Jane's Daily Diary
Wednesday, 15th April 2009
The boys went back to school today after a quiet Easter break spent at home with
few guests for a change. It was the first Easter in nine years that
I managed to have Easter lunch on Sunday without guests interrupting - bliss!
On the downside it also meant that tourism in Knysna is way down! I keep
wondering when our municipality and Tourism office are going to do something
about this.....
As the 2009 elections loom I'm seeing huge changes in family, friends and the
community in general. Most say will vote for the DA and when pressed
admit it's simply to keep the ANC from attaining the dreaded 70% that will allow
them to alter our constitution at will. In a recent email from one of the
Directors of Checkers Zuma was likened to Hitler and Mugabe... a very scary
thought. I can understand the fear that comes with one party having such a
strangle hold on the country but isn't there even a hint that Zuma might be good
for South Africa???
I'd love to believe it's possible.
As I write this my partner is in Europe looking for work where he doesn't face
the racial issues that constantly prevent him working in his chosen field here
in South Africa. We are lucky that he has that option. I know for
many South African's this is not possible. In today's Herald it was
reported that over 11% of South African's are looking to leave the country.
I hear people saying 'O, this happened in the 1994 elections, they'll be back.'
I'm not sure I agree.
I think people have had enough of the yoyo ride.
Thursday, 5th March 2009
OMG! The days pass in a flurry and before I know it I'm back in bed having
just got up. Max is 12 now and we marked the passing of his dozen years on
earth with a paintball party! Wild!
Alexander had 7 stitches in his knee having come off his bike recently and my
husband sliced his big toe open turning off the sprinkler system in the middle
of the night! All is well in our house!
I'm delighted as two of my children's stories are about to be published and my
latest offering to one of the main female glossies has been accepted as a
feature! My screenplay is being delivered to a well known producer and I'm
waiting with bated breath.
Being back on the island is different and I forgot how parochial with everyone
watching your every move! We've had comments about the colour of our house
now we're painting it a more neutral shade, but in the 8 years it was bright
orange no one said a word! Curious!
The B&B is up and running again and people seem to be enjoying immensely.
I have to say that I derive great satisfaction in seeing people enjoy the
results of our hard labour. A job well done and all that.
We watched a movie called the Curious Tale of Benjamin Button about a man who
grew younger. We all wish for longevity but this movie truly highlighted
the problems with such a wish being granted and again drove home the fact that
we should all be thankful for what we have in life and enjoy it to the full.
As we walk the dogs every morning around the island and through the nature
reserve I'm reminded again and again just how beautiful this place is and how
privileged I am to be here raising my family and indulging my creativity.
Sunday, 22nd February 2009
We are moved. Back on the island land loving it. Alex, my ten year
old has gone to the coffee shop for tea and a snack with Alice, also ten.
Cute!
My husband is still fighting the vagaries of BEE and I am finally out of
cleaning and unpacking mode and back into writing - or I hope I am.
Tomorrow is the dawn of my completion of the screenplay. I have to write
30 more pages.
Now we're back on the island we walk daily with the dogs down the beach and
through the nature reserve and the smells are delicious. The salty tang in
the air and the fynbos..... like coming home. We sleep with the
doors open and sit out late by the pool with our wine and music. I have
yet to venture down to the Hippo Pool for a skinny dip though!
Chris, my little brother, got married last weekend and we all traipsed down to
Robertson to van Loveren wines for the wedding. A quiet but lovely affair
that had us all reminiscing our own weddings and honeymoons. What
was fantastic is that my other brother Richard came over. It was great to
spend time with him again.
Max is back from his paintball party, the roast is in the oven and we are
settling in to a quiet Sunday here in Knysna.
Tomorrow I must write like a demon!
Thursday, 5th February 2009
I made page 12 of the local rag today. It was a review on my novel DAWN
and it was a good one!!
Better still I heard off a screen agent in LA and they want to contract me for
my screenplay!
At the moment I'm so full of sinus I can't even rustle up a WOPPEE or a YEEHA!
I hate having a cold.
I'm also in the throes of moving house so it's painful!
