Two Needle Slippers for Charity

This is what I am busy with at the moment. Knitting for an old age home in Hillsborough (Northern Ireland) with CHICKS WITH STICKS knitting group.

PATTERN

These slippers have been around in one form or another for decades, and there is a reason why - they are fast (takes an hour per slipper!), use little yarn (less than a skein!), worked on 2 straight needles (no double points needed), and they fit any size foot (even my hubby's!)

There are a bizzilion and one patterns out there for these slippers, and here's our take (because you can never have enough free patterns!)

This pattern is free

About 150 yards of Worsted or Aran yarn
Size 5 needles for kids, size 6 needles for adults

Directions are for Children, with Adult sizing in parenthesis - ( and )

Notes - SSP is a slip as if to knit, slip as if to knit, purl the two slipped stitches together decrease. If this is too much for you, simply purl these two together through the back loops, without twisting or slipping.

Cast on 76 (86)
Knit 14 rows of garter stitch.

Decrease row 1 - K 35 (40), K2tog, P2, SSK, K 35 (40)
Decrease row 2 - P 34 (39), SSP, K2, P2tog, P 34 (39)

Continue working these two decrease rows, keeping the decreases on either side of the center 2 stitches, until there are 40 (50) stitches left.

Work 7 rows of garter stitch. For a fold down cuff, work additional rows. Bind off with a size 8 or 9 needle (keeps the cuff from being too tight) and seam back and sole.

Wordless Wednesday

Mutterings Meme

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Cry :: movies, sad, expression, feel good afterwards
   
2. Stretch ::in the morning
   
3. Efficient :: use of energy, time, space
   
4. Brunch :: Lunch, every Sunday
   
5. Afro :: hair, the sixties & seventies
   
6. Preheat :: oven, baking
   
7. Delicious :: food, mouth watering, tasty
   
8. Global warming :: can be stopped,, is a reality
   
9. Actions :: speak louder than words
   
10. Ride :: horse, hitch a ride

Hosted by Luna Nina

Lovely gifts from Hubby

Today I got spoilt!

Got two novels and a little coffee machine.

We were looking at plungers and discovered that the machine cost the same price!

Got
A time to Dance by Karen Kingsbury
the Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
and
4-6 cup Kenwood coffee machine (actually only makes 2 mugs)

Butterfly Inspiration

Random Daily Inspiration

Shine brighter than the sun and liken your heart to the flight of a butterfly. Attitude makes a big difference. Lord, help me to change that which I can and appreciate the blessings which I already have received.

What have I being up to?

Its hard to believe that the week is almost over. Just one more week and Jeandre' will be starting school.

Started the week off by listening to an accordion band at Scarva tea graden and going for a walk. Spent two days of this week I spent on filling out a job application. It was a major endeavour. Met a friend at a coffee shop to catch up. Did a lot of reading and cooking. Spent some time doing house work and ironing (this is a new experience for me).
Wrote a test today, in order to join a volunteer organisation. Now my forms will go to their head office.
Spent time on swap-bot (creating swaps and chatting on the forums). Play some games on Facebook.

All in all a very productive week. Looking forward to a busy Saturday (having people over for lunch). I have made my favourite food macroni and cheese, bake beans and sweetcorn casserole. I hope they will enjoy it.

Knowing the Day

Knowing the day

i have nothing left to say
and nothing left to learn
i've done my deed
placed my seed
got nothing left to plead

my dues are paid
my life conveyed
and love cant turn around
my sight is blurred
my life defferred
yet not one can be proud

the date when love and hate collide
is the day i shall fade in peace
and me and you can both run free
beyond the point of the sacred place
where all our greatest dreams will all be faced

now its time to go run wild
before that sacred day comes round
until that time of life and death
ill have you until my last breath

Peter Rademeyer
(Grade10)

Life, Love and Fate

Life, Love and Fate

I see the life in loves great body
not seeing the love in lifes great journey,
we go from day to day
knowing the pain will go away
we think of all those in need
and the pain of us shall all receed

I see the light beyond the cave
not knowing what life will pave
we go through life knowing the fate
will we go through heavens gate?
or will we burn beyond and below
we think of life and all it's themes
hoping someday we'll accomplish our dreams

but are our dreams made too great
or will our dreams come just too late
with love my dream is now fulfilled
and with your beauty my heart is drilled.......

Peter Rademeyer

This was written by a grade 10 learner in South Africa. Published with his permission

Well done Peter, I am looking forward to reading more of your writing.

Win a Birdie says Mug

My daughter is all about pink and princesses.
She loves this mug.



I on the other hand like this one....
Not because I drink a lot of coffee
minimum. 1-2 cups daily)
I think this one is really cute.

You can read more about this give away here: Birdie Giveaway

Northern Ireland flood adventure

Click here for Scenes of flooding in Northern Ireland

Yesterday, we were driving home from Larne, totally unaware of the chaos waiting for us in Belfast. A trip that normally takes us an hour and twenty minutes took over 4 1/2 hrs. We were on the M1 and had turn around and try and find a way off the motorway and then through the streets of Belfast. Woman with kids in her car bumped us and just continued to drive on. We got her car number plate. Its not a bad bump ......

My daughter thought that this was all terribly exciting and disappointed that she could not go and swim in the water.

