A CRY, A SMILE, A DANCE

I’ve been Harley’d

Claudette — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:39:14 +0000

I think I’ve calmed down sufficiently to share my absolute joy of been given a ride on a beautiful Harley Davidson. I’ve had some pretty amazing moments in my life and after mulling over my over the top celebrations I’ve come to the conclusion that it was the surprise that got me so terribly excited. When I left home on Saturday morning to do a food collection from the local bikers club for the central Foodbank it did not cross my mind that I may get the ride of my life!

As a student nurse I developed this absolute fascination with motorbikes and my father was not too keen on me wanting to own one. Up until Saturday my only experience with motorbikes was a late night ride in Cape Town many moons ago with a dear friend.
I’m now convinced that all that love and appreciation of all things fast and shiny came back to me in a flood of euphoria when I heard the rumble which announced the impending arrival of those bikers. The moment I laid eyes on their wheels of steel I was in Harley Heaven.

We all have dreams and I figure if they’re attainable they’re just to do activities. One of my dreams came true and I have many more which seem out of reach at the moment but I’m certain now it’s not impossible. It can happen at any time we just need to be prepared!

Dear Diary

Claudette — Sat, 18 May 2013 06:16:09 +0000

My 7yr old daughter Charis ( though she constantly reminds me she’ll be 8 in about six weeks!). I then remind her that she’ll never be this young and free from responsibility again. With each passing year her responsibility will grow and there’ll be less opportunity to say she didn’t know. She is very wise for her years and we’re constantly butting heads over attitudes and utterances. She has now requested a diary and a promise from me not to snoop. Of course I’ll be snooping that’s what mothers do!

After a discussion about keeping secrets and the difference between good and bad secrets I may just leave her to it. I ask her if there’s anything she needs to know from me. Her response is a nothing really one but then slyly slides in a veiled request for details of my diary. Granted I was almost double her age when I kept one myself I’m left with no choice but to reinvent my diary entries. Truth is I was a sulky teen and no doubt there were numerous entries about annoying teachers, strict parents, selfish friends and perhaps a sighting of an interesting boy specimen to brighten an otherwise sour life.

She’s really excited to get started and I’m worried what I may find. Though I’m hoping the daily record keeping will improve her already creative writing skills. I’m really trying to see the positive side. I shall try my best not to snoop too much!

Ambassador of justice

Claudette — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:57:58 +0000

I’m always so encouraged by people who find a cause to support and do it with such commitment. I know a few of those people raising awareness about cancer, mental illness, childhood diseases and animal projects. The list is endless.

Recently I spoke to a young lady who lamented about the lack of interest of people when it comes to lending a helping hand. I understand how frustrating it is when you’re passionate about something and you’re met with what seems like disinterest. The truth is there are many paths to take and it can be quite bewildering choosing one but it certainly doesn’t exclude the ability to assist where you can. After all we can all help in some way.

I’m passionate about seeing the end to modern day slavery. While it appears to be impossible I’ve no doubt it can be done. What’s your interest? How can you help those who are in distress? There’s always something we can do and there is always somebody less fortunate. Will you lend a hand of hope?

Home at last

Claudette — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:05:30 +0000

A few days ago the world woke up to the news of 3 women along with a child born during their time in captivity had been rescued in Cleveland, Ohio after being held captive for about a decade. I can’t even begin to imagine what freedom feels like after being subjected to all kinds of cruel abuses. The joy, relief and then the fear of repeating their experiences to authorities, families and counsellors. Families too are feeling rescued after years of waiting and wondering about the fate of their daughters. Dead or alive there could surely be no peace with no closure. The journey back to a regular life will be a difficult one but with the right kind of support I’ve no doubt they will all adjust and live fulfilling lives.

This month also marked the 6th anniversary of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann while on holiday in Portugal aged just three and no doubt it’s not just her parents who’s hope is renewed. If it can happen for Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michele Knight surely it’s not impossible for all the missing to be found. My heart breaks a little every time I think of these victims and their families. Admittedly my paranoia also grows with each of these stories and then I remind myself that I cannot live in fear. I will not.

Bianca Couch ( a young South African missing since December 2011 ) when you eventually come home where you belong just know that the light of hope did not flicker or die. Your family and friends have just found a different kind of normal way to live. Hope still springs eternal!

Bank holiday fun

Claudette — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:55:35 +0000

Since arriving in Britain I don’t seem to recall a bank holiday weekend that lived up to the hype. Today I woke up to glorious sunshine as it should be on a bank holiday and my motivation and zest for life was at its optimum. After a few household chores (because some things never change) I got the girls into the car along with scooters, a buggy complete with doll and water bottles. We arrived at the park and I realised I obviously wasn’t the only one impressed with the promise of a beautiful day and the buzz was contagious. Parents with children, dog walkers, action on the tennis courts, crazy golf, cyclists and so much more activity. I wished I could bottle that moment as a reminder that seasons just have to change. After the compulsory ice cream from a vendor we were on our way. On my way to the exit I was glad for the early start because the crowd had swelled.

My daughters were in high spirits and just wanted to be out and about knowing all too well that there are no guarantees of heart warming sunshine tomorrow. An afternoon at the zoo was just what we needed and once again we weren’t the only ones who had this idea. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a zoo that full of people. Sadly, I think most of the animals were taken by surprise with the unusual hot and sticky weather and all seemed to be exhausted. We strolled around and enjoyed the sights.