It's really been an amazing month so far. Not just all the good stuff but
the in between and nasty stuff too - like people not paying you when they
promised and then using excuses like "I lost your bank account details." I
mean, really!
I try not to get too upset because in the whole scheme of life it's such a petty
thing really. My son told me that NASA and those guys have now officially
discovered over 250 new planets .... not just those one or two we see publicised
on CNN!!! Kind of puts it back in perspective doesn't it?
So, here I am on the threshold of a career as a screenwriter for an LA agent!
I'm off to bed early tonight so that I can try and be excited about it tomorrow!
Tuesday, 26th January 2009
I'm being brave! I've asked permission from two movie producers to submit
my scripts..... here's hoping!
Let's face it, you have to think BIG or what's the point? I love
that old saying "Well behaved women never become famous". It epitomizes my
point exactly.
I'm tired of mediocrity.
We see too much of that here in SA. No one says anything about anything
that perturbs them. Everyone is too afraid or just too plain lazy to speak
out. We never used to be like this. What happened?
Did we lose national pride or have we just become used to the daily litany of
"Ag man, welcome to Africa."
How can we improve if we have no aspiration?
Friday, 23rd January 2009
It was my sons school athletics day today and I'm proud to say they participated
well both winning medals in the 100m and marathon.
What pleased me was their willingness to participate in every sport regardless
of their ability. I mean, Max really sucked at the high jump and Alex is
useless at hurdles but they really gave it their best shot and encouraged their
friends to as well.
This week has been a low one for me. I've had the blues and just can't
shake them but today, watching my sons I realised again just how much I have to
be grateful for and I learned by watching them that I too need to keep giving it
my best shot.
Sometimes life has a plan for us that differs from our own but ultimately we end
up where we're supposed to be anyway.
Little things keep happening that tell me my feet are firmly planted on the
route chosen for me, and that's not necessarily the route I desire to take but
fighting it isn't an option as the path soon steers right back to where fate
intends it to be.
I've decided to stop fighting and roll with it for a while and see where it
leads me.
Saturday, 17th January 2009
Today will stay in my memory as the day that I learned that the President of the
ANC was releasing an album with Sello 'Chicco' Twala with songs having titles
like 'Jesus is shouting the name ANC" in an attempt to gain the vote of the
youth of South Africa.
How many more examples must be made before South African's realise JZ's just not
really President material?
My latest laugh has to be the ANC toying with implementing the Chirac option to
pass legislation to protect the president in office from prosecution!!
Come on now people!
Usually I'm an optimist but today the papers made me realise that if the ANC are
re-elected and they implement their recently announced manifesto, we'll all be a
lot worse off financially.
The promised extension of the child support grant to age 18 alone will have all
reeling under the strain of supporting the R3 billion required for it's
implementation.
The resonance of the Cholera epidemic concerns me most as it should all South
African's. It's an unseen that can and will kill millions if allowed to go
unchecked.
Let's face it 2009 is definately going to be a rough ride.
Tuesday, 13th January 2009
Today I realised for the first time in 5 - 6 years that the two domestic workers
I have cosseted and considered part of my family have been stealing from me for
nigh on two of those years.
I have recently employed a third domestic worker (one who works at my parents
home) to assist during the high season at our guest house and today she told my
mother her experiences whilst working for us.
I've always laughed at the advertisement showing the housekeeper sitting down
and watching TV once her 'Madam' was out of the house but never paid it much
notice as I trusted my ladies.
Apparently they stop work once I have left and cook up large breakfasts, the
chat on my phone for ages, watch TV and omit to change the beds for the guests
they are paid to take care of. At the end of each working day they have
slowly but surely "robbed me blind."
I have been aware of the increase in toilet rolls, sugar, cold meats and cheese,
bread and milk but have not given it much thought except that guests are going
through more than ever lately.
In the past 5 - 6 years both of them have had babies. I've taken them to
my doctor, delivered cribs and layettes, medicines and school clothes, shoes and
satchels. I've given umpteen loans when houses were robbed and even had
them back after they absconded from work for up to 6 weeks claiming broken
limbs.
Why?
Because I want so badly to believe that we are in fact one Rainbow Nation and
that my family has a future here.
