Overheard Supermarket Conversation

The following scenario could have taken place anywhere in the world.

I happened to overhear this conversation many years ago and could not get away from the couple fast enough.  I also could not get the conversation out of my head.

For the want of easy reading, let us call the man 'Adam' and the lady 'Eva'.

Adam says to Eva: "I have been watching the women in these queues and they are all working and busting their arses, while you sit at home on your FAT arse and are tired and look as if you have the world on your shoulders".
"The women that are working are all HAPPY.  You must get off your FAT arse and find work.  Jeremiah said the other night that it is easy to find work, and the only people who cant find work are lazy and dont want to work.  Didn't you hear him say that or did it go over your head?

Today I often wonder about Adam and what has become of him. Is he working? Is he happily married?  And what about Eva.  Did she ever manage to escape Adam's tyranny  and did she manage to stop being treated like a regular doormat.

Just for the record, Eva was not fat and neither did she have a fat arse!

Weekend Challenge

Jun 16, 2010 (3 days ago)
All About Relationships and You - A Weekend Challenge
from Off The Fence

This is my reply to Saint's challenge - I hope it makes some kind of sense. Apologies if it is a bit serious, but it is all relative to my state of mind and health at the moment.

I am a person who ... tries too hard to consider other peoples feelings often at my own expense.

One of the things I'd like people to know about me is ... I've made many mistakes and have hurt people along the way.

One of the things I have to do to survive is ... hide my true emotions-but did it help me survive? Not so sure.......

All my life, I ... wished I had enough money to live well and spoil my children

It isn't easy for me to admit ... that I did not have a good relationship with my father

Sometimes I feel frustrated when ... I feel trapped in this diseased body of mine

If I didn't care what people thought, I would ... give up on life today

Ever since I was a child, I ... felt like the black sheep of the family (this has changed over the past 10 years)

One of the things I'd like to be valued and appreciated for is ... kindness, understanding, tolerance

One of the things I wish people understood about me is ... that I have worked too hard and played too little

One of the things I appreciate about my parents is ... that they gave me life and values

One of the things that first attracted me to my partner was ... which partner?

I feel especially happy with my partner when ... I dont have onebut if I did it would be when he is feeling good about himself

I feel especially happy with my friends when ... they are happy and enjoying an occasion (whatever that may be)

The Buffalo

 

This essay was expertly written by my darling son Kieran at the tender age of 14. I have reproduced it without his permission. It is one of my favourite essays that he has scribed. 

Ps This passage above was ALSO written by Kieran.

 

 

The Buffalo

The massive herd galloped across the barren earth. They rushed towards the river and stopped at the edge of the riverbank.

Their short tails swished as they approached the water cautiously.

There was a loud splash as the animals pushed past each other. The river flowed calmly, disturbed only by the herd. The animals’ harsh grunts silenced the sound of birds chirping in the distance.

The fiery sun scorched my skin and the moist air suggested that rain would soon come to the plains. The earth was bone dry and desperately needed the rain to soak it once more.

The buffalo watched the river carefully, as it concealed many dangers beneath its murky depths. Overhead, vultures circled the area, sensing the peril in the water.

Beneath the river’s surface, long, scaly creatures made their way stealthily towards the unsuspecting buffalo. The malevolent creatures had been starving since the beginning of the drought. They were mere metres away from the buffalo. As they reached the riverbank, the buffalo began to flee the scene.

The buffalos’ powerful legs left a cloud of choking dust behind them. The crocodiles could do nothing but watch as the buffalo vanished as suddenly as they had arrived.

Kieran Van Bosch
Grade 8T September 2004

Die Persoon wat ek die beste ken

This Afrikaans essay was written by my son Jared last year and it really touched my heart.  I have reproduced it here with his kind permission.



23 Januarie 2009 Opstel


Die persoon wat ek beste ken is my ma. My ma het kort, swart hare en bruin oë. Sy het ook ‘n mooi glimlag en ‘n verskeidenheid klere.


My ma is baie vriendelik met mense, want sy is gewillig om ander mense te help. Sy is verantwoordelik in haar werk en sy sorg vir haar familie. Wanneer ons iets nodig het is sy altyd gereed om uit te gaan om dit te kry. My ma is sorgvuldig en ‘n goeie rolspeler want sy is betroubaar en verantwoordelik.


My ma kook wel en geniet tuinbou. Sy het ‘n mooi tuin met baie kleurryke blomme. Sy is selfgenoegsaam want sy is gesond en verslap bly. My ma is ‘n baie georganiseerde persoon, want sy kan die huis bestuur en dit netjies hou.


My ma se goeie hoedanighede is dat sy nadruk wel kan bestuur en sy is in haar werk aanvaar. Wanneer sy werk het, sy maak dit altyd klaar en maak seker dat die werk voltooi en netjies is. Sy is regverdig tussen ek en my broer. As beide van ons iets doen wat onreg is, is altwee van ons gestraf. My ma se ander goeie hoedanighede is dat sy sorgvuldig is vir ander mense.


