Conversations with Caroline

It's been a while since I have posted some hearts! I am always on the look out for hearts, but haven't taken pics recently. Today I bumped into a friend, who said hey, I miss seeing your hearts!
So I kept an extra vigilant eye out this afternoon and found these two wonderful hearts!
Such a beautiful reminder of, what we seek, we shall find!
Keep looking for the love and positive good things, wonderful people!
A heart from school.
A heart from my dinner plate.

Sending much love ❤️🧡💙💚♥️
Caro x

50 years and one month old! 😂🎈🤣
I spent a beautiful morning with incredible women who have added delight, wisdom, love, laughter, support, inspiration, kindness, strength and unmatched friendship to my life's chapters!
Some extra specials were absent. But, we celebrated none the less.
🤣😉

Valentines Day tomorrow! I am still definitely choosing to celebrate. I love love! ♥️♥️

To valentine or not to valentine..? ❤️❤️❤️
I get that it's a commercialised thing that makes people feel like they should spend money or makes them feel bad because possibly they haven't got the love that looks like a movie or story book...
However, I want to encourage you all to look at the love that you do have and celebrate that!!
❤️The love of a good friend .. Friendships and I mean real and raw friends are possibly the best gift you can ever have in this lifetime. Celebrate them, let them know that you love and value them.
❤️The love of your family.. Blood is mostly thicker than water.. 😜And family can truly be the most unconditional support that you will ever get. Let them know that you see and appreciate them.
❤️The love of your pets.. Yip... My pets.. All 6 of them are some of the best therapy in my life.
❤️Self love.. Spoil yourself with a treat.. Tell yourself that you love yourself.. You will be with yourself longer than you will with anyone else.
❤️The love of a partner.. If you, like me are blessed with a partner who has chosen to be with you.. Let them know how much they mean to you. I have had the same valentine for 25 years... Holy Moly.. And honestly through all the stuff that life has thrown us.. Choosing each other over and over again has by far been the biggest blessing. This our 25th Valentines together has truly been the best one.. And we never did anything spectacular.. He bought me Krispy Kreme doughnuts and I bought him his favourite pickles..
But man the love and having each other's backs, like we do, is just AMAZING 🎉❤️
So look at your life and celebrate the love that you do have. 👏👏👏
When you look closely you may be surprised at how much love you actually have.
Happy Valentines special people.
Much love
Caroline 😘

As I write this, I am still in my 40's and have never cared too much about aging. Or what the number is. But 50, for some reason has me totally freaked out. It's more about how much less life I have left then anything else and retirement seeming so much closer is also worrying - I can't imagine my life without my job, I can't imagine how we would live well on what our pensions could possibly be.. These thoughts have been tearing around in my head the last few weeks. Until I chatted to a friend who also celebrates her 50th in February this year, we have been friends since out teens. She told me about the challenge she was doing for herself, 50 things before she turns 50! We chatted about a lot of other things too, but I decided to shift the focus of my 50 dread and decided to start celebrating instead. 50 things for Caroline! 50 intentional things that I could do that would bring me and others joy and happiness. Things that I could add to my life that could increase my intentions of living a meaningful life.
Coffee has featured high on my list, contacting people when I think of them, organising a 50th celebration, picking flowers for myself and others, driving my poor coworkers insane with this week's countdown of my last Monday in my 40's etc etc, walking barefoot in the garden every morning, reading a book, starting to journal, listening to more music, going for a pedicure, celebrating the little Caroline who had to be so brave, being so grateful for the little family that Joss and I created:my kids are truly two of my biggest joys, acknowledging the love that I have for my amazing Mom, my sister and her family are always in my thoughts and again I have just celebrated their existence and the love that I have for them, I have tipped the car guards a little extra these last few days and their gratitude is such an incredible selfish boost. I have spent quiet time listing all the friends that I have, not acquaintance's but real genuine friends who have supported and loved me through thick and thin! A mind blowing blessing are my friends. My list and intentions will probably reach over 50 and perhaps will continue until my end days.

