Strelitzia / Crane Flower / Bird of Paradise Flower

Plants are definitely not my speciality, and to be completely honest, the only plant names I really know are Daisies, Carnations, Roses...and I think that's about it. Don't even ask me what their scientific names are! Nope...won't do you any good.

But, because of my love for anything science fiction, supernatural, story-like and presented in a colourful, action-packed, adrenaline pumped movie setting, I tend to stumble across little pockets of information, handed to me by gifted script-writers and storytellers. This information usually prompts me to dust off my own investigative tendencies, inspiring me to do some research of my own, filling in the blanks and broadening my horizons.

One such 'pocket of information' is contained in a story-arc in the Farscape series. The Scarrans are a fierce and formidable enemy of a faction of Sebaceans, called Peacekeepers, who have taken it upon themselves to patrol and police a galaxy unreachable by standard human (intergalactic) transportation. Both the Scarrans and Sebaceans (99% human) fight for the right to 'own' the Unchartered Territories of their Universe.

However, the Scarrans are physically and mentally much more advanced (and downright scary) than the Sebaceans. Which brings me to the Strelitzia Flower. This plant single-handedly gives the Scarrans the mental upper-hand, and by ingesting it, they ensure that they stay in control of most of the Universe. But, it's in very short supply, which brings us to a big plot development when they realize in (to them) a 'galaxy far far away, on a planet called earth...and in a country called South Africa', this plant grows freely! Dum-dum-dum!!!!

Okay...so, that little bit of a back story, was done in part to explain to you why I'm sitting behind my computer, smiling, snickering and laughing at my natural train of thought....

I had just walked past the bathroom at my work...and the chosen flower for decoration? You guessed it: Strelitzia! And my very first thought was: "Scarran food!!!"

I love randomness!!

Wanda

The Curious Case Of ... Me

I am positive my life is a science fiction movie/novel/story.

I'm serious. Some of you probably snickered, but don't, because I'm not joking.

My mind, my spirit, the essence of who I am, is ageing backwards. The things, emotions, moments, memories and expectations that excite me have changed so much over the last 6 years, it's amazing to look back and see how far I've come. Motivational to say the least!!

What makes it hard, is the fact that people don't expect you to change at the age of 31. There is an unwritten social code that requires you to fall into a certain rhythm by a certain age, but everything inside of me rebels against it...and I'm not planning on fighting it.

I'm different. Want to get to know me? Awesome...take a shot at it!

Luvya

Wanda

Anticipate, Excite

When you go on holiday, or a trip of some kind, or even just for a long overdue visit, there is almost certainly always a feeling of anticipation and expectation...usually in the pit of your stomach!

I've been back in South Africa for almost 10 months now. It sounds like a long time...and it is...but it feels so extremely short! (I actually counted the months on my fingers just now, and I was surprised at the number...it felt like yesterday when I stepped off the plane).

Which brings me to the irritation I'm feeling. It's been 10 months, for goodness sake! I haven't even found a proper job (not for lack of trying, mind you), and I honestly feel as if my life is not picking up the pace; nothing's happening (once again, not for lack of trying). It's extremely annoying and I'm feeling a certain amount of impatience creeping up inside of me. At this point, I just need to say that, in order to do things, go places and build a life, you need money (duh), so I end up having to put a lot of things on hold because quite a few things will only fall in place once I have a full-time, full-salary, full-contract job. I think we can all relate to this, yes?

But, the most awkward thing has nested inside of me. Truly, no jokes, I can't shake an overwhelming feeling of anticipation and excitement for what I know is going to happen. Let me clarify...I don't know WHAT is going to happen, I just know SOMETHING is going to happen.

It may sound ridiculous, because, let's be honest, I don't think I'm making TOO much sense at the moment...but that's okay...I understand me! Ha-ha!

Still, I'm constantly reminded that I was born for such a time as this, and that there are plans in place to prosper me, not to harm me.

So, I think it's Divine excitement and anticipation. Absolutely!

Interesting Week

My life back here in South Africa is definitely very different from the life I had in London. And I specifically say London, because the buzz of the city has changed me in such a way, that I now miss it!

But!!! There are many other things that has come into my world now. A week ago I had the privilege to change the world of some awesome people. A husband and wife has taken it upon themselves to be the mom and dad for 22 abandoned children. They live on a farm, not to far from where I live, and 20 of the young people at our church went to go and visit them last Saturday. We took plants, party hats, sweets balloons and all our muscle and in the process we gave them a beautiful garden, had lots of fun with the kids and got really really dirty! It was so much fun!

And the Friday before that, we had a Worship event together with two other churches. I jumped, sang and went crazy...of course!!

And I had the most awesome pizza last Saturday. I went to this really nice Pizzeria for a friend's birthday (have never been there before), and firstly, the service was excellent, the pizza was extremely tasty and even though I don't really drink wine, I had the loveliest semi-sweet white wine...tropical fruit and guava...yum! (Oh, and on my way there, I drove out from under a BMW...which is pretty cool, because I have a 1989 Citi Golf Sport...but it's an 1800, so I feel like the bomb when I drive around in it!)

And then I came down with the flu...which is quite funny, because in the five years I lived in London, I never used to have even a cold that was remotely this bad. I had to stay in bed all of yesterday (and sit upright at night...just so I could breathe...LOL!) Anyway, it's better now, because my best friend at Camp in the US sent me a package and I got it yesterday.

Right, if this sounds like mindless blabbing, I blame the flu!!

Wanda