LIFE

This is such a beautiful picture and all the words are so meaningful.

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with many blessings.



A sneak preview of the cover for my second book.

Not yet finalized but getting closer all the time.

SIPHO AND THE GOLDEN NAILS - CHAPTER 3

Hello Everybody,

Hoping you all had a wonderful and blessed week. It's weekend and time to relax a little.

Today I will share Chapter three with you, it is about Zanmorn, you will recall he is a prominent character of our story, the ever faithful messenger to Zanu, the Governor of Anglur. Zanmorn being a spirited being has a confession to make and it concerns our wonderful Lindiwe, the feisty Zulu woman, who defied the village rules, ran away and got entangled in an adventure greater than expected.

Chapter 3
ZANMORN CONFESSES
Zanmorn, since his return to Anglur, had spent most of his time with his sister Bethsaida. He wanted to stay away from Lindiwe and he knew the more he saw her, the more his feelings of love toward her would become evident. He went to the Temple and wrestled with the angels over these emotions. He was always expected to remain a single man and not have a relationship. Finally he was given an ultimatum by the angels - marry Lindiwe and instant death will follow, or leave Anglur forever and then you may be with her. Thoughts of never returning to his home planet scared him - yet his love for Lindiwe overwhelmed his rational mind.
Now, after several days of avoiding Zanu, who had constantly called him to come over to the residence, he knew he would have to face this feeling of uncertainty.
It was a warm day, the brilliance of the sun shining on the sidewalks and the soft wind blowing made Zanmorn’s trip to Zanu’s home pleasant. His mind constantly dwelling on Lindiwe and her sumptuous beauty, he could not focus on the importance of his decision. He wanted to spend his remaining life with her and he wanted to stay on Anglur. How could he forsake one for the other!
He arrived at Zanu's home and found the children playing in the pool having fun. He walked up closer and watched how innocent and fearless they appeared.
"Hello everybody," he raised his voice in order to be heard over their constant chattering and laughter.
"Zanmorn, we missed you," Emma said and ran up to him giving him a huge hug and wetting him in the process.
Sipho, Irma, and Olomos came over and greeted him. They were happy to see him and after a few minutes, he said goodbye to them and left to enter the house.
He went inside and wondered where Lindiwe was - he needed to see her and confirm his love to her. While standing in the entrance, hesitating on which direction to go, he did not notice Zanu standing near his study.
"Zanmorn, I was wondering when you would return. This is after all your home too," he said and walked closer to him.
"Zanu, please forgive me, I needed to see my sister and adjust to my return from earth," he replied and extended his hand to his leader.
"Come inside, sit down, and let us have a chat," Zanu said, motioning him to enter the study.
Zanmorn sat down and watched as Zanu walked around the large mahogany desk and took a seat. Staring at him with a slight frown on his face Zanu asked,
"Zanmorn, is there anything you want to tell me?"
"No not really. I enjoyed spending time with Bethsaida," he said while looking out of the window.
Zanu offered him some refreshments and he gladly accepted a fruit juice. Sipping the juice and trying not to look directly at his master, he spoke about his sister’s children and the weather. Zanu had been informed of his dilemma by the angels and wanted Zanmorn to tell the truth, without forcing him to do so. He noticed how Zanmorn tried hard to avoid the real issue.
"Zanmorn, I believe you want to tell me something," Zanu said after deciding to tackle the subject head on.
"I should have known you would know about my confusion, I am sure the angels told you." he blurted out.
"Yes, but you should talk to me," Zanu said and raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Well, I am not sure what to do, I want to marry Lindiwe, and if I do, I will have to leave Anglur for good. I am not even sure if she will marry me. I am confused," he said feeling relieved at being able to tell his master his thoughts.
"Zanmorn, the instructions from the angels are clear. There will be no change in their decision. You must however, go to Lindiwe and tell her about your feelings. If she accepts you, then you will be able to make a decision."
"I am not sure if I can tell her," he said.
"You must, you are jeopardizing your career and of course our assignment has to continue," sternly he told Zanmorn
"I am sorry, this is all very new to me, and all my life I accepted my calling and served you and Anglur as best as I could, I never planned for this to happen to me. It is all the years on earth and spending so much time with the earthlings, I am sure."
"I will arrange for Lindiwe to go to the mall with you and then you must use the opportunity to talk to her. Once you know, we can discuss this further," he said and stood up.
Walking toward the door, he told Zanmorn to meet Lindiwe after dinner and take her for a walk. He said goodbye to his servant and left him alone to ponder over the situation. Zanmorn remained seated and was now more confused than ever and wanted to run away. Cradling his head in his hands, he did not notice Lindiwe walk into the room.
