The School Corridor Tatler

Sasha with her cousins who came along for the Matric Results announcement Just the other day, almost nineteen years ago, I discovered we were going to have another baby. I don't want to bore you with all the details, but Sasha was a complete surprise to us. At the time, my dad who was still here with us, was more excited than I was. He reminded an emotional me of the blessings and privilege it was to be a parent. I swear that when I was in labour (forever again), he was sitting on the armchair, keeping watch over his second granddaughter. Today I was all soppy again. Time flies too fast. Sasha has suddenly grown into this beautiful, young woman. While we were chatting one day, she said: " I explained to my friends that I have to take small steps so that you can get used to the fact that I am no longer twelve years old. I will go out to clubs, then take a break to allow you guys to recover, then go out again. I want to help you deal with the shock of having an eightee...

Today was fantastic. The day started on a high note. The birds were having their early morning breakfast talk in the Brazilian pepper tree in our backyard and the sun was already beaming its energy across the skies from seven o clock.   My programme was sorted. Today was Brett and Geraldine Time. I was not going to touch anything related to work.   Tramway supporters with Peter and Brett. At the #C.T.T.F.A Soccer Finals in Somerset West   Our first trip was to the C.T.T.F.A Senior Soccer Knockout Finals held at the De Beers A.F.C soccer fields in Somerset West. Tramway F.C was a finalist in one of the divisions and our eldest son, Brett, was playing.   There is very little that can beat the atmosphere at soccer tournaments. Cheering crowds, beer and food gardens, umpire whistles, vuvuzelas - heaven!   Tramway F.C. Winners with their coach   Tramway had the best supporters in the house. Peter, one of the Brett's teammates, brought along his workers to the t...

We have a super celebration in the the family tonight. Our nephew, Nazeer, Aka Nazarro (compliments Pa Peet) will be 21 on Sunday, 8th June but the party is happening today. The party, that is, where all the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends will be. The REAL party, we are told, is a combo celebration of four newly-crowned 21 year olds that will be entertaining their inner circle of friends to a looooong weekend away.   But this 21st celebration - Nazeer's Big Key Day - is a very special one. You see, Nazeer lost his all- time hero, his only parent and chief caregiver when he had just turned seventeen four years ago. Glenda, our darling sister, Nazeer's Mom, finally gave up the fight against cancer in July 2010. Since that time, Nazeer has become Levona and Ricardo eldest son. With our strong family bonds, we could help soften the blow of his loss, but I still believe Nazeer's strength of character and the lessons he learned from Glenda have been critical in his life. ...

Marlon and Firzaana, St John's volunteers on duty at Kirstenbosch Gardens. After meeting Firzaana and Marlon, two St. John's volunteers at Kirstenbosch gardens, I decided to google St John to read about the organisation and its mission statement. Right there in the first few lines, St Johns prides itself on its reputation as having dedicated volunteers. Well, we met two of the organisation's volunteers by chance and what has been our experience? We want to agree that this is true, based on our exchange with Marlon and Firzaana.   Yes, we can attest to the wonderful, caring service we received from Firzaana and Marlon. After enjoying ourselves at the Freshlyground sunset concert, we had to trek to our car about 300 meters from the concert lawn zone. Desiree, my eldest sister, kitted in beautiful shoes,but unsuitable for this kind of walking, ditched her red wedge-heeled contraptions. What was a nice showpiece, became like an albatross. So there we were- Desiree, Sasha and I...

Our prefect corps   The needlework class While I was ironing linen this morning ( and cursing this boring task), my mind drifted back to the days of our Needlework class and our teacher, Ms Roeloff. That was one lady we never messed with. In fact, we were terrified of her and her eyes that bored into you. Her petite frame belied her thunderous, firm voice and her solid gait. She reminded me of Shakspeare's lover in " My mistress's eyes are nothing like the sun.' You could not describe her well-coiffured hair as 'wires' but she definitely ' walked (thumped) on the ground'. I suppose if Shrek was around in my day, I think they would have been a perfect match.   Once we were inside the needlework classroom, you would make sure your spine is erect, your head well positioned on your shoulders and your eyes receptive to the greeting. Of course, you would already have ensured your shoes are clean and your fingernails are cut short and minus nail varnish...

Today was a sad day for the Lewin Family. We lay our brother to rest after a short, sharp battle with cancer. I was greatly honoured to pay tribute to Eddie who has been a pillar of strength to his family and the extended family. I chose to share two extraordinary qualities Eddie possessed and the life lessons we have learnt from these. And here follows a snapshot of the tribute. Eddie with his grandchildren - always at the ready to entertain his grandchildren Eddie, the Master builder of relationships. Eddie was able to embrace people from all walks of life, from the young to the old, from the poor to the super rich. That was just the way he was. He was a real down to earth guy; what you saw is what you got. Because of his caring and sharing nature and being a natural nurturer, he kept his family - Geraldine and their four strappy sons - together as a unit. Raising children is difficult. We see how broken families are and how children are neglected or abused by their parents. Not so w...

