up of students, teachers, parents and guests. The following week she had her final year Art Exhibition, oh my word the exhibits were incredible. Each one with a written narrative of their chosen piece. Princess' was truly exceptional in the thought and meaning behind it and the execution. She has SO much talent just oozing out of her, well done my angel it is such a privilege to see your work and get a glimpse into your soul, we are SO proud of you. The week following the above they started with their final exams 🙏🤗

The Bears have managed to organise their upcoming move after the successful sale of their apartment and will be moving in December. Poppet has barely had time to lift her head with work and all the extras at school. Big Guy, apart from his sore back, is also head down and working all hours just to keep up. Actually all of them including partners are finding they do not have enough hours in the day, it is a crazy world. For birthday Sunday we all met at a lovely restaurant out on the Stellenbosch road for a celebratory brunch. Such a gorgeous place and the food and company were excellent.

We met with my Sister-in-law, her son and his wife for an incredible afternoon of catch up at Benguela Cove, Hermanus, which was long overdue. Oh my it was so good to see them, exchange stories, laugh and hug each other. It truly was a day to remember and we are still talking about it. The restaurant is on a very snazzy wine farm, right on the lagoon which gives their wines a somewhat different taste, growing so close to the sea. There are many statues as well as an art gallery. A lot of the works displayed were at times breath taking.

We also had a wonderful visit with ex neighbours of ours from Johannesburg. They are both older than us and it was truly special, it felt like Mom and Pop had come to visit. The men never stopped talking but, then again neither did us girls.

In between all this our 'normal' life continued, we have had the deck painted and tiled, it is looking amazing and I am so excited to see it finally coming together. This past week Hubby and I started with grouting the tiles - I was possibly, just maybe, a little too excited and overdid things grrrr. I do so wish my body would keep up with my mind and work ethic haha. Hubby also worked hard and so now we have decided this week we will work together, I will grout and he will come behind to wipe and clean the tiles. Doing it this way should be a lot quicker and as soon as that is done I will share a picture. It will just need the benches, cushions and blinds to be done.

I managed to successfully lengthen the jersey that I mentioned last month and my client was delighted 👏. I also eventually started and finished the wooden unit which has been waiting for almost two years. It now has place of honour in the lounge and I feel like an addict in the sense that I immediately started looking for the next thing to paint, it was so much fun. As I stand now there are three vintage suitcases, two antique magazine racks, a small candle hurricane lantern, a metal cross with a rose on it and a small table.

It is so nice to have caught up on all the backlog 👏🏻 and to be thinking of new projects. Chalk paint is definitely a very satisfying medium and opens up a whole new vista of projects.

Yesterday I took a day for myself, sort of, and started a Diamond Art canvas that Jelly Bean had gifted me with, also ages ago. I have been waiting for just the right time to start, without a list of 'to do's' bugging my consciences. On first opening it I was a little overwhelmed when I saw all the markings and just how many dots there are. Once I started it was really hard to stop, again my body started yelling at me and I needed to take a rest. I do believe this is as addictive as chalk painting and I find it very calming as it caters to my 'need' for things to be orderly and precise. So folks, watch this space in the future.

There have been numerous trips to Somerset West and Hermanus and on Friday JB and I went in as I had an Oncologist check up. Thank the Lord all is well although she is not happy that I am still in so much pain and such limited mobility with my frozen shoulders. She is referring me to an 'Orthopod' to have it seen to, ho hum 🤔.

Well folks those are the highlights of October, there were the usual 'blonde moments' and minor catastrophes which caused much laughter and teasing, but then I just seem prone to be the family entertainment. There are two which stand out in particular. At Princess' Valadiction I walked over to pour myself a glass of bubbly. I was aware that someone was on my left side briefly but was concentrating on my task. The next minutes the cork popped off the bottle further down the table with such a loud bang. Instantly I said "it's not me" which caused much hilarity and embarrassment. I was never anywhere near that bottle. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Last week when I started the grouting Hubby gave me an old pouffe, which was in a black garbage bag, to sit on. Well I sat and slid right off the back 😂😂, naturally much laughter at my expense haha.

Now that I have caught up I am hoping to have new projects to share with you. I will say this though. If you have not tried Diamond dot art, it is well worth getting yourself one and giving it a go. Very calming and satisfying to do without great physical effort.

I am also extremely aware that everyone is under so much pressure at the moment. It is like looking at a world of pressure cookers just waiting to 'blow'. The demands of life seem to have increased hugely, work has become harder and longer, life has become uncomfortably expensive to the point where one is working out just how much a trip to town is going to cost in petrol/diesel. In the midst of all the crazy, all the pressure, all the worry, God never leaves your side. He Has NOT changed and "is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow." His ear is always attuned to our prayers, day or night, whatever the circumstance.

Psalm 37 v 14. The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from ALL their troubles.

- When a child of God calls out to Him, He hears their cry.

- At the very moment you call out to Him, He responds to bring relief.

- There is no trouble that is so powerful that God cannot free us.

- Things may seem impossible and complicated but they are not too hard for Him.

A friend shared the above with me this week and I really believe it is so relative right now. God hears and sees you and your circumstances. He is moving on your behalf. Very often He has to work through another human to resolve the situation and therefore we need to also pray that the people He speaks to are quick and obedient to do what He has told them, as well as ourselves. When God prompts you to do something/ pray/ for another person, we need to get it done ASAP. We are part of someone else's answer to prayer.

As I close off this very long Blog, I pray you will experience God's peace in the days and weeks ahead. I appreciate you all and thank you for your support and encouragement. Ciao Ciao

Surrender -Benguela Cove