After a while we were hungry, all needed the toilet and my headache was becoming unbearable. We finally found a petrol station but alas it had no public toilets. We got sandwiches and headache tablets. I had to forgo any coffee for fear of not finding a toilet.

We managed to get on another part of the M1 and found a portable toilet along the road. It looked very precaurious. Weiers braved it first. By the time I was done, many people had stopped their cars to make a bealine for it.

Listening to the radio we heard about some homes that were flooded in banbridge and wondered if we were going to be able to get home. But we did and it was not raining anymore. It was almost hard to believe that it was flooding badly and we had just managed to escape the worst.

Post number 600

Sjoe. I have reached a milestone. I wonder how I should celebrate. Write a long reflective post? List my favourite photos or post over the last 599 post? Do a giveaway?

None of those ideas grab right now. So instead let me tell you about what I am up to.

I had an inter with CAB - Citizens Advise Bereau, to be a volunteer. I have to fill in another form and then do a test next week Friday. After that I have to do a one day a week - 12 week training course. Then I have to work at least 6hrs a week.

I am also busy filling out job applications. One is to be a Drama teacher - they offer training - also 6-8 hr a week job, so I could still volunteer. The other is with a community organisation and the contract is only for 6 months. I am also looking at jobs that are totally out of my field of experience eg. waitress, shop assistant etc. So we will see how that will pan out.

Apparently it could take up to 7 months for me to register so that I could teach in a school. I have not started the process. I have registered to be a supply teacher or teacher assistant. I want to take things slowly. get Jeandre' settled into school and get to know the system before I committ to teaching in a classroom.

I would love to work in a community organisation, doing training and other stuff. I really like working in that type of environment in South Africa.

Thats whats on my mind at the moment.

Butterfly Quote

"How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." ~Trina Paulus

Walking in Northern Ireland

This weekend I had the priviledge of doing to great walks. One along the Larner promenade (3 mile circular walk, I am not sure we did the entire distance)and the other Slieve Croob (Morne Mountains, 2.4 miles/almost 4km).

We got soaked on our way back down the Slieve Croob path, but the view was worth it. We will probably do that walk again. Unfortuantely I did not take my camera with me. I was not sure that it worked after the fall it had day before avoiding a bee. The LCD screen has not recovered but it still seems to be taking photos. We could see a 360 degree panoramic view over County Down and what we thought was the Galloway coast of Scotland and the Isle of Man - we later confirmed that is was.

Chaine Memorial Tower

Situated at the mouth of Larne Harbour, and reached via Chaine Memorial Road (access off Curran Road via Bay Road), the Chaine Tower is a memorial to James Chaine, a former Member of Parliament for the area and the man who developed Larne's short sea route to Scotland as well as establishing the town as a transatlantic port. The memorial, built in 1888, is a replica of an Irish Round Tower. Read more about the the Town of Larne.

Here are some great photos of various sections along the Mourne Mountains taken by Ryan McD. Click Here to view in Flickr.

Free Association Weeks 289

1. Month to month ::Mouth to mouth
2. Adjusted ::fixed, well-adjusted
3. Prank ::a joke that is not really a joke
4. Mop ::floors, hair
5. Clarity ::clear, understood
6. Parenting ::loving it
7. Glenn ::Close (Actress)
8. Fingerprint ::police
9. Pineapple ::curry powder and salt - Durban Beach Front
10. Attorney ::lawyer

What a day!

You know when have one of those days and you have no-one to blame but yourself - ARGH.
That was yesterday for me.

It actually started the night before. I chatted myself out of sleep, then decided to read a book, I could put down. Before I knew it was 5am the following day.
A couple hours later my daughter was torturing, well that might be an exatgeration, she was trying to wake me up. Eventually she gave up and her dad got her ready for Summer Scheme. When I did get up I realised it was too late to make her lunch. So I semi-brushed her hair and gave her money for lunch. She left without her jacket or bag!

The just got worse, the printer would not work, my takkies (sneakers) fell apart in the washing machine etc. etc. A lot small things that just felt bigger because I had not slept.

Sadly we had to spend money to replace my sneakers, we are going walking this weekend. Could have bought a lot of other stuff for £50.00. On the bright side it was on special and feels comfortable. Also got a rain-coat on special,YAY!

Made sure I got early to bed!

WW - Thursday Edition

Bangor WW

Reflection on Manners

Manners,traditons, customs whats the differnce? There does not seem to be a major difference.
When I think of manners I think that many people at some stage have rebelled against at least once. Mine was carry my chair and opening my own door instead of letting the a guy or my boyfriend do it. For me it was a matter of principal from a young age. When I was seven I decided that blys had more fun and that was not fair. I determined to do things for myself and to have fun. Later on I decided I would not let my boyfriend open the car door for me because when he stopped I would read too much into it and it ruin our relationship unecessarily. But mother despaired.

I think it is quite amazing to her that I am quite "lady-like".

I have also learned to respect other peoples manners, traditons and customs and find that there are a few I actually want to observe. It makes me feel like I belong to something. It is comforting at times.

One of my favourite musicals is Fiddler on the Roof and I think that the opening song: Traditions (U-tube below) and the movie/play very nicely put into perspective that PEOPLE/RELATIONAHIPS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN manners/trations/customs - sometimes manners facilitate those relationships and other times we need to really question what is more importatnt the act or the person.