Metrorail became my focus this morning, by no fault of their own. At 7h51 I received this bbm from my drummer boy, Christo, who is a Metrorail commuter to UWC in Bellville. Lost wallet “Mommy, my wallet fell out of my pocket in the train!!!!!” With crying face to boot. Now, I can be forgiven for being practical. My first question was with an appropriate “Oh no, first. Then, “Did you lose your ticket?” ( This ticket cost a solid R40 extra since UWC went on recess a month ago). And your ID?      (didn’t even want to think of strange-looking clones of my son drifting around in Cape Town). The delinquent wallet Metroril under the microscope And, Metrorail’s PR department, hanging on for dear life to improve the track record of the rail service, is in steep competition with my facebook traffic reporters who commute across the peninsula as Metro clients. Typical unflattering statuses would be along the lines of: “ GM Peeps. 19⁰ in cpt. No rain thru broken wind...

Birthdays remind us we are alive and special Birthdays are super special events, even for adults who somehow dread celebrating their big day. Thanks to the various social media platforms we subscribe to and the personalized approach that our cellphone service providers, our medical aid schemes and even the retail stores have adopted, our birthdays have gone viral!. A few of the stores even throw in a gift voucher or points for you to use. The Executor aka Christo reading the last Will and Testament of Rocky Cockinis Senior I can almost hear those naggers complaining that their birthdays are private affairs; that most of the messages are automated and that they don’t make much of their own birthdays now that they are grownups. He..llo… why would you want to privatise your birth day when the entire universe celebrated your birth at the time , sending spectacular energies to all and sundry to announce your arrival? Did you not too, come screaming into the world when you sucked in your...

The OXY Punk rock group is becoming better and bigger.  The OXY band members are Brandon ( also the Manager of the band), Byron, Micki and Christo - four fun-loving young men who enjoy their music and they enjoy having loads of fun. You must come out to see them. Nigel Pearce of Good Hope invited them to studio and liked what they had to say and even indicated he will play their demo if they bring one along. The only drawback is that hiring a studio is expensive for these youngsters. But, who knows... Enjoy these snapshots taken by one of their die-hard fans.   Micki bonding with the crowd. Brandon,their band leader is amazing...    Their music has become more refined and the crowds love them!    " We want Thunderpants"! Shouted the crowd at their last jamming session. And did the OXY guys oblige? Oh Yeah...  From left: Micki (Lead guitar), Christo (on drums), Byron( bass) and Brandon (rhthym and  Band Manager) So, if you have nothing to do on Wednesda...

On  Friday evening, Levona, Hilary and I trekked off to Groote Schuur hospital to visit our aunt, Aunty Henna.  What a lovely evening we had. Aunty Henna is our only surviving aunt.  Lecinda and Janine, her two granddaughters were also visiting. The visit turned out to be a fantastic family bonding session. Despite her frail state, Aunty Henna was a wonderful hostess. She lay there in her bed, all regal and proceeded to tell us about the start of her journey to doctors and hospitals.   Aunty Henna and I having a hugging moment and luvin it! Every detail was described graphically. We heard how Aunty Henna felt that the 'arthritis' was becoming unbearable and then she who never really visited the doctor, started her journey at this phase in her life. We went with her for the X-rays, the MRI's, to the dispensary where she was given 5 tablets that had to be taken for three weeks and then back to the day she fainted. Now, she said, she found herself lying in hospital and ...

You know that itchiness, that urge one gets to just let rip with paints, paper and glue; that irresistable pull to any artifact that sends out yearning signals " Paint me, please! Transform me, shape me, mould me...?  Well, that urge has hit me with feverish intensity.  While cleaning the children's 'Chill room', I see my first canvas: our very first fridge we bought 28 years ago for R250 I think.  We had bought the fridge from a Constantia couple via the Argus classifieds.  I was addicted to the Argus classifieds and always saw a bargain in the 'Furniture' section. Once I had identified the prized item, Basil and I would dash off to strike the deal with the seller. Another addiction of mine was visiting auctions. We would travel to Wynberg, Paarden Eiland - any place where a 'bargain' was waiting for us. But let me not digress.... There was the fridge, waiting with white epoxy coat, dull and dreary in the corner and here I was, ready with a bit of blu...

I am so blessed to have Yvonne as my friend. We met at church because we always sit in the same pew. I can't recall exactly when our pleasantries turned into deeper chats about ourselves and our families.  Not that this matters. All that matters is that we have something so special I am glad I have met Yvonne.  Two roses rambling at the Rambling Roses Restaurant in Bergvliet Me and Yvonne  When winter arrived last year, Yvonne promised me that she would get her daughter, Beverley to knit me a scarf. And the cabled, handknitted scarf arrived. Was I thrilled with this unselfish generosity!  Then Yvonne wanted to know if I wear Beanies. Yes, I said, I love Beanies and scarves - these items are almost glued to my person and adds a bit of pizzaz, I say. Well, says, Yvonne, then Beverley can knit me a matching beanie as well.  By this time I was wondering if Beverley wasn't cursing this Sharon who was causing her to delay her own knitting projects and silently wishing I disap...

Memories of playing card games with our Dad. As children, our Dad loved playing board games and card games with us. We used to play dominoes, draughts and 11-card many a night.   The 11-card game was a fun game. Usually you are only allowed to place out all your cards in their permutations if you are going to win. My dad built in a concession: we were allowed to put out sets even if we had a “bad hand” and could not play all our cards to win. We were showed that there are possibilities even if success seemed light years away. We loved him for this because as time passed, we mastered the “Adult” version of the game. Our own set of cards on our life’s journey Strangely, life is just like that. We are often dealt a set of cards of life experiences on our journey to personal mastery. Often our sets of experiences seem to set us up for failure. One crisis seems to follow another and you seem to find yourself burdened with responsibilities or duties that hold you back, slow you down. Yet...