Oh Just a Mo

Inked Petals {Drawing}

Recently decided that I'm going to try being okay with not doing great, thought-provoking works of art. Instead I'm going do what I love. I'm going to draw flowers.

So one Sunday evening, I opened my sketchbook, used these fancy ink pens I bought a while back and drew flowers I bought just to draw. I snapped a picture with my phone and it might not seem 'shoo wow' but I felt hugely inspired afterwards.

It reminded me of what a wise woman once said, after staring into my soul intently for a few intense seconds. She said, "Monique, you have to create. You NEED to create."

Now that was 'shoo wow.'

Where Elephants Walked {Franschhoek}

My husband and I spent a weekend in Franschhoek, hiding out at Bird Cottage where we enjoyed the tranquillity of an organic vineyard and scenic mountain walks on our doorstep. I didn't want to leave.

We ate at Cafe des Arts - great food, service and art. Oh and if you love ginger beer, I think we found the best ginger beer at the Saturday morning farmers' market.

I was intrigued to find out that in the early 1600's Franschhoek was known as Oliphants Hoek (Elephant Corner) due to the herd of elephants known to pass through the area. Just a little trivia for ya :)

Hello Little Garden Angel

A Sunday spent with my parents and two-year old nephew taught me that an extra pair of clothes is always a good idea... for the kid and I. Oh and I think my nephew might be a genius (where's my proud aunty badge?!) But seriously, how many two-year-olds can count to four, remember exactly where something is after seeing it once (even weeks later) and knows the car make of his father and my father's car ... by name?!

He's also an avid little gardener, which makes my heart swell with pride. Yip, I'm gushing. My brother and his wife are doing an amazing job and whenever I spend time with this little guy I think, 'Wow, he's awesome!'

Camellia Blossoms {Vergelegen Estate}

We visited the beautiful Verlegelen Estate in Somerset West on Saturday, 27 August to view the winter-blooming Camellias. The flowers were gorgeous and the estate is a real treat (if you haven't been there, do yourself a favour and go!) but seeing it all through the eyes of a two-year-old sure... that sure was an interesting experience!

"Wow" and "flolwa" were said here and there, but most of the time my nephew just wanted to run! Fortunately my husband, parents and I all took turns chasing him, playing and pointing things out (giving my brother and sister-in-law a much deserved day-off). I didn't get to take as many photos I would have liked but I had a great morning walk ... and a long afternoon nap afterwards : )