Understanding The Art of Sexual Attraction.

When one is highly attracted to another, unless that attraction is conquered by a mutually agreed upon physical interaction, it does not validate a one-sided obsession nor does it justify the ways in which most men approach women - in a manner that is gross, to say the least . The more people I come across in this life, the more I realise that there is still so much to learn from the ways in which others think and behave.  It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that the levels of attraction we are met with daily are incredibly difficult to resist, but that also knowing when to exercise self-restraint is essential to living in a free society. On speaking to men, I would like to say that one should beware of the attractive qualities that one finds in others. I want you to start training yourselves to gauge whether or not these qualities are fuelled by: a memory, self-indulgence, promiscuity, rage or the idealistic nature of outliving your fantasies. To me, most interactions with most people are touch-and-go. We never truly know how psychotic a person may become until we are at the tipping point of fight/flight action. The reality though, is that romance is actually momentary; whereas, obsession lasts for a lifetime. Obsession is a naked form of insanity.

I have been liaising with many friends about the idea of monogamy. These conversations are stimulated by the somewhat possessive control that some couples exude over each other. It is obvious to me that:

1. Sex is life
2. Sex is freedom
3. Sex is personal. 

What is not so obvious to me is why most men feel compelled to misuse sex as their power over women. Why would one choose to diminish something that is so purely enticing?

It is so important that women be allowed to explore their sensuality and the fact that we have had to present ourselves as non-sexual beings who are assumed to care only for our emotions and the well-being of our children is unrealistic, to say the least. The female sexual mind and body needs to become normalised. It is only then that we may start to address the difficulties that lie within sexual inequality.

My female friends are equally as sexually driven as my male friends, but there is a way in which we are diverted from openly discussing this. Perhaps it is because of the way in which men have consistently oppressed our minds and expected us to act as robots who do not think about or discuss sex in the same manner that they do. The other element being that if a woman expresses herself and the way in which she craves intercourse, a man autonomously assumes that the cravings are to be curbed by him. Our expressions are not an aim at challenging you. If a woman wants to give you a blow-job, she will pull your pants down and do so. If a woman wants for you to be that man who holds the small of her back, she will guide you gently towards that. If a woman wants for you to approach her in any physical manner, she will let it be known. So as a man, I want to inform you that curiosity still kills the cat and that you must know how to read a situation for what it is and not what you hope for it to be. When it comes to sex, women are very sure of: who, how and why they want to sleep with you, so there is no need for any hints therewith. If she has not approached you directly, please refrain from assuming that your are a desirable candidate, because the point is that - NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOU, in fact most things are not. Most things that women talk about relate to their personal exploration and sometimes it is just nice to be able to share these with the opposite sex in order to generate an opinion towards the matter and not a way into your bed.

When it comes to sex, men really need to relearn the art form carefully - START TODAY. Erase everything you have learnt and ask us questions. Ask us what we find creepy, do not try it first. Expel yourselves from overselling your qualities - this is not a sales pitch. Personally,  I find it highly unattractive when a man boasts about his sexual abilities because the fact of the matter is that I just do not believe you. There is nothing wrong with being confident, but if you are going to go through the tedious exercise of telling us how amazing you are at "eating out" or how much "stamina" you have, please do not sell us a dream and then tell us to "give it a minute".  Do not get me wrong, there is no judgement herewith - bad days are just that, but like any other practise - the big talkers are usually the weakest links. Just be easy from the onset. If you are nervous, say so and let us be nervous together. Let us connect. There is no need to place yourselves under that much pressure. It only promotes an aggressive insanity towards proving your point; which ultimately leads to compulsive danger.

At the end of the day, one simply needs a deep sense of self-awareness and the ability to concentrate on how to truly enjoy an exchange of passion. This is what it sex should be - an exchange of secure, biological passion that builds up between two beings.

- It is definitely not a forced interaction of rape!

- It is not the key to reminding women that you are stronger than us 

- It does not reaffirm your role within society

- It is not a way to compensate for your lack of understanding towards the emancipation of women

- It is not a way to correct sexual preferences of others

RATHER, IT IS A FORM OF HONEST VULNERABILITY THROUGH WHICH WE ARE ENABLED TO EXPLORE THE ESSENCE OF THE HUMAN BODY!

