Five

Tragic or hilarious?

2012-02-03T04:32:00.000Z

Location:
Driving to work

What I heard:
I listen to a talk radio station while driving to work in the morning so I feel less alone - after all I am on the road at 5:15am every morning. So anyway, the topic of discussion was language barriers, particularly in the South African police force. For those of you who are not familiar with South Africa - we have 11 official languages! Eleven! A caller to the station said: "We went to the police station for an affidavit for my niece. And the police person asked is your niece a boy or girl?"

I was torn between laughing and crying.

A winning recipe - quite literally

2012-01-19T11:25:00.000Z

Picture taken from the Eat In website.

Location:
At home.

What I tasted:
Khadi Kitchri

I love the Eat-In website because I love to cook. It always inspires me to try new things. When they ran their Family Recipe competition, I entered and I won third place! Yay! To find the recipe, click here. Enjoy!

PS: And you will get to know my name behind the pseudonym.

Spicing things up in the kitchen

2011-11-03T12:15:00.000Z

Location:
At home.

What I tasted:

A friend was telling us about her recent honeymoon to Zanzibar and it made me recall a lovely Peas Curry with coconut milk I tasted there. My cravings hit the roof so I decided to make it when I got home, but I added potatoes too. I made the recipe just for myself so the amounts are tiny, you can adjust amounts accordingly.

Potatoes and Peas curry with coconut milk

Ingredients:

1 small onion, chopped
2 handfuls of frozen peas, defrosted
1 small potato, cubed
1 small tomato, chopped
2 cardamom pods
1 piece of cinnamon stick
Half tsp salt
Half tsp powdered coriander
Half tsp powdered cumin
Half tsp chilli powder
Half tsp red masala (mixture of red chilli, garlic and ginger. The ratio is 2 parts chilli, to 1 part ginger and 1 part garlic)
Quarter tsp turmeric
Quarter tin of coconut milk
A little olive oil
Handful of fresh coriander

Method

1. Heat the oil in a pot. Throw in the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods.
2. Once you get the smell of the spices, add your onions and fry until golden brown.
3. Add your spices (salt, turmeric, coriander, cumin, red masala and chilli powder) and stir fry till you get the aroma.
4. Add your peas and potatoes and some water and cook till the potatoes are three-quarters done.
5. Add the tomatoes and allow that to cook - 10 min or so should be fine.
6. Add the coconut milk and allow to simmer till you get the consistency you like.
7. Garnish with the fresh coriander, serve with rice and dig in!

Disclaimer: Please note, I hardly ever measure exact amounts. I usually eye ball the amounts and taste as I go along.

A burst of brightness

2011-11-01T11:10:00.001Z

Location:
Outside my bedroom window.

What I saw:
What I love about the summer thunderstorms in Johannesburg - the chance of seeing rainbows! Now matter how old I get, it still leaves me struck with awe, on so many levels! And I thought I would share a picture with you:

Oops, what a mistake!

2011-10-06T08:23:00.000+01:00

Location:
The lift of the shopping centre in which our offices are based.

What I heard:
The elevator doors opened and I stepped into it. A couple were already inside.The woman carried a baby in her arms. A man waiting for the other lift hurried to this one, asking if it was going down. I answered in the affirmative. He walked in and immediately began to coo at the baby:

"Oh, hello! What a big boy you are! Yes you are!"
The mother replied: "Actually, she is a girl."
She looked at me and said: "The ear rings on both ears should have given it away." She followed with a slight, polite chuckle.

I nodded but I laughed so hard internally I could hear him continue to coo the baby, but his words failed to reach my ears. Upon closer inspection of the baby, I think the pink shoes with flowers should have even given the gender away too. Some people should really observe their surroundings before rushing to utter a word, eh?

People can be nice

2011-09-14T06:13:00.000+01:00

Location:
Walking to my work offices

What I heard:
Our office is on the first floor of a shopping centre. Downstairs is a coffee shop. They are the only people at work before me, baking the muffins and other stuff. And I swear they are ALWAYS so chirper, talkative, cheerful and friendly. Sometimes I think they are getting high on all the caffeinated coffee. Case in point: as I walked on the first floor, a guy came out of the coffee shop downstairs, carrying all the chairs to set up outside. He greeted me with a very happy: "Good morning" and "How are you?" And it felt really good to have this onslaught of niceness at that time of the morning.