Photo and Quote Swap # 2

A Sunday in Belfast

We started our day at the Belfast Tourist information center at 11am (that is when it opens). In our browsing we discovered that there was a Spur. Unfortunately it had not address or telephone number so I had to stand in line to get information. The man behind counter had no idea but very helpfully looked them up on the internet and then called them. We found out that it was just one block down. Armed with a few more activities for the day we took off.

We found also Nandos and Pizza Hut in the mall. Then we stood outside the Spur waiting for it to open about 15min after opening time someone came out to find out if we were okay - ARGH - we finally went in. Many people have complained about service in South Africa but I have to say that after a month here and in the UK, the food and banking service in South Africa still come out tops in my book.
We will not discuss how this meal cost. Suffice to say it will not be a regular occurrence.

After the meal we did some window shopping on our way to watch an outdoor theatre performance. Rain threatened to ruin the event but we persevered and the Juggling show was great. Jeandre' was highly amused. The weathered cleared up nicely.

We drove to look at the murals in the Belfast Shankill district.

Weiers finally got his choice of going to the Botanical Gardens but by then Jeandre' had had enough, so we only saw half the gardens.

Ended the day off by going to the very large Toy R Us store where Jeandre' was allowed to choose one toy that was £15 or less.


Photo taken by Jeandre'

Antrim Coastline

Irish Cream Latte

Ahhhh I found something I really like.

I have had a great day despite the consistant rain. Took Jeandre to the Summer Scheme program at 10am. Then I did some cleaning, read a bit of a Kodak photography book. Put on a Story book CD - stories from the Irish Country side and I knitted while listening to eat.

Made lunch and had a chat with my husband. Picked Jeandre up at 3pm and then went Shopping. We went to a different shop and made more discoveries including the Nescafe Irish Cream Latte. YAY

I have been hoping to find the Irish cream milk that I enjoyed in USA but until this will do.

Wordless Wednesday

The first item I bought for my new home in Northern Ireland

Doctor, Doctor will I die?

The first thing that jumped into my head when I saw the Heads and Tails theme for this week was a song from a Hand Clapping game we used to play. Its the only one I have taught my daughter. Its really a silly one, no idea where it originates from.

It goes like this:

An east, a west
I met my boyfriend at the candy store
He bought me ice-cream
He bought me cake
He brought me home with a belly-ache
Mama, mama
I'm so sick
Call the doctor
quick, quick, quick
Doctor, Doctor
Will I die?
Count till five and you'll be alive
a one, a two, a three, a four, a five
I'M ALIVE
h

Fun in the Sun at Bangor Beach

Unconscious Mutterings Week 287

Hosted by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Memory ::baking biscuits with my dad
2. Original ::what God created
3. Exclusively ::special, separated, set apart
4. Listings ::phone numbers, addresses
5. Bucket :: of water, kick the bucket
6. Knight :: in shining Armour, A knights Tale
7. Dusty ::pink, sky
8. Choice ::is important, you always have a choice
9. Sunglight ::children, sunflower
10. Change of plans ::are inevitable

Koeksusters/Koeksister

Last week I watched my sister-in-law make koeksusters. This week I tried them out for myself.
The motivation? I promised to bring some for a lady that was helping us settle in here in Northern Ireland and I forgot them in South Africa.

Karliese kindly made some for me to give to Marcy.

The ones I made were such a success that we ate them all and did not share with anyone. Now I desperately feel that I need to return to my diet!!

I grew up eating the Malay Koeksister and my husband grew up eating the Afrikaans Koeksuster. We have many a time argued about which one is the South African koeksister, now Wikepedia has answered our dilemma - THEY both are!

Koeksisters

2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt 1 tbsp butter
¾ cup milk

1. Rub butter into dry ingredients.
2. Add milk and mix well.
3. Roll dough +- ¼ inch thick, cut into strips.
4. Plait and fry in deep fat till golden brown on both sides (turn over).
5. Put into very cold syrup for few seconds.

Syrup:

4 cups sugar 1 ½ cups water
½ cup orange juice 1 tbsp lemon juice
Grated zest of 2 oranges
1 ½ tsp cream of tartar

1. Boil the above ingredients together for 3 minutes and then cool.

(recipe can be made 2 or 3 days in advanced but cover well with greaseproof paper and keep in fridge).

"A Koeksister or koeksuster comes from the Dutch word koekje, the diminutive of koek meaning "cake". It is a South African syrup-coated doughnut in a twisted or braided shape. Best eaten cold, koeksisters are very sticky and sweet and taste like honey.
Koeksisters are of Cape Malay origin. The Afrikaner version is much more syrupy and crispy while the Cape Malay version's texture is more like that of a cake, spicier, and usually covered in dried coconut. There is also a difference in spelling, the latter generally referred to as koesister."

Riding in the Park

Last week we visited family in Weston UK. It was really good to see familiar faces and feel grounded after uprooting from South Africa. Jeandre' really enjoyed spending time with her cousins despite the fact that they to still go to school.

Bowling

Stand up, Sit Down

I saw a picture of wedding on another person's Head or Tails for this week - it made me think of church and how in some churches you are not sure when to sit or stand.
I found a poem that went in line with my thoughts:

All Souls
Here we are.
All together.
Fumbling through tradition.

