A Quarter Century plus One

 Hi lovelies, 

It's been ages since I even ventured to this page and 'penned' my thoughts, this space, which is usually where I go to to express my thoughts. However, I have been re-reading my older posts, and re-visiting some of my insights and revelations which I have experienced along my journey. 

But this week, my upcoming anniversary felt like the right time to return. This month is always a reflective one, where I look back at the year that has passed, and years before that. I use this time to see how much I have grown, how my family has flourished; and to give gratitude for every single blessing Algamdulilah. This is a period of reset for me, and despite the current challenges faced in my industry, I take stock of my intentions and plans (usually set during the month of Ramadaan) and continue to look ahead. 

Today marks my 26th anniversary, our celebratory vacation last year was cancelled, this year we had planned it for early in 2022 and I remain hopeful that we will get to travel soon again InshaAllah. As I sat and contemplated this past year (in fact the past two), I am humbled at the blessings and favours that have been bestowed upon me through this time. There were times where I broke down, tears streaming down my face as I prayed for guidance and strength. There were occasions when husby had to pick me up, console me, talk me through the trials I faced, and just be there for me at my lowest moments. And through these lows, I have persevered, WE have persevered, and grown in mutual understanding. Our family unit has bonded and become closer, taking care to continue

So today's post is one of humble gratitude, for the trials we have weathered together, and more importantly, the deepening friendship and love that has accompanied us on this journey over the past two years. When lockdown hit, we were placed in each other's space 24/7, and since we haven't returned to office, we've continued working from home, together. If we can make it through almost two years of being around each other for 2 years... we  can make it through anything ♥

I therefore dedicate this post to my long-time partner, my soul mate, best friend, cheerleader and sounding board. For all the patience, dedication and commitment you have towards us and our family. 

My love,

As the sands of time pass by, 

We become more entwined, more in sync;

Our thoughts mirrored in the other, 

Comforted by understanding of the road the other has travelled.

These months have tested our resolve, 

It has shown us the beauty of Divine Love and Blessing, 

These months have taught us the essence of faith and humility. 

And through it

We have grown, as individuals, as a partnership, as a family unit;

We have grown as parents and our charges have shown us the light. 

Our days have been uncertain, still is; 

But what is certain is that I'll be in your corner, 

And you in mine, 

Quietly supporting and loudly applauding.

I remain in awe of the blessing you have brought to my life,

Constantly aware of how my my Creator loves me, 

To have placed you on my path. 

I remain honoured to be by your side, 

Through thick and thin, 

As you fight for us and our family...

As you love us unconditionally, 

Keep us safe and as you serve us with your entire being.

I love you, 

Always,

I love you, 

to Infinity

Happy Anniversary my Rock 

♥️

Caio for now,

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

This is Us...22 years later ❤️

Hello Readers, 

Today is very special, it marks the day I embarked on life with a forever teammate. Celebrating 22 years of partnership, of mutual growth, of learning and ever present support. Two years ago we marked the 20 year milestone, (read that post here) and it feels as if we have weathered another 10 years since then!

It's apt to say weathered, as things have not been easy these past two years for either one of us in our respective individual capacities, and yet it has also brought us the best realisations of ourselves. It has made us both stronger, clear on the way forward and what really matters. And with every personal challenge, you were there for me and I for you. The reciprocal encouragement, a boost for our low times, was paramount to our own personal growth. You give selflessly, take care of me, make me laugh and boost me up when things get a bit much. 

My darling hubby, you are an angel on earth, who has helped me heal, who has challenged me while filling my days with joy and love; standing by my side when things go awry ❤️.

This past year alone has been a whirlwind ride, we have experienced the most life altering journey together, spent 6 weeks alone in a hotel room, and emerged stronger, with a sense of rejuvenation. This #journeyofalifetime has captivated us and ensnared us in its majesty and has resulted in a bond with renewed grace. And while 2017 has been a year filled with intensity, for every single member of our family, we have grown closer with deeper understanding. There have been so many fundamental changes during this year, which started with our family vacation at the beginning of this year. Being away from everything familiar back home, making the most amazing memories, and spending every single day together for 2 weeks, was a catalyst to the extraordinary events of this year.