I’m winding down for the night and I’m taken aback by how the sun can make me feel so alive after an extended winter with far too much snow. It’s time to forget the way it was and enjoy the way it is. There is so much to be learned from the seasons. Dark days don’t last forever they just can’t. Here’s to a change a much needed one!

Prison break

Claudette — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:48:41 +0000

I’ve long been fascinated by prison escapes and never pass up an opportunity to catch up on stories chronicling such acts. Firstly, I can’t imagine being in prison and if I was then escaping would not be something I’d think of.
Shawshank redemption is still one of my favourite movies though I must admit I feel there must something fundamentally wrong with me for willing a man to escape from prison.

The real life accounts that I’ve watched are so fascinating even though it becomes apparent from the get go that they don’t get too far for too long. It always seems like such a waste of time and planning but its always clear that freedom no matter how short lived is worth it.

I’ve learnt more than enough now to know how to make it successfully on the outside. How you decide to leave is really just a matter of opportunity and in my opinion this is actually the easiest part because the planning has no deadline but once you jump that face, cut through it or jump from a roof from that moment you have no room for mistakes or second thoughts. From the moment you cross the line you go from prisoner to fugitive.

To avoid being recaptured you need good, trustworthy friends who’ll give assistance with little or no questions asked. Resources are your key to freedom because once you escape you need an airtight plan and this may mean travelling to a country where authorities may find you but will never be able to bring you back. Mexico always seems like the destination of choice. It may well be what movie producers would like us to believe. I imagine the hardest part will be severing all ties with family in order to start a new life.

Are escapees really free? It seems not because having restricted movement and constantly looking over your shoulder is really no way to live. Or perhaps it does beat being in the prison system.

Disclaimer: I have never assisted a prisoner to escape and have no knowledge of any escapees. I’m just guilty of having an over active imagination.

Every bit helps

Claudette — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:35:19 +0000

There are many good causes out there. Tonight I was fortunate enough to be part of the live recording of this track of which the proceeds will go to a worthy cause. We can all make a difference!

German engineering

Claudette — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:27:28 +0000

It seems like a lifetime ago that I’ve had anything to say about the beautiful game that is football. The last 24hrs have provided some interesting displays of skill, determination and of course the belief that nothing is impossible if you believe.
The sizzling Spanish have been put in their place by two very impressive German teams. Nice to see a shift in the leaders of the pack. No doubt the English are dreaming of their opportunity to turn European football on its head by taking on the might of Europe. Honestly, I don’t think that’s going to happen in my lifetime but then again nothing is impossible!

Social networks are abuzz with plans of how the English can up their game by working on development of young talent. Personally, I don’t think there’s a lack of development but rather a lack of integration into the premier league. The English premier league is filled to breaking point with foreign players who are making it the best league in the world. So it should come as no surprise when the English fail to achieve in major competitions because their team mates now become the opposition.

Unless Real Madrid and Barcelona come up with the ultimate comeback I think it pretty much looks like an all German final at Wembley. How exciting is that? Come on Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund you can do it!

What’s for dinner chef?

Claudette — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:44:53 +0000

Once I’ve managed to drag my sorry self to the kitchen to prepare supper I can count on my girls following me to ask what’s on the menu. It gets a laugh from me every time because the tone of their little voices changes to sound like that of masterchef judges. How will you be preparing that chef? What will you be serving that with chef? Finally, they wish me good luck.

I can’t blame them for developing this quizzing attitude when it comes to meal time. After all they’ve been subjected to watching the British, South African, New Zealand, Australian and even the Indian versions of masterchef. Though I must admit the Indian version was a bridge too far for my girls perhaps it was the subtitles that left them uninspired for me it was the lack of cooking and over dramatisation of every aspect.

The girls leave me to do my own thing occasionally popping in to ask “How’s it going chef? Think you going to manage to finish in time?” Of course Charis my 7year old is the ring leader. I must admit I find it very endearing. They love that I just play along. Wish I could say that their enthusiasm inspires me unfortunately unlike the baking bug cooking is just a task that never ends. Total drudgery!

After all the preparation I’m ready to be judged by little people. I suspect this is the part they enjoy the most. “Good effort chef!” I can’t help but feel that I have some potential food critics on my hands.

Crunch time

Claudette — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:50:49 +0000

As a baking novice I’m usually quite dogmatic about preparing ingredients and meticulously measuring to within an inch of perfection. So tonight when I decided to treat my girls to some crunchies I took my eye off the ball just because it wasn’t a complicated recipe.
Oh no! Everything is now safely in my mixing bowl, ready for baking and I realise I’ve used baking powder instead of bicarbonate of soda. Why are the tins so similar? I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. Fortunately it wasn’t a complete disaster.

My verdict and after consultation with my junior bakers we decided that there was something missing, not surprisingly. I had a baking brainwave and decided to convert them to chocolate crunchies. Oh no! That would mean melting chocolate and I’ve not had much luck in that department. I’m happy to report that the chocolate business worked out perfectly and I’ve smothered it over the crunchies and can’t wait to munch on them.

Here’s my recipe. It’s quick and fuss free but not free from mistakes!
Crunchies
Ingredients
2 cups oats
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup coconut
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
1Tsp boiling water
2Tsp syrup
125g margarine

Method
Melt margarine and syrup
Add bicarbonate of soda to boiling water then add to melted ingredients
Combine all dry ingredients
Mix syrup to dry ingredients
Bake at 180 until golden brown

Enjoy!