TO BE STILL...

I've just had the most inspiring conversation with one of the most inspiring people in my life.  You know when you talk to someone and you have a conversation, discussing life, the meaning of things and things that go way beyond ... and you just know you both speak from the same language....

Not a physical language - as in words, but a language of messages and interpretations, of being able to visualize something and then put them in words which the other person can then interpret and visualize and understand ...

I've just had one of those very invigorating and inspirational conversations with my very close friend and niece.  I feel lighter and brighter, like a hidden load has been lifted off my shoulders.  I hope she will read this post and know just how much our chats and conversations really mean to me.  She is one of a kind, someone I car about dearly and  someone I call friend.

We were also touching on the importance of being still, to not always be so busy with all there is to see and do and read, but to sometimes just become still and let your mind wonder .... and then this quote was so apt!

*  the quieter you become, the more you can hear  *

via pinterest

LESS THAN A MONTH TO CHRISTMAS TIME...

In less than a month it will be Christmas time ... and all of a sudden everyone is out and about shopping, and window shopping, gift wrapping and Xmas tree decorating, planning festive feasts and gathering friends and loved ones round before the year is out.

Things always happen in fast forward mode round this time of year - work parties, and lunches and do's... late nights and early mornings ready again for work!  But for once I think I want to take these last few weeks quite slow.  I want to think about this year and how amazing it has been, and be still and be grateful for all it has brought thus far.  I want to make time especially for those friends who helped make this year great, and I want to make extra time for those friends who have not had such a great year...

And to everyone who's been stopping by and reading my blog, a big bright thank you for making it all worth while.  I hope you'll enjoy the last few weeks of this year, and the lead up to the festive season.  Enjoy all there is to enjoy, but also don't forget to also remember, even for just one minute what this time of year is all about... 

My family I will only get to see in the new year - I wish we were not living worlds apart; literally - especially this time of year.  But sometimes that's just how it goes.  My life is now here.  We speak often though and we love each other dearly and we're not afraid to say so.

Have a happy festive season to you all!

festive images via pinterest

Thich Nhat Hanh quote via escapade blog

DREAM HOLIDAY HOME - TEPOZTLAN LOUNGE BY CADAVAL & SOLA-MORALES

Stumbled upon this spectacular project by Cadaval & Sola-Morales,  the Spanish architecture studio who designed the Tepoztlan Lounge.  

Tepoztlan sounds like my kind of place... 

"Tepoztlan, is a small town nestled between rocky cliffs located to the south of Mexico City, 50 kilometers away from the vibrant metropolis. With its well preserved historic center and wild countryside, Tepoztlan is a town of legends and deep cultural roots that has been appreciated by writers, poets, artists and musicians over many decades, turning it into their hometown or weekend retreat. Located in this incredible context and surrounded by an astonishing landscape, the Tepoztlan Lounge is the first building completed of a larger project that also includes a series of bungalows of different sizes and designs, which can be rented by years, months or days"

But I can also easily visualize this concept for my own holiday home in sunny South Africa.  Set on a dirt road on the edge of town overlooking a nature reserve.  I've always loved the idea of an indoor garden, and the interior and exterior spaces merging into one.  Tepoztlan Lounge really shows that this can be done and very effectively so!

Guess I better get back to the drawing board so I can start holiday dreaming again! 

First spotted via Archello

Images via http://www.ca-so.com/

http://www.ca-so.com/proyectos/Lounge%20Tepoztlan/LMB.htm

REFLEJOS DE MI TIERRA THROWS AND BEAUTIFUL FABRICS

These beautiful throws and fabrics are all the way from Argentina; the wool from the Andes sheep, llama, alpaca and vicuña are all spun by hand and woven with traditional loom into these extraordinary pieces of fabric, rugs, blankets and throws.

I'd be keen to one day visit South America - and Argentina would be my first stop for sure.  Perhaps I visit to 'REFLEJOS DE MI TIERRA' will be on the cards too ...

First spotted via pinterest
Via 79 ideas
Images via reflejos de mi tierra