Welcome all.
Stand up.
Sing.
Sit down.

Pray. Confess. Recite.
Stand up.
Sing.
Sit down.

Baptize.
Sprinkle the head.
Vow. Recite. Repeat.
Stand up.
Sing.
Sit down.

Pray.
For war. Church. Missions.
Stand up.
Sing.
Sit down.

Whats new.
Consult the scripture.
Stand up.
Sing.
Sit down.

"Turn to God."
Prostitutes. Sinners. People.
Stand up.
Sing.
Sit down.

Here we are.
All together.
Dying in tradition.
Posted by Kevin Ross

Knitting

I bought 3 balls of wool with a scarf pattern and knitting needles. Still waiting for my craft stuff to arrive in the post. This should keep me busy till then.

Got a few swap-bot projects to work on as well.

Hoping to visit some knitting groups over the next few weeks.

Unconcious Mutterings on 20 July

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Flicker ::fire, photographs
2. Styling ::hair
3. Episode ::The Pretender (what I am watching at the moment)
4. Sexier ::I'm too sexy (the song)
5. Studious ::hard worker, studying
6. Mushroom ::poison, omelets
7. 8 minutes ::a day (exercise book)
8. Bald ::hair, vulture
9. Immunity ::set free, protected
10. Sectioned ::seperated

Free association

Hosted by Luna Nina

Week 285

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Intimidated ::nasty, unfair,strikes
2. Brush ::hair
3. Masquerade ::pretend
4. Procedure ::the way things must be done
5. Tattoos ::butterfly
6. Square ::round, bowl, make dessert
7. Tuck ::Nip & Tuck, big stomach
8. Boyfriend ::mmmmmmm........ should not be thinking about past ones
9. Badass::huh?????
10. Thousand ::BC

Short term

I don't feel like am a position to make any long term plans. there are still many uncertanties like how will the budget work, what kind of work will i find and when etc...???

What i do have going for me at the moment is a few challenging swaps which will include improving my computer and photography skills. Some sightseeing and writing. Starting my 4 Win Diet plan and continuing to blog weight and health progress on my
4 Day Win Blog.

One of the swaps is to write a 4 page family newletter. I am hoping I can put that onto my website and send it to my family.

Got some sightseeing to do and learning how to use all the appliances in my house. Got a few things I never used before like a foodprocessor, slow cooker and dishwasher. Last week I accidently too the dishes out the dishwasher before it was actually done - oops - thought the machine was broken - hehehehe.

TUESDAY HOTTIE

I almost did not play this week and then I got this on facebook and thought it was really funny.

100 Ways I can Make a Difference

Copy the code below and paste it on your site:

I swap with Swap-bot!
Swap Homepage: http://listof100.wordpress.com/swaps/
Swap Coordinator: Simone (contact)
Swap categories: Challenges Letters & Writing Newbie
Number of people in swap: 9
Last day to signup/drop: July 17, 2008
Date items must be sent by: July 25, 2008
Number of swap partners: 1
Description:

If you are joining this swap for the first time read the blog, it explains what the swap is all about and who inspired it.

Those who have been playing along for a while will notice that I skipped over a few swaps. If you would like to host any of the ones i have skipped on the list please let me know.

OKAY Lets get down to the the business of this swap!

1. You can either write or type a list of 100 ways you could or have made a difference.
2. Does not have to be full sentences - just key words or phrases.
3. Don't worry about eliminating repeats - they reveal something about your thinking.
4. You can add in something extra for hearts - i suggest making it profile related.
5. Optional extra: join our blog and post your list there too.

International swap. Open to newbies and swappers with ratings 4.4 up. Please note that some of us are collecting our 100 lists. Please send your list

Baking adventure continues

Milktart made with condense milk
Traditional South African Milktart
My favourite food - macroni and cheese

I am a bit concerned that the middle dish does not taste like traditional SA milktart, I have put it into the fridge to cool down then I will test taste it again.

I am happy with the first one, it was also quick and easy to make. I may just take that with me to the Barbque this evening. The mac & cheese is for a Potluck lunch for tommorrow. Still got to make salad for tonight and tommorow.

Here are the recipes for the first two dishes if you are interested in trying them out. Let me know what yours taste like. I will be trying to make the traditional afrikaans koeksisters in a few weeks time.

Milk Tart: Condensed Milk
1 tin condensed milk
500 ml milk
2tbs custard powder
1 egg
cinnamon
2 tbs cornflower (Maizena)
5ml vanilla
Tennis biscuits
Boil condensed milk and milk together. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Mix custard powxer, cornflower, egg and vanilla with some of the milk.
Add custard powder mixture to boiling milk and stir till it thickens.
Pour over crust of Tennis biscuits and sprinkle with cinamon.

