Photography by Chanique

Simon & Vicki | Part 2

2012-01-19T16:54:00.001+02:00

I realise that when I posted Part 1 2 weeks ago I said that Part 2 would follow shortly, but for some reason I thought I’d already posted it… Whoops!

But without further ado, here is Part 2 (ha! It rhymes)

Coming up next – Nicky’s maternity shoot.

By the way: Big shout out to Nicky and Schalk who’s baby girl was born last week Monday!

Simon & Vicki | Part 1

2012-01-05T21:35:00.001+02:00

I know the cat is probably a little random, but I love this shot + the cat acted like it was one of the wedding guests… It even walked down to the ceremony spot when everyone started moving there!

Above: { LOVE! }

Part 2 coming soon…

Sneak Peak : Nicky & Schalk | Expecting

2011-12-22T16:57:00.001+02:00

Chenene & Nadine | Friendship Shoot

2011-12-13T10:24:00.001+02:00

Simon & Vicki | Sneak peak

2011-10-23T21:54:00.001+02:00

Just 2 quick ones for now from Simon & Vicki’s wedding last Friday - 14.10.2011

Paris, Je’taime

2011-10-17T16:53:00.001+02:00

Dreaming of Europe

2011-10-13T19:51:00.001+02:00

If you follow my blog, you may have noticed that I’m slightly obsessed with Europe. I blame it on my European blood...

Anyway, last year July we were in Italy and the travel bug bit my co-worker, Hulda, and her husband (who, at first, couldn’t see why were wasting money on going to Europe in the first place). They went back this year on a boat trip and I thought I’d share some of her photos - maybe these will last me long enough until I return there myself...

Above: People in Monaco have money...

Happy Thursday

xxx

My computer hates me!

2011-10-11T21:42:00.000+02:00

Dear cyber world...

The reason why the blog has been so quiet (more than usual I should say, seeing as I'm not the most frequent blogger) is because my computer hates me.
I'm convinced of it.
It started with my computer just deciding to kick me off the internet. Then it kept crashing when I was editing photos, then it wouldn't open the photos in Photoshop.
Thankfully all the latter problems have been resolved, but still no internet.

Oh wait - you're probably wondering how I'm posting this...? :)
My laptop has internet but all my photos + Photoshop are on my PC. I considered transferring the edited photos to my laptop and then blogging from here, but... Will see how much longer my PC decides to PMS :)

Okay.

Hopefully I'll be back soon!

And because a post is just not the same without a picture - here's a photo of a farm in Tuscany

Source: photoradar.com via Chanique on Pinterest

Jana | Head Shots

2011-09-25T17:33:00.001+02:00

Jana is a drama student from Germany.

She plans on doing Broadway acting next year.

We met up to take some photos for her portfolio and we had so much fun in empty houses that are still being built...

She has an effortless beautiful.I asked her to do a few emotions - can you guess which this is...?Below: My fave <3

Jana, here’s to wishing you all the best for next year. May your dreams come true and all your hard work pay off.

Happy Sunday!

It's OK to ask for help...

2011-09-22T11:48:00.000+02:00

Hello internet!

Today I need to ask you a favour...
I recently entered a photography competition - winner gets a month's internship with ZaraZoo Photography!

If you wouldn't mind helping me out, please follow these simple steps:
1. Follow this link
2. Like the page
3. Like this photo

It's as easy as that!

And because every post is just better with a photo, here's a sneak peek of what's to come...

Friday Randomness

2011-09-16T14:12:00.000+02:00

If you don't know Lonely Island - you should...

Here's one of their videos called "Cool Guy's Don't Look at Explosions"

Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Self-Portrait 2011 : Mrs Fourie

2011-09-15T18:51:00.001+02:00

And they said it wouldn’t work...

2011-09-13T17:37:00.001+02:00

Before our wedding, I searched high and low for a wedding scrapbook I liked.
I had an idea that I thought would be awesome, but I needed just the right book for it. Every time I asked a scrapbooking shop if they had wedding scrapbooks they asked me what I wanted to use it for. After explaining they’d reply “Oh no dear, people don’t usually do that... They usually...” The most common “They usually” was that they buy a black paper book and have people write with milky pens. No thanks, not for me...