It is something that should be special for the purposes of transferring multifaceted emotional and chemical energies. 

I fear that most men do not know that the action of sex is as vital as the reaction. To be mature in sexual intercourse is to be conscious of the way in which you approach every sexual situation - whether it be in your mind or in practise. So, please stop hurting us. Stop trying to force us to love you. Stop trying to control us. Stop being possessive and most importantly, stop killing us because once you have destroyed us all, you will be lost. Without us, there is no you and without you, there is no way in which we will be able to experience the protection that we have been conditioned to think you provide.

Love Always,
Khaleesi of the *Universe* x

P.S. "We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." - Malala Yousafzai

An open letter: To Whom It May Concern.

One of the key elements to running a successful business is being able to remain convicted in your ethos and your absolute desires to become successful.

I have had the experience of working with some old friends over the past 18 months and all I have noticed is that there is no level of respect for the service which I provide. Black people or non-whites are always complaining about the ways in which white people treat them in the employment sector... How, though, do we treat each other in the same realm? LIKE SHIT I TELL YOU!

I started my catering company at the beginning of the year and slowly it has been growing. I have never been one to rush a process, so where I can, I make sure to tweak its development as I continue to work as a chef and study simultaneously. It has been in my experience that the people for whom I have worked have been among some of the most abusive employees of the century.

I have received numerous messages of one who rants in the middle of the night. I was thoroughly disturbed by when I went to work abroad. My client had failed to pay for our service which was being taken care of by my chef at home. I was told that my service is rubbish because it was not performed due to a lack of payment. I have been insulted for the format of my company's documents; I have reached my breaking point.

My most recent experience involves being yelled at by a client over the phone due to my advice given from a culinary perspective. It has been very disheartening to run a business and work for people who know you, always claiming that they want to propel your business. Well to me, this is bullshit. All I have come across is many groups of entitled, spoilt clients who have no clue what it takes to be a chef, work in the service industry or to cater for private events.

 Most people have an unrealistic view of how much food costs and what goes into preparing for any event that is centred on food. Clients are forever crying about their budget, but want miraculous ingredients to appear before the eyes of their guests. I am still trying to figure out whether or not this is the general attitude that people have towards the culinary industry as a whole or if people are so used to taking chances and cutting corners in South Africa, that they feel the need to become cheap when taking care of their nutrition and the private service that handles it. I am also wondering if I would have been treated as "the help" if my company were already at the top of its game... The answer is no, because people are fickle in that manner. They require your discounted service, but that comes with being disgracefully treated as if they are white people for whom we worked for in the 50's.

Many people believe that one should not work with those that they have personal relationships with, but what I truly believe is that it is a blessing to have seen how these particular individuals treat their employees and those who they pay to provide any service for them. Perhaps now, my company is still small, so they feel the need to try to control it; lacking any sense of respect for my work and the work of those who help me.

One thing I pride myself on is extreme honesty and where I have faulted, I have apologised and rectified the issue at hand. This is something that is extremely important to me as an entrepreneur and as a global citizen.

This is why so many chefs (and many other dreamers in the creative service field) in South Africa give up one their dreams, because there is no sense of appreciation for their work.  So the next time a "friend" calls in a culinary favour, it will be my desire to protect those who work with me and myself before adhering to their request(s)  because, if you as a client do not understand: what it is that you want, how to go about attaining your desire and what level of respect goes into working together, then I as an employee/entrepreneur will be of no service to your needs. I WANT THIS MESSAGE TO TRANSPIRE TO CLIENTS IN ALL INDUSTRIES. Just as #blacklivesmatter, and other such forms of activism took their own trending form this year, I am signing off the year by saying that #spoiltclientsmustfall.

 I have seen too many colleagues suffer abuse. I have seen too many employers take advantage of their employees over a variety of industries. It has to come to an end and I am not afraid to voice my disdain towards the way in which people in their employment are mistreated by their clients/employers. 

This is the beginning of the end of abuse my workplace and for those who feel that they recognise themselves within this article, perhaps you should reflect on yourselves, because it is unattractive and unnecessary to conduct oneself in a manner such as the one I have explained above. Always remember the words of Sir Richard Branson:

"If you treat your staff well, they will be happy. Happy staff are proud staff, and proud staff deliver excellent customer service, which drives business success."