Milk Tart Traditional:
7 ml butter
1ml salt
1 stick cinnamon
750 ml boiling milk
10 ml custard powder
15 ml cornflour
15 ml cake flour
25 ml cold milk
125 ml white sugar
4 large eggs, seperated
2ml almond essence
Cinnamon sugar (5ml ground cinnamon for every 56 ml sugar)
500 g puff or flaky pastry.
Line 2 pie plates with the pastry and make a raised edge for each.
For the filling, add butter, salt and cinnamon to boiling milk. Mix the custard powder, cornflour and flour to a paste with the cold milk. Stir in a little of the hot milk mixture. Stir the custard mixture into the hot milk, add 50 ml of the sugar and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Remove from the stove when it has thickened and discard the cinnamon stick . Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar. Beat the egg yolks lightly and stir in a little of the custard mixture. Stir the yolks into the custard mixture then add the almond essence. Gradually fold in the egg whites. Pour the mixture into the pastry cases and bake at 200C for approximately 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 180C and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes or until filling has set. Cool slightly and sprinkle the tart with cinnamon sugar.

Shopping and Upcoming Baking Adventure

I dropped Jeandre' off at the Banbridge leisure centre for their summer program. Then I went shopping at Tesco. I was there for 2hrs. I think i know where to find most things. There are at least 2 isles i avoid, alcohol as I don't drink and the meat aisle. While we are not vegetarian, we hardly eat meat and I am pretty fussy about what I do eat. So we will avoid meat till we settle down or maybe become vegetarians.

I want to make milk tart. We are going to a Barbque tomorrow night. Our hostess likes milktart and has had many South African friends. We forgot her koeksisters in South Africa, so I need to make up. The only thing is I could not find custard powder in Tesco, not sure if I will find it here. Now I can make milktart without it. Being overseas forces me to cook traditional dishes I would normally buy or get from a friend. My other challenge is that I have only made milktart 3 times in my entire life. The first 2 were 10 years ago when I was Au Pairing in the USA.

Will let you know how it turns out. Not sure I can promise photos. My husband is still setting up the laptop.

Sort of Connected

We have internet at home - YAY. Unfortunately we only have one computer and its a laptop.
The keyboard is different and I really dislike not having a mouse.
We are still setting up the computer to make more user friendly so it will be some time before I share photos and other interesting stuff.

Next week we will be in England for 5 days. My husband's work is having a 3 day induction for new employees. Jeandre' and I will get to spend time with my sister-in-law and her 2 daughters. Looking forward to that.

Settling in slowly. So far we have been very happy with the service we have gotten. Waiting for a few more things eg. Bank Cards. Yesterday we applied for our National Insurance number and next week we will finalise our registration with the GP after a physical.

Safe and Sound

I have arrived safely - busy feeling my way around.
Jeandre and Weiers are both still sick - that does not help.
People have been very friendly and helpful.

Our home phone got connected today - should have internet next week.
Then I need to format the computer so that I feel comfortable with it.

Share a Summertime Memory

Watching my daughter play at the beach - Summer Holiday

We just got our new camera. We were camping along the east coast of the Western Cape.

TAILS: To play or see other particpants visit the Heads Or Tails Blog

Acceptance

WOW - this really has a ring of truth to it - I can Identify with it. Doing personality tests and quizzes is one of my hobbies - Blogthings sometimes has some ridiculous stuff but its fun.

This one really speaks to me. When I try to fit in the mould other people have cast for me or that I think they have cast for me I really lose my way.
I have always seen myself as a strong personality - however as I have gotten older I have tried to be more accomodating of others to point where I am not always true to myself. Now that I have identified my weakness I am conciously trying to not lose myself while still being open to others. Its a delicate balance at times. One thing I try to remind myself is that just as I accpet people for who they I - I too deserve to be accpeted for who I am. That acceptance starts with me.

The Keys to Your Life

Anything good in your life comes from your ability to play and be free. The best way for you to solve a problem is to let go of it. Anything bad in your life comes from not being true to yourself. Trust your instincts and follow them. Only you know what's best.

The Keys To Your Life

Attention Span

Well i should be at the airport when this post is published.

Hows that for multi-tasking!

Your Attention Span is Medium

Your attention span is just about average. You may think that you have a short attention span... But being distracted is something most people struggle with. The most important thing is that you're aware that your mind wanders. If you find yourself daydreaming, you can usually snap out of it. It may be tough to concentrate at times, but you can do it... if you want to!

How's Your Attention Span?

Sharing The Love

Gill is passing on this award on to me and others on her blogroll.
"Award to me a little while ago, this award has a very special story attached to it, it was created by Crystal of "Memoirs Of A Mommy", in honor of the donor who saved her son's life. Her son Noah had to have a heart transplant when he was just over a month old. This award is intended to help raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

So, here are the rules Crystal gave: “The rules of this award are: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**As you may have recently seen on my side bar, I have finally created a custom blog award!! I have wanted to do this for a long time but never came up with something that “fit”. I didn’t want just anything. It had to be something that meant something to me. And what could mean more than Sharing the Love by giving you pieces of my heart??
So I created this award in Honor Of The Donor That Saved Noah’s Life. I share this award with those of you whose love and friendship have enriched my life and made my world a better place.I hope by passing this award around the blogging world we can all help raise awareness of the need for Organ Donation.”

If you are on my blog roll, I'd really like you to accept this award and share the love!

100 Movie Meme

If you have been following my blog - you know about the 100 Lists swap I start inspired by Luciano Passuello from Lite Mind. I have since done a few other things around the number. So when I saw this meme I thought why not.

Italicize the ones you've seen and Bold the ones you actually liked. I thought I would've seen more. Of those I'd seen, I'm surprised how my instinct on italic vs. bold went.

