When I was 12 I was in Australia visiting my Uncle who is married to a lovely Lebanese woman. This was actually my very first trip abroad.
We went to visit some of my aunts family and her old aunties were doing “readings” in coffee cups.
I had my reading done – and the lady said – you will be travelling a lot…….
When I travel, I often think about this moment – recently I have done quite a lot of it…both thinking and travelling..
10 days ago I was in South Africa and in Madagascar.
In South Africa I visited a beautful familiy that I met 2 years ago in Italy – they took me to see an elephant conservatory and I got a big wet sloppy kiss from an elephant… I was very much out of my comfort zone… even just touching this big incredible animal felt a little scary
but my friend just took my hand and said … YES you will do it.
It was pure magic… I had an amazing time both with the lovely Condy family and feeling the inspirational vibe of this city and country so very different to my little Denmark.
We went to an fabulous market in Johannesburg called The Neighbour Goods Market - it happens every Saturday from 9 to 16 – where the organizers have rented 2 floors in a parking lot and transforms it into a scumptious food market… so simple and amazing ! Pure everyday magic moment. If I had the time I would love to organize something like this in my town…The concept is lots of different stalls with beautiful homemade food and drinks, you can buy from every stall and just sit at long tables eat – drink and do some people watching…
One of my favorite products was the “R.I.P Diet” chocolate cake……
After a few days I was off to Madagascar – to the beautiful red island…. more on this tomorrow
Warm regards
C
10 days ago I had a small operation on my eyelids – they had become very heavy, and it had been bothering me for quite some time…
Finally I made up my mind and booked the appointment. I was really busy up until 30 minutes before the surgery and I really did not take much time to think or worry about it. I have many friends who have had this done – and none of them made a great fuss about it.
The last 30 minutes before the surgery, I managed to get myself in high alert state… suddenly worrying deeply about my sight . My vision and my ability to see things is my core strength and also my business. I tried to breathe all the best I know and stay calm – but I was really really hot, sweaty and worried.
45 minutes later it was all over – and everything went perfectly well – I will not compare it to childbirth, but it was definetly not 45 minutes of fun either!
I have had lots of different, but necessary operations done over the years – I could talk for days and nights telling the story of my scars (I promise I won’t) – but this is the first time I have “SELF INFLICTED” surgery..
Staying home for a few days gave me lots of time to think… and actually also time to make me realize, that even if I sometimes dream of being a stay home mum – it is a great thing it never happened.
It is strange that you suddenly start thinking a lot about your senses and how connected we are to them – that moment I thought to myself, I’d rather loose my hearing than my vision…. but in fact it also really made me appreciate that I do not have to choose.
I’m so happy about my little “intervention” and I really feel I can see everything much more clearly now.
All this mostly to say – appreciate all your senses…. See, listen, smell, taste, touch… it’s the wonders of true everyday magic moments…
I had to stay some days at home and after 5 days I was so restless – saying to my husband; I am bored, our lives are boring… I need adventure, new horizons! Let’s move to LA – let’s do this, let’s do that……
Our kids are never home – they are these great little perfect social happy outgoing beings, that don’t really worry about their Mother being bored…..
Luckily I was soon free of my stitches and went to Munich for the launch of my book – and now I am back to being happy – I can SEE clearly that my life is not boring at all……..
More on Munich tomorrow
xxx
C
I am so often asked what inspires me.
For me inspiration is everywhere and often in the little things. A tour on the vegetable market, a nice combination of colors on a house, a beautiful dish, a blue sky… A smile, a lovely old well groomed lady with lipstick, funny words…The most important is to keep your eyes and heart open – and inspiration is everywhere.
Take a look at some pictures I took last week from Nice, mixed with Rice - Moments of Everyday Magic in the little things…
What inspires you ?????
text by Joëlle Wehkamp
In the Netherlands we have a tradition on new years day to jump into the ice cold sea. It’s a big happening! On different spots along the dutch coast people are running into the sea to start the year clean and fresh. Since January first 2012 I see it as a personal tradition too! I felt so good and sparkling after my first NY dip! Just with the two of us on an empty beach, excited and a bit scared! A mix of laughter and adrenaline through my body. Once you are standing in your colourful bikini on the beach it isn”t that cold at all. And when you go for it, it just gives you such an energy boost! Every cell in your body is twinkeling, screaming, laughing and excited at the same moment. Just a perfect start of a new year! Actually, you can do it when ever you want and feel like it. Like Charlotte and I did last year. Just in between meetings a lovely cold dip! You should try it too, it feels so good!!
I am a fun-loving colorful person – always looking for Everyday magic in everything I do.
Charlotte, Founder and creative director of RICE.
Joëlle Wehkamp
