The Weekly Fruit Salad 03

Fruit Salad? Well fruit is healthy for you, naturally that is number 1… number 2 is the fact that this week was jam packed with incredible, inspiring, amazing, wonderful, wise posts (did I go a bit wild with the description? Naaaah it’s all true!).

So please note from this day forth you are all fruits in the fruit salad of life, which type you are is to your choosing and yes there are some nuts along the way…

Before I really get into this here fruit salad of amazing posts I just want to shock everyone, I know, doesn’t it sound scary! First things first I’ll admit that I do read religious posts but I never comment on them, apologies for this. Reason? There are many which I am not going to get into during a fruit salad. This week was literally a “crazy” one because when you take into effect what I have just said, me commenting on 3 such blog posts is almost enough to give the few people that know me seriarse heart attacks. I shan’t give you a full description just go read if you’re curious

~ Lessons from the man born blind by !* Emphatic Asterisk

~ We all come from the same place, God and Evolution hand in hand by AmberMoon

~ Why be a Christian? by Cydonia Mensae

Ok breathe I know the shock was a bit much but you’ll get over it well enough with Psychscribe’s post Relationships can be so hard part 2. Yes it is the follow up to last weeks part 1 so all I will say is *ahem* I’ve realised a few things… too embarrassing to say here so just head over there if you really want to know.

*calm*

Right now I just have to say that I have been shocked beyond belief with the revelation that Egypt is in fact not in Africa, I know, it’s rather shocking isn’t it. Wow, now that feels good to get off my chest phew!

Now there is a good question that keeps popping up in my mind (yes it sometimes works)… how and why would such a world renown company such as Kellogg’s come up with such a dangerous concept “lego snacks“? Well anyway’s all I know is when I come to answering Joy’s question about What my favourite cereal is… I can only answer with a resounding Lego Snacks. Besides if you really think about it Lego food could quite possibly save a whole nation if not the world!!! I am dead seriarse here and now with Ilegirl’s addition of Biofuel, well, its surely a done deal!

Ah we must never stop dreaming, so important to life and yet so often we tend to get so caught up in living in the past or present that the future, our wants, our dreams get forgotten. I am born dreamer, perhaps this is unrealistic but one day I will, and I mean will, land on the Moon for a spot of wine (a spot).

A friend of mine said to me recently that it is never too late to begin. Sometimes, as I said above, life grabs us, throws us into a situation and we start following that road and before we know it our dreams have been pushed under the carpet with no hope of seeing sunlight ever again. The one thing we must always remember though is that life happens when we make other plans, if we want to do something we must go out and try, if life throws us beans and we can’t stand them grab an apple and take a bite. Congrats Martha, I hope it all comes off and this time next week we’ll be hearing that news … dreams do come true, when the time is right anything is possible! You can do it girlfriend!

In the mood for a dinner party? A little while ago I set up a skype chat room for bloggers but be warned if you venture in there it’s at your own risk, I hold no accountability for what takes place there. Following on with a similar theme Single for a Reason has started doing dinner parties with her readers, how awesome is that??? I mean in reality who ever said we can’t have a dinner party that crosses continents, oceans or universes? No one exactly! Last night she had dinner with Razzbuffnik, someone who often has me floored by his indepth knowledge of art and humour.

My mind really boggled at her Intersections Named Flood post, not only is the photo-art incredible, the words that follow absolutely amazing! I just love abstracts, less rules, more freedom for the mind to roam, ah the bliss!

Are you a parent? A wanna be parent? Expecting a sample human? Want to own a sample human? Then I think you should first or rather start by reading a little bit about not being superman and the juice on what happens when Momma aint a happy bunny. Yes scary isn’t it? Wait… Here is one specially about the teenage-mutant-syndrome and how to handle it, ok fine, perhaps just one of the many problems you might/will face pretty soon if not already. Personally my chimps will be born with straight-jackets!