Sy ondersteun en sorg vir my. Wanneer ek ‘n probleem het, my ma is altyd gewillig om my te help. Sy ondersteun my wanneer ek ‘n doelwit of droom het, en die ding wat die meeste vir my beteken is dat sy is lief vir my.

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem ..... or something like that.



This blog is dedicated to my sister Lorraine, The Late Stork and Ambrosia who in their 'joire de vivre' have left an indelible imprint on my mind.

These three animated ladies, remind me of those puppies one sees at the pet shop; the ones that come running to the fencing, get up on their hind legs, faces smiling and with a look that says "Take me, take me, I have things to do!"

The Late Stork and Ambrosia have kept me so entertained during the past months that I find it difficult keeping up just reading about their experiences. One minute they are travelling to some beautiful location in the Cape, the next they are forming a 'Supper Club' and holding a dinner for some 12- 15 strangers and next you look, they have whisked themselves away to a retreat, for a weekend which requires focus and meditation

Lorraine on the other hand, approaches whatever she does with the same fervour. Her home is always a 'work in progress'. There is always a project on the go to change this, improve that and make an already beautiful home, more so. Add to this her wanderlust as well as her ability to relocate to another country. Lorraine has travelled to more countries than I can name and her spontaneity and ability to adapt to change is to be admired.

When I think about it these ladies have a lot in common. They are each eccentric in their own way (Ambrosia more so), sensuous and compassionate. They are also not scared of failure therefore face new experiences and challenges head on. They have dared to dabble their toes in unknown waters, dive in and swim hell for leather to the other side.

Thank you ladies; I picture you in your old age, happy and laughing away while relating experiences with grandchildren around your knees, listening in awe to the stories you have to tell, which reminds me..........I must rush off, I bet The Late Stork and Ambrosia have a new blog for me to read!

Chronicles of a Friendship

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.

Anais Nin

From the time I found I was physically unable to work due to my illness, I began receiving text messages from a lady, Jenni, whose son was a squad member for Easterns tennis. I was quite surprised by this, not having had many friends in my life and I really struggled to comprehend her kindness towrds someone she barely knew.


As time went by, Jenni continued to communicate with me and things progressed from text messaging to e-mailing and now, reading my blogs. I cannot over-emphasise how much her communicating with me and befriending me has meant. Jenni has since introduced me to a friend of hers named Beth.


Below you will find some of the writing that has transpired between the three of us and I am sure that from this you will see just how special they are:


Beth May 2, 2010 (Text message)

Father,I lift this special lady up to you. Please make her strong and spoil her with blessings from above. Holdher close to your heart and protect her. Amen.


Beth May 3, (Email)

I think we need to get our 'wellies' out. It is the best weather to mess about in boats.


Beth May 4, 2010 (Email)

I really do not know when this weather is going to stop - today the mist was like 'pea green soup'. Oh well I think we should be in Venice - what a good time we could have shopping!


Jenni May 4, 2010 (Email)

Hey girl. This weather does not help those achin' bones. No more rain for Dancing Wind please, some sunshine would do the trick and warm them bones.


Jenni May 4, 2010 (Email)

Girls just remember we are the rainbow girl trio. When you are feeling a little bit better Dancing Wind, the 3 of us are going to spend some time together. Beth and I will wait patiently for you to tell us when, where and what you want to do. Now that is if you want to spend time with one sentimal girl, that is Beth, and one looney bin, that'sme.


Jenni May 5, 2010 (Text message)

Thinking of you dear friend and wishing you no pain and discomfort. God bless you.


Jenni May 5, 2010 (Email)

Girls, with Lolly Jackson passing, we can now get a part time job at Teazers.
We don't have to look like those girls from the Eastern Block countries who have the longest legs, cutest buns, prettiest faces and stunning bodies. We are like them, and now we don't have to worry anymore, because he won't be doing the interviewing and declining our applications JUST BECAUSE WE ARE OLDER or TAKE LONGER TO GET UP THAT POLE?

Now how does extra pocket money sound to you?


Jenni May 9, Mothers Day (Text message)

On this your SPECIAL DAY I hope you are feeling better and whatever you do I hope you enjoy. Be happy super mom. All my love.

Beth May 9, Mothers Day (Text message)

Every precious mother is a glimpse of God. It is one of life's best blessings, a priceless gift that can never be bought, sold or forgotten. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Jenni May 11, 2010

To Beth and Dancing Wind

Thank you for your friendship.

Love Jen


Giving your Best
It's the hand we clasp with an honest grasp
that gives a hearty thrill;
It's the good we pour into other's lives
that comes back our own to fill.

It's the dregs we drain from another's cup
that makes our own seem sweet;
and the hours we give to another's need
that makes our life complete.