Bonne Dimanche!

Khaleesi of the *Universe*

P.S. Never underestimate the power of an underdog!

PART 3

The Weak of Rock Bottom...

I closed my heart, for the fear of not loving me.
I closed my eyes for the love of being unseen.
When I closed my soul, it began to shatter.
I have yet to be told why.
What I thought of my world and the light in which you shone.
I will always remember the days.

I spend some of them in wonder of what you would be.
Beside me, My eyes
Inside out of yours.
To be close to you and feel you
Hold you in my soul. The window to my life's treasures.
A forceful nature of my grounding sense. The renewed light, within I reside.
The amused, from whom I wish to be forlorn.
When you are again in my presence, again and again we shall exchange in reward

Of each other.

Of our darkness
Our light.
Of our sorrow

Of ambitious love.
Of faith
Of gratitude

For the grace of power in its element
My power
Our power
Forever, to Thee.

Khaleesi of the *Universe* x

P.S. "What I like are things that are different every time" - Andy Warhol. 

PART 2 :

The Universe Has Its Games...

Have you ever dated someone and then realised, after you start to date them that perhaps they are not the one for you, but due to your ability to be committed to your choices, you let the relationship ride its wave until such a point where there is no turning back – or rather that you are very much interested to see if they fulfil the potential that is built up in your head? What is it about us that allows for us to go against our gut and stay in these relationships, knowing very well that they are doomed for disaster? It is the subconscious necessity of having to go through the experience? The greater power that is manifested in your ability to recognise yourself in dealing with another spirit and allowing for that spirit to enter your being, physically, mentally and emotionally – if need be.

 I suppose that one only comes to such a realisation after having been in that relationship. The lessons appear to us in the near and far future, but they are really initiated throughout the time that we are exploring the realms of another being; hence our ability to use expressions such as: “in hindsight” and “I knew it when we were together”...
This past weekend compelled riveting conversations centred on relationships and their norms. I exchanged words of peace with strangers, sisters and friends alike. I thought to myself:  In a world of such turmoil, where my people are being killed for no apparent reason at all and children are dying, hourly, due to malnutrition, what purpose does our ideal of love play within the roles of our highly complex societies?

A story that I wish to share with you is one of moral fibre. I used to work as a chef in a small restaurant with a small open kitchen. The nature of this restaurant was to go out onto the floor and engage the customers – my favourite activity. It was on a beautiful summer’s night when I saw a very handsome gentleman (I hope) enter the room. I noticed that he had been looking my way from time-to-time, but I simply ignored him and continued with that evening’s service. At the end of the evening, I walked around the space, ensuring the comfort of our guests and when it came time to approach him, I became excited. I was in a relationship at the time. I had to remain focused on my work and less so on the dream that was sitting in front of me. I thought to myself, “You are in a committed relationship with someone and that is all that matters”. – My intention is to never hurt people and I have now understood that most of my life, I have misunderstood the notion that:

‘Just because we choose to fulfil our own levels of happiness, it does not mean that we possess the intent to hurt the feelings of another.’ – Ipeleng Motuba.

Sure, my partner ended up being somewhat of a loser who was unfaithful towards our relationship and I, but at the time, I knew that it would be ‘morally incorrect’ to entertain even the fantasy of being with another person outside of my relationship – especially if my partner and I had never discussed the values of being in an open relationship or any other such agreements thereto. The funniest part of the story is that the very same woman, with whom my partner cheated with, is now engaged to another man. So at the end of it all, does it really matter? Does any of it matter? I could harbour anger and resentment towards our relationship and the pretence behind it, but why choose to affect myself in a way that otherwise creates a deeper inner turmoil. Rather, I have forgiven us all, for I am grateful. In hindsight, he is not a loser. He was just not meant for me.
It happened that, a few weeks later, the very same gentleman (the one from the restaurant) had appeared to be the former best friend of someone who I became very close to at the time of my working there. Not only that, but I too had dated an old friend of his, with whom I have since, lost touch.  All of a sudden, I saw this man wherever I turned and I had to fight very hard to ignore myself whenever we were around each other. He too seemed coy, but that is another story for another day. What I want to know and think of, to this day, from a moral perspective is that: Are we still stuck in an era; whereby we restrict ourselves to the point that we have to suppress our urges and desires to be with anyone whom we choose, within our personal limits, of course? I.e. is it wrong to be with someone who used to sleep with, date or be married to your friend or member of your family? Is it as taboo as we have depicted it to be, over the years of our existence? Surely the immoral aspect would come into play if you were to engage that person whilst they are in their relationship and not the other way around? What then does it make of one who chooses to do so outside of any other relationship? People often say that it depends on how the former relationship ended. My belief (today) is that it is inevitable that as friends, brothers and sisters of like minds, we will find ourselves attracted to the same people. So if you are happy and your friend’s/brother’s/sister’s happiness depends on your approval; yet, you decline such approval,

