Brenda Photo Challenge: Orange Sunset

Sunset

Where I am from

Me!

I am from billowing smoke and thatched roofing, from the wild and open terrain that breathes of earth, water and sun. From mazowe orange, chambo fish things and crunchies. From braai's and kitchen parties, chombe, tanganda or nescafe with popcorn 

whilst watching Carson's Law.

I am from the things never thrown away almost clutter but not quite, charcol and wood fires and porcelain vases. From white walls, brick and mortar with big back gardens, pets and swimming pools.

I am from the the mukuvisi woodlands and Zambezi River, the safari reserves, wild game and Lake Malawi.

I am from family summers in the village and rainbow trout on Christmas day. From mangoes, sugar cane and maze on the cob.

I am from from the Sato totem and a little Shumba.  From Kajawa and Enoch giants in my eyes and love & happiness, the place I call home.

I am from the emotionally volatile and passionate loving. From silence and many words all wrapped up in one. 

From step, half, semi and full and from a heritage stretching back as far as the Zulu's of old.

I am from the promised land, the descendant of Abraham. Homeward bound to eternity in Christ.

I am from Mbuya Nehanda, Mutoko and Samuel Jere Village near Ekwendeni. From sadza, sweet potatoes and and avocado trees.

From the struggles for liberation and out-spokeness that send bombs in letters designed to inspire fear; 

And from the strength of character that says no to violence tyranny and intimidation that is Vanani.

From the tenacity and dedication and creative drive that is Nyepudzai... strength thy name is mother.

I am from the file that V.S keeps of my every action, attempt, achievement and victory. From the hallway where my graduation photo stands with proud mum and dad on either side of me smiling.

From No. 47 where sixteen years of joy, love and happiness, laughter and experience was shared. 

 From Nyanga and Kadoma Ranch to Cape Town, Mauritius holidays and pig farming in Ruwa. 

From Rotary dinners and tree planting to feeding the poor on Boxing Day.

A Monument & A Veteran

A Monument

A Veteran

A Monument and a Veteran

Time passed in a cool breeze as the Monument towered above the Veteran that erected it in times gone by. With all his peers gone before him he had nought but the monument  for comfort as he pondered on the times of battle and valiant pursuits in the name of Queen and country. 

Contemplating all that he sees around him it is a silent half thought he dare not whisper...was the sacrifice worth what the younger 'modern' generation had become? 

Every news report bringing more and more distress of the actions and choices of those whose freedom he had fought and lost family and friends to preserve. 

With a sombre thought He turns his back on the monument that represents what seemed to be a worthless sacrifice...

I-Heart Faces Photo Challenge: Smirk

No! I don't want my picture taken!

 This is a lovely little girl (once she relaxed that is) whose mother hired me to take her pictures and she was having none of it for the longest time, hence the smirk.

See more smirk photos here!