It"s the simple things...

Wow!!!! It has been way too long since I last made an entry and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this keyboard again.

Greytown has been my place of dwelling for the last five days and I can tell you honestly I missed my family like crazy! Being a wife and mother is a challenge but I would choose it over being single any day.

If you were asked the question: "What makes you happy?" how would you reply? Personally, as much as I like to talk - and believe me I talk a lot - I would be at a loss for words because there are just so many things that when combined, make me happy. Ultimately I believe it comes from inside. Extenuating circumstances may play a big role, however your happiness begins with your mindset. This then extends to the people you surround yourself with. So if you choose to see the glass as half full and surround yourself with like minded people, happiness and good things are sure to follow you.

The drive from Pietermaritzburg to Greytown is a spectacular one! I was actually disappointed that I had to drive because I didn't get  a chance to really appreciate the beauty all around me. On Sunday, I left at around 5 noon and the sunset was in full swing. I cannot even describe the beauty I saw! The beautiful view coupled with the soothing sounds coming from my car radio made me feel like I could drive for hours.
Although it was overcast and drizzling in parts on my journey home today, the sights I saw were just as breathtaking. It was so calming that I didn't mind when I got stuck behind two cars and a truck cruising at 40km/h for almost 10km. I guess the music did play a big role in my mood and those that know me, know that music has always been an essential part of who I am.

Music... For as long as I can remember, my mother had music playing whatever she was doing. She exposed me to so many genres and showed me how it can really help lift even the worst of moods. I can still see her so clearly, stand up from her sewing machine chair. because her favourite song was on the radio - usually Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits - shake her hips and sing on the top of her voice. Then when the radio station would cut off the song before the guitar solo would finish, I would hear her shouting at the radio and complaining because "They chopped off the best part of the song!" Even though she knew they would do this every single time, she would still complain. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Once she even called the radio station to complain! But it was all in good fun. Then there were times when she would play her classical music full blast. Beautiful music! She would hum and la and dum-dee-dum through the entire piece and then exclaim with absolute delight: "Bravo! Lovely!" The hilarious thing is now, I find myself doing the same thing! My mother is a true lady. The way she walks, the way she talks and the way she presents herself to the world. If she doesn't have earrings and lipstick on when she leaves the house, she says she feels naked. If I can be half the woman she is...

I really missed my little pumpkin nut this week! She's spending some time with her cousins and they have kept me updated with her antics. She has yet another new trick up her sleeve. Now when I scold her, she looks at me with those big brown eyes, tilts her head to the side and her entire face smiles! How am I supposed to stay straight-faced with that?! Disciplining her is going to be interesting.I have discovered that reasoning with with her as young as she is, seems to work much better than a tongue lashing. I don't know how much of it she understands but it seems to satisfy her for that moment at least. Last Saturday, I was hanging out the washing and I watched as she discovered how fun it is to run through the clothes on the line. She squealed with glee as she ran back and forth between the clothes! Which brings me back to that feeling of happiness. It doesn't take extravagant material things to make us happy. Its the simple things. The giggle of a little child as they run through the washing on the line, the sight of your mother singing and shaking her hips to her favourite song. Seeing your loved one's face light up when they see you after being apart for a week. The smell of fresh paint because you know that means you have a roof over your head and a family to share the happiness with!
Yes, happiness starts in the mind and the rest will follow!

Till next we meet...Ciao!