So what was the idea...?
Well I figured that most people have a guest book that gets signed and most people never look at it again after the wedding. I decided to combine my love for scrapbooking and photos and have the guests make a guest book that I’d WANT to put on display (plus it gave the guests something to do while we were off having our photos taken)

Here are some photos of our guest book table
And here’s 2 photos of my flower girls doing their thing at the guest book table...And here is the end result...

So here’s to ignoring what people say you shouldn’t do, not doing things the way you “should” do them, and ending up with something you love!
Thank you to all our wonderfully creative guests for making us such a special reminder of our wedding day!

Time flies when you're having fun...

2011-09-09T22:03:00.000+02:00

Today we have been married for 5 months! That's crazy! It feels like just a few weeks ago that I was waking up at 3am and too excited to get back to sleep!

We have had 5 AMAZING months! I can honestly say that I love being married! I love waking up next to him and falling asleep in his arms, I love looking over when I'm reading in bed and seeing him next to me, and even when I'm doing my own thing, it's nice to know he's right in the next room.

Here's looking forward to the next 5 centuries...

xxx

Tink’s Hair Design

2011-09-07T20:49:00.001+02:00

A friend of mine has a hairdressing business.
I wouldn’t say she is a hairdresser, because she’s much more than that, but she does hairdressing...

Anyway!
She phoned me earlier this year (in June) and asked if we could shoot a few photos for her portfolio. I was very excited about this shoot coz it would be the first time that I actually worked with a model (Plus Natashia and I were sending each other photos of ideas we had for the shoot and we were pretty much thinking the same thing...)

So here it is...
Bridal hair by Tink’s Hair Design (Above: Photo inspired by the lovely Elizabeth Messina of Kiss the Groom)

Then a quick change of hair and outfit for a little more relaxed look... Any brides getting married in the Middelburg area needing a hairdresser - check out Natashia’s page on Facebook

Happy Wednesday!

Spring | A season of change

2011-09-01T19:48:00.001+02:00

If you’re going through difficult times today, hold steady. It will change soon. If you are experiencing smooth sailing and easy times now, brace yourself. It will change soon. The only thing you can be certain of is change.

~ Extract from Life on the Edge by Dr. James Dobson~

Look forward to some changes on the blog soon...

Mieke and Walker (Part 2)

2011-07-25T19:12:00.001+02:00

Mieke, her mother, and her sisterThe card that Walker sent to his family in the States (designed by his sister)Speeches...
And after lunch things got a little crazy...Congratulations Mieke & Walker. Love u!

Chani, Wihan, Jamie, Michelle, Carmen

Mieke and Walker have been married for almost 8 months now! Crazy how quickly time goes by!
Since the wedding the have lived in Taiwan and have recently moved to the States to be closer to his family.

Congrats again you two and all the best for your future together!

Happy Monday!
xxx

Mieke and Walker (Part 1)

2011-07-19T22:04:00.001+02:00

If you’ve been following my blog you’ll know that Mieke and I go waaaay back, as in almost 20 years back!

She met Walker while she was serving on the Doulos.

“Mieke and I met on the M.V. Doulos in 2007. Because of the onboard social policies, Mieke and I weren’t allowed to be romantically involved. I was very attracted to her from the first time I saw her, but steered clear of her because of the policy and because of the impracticality of pursuing someone from South Africa. However, as time passed and as we spent more time together, my logical inclinations and faded and the difficulty of a continent gap disappeared. The social policy was a struggle for the remaining months we had together and I often tried to convince myself that I did not have feelings for her. I realized that I was spending way too much energy trying to avoid my feelings and finally decided to speak to her. The day before she went home, I told her how I felt over a nice meal on the coast of southern Australia and we agreed to stay in touch (I still had one year of commitment left at that point). The following year was hard as we tried to develop our relationship over email, Skype, and the phone. Mieke was able to visit me in Hong Kong just before my commitment ended and when she left, I knew I was very much in love with her. The time together was a real confirmation for both of us.”
(Taken from the letter he wrote to his family in the States - seen later)

After meeting Walker on Skype for the first time (and spending many visits at Mieke’s house in front of the tv or with her siblings because of “important Skype dates”) I could tell Mieke was serious about this guy. The first time I actually met him face-to-face was in Sep 2009, and my heart broke when I saw the way Mieke looked at him - mostly coz Mieke had NEVER looked at a guy like that before.

