Letter from the Editor - Oct/Nov '25
Jewel Tones: Rich and Vibrant
Jewel Tones: Rich and Vibrant
Dear Reader
Tiredness creeps up on many of us this time of year. Octoberitis is a valid concept in Namibia, after all. It’s also the time of year when work piles up… and time seems to shrink.
But it’s also the time of year when we’re happy about summer, get excited about planting and the purple Jacaranda flowers remind us that even in Namibia, October has its highlights.
I walked into someone’s hair salon the other day and, guess what, her accent walls are green! And it’s breathtaking. Dark accent colours aren’t just for drama queens. Any of us can try it! Emerald green is the sign of growth and renewal. Ruby red for passion and strength, sapphire blue for wisdom and loyalty, amethyst purple for creativity and transformation, topaz yellow for cheerfulness and optimism, garnet red for dedication and timeless elegance and aquamarine/turquoise for vitality and healing.
So many colours, so much fresh energy! If October and November are not “your” months, head to the paint store and choose the colour to suit your desired emotion – and start painting an accent wall.
My late Mother Martie always believed that creative activities are the best antidote to depressing thoughts. Move your furniture around, change a few décor elements, plant a garden, paint a picture – and voilà! You will feel better. Maybe it’s time to make a mental shift. Time for carpe diem!
Liewe Leser
Baie mense begin moeg voel die tyd van die jaar. Ons praat mos nie verniet van Oktoberitis nie. Dis ook die tyd van die jaar wat die werk meer word… en die tyd minder.
Maar dis ook die tyd van die jaar wat ons bly is oor somer, lus raak vir plant en die pers Jakarandablommetjies herinner ons dat Oktober die mooiste, mooiste maand kan wees.
Ek stap nou die dag in iemand se haarsalon in en, raai wat, haar aksentmure is groen. En dis asemrowend. Donker aksentkleure is nie net vir drama queens nie. Enigeen van ons kan dit probeer. Smaraggroen is die teken van groei en vernuwing. Robynrooi vir passie en krag, saffierblou vir wysheid en lojaliteit, ametispers vir kreatiwiteit en transformasie, topaasgeel vir vrolikheid en optimisme, granaatrooi vir toewyding en tydlose elegansie en akwamaryn/turkoois vir vitaliteit en genesing.
Soveel kleure vir soveel vars energie! As Oktober en November nie “jou” maande is nie, stap verfwinkel toe en kies die kleur wat die emosie verteenwoordig waarmee jy wil vereenselwig – en begin verf.
My oorlede Ma Martie het hoeka geglo dat kreatiewe aktiwiteite die beste teenvoeter is vir depressiewe gedagtes. Begin skuif jou meubels, verander ’n paar dekorelemente, plant ’n tuintjie, verf ’n prent – en siedaar! Jy voel sommer beter. Dalk is dit tyd om ’n kopskuif te maak.
Tyd vir carpe diem!
OUR THEME: JEWEL TONES: RICH AND VIBRANT
Something to mull over: The thing about using jewel tones in your décor is this – you have two chances. Either you set out to bedazzle the onlooker à la Bohemian style, or you create a solid, quiet dignity that invites hushed voices and respect. The first is more playful and joyful, the second is charming and old-fashioned. The first summons a wide smile, whereas the second elicits a knowing nod... or... never mind all that! Your space will breathe whatever you bring to it.
KEEP IN MIND:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Gerty
