Tiah Beautement's Blog, page 126

Heroes are human too

Oh my goodness, do people have their knickers in a twist of the release of Jacqueline Kennedy's sealed tapes. She said un-PC things about people like Martin Luther King. Gasp. Get over it. Seriously. I honestly never thought much either way about Jacqueline Kennedy other than what I think about most US president wives: 'She's braver than me.' The idea of being shoved in the limelight due to my husband's profession only to be scutinized over my hair, shoes, or who knows what else - how I pour tea? - is my idea of living hell. The world has given...

This is why I decided not to become a psychologist

Saw the physio this morning, who informed me I am one of those people who feel emotions very easily, especially from others, and absorb it physically. Can't say I was surprised. Life is tricky for me right now not because I'm having a hard time (physical problems aside) but because so many others around me, who I love dearly, are having a hard time. So many. What's the matter with the world? Did the planets get out of whack? I'm starting to make Dallas jokes. It really has become that bad and I'm finding it harder to laugh. I AM...

Um, thank you

The other night I did sit Thing 1 in my lap and read him the blog post below. He laughed and smiled and said he loved me. Isn't that sweet? Then he got a very perplexed look on his face and pointed at the screen. 'So you wrote that whole letter, all those words, by yourself?' 'Well yes, I wrote it.' 'Oh.' 'Why? Did you think I needed help?' Gives me strange look and runs off. Then I hear him talking to his father. 'Daddy! Daddy! Mummy wrote a whole letter. About me! All about my run! And Daddy! Guess...

Warning, I'm having a Hallmark moment

Dear Son, Maybe someday you will read this. But for now, at least your grandparents will - because even though all of them live a wee bit (and a lot bit) away, they like to know about your life. Today you were an awesome kid. Your mother had her doubts when you told her you wanted to take part in your school's fun run. Perhaps when you are older and you hang out with children you'll notice that they all come with these different personalities. Yours, while it has its totally brilliant side, also has a - how do I...

Please explain - Secrecy Bill

Another article out in the M&G regarding the ANC's determination to push through the Secrecy Bill. I don't understand how this is going to work, even if the ANC manages to get it passed AND get it through the constitutional courts. This is the age of the world wide web. In the ANC's favour is that most of South Africa is not on the world wide web. But enough of it is to create a problem. And while the Secrecy Bill will make it harder for journalists to do their job, there is always a cowboy or cowgirl out there...

For the record, Judy Blume is one of my writing heros, as is Beverly Cleary and Shel Silverstein

'So you write children's stories?' I am trying very hard to think of somebody who, upon learning that I write, has not asked that question. Nobody (well, mostly nobody) has been condescending, rude, or trying to belittle me. In fact they seem genuinely curious and interested.They must be, because more often than not, the person has found out what I do with my time from somebody else, not me. Yet I find it awkward. And can't shake the feeling that nobody asks this question to Richard de Nooy or Louis Greenberg - both of whom are, to the best of...

Writing is not a multi-tasking sport

Almost three years ago... I invited Good Friend over (yes, she who is making Thing 2's 4th birthday cake). I decided I would make muffins in honour of her and her lovely children's visit. I whipped up the batter, tossed the first set in the oven, nursed Thing 2 to sleep and then removed them. Then I tossed in the second and found myself with free time. So I ran upstairs to my laptop, flipped it open and began working on a project that I may never publish until I'm dead. Then the doorbell rang. And I 'woke up' out...

Devious, with love

Cape Town will soon be hosting the Open Book Festival. Whose going? I will! Sort of. In an evil plot, for which my daughter may someday forgive me, I went...hmmm.... September 22nd is Thing 2's birthday, and she has lots of lovely relatives in Cape Town so obviously she'd like to have her 4th birthday party there - oh look, and it just so happens to be the Open Book Festival weekend. Not that I can attend much. Looks like I'll be able to pick three events, chosen carefully around very small pockets of time. There is a birthday party...

At least the sun is shining and we've had a lovely friend to visit

Had my second physio appointment this morning and I suck. And I'm bloody sore and it isn't even noon yet (or at least when I typed that sentence originally it wasn't). This lovely woman touches me softer than I stroke my children's precious cheeks and GAH! I'm a mess. The truly wonderful thing about my physio is that she doesn't yell at me for not relaxing. Yes, I've been to physiotherapy before and they were such brilliant experiences that despite having sneaking suspicion over the last two and half years that a physio may be exactly what I need, I...

Not so smug now

Monday physio did a few things to right arm, all the way from neck to finger tips. She had a very gentle touch. She look at me and said, 'Tomorrow you'll be so sore from this you'll want to spit in my eye.' I woke up on Tuesday and my arm actually felt better than it had in ages. HA! I did some work, much of which required very little typing and lots of re-reading. Went to kiddie practice with Thing 2 where we had a very easy session. Thus, I went to bed feeling very smug. I apparently have...