There is no magic formula to staying together for this amount of time, but I do believe that mutual respect, selfless love and acceptance of our vulnerability has played a huge role for us. I am eternally grateful that we crossed paths, I believe we were meant to be soul mates, bringing out the best in each other, each day ✨

For my life-partner, Ghaalid.,

All of our moments are cherished experiences,

We've travelled side by side on this journey, 

Forever evolving, always changing,

At times being forced to reroute our navigation.

There have been moments of discord,

Moments of disharmony, 

Which ultimately brought us closer,

Helped us grow and move forward on a new path.

We've meandered along this route, 

Welcomed three little angels as passengers,

As co-travellers on our route. 

They have brought new direction, 

Taught us new methods and compelled us to grow.

These little men have brought about a change,

Coerced new views and acceptance of new ways.

And all along, we have held fast to each other,

When we lost our way, 

When we climbed over difficult obstacles,

And when we had to tear down walls enroute.

All along we stayed true to our pact, 

We co-steered to our destination. 

Our route has been filled with the most unimaginable highs,

Joy in creating incredible memories,

Unconditional love in guiding our three little gifts,

Into wholesome young men.

I thank you, my co-pilot, for staying the course with me,

I thank you for making this voyage the most profound it could ever be.

I thank you for trusting me with all of you, 

And for embracing all of me.

Happy Anniversary my love!

Collecting our documents for our #journeyofalifetime was an outstanding moment for us this year

Our three treasures, present day

Roll back to 2010!

Our Euro vacation was the catalyst for a magical year!

Smile big, Laugh often, Never take this life for Granted

Because every picture tells a story :-D

It was one of the hardest things we had to do... leaving these 3 for 7 weeks!

Live simple, Laugh often, Love deeply

Another momentous moment for us this year, after our first Umrah

Our return home was such a joyous event!

Find Your Tribe. Love them Hard.

Happy Anniversary!!!

Caio for now,

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...

Nomination Composable Collection

Hi lovelies!

The Festive Season is racing towards us and it's a time when stores are bedecked with glittery decorations, and the choice for gifts are endless. In fact, there is so much variety one can easily become overwhelmed. A nomination bracelet is a thoughtful and beautiful gift idea, and one which you can build upon to celebrate many treasured moments.

I love my own Nomination bracelet, as it is an ode to memories I'd like to keep dear and close, and just a glance at the bracelet, or a specific link will bring back those special moments. They have specific themes to honour milestones or occasions; these range from love, travel, Mother's Day, new baby arrivals etc. The Composable Collection links and symbols are crafted in 18ct gold, sterling silver and 9ct rose gold and is constantly evolving with new links being added each season.

  To celebrate the new Nomination collection, I will be giving away one bracelet with some charms to the value of R5,000! Keep a close eye on my pages for this. Just in time for the holidays ♥️

"Nomination celebrates life with its new composable collection.

Nomination's new collection of Composable links is called Life, because each link reflects an important moment in your life. Birthdays, weddings, graduations, christenings, a new baby or an important anniversary, there are so many milestones to celebrate and what better way to remember and relive those special moments than with a precious jewel you can wear every day."

"Choose from thousands of precious links decorated with handcrafted letters and symbols in 18ct gold, sterling silver, 9ct rose gold with cubic zirconia, coloured enamel and precious and semi-precious stones. The result is jewellery which tells a personal story, and a bracelet that is precious and unique.

Made in Italy at the Nomination atelier studios near the Renaissance city of Florence, Composable links are made from the highest quality stainless steel to ensure your bracelet is hypoallergenic, will not tarnish and is strong enough to be worn everyday."

For more information, visit www.nomination.co.za

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

Read more ...