1. Titanic (1997) - $600,779,824
2. Star Wars (1977) - $460,935,665
3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - $434,949,459
4. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) - $431,065,444
5. Spider-Man (2002) - $403,706,375
6. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003) - $377,019,252
7. Passion of the Christ, The (2004) - $370,025,697 (Could not watch it - i did try)
8. Jurassic Park (1993) - $356,784,000
9. Shrek 2 (2004) - $356,211,000
10. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002) - $340,478,898
11. Finding Nemo (2003) - $339,714,367
12. Forrest Gump (1994) - $329,691,196
13. Lion King, The (1994) - $328,423,001
14. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) - $317,557,891
15. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) - $313,837,577
16. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) - $310,675,583
17. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) - $309,125,409
18. Independence Day (1996) - $306,124,059
19. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) - $305,411,224
20. Sixth Sense, The (1999) - $293,501,675
21. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - $290,158,751
22. Home Alone (1990) - $285,761,243
23. Matrix Reloaded, The (2003) - $281,492,479
24. Shrek (2001) - $267,652,016
25. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) - $261,970,615
26. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - $260,031,035
27. Jaws (1975) - $260,000,000
28. Monsters, Inc. (2001) - $255,870,172
29. Batman (1989) - $251,188,924
30. Men in Black (1997) - $250,147,615
31. Toy Story 2 (1999) - $245,823,397
32. Bruce Almighty (2003) - $242,589,580
33. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) - $242,374,454
34. Twister (1996) - $241,700,000
35. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) - $241,437,427
36. Ghost Busters (1984) - $238,600,000
37. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - $234,760,500
38. Cast Away (2000) - $233,630,478
39. Lost World: Jurassic Park, The (1997) - $229,074,524
40. Signs (2002) - $227,965,690
41. Rush Hour 2 (2001) - $226,138,454
42. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) - $219,200,000
43. Ghost (1990) - $217,631,306
44. Aladdin (1992) - $217,350,219
45. Saving Private Ryan (1998) - $216,119,491
46. Mission: Impossible II (2000) - $215,397,30
47. X2 (2003) - $214,948,780
48. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) - $213,079,163
49. Back to the Future (1985) - $210,609,762
50. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) - $205,399,422
51. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - $204,843,350
52. Exorcist, The (1973) - $204,565,000
53. Mummy Returns, The (2001) - $202,007,640 (Would not normally watch bu there was a South African Actor in it)
54. Armageddon (1998) - $201,573,391
55. Gone with the Wind (1939) - $198,655,278
56. Pearl Harbor (2001) - $198,539,855
57. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) - $197,171,806
58. Toy Story (1995) - $191,800,000
59. Men in Black II (2002) - $190,418,803
60. Gladiator (2000) - $187,670,866
61. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - $184,925,485
62. Dances with Wolves (1990) - $184,208,848
63. Batman Forever (1995) - $184,031,112
64. Fugitive, The (1993) - $183,875,760
65. Ocean's Eleven (2001) - $183,405,771
66. What Women Want (2000) - $182,805,123
67. Perfect Storm, The (2000) - $182,618,434
68. Liar Liar (1997) - $181,395,380
69. Grease (1978) - $181,360,000
70. Jurassic Park III (2001) - $181,166,115
71. Mission: Impossible (1996) - $180,965,237
72. Planet of the Apes (2001) - $180,011,740
73. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) - $179,870,271
74. Pretty Woman (1990) - $178,406,268
75. Tootsie (1982) - $177,200,000
76. Top Gun (1986) - $176,781,728
77. There's Something About Mary (1998) - $176,483,808
78. Ice Age (2002) - $176,387,405
79. Crocodile Dundee (1986) - $174,635,000
80. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) - $173,585,516
81. Elf (2003) - $173,381,405
82. Air Force One (1997) - $172,888,056
83. Rain Man (1988) - $172,825,435
84. Apollo 13 (1995) - $172,071,312
85. Matrix, The (1999) - $171,383,253
86. Beauty and the Beast (1991) - $171,301,428
87. Tarzan (1999) - $171,085,177
88. Beautiful Mind, A (2001) - $170,708,996
89. Chicago (2002) - $170,684,505
90. Three Men and a Baby (1987) - $167,780,960
91. Meet the Parents (2000) - $166,225,040
92. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) - $165,500,000
93. Hannibal (2001) - $165,091,464
94. Catch Me If You Can (2002) - $164,435,221
95. Big Daddy (1999) - $163,479,795
96. Sound of Music, The (1965) - $163,214,286
97. Batman Returns (1992) - $162,831,698
98. Bug's Life, A (1998) - $162,792,677
99. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - $161,963,000
100. Waterboy, The (1998) - $161,487,252(saw parts of it but could not sit through it)

Tag - Answer 6 Questions

Picking up a tag from Skittles Place.

"The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer."

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
   
   Just returned to South Africa from Au Pairing in the USA and met my husband to be.
   


2. What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
   
   1. Take more files and books to school. 2. Clean up my classroom 3. Post 2 boxes to N. Ireland and Swap-bot swaps 4. Blow-dry my hair 5. Shopping

3. What is your favourite snack?
Microwave popcorn, yoghurt, chips

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire?Buy a house, car, travel and do charity work.