"Hello Zanmorn, I am sure glad to see you again," she said and tapped him on his shoulder.
"Lindiwe how are you?" a startled Zanmorn asked and stood up.
"I am fine and enjoying the stay on your beautiful planet. We have done so much and I believe we still have much more to see and do," she said
"Later on after dinner, let me take you on a tour of the capital state. I think you will enjoy the night walk - it can become quite unusual," he said.
"Wonderful, I will meet you after dinner," she replied and left the room.
Feeling more relaxed and thankful for the guidance from Zanu, he left and went upstairs.
Dinner was pleasant, the children commenting on their eventful day and Randia, as usual a great host. Lindiwe stood up and left, followed by Zanmorn. The children wanted to tag along and Zanu told them to remain seated. Sipho confused asked why. Randia told the children Lindiwe and Zanmorn wanted to go for a quiet walk and that they should go watch television.
Lindiwe and Zanmorn left the house and walked down the long driveway toward the gate in silence. It was a beautiful night, the moon bright and shining on the golden paving, emitting light under their feet. No wind and the night air still warm, he took her hand in his and continued walking in silence. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he stopped walking. They were standing in the garden. Zanmorn picked up her hand and laid it against his face, giving him the full, blasting glory of her smiling brown eyes.
"Lindiwe, I shall always love you as tenderly as ever," he said and without giving her a moment to reply kissed her softly on her lips. Lindiwe could not ever recall the exhilarating feeling of such a touch and kiss, from any experience she had known before. She quickly entwined her arms around his neck and kissed him warmly.
He did not expect this reaction and he hugged her and softly kissed her neck. He stepped back still holding her hands and looked into her loving face.
"Lindiwe will you marry me?" he asked in a soft voice.
"Zanmorn, dear Zanmorn, I know I love you, I think I have loved you for a very long time - but marriage, I am not sure?" She said and hid her face in his broad chest.
"At least, please promise me you will think about my proposal," he said while stroking her back.
They never left the estate - just walked around the gardens; holding hands and joyfully enjoying each other’s company. It was late when they returned. Knowing everybody was asleep, they quietly went up the stairway. Outside her quarters, he kissed her with a passionate kiss that made her squeal with delight. She gently put her hand on his chest and pushed him away, as she slowly opened the door and went inside. Closing the door and leaning against it, she knew she had done the right thing. She wanted more, but as difficult as it was, she had controlled her feelings. She went to bed smiling.
The next morning, Zanmorn went down to the study and found Zanu sitting behind his desk, writing in his journal. He walked up to the front of the desk and without asking for permission to speak, he told his master about the events with Lindiwe. Zanu looked up at this remarkable man and shook his head.
"Zanmorn, my dear Zanmorn, I was hoping Lindiwe would reject your love and let us continue our mission without any human emotions."
"Zanu, I am going to wait for her answer and if she agrees, I will live on earth with the woman I love!" he said in a determined voice.
"Well, then we wait! In the meantime, I have to inform you that your position as my head messenger is suspended." He stood up, without any warning and walked around the desk, and taking Zanmorn’s arm escorted him to the door.
"Zanu, no please don't do this! I must stay here! Where will I go and how will I get back to earth, if you make me leave," he pleaded.
"This discussion is closed - remember Benjamin? If you change your mind, we can continue as before but not until then," he said and shoved him out the door, slamming it closed.
Zanmorn, stood at the door, convinced his life was over. Never before had he seen Zanu so upset. He thought about the discussion and knew he had to make a decision now. He opened the door and looking directly at Zanu, said
"I am sorry, you are right, please forgive me. I want to continue with our relationship as before," he pleaded.
"A change of heart on your part? Well I suppose we could continue working together, but you must understand that certain issues will change," he said in his authorative voice.
"Of course, I understand. I will not have any more contact with Lindiwe, and if it is possible, can I stay at my sister's place until she leaves?"
"No, if you want to continue as before, then you must show restraint. You cannot run away from your feelings. Either face them and move on or leave," clutching his grey beard Zanu sternly replied.
"Very well, I will remain and continue to be the trustworthy servant I have always been," he said looking down at the floor.
"Good, and remember what happened to our brother Benjamin when he was disobedient. Go find the children and take them on a short tour of the capital state."
Zanmorn thanked him, said goodbye and went in search of the children.