While on the topic of strange family happenings and more importantly, relationships, Hayden over at Persistent Illusion has written a book folks (yes you can do the loopy dance), it’s called “The Woman’s Relationship Bible: How I Converted a Romantic Atheist” - how cool is that!!! Good Luck Hayden, I just know it’s going to be a success and no doubt before you know it you’ll be on Oprah! Personally I feel that, once published, this book should be given out at schools world wide, especially to South African men (no offence boys)!

Phew what a week! !* Emphatic Asterisk has also been busy with her incredible creations go check them out, wows!

I can honestly say that AmberMoon’s post “The choices we make… Choosing bad things” got under my skin for some reason. She made mention of something I have been battling with. Her words are so true that I am floored, I can’t even blame it on standing on the snail! Thus I shall go forth and choose the good healthy things and not the bad dingbats. This is all I am saying on the matter and you can’t force me to say anything else other than if you read it you will understand… Just between you and me, I’ve decided to make a sacred contract with myself, for myself, about myself… it is between me and the moon but perhaps more of us should put these contracts in place. Lets start a revolution! Sometimes we just have to let things go … point blank just let them go!

In order to change the subject in a really fast manner, there has been a wealth of incredible poetry, my eyes and soul boggled galore! Cordie’s Silent Secrets and Now I lay down to sleep, Vishesh with his poem The Ever Lasting Observer, Enreal’s The Mist, Glaize with Crossroads, Amandzings I won’t say I told you so … wow WOW wow! You guys always amaze me, your talent seems to know no bounds! Each week I find myself floored with the beauty of knowing such amazing souls exist in this world, your words always so woven and true. Your light shines through like a bright light within the darkness of night!

Hmmm… talking about Secrets… nah sorry I have none apart from the fact that I am truly innocent, but alas, if I were to tell you that what are the chances of you actually believing me?

No, sorry just not going to do it… moving along swiftly

The spirit of Do Do often can lead us into believing the myth of striving to become perfect which in reality is only our perception turning into a deception at the end of a really long hard day. Perhaps Words really do get in the way and we don’t show enough gratitude to those around in the right way.

That’s the fruit salad for the week, many different inspiring fruits to choose from but all in one bowl its wow!

To end I would just like to make a public announcement…

Should you for some reason decide to tag me for any particular Meme please know that you are in reality asking for trouble and I can’t be held accountable for what you get from me. Prime example being my version of Vishesh’s Tag entitled 10 things you didn’t know about me Meme which was then picked up by Ravings from the Shell…. brave? Dare you… End of warning.

… A little bird whispered in my little earball something about me being lazy in the tagging… tsk you forced my hand! Brit in sunny California you’re it!

Ok ok CordieB, Persistent Illusion, AmberMoon, Sorrow, Surface Earth, Deeps, Recovered Bulimic, !* Emphatic Asterisk, Cydonia Mensae, Glaize, Razzbuffnik, Amandzing, A Pot of Gold, Psychscribe, Enreal, Heart to Heart, Ilegirl, Joy Erickson, Lara Gardner’s Weblog, Life and thoughts of a superior being, Meditations, Save Our Species, Single for a Reason, Urban Pixie, Vanessa Leigh’s Blog, Symbolicgodzilla … if you read this here list and I forgot you, apologies, you are also tagged.

… all blame goes to Brit, I take no responsibility as always … I am innocent till proven guilty

Fancy a spot of Golf ladies? Head over to the green but before you do make sure to follow the rules

Laughter really is the best medicine… it can make the rain go away and only come back again on mother’s washing day… why not laugh and if all else fails remember what it was like to learn how to ride a bike!

Thanks to all of you for the many laughs we had this week, the inspiring posts and wisdom! If I forgot anyone of the list, apologies.

A BIG happy birthday to Enreal!

Enreal is turning 85 today folks and yes not one grey hair in sight!