Salads in the sun

2011-09-05T07:10:00.000+01:00

Location:
A braai* at S.O's** house

What I tasted:
As one of a few vegetarians attending a braai, I love to make salads. I made this Mixed Bean salad over the weekend and I loved the freshness and lightness of it after a winter filled with soups, curries and other hearty foods. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

A few handfuls of baby spinach, washed, dried and roughly torn.
Cherry tomatoes, chopped in half
Cucumber, chopped
1 tin mixed beans, rinsed and drained
Feta cheese, crumbed

Dressing:

A few tablespoons of avocado oil
Juice of half a small lemon
A splash of white vinegar
Salt and black pepper
A handful of fresh coriander, washed and chopped

Method:

Put the beans, cucumber, tomatoes and spinach in a bowl and toss.

In another bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the dressing, pour over the salad and mix again thoroughly.

Crumb the feta cheese over the top as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Disclaimer: Please note, I hardly ever measure exact amounts when I make anything. I usually eye ball the amounts and taste as I go along.

*Braai: A South African term for barbecue
**S.O: Significant Other

My Alice Moment

2011-08-31T07:07:00.000+01:00

Location:
Driving to the place where I was going to tint my car windows.

What I saw:
Since I did not know where this place was, I was concentrating on looking out for the correct sign-age. Out of the corner of my eye, I seen a black blob in front of my car. Immediately I braked and upon closer inspection, I saw it was not a cat, but a wee 'lil black rabbit hopping across the road and a bird flew behind it. A rabbit jumping across the road in modern day suburbia? Quirky enough for my liking! And I played around with the idea that it was my Alice Moment of tumbling down the rabbit hole - except this rabbit was black, with no waist coat, glasses and pocket watch. Maybe I should have followed it too...

Chatter of cats

2011-07-07T09:16:00.000+01:00

Location:
My work office park

What I heard:
Guys, meet The Cats Of The Office Park. On this very cold morning, as I walked from the car park to my office, I spied one of them huddling on the steps that lead into the main building. I have never seen this before-usually they're always outside! This particular cat was constantly meowing. So were the rest of the cats milling around the car park. I imagine the conversation went something like this:

Cat on the Stairs: "I don't want to leave. It is so much more warmer here!"
Other Cats: "But that is the people place. Come back!"
"No, you guys come here!"
"No we can't. You will get into trouble."
"Fine, don't come inside! Let me enjoy the warmth alone..Ahhh! So warm!"
Other Cats: If they had eyebrows, I imagine them raising it.

Some people can be so stupid

2011-06-29T06:45:00.000+01:00

Location:
Driving to work

What I heard:
The (dumb) DJ starts talking about how excited the Twilight fans are, because the 2nd movie is coming out
and how everyone feels so strongly that the school gets destroyed. And he says he does not understand why another school cannot be built. Here are the ways in which what he said is so dumb:

1. It is the last Harry Potter movie coming out in two weeks, so obviously the fans are excited.
2. And it is the second instalment of the last movie in the series, ergo Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2!
3. Yes, Hogwarts is attacked in the story, but it is not the Twilight story!
4. PLEASE for the love of all things good, do not ever confuse Harry Potter and Twilight! Twilight does not even have a freaking school!

Okay, now that I have that off my chest, I can start work. **Semi-relieved**

Kids!

