I'll be seeing you...

Mariam Richards passed on exactly one year ago, on Sunday 19 February. The most significant person in my life.

As I type this post, I cant help but cry. My tears fall but I know, I know deep down that she is at peace. She was never afraid of dying you know. Leaving this world, was what she prepared for... all her life.
I have never known a woman to have endured so much, yet had so much Sabr (patience). My mama was so dignified and strong.

My grandmother always graced us with her wisdom. One of her many teachings, was to always put our faith in our Creator. 
I tell you, my granny never had the best of this world. In every aspect of her life, she struggled. Through all her trials and tribulations, she NEVER turned to people for help or relief. Holding fast to her faith, she turned to her Maker. 
I remember how her eyes would fill with tears and her face lit up when she spoke of how close she felt to God. So humble, so genuine, so real. That was just who she was.

As a little girl, my grandmother was my mother and father. She was my world. Every night I would put on her makeup, paint her nails and play with her hair. Then I'd rest my head on her tummy, lay with her and just have the best conversation ever.

In today's day and age, us women have this perception that because we have a career or that we're independent, we are strong. We're strong and independent because we dont need a man or anyone.  
You know what's strength? Strength is measured in patience... HAVING patience., SABR. You know what's Independence? putting your faith and trust in The Almighty and knowing that HIS plans are mightier than yours.
My granny was a REAL woman. She was the EPITOME of patience. She DEFINED independence.

In our family, mama was and will always be the anchor, the teacher, the wisdom, the heart, the mother, the grandmother, the great grandmother, the friend, THE LOVE AND THE LIGHT of our lives.
WE MISS YOU ... WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL (INSHALLAH) BE WITH YOU AGAIN MAMA...

 Wherever she is right now, this is my tribute and my message to her...

"I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day and through

In that small cafe
The park across the way
The children's carousel
The chestnut trees, the wishing well

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you"

Truth about Vintage

At the beach with my 2 best friends... the girls that bring me much happiness... much love.. much peace. I walk down Hout Bay Beach front holding this tiny body, embracing the ocean's breeze and I once again, realise how blessed I am to be their mother.  

So as I reflect on motherhood and how amazing it is to be sharing this life with 2 little human beings that will someday grow into adults, go into the world to do their "thang", I also have to admit that being a mommy is hard work. It will continue being hard work because a mother's job never ends. 

There are many instances where women become depressed and overwhelmed by this role. Its okay, its normal. It does NOT make you a bad person in any way. 

Personally, I've been lucky enough to have family and friends who are extremely supportive. So that's why I am able to "take a break" every now and then. Not from being a mommy, but time to do things I enjoy. How can we expect our children to love themselves if we do not take the time to love and appreciate ourselves.

As you know, one of my many passions, besides politics, religion, culture, psychology, spirituality, MUSIC and the list is never ending, I take time out to SHOP! And by SHOP, I mean for makeup and clothing and shoes and accessories.

So on the days that I "take a break" I attend events like "The Vintage Market" which generally happens once a month. 

The most recent one I've attended was hosted at Truth Coffee Headquarters in Buitenkant Street in Town. 

And my beautiful sister, Maryam, decided to join me....

Besides the awesome coffee, the setting and the atmosphere is ALWAYS dope! 

At this vintage market with so much legendary items to choose from, I purchased this hippie style dress and this genuine leather patched vintage bag. 

So here's my TRUTH... 

I love being a mother. I love vintage. Most of all, I love being ALIVE.