The Travellingmind

Gone Girl

Synopsis

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy’s diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

Source: gillian-flynn.com

My Thoughts

What a very twisted, brilliant book! It scares, and fascinates me a bit that there is someone that can conjure this kind of story in their minds, but WOW, I liked it.

The story alternates between two different voices (I love this writing style). The first part is written from Nick’s perspective, although you only get to know him very vaguely. This also contributes to the fact that as the story unfolds you are not sure if Nick is innocent or not. It kept me guessing the whole time.

Amy on the other hand is a whole different character. You get to know her through her diary entries in the first part. In the second part (which is written through her perspective) you get to know her a little better and this is where it gets twisted. Although you know her a little bit better you still cannot help feeling sorry for her at some points. It is safe to say the reader has a love-hate relationship with Amy.

Half way through the book there is a big plot twist with a huge realization and the story takes a whole new direction. My mind was blown. I was shocked to say the least.

I just could not put the book down. It was just so delicious and twisted. It boggled my mind and I needed to know what is going on.

For the plot of this book I give a solid 5/5. If you love a good thriller/suspense novel go to your nearest book shop/online shop (whatever rocks your boat) and pick up a copy of Gone Girl.

Have you read it yet?

E xx

The Book Thief

Synopsis

HERE IS A SMALL FACT – YOU ARE GOING TO DIE

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.
Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION – THIS NOVEL IS NARRATED BY DEATH

It’s a small story, about:
a girl
an accordionist
some fanatical Germans
a Jewish fist fighter
and quite a lot of thievery.

ANOTHER THING YOU SHOULD KNOW – DEATH WILL VISIT THE BOOK THIEF THREE TIMES

I don’t actually know how I am going to express my thoughts and feelings on this one.

My thoughts

It took me quite some time to actually pick it up and start reading. All the hype and reviews kept playing in my mind and shouting for me to start. I completed The Book Thief at the beginning of January 2015 (after spending a few months on it..) and I gave it a 5 stars. I remember, after I finished it, sitting there and knowing that I have so many books to choose from (for my next quest), but I just could not bring myself to do it, because I was processing.

I also struggled getting into the book. At one point I did put it down and then I picked it up again. It was when I picked it up again that I could not put it down. It is one of those books that actually needs all of your undivided attention without any interruptions.

Check out the reviews on GoodReads

The writing style was easy to follow, easy to read and just overall the book is wonderfully written. This book is narrated by Death. How cool is this?! His point of view is totally different and it also gives you another perspective on the characters’ lives. I loved how the characters developed throughout the book and that the characters were relatable (Well, I have never been part of a war, but they were “human”.

What struck me is the story had two sides (well, actually many), the Jews and Germans (well, every story does but I don’t always think about this particular situation i.e WWII). It also struck me that there were Germans who tried helping as best they could and who sacrificed their safety in the process. I never thought of that. I know this is fiction based on a true “event”, but still, I don’t always think about everything. It also hit me that although the Jews really suffered, so did the German families. Fathers had to leave and go do their “duty”. Mother and child were left behind, Germany were bombed as well (Well, of course Germany was bombed. It was after all a war and a lot of parties were involved.)

I probably sound like a total idiot, but just bear with me. We learned about the WWII at school, but not in a lot of detail and very selectively. Now that I am older, it makes a difference. WOW!

This book was filled with emotions. I laughed, I felt sad, I felt anger, I cried and I had compassion and sympathy with the characters. The story still plays in my mind from time to time and someday I will re-read it.

It just had an impact on me that I cannot put into words. I think this is the best it is going to get. I will recommend this book to anyone actually. It is different than your usual war stories. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you have read this book, please leave a comment below and tell me what you thought about it.

E xx

What I learned with the BIG 3OH!

Well, hello there, thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a fun time.

I celebrated my big 3OH birthday on 21 November 2015. I am 35 now, but we need some back ground for the new posts to come.

Turning 30 was a huge milestone to me. Let me explain.

In your 20’s nobody takes you serious. When you turn thirty people are like “oh wait but you have some experience now and hmmm mature person and hmmm this an adult”. Well this is my idea. You get what I am saying? Turning 30 to me was also a milestone in terms of my Diabetes. It was almost like saying “yass I made it!”. I am still here. This is only by the grace of God.

30 to me is like “Oh halloooo adult world!”. This was also a new starting point in my life. And I was very excited!

Today I would like to share some things with you. I have learned a lot through the years and I thought it would be great to share 30 things I have learned that shaped me to be the person I am today.

Let’s hit the big 3OH!

1. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Take the risk. You will be surprised what you are capable of.

2. Distance does not always make the heart grow fonder.

3. Love does not always win.

4. Blood is thicker than water.

5. I am stronger than I think.

6. When one door close, another better, bigger one is already open.

7. Prayers are answered with a bang!

8. Faith will take you places.

9. Being healthy is not linked to a shape or being perfect. It is about being comfy in your own skin.

10.Take one day at a time.

11. A disease or sickness does not define you.

12. Friendships can overcome distance.

13. People come into your life for a reason, season or a lifetime. Sometimes they stay, sometime they leave and sometime they come back.

14. Cool is a word created by children for children and is linked to worldy standards.

15. What you want is on the other side of fear.

16. Sometimes you really need to listen to your gut.

17. Forgiveness sets you free and brings peace.

18. Hard work equals great results.

19. I have learned that money really can not buy happiness. Stuff is just that, stuff.

20. You and I are valuable and precious. Do not give yourself away so easily.

21. It’s okay to put yourself first sometime. You are important too.

22. Laughter really is the best medicine.

23. You are not always hungry. Sometimes you are just board or thirsty.

24. I have learned you should not trust to easily. Take your time. People should earn it.

25. I have learned that attitude determines a lot of outcomes.

26. Let me quote Eggs from The Boxtrolls. “Don’t change who you are. Cheese, hats, boxes-they don’t make you. You make you”.

27. Being different is not a bad thing. We were born to stand out.

28. I have learned that doing more of what you love makes you happy.

29. I have learned that you make friends in the strangest of places and situations.

30. I have learned that I am really addicted to chocolate. Dun dun duuuun. (just for the fun of it!)

I hope that what I have learned, have spoken to your heart a little. I hope that you are happy where you are. I hope that you sit wherever you are and think “damn I wanna be thirty!” Hahahaha

How old did you turn this year? Let me know in the comments!

E xx

50 Random Facts About Me

I am sure no introduction is needed, the title says it all.

Let’s jump right in.

1. I cannot remember what my natural hair color is.

2. I am the shortest at 1.66 in my family in law circle.

3. I have an obsession with calendars. Wall-, desk-, diary-,phone-, any kind of calendar.

4. I am a planner. I plan everything way ahead of time. I find it difficult when something jumps up and I have to make last minute plans. That does not mean I don’t welcome some spontaneity sometime.

5. I am terrified of bees.

6. When I was about 3 and a half I got so angry at my parents because they bought home my baby sister (after she was born) that I kicked a plastic chair to the curtain and it got stuck there (as told by my parents). I was a little beasty!

7. At the age of 29 I read Harry Potter for the first time, and loved it.

8. I used to be a runner. I was slower than a tortoise through a spread of peanut butter, but I ran.

9. I really love reading. I once finished 7 books in 2 weeks (I was on holiday though).

10. I can play the piano.

11. I cannot leave food on my plate. I either take only enough (if it’s a buffet) so that I know I can finish it or I take a doggy bag at a restaurant. If it is at a restaurant and the waiter takes to long to bring the doggy bag I will try and finish it (this is not always a good idea).

12. I am addicted to coffee. It can be 40 degrees out and I will probably be sipping on a hot cup o’ joe. I really love coffee.

13. My favourite type of food is potato (preferably in the form of mash or chips). I am not that fond of potato wedges though.

14. I have been in two scooter accidents all on my own. Nobody else involved. The first one I drove over an oil patch and the second I drove over slick on the road and fell myself lights out in front of my high school. I got to ride in an ambulance. I do not own a scooter anymore.

15. I have also had a car accident in my own.

16. I have been driving for 17 years and passed my driver’s test first time around.

17. The police tried to bribe ma at my drivers test.

18. I really struggle walking on heels, hence I don’t own any. I almost fell flat on my face in a shop once trying on a pair.

19. If I could I would wear jeans every single day if my life to every single occasion.

20. I have been married for 3 years.

21. One of my favourite places in the world is Yzerfontein, West Coast of South Africa. I spent every single summer holiday there with my family until the age of 18.

22. I was divorced before I married again.

23. This year I have been at my current job for 6 years. The longest job I have held, ever.

24. London was my first international destination.

25. My first proper job was a manager at a gym called Curves.

26. I am near-sighted and blind as a bat at night. I do own a pair of glasses just for this.

27. I have 6 tattoos. 7^th one coming

28. In Gr5 I had my own desk outside the classroom for no legit reason. School was a dark place for me.

29. I still have the teddy my dad bought me on the day I was born. It’s still got both it’s eyes! His name is Spikkel and he used to go everywhere with me up until Gr7.