Anyway! Back to the wedding...
Mieke and Walker were married on a house boat on Langebaan Lagoon. It was a week long celebration with people staying on the boat and helping with preparations - it gave the two families time to connect and get to know each other and gave the bride and groom time to spend with their friends before moving to Taiwan after their honeymoon.

This was our first view of the lagoon

Bianca and Eben (Mieke’s sister and their cousin)

Bianca and Melanie (Eben’s sister)

The first day was spent going back and forth with the little speed boats to get all the food and supplies on the boat, then as soon as that was done - it was time to relax...The morning of the wedding the lagoon was unbelievably tranquil.

Bianca - the Maid of Honour

Walker seeing his bride for the first time

Mieke struggling to get Walker’s ring on

Man and wife...

More to come later this week!

Italy 2010 - Day 8: Varenna and back home

2011-07-14T10:15:00.001+02:00

My last meal in ItalyWhat’s lunch without dessert?

That over theeeerrree is definitely the Eiffel Tower!SEE!

And that’s that.
Can’t believe it’s been more than a year already! Time flies...

Tomorrow is weekend!

Italy 2010 - Day 7: Portofino

2011-07-11T10:23:00.000+02:00

This picture was taken while having breakfast in Rapallo - just after I took it, the police came and told us to please pack up because picnicking wasn’t allowed...Portofino is a beautiful village on the Italian Riviera. Portofino was the hot spot for the beautiful people in the 1950s heyday, and their pictures are found in the Castello Brown, which overlooks Portofino harbour.That’s the “stop taking photos of me” face Taking a break in the shade
It was HOT!! And climbing a hill didn’t help much Walking the through the streets of Milan, I loved seeing how dramatically lit most of the old buildings wereThe Milan Duomo as seen during the evening. Notice the golden angel between the two highest turrets on the left...

Wihan and I will never forget our last night in Milan. I asked him if we could quickly pop to the Duomo as I wanted to photograph it during the night. He said he wanted to watch the soccer game at 11pm (it was 15min to) and I said “we’ll be back in like 5min”...
Earlier during the trip, Vincent mentioned that if we wanted to go to the Duomo, we should just take tram #1 - it stops right by our hotel and goes straight to the Duomo and back - that is it’s only route. So we jumped on the #1 tram and it took us straight to the Duomo. We got off and probably spent about 5min walking around and taking photos. When we were done we got back on the #1 tram... and it drove the wrong way!
Obviously we don’t know the city that well so we thought maybe it was just making a few extra stops, but we started to feel like we were very much going the wrong way. After a while, Wihan gets up and asks the driver “Are you going back to the Duomo?”, driver replies “Si, Duomo”
Okay, we’re good, we’ll get back.
A while later the driver stops in an alley and starts cutting his nails...
Wihan and I are the only two people on the tram! We don’t know if the neighbourhoods we’re driving through are dodgy, and we realise we’ve been on the tram for quite some time. (Needless to say we were getting a little scared)
Eventually, an Italian couple get on and we ask them if they understood English. Thankfully they understood and could speak as well - we eventually managed to get back to the hotel with their help. We finally got to the hotel at 1am and were praying that they hadn’t locked the doors!
That’s one “quick photo stop” I’ll never forget!

Happy Monday
xxx

Italy 2010 - Day 6: Milan (Antique Market) and Cremona

2011-07-07T19:05:00.001+02:00

Wihan and I decided to take a walk the Sunday morning while all the others were getting ready - it was our only “off day” during the trip - and we came upon this guy that had been walking his dogs and decided to take a nap. His dogs followed suit

When we were done at the antique market (there wasn’t much we were interested in, and the things we were interested in were crazy expensive!), we headed to Cremona - known for their violins.We climbed 502 steps to see this view (and 502 steps down again!) but it was well worth it!

xxx

Italy 2010 - Day 5: Tenno and Lake Tenno

2011-07-04T17:05:00.001+02:00

Each of us got to make a request of where we would like to go on this trip (near where we were touring obviously) - Tenno, and especially Lago di Tenno, was my request.
After leaving Malcesine, we drove up the winding roads toward Tenno and missed it twice

After walking through the old city we drove further on trying to find the lake. It was getting late and after driving around a while and taking a few wrong turn-offs, my grandfather got frustrated and decided to drive home.

After about 30mins my mom said “Dad, what are the chances that we’re even going to be here again? shouldn’t we at least try to find the lake?”
So my grandfather turned the van around again - which is no small feat on those narrow roads - and we went looking for the lake. It was well worth it!
The lake cannot be reached via car so you have to park and walk down - and this is what meets you...