I have been blessed with a rich, exciting, rewarding life. I have learnt so much through so many challenges. I am now ready to brave 50 tomorrow. To not allow fear to cripple me but to be brave and live the years that I get blessed with! To keep on chatting, to keep on teaching, to keep on loving, to keep on learning, to keep on giving, to keep on keeping on!
Much love
Caro ♥️🎈🎂🥂

Happy 2025 beautiful people!

I am not sure what is happening in all your worlds, but in mine, it seems like a constant flow of hearing about and experiencing the fact that life is short and can be so tough for so many!

So while pondering my new year I have been nudged to the thoughts that we need to find and actively look for own joy! Because, even amongst stress and trial there can still be glimmers of happiness and beauty. Pockets of joy that if you are not looking for, will simply pass you by!

So, one way that I have decided to create my own joy, is to keep my Christmas tree up for the duration of the year. I will change it up, every few weeks and try to match the current season or holiday!

Today I went and spent about R70! And now my festive Christmas tree is a love tree! ❤️❤️❤️🤣🤣🤣✨✨✨👌👌👌🥰🥰🥰!

My little soul is soooo chuffed and I am looking forward to the challenge of creating different trees throughout the year!

May your little corner of the world be twinkling as brightly as mine!

Much love
Caro 💋

It's been a while.. 2024 has been a busy one indeed.
I thought I would pop on and give an update on our newest family member, Autumn Hansmeyer 💛

This little fire cracker, is now 6 months old, and THE most delightful cat we have ever owned. She is spunky, brave, intuitive, loving and a little bit of a bully.
She is not afraid of our 3 very playful, naughty dogs. She runs to the gate every afternoon when we return home and is happily trampled by all the dogs, doing their exciting doggy things. She runs after the car in the mornings to say goodbye and then happily scampers up a tree, to say see you humans later.

She quietly sits and watches us cook, every now and again putting out her paw to try and get a taste. She eats cheese, chocolate, carrots and actually will try anything that we are putting into our mouths.

We put our beloved old boy, Jacob down, just a few weeks after rescuing Autumn and it's almost like she knows our hearts needed mending.
They say God is in the details, and I agree. What a special angel he sent in the form of Autumn. A happy addition who, true to her name has helped us get through a sad season.

I understand that people are leaving South Africa, for many wide and varied reasons...

However, as a teacher and optimist by nature I believe that my South Africa is a wonderful place that has a wonderful future.

My little people and their amazing families that I get to work with every day keep me believing in our beautiful country.

A few bright moments from my perspective..

⭐Taxi drivers who genuinely care for the young boys and girls that they deliver and collect from school daily. Helping look for lost property and packing and carrying bags. It's a delight to witness. They also have the most brilliant senses of humour!

🇿🇦Grateful parents who thank you for genuinely caring about their children.

⭐Children who are well-mannered and show remarkable empathy for others.

🇿🇦Independent tiny little children who carry their own bags and walk into school confidently and with a delightful sense of purpose.

⭐Support staff who work long hours in what could be demeaning positions who are always smiling and show genuine love for the people around them.

🇿🇦Getting hugs and I loves yous on a daily basis from all children.

⭐A winters afternoon where the temperature is 28 degrees and the sky is about to be painted by a setting sun.

🇿🇦Mothers on an early morning who are delighted by receiving a small chocolate and free coffee to celebrate Women's Day!

⭐The real love that my little class shows each other, regardless of colour or beliefs!

🇿🇦My diverse compliment of staff who can all laugh about our differences but who genuinely support each other.

Man, but I love it here!

Honestly, from my perspective the Future is sparkly and bright for sure!.

Much love and Happy Women's Day to all the incredible ladies who grace this page with their presence.

🇿🇦☕❤️
Caro x.

Will somebody play, please! I want to enjoy your answers!

* Lasagna or Spaghetti- both
* Favorite Pie - steak
* Steak or Seafood - both
* Italian or Chinese - Chinese but also love Italian...
* Pepsi or Coke - neither
* Chocolate or Vanilla - vanilla
* How many tattoos -0
* Ever hit a deer - no
* Netflix or Hulu - Netflix
* Last text from - my son ❤️🥰❤️
* Favorite season - winter, autumn and spring!
* Broken Bones - none
* Beach or Mountains- mountains
* Dogs or cats - all the animals
* Early morning person - I try to be 🤣
* Surgeries - 1
* Favorite color - blue
* Have you ever flown on a plane- yes
* Have you ever jumped out of a plane - no
* Wine or beer - coffee 🤣
* Mild or hot salsa - mild
* Waffles or pancakes - both
* Favorite Holiday - Christmas but love them all!!!
* Creamy or crunchy peanut butter - crunchy
* Favorite flower - All flowers!!!