In reality I am fast realising that no one can be trusted.
To trust is idiocy in today's South Africa.
A few days ago a young, 27 year old woman was knocked off her scooter here in
Knysna, gang raped and murdered by a group of black youths whilst driving past a
local beauty spot.
My twelve year old son wanted to know what it is that causes such behaviour.
What can I tell him?
Oh son, I'm sorry but when Mommy was little we had apartheid in South Africa and
that makes this kind of action pardonable?
When will the elected government really take hold of the reins and live up to
Mandela's legacy?
What will it take for one party member to stand up and offer to lead the people
of the country to a united future?
Until that occurs I realise, like so many others, that we still practice
apartheid here - just in reverse!
Thursday, 8th January 2009
Every time I write 2009 I get a shock. My boys tell me the
tenth planet is on it's way back in 2012 so not long now. My youngest (10)
assures me that's why we having such freaky storms!
"It passes so close to Earth Mom that it affects our poles and
we'll suffer tidal waves and floods!" He is vehement in his delivery of this
impending doomsday.
For many lately it may well feel that way. I listen to
friends who can no longer afford school fees and some who have to scratch for
R100 to buy something for supper each day.
Yesterday whilst standing in the check out at Pick 'n Pay I
watched the excess on the conveyer belts and was urged to put some of mine back
on the shelf and instead turn to the poorer man behind me and give him the money
that I would have squandered on items I didn't really need.
Whilst we are not flush at present I can still afford food for my
family.
I felt almost embarrassed by my own gesture though.
Not quite sure how to figure that one out even though I was glad
I had done it.
I've decided that each time I go shopping I'll pass R200 to
someone less fortunate than me standing at the check out wondering if they can
afford the bread in their basket.
I figure it's a better New Year Resolution that trying to lose
weight!
Saturday, 3rd January 2009
On Christmas Eve my father collapsed and was taken into hospital
for a multiple (5) heart bypass.
I was in the kitchen with my son Alexander, baking for Christmas
when the call came. My mother crying, near hysteria to witness the
mortality of her partner. "How could he be ill? We've done nothing
wrong." She kept saying.
Isn't that life though? None of us do wrong and yet we
experience such sadness, such elation. It's all balanced.
My Dad had four days to think about his mortality whilst they
prepared his ailing body for surgery. The surgeon suggested he take
a while to think about the enormity of his heart dying and be glad that it was
repairable. That time must have been excruciatingly difficult.
How could there be any doubt in his mind that he would have to
have the surgery to live and yet, he was given the option. Four days to
think about the procedure, the aftermath and the consequence if he didn't grasp
the opportunity.
He didn't hesitate.
"Operate now!" He insisted.
We all fight for life and yet we spend hours decrying our lot and
wishing it was different.
It was a terrible Christmas yet the gift for us for New Year is
so clear to me.
Stop waiting for the wake up call.
Live now.
Welcome to 2009.
Wednesday, 17th December 2008
It's been a long time. Accordingly, it's been a busy time
too. I've written my heart out! I've submitted children's stories to
a publisher as well as financial articles and female articles for a well known
glossie. (Let's hope they all get published!)
Amongst all that the Festive Season has begun and with it the
silliness that prevails amongst those on their annual holidays. Knysna
sees a lot of those!
Bad driving, thefts, littering, parking all over the place
without a care for the locals who are still working (mostly to provide them with
a great holiday experience!)
Be respectful people!
I've seen the headlines whilst driving and must admit I am
gleeful at the prospect of the ANC falling. Bring on the change I say -
it's as good as a holiday apparently and we all love those! 2009 looks
rather exciting.
Our news? We have a puppy. Yes, it's total chaos in
our house but the boys adore 'Muffin'. Needless to say they don't adore
her crying or the mess she seems to store up especially for the Aubusson carpet.
Then, she is not their responsibility but mine.
I have determined to harden my heart against her pitiful yelping
and close the door on her. It takes all of three minutes before the entire
family is on my case and cried of 'Poor Muffin' echo through the house.
Poor Muffin indeed! My new shocking pink sandals are a
chewed up sinew and the Aubusson has been taken out for a hosing down twice now.
