And so,... Kelsey had her 1st birthday party today - Daddy is exhausted, the two girls are passed out and Mommy,... Well, Mommy ate too much cake and can't sleep.
Thank God for bbm, FB and blogging ; )
It was a stunning party and the people we love were there - we were truly blessed :)
Take Care,
Sandy Bigara
(Cake Boss Extraordinaire)
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
What is the world coming too??
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
I have found a 'Fashionista' from the City of Gold who is happy to ramble on about fashion occasionally :) yay!
I decided to introduce him with an interview - he is young, vibrant and seems to really have his eyes and heart set on taking the fashion scene by storm. He has an unusual style and his Motto is "Be Yourself No Matter What They Say" (yes, I know its a Phil Collins song but it says it all!! Be yourself!!)
So here it is: Watch this space for Damien's Ramblings when and if he feels like it!
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1. Let's get the ball rolling! What is your name?
"Hi There I'm Damien Strydom."
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2. Tell us, what is your FAVE accessory and why?
"So many! Eyeliner is probably the best. It can make you look amazing in seconds without fuss and mess. Plus it's small so can fit anywhere really."
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3. Awesome tip! I can't LIVE without my eyeliner! Ok, so... Your fave restaurant?
"In Johannesburg there is a local pizza/pasta restaurant called 'Pizza Luna' it is based in Sandton. It's extremely healthy and so delicious! They use the freshest toppings and the most delicious bases! Plus 2 Large Pizza's For R105.00! The service there is amazing!"
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4. Yay for great food! And now,... where are you based?
"In Johannesburg, West Rand. But still have Durban Blood!"
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5. Where is your dream holiday and why?
"Tough choice! Probably New York City. I really enjoy seeing all the energy in Time Square during the day. The fashion is another reason. I would love to go during NYC fashion week. Also to grab a hot dog on the side of the road seems pretty impressive. I would die to go and watch a Broadway Show. I've always watched the Broadway Shows on TV since I was young... And of course to go and dine in The Statue Of Liberty at night time and overlook the city."
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6. For all of our readers,... Fashion tip of the week??
"Black Blazers (mostly shoulder padded) with black studded leggings are a must have.
This compliments your figure while making you look like a million dollar bill.
Add a white or black top underneath - mostly white - so you can add some chunky necklaces (colourful of course!) to brighten up your look.
Add a pair of heels that either match the black or colour of the jewellery. Or if your prefer add a pair of flats, or studded/jewelled flops.
With this look you can run errands during the day or hit the town with this look at night.
Remember to be yourself! You have to love what you see in the mirror!"
Thanks Damien!
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Damien is part of the alternative youth scene in South Africa and will give us all a good idea of emerging fashions and places to shop! He will be on the prowl doing undercover critiques of Fashion Boutiques everywhere... And I'm sure that a restaurant critique or two will creep in somewhere *insert evil laugh* looking forward to some fun reading!
Welcome Damien!
Ta xxx
Sandy Bigara
PS. If YOU would like to write for 'sandyramblings' I'm looking for a Durban 'Fashionista' and a Durban 'Music Scene Queen'... Leaves me to do all the yummy FOOD stuff *sigh* :)
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We, as a family, are delving into the possibility of immigration. In order to do so we are having to frequent places like Home Affairs in Umgeni rd and... You guessed it. Police Stations...
Now, I existed within rather turbulent 1990's (with a few family issues not of my doing) We had need of Police assistance a few times... Now, I have no real concrete memory of all of the events. But as a result I am always nervous around Police officers or Police Stations. Silly really. The Police helped us. But still, the fear is there nonetheless. Now in 2011, we are constantly hearing horror stories of Police brutality, of corruption etc. in the upper echelons of the Police rank... which does nothing for my little irrational phobia of the men in blue.
On Friday (after avoiding it successfully for at least 6 weeks) we went in to the Greenwood Park Police Station SAPS. As we approached I was so nervous, but hid it well via incessant chatting... My first impression was an auditory "Mmph!" of pleasant surprise - beautiful red brick buildings set in a green and neat garden setting! We walked into the first room, high ceilings, yellow wooden floors - finger printing - and were made to feel so comfortable. So comfy in fact, that our one conversation went like his:
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Officer: Mr Bigara, have you ever stolen anything?
Sandy: Yes, he has.
Officer: *awkward silence*
Sandy: He stole my heart ten years ago.
Francis: Never getting it back! *laughs*
Officer: Now that's no crime!!
All: *Cue laughter*
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So, I can say, I was much happier.
We then had to make a payment of R117 cash. Exact amount only. We had R200 in 2 R100 notes... The lady in finance thought we were mentally insane when we came back with "Car Guard Coins" and, giggling like idiots, managed to scrape together R116.74 - She said it was fine (whew) and we giggled our way back to finger printing. We were treated with respect.
After prints we needed to get about 16 or so documents certified and get some affidavits drawn up. We made our way into the general enquiries room and were met by the friendly Constable Erick Zenzele Chonco. Now Const. Choncho was patient, friendly, assisted us properly and even found us a pen(that worked). By the time we had verified everything, stamped everything, written out two affidavits and chatted up a storm, getting good advice - we had also met some of the other officers on duty - all were friendly and made us feel so very welcome.
By the time we made our way back to the car we were relaxed, happy and were even waved off by the efficient Const. Chonco.
As a person who has spent 15 years in fear of the SAPS and Police Stations - I must extend my hand and say "THANK YOU" for taking time to help two bumbling artists who didn't *really* know what they were doing. Your hard work and attention to detail made sure that we got everything done properly, your kindness left us literally stunned and so pleased.
Thank you to all who helped us. More Police Stations could learn a lesson from Greenwood Park - you guys are fantastic and we commend your work.