are you really as happy as you believe yourself to be or do your harbour some angst that you have yet to deal with? #ThinkAboutIt

A client of mine, made a valid statement towards me the other week in saying “You would think that due to the ways in which we have progressed over the years (psychologically, physically, technologically etc.) that sexual liberation and/or orientation would by now, be detached from any need to become emotional about our sexual acts and/or preferences; as well as, our desired counterparts – within reason.” My interpretation of what he said was that, perhaps

it does not necessarily matter who, when and with whom we sleep with, marry or date.
After all, people (read black people) are being shot every day, for no apparent reason; so, in the bigger scheme of life and its progression, are sex, love and marriage still as highly related to the ideals and morals that are associated with societal norms as we once believed them to be? The second question within the bigger scheme of life’s confusion is that
when it comes to love, does it really matter who you love, where they come from and how you were brought into each other’s lives;
or, is it always the way of the Universe, challenging us to fulfil our own happiness, even it may at first appear “wrong” in the eyes of others?

Best Love,

Khaleesi of the *Universe*

P.S. "A life would be better made, if peanuts tasted like cashews." - Ipeleng Motuba.

PART 1:

I would have never believed them... 

It was almost a year ago, that I found myself in a situation whereby I had lost: two jobs, an apartment and my lover all in the space of a month. I was at an all time low and I had a lot of serious doubts about myself for the very first in my life. I am usually great at rolling with the hard times, but the year of 2015 exposed me to the most vulnerable side of my character - for which I will forever remain grateful. 

I was in a state of mind that questioned why it is that my desired purpose to share my talent was uncoupled from the ways in which the Universe had projected its powers on the outcomes of my bold ambitions. If someone had told me at the beginning of last year that my partner would later become disloyal, I would have never believed them. If someone had told me that my dear friend would later fire me, I too would have never believed them. If someone had told me that my other former boss would never let me step foot in the kitchen, I would have never believed them. If someone had told me that my ex-flatmates would cause for me to be evicted from our apartment, I would have never believed them.

I would have never believed that my happiness would be in jeopardy of those by whom I chose to surround myself with - by those whom I thought myself to love.

I suppose that this is what happens sometimes, when you instill your trust in others. It became so important for me to start protecting my purpose and my duties as a global citizen; that I decided to empower myself by starting again. I decided that it was time to head back home and that perhaps the harsh realities that I was exposed to were a message from that very same Universe to redirect my ambitions towards a more compelling greatness. The greatness that I am feeling today! The greatness of being able to take a small piece of every lesson learnt through the aforementioned experiences. The greatness of self-preservation. 

So there I found myself, driving from Cape town to Johannesburg, a day after I had found out that my partner had been unfaithful towards me and our relationship - Can you imagine having to put your anger aside in order to embark on a 15 hour road trip with the one who has betrayed you, the one who you once thought to be your all, in the name of love? - I do not have to, for I lived through such pain and I will continue to live through more pain that I shall blessed enough to experience; for without it, I would not be dressed with the ammunition to keep on fulfilling all of my passions. 

I have been absent for the past eight months, but I am back and my motivation force is stronger that ever before. I had to get my mind, body and soul right in order to be able to share with you again; from peaceful state of mind and a forgiven heart. I do not feel anger anymore, for anger is no longer within me.