A miracle of life, of beautiful light and a soul that embodies wisdom and inspiration.  Enreal may this day and all those to come be filled with happiness, smiles, laughter, meaningful moments all making happy memories to carry you through your days.

We are blessed to “know” you in this blogging world for you bring us wit, inspire us with your words and warm our hearts with your soul.  Thank you for being you, who you are to us and who you are to the world! Happy Birthday hun!!!

Phew is it another one?

As the weeks pass they just seem to be getting better and better to the point that this morning, while trying to fall out of bed, I found myself unable to walk. Why? Because of a full chockablock week of laughter and inspiration has made my body ache. Oh how I have cried from laughing so hard with tears streaming down my cheeks only to be followed by contemplative thoughts and wisdom. Phew time flies when you are having fun (or is it because I am getting older? Don’t answer)!

So much has taken place, some people have lives and haven’t blogged that much, we’ll forgive them but I have one question for all you quiet ones… Where can I buy a life???

Deeps over at Simply Life N Me has finally written about her views on New York entitled Days passing by… Very informative and had a good giggle at some of her, I mean others, antics. (Note to self… when in NYC take GPS)

You know there is not a week that passes by that I am not either touched or inspired by Enreal words. This week she’s been busy but two posts really stick with me like pollen on the clothes of my heart. Her post on Miracles made me smile and all warm inside with the thought that someone else also believes in them as I do (yes it is now fact that I am not the only crazy one ). Your book is also a must read, the symbology threw me and then made me smile like this –> .

Another poem that caught me into thinking was One Second Please by Vishesh, both thought provoking and well written! Most definitely not to be missed is the one about DM’s pet pig, how cute is that!!!

You remember my post An African Questioned? Well Abroad had (no doubt many) a similar situation except in my books this one was way more funny and a classic with her post I’m Sorry that is Classified. If you want a good chuckle then definitely head over there.

Lindsey over at *! [emphatic asterisk] wrote a number of inspirational pieces this week, this woman’s talent for words, the heart she puts into them and her wisdom never stops astounding me. Her post on Self Mutilation, Self Hatred and Suicide blew me away only to be followed by Modesty is about more than skin which has really stuck with me. Go read her first chapter of the book she’s writing, one day I hope to walk into a book store and buy her book with the biggest grin on my face!

Don’t miss CordieB’s “Spiritual riddle” about all of this, if you’ve ever been there her words will connected with the deepest parts within you, you will find yourself nodding and then perhaps smiling as I did.

Along the same vein Martha over at Recovered Bulimic has written a number of posts that I feel will touch many hearts the world over. Her recovery from one of the biggest diseases to hit this planet is nothing short of pure inspiration, the fact that she is able to share her experiences and what she learnt even more so! Her fairy tale of hope I still smile about, oh how I wish I lived near such a beautifully spiritual place!

Phew I had my eyes opened this week by Persistent Illusion with the students at Harvard, I myself think JK Rowling is inspiring, clever, funny and wise so what if she isn’t a politician. In my books all politicians need to find their hearts perhaps then they will become wise… Ah there were many inspirational posts on this blog for this week alone never mind its entire existence… go have a read you won’t be sorry that is one thing that’s for sure!

I had a good chuckle at @mmonyte’s post The Science of the Bleedin’ obvious and felt encouraged by his post A Rare Beast for the fact that someone in government is standing up for what they believe to be wrong and right. Oh before I forget, this election over in the US is all the buzz! I really do want to get my hands on some of these though, pure genius!

From politics to quotes, Enreal started one of those taggy meme things with his Favourite Quotes which hit a few of us Moi, Sorrow, CordieB and Amberfireinus to name a few (apologies if I have missed you please let me know!!!). If that wasn’t enough I seem to have made a Meme tag thingie out of one of Amber’s posts “Things that make me interesting and unique” which inspired me to take a long look at me, my past and all my quirks (some of them scary). It then got passed onto VanessaLeigh’s Blog, her interpretation of one of my favourite movies versus her life was beyond amazing!

