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Kicking against The Upgrade You know when you just don’t get it. That thing that everyone else seems to get and you seem to be the only one just not getting it? Like you’re somehow virtually stuck inside the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes and you’re the little guy yelling: “The Emperor’s not wearing any clothes!”  I feel like that a lot! I mean A LOT!  I landed in Sydney this past weekend essentially on a visit to see my children whom I haven’t seen since the world went mad. I have to say, flying over 10 000 kms via Singapore, (which to my mind is one of the most sanitised countries on the planet, and this was BEFORE the dreaded lurgie,) gives one a lot of time to think and up there in the actual clouds as opposed to the virtual cloud, which it seems is where most people spend most of their time in this new world, potentially gives one a great perspective.  Flying over Madagascar above the clouds one is able to make out the western coastline on the approach from the I...

Mommy has Omi Mommy has Omi And she’s locked herself away I think it must be serious 'Cos its nearly half a day  And Dad has burnt the toast and it smells like really bad This is like the worst day I've ever had Mommy has Omi And I think she must be ill Cos she’s been sleeping since this morning And even took a pill For the headache and she says She’s like aching really bad This is like the worst day I've ever had Mommy has Omi I don’t think she thought this through ‘Cos the Cocopops are finished I like don’t know what to do ‘Cos like three of us need breakfast Oh, it’s like actually me and Dad This is like the worst day I've ever had Mommy has Omi I'm already late for school ‘Cos Dad’s in a flat spin And this is so not cool OMG he just told me we would have to isolate I just realised this day could  Turn out like REALLY GREAT!

I’ve always been fascinated by mosaics. The idea of creating patterns or pictures using cut pieces of tile and glass which are then grouted together appeals to the part of me which loves fixing and repurposing broken stuff. Patchwork quilts hold a similar fascination for me as my mother used to cut and piece together little squares of fabric cut from the leftovers of garments she had made for herself and my sister and I.  In my early twenties I took a few patchwork courses learning the technicalities of piecing together accurately measured and pre-cut fabrics which were bought for the specific purpose of being coordinated, cut and then sewn back together to adorn the beds of my new home. I was so proud of this newly acquired skill. My mother was rather puzzled by the process of buying fabric for the purpose of cutting it up into little pieces and tried in vain to explain to me that this seemed to defeat the object of using leftovers that would otherwise become discarded and wasted....

 I’m not sure if this will resound with anyone but being a bit of a music and lyrics junkie/tragic I often find inspiration from songs so I thought I would share some of them with my friends. Scroll on by if it doesn’t. Here’s the first from “In the Living Years” Every generation Blames the one before And all of their frustrations Come beating on your door… … So don't yield to the fortunes You sometimes see as fate It may have a new perspective On a different day And if you don't give up, and don't give in You may just be okay…  You know how the rest goes …  I’ve been doing a lot of beating on that door this week. I’ve been doing my fair share of blaming: Oh my goodness! I have been angry at the world; at Presidents and Prime Ministers and corrupt politicians and aaaaalllll the people I don’t even know who’ve played a part in my feelingstuckwithoutanycontrolandjustmadashellness, and I’ve even been mad as hell at Brené Brown even though I carry her book in my bag and liste...

  Eduquer une femme c’est éduquer une nation I make resolutions. At the start of each year I hear people saying: “ I do not make New Year’s resolutions,” and to be honest, I smile politely and nod my head in agreement but deep down inside I’m judging them! “How can they not,” I ask myself indignantly? Why would one not use the opportunity of this wonderful time of the year when one digit on the calendar changes excepting once in one hundred years when two digits change, to institute at least one or two improvements in ones life or at the very least, change one stinking habit?  I do confess to making a list of at least ten things I would like to get done every year and yes, one could call it procrastination particularly if one is making the same resolutions at the beginning of each year. At the beginning of the big COVID Lockdown a friend of mine sent me a two page list of 101 things to do during Lockdown. I was veritably salivating at the challenge! I could hardly wait to star...

Constancy There are days I ache for constancy. This thing that seems just out of reach. As I walk in the shadow and abiding presence of the Cape mountains which appear to be so eternal; so consistent in their very being; unchanging; constant, I’m reminded that even they are changing almost daily.  But Dan Simmons, the well known American author writes: “Mountaineers know that all mountains are in a constant state of collapse – their verticality being inescapably and inevitably worn down every moment by wind, water, weather, and gravity – but.”   As I contemplate this profound statement, I allow it to change my perspective. It has to. I am forced to accept the inevitability of change. I have no choice in the matter and this disturbs me. I don’t want things to change: I don’t want my children to grow older; It makes me very uncomfortable seeing a beautiful heritage building demolished only to be replaced by some bleak monstrosity: the result of overly progressive urban planning....

Granny's Hands Granny’s Hands           Hold my hand Granny Tell me again How many times is seventy times seven And what does forgive mean Tell me again.   Granny’s hands have spots all over Tell me again Why does the sun make everything better When tomorrow comes Tell me again.   Granny picks Rosemary and Lemon Verbena Everything smells Of Lemon Verbena Teach me again Granny Those easy lessons Of making things better With Lemon Verbena   Children can live on ripe pomegranates Pork crackling snacks  fresh Apple Pie Two late husbands and burying two children and yet, I only once saw her cry.   The way to fix things was to Unpack your cupboards “Sadness will go,” Granny would say. “Sadness can’t live in nice tidy cupboards,” But what do you do with it? Pack it away?   Granny’s hands were soft and gentle Rough and wrinkly At the same time   Hold my hand Granny Tell me again How many times is seventy times seven times seventy times...