A go-getter’s approach to life

POLOKWANE – Art, food and healthy life choices form the basis of this local’s approach to a happy life.

MAny will know Christene Marais and her husband, Kobie, from their Run/Walk For Life events which they have contributed to for more than 15 years.

However, the Run/Walk For Life events only scratch the surface of Christene’s passions.

Painting and cooking are two of the other passions she indulges in and boasts an entire collection of her own art pieces she has created over the past two years.

Oil paint and charcoal are her favourite mediums with portraits being her favourite. Her cooking skills also has people ranting and raving as they get the opportunity to indulge in her delectable dishes through her recent cooking venture where she makes hearty home-cooked meals on order.

“My chicken pie is one of the most popular dishes although I make a wide variety of hearty meals people can choose from along with rusks and biscuits,” she said.

Christene stopped working full time to pursue her passions at home. Making clothes and canned, pickled or preserved food are among her other interests, however, these she describes as hobbies.

Whenever she has free time, she loves spending it with her family.

“We go fishing together often although I prefer painting to fishing on these trips as I find nature truly inspiring. For us it is more about spending time together outdoors as a family than anything else,” she added.

Christene is also an accomplished runner and completed the Comrades Marathon twice, once in 2010 and once in 2011.

Her advice is to indulge in your passions as often as possible in order to keep life in focus.

“Whether you like writing, drawing, cooking, or even talking with people, when something makes you feel calm and relaxed, do it as often as possible. The golden rules in life is to do what you love, pray hard, and either enjoy doing things, or leave them be.”

riana@nmgroup.co.za