It really does seem like there were a lot of questions asked this week but the most profound was by ifoundme with this one. Simple and yet very thought provoking indeed! Even more profound is Visionary’s Perfection Deception of Perception post (yip a mouthful), I dare you to go do the “test” and count how many balls are being thrown about… go on I dare you!

Hmmm there really have been so many different posts that have inspired me, Speeding to the red light, well it just struck me as prophetically true. How many of us speed through life, multi-tasking and trying to get everything done… spooky … it stops you in your tracks just like a red light, makes you think and head out to smell the roses, excellently written! On a similar note Ilegirl’s post comes to mind about Waste Not Want Not, as we get older boy is it more tough to juggle… I think we need to all get those signs on our forehead that read “Circus Pro Watch OUT!”

Ever suffered from Road Rage? I experience it daily, motorists aiming for me while out being a good civil pedestrian, I mean can they not see my black jacket with the “No Whining” logo on??? When life gets toooo fast then this place comes to mind, it is must be the most beautiful place in the world, I now lie in bed and dream of one day visiting it. Can just see myself practising Tai Chi there.. oh what bliss!

As you know art is one of my great passions, I live it every day and aspire to one day be able to create something that doesn’t look like a dog’s breakfast. I found Single for a Reason™ posts on Anish Kapoor’s work incredible, the way she writes literally pulls you in and puts you right there, smelling, seeing, feeling, it’s definitely an “Oh wows“! Not only art though with Single, this week I got to see a first that I had only ever dreamed of, a spider actually heading towards the moon!!! Yip it sure made sexy Spiderman turn a pleasant shade of emerald green not to mention me!

What? You have not read the Spud series??? You mean to say you have not yet read Part 1, Part 2 or Part 3? You have not lived until you have, I can honestly say that I bruised my ribcage from laughing so hard… ok perhaps it was because I have done similar … ok fine often… but that is just between you and me. BTW Single … SA Spuds say hi

Ok I have been trying to avoid this but I must admit something to you, I lost a bet yesterday with our friend Amberfireinus.. no I am not proud of the fact. It was only one small puff I swear it! But alas she was the sweetest and posted her end of the bet anyway with her post Thank you for smoking - its soooo good for you - yip she’s trying to encourage me to continue smoking! Shock Horror… My end of the bet? Yes the bet I lost entails a disgusting post filled with the most vile images that I still can’t get out of my head Kissing an Ashtray… If you’re brave go for it, just not before lunch ok.

Public Announcement: Brit in California is not addicted to food here is his proclamation!

Oh before I forget! Phew the Personal Ad candidates are coming out in droves, two such possibles contacted Psychscribe go see what you think..

As you can see it has been quite a busy week with so so so many posts that I just loved, if I forgot any please forgive me my brain is small just like Winnie the Pooh says… yes it really is small!

P.S. My jeans are now loose, another kg gone Thank you to all of you that are helping me in my exercise regime… laughing is the best one can get

P.S.S. If you want to do your own review it will make my day, nothing like spreading the wisdom around and am always interested in reading more inspirational or funny posts.. spread the love and never stop smilin’

And to end it all off? I was blonde enough to write this over my last post Whoa what a week… Can someone give me a Noddy Badge? Please? Pretty please? With a cherry on top?

Kissing an Ashtray

Ok so I was meant to give up and FINE I cheated every now and then with a little small eeny teeny puff. Did I feel good after each puff? No, it tasted like I had dragged my tongue over a dirty pavement and then back again. I think it is round about now when I tell you or rather suggest that you don’t read on if you have either a weak stomach or smoke…. the inconvenient truth is not pretty.

I have been smoking since the age of 14, I only really got into it when I was 18, by the age of 21 I smoked 60 a day if not more. I have donated many brain cells to this cause, I am now 29 going on 50.

