Taking TIME to BREATHE

Well, it's here! The festive season madness, end of year chaos, and my first vacation in I cannot even tell you how long. The panic has set in of "what am I going to do without working" yet the reality of not being in the studio hasn't quite yet set in.

However, what I do know for certain is that I desperately need this little hiatus more than ever.  My body, soul, mind, and little heart needs doses of tender loving care. 

I therefore have decided to take a little break for the next 2 weeks to refresh and come back in the new year with a new outlook and perspective -  and I am sure plenty stories to share.

So I part with a reflection on this last year . . . it’s been a roller coaster ride. There have been incredible and beautiful moments and I’ve had the privilege of meeting & surrounding myself with fresh new souls. Some have come and gone but others have become a permanent fixture in my crazy world. 

It has however, it's been one of the most challenging in multiple areas of my life which have often left me with little hope but encouraged so much in turn. Professionally, I have flourished and learned more than I ever have in my career. It's been an expansion and explosion of creativity and I am so grateful for the opportunities and projects presented.

This entire years personal theme has been that of time. That our time is short. Making every moment count as you never know when your moments will be gone. Reflect on the time from 2014 and learn from it, take it in, and let go of those things you could not control.

Here’s to 2015 and hoping it is a prosperous, successful, soulful and enlightening year for everybody.

Taking CHANCES

If I look back at the chances I've taken and the outcome  if I hadn't . . . my life would be very different. I would never be where I am or the person today if I hadn't taken those risks or leaps of faith or those chances that scared me to death in the moment.

It's those small chances that we choose to take which evolve everything. They change everything. Who we are, who we become, the people we meet, the places that we see or the places we choose to call home. It's incredible how we can fear something so much yet the outcome can turn into something ever so magnificent. 

Most recently, and with maturity, I personally have found that taking these chances are even more imperative because one begins to realise just how short life is and how it moves past us in the blink of an eye. Our tomorrows are never promised and if it wasn't and you woke up, you'd regret for not taking that chance. Our choices of chances are so personal and could be so small and insignificant to others, but could changed your whole being as you know it.

So take chances, make things happen, say things you want to say, do things you want to do. Because before you know it, you'll never be presented with those opportunities again. You could loose precious moments and people who have come into your life.

Channelling HAPPINESS amongst the CHALLENGES

I cannot even begin to express how incredibly challenging the past few weeks have been, both personally and professionally. But between the obstacles have been beautiful rays of wonderful moments and reminders that these “hard” times are only brief and can be easily overcome.

And this past weekend was the perfect souvenir to this. As I sat watching the unspoiled sunset after a hot summers day, completed with special company, drinks, laughs, smiles and the hum of surrounding conversation  - I was taken far from the trials which have recently presented themselves and I felt so content. A contentment I’ve found very tough to find, discover and maintain in recent weeks.  It dawned on me that it’s always within our reach however is so heavily impacted by those around us. How the people we allow into our lives are ever so influential to how we can preserve inner solace. And how beautiful it is to find those who can sustain that within ourselves.

So as I start the new week with a little more of a summer glow, over indulged senses, and an extensive smile . . . I know that I have so much more to be grateful for and that an immense sense of happiness is lingering more than close the to the surface.

BBB Project: UPDATE #4

When I look back at the beginnings of the BBB project, I see an enormous shift in not only the physical, but a wonderful new fresh mindset which has come with it. One which seems miles apart from the one I bore those months back. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my days when I feel completely out of sync with my body or fear that age is creeping in or when I feel I’m not anywhere near where I’d like to be.

But the most important thing is I’m seeing slow results and surprisingly as are the other crazy gym bunnies I wave to early in the morning half asleep or sweat drenched as I leave. It was a pivotal "me" moment when one of the dear ladies, who has a ROCKING body, sent a private message congratulating & complimenting me on my personal progress and hard work. 

It knocked my cotton socks off - I beamed with pride and naturally gloated to all the ladies in the office. I’m a Leo, what else would you expect!

If we put our minds to anything and take it one step at a time - the outcome is incredibly rewarding. Slow and Steady does it.

THIS HOLIDAY ...

Every year, as the festive season approaches, I find myself reflecting on what it will hold for me. And just as last year, I’m yearning for something meaningful, peaceful and very far from the crazed madness this time of year seems to bring.  

For the first time in a very long time I will be having this funny thing called leave and I’m actually very puzzled as what to do with it and wondering how I am going to manage not being the studio and not being creatively overly stimulated every day. Though it’s a short period of time I’m actually weirdly nervous. However, I will take FULL advantage of it and have set a few “needs” and “wants” for this time off . . .

#1. A roadtrip – to nowhere or anywhere. With the wind in my hair and Forty Five by Bootstraps blaring from the speakers.

#2. Turn my phone off for a few hours a day and take in each moment

#3. Run into the ocean

#4. Get away from it all – even if only for an hour

So this festive season amongst it all, put your phone away, for a few days. Make some memories that no-one knows about and make some memories that are just yours.

NEW JOURNEYS

We never know where life is going to take us. Life works in unexpected yet brilliant ways.Perhaps you’re in a position which you never envisioned yourself to be, maybe not what you wanted. Or perhaps you’re in a surprising space.

Ultimately, amidst the good and bad, when you truly look back and think of all you’ve done . . . the people you’ve met, the milestones you’ve made, the travels you’ve done . . . there's a realisation that not only has it gone by so quickly – but’s it so fulfilling to know you’ve made your own story; told or untold. 

You existed, you did something. But more importantly to realise that it doesn’t just stop in the past. It’s a continuous journey of making more happen.

Make new journeys everyday

SENTIMENTAL

I’m currently feeling very sentimental. Finding myself moving a little out of my comfort zone and sharing or expressing emotions open and freely. I even found myself asking the already-over-hugger ladies at work for a morning squeeze . . . only then to be told all they can feel is muscle and rock hard breasts. I’ll take it – THANK YOU BBB PROJECT!

I don’t know if it’s the time of year or the current mayhem we are all experiencing, but I’m liking this expressive nature which has come out of it’s dormant hiding. There have been many local and world events which have solidified the fact as to how short our lives are, how precious our time is, and how valuable the ones in our lives are.

So don’t forget – and I’m going to whip you with a cliché here – life it short. 

Treasure every moment. 

Take chances. 

Tell someone you care for them or love them. 

Or how much a moment shared with them means to you. 

Be yourself and remember, cliché #2 coming your way – you only live once.

GOOD THINGS

You know when you have this hunch that good things are going to happen? You don't exactly know what, but it's a little feeling that sits neatly in your core and makes you smile more, giggle more, whistle more, sing more. 

There's something beautiful about having something to look forward to even if you don't know what it may be. That positive beam that shines bright.

LAUGHTER between friends

After what seemed like an endless, yet highly productive, Monday - I headed to the beach front for an evening run. The mountain, the sun setting behind Robben Island and the waves crashing in the high tide . . . it was the perfect way to end a work day!

As I made my way back from my half point, I embraced the buzz of people watching the sunset and noticed the reflecting beautiful hues of oranges and pinks on their skin. But one couple made me smile for at least a mile or two as I caught a glimpse of them sharing a laugh. One of those laughs that leaves your belly hurting and cheeks burning. That real laughter. You know those? I wanted to know what was shared as they looked into each others eyes and laughed. But then the moment wouldn't be so special.

Aaah, I think back to those moments and they begin to mound up and fill me with so many belly hurting cheek burning memories.

CURRENT LOVES #3

With summer approaching, there's new fresh fun music, clothing, colors and scents in the air. I'm feeling vibrant and glowy with the warm days. Here's a few discoveries to get my summer started.

HAIM "DAYS ARE GONE"

I've loved these ladies from the moment I saw them live in Bristol at the Gentleman of the Road festival. They've got a unique sound and are just dam well talented. And their new album, Days are Gone, has been on repeat on my iPod over the past week. Loving Don't Save Me and If I Could Change Your Mind.

FUDGE URBAN HAIRSPRAY

This hairspray keeps all it's promises and keeps my hair in tact all day. So love the funky packaging as well as the super sassy raspberry and vanilla scent.

LOVE YOUR SKIN RANGE

Woolworths got this one right with their recently award winning  "Love Your Skin" range. Since my return to SA, I've used the Dry Oil Spray and keep it well stocked in my cosmetic closet. And with summer here, it's been a moisture life saver and leaves a beautiful summer glow for the evenings.

BBB Project: UPDATE #3

The BBB Project took for an interesting turn over the past few weeks. This bit*h is blonde again (thanks to the lethal doses of bleach), I removed myself from the weight-loss challenge (and ironically have now started loosing weight) and found an eating plan which finally ensures I’m no longer eating like a crazy cave woman.

I think I felt rushed and pressured with a short window to loose the goal amount and was nervous as to the consequences after the challenge. Due to my work schedule it was becoming difficult to follow my PT routine so I had to shift things around a little to ensure I was staying fit and keeping on track. And as the days progressed, it all fell into place and the results became more than apparent. So apparent that we had to literally add an additional hole to my belt to ensure my now a little looser skinnes would stay, well, on! So good things and good progress.

The weekly SHIFT class continues to challenge my fitness and just last week, one of the regulars commented and applauded the progress I’ve made in the 20kg 12m dash challenge. And he was right – I’m up 4 laps and feel less prone to throw up after each round. And I then WIN and beat (by 2 laps) the men in the weekly challenge! Now that's progress and motivation #winning

Keep going as the sweat and tears are more than worth it.

SPELL Bound

Working on what started off as a dreary and drizzly Saturday, my creativity took an uninhibited beautiful turn as I sat in the studio alone with only the sounds of my clicking mouse and Ryan Bingham playing in the background. There no disruptions when I'm there alone. It’s just me, my artwork and the ability to openly create.

And then, whilst taking a breather, I accidentally stumbled across Charmaine Olivia, a San Francisco based model slash artist (the inserted slash for dramatic appeal) who has taken creativity to an insanely different level. Her  application to her art and life instantly made me want to become an entirely different creative being. From her look to her persona to her art to everything (seems a little girl-cru shish but let’s just go with it). It’s all just magnificent.

Her free spirit ignited that fire which is already within myself and immediately I wanted to work in high wasted beautiful French lingerie and wear fake deer antlers and work in a large sunny loft and and and. 

It’s about finding that small spark of inspiration from people and things around us. Finding them at a time when you least expect it but really need it.

Social Media SLOW DOWN

After what felt like the longest August in history, I said farewell to my birthday month and started September off on a positive note. I learnt a lot from August . . . that I am indeed getting older, that I really am not made to down shots and glasses of wine mid-week, that I may indeed be getting greys (however this may never be proven due to my let’s-change-our-hair-color-every-month obsession) and that it’s ok to break down a little and not always be the strong one.

But a wonderful realisation and lesson was learned too . . . It was a humorous yet substantial discussion over a few glasses wine of how we, as a society, have become programmed and almost obsessed with our little phones and the need to constantly share our every minute on social media. So when we all agreed that we'd be keeping our phones on silent and out of sight when together; I found that it started and sparked something so much more. I deleted my social media apps off my phone and almost immediately depleted my time on them by almost 100% and you know what, I like it. I do admit that when I do take a peek, I’m actually overwhelmed and glad that I’m not seeing that same old same old nonsense every day. No thank you, I don't wish to play Candy crush or see what you little kiddo had for breakfast. And it’s transitioned into silencing my phone (and placing it in my sock drawer) for 2 hours when getting home. Or leaving it at home when I’m simply popping out to the store or gym.

Try it. You tend to see so much more and actually take time to interact like we all used to back in the day. Social media freedom is quite something.

It's been a WHILE

You know when you wake up and wonder how it's possible that the calendar is indeed reading the date it is and you stop in bewilderment at where the past few days and weeks have gone. It's a scary stagnant yet fast moving feeling. 

So yes, I've been scarce, haven't even gotten to my birthday celebration thank you's (which is over a month gone now . . . shameful face) or completed any of my to-do-lists. Very uncharacteristic of us Leo bunch.

Today will therefore be short, sweet, to the point yet oh so meaningful. I found it, loved it and had to share it.

Travel LOVE

You know how people "catch" the travel bug . . . I personally suspect it was ingrained into my DNA the day I was born, however only ignited later in life. The deep need and sense for adventure and the discovery of further borders. Currently, it's at it's peak. Wanting more. Craving more. Needing more.

So when I stumbled on David Joseph Falossi's video, based on the Dont Date a Girl Who Travels essay (by Adi Zarsadias), I felt connected, too connected to the story and visuals flikkering before more. It said all the words I keep and which whirl in my daily thoughts.

Take it in and enjoy it's beauty.

Don't Date a Girl Who Travels from David Joseph Falossi II on Vimeo.

The SIMPLE art of cooking

There truly is nothing better than ending a long work day or week with a beautifully home cooked meal, glass of red wine in hand, the sweet aromas wafting from the pot filling your nostrils, and the simmering sounds filling the kitchen with soft notes. It’s almost a therapeutic and methodical relaxation from, well for me that is, which I fear is almost a dying art.

With our chaotic lives and schedules we may have lost the most simplest yet gratifying form of just being and enjoying the most sacred area in the house. It’s an area which brings couples and families together but we have moved ourselves away from it. We’ve taken away the essence of cooking and all that came with it – growing our own herbs, fetching eggs from the coop . . . it all makes me yearn for the farm life, one very special farm in particular, with modern conveniences but the aromas of a meal cooked with love . . . completed with country honey and peanut butter.

A fellow workmate recently returned from a family vacation in Poland and shared fond stories of home cooked meals, made from scratch, which they all enjoyed and prepared each day . . . even the pasta and tortillas! What I loved is how it seemed to bring them all together and made for fond memories. And all she wanted to do this weekend was cook. I loved that! Which inspired me to make a healthy pizza from scratch (which I have to anyhow, silly food allergies). 

It's a simple act, but it was just what I needed. What my soul needed.

BBB Project: UPDATE #2

I'm not going to lie . . . I've been dreading writing this update as it's not good. I've been in a very challenging headspace and have found that it seems to be translating to my progress. So I have refused to stand on the scale and know that there has not been any significant changes in my weight - when you know, you know. I'm bitterly disappointed but know I've just got to keep going.

Being so competitive and never wanting to give up, this is no longer just a weight-loss challenge but so much more.

However, I have introduced a new component to my workout which will hopefully be reeling in some results as I keep at it. It's an INSANE bootcamp my trainer put together every Friday morning from 5:30am to 6:15am which is almost 3 training sessions smashed into one . . . and the past 2 have left me reaching throw-up status! Even the fittest of the fittest look like they need a side-line of puke pales! And it's fun, and refreshing, and motivating. What a way to start a Friday! BHAM!
Last weekend I also started the process of going blonde . . . as of now it's looking like Florance-and-the-machine-meets-crazy-cat-lady kind orange hue but hey, it's one step closer!

So here's to keeping positive, keeping on track, and keeping it all in perspective!

Old T-Shirts. FRESH Memories

I seem to have a vast collection of stolen T-Shirts . . . ok, I didn’t literally steal them, it was more on the lines of – 

I love this T-Shirt, wear it often? 

Not really. 

Can I can “steal” it. 

Sure. 

Thanks.

They stay neatly folded (and yes, even my casuals are colour coded) and the days I pull them out to wear, I smile as the soft cotton touches and rests on my skin. Because they all have memories and remind me of someone special in my life and the silly (including embarrassing) moment I asked them for their clothing – what a darn cheek!

Isn’t it funny how clothing can bring such memories and even more so, attachments. It’s a simple piece of cloth yet it holds so much more than it’s fine woven fibres . . . within in these are layers of beautiful moments.

MONDAY Music

I woke up this morning feeling refreshed (ok, perhaps a little dehydrated #champagne #vodkaredbull) but incredibly special, incredibly lucky, and incredibly motivated! My low-key Birthday weekend filled with precious family and friend time was exactly what I had hoped for and needed.

So it's a beautiful Monday and here's a super fun video and song to get it moving in the right direction. TGIM

BBB Project: UPDATE #1

The BBB Project was full steam ahead - my workouts were extreme, I was eating healthy - and avoiding all peanut butter temptations - and more motivated than a bear to honey (which I still think might be a fabrication from Pooh bear). And then BHAM, I got drowned with a nasty cough and could not workout for 5 days - 5 DAYS! Not the most appropriate when you've started a weight-loss challenge.

But after some recovery over the weekend I returned on Tuesday with my trainer kicking my royal behind and without loosing my lungs. As the week has progressed, I have transitioned slowly back into my training. . . but no weight loss!

BB Project: 0 Yukky Winter Flu: 1

But, I've had small triumphs with resisting said yummy temptations and being able to un-expectantly fit in SMALL leather leggings! BOYA!