I hear them whispering about who fetches the mop and who the tissue paper when
they beleive I'm out of earshot!
Yesterday I watched the sunset over the lagoon with a glass of
Chardonnay and Muffin on my lap. It was peaceful and comforting.
Monday, 24th November 2008
What a week! We had our sons 10th birthday party, a family
friend was diagnosed with cancer of the colon, the children finished exams and
we started another business!
The birthday party was exhausting! I remember now why I no
longer have children's parties at home. We'd planned this huge gathering
at our beautiful Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle. Alex had invited twelve
children. Grandma had sat for hours making floral necklaces and a gigantic
birthday cake.
We awoke to serious rainfall!
In the end we cancelled the beach and all piled into our house.
The kids still swam and the party games were more innovative and fun than any
we'd had planned for the beach!
Grandma and Grandpa had to leave early to hot foot it to Jeffries
Bay to visit the family friend.
The new business is exciting. I went for a demo first and
must admit to being totally sceptical. It blew me away!
Thursday, 20 November 2008
A bonus in my life! A publisher from a well known
publication has asked if I would write articles for them. I am delighted
and totally excited about it all. Cannot wait to begin.
In the meantime I am developing a screenplay. It's a lot of
fun and apparently, if successful, a lot of reward!!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
It's raining again in Knysna! I have to admit to feeling as
though the Summer will never arrive. It's been three days now and whilst I
love not having to water the garden I miss those hot, lazy Knysna days.
Our romantic night was interrupted by a friend but we made up for
it last night and today's horoscope tells me that it's the perfect day for
afternoon trysts! With all this rain I could happily go back to bed for
the day!
My lesson for today was quite simple. Don't blame your
friends children until you've made quite sure your own are blameless.
Yes, my nine year old son emphatically denied spray painting the
devils face on the lime washed ceiling of his bedroom. He compounded the
situation by explaining to us quite carefully that it was a visiting friend's
child who had executed the graphic.
I cross examined him, called in his older brother, made them
cross their hearts and hope to die and still, my son lied.
I explained to them both that I would now have to call the other
child's parents and demand that they punish their child and repair the damage.
About two minutes later my nine year old sidled into the kitchen
and asked what the punishment would have been if one of them had created said
artwork. (He was careful to underscore the 'if'.)
Patiently I ticked off on one hand the removal of the TV, PSP,
Playstation II and bedtime privileges. His gaze never wavered.
'Mom,' he said. 'I hate to be the one to tell you this but I was
pressured into it.'
My heart sank.
'By whom?'
'Well, my friend asked what we did in the hobby room and I showed
him and then we sprayed a bit of matt black around but wiped it off quickly and
he said lets spray something on the ceiling so we did but it didn't rub off.'
Needless to say I am enlightened to my offspring's capability to
blatantly lie and the propensity for vandalism.
I am however pleased with the calm and detachment with which I
handled the situation.
He is gated indefinitely.
His computer is removed indefinitely.
His PSP, playstation and gameboy are mine.
He will be in bed at 6pm indefinitely.
BTW: The horoscope also said that I'll make a life changing
decision today.
Tuesday, 11 November 08
According to my husbands horoscope this is supposed to be the
most romantic night of the year for him so technically, for me too.
Unfortunately the children are home and writing exams so he's not about to drop
them at friends. I can only assume he'll send them to bed early.
The other drawback is that I invited friends for supper.
Well, how was I supposed to know? It's his horoscope. Besides he
doesn't believe in things like that he tells me. Yes, I have read him his
horoscope.
It's not that he is not usually romantic but just lately romance
seems to be taking a back seat to the practicalities of life like earning money,
taking kids to and from school, cricket practice, parties - that kind of thing.
Let's be honest - I'm usually asleep on the sofa by ten these
days wrapped in my marshmallow pink gown, glowing from the shower, glasses
perched and my MOM slippers dangling from my toes. Hardly an advertisement
for romance!
So, knowing it's his horoscope I thought I could help by ushering
the guests out earlier than anticipated and slip into a little something of
nothing and hope the horoscope is accurate!