5. Places I have lived?
Durban, Rumson (New Jersy, USA), Pietermaritzburg, Port Sheptstone, Heidleberg
(Gauteng), Helderberg (Somerset West Cape Town).

6. Jobs I have had?
Secretary, Factory worker, Branch Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, Wildlife Guide and
education officer, Teacher, Lecturer, Tutor, Au Pair, Baby Sitter.

Almost Ready

3 Days to the big move to Northern Ireland. Just have a few more odds and ends.

Packed my suitcase a few days ago to make sure the weight was okay. Decided to just leave it packed. So now I am truly camping - sitting on camp chairs, cooking out of a small pot and living out of a suitcase - fun.

No so fun my daughter and I both have a cold. Had to take her to the doctor yesterday. I got up this morning feeling ill.

Yesterday one of my collegeaus said I should stop smiling so broadly. I hope that I will continue to smile no matter what.

Got a few more good byes to say.

Bible Verse Swap Photography

"Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD."

Psalm 25:4-7

Line

HEADS: LINE
To play or find out more click here

What comes to mind when I think about line?

Here is my unconscious mutterings:
(Free association is described as a "psychonanalytic procedure in which a person is encouraged to give free rein to his or her thoughts and feelings, verbalizing whatever comes into the mind without monitoring its content." Over time, this technique is supposed to help bring forth repressed thoughts and feelings that the person can then work through to gain a better sense of self.)

1. One liner
2. Standing in line
3. Straight
4. On the line
5. Washing
6. Long
7. Pine
8. Banks
9. Shopping
10. Irritating
11. Border Crossings .....................

Unconcious Mutterings is a meme hosted by Luna Nina

Friend from Abroad

Got this post from my best friend Denise. She moved to New Zealand in January 2008. Its amazing that she is actually there.

I was the one who always had dreams of travelling to different places. Claire, Denise and I made a little ritual of going to eat at a special place together before one of my travel adventures.
Last year Claire flew me up to Johannesburg because of Denise's plans, little did we know that I would also be going on a great adventure soon.

Think I am going to start cataloging the postcards I receive.

Unconscious Mutterings hosted by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Goodbye :: Bonvojage
   
2. Cage ::Bird Cage - Nicholas Cage
   
3. Buddy ::fuddy duddy
   
4. Magic words :: please
   
5. Library :: peace
   
6. Fall in love :: Rick Astley - When I fall in Love
   
7. Tense ::shoulder pain, I need a foot massage!
   
8. Work! :: Oh no - I need a break
   
9. Empty ::full
10. Heat wave::Miami
    

Water

Life is not about Weight

Its not? Wish somebody told be that earlier - hehehehehe
No seriously.

Growing up I was always teased about being chubby. For the first three years of my life I went to a small school and I was the biggest. When I started high school in grade 7 - std 5 I was the third smallest in my class. But I still felt fat.
I really laughed the other day when my mom said she felt I looked anorexic as teen. I remember only wanting to wear tight clothes and costumes when taking photographs to proof that I was not fat.
The year I turned 19 I foolishly went on a shake diet to support my friend. Since then I have struggled with my weight. When I went on the pill it went out of control and after I had my daughter I officially became and still am extremely obese. I weighed 58kg nine years ago now I weight 109kg.

I have been to two dietitians, Weight Less program, my doctor put on a shake diet, I have read many diet books, I got exercise videos and DVD's, I even have one of those CD's that you must listen to change your subconscious mindset.

At times my whole life seems to be focused on my weight and it has gotten worse instead of better. In fact it is one of the subjects that is top of our moving to Ireland list - now that I will not be working I need to plan my family life and eating so that we can all lose weight become more healthy. Tall order - In two weeks time we will be there and I will start recording my plan and progress in my 4 Day Win blog - I will use the Low GI plan from my dieticians and the 4 Day Win book by Martha Beck.

Here some of my favourite funnies and a peom:

Life is not about Weight

you do not measure my life
with the weight
of this and that
or the length

whether light or heavy or long or short
or time,
life is not that
life has something to do more with the quality
of your laughter
and tears, the way you shout your joys
and scream your grief
the way you love
how deeply
and truly and intensely like light
which does not bend
or bow
it has color and when you filter it
it gives more colors that you
did not really know
or imagine
it has warmth too
and goes straight in space
dissipating and then
you think it is gone
but it is still
there
like the air touching again
the skin covering
your soul
your cheeks feeling

MuKaKo MuKaMo

Mutterings Wek 281

Run by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Purchase ::buy, spend money
   
2. Squeaky clean ::suspect, too clean
   
3. Blended ::colouring, mixed
   
4. Wednesday ::prayer meeting
   
5. Function ::Hall
6. Look down :: look up
   
7. July? :: 4th (USA), winter rains in Cape Town
   
8. Raspberry :: strawberry
   
9. Assertive ::forthright
10. Cracker :: Jack (The Pretender)
    

Sunrise

Taken this morning outside of our flat at Helderberg College.

What does the future hold for me?

As the time draws nearer for my move to Ireland I find myself tentatively dreaming about what may be. Up until now I have tried to remain focused on work here and getting rid of my stuff.

Now most of our is gone. We are basically camping in our apartment. Still have losts to do for work - my stomach is in knots just thinking about it. But there is a little more time for daydreaming.