Nope not joking, 50 is the age of my lungs, 29 the age of everything else (not the liver mind). So here comes the disgusting bit that I really can’t avoid. The lungs on the left is what I should have, the lungs on the right are probably still better than what I have today as I sit here and type this.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Fire & Rain

Amberfireinus‘ post Walking through the fire of your life (a must read!) reminded me of this song, Fire and Rain by James Taylor, an old wise soul to say the least!

PS I am a firefighter, I use love, hope and laughter - the other tools I am still learning

Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can’t remember who to send it to

I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again

Won’t you look down upon me, Jesus
You’ve got to help me make a stand
You’ve just got to see me through another day
My body’s aching and my time is at hand
And I won’t make it any other way

oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you again

I’ve been walking my mind to an easy time
My back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it’ll turn your head around
Well, there’s hours of time on the telephone line
To talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.

oh, I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain
I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I’d see you, baby, one more time again, now

Thought I’d see you one more time again
There’s just a few things coming my way this time around, now
Thought I’d see you, thought I’d see you fire and rain, now

Kung Fu Fighting Anyone?

Well now thanks to another post I can’t get this song out of my head… I put the full blame on Amberfireinus‘ post about the man in her life “A TRUE Man in every sense of the word” … the blame will naturally never fall on my own mind coming up with songs to everything, that just would NOT do!

I also recommend the post in testament to all the real men out there, thank you for being you!

So now my friends I hope to get it stuck in your minds… so that I don’t suffer alone!

Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh
Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting
Those kids were fast as lightning,
In fact it was a little bit frightening,
But they fought with expert timing!
There were funky China men
From funky China town,
they were chopping them oh
they were chopping them down,
It’s an ancient Chinese art,
and everybody knew their part,
from a fainting to a slip
And a kicking from a hit!
Everybody Was Kung Fu fighting, HUH!
Those kids were fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightening,
But they fought with expert timing,
There was funky Billy Ching
And little Sammy Chang
He said; Here comes the big boss! Let’s get it on!
We took ‘em on when they made a stand
started swaying with the hand,
The sudden motion made me skip,
Now we’re in to bending trick!
Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting, HUH!
Those kids were fast as lightning, HAH!
In fact it was a little bit frightening, HUH!
But they did it with expert timing! HAH!
Oh yeah,
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HAH!
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HAH!
(Keep on, keep on, keep on)
Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting, HUH!
Those kids were fast as lightning, HAH!
In fact it was a little bit frightening, HUH!
Make sure you have expert timing! HAH!
Kung FU Fighting! (Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!)
Yeah, fast as lightning (Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HAH!)
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!
(Keep on keep on keep on)
Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh HUH!
Yeah
Everybody was kung fu fighting, yeah

One Soul, One Life

Just read a poem written by Vishesh called One Soul, One Life that has moved me so much, reading it I was covered from head to toe in goosebumps! Tell me if it rings any bells re One World, One Soul

Speechless Vishesh I really am!

Just the way you are

At this time in the morning, still awake, Billy Joel is singing to me and this song just struck a cord within me. In light of recent posts, conversations, you name it - so often we aren’t happy just the way we are, we are forever wanting to change our appearances, our inner selves, who we are never accepting ourselves for our true selves what ever that might be… Yes some change is good but not the changes that we do to make others happy and so I leave you with this song, Just the way you are sung by good old Billy

*Post Note: I feel Amberfireinus has said it exactly the way I meant to in her beautiful post entitled No one is perfect…

Don’t go changing, to try and please me,
You never let me down before,
Don’t imagine, you’re too familiar,
And I don’t see you anymore.

I would not leave you, in times of trouble,
We never could have come this far,
I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times,
I’ll take you just the way you are.

Don’t go trying, some new fashion,
Don’t change the colour of your hair,
You always have my, unspoken passion,
Although I might not seem to care.

