30.5.12

Salvaged Materials - Door Shutters

wooden shutter doors

I have always had a love for old and salvaged things, I enjoy renewing them and giving them a new lease on life.
This office is close to my sons' day care center, it inspires me with its use of salvaged wood and metal. I wouldn't be surprised if these beautiful and strong shutter doors turned out to be older than the house itself. They look like they are made of old rail road ties, like they have been beaten by the elements but still managed to survive.

Rustic Wood Doors

The complementary post box also looks stylishly unique, it was probably made of the left over wood from the door. You see, I can formulate all sorts of stories about such items :-) that's the romance of antiques, the story-making.

 wood mailbox

Although upcycling is no new concept, I find it amazing every time I see it in play. It is a "green" practice, which is great for saving our environment . Hopefully this saved an Amazon tree from being turned into a shutter door... I don't think so but, I can only hope and plead for humanity to  Save the Rain Forest and while at it, please Save the Rhino.

25.5.12

Africa Day.

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa.

Happy Africa Day Everybody. Hope it renewed your love for our continent.

24.5.12

My son at 7 months... going on 1.5 year

Denim Jeans and Boat Shoes: WoolworthsTop: Pep, Socks: Pick'nPayCellular Blanket: BabiesRus, Bear: Mr Price Home 

My beautiful boy is growing up so quickly. Though he is 7 months, I buy him a size 12-18 months, the fit is looser, more comfortable and doesn't ride up when I am carrying him like baby clothes often do, besides he'll grow into them, he literally sprouts up every other week.

I remember being annoyed at my mother for buying us clothes and sometimes shoes that were one size bigger, saying "uzokhula nazo" (you'll grow into them) . She was right, before I knew it, the shoes would be snug and soon I'd need another pair. I would wear the thick socks so the loose shoes would fit. Though it was sometimes uncomfortable running around in them, I ain't mad at cha, Dear Mama, I understand your reasoning (and have been listening to Tupac). Kids grown up so quickly, you'll buy clothes every other week - if you are not careful.

Because Mama knows best, I will also follow her wisdom. In the meantime, Ngoma will just have turn his extra long sleeves up, just like daddy (and Nick Wooster), after all, it is masculine and stylish ;-)

Lesson Learned & Parenting Tip: Buy your babies one size bigger on clothes but I would'nt advise the same on shoes.

20.5.12

Otelo Burning - Invokes Emotion.


I watched Otelo Burning a few days ago. I must say, this must be one of South Africa's best movie offering's which I've seen in a while. Maybe its because it is in Zulu, my home language, set in time and place that I know very well and a political situation that I lived through.

There was one scene where a mob first came on to the scene, that literally sent shivers of fear down my spine. The sea and its sounds, invoked the feeling that I always get when I'm swimming in it, joy. The young lovers, especially when she tells him to wait... lol... I did a lot of that... reminded me of my innocence. The friendships, being my brother's keeper... I can relate.

It was beautiful to watch, they got the era right, the music and costumes were spot on, I've always been a sucker for a well implemented period movie.

I hope everyone gets to see this movie, especially young South Africans.

Poster by oteloburning.com