Monday, 3rd November 08
Back to the grind
Today I created
www.leisureisleaccommodation.co.za in an attempt to boost marketing activity
for this beloved and largely unknown island in Knysna.
I've put some good tips on it about booking accommodation too!
It irks me that those of us who are legally registered accommodation
establishments are losing income to those illegally operating and not registered
with Tourism! I think we should all play fair otherwise it's the few
paying for the many and that creates bitterness in our industry!
The other subject that needs addressing is that those
accommodation establishments that are not registered allow the standard to drop
as they have no monitoring body to oversee their offering to the public.
These unregistered establishments drop their prices to make a
fast buck in season and then close again. This causes the entire market in
Knysna to drop creating a ripple effect of 'cheap' accommodation. Tourists
come to expect that Knysna is then a 'cheaper' destination. This needs to
be addressed along with the Knysna on Sale concept.
Why cheapen our offering when we have so much to offer? It
doesn't happen in the Cote d'Azur! Let's assign ourselves a value here in
Knysna and uphold it.
We should be proud of what we offer here.
Saturday, 1st November 08
Okay, okay! So it's not daily. I've been busy! Last night we spent
the evening with great people in a superb location here in Knysna. We went
to a castle on Noetzie Beach.
No, not Pezula - Lindsay Castle.
My boys were totally blown away and had a ball playing knights and dragons and
dungeons while we sat at the gigantic kitchen table quaffing wine and making new
friends.
Lindsay Castle has the most fantastic ocean views and it is a genuine castle
built from locally hewn rock with turrets and arched windows! The boys
were put to bed in a turret room with twin beds overlooking the bay whilst we
were offered the honeymoon room with it's solid wood four poster!
After gorging ourselves on roast leg of lamb with all the trimmings (including
crispy roast potatoes) we retired to the lounge and watched the fire, talking
and sipping by candlelight. What a perfect evening. What perfect
hosts.
Jean and Allan - thank you!
If you, dear reader, ever get the chance, book in for the most romantic time in
an idyllic spot. We relaxed more in that one night than we have in a week
in other top resorts!
Be warned - there is no phone reception!
Monday, 27th October 08
I realise that writing a diary is blog-like but I feel compelled to do so just
to illustrate that what each of us experiences in a day can be as enthralling as
a novel.
Take last Monday for example. I'd invited someone I barely knew to have
coffee and a chin wag. She was running late and bounced in full of the
joys of Spring - or so I thought. I was engulfed in perfume and the warmth
of her mohair wrap as she bent to envelop me in a heartfelt bear hug.
'How are you doing? You look so well! So pretty today!' She beamed
at me.
'Thanks. I'm feeling rather yuch actually but the compliment is welcome, believe
me!' I shot back.
Immediately her concern was for me.
'What's wrong? Have you been ill?'
I led the way into the kitchen, having ascertained she'd like a long coffee, and
whilst catching up on the more mundane minutiae of life cut two large chunks of
carrot cake before leading the way out to the patio.
'So tell me what's been happening to you lately. I haven't seen you in
ages!' She threw her head back laughing belly deep.
'O Jane! Where do I begin?' Beringed fingers slapped at her knees in
mirth. 'But you tell me first. What is happening with you?'
She leant forward slightly, sipping at her coffee all intent.
We spoke for over two hours about my life, my family and their doings, her staff
and her clients, her children too. We were still talking when my husband
popped his head in and reminded me that I had a meeting in town in ten minutes
time.
We stood and embraced. I felt her flinch. Not just a small movement
but one that embodied great pain. Pulling back I held her at arms
length.
'Did I hurt you?'
She cocked her head to one side and smiled softly at me.
'No child, it's just the cancer back.'
She left shortly thereafter and I wondered how it is that some people are so
capable of keeping their worries and thoughts to themselves whilst still being
eager to listen to and share those of others when they are struggling with their
own problems. Who taught them that fortitude and dignity? Where does
that strength come from?
I learnt something profound that day and I only hope I can act on it.
Aside from that, today has been a good day. I am blessed in that if you
were to count the number of good day's I have had to date, they far outweigh the
bad ones.
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