If someone had told me during that tumultuous time that I would be sitting here today, writing this letter to you all, I would have never believed them. If they had said that I would be sitting here today, as an entrepreneur, I would have never believed them. If someone had told me then, that I would be able to look at my former lover, friends and employers and envision a future where we can one day be friends, I would have never believed them and 

If someone had told me that my soul would have been broken in the first place, I would have never believed  them.

To be continued... 

Best,

Khaleesi aka Glass Table Girl x

P.S. "When love is not enough, remember to love some more." - Ipeleng Motuba. 

The Years Between Love.

As women (I speak for myself and the ones with whom I have shared these thoughts) we are taught from a very young age that the way of a man is to behave in a manner that is unfaithful. We are also taught that the way of a woman is to accept that this is the way of a man. Our mothers went through many experiences where our fathers placed them in the positions to develop ways in which they should remain strong within their relationships - at most times, when all they really wanted to do, was run away. 

I am beginning to wonder why it is that we (women) are so willing to sacrifice as much as we do for the greater good of the love that we have for the next person. We are consistently encouraging each other to forgive the wrongdoings of our partners because, we love them. We are always reminding each other to be conscious of our sexual accumulation out of the fear of being judged. We are constantly wiping away each others tears with great despair and we somehow find the strength to remind each other that. YOU ARE A WOMAN AND THIS IS WHAT WOMEN OUGHT TO DO.

Psychologists might argue from a biological perspective; in allowing for us to believe that women are by nature, more easily inclined to understand and react more lovingly to situations of infidelity. They might argue that for years, we are conditioned to believe that once we have found a 'good man', we should hold onto him, no matter what and that we always strive to look for the bliss within the bigger picture - in moments when we have experienced the same kind of hurt that makes us too, want to run away. We are also conditioned to believe that there are very few 'good men' out there, thus, our inability to let go of those who affect us negatively out of the fear that we may not find as great a sense of security in the man that we are so willing to let go of. We are conditioned to think through our wombs and the aspirations therewith. We are taught to behave in a manner that is lady-like for we should not place ourselves in a position where we could face the risk of not being chosen. We are taught that we are the ones who are handpicked and that once we are chosen, we should remain eternally grateful that we have been privileged enough to stand out amongst the others. Naturally, we have been conditioned to compete against each other. 

I sometimes wonder why we were never conditioned to compete against men, because I find that if we were, then there would be more balance within our societies as a whole and men would not feel as harshly affected by being beaten by a woman under any circumstance, but would rather accept the fact that we are sometimes, better than they are at performing ordinary tasks that were initially designed for 'the man'. I believe that if we were taught to compete against men, then they too would be of the greater understanding that it is not only women who are the ones who should be chosen. We could compete with them in order to break down the barriers that exist between us. We could create a heightened balance in the feeding game in allowing for them to know that they are not the only ones who have the power to choose. That they too are capable of leading a life of loneliness due to the ways in which they portray themselves. They too should know that their seed may no longer worthy of being implanted due to the fact that it has lost its value. That they too might be considered as 'undesirable' once their sexual aura has encapsulated a certain quota of vaginas. They too should be concerned with their sexual odours, organs and all-round performance and they too should know that we are more than capable of exploring as many of the others that we want to. They too should know the importance of having to stroke the ego of a woman that they wish to encourage. We too should begin to embrace the changes that we wish to see in this world. We too should let it be known.

It makes me happy to understand that more women are willingly standing up for themselves within their relationships with each other and those that they find themselves in at home. I thrive off the conversations that I have had with many women over the years about the ways in which they wish to achieve personal success. I am inspired daily by the ever-increasing number of female entrepreneurs.  This is still something that is traditionally 'abnormal', but with the way that I see the changes that I wish to impose on the world/my world, I feel positively assured by the ways that more women are becoming free within their expressions of self, sex, love and war. 

I would like for us to condition ourselves and the daughters of the future to become even stronger than our mothers were. More vicious in their stature. To believe in the love that they have for themselves. To choose and no longer be chosen. To embrace their sexual connections. To be liberated within their choices and  for us to end the hate that comes with being the one who is no longer afraid to be her ultimate Goddess. I would like for us to become emotionally detached from personal projections that we may place on the next woman and I want us to encourage each other to fight harder for the freedom that we have been given within this life and the next. For without us, the global population would cease to be carried into its existence and that is a power that no man or woman can ever strip us of. 

