Another day

Another day, could be described as ordinary or exciting. At work we were busy, the offices are being painted and new students are frantically enquiring about what is available for them. Those that have written exams are more than stressed because access to the university's website is non-existent and they need their results. I take it on my chest, these calls that come - in most cases I try to help but in others I can only offer a soothing word or two.
But there was also something else happening. I was interviewed for a TV programme (was done on very short notice). I don't complain anymore because people keep on telling me that it will be good for my profile. The interview was done by the capable Riaan Visman. I talked about a number of things. And oh we talked about being Khoisan, being Black, being Coloured - I think I gave interesting answers and I wonder what the comments will be from certain quarters!
I felt much better today, yesterday I was upset by certain questions I was asked by someone. I needed to make it very clear who I am and especially where I come from. People should not try to soften me up by telling me that I am a good writer and they like this or that. I will say what I feel like saying because so many died for that right! They should feel good about the fact that I am always trying to be honest with them. I don't want to be put into a box with a label, I had enough of that.
I discovered a nice song on Youtube - I am learning to sing it now, I want to sing more - I know I have a good voice for projection - people have told me - but now I want to put this voice to work even harder, I want to sing! Put on your dancing shoes my people, she is coming to rock you!! Goodnight beloved.

Closing down schools

The thing is, no IT IS about them, the children - them and what their understanding will be of what is happening around them. Yes Mr Grant you may give all kinds of excuses and arguments but there will be thousands of children for whom the closing of their school will be a life-changing event. And I cannot deal with it. I cannot deal with the hurt of a child because I was a child once and I said that never do I want to see the hurt in a child's eye... I will do everything in my power to prevent a child from getting hurt. This is why I am standing up to you and Ms Zille Mr Grant. I will tell others about your unjust intention, the pain you are going to inflict on communities, communities that voted you into power! I suspect that you are slowly becoming aware that your excuses will not be swallowed so easily, unlike the election promises that you made, Ms Zille's dancing and toyi-toying in Mitchells Plain which did not result in anything substantial. The gangster violence and drug abuse in her constituencies are raging unabated - you will  come up with many excuses, blame it on "others" but we will tell the people that you have shown them that you and Ms Zille don't care two hoots about them. Shame on you Mr Grant, shame on you Ms Zille.

Late on a Sunday night

It is the 3 June 2012, late at night. This Sunday was unlike the others. I went to perform poetry at the Anglican church (All Saints) in Belhar. The event was called a "gospel afternoon". What I saw, was powerful. Four young men calling themselves "His men" sang in harmony, goosebump moments it were for me. I was astounded at the talent in our community. These guys could easily grace the internation stage, they would make us proud. After them young girls did some spiritual dancing. Then it was my turn. I am grateful to have been blessed with my talents. I recited poetry, each time giving background to the poems. I had the audience spellbound. I did a lighthearted poem and they loved it. The laughter reverberated through the church. I thought that was good. I ended off by telling the story of Saartjie and reciting the poem I wrote for her. The applause at the end made my day. I am indeed blessed. I am battling to drink it all in. So many times we feel undeserving - there is this thing in me that wants to tell me all the time that I don't deserve this or that I am seeing through the looking glass, it is a myth, or that I will pay for these happy moments, my turn for sad/bad moments will come. Why can't I just accept these glory moments for what it is? Why this insecurity? Will I outgrow this? Only time will tell or maybe there is someone out there who could tell me what these thoughts are, maybe there is a theory out there... let me know when you find it.

The headlines - 29 May 2012

A huge fire in Doha, Quatar kills 19 people, 13 children, including 2 year old triplets
Bomb blasts in Kenya
Apologies from Goodman Gallery, City Press editor Ferial Haffajee - Zuma painting (still)!
Service delivery protests in Botrivier

Wish I could take my magic wand and change the world...... for the better! Ai, nothing more to say.

my place, my space

Where is my place, in which space am I happiest. For years I dreamt of a house, my own, one I would cherish and adore. I saved, stressed and sought until I found this one. The one in which I am sitting in right now, two bedrooms and a cosy kitchen as well as a lounge. Here I have found words that made me feel whole, words that healed others, words that put me on a higher stage. Yet, I often ask myself if this is the space, the place in which I am happiest? I have argued with myself, tortured my soul because something deep inside tells me that I have not yet owned this space, this place. What is it, is it fear, fear to lose that which I have fought for for so long? Then I run back a thousand miles into the past and I see our old, dilapidated rented house and my longing to run into the future, into the house where I am sitting now. I need to find peace, reassure myself that I have found my space, my place even if I am not yet at my happiest.

Peace and love to you my friends.... there where you sit in your place, your space.

The middle of the year

 Good day friends, we are in May, close to the end of May. In Cape Town the winter has set in, came like a thief in the night. One day we had abnormally hot weather and the next day it was raining and after that one knew the heat of summer has gone. What does one do in winter? What does one do best in winter? For me it is obviously reading and writing. There is much to read and so much to write about! So my resolve is to read what I can write about and I will write about those things that can make this world a better place, ala Michael Jackson, rest in peace dear Michael. Signing off.

2012 - What's in store?

Happy new year to my friends! 2012 had a slow start. I was not overly excited and continue to be calm about this leap year, where I want to be, whom I want to love and whom I don't want to. One thing for sure is that I am slowly learning to love my body. I have just looked in the mirror and saw my roll around my waist. I have been battling for years to get rid of it. I have followed many diets etc but to no avail. And to make matters worse today's fashion, style is for clothes to fit tight around the waist, so the acceptance that that roll will be visible, constantly present should come sooner rather than later. I have accepted that. I love my body! I keep fit by walking, yes, I have started walking again and walking uphill and downhill most of the time. I need my roll to be tight not shaking.... So now I not only walk to increase blood flow but to tighten up the roll, please note not to lose weight but to have a fit looking body, rolls and all. If weight loss happens, it happens, it will be a bonus. But for now I know that I am smart, good-looking and ready to face anything because I have taken care of my body and my mind. Good luck to you in finding the "true" you!