30. I always follow the same routine in the shower.

31. I have been a Type 1 diabetic (insulin dependent) for 35 years. I was diagnosed at the age of 10 months.

32. I completed two diplomas in 1 year. This is not possible, well actually not allowed, but there was a loop hole in the way I completed it. I graduated twice in the same week in one year. It was awesome! I was also on the dean’s merit list in my 3rd year.

33. I love the sound car tires make when driving on a gravel road.

34. I absolutely love scented candles. I wish I had an extra budget!

35. I really love winter.

36. I am a morning person.

37. I hate phoning people. I get really nervous, my palm go all sweaty and I try to postpone phoning the person for as long as possible. I will also look at alternative methods of communication if I can avoid phoning the person.

38. I am an extremely nervous passenger.

39. I am really terrified of getting lost or stranded.

40. When I was little my sister and I watched The Lion King movie so many times the tape started to “jump” ( for a lack of a better word). .

41. I love animation movies. I once went and watched an animation movie on my own and I was the only adult without a kid in the cine. I wonder if the mommy’s were jealous? Hehe

42. I am slightly addicted to chocolate.

43. If there is vegetables, meat and salad (or whatever the combination) on my plate I will rotate and eat every food on it’s own. My food must not touch unless it is stew or soup of course.

44. Sometimes I drool a bit when I sleep. It is nasty!

45. I have a cockatiel named Dr Watson (well we call him Watson).

46. I avoid elevators as far as possible. If I have time, I will rather take the stairs. I have been stuck in an elevator before.

47. I loved singing in the choir in Primary School. I passed the audition for the high school choir, but because of logistical issues and rehearsal times I could not proceed. My heart was broken. I really miss singing.

48. I really love going to the mall. Whenever we visit a new place I need to go and check out the local mall.

49. My local coffee spot knows my regular coffee order!

50. I love and adore cats! I am a total cat lady.

Tell me something random about you. Go ahead!

E xx

Liewe Tannie Marie

Liewe Tannie Marie

My ma laat weet my die middag dat tannie oorlede is. Die skok was groot en my hart het in baie klein stukkies gebreek. My eerste gedagte was, wie gaan na oom Dougie kyk en wat van al die kindertjies en toe raak dit stil binne my.

Tannie was vir 32 en ‘n half jaar (‘n half want in November (2018) sou dit 33 vir my gewees het) deel van my lewe. Tannie het my doeke geruil, my trane af gevee, luise uit my hare uit gekam, my opgepas wanneer ek siek was, gekyk dat ek al my kos eet (dit was ‘n stryd en ek het so baie raas gekry) en elke keer wat ek “ontslae” geraak het van ‘n bakkie kos, maar net weer ingeskep en my soos ‘n valk dop gehou.

Ek onthou die lekker beskuit onder in die lou oond en dat ek altyd die grootste stuk uitgekies het as padkos huistoe. Dit was net ‘n paar meter, maar mens het jou krag nodig gehad.

Ek onthou hoe almal altyd om tannie se bene gesit het wanneer tannie Santa Barbara gekyk het en ons moes tjoepstil wees want anders kon tannie nie hoor nie.

Wie kan ook die stryd vergeet vir ‘n heel Marie koekie. Dan kla ons want die Marie koekie is gebreek en ons wil elkeen ‘n heel een hê, dan sê tannie net “eet, dit gaan elk geval gebreek in jou maag”.

Ek het soveel af-tone gehad van op die teer hardloop en speel, dan kom tannie met die blik Mecurochrome en spuit daai toon bloed rooi.

“Dit brand tannie!”,

“Ag is nie man, jy verbeel jou”-tannie Marie.

Brand of nie, die toon was reg ‘n paar minute later.

Ek het altyd met verwondering sit en kyk hoe tannie die groen boontjies kerf. Vinnig en sonder om ooit ‘n vinger raak of af te sny. Ertjies ook. Rou ertjies is dan so lekker om te eet. Tannie moes net keer of ons eet alles op.

My gunsteling middagete was altyd spaghetti met baie tamatiesous. Hmmm, dit was altyd lekker.

Hoe ouer ek geword het, hoe meer het ek tannie waardeer. Ons het mekaar in later jare nie baie gesien nie, maar dit was lekker om af en toe in te val vir ‘n hallo en geselsie en tannie was altyd bly om my te sien. Die drukkies was die beste!

Tannie was daar op my 21^ste verjaarsdag en op my troudag. Toe die laas genoemde tot ‘n einde kom was tannie daar vir my ouers.

