I am finding it difficult to write a Christmas message. It is so easy to fall into the trap of promoting mindless cheer. I am not suggesting that we discard the cheer, only the mindless. No doubt, even as I write this, hundreds of sermons and even more devotional bloggers will be reminding us not... Continue Reading →
To Nathan on His Third Birthday
I apologise that this will not be my most eloquent piece. I write it as I watch you sleep, with a drip attached because you have had your tonsils taken out and you refuse to drink. We had other plans to make your birthday special, but – not surprisingly - you had other ideas. I... Continue Reading →
Heritage Day: Reflecting on What Matters
I have been told that I am overreacting when I express criticism of how we celebrate Heritage Day (September 24th in South Africa). I truly love the concept of Heritage Day. Knowing how the currents of history have influenced the space in which we find ourselves provides invaluable insight into who we are, both as... Continue Reading →
Against New Year’s Resolutions
I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. People who need to make them are either not committed enough to make the desired change, or have no strategy for effecting the change, thus ensuring failure. It requires serious dedication to break a bad habit and reforge a new one. Not a vague, whimsical suspicion that one’s... Continue Reading →
Merry Christmas, Flatland
In Series 3, Episode 12 of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon mentions that Flatland is one of his favourite imaginary places to visit. Flatland is the title of a Victorian novel by Edwin Abbott Abbott (I don’t have a problem with giving a child a surname as a second name – after all, Nathan’s second... Continue Reading →
The Santa Dilemma
My son is not a compliant shopper. He starts screaming the minute we cross the threshold of the store, and sometimes refuses to stop until we leave again. Here’s the thing: it is the most appropriate response to the trauma that is Christmas shopping. He is only doing on the outside what I am doing... Continue Reading →
To Nathan on His Second Birthday
My Beloved Nathan I can’t believe it took me two years to write this, but in a way I am glad it did. When you discover a treasure of immeasurable worth, it gives time infinitely greater value. These past two years have left me enriched beyond my wildest imaginings. For as long as I can... Continue Reading →
Vapors In The Wind 