It's the burdens we help another bear
that makes our own seem light.
It's the anger seen in another's feet
that shows us the path to right

It's the good we do each passing day,
with a heart sincere and true;
In giving the world your very best
It's best will return to you


Beth May,11 2010 (Text message to Jen and I)

May the angels dance in your dreams tonight, may you sleep softly as upon the clouds and may you wake up to a great new day filled with sunshine and fields of joy. Sleep well. God bless.


Beth May 12, 2010 (Email)

I think we should be known as the 'The Three Musketeers' - all for one and one for all!!! We are in this together.


Beth May 13, 2010 (Email)

My wish for both of you today is:

May God be above you - for blessings
Below you - for support
Before you - for guidance
Behind you - for protection
Beside you - for comfort
Inside you - for sustenance.


Jenni May 13, 2010 (Special message for Jared on hearing that he had won a trophy for 'Best Speaker' in his Grade.


Dear Jared


This is a personal message for you. When you children excel at something, no matter how big or how small, you have no idea what it means to us. You children are so courageous, confident and so amazingly special that you make us proud to be your parents. Your achievements, sense of humour and ability to excel no matter what is going on in your head or hearts is to be marvelled at.


Well done Jared, you have done your mom proud and Beth and I (we are now your adopted aunties). Keep up the good work.


PS. Keep speaking Jared, for there are so many you can reach. It is a gift few people can boast about.


Love Jen


Hey Dancing Wind


Well done mom. When your children make you so proud, is it not strange that for a moment in time you feel no pain, no fear. This is the magic our children put into our lives, for without them, our live mean nothing.


Love Jen


Beth May 16, 2010 (Text message)

When you feel alone, look at the spaces between your fingers and remember that in those spaces, even if you cant see, are God's fingers locked with yours forever!


Beth May 17, 2010 (Text message)

Hi Dancing Wind, I will be thinking of you on Friday. Sometimes we try to move a giant tree when God only expects us to plant a seed......Do what you can and God will do what you cannot!!

Have a restful night.

Luv Beth

Jenni May 20, 2010 (Email)


DEDICATION


For Beth and Dancing Wind


I search the archives of moments stored in my mind
moments of love, moments of joy and achievements.
Jumbled amongst these treasured thoughts
swirl images of hurt, pain and failure.
But just as quickly fade, as the message of God's beautiful power
reminds me,
to be strong, to be forever grateful,
to remember that I am not alone in my passage of life.
That for every seed I sow, shall bring jubilation.
Shall any storm come, I will greet the rainbow.
Take me to a place of pain,
or fear,
He, like the wind on a crisp winter's morn,
will carry my thoughts, my living being,
to a place, where there is love,
compassion, appreciation,
that does not judge me, for
what I have done
but believes only,
in what I am, and can do
in days to come.
For it was faith, love and kindness,
that took me to a place,
few can be priviledged to say,
they have spent time,
it is a warm, special and enriching abode,
and the blessings in my life,
have chosen to call it .......
FRIENDSHIP

Love Jen


Jenni May 21, 2010 (Text message received prior to receiving Chemo)

Thinking of you special girl.

Love Jen



I cant wait to meet with these two special ladies when I am physically well enough!

My Favorite Lyrics

My cousin Colleen, whom I regard as the queen of blogs, recently posted a beautiful and nostalgic article titled 'Winter'. This reminded me of a song I have always loved-and no, it is not 'Daar onder in die mielies...'

Indian Sunset

As I awoke this evening
with the smell of wood smoke clinging
like a gentle cobweb hanging
upon a painted tepee

Oh, I went to see my chieftain
with my warlance and my woman
for he told us that the Yellow Moon
would very soon be leaving

"This I cant believe", I said
"I cant believe our Warlords dead
Oh, he would not leave the chosen ones
to the buzzards and the soldiers' guns".

Oh Great Father of the Iroquoise
ever since, I was young
I've read the writing of the smoke
and breastfed on the sound of drums

I've learned to hurl the tomahawk
and ride a painted pony wild
to run the gauntlet of the Sioux
and make a chieftain's daughter mine

And now you ask that I should watch
the red man's race be slowly crushed
what kind of words are these to hear
from Yellow Moon whom a white man fears?

I take only what is mine, Lord
my pony, my squaw and my child
Oh, I can't stay here to see you die
along with my tribe's pride

I go to search for the Yellow Moon
and the fathers of our sons
where the red sun sinks in the hills
and the healin' waters run

Trampin' down the prairie rose
Leavin' hoof tracks in the sand
those who wish to follow me
I welcome with my hands

I heard from passin' renegades
Geronimo was dead
He'd been layin' down his weapons
when they filled him full of lead

Now there seems no reason
why I should carry on
in this land that once was my land
I can't find a home

It's lonely and it's quiet
and the horse soldiers are comin'
and I think it's time I strung my bow
and ceased my senseless running

For soon I'll find the Yellow Moon
along with my loved ones
where the buffaloes graze in clover fields
without the sound of guns

And the red sun sinks at last
into the hills of gold
and peace to this young warrior
comes with a bullet hole.

Lyrics: Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Album: Madman Across The Water