I don’t want clever, conversation,
I never want to work that hard,
I just want someone, that I can talk to,
I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew,
What will it take till you believe in me,
The way that I believe in you?

I said I love you, and that’s forever,
And this I promise from the heart,
I couldn’t love you, any better,
I love you just the way you are.

I don’t want clever, conversation,
I never want to work that hard,
I just want someone, that I can talk to,
I want you just the way you are.

Refer Meme…

This Meme was created by Rebecca who passed it on to Amberfireinus which in turn found me … All Meme’s have been interesting but I love this one especially but I am fearful of leaving anyone out!

On any given day I read many blogs all over the world, here are but a few of them… in alphabetical order because I am in a Virgo mood… (please refer to the * at the end should I have missed an alpha ordering)

A Pot of Gold - For her openness to life, for her views on the world around us and her journey…

Amberfireinus - For her amazing wisdom on life, people and the world, for the way she gets you to use your brain and think outside of the box we call home, inspiring us to do more, think more, love more, live more… For tips on how to use power tools and her incredible taste in music…

Lessons of Life and love - For equality, the fight for equal rights, her amazing perspectives on life, spiritual journey’s, friendship and wisdom…

Looking in the Mirror - For Music, photos and spiritual thoughts on life, love and humans…

Persistent Illusion - For her views on Relationships, Life, Spiritual thoughts, Human Nature and much much more…

Psychscribe – For her insights in to life and human nature…

Shibanishenoy - Although she is new to blogging, her spiritual journey and perspectives are inspiring

Simply Life N Me - Mainly for the fact that she doesn’t like Brussel Sprouts the same as me but also for her amazing openness to life, life’s lessons, spiritual growth, her perspectives on the world around us and the real world.

Shush - For religion and culture, her ability get people thinking about the real issues in the world is amazing, every day I take my hat off to her..!

This is Vishesh - For his poetry and the fact that he is an alien amongst humans, his wisdom in someone so young gives me hope in the future world.

As I said I, read many blogs every day all shapes and sizes, for each and everyone I am thankful… on days when I am down you seem to lift me, some days I cry from laughing so hard and others I feel the urge to go out into the sphere and learn more, I grow and continue the evolution of my soul.

*apologies for spellers but I think Microsoft is messing with my Firefox and my tri-focals are somewhere under that lounge chair but I just can’t seem to reach them in the dark now that the light bulb has offically blown… no wait… sorry it is our electricity that has gone off into the ether that is africa!

Before I go… here are the blogs that Amber has recommended - definite must reads!

Amber recommends…..

Brit in California – For unbelievable knowledge about US history, culture and and interesting perspective of everyday American life.

Ilegal – For funny, whimsical, intelligent posts with no rhyme nor reason to them

Ammonyte – For photography, his very dry wit, and the insanity of his sanity. He is also the PC guru network guy to which the rest of us peasants bow. A person to know!

Shush – for her amazing ability to bring Christianity into the modern world without hypocrisy, finger pointing, or bible bashing. She makes it revelent to todays world by using old fashioned values and new street smarts.

Rebecca – for her art, poetry and wisdom in such a young person’s body

Patricia – For the empowerment she gives to others, her wit, charm, sarcasm and style. She is a true Domestic Goddess if there ever were one!

Thatdudeyouknow – for his deep understanding of the bible, his unwavering faith, his love of his family, and his pure child like quality that makes you laugh!

Sanityfound- for her amazing view of our troubled world, her understanding of what it truly is to be colorblind to people, and her absolute craziness.

Paperdreamer – this is our youth of tomorrow at its best. She gives me hope that the generations that are growing up aren’t all missing what is important in life.

Jak – Again another bright beautiful young woman just about ready to take our world by storm. I love reading her posts and views of the world. She is smart off the charts, and writes beautifully.

Psychscribe – for her wonderful insights into interpersonal relationships and to the soul.