Just a quick one to share that caught my eye as I was trawling through photos of the last couple of months. This one makes me happy. I remember the day. The kids were bored and at each other’s throat all day, driving me up the wall. In desperation I got them out of the house just before sun down and we went for a walk just on the track close to our house. After sulking for five minutes their moods improved – along with mine – and silly business took over.

A little while ago I had the oppertunity to photograph some Australian families together with a number of other photographers. A bit like speed dating really. We all got 10 to 20 minutes per family and were there to create some magic. I grabbed a couple of girls and was so glad that I did. The older girl was a natural in front of the camera and we had great fun trying out few things. She told me she wants to be a photographer when she grows up!

And then there was her little sister. Quite the character and a typical 7 year old. Such a cheeky thing. Yet it was great to see what a wonderful bond these two girls have. It was obvious they love each other despite the banter going on between them. They sure made this mini shoot a lot of fun!

We live near the beach. It was a concious choice. A life-style change. I love living here. There is something calming and soothing about the ocean. A walk on the beach is a sure way to reconnect. It gives us time to just be and hang out as a family, just the 3 of us, without electronic distractions. We talk, we laugh and we play. We love the beach no matter what the time of year.

Today it’s been a year since I moved into this house. A place all mine. A place to call home. A place for me to start again and build a new life. And almost every day I look around in wonder and discover new things about my garden. This garden so lovingly planted and cared for by a lady called Margaret before the previous owners bought it and only stayed for 19 months. I know her name is Margaret as I found a hand painted sign abandoned in a corner of the garden that read “Margaret’s garden”.  And now it’s mine. My own little slice of paradise. And still almost every day I am surprised by a little thing of beauty that I hadn’t noticed before. I’m learning to see this place and my life with brand new eyes.

Everything she does, she does with great passion. This one definetely only dances to the song of her own tune. She tantrums hard but loves in equal measure. Her expressions of love are unreserved and bountiful.  She is true, warm, gentle, caring and kind. She can be a little diva, stubborn as a mule and just plain hard work. And she’s mine and I wouldn’t change her even if I could.

the time has come to get serious. no more excuses. mariekeb is now live.