A list of happiness

What made my day incredible:

1. Homemade mango, rooibos ice tea :)
2. Swimming in the coldest, clearest, green waters.
3. Building sandcastles. 
4. Being my person's photographer's assistant on a beach family photo shoot.
5. Carrying umbrellas, beachballs and colourful towels.
6. Jumping, dancing, roaring like a tiger to make two adorable little children giggle and smile.
7. Sand everywhere!
8. Ice-cold Coke Cola and munching on spicy Doritos.
9. Floating over gigantic waves.
10. Feeling the scorching, summer sunshine on my back.
11. Relaxing, holding hands, breath-taking hugs, countless kisses with you*
12. Sitting on my person's lap while going through the hundred of pictures.
13. Napping on the couch together, doors wide open to tempt in a cool breeze.
14. Washing the car and being silly.
15. Making coffee milkshakes and eating waffles.
16. Spending every single second of every single day with you is just pure happiness - I love you!

A summer's day

Today was a day of fierce sunshine and blazing heat, of watermelon juice dripping down your chin and melting ice-cream cones, of singing "Happy Birthday!" to a beautiful little girl watching her huff and puff to blow out her stubborn candles, of splashing in the pool and the sound infectious laugher, of sticky smiles and tiny hands clasping your own, of hiding from the hot, hot sun lying on your bed reading your favourite novel, of family dinners, pita bread and reminiscing, of dancing around the room to embarrass your sister and lovely, cool showers, of blinking back longing tears while I think of him, wishing, waiting...

Just another Summer's day.

under grey skies

After a restless night of waking dreams I awaken to grey skies. I know what I need to do. I throw on one of my person's old tshirts, slip into track pants and put on my trainers. Holding the dog's leash we set out for a walk.

It has been weeks since I have had this sort of solitude - just my music, the stretch of ocean, the dog and I. It gives me time to think. To dream. To reason. My spirit quietens. I feel calm and at peace.

Walking this early morning, heavy, dark clouds above us, soft raindrops falling like gentle tears, the ocean the most mysteriously beautiful shade of deep blue-green, glimpses of blue sky with pure white shafts of sunlight shining through - angelic illumination - gives me inspiration and hope.

Feeling the sand crunch beneath my feet, hearing the train screech as it rumbles past, its whistle bringing back too many memories, looking at the waves rise and fall, letting the dog pull me along... in this moment of reflection I am content. I have so much to be thankful for. So much. 

Words escape me - I cannot describe this feeling - but I want to hold onto it. I will hold onto it.

Purpose and Perspective

As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve I read these verses: 

"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book"... Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. "I, Jesus... am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."... The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.... He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.

 {Revelation 22}

This should be ever present in out minds, shaping all of life's purpose and perspective... living in the light of eternity... "Come Lord Jesus" COME!  

A fairytale wedding

This weekend I went to a magical, fairytale wedding. It felt as though I had awoken in another time and place. Set in Betty's Bay, the mountain behind us, clouds tumbling over, and the sparkling ocean spreading out before us - stunning! 

The day was one of wild lavender and white roses, 

vintage leather suitcases,

old fashioned bicycles with woven baskets overflowing with flowers,

antique books tied with ribbons and lace,

strands of glistening pearls,

hanging gilded bird cages swaying softly in the cool breeze, 

lawn games of bowls and croquet,

girls in dresses twirling parasols,

glass bottles filled with berries, cloudy lemonade, cream soda and vanilla rooibos,

flirtatious waiters with trays of delicacies,

throwing red rose petals up into the air at a radiant couple,

horses galloping in the meadow,

glowing candles,

a jukebox, 

a first kiss, a first prayer, a first dance,

afrikaans speeches and not understanding anything,

clinking glasses of bubbly champagne,

God's glory,

endless teasing and having an amazing time with old friends,

smiles, laughter and much, much love <3

Wishing Phillippe and Marbe a wonderful, Christ honouring marriage!