HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wishing you and all your families a very Happy Thanksgiving! HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

SUMMER in my Hair

Kiss me hard before you go. Summertime Sadness . . .

 

Summer has arrived people! These warm summer days have me moving towards the rays and feeling light. I'm beginning to get some much needed color,getting my toes wet and my feet in the sand. And in the midst, pulling my American ways on the crowd with my grievance of "how do you people survive with" no air-con!

I was beginning to think my summer would be a sad one. Embracing Lana's  Summertime Sadness with the thoughts of the difficult, yet life changing months past. But my great "summer has arrived" moment occurred when driving home from work. With the windows down, sun on my skin, the breeze in my hair, sunnies on, and the sound of my out of tune singing to the newest summer song, I knew I was chasing a thousand dreams with this moment. I didn't want it to run out. It's the instant where nothing can dent the immense happiness you feel and that no matter what chaos you are surround with, it's a million miles away, behind your summer sing a long car ride. The summer time sadness of weeks before erased and the hope that this moment will make the days ahead so much more better.

So let summer roll on. Let these moments be more frequent. We all deserve serenity for even a brief instant.

SUMMER . . . Life gets better

The EVER CHANGING Tides

So many things, people, moments come and go in and out of our lives. Some may leave us physically, but they leave an imprint in our hearts and memories. Others stay for longer than others, but each and every one, no matter the duration, comes for a reason. To teach, to help us grow, cry, dream, and yearn. Some break our hearts, some make it flourish with light and joy. These ever changing tides of our lives are what make us, us. Strengthening us with every wave even if we are unsure of it at the time.

With the moments and people I have been so fortunate to make and encounter, there's been much heart ache too. Lovers, friends, family . . . lost. Some forgotten for a reason but others always at the back of mind and never escaping my thoughts. 

It's truly amazing how the ebbs and flows of our lives can bring so much, yet take so much away. But also, how we take the present for granted. It can all be gone, in the blink of an eye.

Love those close to you with everything you have, tell them that you love them. Smile at strangers, be kind and be aware that life is short and we need to take every moment, everyday and make it count.

Hold Onto the Good Things and be Thankful for them Everyday.

POST SLACK

I know I know - I've been SO slack with posting my lovely thoughts but I do have good reasons, I promise. It's been one crazy creative wild week - but getting there! My new job is allowing me to reach new heights and I know with everything, it's the job I am meant to have!

So to make up for the lack of sharing, here's wishing you a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend! 

And next week, the LL will be back on track!

And Today you shall wear . . .

 You know those mornings when the coffee seems to take longer to brew, you cannot match your cat-eye liner, you "have nothing to wear," or before you know if you had to be out the door 10 minutes ago? And in turn, you wore a sweater and it'll be a sweltering hot day as you forgot to check the weather.

When I first heard about Forecast My Fashion, I had a - why on earth did I not think of that - moment but was thrilled with the genius of it! This Cape Town (hopefully soon to be available in other cities) based company "is your one stop daily personal stylist assisting you to dress stylishly, efficiently and appropriate to the weather conditions for the weather forecasted for that day." 

A daily post, on their Facebook Page and website, provides you with a graphic indicating a full outfit with accessories as well as the weather details for the day - GENIUS! And to make it even better, the price and store details are listed for each piece - ALL PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!

You're welcome! Happy Monday.

REWARDING BEGINNINGS

As I mentioned in yesterdays post, I started a new job this week . . . 

With a few freelance graphic design stints behind me since my return to South Africa, I was able to get a grasp as to the local industry, it's people, and which niche I wanted to pursue - that's a flexibility which does not come knocking at ones door everyday. And with this, I was watching people getting burned out, complain about their positions or just not have a drive for their jobs anymore.
 And there it was, my angelic-clouds parting in the sky-aaaaaaah moment. I made up my mind that I truly had think about what I really wanted to do. And I was in the perfect position to do so. The timing was perfect. I focused on where my creative passion lies, what I expected from my daily career and those around me, as well as the path I was willing to take to be happy. I am exceptionally fortunate that my job entails making beautiful things everyday and bringing visions to life, but I wanted to make sure I was happy and satisfied while doing it.
 And by absolute fate, I stumbled across the job opening I had been hoping for . . . And landed my dream position out of the ocean of 300 applicants! A job that was more than just a job. An opportunity to challenge myself and create detailed and heavily thought out designs with delicate details that only the trained and intricate eye can see - the designs I thrive on!