Click here to see a video that someone made of the city

The colour of the water has not been edited - it really is a deep turquoise. Because the lake is surrounded by mountains, it is so quiet that you can’t hear any cars driving by on the main road nearby - all you hear are the birds singing.
If you’re looking for a day of complete relaxation without anyone bothering you - this is the spot!

Notice how you can see straight through the water, even where it gets deep From left to right: Vincent, Hulda, Wihan, Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa

Happy Monday
xxx

Atop Monte Baldo

2011-07-02T11:04:00.001+02:00

The wind was cold but the view and the cows made us not notice

Italy 2010 - Day 5: Monte Baldo and Malcesine

2011-06-28T21:07:00.001+02:00

Stopping for the view

Our huge car - which my grandfather (who is 67) maneuvered through the little streets of Italy with crazy skill

Little town where we stopped for breakfast (can’t remember the name)

Up Monte Baldo in the 360 degree revolving cable carOne of THE BEST experiences of the trip! When we got the top of Monte Baldo we heard Swiss cow bells and walked right into a HUGE heard of cows. It was beautiful!Yes, the cow is sticking its tongue out!

Thank you Jesus for making pretty clouds so that I may enjoy them xxx

Yum! I’m not sure what these were but they tasted like little custard filled doughnuts! We bought way too few of these! (P.S. If anyone finds a recipe please let me know)

I freaked when I saw this (and Wihan was standing right around the corner saying “I KNEW you were gonna take a photo”) It’s such a stunning picture

More soon
xxx

Italy 2010 - Day 4: Venice

2011-06-21T17:41:00.001+02:00

Breakfast at Cafe Domingo

Incredible mosaic art (above and below)

Shopper’s paradise!On top of the Rialto Bridge!

Italy 2010 - Day 3: Stresa and Isola Bella

2011-06-20T18:40:00.001+02:00

Back in 2003 we also visited Isola Bella and it really is a MUST SEE if you’re going to Italy!
It’s situated on Lake Maggiore near the town of Stresa. The main attraction of the island is the castle which was built by Carlo III of the influential House of Borromeo. The palazzo was dedicated to his wife, Isabella D'Adda, after whom the island is named.

The island as seen from the shores of Stresa

First - breakfast in Stresa before boarding the ferry

A huge water fountain at the middle of the gardens

Then some exploration just before lunch

And off to Stresa again for some shopping

Happy Monday everyone!

Italy 2010 - Day 2: Chamonix

2011-06-10T18:41:00.001+02:00

Not really in the mood to type a whole lot (plus I got a chicken in the oven that I’m praying doesn’t come out dried out and crispy) so just enjoy the photos of our 2nd day in Italy.
** Technically day 2 was spent in France, but let’s not get technical **

Best fish I’ve ever had!

Italy 2010 - Day 1: A walk around Milan (Part 2)

2011-06-08T08:30:00.001+02:00

The Milan Doumo was amazing enough on the inside, but then we decided to see things from the roof as well. We were blown away! Nevermind the view of the city, the detail of the architecture is just unbelievable!
See for yourself...

Love these!! (top and bottom)This is the face he makes when he tired of posing for photos...

Italy 2010 - Day 1: A walk around Milan (Part 1)

2011-06-01T21:35:00.001+02:00

The doumo in Milan completely took my breath away! When we were here in 2003 it was under renovation and the whole church was covered up in tarp and we weren’t allowed to go inside. This time thankfully we were able to see ALL of it.

This is on one of the massive doors on the outside of the church. The detail is mind blowing!

The inside of the church is just as beautiful - it took my breath away and I would have spent HOURS there if we had the time

I loved seeing how many Italians (even the older ones) drive their bikes around.

Next up: The view from the top...

Italy 2010 - Day 1: Our flight to Milan

2011-05-30T20:26:00.001+02:00

Our huge double decker plane

Personal on-board screens (I can’t imagine spending 16 hours on a plane without one!)

Hiding from my camera

Sunrise over Europe

Everyone catching a quick nap before our connecting flight from Paris to Milan

Excited travellers waiting for their baggage - it was their first time overseas

Our beautiful hotel, the Hotel Regency, is a 4* hotel. When we were touring Europe back in 2003 we stayed mostly in Formula 1 hotels, so this was SUPER luxurious for us! It made the whole trip just that much more special. More to come soon!

