The tree of LIFE. Autumn has come and gone faster than I have thought this year. Although many still argue that we do not have 4 seasons, but rather 2, I completely disagree  Johannesburg is the worlds largest man-made forrest so the urban fabric is densely populated with all sorts of beautiful indigenous, but mostly exotic trees. This is the view from my boyfriends apartment. It is magical. I have watched this tree now for the past month, morphologically change from its bright summer green leaves to the burnt amber red in the already dry dusty environment. Its fellow yellow leaves scatter the floor golden, never to be seen again in its life. With this tree I am reminded the beauty of life, and that there is a god out there somewhere... how else could all this happen with no cause? 

New Website

So after a year of procrastination, my website is finally up and running. For now it just has photo's that I have taken - but more of my work will be updated there shortly. 

Please visit -----> www.stefelino.com 

Flower Time

These beautiful "stone" succulents, or lithops are flowering. They are the size of your thumb nail, yet flower this incredible crisp yellow flower. They constantly split or divide in 2, each time flowering, and multiplying. Supposedly you can save the seeds from the flower - but somehow I have never managed to ever find them! For now I can stare at their beauty and watch them open and close as they sleep and wake up each morning. God is in the details.

Peter Magubane

Last week was the opening of the photographic exhibition of the legendary South African photographer, Peter Magubane at the FADA Gallery. His photos are of "Child Labour" captured through his brownie camera back in the 1950's. The photo's are of children who, willingly or non-willingly worked for money. As some of the photographs explained, were that boys in the city, generally willingly went out in search of work. They wanted to get away from their families and earn a living for themselves. Why? Most probably because of the genes imprinted within us, the 'man kind' instinct of fending for oneself? 

The boys working on the farms, or coal mines, were almost forced to… Peter Magubane went out in search to capture photo's for his country, through reading Drum, The Times, and Life, he wanted to be apart of history. When searching for these children working, he often offered them a place to stay, a better life than what they were currently living in. Those who did want a "better" life went with him, and he would take them home and feed them with a 1/4 load of bread and a carton of milk. This is the reach and extent Peter went to help these children where possible. 

Ït doesn't matter how expensive the camera, even if it is R20… because its not the camera that takes pictures, it is you. You are the one that chooses what picture you want to capture." Some amazing words for a amateur photographer like myself. This wise, eloquent man is remarkable. Not to forget is how through his photography did he become Nelson Mandela's personal photographer through the apartheid regime as well as through his presidency. 

Some amazing advice from the master himself, "Taking photo's is like a woman giving birth, it pushes you for more, 'I want more of this' is what you say" it becomes the next best addiction. "Today is the day to start working… Work hard - now!"

Soul Cleansing

I step onto the beach this fine morning. I pray that with each wave that washes over me I am able to release all hurt and anger within me. Wash it away; out of my soul. Fill me up with only goodness, love and life. I stand alone and I am perfectly at peace with this (idea) - for now...

Day of Reconciliation

An unexpected trip I decided to go on with my best friend who is like a sister with me, brought me to this place. We glided into King Shaka, and a short drive we were here in the north coast: Zinkwazi. A lot of change has happened in my life in the past couple months where I have been left feeling mixed emotions: sadness, anger, hurt, depression, hate... This trip is exactly what I needed at this moment in time. It has been so good for me to 'forgive and forget' however this is harder done than said. But it was perfect timing, with this trip and that the day I arrived, the beginning of my trip stared on the Day of Reconciliation (16th December). I have asked for guidance from Him how to do all of this... How to reconcile the past... Everyday is a step forward, and step closer to my sanity, peace and 'normality' - I welcome it with arms wide open.

Faith

I'm sitting on a moss covered bench in a secret garden at the 111 year old St. Peter Anglican Church in Melville. I feel so at peace. The door to the church is locked - that is fine, perfect - I would have not found this secret bench. There is music blaring in the distance - something that would have irritated me much, but the water trickling down the fountain behind me is calming. EXCATLY what I need. It's year end. My head is in a complete spin. Much change has happened, and I think I have finally lifted my heels that are so pain-stakingly digging in the dry earth everyday. I feel close to Him. At home. Beas, insects, buzzing, birds, pitter - patter, vroom... 

The air is fresh from the newly wet garden. So fresh I can smell the jasmine, the voluptuous roses, the soil and some other sweet smell I cannot think of right now... It will come.

Lord I pray for guidance, hope and humility, as I sit blissfully here upon You. 