Pop in to have a look at their website: http://www.saps.gov.za/
Have a great day!
Sandy Bigara
www.facebook.com/sbigara
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
The best alternative to actually going to her Gallery is to visit her site or facebook profile and gorge your eyes on her visual feast... Her art is fresh, whimsical, fun, tasteful, creative, flamboyant, poignant, and at times, a touch sad - she makes environmental commentary with some of her works.
I have thoroughly enjoyed looking through her artwork and I know that you will too.
Here are some of her contact details:
Website:
www.african-artist.co.za
Email:
african.artist@gmail.com for ATT: Michele
Phone:
0727600088
Location:
BLOUBERGRAND, 7441 Cape Town, South Africa
Facebook Profile:
Michele Batchelder
Facebook Fan Page:
Michele Batchelder - African Artist
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Current News:
ART EXHIBITION
Dates:
Friday July 8th 10:30am till late
until
Sunday July 10th 10:30am till 4:30 pm
Open from around 10am till late evening.
Location:
Atlantic Beach Golf Estate
Melkbosstrand, South Africa
Artists Exhibiting:
MICHELE BATCHELDER, ANN KEEHAN and KIM SCHOEMAN.
In support of:
The JUKANI WILDLIFE PREDATOR PARK fundraising effort. 10% of all sales will be donated to the fund. Visit www.jukani.co.za to learn more about the park and see how you or your organisation can get involved in fundraising.
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A Quick Look At The Artist:
The following are excerpts from her Biography, they capture her character so well:
"I am an artist, I have breathed art, dreamed art and done art since I was about 3yrs old...so that is a long, long time. I was born in the desert of Namibia in August 1958, and some how still remember the millions of pink flamingos on the white beaches. I must have been about 18 months old then... Hey! I think the 'pink thing' must have started then... maybe... just thought of that now!..."
"...Most of my life was spent in KZN where at the age of 15 I began a 3 year Fine Art course, which I completed in 1976..."
"...Although I continued to paint and do all sorts of arty and crafty stuff, my career really only began after I had my two gorgeous kids... who are now 27 and 24.
Around 1989 life threw a few curved balls my way, and I was forced to either go out and find a 'job' or create my own income from what i knew i could do..."
"...I LOVE my job, wouldn't have it any other way! No traffic jams, usually no alarm clocks... but I still put in at least 12hrs or so a day, which is more than most people I know..."
"...Once i had started painting, and sold the first few little paintings I had done... and being the Virgo that I am, I decided that I had to create my very own distinctive style... something which was recognisable as my work. So I played and painted, and played some more and FINALLY purely by accident "it" happened!
Something I'd visualised since the age of 12.... I did it!..."
"...I think, being a true "born to be" artist means that your head works 24/7/365... you never really stop 'working'..."
"...I am totally inspired by the wide open spaces of the West Coast... (Cape) The stark landscapes which explode into colour in spring... the turquoise, aqua, cobalt, azure, etc. etc. etc. of the sea... The wind that transforms the shape and the direction of the growth of a tree! (they all look like they're heading north....fast!)..."
"...I have a Gallery... A small one on the beach... I have rented a stunning apartment, where I can gaze at the ocean, smell the salt air and have (almost) uninterrupted views of the sea..."
"...My patio is my studio... So summer is wonderful... winter a little fresh, but plans get made. I can gaze at the ocean and paint all day... way into the evening..."
"...I have also started teaching... different classes to all the existing ones around..."
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Michelle encourages freedom and expression in her classes and has quite a waiting list. Contact her to find out more.
I hope that you 'friend' her on facebook, 'like' her page and encourage her! 'Local' is, in this case, extremely 'Lekker!'
Sandy Bigara
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
Spog.
Spog Weni.
Spog Weni Flem.
Spog Weni Flem Festival.
Let it roll off your tongue, you won't forget it. I hope to see/hear LOTS of people supporting and motivating this - we need more platforms like these for our artists! Well done to Maryse Goodwin and Byron Love!
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One fun fact: If you want to see MELANIE LOWE and KINGS AND QUEEN performing, then go to the group and motivate!!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Music Festival:
Spog Weni Flem Festival 2011
Date:
06 October at 14:00
till
09 October at 14:00
Venue:
"By the Way"
18km Inland from Ballito
(Kwazulu Natal)
Tickets:
http://tickets.overtone.co.za/category/general-keywords/zephyr
Line-Up:
(Some of the artists appearing at the festival)
Axel Batsch
Krystle Temmerman
Rob Warren Band
Rowan Stuart
*Approvals are being announced LIVE on the Facebook Group wall. Very exciting!
The following quote is taken from the Facebook Group that has 1353 members ...and growing every day.
"Spog Weni Flem Festival was born and created to host a platform for our home grown talented Bands and Musicians, after months of location hunting, local North Coast muso Byron Love showed me a venue that totally took my breath away and I knew there and then I wanted to share with all, and that is where Spog Weni Flem Festival was born. The meaning behind the Festival name is "Spog Weni" - Comes from the days many years ago when there was a railway line and all the sugar cane farmers sent their cane from the different farms for transport to the Sugar Mills. So the actual word Spog Weni means junction. Hence a place of "Meeting"
When I asked the following questions:
Toilets? Food? Family friendly? Day/Night performances? Amatikiti? I got these fantastic answers:
- Yes, toilets will be there.
- There will be food stalls and a crafters market.
- The Festival is definitely family friendly!
- There are day-time and night-time performances.
- Please check out www.tickets.overtone.co.za or the Overtone website for tickets and prices. See you there!
Sounds good to me!
Will *you* be going?
Take care,
Sandy Bigara
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you!
