The ripple effect of grief

ripple effect of grief

It has been eleven weeks since my father passed away. The phone calls and messages have stopped. No more flowers, cards and visits.  In fact, life has returned to normal as if nothing happened. However, my father’s death did happen which caused a ripple effect of grief.

Life as I’ve known it before 6 April 2019 will never be the same again.  Removing one person from a family unit which has always been a supportive structure; changes the entire dynamics. Although our family structure is not falling apart; the foundation has slight cracks. Perhaps those who don’t have that kind of unit won’t understand. (more…)


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Book Review: Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted

book review disrupt yourself or be disrupted

Nobody likes to be disrupted. In fact it is an unwelcome occurrence that can derail one’s life completely. It causes pain, feelings of rejection and failure. And only when this disruption occurs we either fall apart or start seeking change to start afresh. This is exactly what my latest book review is about.  Nicky Verd’s book Disrupt Yourself or be Disrupted addresses the fundamentals needed to reinvent and disrupt yourself in order to stay abreast in a technological driven world. (more…)


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DIY Project: Old School Desk Revamp

diy project old school desk revamp

We picked up two old school desks a few years ago. Dumped in the trash when they were rebuilding one of the schools in our neighbourhood.  After giving it a good clean up and varnish we placed it in our daughters’ rooms.  Which served a good purpose.  Fast forward 10 years later and my eldest daughter, Lea has outgrown her desk. Initially I was going to get rid of it as it looked a bit distressed.  At the end I decided not to chuck it as there are certain things my family and I just hold onto. It crossed my mind to do a DIY project and give this old school desk a revamp but never got so far to actually doing it. (more…)


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When that head lice note comes home from school

school lice note

Just when you think things are running smoothly, then – BAM – you receive that head lice note from school. Which reads like this “please note that we have a suspected lice outbreak at school and so we would like to suggest that you check your child’s hair and treat if necessary.”  Instead of being calm and handling the situation like an adult should; all hell breaks loose.

Look I’m not oblivious to the fact that kids bring bugs home when they attend school.  I can handle it but what I can’t handle is the idea of lice crawling on my child’s head. Like seriously, the thought of it makes me squirm and itch. Touch wood; my kids have never had lice but I freak out and transform into a germaphobe when I receive these notes from school. (more…)


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My father’s life encapsulated – A Heartfelt Eulogy

fathers life encapsulated heartfelt eulogy

How do you completely capture 71 years of someone’s life in a Eulogy? When I think of my dad and want to encapsulate his life in one word; then “humble” comes to mind.

On 6 April 2019, my dad passed away. His death was sudden and it caught us off guard. And I know that  death is part of life – it is guaranteed and unavoidable; yet for those left behind it is something that you remain physically and mentally unprepared for.

Writing his eulogy was heart wrenching as I couldn’t get myself to refer to him in the past tense. And as much as it was an honour and privilege to deliver his eulogy; it was at the same time extremely difficult for me to utter those words.

I was approached by many to share what I said at my dad’s funeral in a blog post. Apprehensive at first to write it down as this was something that was private and only shared with friends and family. But then it hit me – that my dad’s life was a gift to us. He was an amazing husband, father and grandfather and that his life story should be celebrated and shared with others.

I am still going through the grieving process and some days are easier than others. I have my moments when I just let out. It is a process that will take time and everyone handles it differently. You will never truly understand grief until you lose someone very close to you.  However, typing this post brought a sense of calm over me.

Herewith I’m sharing this eulogy with you in remembrance of my dad. For privacy reasons, I have omitted the personal information from this version. (more…)


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Birthday wish to the most incredible husband

Birthday wish incredible husband

Brent,

I know how you feel about celebrating your birthday. You don’t like the fuss and people gushing over you. According to you it is just another day in your life with an added digit.

I won’t reveal your age – and you are right it is just a number but damn I have to say you are ageing well.

But today, I want you to know that it is indeed a special day. It is not about the gifts we got you or the celebration we planned. What makes this day special is that it commemorates the beginning of your life and your existence in the world.  Your existence has a meaningful purpose in my life, our children and so many other people’s lives. (more…)


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Astral Foods Powerful Lifeline Rescued World of Birds

astral foods powerful lifeline rescued world birds

Brent and I had the privilege to be invited by Astral Foods, one of South Africa’s leading poultry producers, to celebrate their new partnership with World of Birds.  We heard about the amazing work they have done thus far to assist World of Birds and their continued commitment to the sanctuary.  It also gave us an opportunity to explore the bird park – which I have to confess was my first time. Apart from dropping my youngest daughter off outside of the sanctuary during her grade field trip – but I suppose that one time doesn’t count.  I know I’m such a bad Capetonion.  This gem with its tropical setting is the largest bird park in Africa and is situated in Hout Bay.  After exploring the park; we had a scrumptious lunch at the Riverside Boutique Hotel in Hout Bay. (more…)


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Raise your son to be honourable and respectful

raise son honourable respectful

Remember that 80’s song by The Temptations – “Treat her like a lady”. Yip that one with the catchy beat that you can sing along to whilst doing the dishes or sitting in your car.  Ok, so perhaps you millennials won’t know the song but you can go Google it here.

The point I’m getting at is that the lyrics of the song resonates with me as I have a chivalrous husband. Common courtesy, kindness and respect are things women crave for in today’s life.  Values and convictions are guided by an ever changing world and what society prescribes. But shaping attitudes, beliefs and values at the foundation level will ensure that it is carried throughout life. It should be both men and women’s responsibility to raise children who respect themselves and others. Most importantly shifting our focus to raising boys. Chivalry, honour and respect has to be taught from a young age.

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A message to the unapologetic narcissist

message unapologetic narcissist

I spot you everywhere. In the workplace, church, parent groups, in the company of friends and family. Some people cannot handle you. They try to avoid you like the plague.  Perhaps you are not aware of this or that you are a narcissist.  Do you even know what it means?

Let me enlighten you.

You are that person who thinks you are superior and see no one as your equal. Compared to others, you view yourself differently – more important.  Similarly, your ego, status and titles are everything to you. You strive for perfection and constantly boast about yourself and what you possess.

In the beginning you are very charming and persuasive, putting up a facade to lure people into your space. Once you have gained their trust, you become domineering. Making it difficult for them to distance themselves from you.

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Measuring Up: The tall and short about my child’s size

When your child doesn’t look their age.

measuring child size

It did not surprise me when my daughter gave a sarcastic response of  “I might not look like a nine-year old to you; but I am – okay”.

This was in reply to a family member’s comment on her size that does not match her age. If I said this was the first time such a comment was made, I would be lying.  It happens all the time. Uninvited comments from strangers, family and friends. (more…)


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