Just hold down and copy text to your page, add your own answer!

Every day is a special occasion!!!

Last lazy morning...
As a teacher in South Africa, the winter holidays have always been my favourite! The weather is suitable for lazy days at home. There is no Christmas rushing, or Easter planning. It's just down time!

It takes any teacher, after a hectic term a few days to unwind and switch off from teacher mode. You then find your holiday rhythm and spend some gentle time with yourself and others. You almost forget that you are this uber productive, multi tasking ninja who deals with a million things in any given day:
Snot 😏
Hugs
Tears
Anger
Anxiety
Academics
Laughter
Tears
Snot
Shoelaces
Toilet issues
Biting
Singing
Paperwork
Snot
Wet shoelaces
Playing
Hugs
Mud
Creatures
Lost property
Laughing
Tears
Conflict resolution
Paperwork
Tears
Hugs
And then probably more snot...

You almost forget too about all the little and big people who bring all those activities into your work day.
But then....

As the holidays start to draw to an end you find yourself feeling
sparks of emotion as a little face pops into your head and you wonder if they had a special time at their granny's house, a little face spots you as you do some shopping to prepare for the new term and you get a hug and a catch up with the mom, who you really know so much about! You start planning fun lessons. You start looking forward to hearing all the news and getting all the hugs! You get excited for what lies ahead on your special journey that you are undertaking with each little person who has been put into your care! ♥️

This beautiful career has truly been one of the biggest blessings in my life! I will forever be grateful that I had an Ouma Mossie who taught until she was 70 years old who very much inspired me to take on this job called Teaching! I first explored a career in law and psychology, so teaching was actually the "2nd choice". And what a gift this second choice has been. A job that has pushed me, challenged me, changed me, inspired me and truly helped me my find my meaning and place in the world.
So if you are ever faced with the initial plan not working, dreams being dashed don't despair. That next best thing, could actually be THE best thing.
Life has a wonderful way of working out and the ebbs and flows that we find ourselves faced with all work together to create something wonderful... But only if you are watching! 😘
May your lazy days and busy days be the days that you want!

Much love
Caro 🍎

My sceptical mindset would agree..

What is the benefit of corporations convincing millions of people that they are mentally ill? What is the benefit of corporations funding drug trials and ‘research’ that confirms their own marketing spiel? What is the benefit of these same corporations flooding social media with videos and adverts convincing you that you have an underlying mental disorder?

Spoiler: There are lots of benefits, and none of them are for you

I think I have always been both introspective and a deep thinker.. Wandering around in my own brain is honestly one of my favourite past times...

From a little girl I remember being acutely aware that my family was different... We moved a lot, my Dad was pretty much absent, we had step father figures, (I found this extremely hard... Sharing my mums love with others.. Definitely a story for another day), my Mom worked extremely long and arduous hours as a nursing sister and single mom so my sister and I did a lot by ourselves.. I remember always wishing to have a "normal family", but at the same time being aware that I was being blessed with so many amazing opportunities to learn.
I have never seen my past as a hardship or negative stumbling block. I think I was born positive.. Every challenge has set me up to be a better person... A better mom, a better wife a better teacher a better friend... I clearly needed lots of betterment.. Cos the challenges actually never stop!!! 😂👏😁

The learning in my 40's has in some ways been harder than when I was younger... Maybe because I felt like I had learnt enough.. 😂😂🤔🤔😔😔But that is sadly never the case.. EVER!
I, in the last 2 years have experienced the deepest pain, proper personal betrayal and have experienced first hand how few people will actually stick around and be true to you, when outside influence tries to break you! A woman with a strong character and strong moral code is not easily celebrated in the work place... Most people are actually not friends and will turn on you in a heartbeat..
Humbling, humiliating and heartbreaking!!!
BUT, again,
Invaluable lessons learned, phenomenal friendships and relationships strengthened, amazing boundaries put into place. A real refining of my soul has taken place..
Again I emerged better!!
I am not sure how much better I am still going to get... 😂😂😂Or when I will be properly wise.. But I am here for all of it!!!
Hoping that wherever you are at, your ability to turn wounds into wisdom is serving you well!
Sending so much love your way!
Caro 💪♥️💪

A rescue...
10 days ago at the end of a hectic day and in rush hour hour traffic, we spotted this tiny kitten trying to cross the road.. What to do..??
Keep driving and pretend you haven't seen it? Or stop to help..