Tannie Marie jy ‘n sterk, vriendelike vrou. Altyd ‘n glimlag in die oë en omgee vir ander. In die laaste jaar het dit sleg gegaan, maar tannie het nooit gekla nie.

Ek onthou vir tannie Marie as liefdevol, vriendelik, sterk, streng, maar sag.

Ek gaan tannie mis. Rus sag tannie Marie. Dankie Here dat tannie Marie deel van my lewe kon wees.

Elré

The Biggest, Noticable, Most Cherished Tattoo

A few years back I got one of my favourite tattoos which I cherish dearly, as it means so much. My friend asked me what it meant. I remember telling her that I will write a post and I never did it.

Today is the day that I explain the meaning of my new tattoo, my friend-this one is for you.

The biggest element is the arrow.

Now, an arrow can only move forward by being pulled backwards. This mean to say that when life is pulling you back with trials and tribulation, focus on what is in front of you and aim for that. You are being launched and prepared for something so much greater.

I had a few tribulations in the last two years, but how my life have changed for the better is amazing. The arrow is there to remind me that I am on my way to cooler places.

The Unilome

I had to go look up the definition of this symbol. I had no idea what it stand for or what it mean. In my tattoo it is just the body of the arrow. No meaning at all. I liked the pattern.

As for interest sake, this is what I found.

As defined by Meowzersandyamcakes October 29, 2015

“The symbol is a representation of reaching enlightenment. The path starts in the centre and as you continue down this path you are wandering , becoming more conscious of your surroundings. When you reach the top of the symbol (the straight line), you have reached enlightenment.”

Well, I guess we can wing it. I am on my way to enlightenment.

The Semi-Colon.

The semicolon is used when an author could have ended the sentence but decided to keep going. In this case you are the author and the sentence is your life.

This plays a huge role in my life. I am surrounded by family and friends (me included) who suffers from Depression. I was diagnosed in January 2016 after planning to end my life. You can not explain this to anyone. This is part of my tattoo to remind me that I went on. I made the decision to get help. This is also to create awareness and people around the world are getting the tattoo for that purpose. I am strong and my story is far from over.

The feather tassel

I don’t have to elaborate a lot on this, cause there is one verse in the Bible that will explain it beautifully. I put my trust in the Lord.

Do you have a tatto that reminds you os something specaild? Share with us in the comments, or if you are thinking of getting one-ask away!

E xx

My name is Elré

A bird is identified by its colours, feathers and sounds. A human, their name.

My name is not popular or available on any key holder, pen or cup at Cardies or on that list’s with “the person on this list will get drunk with you this weekend”, heaven forbid, but my name is special an unique.

Where did it come from? Let me to tell you the story.

Years back when the Golden Acre in Cape Town was still one of the shopping malls to visit, there was a shop called Elrentia. My mom used to walk pass this shop (after taking the train/bus-I kid you not) on her way to work. She loved the name and presented this name suggestion to my dad.

My dad said no. Can you believe it, but he had very good reason. He said that it will be shortened. One way or the other. I will either be known as Elré or Rentia, never called by my full name.

Rentia was already part of my family as this was my cousins name, so she got dibs. My dad just said that Elré it will be.

They consulted my uncle with regard to the spelling. I am not sure if they wanted people to mispronounce it or if it was the way you say it, but my uncle assured them, the spelling is correct as well as the pronunciation.

So, why the struggle with the pronunciation? Well, a lesson in the French language to follow.

You have the sound ee (imagine a dragged out iiiiiiiii sound) and ey (like in a South African name Jeandré). So, when you have an é it can go either way as explained above.

My name is pronounced Elree, like Jean-Marié (ee), but, this little é confused my teachers, lectures, friends, everyone and instead of ee I became Elrey. I gave up correcting everyone at some point, and also wanted to change my name.

I never heard my name, ever. Steadily in my early twenties the name Elri/Elrie started to pop up, and of course then my spelling changed to Elri, but then Twitter gave me a friend with the exact same name as me, just pronounced differently. Her struggle, she was called Elree instead of Elrey!! We had a great laugh because it was exactly the opposite. We both agreed #thestruggleisreal.

Here is Elree and Elrey.

Nowadays I here my name from time to time, never spelled like mine, but I am out there. It is nice to surprise someone and say “yes” when they call their child. This always presents history lessons of where the names come from. Believe it or not, my name can be built from parents names as well.

Today, I love my name. I am unique in it and I do not hear it often which makes me feel very special.

Do you have a not-so-popular- name? Tell me your name story in the comments below. I would love to hear it.

E xx