Hope you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a comment.

Have a delightful weekend.

SOUTH AFRICA - HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

Hello everybody,

Cape Town, South Africa.



Here in sunny South Africa it is a public holiday, known as human rights day. Which for most South Africans mean the right to freedom, justice and equality! I think it is a good reason for our country to celebrate this holiday especially with our history and our bright future together as one great rainbow nation. Happy human rights day South Africa!


I know over the past few weeks all my blogs were from my new novel.
A quick update for you, the cover design is almost complete and then the process of publication, hopefully by next month.
On Saturday, I will continue to blog the journeys of Sipho, his family and aliens as they continue to try to outsmart Satan.




I received some beautiful inspiration and such true words of wisdom in an email and I want to share this with you today. In addition, I want to share some of the beautiful pictures sent to me. Enjoy and have a super day!


To believe in the things you can see and touch is no belief at all - but to believe in the unseen is a triumph and a blessing.
~Abraham Lincoln
I think I can, I think I can …
Dream BIG, be brave,
and attempt the impossible!
What you think … you are.

Surprise others occasionally

Be mischievous and have fun

Endure hardships with grace, faith and patience,
the storm will pass,
and the sun will shine again.

Have a great day!

SIPHO AND THE GOLDEN NAILS - CHAPTER 2

This picture is so peaceful, I love it.

Well here we go again, Chapter 2 for you of the new book, not yet published! Enjoy.

I should mention that this book is dedicated to my three sisters.


Margaret, June and Marilyn
Three remarkable women!
Who taught me love!
Who showed me how to live!
Who gave me happiness!
Who always made me smile!