So now, I work in the most beautiful studio, the photo's don't do it any justice, which exudes a hub of quality, creativity, warmth and devotion. Devotion to all areas of the couture stationery industry which is evident through and through in all pieces. My colleagues are strong and gifted woman who all shine a light of their own inspired flair. You cannot help but be energized by the people and the surroundings.

Could it get any better? Oh yes - it can! One of my "must haves" in my new career hunt was that I refused to sit in traffic! After a few months of being in the car for nearly 3 hours a day, I was adamant that it was not going to become the normal. There's so much more to life than the rat race and I couldn't bear to waste those precious hours in my day. My new daily commute to and from work provides me with magnificent views of the local wine valley between the hustle and bustle of the 2 areas I travel between . . . with minimal traffic. I already feel the difference - refreshed arriving in the office and relieved when departing that I don't have miles of traffic ahead. #winningbigtime

I truly feel so incredible lucky . . . my little locket has been filled with luck and hope which I am so grateful for. But I know I've worked incredibly hard for it all and cannot wait to continue to work even harder for the opportunities ahead. 

Don't let any chances pass you by when you know they will change your life and bring you happiness . . . even if you have to compromise a little.

Happy Weekend!

It's all coming TOGETHER . . .

. . . slowly but surely and oh so beautifully! The past 2 weeks have brought with them revelations, progress, challenges and exciting new changes. Ones which have landed themselves intently. 

As I mentioned in the November Nolgastic post, I started a brand new job this week and it's been unbelievable! And wait till you see the beautiful space I get to embrace everyday and hear about the influential and marvelous ladies I work with too. It's a dazzling new adventure! I will have all the dirty, or in this case charming, details on Friday for your enjoyment.

With this whirlwind of good and overcoming some challenges along the way, I've allowed myself to stand back and think - you've done it! You've moved forward in all the directions you wished to. You've achieved so much when you thought you couldn't and look at you now!

So take on those challenges because YOU CAN DO IT and don't forget to DREAM BIG!

NOVEMBER Nolgastic

It's November - already! It went by without even a hint of settling and I cannot believe the changes and revelations it brought with it. 

As the weather warms here and the people of Cape Town come out of their winter burrows, I'll be taking in the beauty and vibe of the city and hopefully the beach! Even though there won't be a white Christmas here, I cannot wait to be sipping cocktails on the beach frount watching the sunset over Robben Island as Santa Claus passes by selling ice cream or African curios.

On the job frount, I have ended a propitious and influential contract with a stationery company only to land an amazing position with another which I start today! I cannot wait to shed some light with you later in the week on what, where, and how I do what I do.

But to get you week going, here's Novembers mix for your listening pleasure. A little bit of everything. Press play and you're good to go.

LL: Follow Lucky Locket on 8 tracks here.

HAPPY NOVEMBER!

November Nolgastic from The Lucky Locket on 8tracks Radio.

POST HALLOWEEN THOUGHTS

I love Halloween - love love loooove it! It's the build up, the gaudy decor, and let's not forget the opportunity to be anything, or anyone you like! Build this whole persona for just one day, or for us adults, one night and just feel free to be or do anything - because you're in character of course!

My past few Halloweens have been so much fun and spent with special friends. Aaaah, memories. But then it hit me yesterday morning while working out, that this Halloween, was well, not Halloween. There are no decorations in peoples yards, or pop-up costume stores, or days of creepy (and strong) jello shots | costume prep. There are no leaves on the ground or early Fall  sunsets. It's just another day in Africa. Back in the box you go Dark Alice. It really is quite silly that all these holidays are getting me down, but it's all part of a transition that is taking time but taken without those who would usually be there to guide me along the way. And it is only Halloween after all.

But, on the brighter side of all this - it's been a terrific week with many new changes and good news! But I will leave you hanging for the weekend, because I can! 

Have a beautiful weekend.