Sporadic Poetry...

Morning Visitor

I woke up early when the air was cold 

tip-toe, tip-toe my feet rush against the icy floor

disheveled and unkempt, the morning envelops it's visitor

Anticipation bubbles eagerly in the quiet

and its energy tickles the fingertips

it edges me to hurry on 

My steps quicken

to meet you

As thoughts cloud a sleepy mind

drunk with emotion, dizzy amidst the daydream

To taste the kindness that lives on your lips,

feel the sincerity of your touch 

to hear kindness so leisurely given 

to share the innocence of your company

for a moment to feel free.

 Just Janel

Take a walk in my shoes

This post is going to be quite "wordy", forgive me, but I think that you may be able to relate and learn quite a bit from some my mistakes, so that maybe you will not make them too...

I used to be one of those girls who never said no. And sadly, even when I said "no", it would not remain so for long. This filtered into my relationships too, making it more difficult to realise the fault.
It did not make me happy, nor did I succeed at my quest to bring joy to those around me. I would spend many days feeling depleted and robbed of energy, my complaints were endless and I wondered why I never quite managed to be...happy.  My need, sadly, was coupled with an inability to set inadequate boundaries.  A few bad decisions culminated in three years of my valuable life in an emotional war-zone. I realise now that in truth I had given away so much power to those around me, that I lost sight of my own strength. I now know that this strength, once lost, is hard to gain back, because the worst form of dis-empowerment, is that which we inflict on ourselves, because it is then that we become truly vulnerable to negativity and influence.

Boundaries, depending on the household in which you were reared, are either natural or learnt. I had to learn the hard way, as many of us do. A few months ago, as my life seemed to tumble around me, I re-evaluated my idea of boundaries. Though this is not always met with praise, I have come to respect myself enough to give power to my choices.

So start small, ask yourself what you accept and what is non-negotiable. Remember that your time, whether spent well or poorly; will impact your life and either make you happy or deplete you. Protect your emotional house, friends, and make the kind of choices that will help you move forward positively and happily.

Just Janel

Every now and then I get into a frame of mind that only a good night out on the town can save me from. We all get that way, I think.Those days when life becomes too serious and it feels as though you have to keep each ball spinning, lest they all fall. With two productions coming up and many other responsibilities, I know when to take time out for me.

So off I went with my besty, Patrick, to one of my favorite bars in town, Alexanders. Here an older eclectic crowd seeks temporary release and allows a distraction from the seriousness of life for just a little while. Quirky and cosmopolitan, of course I would love it there! Drinking Gluhwein and playing with an old typewriter I began to loosen, awaken, and allow my own freedom.

This new found state of freedom and release turned into me writing; something which, apparently, comes naturally to me in that particular state of mind *wink wink*. My poem, honest and truthful, read:

Follow me my love, 

follow me if you love me

I will give you my heart

if you just follow the scent of my sweet kisses

my lips shall lead you there

follow the soul you know can't hide...

those truths, those thoughts, those fantasies

follow me, my love

follow me

Feeling jolly, Beefcakes called to us for more laughs. Warm blooded and in all it's glory, it proved visually satisfying! Who could protest against those rock-hard abs;-)

We spent the rest of our evening dancing, dancing away the week's concerns. Yes we danced, for often that is all you need, often that is the simplest cure for a tired heart.

All my love

Just Janel

The result of my creativity.

Boy! Do I look happy to be there...

Gluhwein awakening my senses!

A laugh, a tear and a little Carrot Cake?

Do visit Michael's in Campground Road in Rondebosch

Desperate for comfort food and friendship from an old dear friend, Timothy and I went-a-visiting a place he believes sells the best carrot cake in town! I know this particular friend as someone who enjoys discovering new restaurants and enjoying good food so I trusted his opinion. Well, as it turns out, I am inclined to agree that it was indeed one of the best I have yet tasted, but what I loved most about this particular place called "Michael's" is the intimacy it seems to create with its space. You are served with the greatest care and yet still afforded the privacy needed for a great chat!

And chat we did! Tim and I have the kind of friendship that no matter how much time has passed, we talk as though none has passed at all! We share experiences and the conversation becomes as addictive as watching a new series! Well this conversation felt like this particular series had six seasons, we were on episode one and there was still so much to discover!  So we talked and talked...and talked and toward the end I thought to myself, this is what life is about! The friendships, the mutual respect and ...the carrot cake!

So if you have time, call up that old friend of yours, the one you have been thinking about for a while. Make some time for a laugh and a tear... and share some cake!

Take my word for it!

Just Janel

Absolutely Delicious! 

A personalised Thank-you!

Thank you for the support! Here is a personalised message to thank you for you continued interest in my blog!

Much Love to all of you!

Just Janel

I'm a Wanderer at heart...

Cosmopolitan City Wanderer 

Every day of my student life I seem to discover bits and pieces of this beautiful city that make me fall deeper and deeper in love with it's effortless beauty. Whether it be the forgotten little store in Woodstock that sells off the rack designer labels for a mere fraction of their value, or the second hand book seller in Green Market Square in the heart of the CBD, who has a personal relationship with each book in his collection. May be it be the vendor on the street with the latest knock-off sunglasses or the vintage store that seems to house so much clothing history it feels as though it is bursting at the seams. It is rich...so very rich, in diversity and culture and if you took the time to look around; Cape town- this little city at the tip of Africa, could change your life and your vision. 

With so much political history, South Africa has managed to come together in a beautiful tapestry of colours. It is unique and walks bravely forward into the future...strengthened by what it has already faced. This is what I feel when I experience the beauty of Cape Town. With the Mother City's winter sun lighting Long Street, I take in all it's wanders...touching it's fabrics and drinking it's wine. I am filled to the brim with a gratitude for it's hidden, undiscovered treasures.  

From the Mother City, with Love

Just Janel

A city wanderer fulfilled!

A book store on Long Street...the silence and utter peacefulness of the store makes it feel as though it is possible to breathe in each word written on the pages of these books.

The Second time Around Store in Long Street.

The organised chaos at Mabu Vinyl...so much to discover #Priceless

Two little residents of The Second Time Around store on Long Street! What an eventful day indeed!



Till the next adventure...

Just checking in to send you some love!

Happy Wednesday everyone! I'll be adding a new blog post soon, so don't lose hope!

Till then, be awesome!

Just Janel