Jamie with baby : March 2011

2011-05-23T20:15:00.001+02:00

My beautiful friend, Jamie, had her baby boy on the 5th of April 2011.

He was perfect with 10 fingers and 10 toes - despite her fears that he’d be missing some

Here are a few from her maternity shoot... Is the not GORGEOUS?!

You can call me Mrs. Fourie

2011-04-18T17:08:00.001+02:00

On the 9th of April, the long awaited day finally arrived.
A

t about 3:30pm we were finally declared Mr & Mrs Fourie. What a better way to celebrate your 74th monthaversary

The very talented Quintin Mills captured our beautiful day. To see more pictures please go check out his blog here

Happy Monday!

P.S. Just got back from honeymoon and things are a bit crazy - full post coming within the next week!

Best 6 years of my life

2011-02-09T17:09:00.001+02:00

It was 6 years ago today.
He asked me if he could speak to me under the tree at break...
He nervously asked me if I’d be his girlfriend and I said yes. He replied with “I wanted to ask you on Valentine’s day but I just couldn’t wait any longer...”
And from that day I started falling...

Little did I know that the boy I started dating that day would become my best friend - and the man I will spend the rest of my life with.

Reasons why I love him:
1. He encourages me to pursue my dreams, no matter how ridiculous other people think they sound
2. He makes me feel like the sexiest girl alive when all I’m wearing is a baggy t-shirt, tracksuit pants and my hair hasn’t been brushed
3. He makes me happy - even if that means watching a chick-flick with me

4. He challenges me to be more. Where others expect me to fail he believes in me (sometimes more than I believe in myself)
5. He listens to me complain and lets me feel sorry for myself when I’m sick or hurt
6. He respects me and all the rules that came with dating me
7. He knows what I’m thinking without me having to say a word
8. He is loyal and dependable
9. He fights for me
10. He makes me long for a deeper relationship with our Father

Most of all I love him because he makes me comfortable in my own skin.
I love that when I’m weird, he’s weird with me.

I love that he takes charge but lets me make decisions too.

I love that he kisses me on the forehead and calls me “princess”.
I love that I feel safe in his arms.

I love that in 59 days I will be his Mrs!

P.S. Will post pictures soon of what we’re doing for our anniversary. I’m SUPER excited!
Happy Wednesday!

Why not take the stairs instead?

2011-02-03T15:35:00.001+02:00

Part of a Love Story

2011-01-09T21:17:00.001+02:00

3 months from today we will be getting married...

We will be dating exactly 6 years and 2 months that day.
These were taken during our engagement session in Nov 2010. Thanks to Wetakecreativepictures for the photos.

It’s personal...

2010-12-10T22:57:00.001+02:00

I read - A LOT.
Books, magazines, articles, online magazines... When I read something inspiring / thought provoking I write it down, make a note of it on my phone or in most cases I copy the whole article into a Word document.
Recently I’ve decided that I want to share all these interesting things with you lovely people, so I’ve started posting them on my blog or making a Facebook note. But now I have the problem that my photography blog will be filled with mostly articles and I’m worried that people won’t stop by anymore when this blog stops having pretty pictures to look at
For this reason I’ve created a brand new blog where I can post as many articles as I want. In case you’re interested in reading what inspires me / gets me thinking - please visit my new personal blog “In my head, In my heart”

P.S. I will still be posting to this blog so please don’t stop popping by... I have a whole lot of photos that I still need to get around to posting...
P.P.S. Next year I’ll be better at regular blogging - I promise

Perspective

2010-12-07T22:54:00.001+02:00

So I was sitting there in the bar and this guy comes up to me and he said "My life stinks" and I saw his gold credit card and I saw the way he was looking at people across the room and I looked at his face and you know, what a good looking face, and I just said, "Dude, your perspective on life sucks".
~ Mika: Blame it on the Girls ~

Do You Lack Enthusiasm?

2010-12-06T19:30:00.001+02:00

The secret of staying young of heart is found in this article. Learn it well.
By Hector M. Earle

RALPH WALDO EMERSON once wrote, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." An enthusiastic attitude enables us to hang in there when the going gets tough. It's the inner drive that whispers, "I can do it!" when others believe it can't be done. It is a common quality that inventors, explorers, and other high achievers have in order to do great things. Barbara Bartocci, in the May 1988 edition of Catholic Digest wrote, "Enthusiastic people turn a boring drive into an adventure, extra work into opportunity and strangers into friends."