The house we are moving into is basically furnished and the couple who we are renting from has given us first choice on some of the stuff they are selling. We are buying most of what they are offering. Its given us a sense that we improving our living standards.

I have made contact with the Stitch & Bitch group in Belfast via Swap-bot. Looked at some possible causes like Digital Photography I could take up. The library is in walking distance from my new home - YAY.

Considering walking my daughter school everyday 2.2km, hope we can - prbably need to be ready to walk in the rain often.

Our main focus as a family is eat more healthily and all lose weight. I don't want to presume what our new schedule. We need to make sure that we design our lifestyle to support healthy living and ensure we can maintain when i do start working again. I have never really seen myself as a stay-at-home mom and when I did I always pictured myself being very busy with charity work. Its going to be a whole new experience and I am really looking forward to it.

Le Fleur

Click on the picture to see other participants or instructions to play along.

Its Heads this week and the topic is Flowers.

"Inside every man lives the seed of a flower

If he looks within he finds beauty and power"
Read Poem Here

My maiden surname is Le Fleur. In French this can be intepreted to The Flower or Male Flower.
As a teen I like the later intepretation.

This causes me to reflect on my thoughts and actions in relationships. After I turned 13 I discovered that my mom had been married before, my dad adopted my older brother and sister from her first marriage. A year later my parents got divorced. In the community I grew up in there were a lot of teenage pregnancies and I witness a lot of broken relationships. I determined that no guy would ever hurt me. At the same time I really enjoyed the excitement of a new relationship. I decided I would date for the fun of it and as soon as it was no longer fun or I though the guy was going to hurt/dump me I would move on. And that is exactly what I did from age 14 to 17. The year I was 17 going on 18, I had a really serious relationship that turned my thinking and my life around. Unfortunately that relationship did not work out but it taught me a lot. I became more aware of the other person's feeling and less self-centred.

I guess I am a different flower now - no longer a bud but a woman in full bloom.

mmmmm..... Think I will do a Blogthings quiz - have not done one in a while.....

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist. People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you. You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words. Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

Funny I carried Lilies down aisle.

Les Fleurs

I found this a while ago when I was looking for inofrmation on my maiden surname Le Fleur.

Les Fleurs

Will somebody wear me to the fair?
Will a lady pin me in her hair?
Will a child find me by a stream?
Kiss my petals and weave me through a dream.

For all of these simple things and much more a flower was born
It blooms to spread love and joy faith and hope to people forlorn

Inside every man lives the seed of a flower
If he looks within he finds beauty and power

Ring all the bells sing and tell the people that be
everywhere that the flower has come
Light up the sky with your prayers of gladness and rejoice for the darkness is gone
Throw off your fears let your heart beat freely at the sign that a new time is born

You can hear a clip of the song at http://www.minnieriperton.com/sub/1sub/laudio/lyrics/lesfleurmp3.html

That site, http://www.minnieriperton.com is a good one for reading about the artist.

Unconcious Muttertings

Hosted by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Rambling ::on and on and on...........
   
2. Magnetic ::pull, earth, north
   
3. Again! ::and again.........
   
4. Acoustic ::guitar
5. Mahogany ::table
6. Promises ::should be kept ( as the saying goes - are meant to be broken)
   
7. Ill fitting :: ugly, uncomfortable
   
8. Sublime :: super, beatiful, undercover, mysterious
   
9. Poop :: Ahoy! (from the children's story)
   
10. Disoriented :: dizzy, overwhelmed, me at the moment.
    

Girl Interrupted

Written by a grade 10 learner

Inner Peace Leads Outer Peace

The question that comes up time and time again is why bother. What difference can putting a picture on a blog make. I feel that what is important is the fact that we are no remaining indifferent. We are recosgnising and acknowledge a need.It first must be conceived as a thought and then it can become a reality. Participating in making and sharing my globe is part of the dream, it is part of creating.

Enjoy reading this poem.

Feel at Peace

Embrace the wonder that you are,

With a forgiving, respectful love

Have faith in your strength to persevere

As you lay your head to rest each night

Be still in the darkness

Wait in peace and listen

Trust and believe

All you desire is on its way

Awake with a smile

Greeting a new day

Feel the love and gratitude within

For this feeling is like no other

Treat yourself with compassion, reverence and empathy

Spread your wings

Fly free like a butterfly

Share kindness with the powerful energy of your "wing wake"

And may the light of your spirit

Shine upon the path of another

So they too may feel at peace

It’s so wonderful to finally feel at peace

by Tina Marie from Health Home and Harmony

Wordless

Mutterings

Hosted by Luna Nina

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Gossipping ::idle talk, can't help yourself, Desperate Housewives
   
2. Misplaced :: lost
   
3. Spaceship ::Battlestar Galatica
   
4. Ignore :: sadness,
   
5. Bodily :: harm
   
6. Tweezers :: unwanted hair
   
7. Goodnight :: sweet heart its time to go
   
8. Curls :: to die for
   
9. Faucet ::tap
10. Right? ::wrong!

Number 7: My dad used to sing me this song when he put me to bed. I sometimes sing the chorus to my daughter. The Goodnight, Sweetheart(1954/1955 Version, by the Spaniels).