Much to my husbands horror, I was adamant that we had to stop.

So the poor man climbs out the car, hazards going, cars speeding by and saves the kitten. He gets in the car with this awful, scraggly looking thing.. Her eyes and nose were totally crusted over and she looked like a gremlin.. 😔😳Eeesh.. What now.. Thoughts of dropping her at the SPCA crossed my mind.. But our daughter Cait was adamant that we could help her and give her a home. (we already have 6 Hansmeyers with 4 legs..by the way.. . 🤣)

Fast Forward 10 days and Autumn Hansmeyer has spent 2 days at the vet. Is very comfortable in our home, has the spunkiest little character and is number 7 in the pet department!

I believe wholeheartedly that we cross paths with the people that we are meant to in life. I am not sure if the same is true with animals, but something tells me that it is!
❤️😻❤️
Hope that your paths and busy roads are full of good finds!
Much love
Caro

Seeing the end of my beautiful hydrangeas was just the reminder that I needed today!
None of us can bloom magnificently every day!
Its the natural way that we have seasons of growth, blooming and dormancy. Each season serves its purpose!
Embrace the season that you are in! With love, grace, reflection and acceptance.
Sending so much blooming love to you all # # #
🌸🌸🌸
Caro

... Please tell me that I am not the only one who is really finding life crazy busy at the moment!!!
I love cooking.. But the every day chore of thinking about what to cook, what to buy to make that dish and then to actually find the energy to make that meal seems like a monumental task.... 😳😳😳
Adulting is definitely not for sissies.
While cooking tonight, I thought I would share what some of my non negotiable, cooking staples are..

Ina Paarmans chicken spice goes on everything in my home. It's obviously delish on chicken but is also amazing on roast potatoes!

The blue Robertsons veggie spice is life. Changing. It honestly has to be tried!!! A few shakes of this in any dish is just awesome.

The woolies all in one spice is also a firm favourite!

Freezing cream that is on clearance is a sneaky, cheap but powerful addition to soups, pastas, stews etc! Cream just takes plain to restaurant quality in a second!

Do you have any must haves in your cooking arsenal? Please share. I am desperate to find more joy in my cooking again, and in life in general!
Share some spicey secrets people... Obviously, not too spicey though.., 😂😅😉😇

Much love
Caro

As a teacher I have spent at least half of my 25 year career in an all boys school! Teaching boys is a treat..and there are definitely a lot of pros for single s*x school! But that's a post for another day...

Being surrounded by a lot of girls this year, and being a woman who celebrates the power of womanhood and all that we are capable of, I am savouring the chance to influence future female leaders!
What a blessing this beautiful career is. ❤️🍎🧑‍🏫

My biggest wish and hope for anyone is that they find joy in their chosen career.

Loving my downtime while on holiday but am always excited to get back!
Love
Caro ❤️aka Mrs Hansmeyer 🌈

I am a self confessed shopper! But, I think I am rather unique in that I can honestly just walk around the shops, or scroll the online shops and 100% just look! I don't have to spend money to get the dopamine hit!
During this first term I haven't had time to spend in the shops.. So I needed my fix!
Spotted some cool things at Pep Home! And spent some time browsing in a second hand shop!

Are you a shopper?
I always am surprised by people who are not shoppers.. 🤣🤣🤣Cos, it just makes me so happy!

Sending love
Caro # # #

This is why I love colour and beautiful things!!!
Because even mundane tasks like dish washing can become a wonderful, lift your spirit moment!
Hope your Sunday is full of wonderful little moments!... And even more importantly, that you start searching for these little pockets of happiness in your life.

Much love
Caro # # # 🍽️🌈🍽️🌈