Stay Young of Heart
Have you ever seen an infant delight at the jingling of a rattle, or a toddler's joy at watching the hopping of a frog? This childlike wonder, fuelled by enthusiasm, is the same quality that has separated high achievers from everyone else. Their enthusiasm is not measured by their biological age. Instead, it is enthusiasm for life that is the catalyst for their youthful energy and drive. Pablo Casals thought of music as an elixir that made his life a never-ending adventure well into his nineties. An enthusiastic outlook has helped Bob Delmonteque maintain his intensity and excitement for health and fitness after almost six decades of working out.
It has been said that nobody grows old merely by living a given number of years; people grow old by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but giving up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, and self-distrust bow the head and turn the spirit back to dust.
Marjorie Greenbie once wrote: "You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair."
Our minds act like a receiver, and as long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, and cheer, you are young at heart (Philippians 4:8-9). However, when our enthusiasm falters, and our thoughts become obscured with doubts and fears, our heart becomes covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism. Then, as Marjorie Greenbie pointed out, you are "as old as your despair."

Avoid Spiritual Wrinkles
It is interesting to note that the word enthusiasm derives its meaning from the Greek words "God within." Having God's spirit and attitude within us brings about enthusiasm for the spiritual things like loving God, loving our fellow human beings, and loving what we are called to do (Galatians 5:22-23).
To love what we do is the very essence of enthusiasm. What can be more exhilarating than knowing that we are created in the very image of God, called out of this world to be his instruments and destined to be with him forever in the Kingdom of God? It should put a sparkle in our eyes, a jump in our step, and smooth out the wrinkles from our spirit.
Youthful vigour and enthusiasm is a gift from God to those he has called to rule with Him someday in the Kingdom of God. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). That says it all.

A Child’s Worth

2010-12-05T10:55:00.001+02:00

That hat meant a lot to me, but what was I saying to the kid who crushed it?
By W. Fred Crow

I WAS IN OAKHURST, CALIFORNIA, working at a United Youth Camp during my vacation the last week of June.
I was the water supervisor and lifeguard down at Bass Lake and every one of the 174 campers visited "Fred's World" at least twice during the week. Speed boats, skiing, inner tubes and great water--being located at the lake all day was nice duty...long hours but nice duty.

In the hot seat
When I returned to my lifeguard station after one lunch break I found that one of the young fellows had grabbed my seat. I chased the little rascal away with a good-natured grin. I had one of the best locations for visibility, and seemingly the only comfortable chair on the lake front. It figured that one of the fellows would try to snatch it from me.
Being in my chair was not really a problem. That was, until I looked down and saw that the young man had sat without looking, and had crushed my Panama Jack straw hat and my sun glasses.
Arrgh! That hat had been with me for years and years. It had travelled with me everywhere-- Alaska, Hawaii, the West Coast, the East Coast, down the Florida Keys and aboard cruise ships... I loved that hat!
Why, I took that little #$%^& aside and beat him sens... well, no. That may have been an immediate impulse, but instead I grumbled loudly for a bit letting everyone know I wasn't the happiest of souls. Then, putting emotion aside, my sanity took over.
I did take the young fellow aside. Having seen his face fall while I was emotionally grousing over his mistake, I wanted him to know that he was worth more than the hat ever would be, and I apologized for my error. I wanted him to know that sitting on my hat was a mistake, but the hat was "just a thing" (my favourite phrase) and I valued him more than any old twisted and formed straw fedora. We make mistakes, we learn from mistakes, we grow from mistakes, but we are not our mistakes.
I also realized it's similar to driving defensively. I should have expected someone might sit in my chair, so I should have placed the hat and glasses out of harm's way. Lesson learned.

