Hi, my name is Ruth, ‘Ruthie’ to some. In the absence of a second name and a dislike for my first, any deviation is rather welcome. I’m South African born in a small town called Germiston, in the province of Gauteng, just outside of Johannesburg. Spent my childhood with my father, Sydney Hopkins in Johannesburg and my teenage years with my mom, Wendy Voigt Strachan in Vanderbijlpark. And there are two words that come to mind to describe my life, then and now … eventful and crazy!!
In 1999, I packed my bags, sold my house, resigned from my job, and hopped on a plane, and headed down under. Sounds simple enough I know, but sometimes ignorance is bliss and we don't really want to know what the foreseable future holds for us based on one decision. This was me below, not too long after settling in, and my first visit to the famous Sydney Opera House. Yes, back then it was all so exciting. Young, fancy free and footloose (well sort of) and happy to embark on any adventure if asked. I married a South African, Michael Spitzer, and so set out to create a new life for us in Australia, which at the time I found hard to adjust to initially. The Australian culture was a bit of a shock to my system, kind of like learning to walk all over again, and battling to overcome persistent feelings of homesickness.
2011, I’m happy to report that Australia is home and I love it! Whilst my family still reside in South Africa, I can’t imagine living anywhere else but here …. for now. The quality of life is superb, the weather a perfect mix, the opportunities vast, you're never lacking for something to do. So much available at your finger tips, and I never stop appreciating it.
So this is me now. Divorced, after almost 10 years of marriage, and I make this statement in a completely positive manner. Some of us aren't meant for marriage, I guess. No children unfortunately, but I’m optimistic I’ll venture down that road one day, hopefully. For now, life is full, and crazy and hectic, I doubt I'd want it any other way. Having said that. Every so often, I wish for a normal simple life, just long enough to give my exhausted body, aching heart and overworked mind a little rest.
A large part of who I am today leans toward all things creative and arty, which, if you asked me 11 years ago, I'd have a completely different answer for you. Incredible how circumstances and life really can alter you in such a profound manner.
My professional life can get a little overwhelming at times and I’m thankful to have some release to keep me sane. Nothing I love most than getting my hands covered in paints and inks or my most loved possession, my Canon, which I cart almost everywhere I go. I’ve discovered it’s those times when you least expect it, you pass the most amazing sight that just has to be recorded. Although a DSLR, sometimes not so convenient in a handbag, so rely on technology amazements, my iPhone. How did we ever live without these necessities. So my obsessions at present; photography, digital art, mixed media and calligraphy.
And so I'll apologise in advance for my ramblings, which you might come across in some of my posts, but this is purely a manner in which i'm aiming to record my life as some events, moments and experiences are precious, I don't want to forget and it's comforting or entertaining at times to revisit them. Even if on 'paper'.
A few facts about me
MY PASSIONS
Photography and Digital Art.
I cannot live without music in my life. I adore the fact that it has the ability to make you feel on top of the world, or soothe your soul, it can fuel romance, or just keep your mind occupied where you can block out everything around you.
My instrumental weaknesses are the violin, piano and acoustic guitar.
MY HOBBIES
Photography and Digital Art, Calligraphy, Mixed Media Art, Scrapbooking.
MY WEAKNESSES
The soothing sound of Rain.
Thunderstorms, Lightning.
Tall men with large, beautiful, well kept hands.
Every now and then you find a man who has the ability to leave you weak at the knees and butterflies in your stomach with a single kiss. Yes as cynical as I am about love, I’m unfortunately still a romantic at heart.
Dirt bikes and V8 Utes and 4x4's. Nothing more exciting than a beautifully crafted sexy machine.
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