CHAPER 2
SIPHO'S VIST TO THE HOLY TEMPLE
The next morning, Sipho woke up and for a moment wondered where he was. He rubbed his eyes and jumped out of the bed. He was in Zanu's home he remembered and ran downstairs into the lounge. He saw Randia sitting drinking tea. She looked up and called him softly to sit next to her. He walked over to the three-seated couch and sat beside her.
"Sipho, you are up so early, and look so afraid, is something wrong?" she asked in her lovely voice.
"No, nothing is wrong, I woke up confused," he replied.
"Don't worry, everything will be fine, today I believe Zanu will be taking you to the holy Temple," she said.
"The Temple, the holy Temple, where God speaks to people?" he asked excited.
"Yes, Zanu went to the Temple last night and received instructions to bring you there today," she said and stroked his head.
"This is wonderful, I have a feeling we will be receiving some good news," he said and stood up and hugged her.
"I know, you will enjoy the Temple," she said returning his hug.
He thanked her and left and went upstairs, and knocked on Lindiwe's door. The doorknob turned and Lindiwe stood in front of him. He stepped forward and hugged her.
Moving away, she walked inside with him. They sat down and Lindiwe told him the twins were still sleeping. He sat close to her and told her about his conversation with Randia. They discussed the impending visit and soon Emma, sleepy-eyed came into the lounge, ran over to him, and hugged him. Not long afterwards, Irma joined them and they sat chatting, drinking tea and enjoying the closeness they so often shared together.
It was still early and the children were sitting on the terrace watching the waterfall and enjoying the warm summer's day. Zanu came home and after greeting them told the children, they would be leaving for the Temple within the next hour. He left and went inside. Lindiwe came out and sat with the children while waiting for their visit to the Temple.
Zanu walked over to them and told them they were ready to leave. They walked down the stairs and climbed into the waiting autoglider. Excited and feeling joy at the prospect of visiting the Temple, they drove down the lane toward the gate. Once out of the stately estate, they proceeded toward the Temple. Zanu told the driver to stop and wait; they would walk the rest of the way.
Heeding his instructions, they vacated the autoglider and waited. He told them the walk was not far and they would enjoy the scenery. It was breathtaking. Holding hands and walking next to the great Zanu, they exclaimed delight with the wondrous sights. Emma stopped and shrieked with delight at the site of the a park with a flowing mountain stream, that tumbled down in little white drops over two huge rocks and into a wide pool surrounded by an arrangement of most unusual flowers and shrubbery. Zanu noticing her excitement told her this was a very special place and was erected as a symbol of gratitude for the purity of all the water they had on the planet. Taking her hand, he moved closer and showed her the plaque honoring the site.
They continued walking down the straight road, lined with tall delicate flowers. The view became more delightful with every step. It was not long before they arrived at the entrance to the Temple and walked through the gardens, displaying wonderful arrangements of different colored flowers which gave off a soft fragrance as a gentle wind drifted past them, all shaded by beautiful trees. Still in awe of the beauty, they did not notice Zanu open the huge Temple door formed in the shape of an octagon.
Turning around to follow him, they stood still as they looked inside, with the sun streaming into the Temple and down the long aisle, flooding the interior with a glorious light and radiating brilliance down the passage.
As they followed Zanu toward the front of the Temple, a divine calm and indescribable joy filled their beings. It was as though they were amidst the heavenly angels walking into a most extraordinary place. Zanu motioned the children to be seated and watched as they obediently obeyed, all starry eyed with joyous smiles upon their faces. He moved to the front section of the Temple and stood still. Lindiwe and the children, still awe struck at the magnificent Temple, looked up at the ceiling, with its remarkable beauty, and the variety of designs. Sweet music filled the Temple until an overwhelming silence brought their attention back to Zanu and the soft voice of somebody they could not see.
"Zanu, a true faithful servant, you have done well," the soft voice of an angel said.
Zanu bowed his head and waited.
"Lindiwe come stand beside Zanu, we have a message for you," the voice coaxed.
Lindiwe jumped up at the sound of her name being called, and went forward to stand next to Zanu. With her hands clasped behind her back, she stood submissively.
"Lindiwe, thank you for heeding our instructions and coming back to the planet Anglur," the angel said.
Lindiwe was speechless. She stood staring at the front not sure what to do. "Lindiwe, God Most High will reward you and I have been told that you will always have divine protection, love and joy. We want you to continue listening to our guidance and follow Zanu with any instructions he may pass on to you," the angel said.
"I understand," Lindiwe managed to murmur.
"Now, we need you to take the girls and leave the Temple. We have some instructions for Sipho, which only he may hear," the angelic voice said.
Lindiwe did not answer, but immediately turned around and taking Emma and Irma’s hands proceeded toward the entrance of the Temple.
Outside of the Temple, the feeling of joy overwhelmed Lindiwe and the girls from the experience of being in the Temple and hearing the voice of an angel. They walked around the perfect gardens admiring the Temple and scenery. They looked at the most beautiful star pearl flower, with radiant colors, and beheld the dazzling glory in it.
In the Temple, Zanu remained standing and wondered what was so important that Lindiwe and the girls should not hear.
"Sipho come stand next to Zanu," the angel said.
Sipho did not hesitate and immediately moved forward to stand next to the great Zanu.
"Sipho, an extraordinary child you are. We are pleased with your performance and understanding of our dilemma down on earth. We have further instructions for you and the twins. Zanu will escort you throughout your next journey. We give you our assurance that we will endeavour to protect you at all times," the angel said.
Sipho looked up at Zanu, feeling confused and unsure if he should reply. The look in Zanu's eyes confirmed that he should remain silent.
"Sipho and Zanu take the scroll at the entrance door. Read the instructions together and we will meet again at the Temple before your departure back to earth," the angel said.
Silence! Then the soft sound of music filtered through the air as both Zanu and Sipho turned around to leave. At the entrance, Sipho noticed the scroll, bound with a golden cord. He bent down to pick it up and handed it to Zanu. They walked outside and looked for Lindiwe and the girls, who were nowhere to be seen.
"Zanu that was the most pleasant experience I have ever had. This Temple is awesome, I am impressed, and of course eager to learn what is inscribed in the scroll," he said.
"Yes, Sipho, this Temple is splendid and indeed a sacred place. We must first find the girls and Lindiwe, and then you and I will spend some time together and study the scroll," he said and took Sipho’s hand and started walking around the Temple grounds.
They saw the twins and Lindiwe standing near the star pearl flower and Sipho ran up to them. They hugged each other and Lindiwe turned around to face the serene looking face of Zanu.
"Lindiwe, I trust this visit has quelled all fears about our planet and your future."
"Zanu, I am impressed and admit this was the best idea. This is an awesome place, and I am convinced all will be well," she said.
They left the Temple grounds and blissfully walked to where the driver was waiting to escort them back home.

Laura's Page: SIPHO AND THE GOLDEN NAILS - CHAPTER 1

Laura's Page: SIPHO AND THE GOLDEN NAILS - CHAPTER 1: Good Morning Everybody, I have the kindle link for you of the 1st Sipho Book, just in case you want to read it. Don't forget that you...