What's it worth?
Another lesson learned: By our reactions we sometimes give children the message that they are not worth a glass of spilled milk, a misplaced sock, a broken window or a crushed hat. Very quickly they pick up the message about their worth compared to what's important to their parents and other adults. If we act as if the world came to an end when milk is spilled, what do we do for an encore if something serious were to occur?
Kids make mistakes--that's a simple fact. After guiding two young people to age 22, I can rightly attest this to be true. It happens. Kids goof up. It's normal. But that doesn't remove them from the list of the most valued resources on the planet!
A misplaced sock, broken window, spilled milk or crushed hat is not the end of the world. What is important is that the child knows that he or she is valued unconditionally.
This was a lesson in perspective and understanding. I have a usable but damaged hat (yep, I'm still wearing it) that enjoys a deeper history, and, in spite of the mistake, that young fellow knows I value him--more than just a hat.
We need always to keep in mind that mistakes of young people may inconvenience us, distract us and disappoint us, but their mistakes should not diminish their value in our lives.
Our response to their mistakes needs to be in tune with what's needed to help them understand and grow. Our young people need to know, through our words and deeds, that they are worth all the time and energy it takes to work with them and encourage them. They should know through our unconditional love that they are worth more than an old, well-worn, well-travelled hat.

Acres of Love

2010-11-22T11:17:00.001+02:00

(Interview taken from Sisters of Africa Magazine)

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY, AND HOW YOU CAME TO HAVE A PASSION FOR HELPING ORPHANED CHILDREN?
I am a mother of 4 children and wife of Ryan Audagnotti. I live in San Juan Capistrano, California. I am the CEO and co-founder of Acres of Love SA and Acres of Love Inc. California. I head up a dynamic team of 100 therapists, social workers, management and staff in Johannesburg, South Africa who are focused on the operational and day to day care of infants and children residing in the Acres of Love Forever Homes. I am also proactively involved with fund raising in the USA and in South Africa and strategic planning with the development team in the USA and Australia. We were moved by the plight of the South African children who were being abandoned in ever increasing numbers as one or both of their parents succumbed to the rampant disease.

HOW AND WHEN DID ACRES START?
In 1998 we felt the Lord say we should use what we have. We had a second property in Bryanston that we rented out. It was the first home for our own growing family. We applied to the government for a license to bring in children who are orphaned and abandoned.

We renovated it to meet health and safety codes. We underestimated our neighbours and friends who would become so intimately involved that they would help provide resources for the program to expand. The incredible thing in retrospect was that the first home was in an upper-middle-class neighbourhood; we got all the schools involved, and parents brought their children. They all became volunteers. Then, corporations got involved by word of mouth.
The children in our extended family aren’t delivered in the normal fashion. They are delivered to our doorstep by police and social workers. These children are found locked in corrugated iron outhouses. They are discovered living with dogs. They wander alone in parks. They are abandoned in hospitals. They are thrown at birth down long-drop toilets. They are often found beside their mothers’ dead bodies. Their own families refuse to or cannot help them. They are starved and beaten. They are often no more than 5 years old...
Our mandate from God was not to just provide a bowl of food and a blanket for these children; our mandate was to provide each child with a hope and a future. We were to do for them exactly what we would do for our own children. That meant naming the children, applying for birth certificates, providing AIDS testing, medical treatment, an education and a stable home environment. It also meant we would anoint the children with oil and pray for them to be healed.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY SINCE THE START OF ACRES?
Once we started the journey – we were baptised in fire. It has deeply and profoundly changed me and my walk with our Lord.

