Words
We started our day with a complete loss of Internet - a little bit like like losing a limb, or so it felt. We had to find our way to our next destination - little known Lion Centre somewhere near to Brits & we had to book accommodation for our next adventure into Kruger National … Continue reading Walking With the Lions & Avoiding Oncoming Traffic
We woke to the sound of roaring lions early on the Ukutula Lion Centre & Park - not really! They were all asleep. The trees & bushes were alive with a low & vibrant humming sound like an electric volt singing through the dense and lush foliage of the African bush. There were low clouds … Continue reading Avoiding the Pot Holes & Other Road Surprises
Inspiration strikes you at the funniest of times, don't you think? I always find it strange that I can sit and look at a page for hours, probably days sometimes, without ever being able to string a single, sensible sentence together, and then sometimes words just want to tumble out - in no particular order … Continue reading Insomnia & Why Words Are a Headache Sometimes
Our prehistoric beginnings can be traced back to the Cradle of Humankind's caves... I love that kind of statement, especially when said caves are just down the road. Africa has a mystical presence & a very distinct smell, I think. It smells of spice. It feels a bit like the Far East, with dramatic early … Continue reading Cradle of Humankind & Moving with the Meerkats
I loved the film Out of Africa - all that hair washing & big open skies! Always seemed like such a big continent with dramatic contrasts (always wanted to be just like that!) And today I landed in South Africa & after a long day with really hardly any sleep for 48 hours I feel … Continue reading Writing Out of Africa
Dear Reader, Before I went AWOL to Greece, I had a significant conversation with someone who was going through the toughest of times. Just an acquaintance at work really, someone I bonded with because of her feisty, no-nonsense approach in the workplace and her love of PLANNING! I won't tell her story in depth, but … Continue reading Sitting in your sadness
Death has visited me several times over the past year, and not just in the physical sense. There’s a saying I have that people will be familiar with … ‘People come, & people go…’ And lately this has been sadly true. I lost two immense father figures - neither of them fathered me in the … Continue reading The Art of Dying & Knowing How to Grieve
We got up bright & early and got on the trail towards Blyde River Canyon - apparently the third biggest canyon in the world which promised stunning views across the mountain Valley masquerading as the Scottish Highlands. There IS a very Scottish feel to the area because lots of Scots signed up to work in … Continue reading Following the Trail & Eating the Wildlife
FortuitousThe lusciousDeliciousnessOf raucousnessSumptuousAudaciousThe gregariousHarmoniousRambunctiousUs Finding your feet…
Hollywood brings yet another version of A Star is Born to the big screen and, once again, crowds of women flock to the cinema to be captivated by the tale of star-crossed lovers and the woe that the inevitable heartbreak brings. Actually there is a whole generation who have no idea that this is yet … Continue reading A Star is Born and the Same Old Story
I've found myself in a place that has become, over the years, unfamiliar territory. When I was a girl, and then a teenager, and then a young adult I was terrifically anti-social. It's because of the writing, you see. It's an extremely anti-social habit. It calls for you to exclude all others and focus on … Continue reading I want to be alone & other anti-social activities
I've just written something for World Menopause Day 2021 (Monday 18 October) for the Staff Intranet at work, and it got me reflecting on all kinds of things (I'll publish the article here). I presented an update on perimenopause and menopause for staff members (all staff, not just women, and for everyone who identifies as … Continue reading Why the menopause should matter
Mags Winthrop Blog 