Challenges ....

..... Linda and Rosie have been issuing challenges these past two weeks and these are my responses .... a Matchbox Book. Rather finicky but great fun!!!!!

This was the first challenge. I used the water, acrylic paint and coarse salt technique on the paper. Yes I got messy and I thoroughly enjoyed myself making this, my first Shrine.

I did have hysterics trying to photograph these! We had sunshine but rather strong winds blowing and so if my photography is not up to scratch, it's because I'm a lousy photographer!

I cannot blame the wind or the sunshine!

Have a wonderful week!

Huge hugs and love to all and thank you to all who've sent encouraging e-mails and left lovely comments.

Denise

oxoxox

Another Attempt .....

…. At An Arch!

It's not finished yet! I can’t seem to get the journaling quite right!

This young lass doesn’t look too unhappy that the bird cage is empty.
I think she had something to do with the Great Escape!
Maybe that’s what I and perhaps others need this weekend and that’s to ‘just escape’. Let’s enjoy and appreciate our families and ‘never mind the weather, as long as we are together!’

Big hugs and loads of love to all and a most sincere thank you to all who have left such great and wonderful comments. I really do appreciate them.
Denise
oxoxox

To all ...

... who are having to cope with devastation and uncertainties, this is for you.

Believe it or not .... there is light on the horizon. Thank you Rod. Perhaps this is not what you intended but this is how I interpreted your wonderful art.
Healing thoughts to all
Denise
oxoxox

OK, whoever ……

….. stole, nicked or nabbed this past week, please,

kindly return it, in slow motion, so that I may try to catch up!!!

Sheeesh kebab! I don’t keep a diary as such (far too incriminating) and I can’t fathom where the time went! I know there is a saying that goes something like, ‘The older one gets the faster time seems to go.’ But this is ridiculous! I am only 33 plus 20 years experience :)
Have a great, rest of the weekend!
Hugs and love to all and thanks so much for all your comments.

Denise
oxoxo

Big OOPS !!!

I totally forgot the sole reason for going back into the wild!!!

........ it was to get this monkey for Michelle LOL !!!

Thanks again to SA Tourism.

These little blighters don't sit still for a second!

Enjoy Michelle, this one's for you!

Hugs

Denise

oxoxox

I’m back …..

…. from the wild! What a glorious time we had. Did absolutely, very little!!! My tail-end does feel a bit like a car seat but it was totally worth it. We visited with my FIL and his wife who live on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park. The ‘town’ is called Marloth Park which is actually a game reserve.

So we had daily visits from warthog (I couldn't get a decent pic of these so thanks to SA Tourism for this one)
and zebra at our cottage.

At the folks place we were treated to visits from a very shy duiker (again thanks to SA Tourism)

and a genet !!!

On our trip into the Park on Tuesday, we saw lion, cheetah, hyaena, elephant, buffalo, kudu, impala, klipspringer, hippo, crocodile and a host of different birds. It was like Christmas!!!

This is how close we were to this 'not yet fully grown' pussy cat !!!

Marloth Park is extremely dry and grazing is almost non-existent. They are hopefully coming out of a severe drought (it started drizzling when we left on Friday) and chronic food shortage. Some of the buck are in a very poor condition and are suffering from TB. I took a pic of a very sick and emancipated impala and forwarded it to the Chief Ranger and received a reply from him explaining the TB situation. He also explained the death of so many buck due to 'well-meaning' people feeding the animals maize, wheat and other human food left overs. With maize and wheat, it ferments in the animal's stomach which causes it to explode and the end result is a very painfull death for the animal.

Oh dear, I really didn't mean to end on such a sad note but I was extremely distressed seeing these poor animals suffering so.

So to brighten up, a huge smile and thank you to all who have left me comments. I really do appreciate. Have a wonderful 'rest of the weekend' and let's greet Monday morning with a 'spring' in our step!

Huge hugs and loads of love to all

Denise

oxoxox

Heron Dance

I've added a link HeronDance to my Inspiration List. Please check it out. Rod does the most amazing paintings and his words are from the heart!

This picture certainly does not do his work the justice it deserves so please visit the site to see it in all it's glory.

Hugs to all

Denise
oxoxox

Javablu Award ....

I have received a wonderful award, the Javablu Award from the lovely sweet and creative Ana
Thank you so much.

Here are the rules for the Javablu Award:

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs.
4. Before listing the nominees give a brief reason why you chose them.
5. Put links of those blogs on yours.
6. Leave a message on the blogs you have nominated.

These fabulous ladies inspire me regularly with their wit and wisdom and creative talents and they are always willing to share.

This is for you ...

Chriss
Michelle
Candace
Cookie
Jaqi
Karen

Thank you to all who have posted comments. They are always most welcome and appreciated!

Huge Hugs and Loads of Love

Denise

oxoxox