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN IMPACTED ON A PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL LEVEL THROUGH THE ACRES JOURNEY?
We have seen God performing healings and miracles. He has healed children and so many little lives saved and children adopted today living all over the world. On a personal level, I will mention but one. It was a lovely day in South Africa when Ryan and I accepted an invitation to go horseback riding in the mountains. Ryan, mounted on an Arabian stallion, lost control when the horse spooked and bolted. By the time I reached his broken body, he was barely alive. In the intensive care unit, Ryan clung to life as a ventilator forced air into his punctured lungs and collapsed diaphragm. I paid careful attention as doctors explained that due to the critical nature of his injuries, Ryan could not survive.
Sitting by his bed, I listened to the whir of the respirator. I have never lacked faith for orphans and children the Lord sent to us. Now death was stalking my house, and Ryan’s only hope was a miracle. Opening my New King James Version Bible, I read Psalm 41:1-3, “Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in times of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive... The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.”
“Lord,” I prayed, “I come to You on behalf of my husband. I would remind you that Ryan has considered the poor. He has not turned away from orphans. Because he loves You, he has become a father to the fatherless. Now I ask that You deliver him in his time of need and trouble. I ask You to protect him and keep him alive. Refresh him and strengthen him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.”
There in the intensive care unit, a creative miracle occurred. Ryan Audagnotti’s lungs were knit back together. His diaphragm was made whole. The Lord delivered him in his time of trouble. The Lord protected him and kept him alive. The Lord refreshed and strengthened him. The Lord restored him from his bed of illness. The Lord healed him!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
I love every child at Acres of Love. They belong to their Heavenly Father. It is incredibly inspiring to know that He is the Father of the Fatherless and that we are about our Father’s business. I feel it is the highest calling and a huge privilege to be a part of every child’s life through this work.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE THOSE WHO WANT TO HELP IN THEIR COMMUNITIES, BUT ARE OVERWHELMED BY THE HUGE NEED, AND UNSURE WHERE TO START?
Every believer is called and has an assignment. As assignment is always to solve a problem for another. We do not choose our assignment – we discover our assignment. The most important step is to start. He will provide every need when He calls you to His work. Never look down on small beginnings. If He calls you to do His work – do it beautifully in every way.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF ACRES AND OF THE CHILDREN OF SOUTH AFRICA HEADING?
The children have a hope and a future. They are the future business and Christian leaders of South Africa, they will reach out to the lost and hurting in their communities. They will be confident of the love of their Saviour and that God called them each by name.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY?
I give God all the glory. Today Acres of Love owns and operates 20 homes around Johannesburg. More than 400 children have come through the program. Many are living in countries all over the world – adopted by loving Christian families. God has supplied every need.

ABOUT ACRES OF LOVE:
The mission of Acres of Love is to provide the most vulnerable, affected and infected infants and children with the highest possible quality of care and love, a strong early childhood development foundation, a community-based safety net and hope.
More than 350 infants and children have spent time in an Acres of Love home over the organization’s first 10 years of operation. The large majority of these children have been placed in adoptive or long-term foster home. Some have been reunited with their families. Sadly, a precious few have died of AIDS.
With medical advances in the treatment of HIV, Acres is committed to the belief that the future is bright and full of promise for the HIV-positive children in its care.
For more info, visit www.acresoflove.org

Chenene | Matric Dance 2010

2010-11-08T08:41:00.001+02:00

Chenene, my other beautiful almost-sister-in-law, had her matric dance in September.

Her dashing date arrived with flowers for her as well as flowers for her mom as a thank you gift.

We took some photos of them at home and then they were off to the arrival parade...

Top: I absolutely adore this dress!

I can’t believe we’re in November (or Movember as I’ve heard it called lately)! In 3 weeks I move out of the house. Last week we went and bought all the appliances that I’ll be needing in my new home and this week we’re starting to pack all my things! It also means that in less than a month my best friend (Mieke) is getting married! And then it’s Christmas and the year is over!!

CRAZY!

Happy Monday!

Rejuvenated

2010-10-26T20:06:00.001+02:00

re·ju·ve·nate

verb, -nat·ed, -nat·ing.

–verb (used with object)

1.to make young again; restore to youthful vigor, appearance, etc.
2. to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again.

So in June (YES! Very delayed post...) we went camping in the Kruger for a week. It was an absolutely fantastic week filled with lazy afternoons spent reading in the tent, conversations around the fire and aircon cooled drives during the day - and were we ever thankful for that aircon!

It was just me, my mom, dad, brother and grandparents and being in the Kruger means not having signal 90% of the time. This turned out to be a very good thing. I had so much time to think, read, meditate and just relax. I felt closer to God than I had in a while and felt like I was finally reaching a new level in my relationship with Him - amazing what some time in the bush can do for you

On our drive there the we drove through the clouds! Mpumalanga really is beautiful

Our super cool LED light which was hooked up to a battery. Jip, we do hi-tech camping This little guy was just lying in the tree. Then we noticed his genitals... My FAVOURITE bird! And the Kruger is full of them! Have I mentioned that this is my FAVOURITE bird...? The stars are absolutely breath-taking when there are no lights around Okay so you’re always urged to “PLEASE DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS” but this was just too cool My brother was very chuffed with the fire he built

More SUPER delayed posts coming soon...

Joshua and Robyn : Matric Dance 2010

2010-10-24T11:45:00.001+02:00

Natasha

2010-10-21T17:56:00.001+02:00

My gorgeous almost-sister-in-law asked me a while back if I would do a shoot with her “just for the fun of it”
So a few weekends ago we headed to the Botanical Gardens to do the shoot. Here are some of my faves: