THANKYOU 2010!...the world in review

As 2010 draws to an end, some people will make a list of resolutions for the new year, some will look back to all the highlights and events that took place, and some people will just get a new calendar for their office or home.


This year at large saw  thousands lose their lives in the Haiti earthquake, millions of Toyota vehicles were recalled after problems with sticky accelerators, Apple launched the fascinating IPad (tablet computer), the Iceland ash disrupted flights over Europe,the Worldcup took place in South Africa and Prince William proposed to Kate, and while we're at it, Playboy's Hugh Hefner, 84, gets engaged! There's obviously much more that made memorable moments, but every year there will be more memorable moments to look back on, and eventually forget some! With South African heartlands deep within me, it makes me so proud to recall the Worldcup in our beautiful country!

From the bottom tip of the African continent, South Africa was put on the map and became the top talking point of the world; 2010 WORLDCUP WAS HERE!! (André S Chetty)
Waka waka was on the lips of people world over!! And to help you remember, "JUST" in case you've forgotten.......


Proudly South African!
                                               Video from THIS SITE  and HERE

With the first decade in the naughtie years almost over, there's definitely so much to look forward to. So here's to happy endings and memorable moments, and to new and happy beginnings! May your dreams and hearts desires be fulfilled and fruitful. Life is about the journey, enjoy it!
"All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on,and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there"  ~ Lao Tzu ~
Wishing you and your family a blessed and exciting 2011!!!
                                                              
                                                             HAPPY NEW YEAR!




...as aptly as always!!    
                                                                                       

A Beautiful Life... For those I will always remember

We all know and have experienced the painful loss of someone close and dear to us at some point in our life. As much as it may be such a sad part of life ( ironical as that sounds), it is very much a reality that we must all accept. We may mention it jokingly, talk about wills being drawn up, just never want to talk about it, or just try to change the topic, but the fact of life is that one day our time too will come.

Today a school friend I've known for a long time was laid to rest. The day I came to hear the news of her passing away, brought a painful shock. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Even though I haven't seen her since we've matriculated from high school, the memories I have of her and our childhood friends seem to appear so vivid. And even though I'm a continent apart from home, my thoughts and prayers go out dearly to her family.





The shock was to realise just how suddenly life can be taken away. It's challenging to allow out hearts to say goodbye to our beloved, and even though the pain never really seems to ease, somewhere down life's road we find the courage to accept it. When we think of them, we have treasured,priceless and beautiful memories that will live in our hearts forever, and we know they've moved on to a beautiful life. These moments make us learn to appreciate life much more and also be greatful of those around us. There's no time for squabbling and worrying about the things that aren't going to make our lives any healthier. Material things have so little value in life, and no value when we finally leave.

Love those around you, and let them know how much you appreciate them. Don't wait till it's too late...there should be no regrets in life.
Goodbye to our dear beautiful friend.

It's Christmas time once again

The white flurry stuff seemed to have come much earlier this year. This week saw all of the United Kingdom  covered with this white magical and yet somewhat disruptive stuff. London and all surrounding parts were  transformed into a winter wonderland, and at Christmas time could you ask for anything more? (apart from world peace).
Somehow when the snow arrives it just seems as though the sound of everything around has drowned into a dull silence. Just watching the snow fall feels so relaxing and is such a wonderous sight.

As I made my way to the bustop two nights ago, it felt like a scene out of "The Book of Eli" where the only sound resonating was the sound of my breathing and my boots trudging through the three to four inch snow walking past dimmed street lights. It's like the cars that I walked past full of snow, were just abandoned, and the road for that matter. It's like I was the only living soul around,and even though I could see cars in the nearby distance, that's all they were, without any sound whatsoever.
My sense of relief came when I saw my bus approaching, and finally the signs of life.

It's a few weeks away from Christmas and something about snow falling around this time of year just seems to make the atmosphere so magical. It's the time when so many emotions come to heart, when people think about lost loved ones, the sadness of being alone, the thought of being far away from family, bringing family together having roast turkey lunch,thoughts about being kind, giving,  and thinking of those most unfortunate. It's the one time of year that people from all walks of faith can come together and share a common spirited goal, that of selflessness.




So even though some children around the world will eagerly await to open their presents under the tree  on Christmas day (if they're fortunate enough), my hope is that the spirit and the true meaning of Christmas will never be lost through the pressures of commercialism.

May the magic and miracle of Christmas bring you everlasting love, joy, peace and happiness!!