With best wishes and kindness from my heart,

Khaleesi Ipel of the Universe x

P.S. This is not a piece articulating any dislike for men; rather one that is aimed at uplifting women. 

DINNER TIME!

One of the most daunting ideas about being a chef is maintaining the balance between great food production and great presentation of such food production.

I am happy that my journey started out at such a high level and I feel privileged to have trained under the stringent guidance of my all-round inspiration known as David Higgs. 

Every time I think about my career choices and expectations of my self-preservation, my mind travels to moments spent with Chef David and the ways in which he would aim to push me. I often reminisce on his strong will and think about the ways in which he would analyse my career going forward. To me, this is power. This is the kind of excellence that I strive to achieve and I salute him and his team of successors for their contribution towards my becoming the best culinary artist to ever exist.

Seared salmon served with artichoke hearts (prepared in a napoletana sauce) and some steamed 

vegetables.

Best,

Khaleesi Ipel of the *UNIVERSE*

P.S. Life is always more exciting when you believe in the things that others do not. - Ipeleng Motuba.

Loveless Hurt.

I am hurt, because those who love are proving to be incapable.
I am hurt, because those who taught me to love have become enslaved by the power of deceit.
I choose not to hurt because they are the ones who allowed for me to become strong and
with that I am free of the inhibitions of guilt.

With that I am free of the despair that leaves me darkened in the presence of their souls.
I am here for eternity for I know now what I did not know before,
In the words of my heart, I choose to soar high and
to the ones that choose to hurt me, I choose to leave behind.

The hurt within the disconnect will forever remain unashamed,
For the hurt that you have brought into my soul is no longer the cause or blame.
Of the way, in which I choose to be.
No longer a part of your soul
And when the time comes that you reflect on your conduct,
Your time will be of mold.

Bon Lundi mes amis
Khaleesi x

P.S. "One day, the people that did not believe in you will tell everyone how they met you." - Johnny Depp.

I Have To Celebrate You Baby!

There are few better feelings than the feeling of progression. An expression recently came to mind and that is: 'He who knows not how to break through the laws of love, knows only the law of a loveless life.' - Ipeleng Motuba. 

It is so important for us to hone our skills of loving ourselves and the people by whom we choose to surround ourselves with. To maturely accept the criticisms that those who love us, have to offer - without absorbing their words as an attack, rather understanding the ways in which they hope to influence our own progression in life. 

There is never a good time to have your feelings hurt by a loved one, but there is always a good time to forgive within the hurt and to heal together in a way that allows for the refreshment of the existing love. Whether it be the love and hurt between friends, families or partners, there is always a period through which we are bound to heal, for the power of hurt is merely a by-product of the power of love and without that love, there would be no hurt to explore in the first place. There is always a time to remember the ways in which we express our sense of despair towards one another and a time in which we should reflect on the expressions that are exchanged.

How is it that we are so hastily disturbed by another person's truth? Is it due to the fact that we are conditioned to believe only in the wrongdoings of another being; therefore, we should always remember them in that burdened light? Or should we rather subject ourselves to the ideals of spiritual reform which allow for us to deflect these wrongdoings in a manner that is peaceful and all-encompassing of the ways in which we wish to rectify the defiance of one soul to another? The latter, being the harder condition to follow always ends up being the most rewarding and there is no better way to inform ourselves of being true to our sense of well-being than allowing for the spirit, the heart, the breath and the love to guide us towards our ultimate destination of self. 

Thank you for being a part of my journey and for always helping me to look forward to the fulfilment of what lies ahead.

Have a beautiful weekend and remember to always strive for the kind of love that allows for the expansion of the soul.

Best,

Khaleesi x

P.S. "'He who knows not how to break through the laws of love, knows only the law of a loveless life.'

WHY I FEEL LIKE A WINNER.

Cajun Chicken Strips Served On A Bed Of Sun-dried Tomato Roasted Potatoes and a Fresh Pineapple Sauce. 

Today is one of those days of reflection whereby, I have been encouraged by the ideals of my subconscious to always believe in my worth as an individual. It was at the beginning of 2013, when I was stunned to find myself walking through the corridors of a place that I used to call, 'One of my other homes', Capsicum Culinary Studio. 

When I was eighteen years old (fearing that I would fail my Matric year - because that was a high expectation of some of the people around me), I spoke to my, now angel-Mother, who encouraged me to always strive to become someone who is in love with what they do. A global ambassador of self-actualisation who is: constantly pushing the boundaries of her potential. One who never gives up on her dreams to thrive. She always told me that it would be in my best interests to find a job that would allow for me to see the world and engage people from all corners of our planet, in a manner that is: cautious, loving and all-encompassing of the energy that I wish to attract. 

It was then that I decided that I would love to immerse myself in a career that allows for me to experience all of the above-mentioned aspects of being alive. Due to fortunate/unfortunate circumstances, my plans to head out into the world were put on hold for five years after I successfully completed high-school; as I rather agreed to attempt to pursue a career in Law. I am highly interested in the Laws of our nations and as I grow older, I realise that there is so much time to still pursue anything that I choose to. This is one of the best qualities of time - you are the only one who can manage what it is that you do with it. To own your time is a self-inflicted privilege that I believe many of us are daunted to engage with. With this in mind, I also understand that perhaps the timing in which I chose to take on my studies of legal chemistry was premature (in the sense that I was not yet ready to explore a career that dissatisfies my yearning to lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle) - A life where I am able to paint the world with a talent that has been bestowed upon me through the grace of the Universe. When I am ready, of course, I will complete my other degree, but right now is the only time that matters to me and I feel honoured to be so deeply in love with what I do. 

After many years of trying to get through Law School (whilst working as a Chef during my spare time), I was able to convince my creators that: allowing for me to enroll at an institution that accredits one with an International ability to take over the culinary industry, anywhere in the world, would be more beneficial to my ambitions in becoming the best Culinary Artist to ever exist; than trying to make a name for myself by working as a chef on the side.

A dear family friend of mine, Mr Itumeleng Morule, came to eat at a restaurant that I was working at, just off of Jan Smuts Avenue in Johannesburg, South Africa. I remember how impressed the kitchen staff would be, owing to my bringing in a new customer to the restaurant, everyday - I must give thanks to my folks for having a wide network of friends who decided to fornicate and reproduce at least three times a pair - for it is their reproductive nature that has enabled my knowing of a lot of people. 

My very talented head chef at the time, Chef Maureen, allowed for me to prepare his (Itumeleng's) meal for him without the assistance of any other member of our team. I walked up to him, with his special dish in hand and all I said is: "Za-tuum, if this meal is the one, please wait until after my shift and  help me to convince my father that I was born to be a chef?". Tumi, as he is so lovingly known, is a man who has such charisma, that he could persuade the devil to play with fire. My father was not only impressed by his raving words of the 'Orrichiete Pasta' that I made him, but he could see with what dedication and passion I was putting into my work. The hours of cheffing are so intense, that they could almost put those of new parents to shame. At the time, I was averaging 12 - 17 hour shifts, five days a week. 

Today, as I sit here and look at this plate that I created from a 'mystery basket' task that we were challenged with in week three of Culinary School.I feel so proud to have a father who opened his mind up to my dream. I feel blessed to have been born from a mother who taught me to always fight for my freedom. I am so lucky to have the many brothers and sisters that I do - who are continually giving me the go ahead to continue to do what I love. I mean, these are the people who I have been surrounded by, my whole life. They are the most hardcore, super-disciplined academics who inspire me to grow into a better person, everyday. They are artists of intellect, success, respect and most importantly, self-love. With them by my side and with my vision in sight, I know that doing is believing and that dreaming is forever.

I want to thank you all - my sisters, my friends, my family-friends (who provide me with such a strong system of consistent love and support) and most importantly, my amazing mothers and fathers (all 20+ of them).

Without you, there would be no me and without me, there would be a lack of fulfillment in my dreams.

I wish you all the best love that you can fathom, from the depths of my heart.

Best,

Khaleesi of the *Universe* x

P.S. "Only playas go on blind dates." - Mogwanti.