The Special Olympics and my good fortune How could I not write about the Special Olympics when the media are bursting with stories about the Winter Olympics and its stars? I can count myself among the very privileged because I was at the Special Olympics with John in both Shanghai and Athens. and so I’ve seen two amazing Olympic Opening […]
Remembering Rica Hodgson — my brave friend
Hello friends and fellow readers. Are you amongst those who didn’t see or couldn’t read my post on 20 January? It was about my friend and mentor, Rica Hodgson, who died recently. I am really sorry that it didn’t reach all of you who are interested in South African history and the anti-apartheid movement. This was due to technical problems […]
‘The Shape of Water’ and ‘The Shaping of Water’ and the Oscars
Films and books and Oscars There’s my first novel The Shaping of Water – and there’s the film – The Shape of Water – its quite strange when the title of your book is almost, but not quite, on the shortlist of the Oscars! If only! Add to that that there is a fascinating character called Oscar in my novel […]
Rica Hodgson: “foot soldier for freedom”, friend and hero
Rica Hodgson — the freedom fighter who rescued me 52 years ago This post is harder to write than I expected. I was at my desk and about to write Rica a letter when I learnt that she had died. It was not unanticipated. She was 97 and had been in frail health for a while. I had only just […]
Dancing and carolling through the dark days of the winter solstice
Season’s Greetings Best wishes and greetings to all who read my posts – have a happy, green and gorgeous winter. Here are are some wonderful songs to listen to over the solstice It will soon be the night of the Winter Solstice Keep your fires burning and your candles lit throughout the longest night Bring in enough firewood to keep […]