Red Summer Delight

Red Summer Raspberries - I planted these precious plants a year ago and they have just over taken a section of my garden. I'm not complaining because it gives me great satisfaction to wake up every morning, with the sun beating down on my back to pick more than a punnet full of fresh ripe reddish-purplish raspberries. There is nothing better than fresh grown fruits & veggies out your own garden. Surprisingly they are growing so well, despite the smallish drought that Jozi has been experiencing. Well I'm not too sure if you can call it a drought, but we definitely have not has as much rain as in the previous years. Or maybe could it just be in spite of COP17 that has recently taken place? Anyway I have my sweet tasting ripe raspberries which make me all fuzzy inside.

Millie's Fire

It was a sad day on Friday morning, to have witnessed the burning of Millie's on the N4. We arrived on the scene just in time to capture the destructive power of fire and wind combined. Within just 20 minute it was all over. Apparently a spark was all it took from lighting a fire within the fire place of this cosy restaurant - minutes later the thatch caught alight and it was over. No people were injured, and staff were caught in the act of helping put out the flames or their beloved work place. What will come of them in this desolate area? A fire chopper aided in the extermination and helped control the spread of the fire to the rest of the buildings. Great work on a wintery friday morning!

Catastrophe!

This cute little thing, is not all good looks - but the other night brought in the largest rat from the veld it could find! It was all blood, gore and guts over our lounge carpet! Thanks Mika! Cute little girl of mine...

Coffee?

The power had been out for several hours and now well into the morning. I needed my fix of caffeine. What better way than to brew fresh coffee on a cold winters morning in your fire! How innovative - I could think of nothing better!

Faith aka Mama

She had the Faith to come to the back door of the house on a stormy summers night with her two kittens, and Charles took them in with open arms. Now she has become the Mama of the house - always there for love and hugs, tears and laughter. She is my other 'Mama'. I love you!

Ranlords

Ranlords is a club on the 22nd floor in a building in Braamfontein - amazing views over look a world class city of Jozi. Egoli. Joburg. No matter what you call it, joburg is finally opening its arms and pulling people back into a lost cultural atmosphere. Ranlords was designed by award winning Joburg couple Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. A job well done, especially when you visit the males urinal!

Doo Bee Boobies

Probably one of the best shows I have seen - Doo Bee Boobies is showing at the Joburg Theatre till the end of the month, and is a must see if you are looking for fun, witty and hilarious comedy about 4 drag queens in a cabaret! I give it a 10/10. I didn't stop laughing once!

Winter

Winter is here - there are 3 things I love about winter; 1) the crisp perfect blue skies, 2) the crispness in the air the tingles your skin and 3) the amazing sunsets that mark the close of each day. There are only a few weeks left till the longest night of the year, and I can't wait!

Where Fashion Meets Architecture

This is the exhibition that we have been working on. Izuba Inafrica Architects whom I work for (a small 3 person firm, including me) designed the layout of this incredible space in down town Johannesburg, Arts on Main in the Maboneng precinct, is a 'newly' renovated derelict building that still contains its rustic history through time with touches of contemporary inserts. The launch of the event was last night, and hit off with a bang together with limitless supply of fermented potatoe juice made into those devil cocktails called Cosmopolitans and olive dunked Martini's. Well done to all who were involved!

Cheese and Wine Sunday

What a magical afternoon. Peace, tranquillity, love, passion, relaxation...
I absolutely love nothing else than to sit down, sip good wine, and look out
onto magical views. God is amazing!

Are we sustainable?

My vote has been cast, and I feel amazing as this was my first election ever that I have voiced and exercised my democratic ballot. I rose early on the morning to get a head start. Whilst standing in line it made me think of whom the people were going to vote – sadly I did not see as many youths there as I would have liked. I came across a word a while back. Kakistocracy. This is a government in which the worst forms of people are in power. I may not be necessarily judging here, but it made me think about all the service delivery protests and other scandals that are currently happening around the country. This is why we have a democratic (elected) government. I can only hope the youth of today (also known as the Y generation) used their right to vote and lead a better South Africa. Isn't this what it is all about? We need to work together and become a sustainable nation with the development of all community irrespective of race, colour, creed or religion. This is why we the youth, the Y generation need to respect each other, stand up for what we believe in and vote. Right now we are a consuming society that needs to start thinking about the brighter future (on all fronts) that is on the horizon. We need to sustain (to support, keep going, maintain, uphold what is valid – stand true to who we are...) what we have and become leaders of our future. For if it is not us, then who will it be? Just some food for thought.

Lovely Sunday

Picture Perfect - Had a lovely Sunday with my friend at Arts On Main market. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere and everything else that came with it! Even the deliciously cold bunny chow was mouth watering. I love nothing more than being in the city, and watching clear blue skies roll out 'thunderous' white clouds.

Optimism

'If you search for good, you will find favour; but if you search for evil,
it will find you!' - Prov 11:27 NLT
ALWAYS seek the light, for the dark only holds a world of uncertainties...