2011-03-24T08:54:00.000Z

Location:
Driving home from a friend's place

What I saw:
The area I was driving through was somewhat dodge, but I needed to get to the highway as fast possible and this was the shortest route. As I approached a set of traffic lights, there were a few children hopping, literally hopping along the side of the road. There was a girl, could not be older than six, in a pristine white dress but, bare-feet, who waved to me. Now, I do not really like kids, but this was a sweet gesture. Or maybe my car looks a tad kid friendly - after all I have a bright yellow sunflower attached to my aerial. And I have a little teddy bear at the back window, 'cos the S.O* got that for me from a machine. :)

*S.O = Significant Other

Way back when

2011-02-02T05:53:00.000Z

Location:
Driving to S.O's* place after work

What I heard:
I usually loath radio play lists because:

Songs are over played
It is commercial main stream crap

But sometimes I do put it on in the car, to keep up with traffic updates and news. Yesterday I was very pleasantly surprised when a DJ played Zombie by the Cranberries. Music tends to act as a time travelling mechanism and this song took me way back, to the days I used to be a teenager full of angst, wearing black nail polish and loads of costume jewelery! Sigh....

*S.O = Significant Other

So pretty

2011-01-18T12:10:00.000Z

Location:
Driving along the N1 highway

What I see:
I've noticed a few sunflowers along the highway as I drive to and from work. Somehow they always look so perky and happy and it seems to make me feel that way too. I have to resist the urge to pullover and swipe them, knowing that they probably also give some cheer to other drivers who may notice them.

Traffic can be good...sometimes

2011-01-06T07:18:00.000Z

Location: Driving home from work, usually grid locked with bloody traffic!

What I saw:
I am a bit hazy about which happened first, but I had two sweet experiences while sitting in traffic at the end of 2010.

I was trying to get onto the highway from an on-ramp and it was a tight squeeze. The woman behind me (she looked like a typical South African tannie* - short curly hair and a broad face) managed to gap in and she gave me way. Then I needed to get into the next lane, so I indicated. I looked at my blind spot and there she was again, having changed lanes before me. With a wide hand gesture, she she indicated I go in front of her! I was so touched, usually people are just pissed off sitting in traffic. I switched on my hazards to thank her.
One day, while driving to work I passed a car where the back seat passenger kept on staring at my car - really staring, like twisting around in the seat so he can see my car while I drove behind them. As I changed lanes to pass them, he gave me a wide smile and a wave! What a great way to start the day!

* Afrikaans term for aunty.

Could it be?

2010-10-13T10:38:00.000+01:00

Location:
My office car park in Johannesburg, South Africa

What I saw:
There I was, innocently approaching the zebra crossing in the office park. A silver/grey car goes pass. I look at the driver as she is wearing a pointy hat, the one you would wear if you were dressed as a witch for Halloween. I crease my forehead in concentration - am I really seeing that? Yes I am. I look closer and she also has on a cape like garment tied around her neck. I look so hard that I notice it is velvet with a bit of purple and ornate embroidery around the collar. Halloween party perhaps? No, but it is only 13 October, not 31 October! Hogwarts student that missed platform 9¾ and ended up in South Africa? I can only hope!

Spicing up an old favourite

2010-10-07T11:04:00.000+01:00

Location:
In the kitchen

What I taste:
Oats - they're good, wholesome and healthy. But it can get a bit monotonous to eat it every morning with the same taste filling your mouth. So I decided to spruce it up a bit. To my general oats, I have added either one of the following, or a complementary combo:

Pieces of vanilla pods.
Nutella Chocolate Spread
Peanut Butter
Powdered cinnamon
Grated apple
Cashew nut spread
Chopped kiwi fruit
Nutmeg (just a bit!)
Honey
Almond butter

I have also started to add either cinnamon or vanilla to my coffee for a bit of flair. It's as if your taste buds go on an adventure every morning! And it certainly makes breakfast more interesting!

A little forgetful

2010-09-30T10:30:00.000+01:00

Location:
My office's parking lot

What I saw:
We have a massive parking lot - so massive that it sometimes takes me 10 minutes to walk to the office itself! So one day I was walking to my car, hallelujah for home time - and I seen a few of the security guards and gardening staff pushing a 4x4 into it's parking bay. Then it rolled out again and they pushed it back. They hovered around it as boys do with the pretty girl at a party. Then I realised: the driver had forgotten to put up the hand break! "We have a very good driver here!" a security guard yelled in jest and I burst out laughing. Really, wouldn't you?

Damsel in distress moment

2010-08-24T13:59:00.000+01:00

Location:
Rosebank Mall parking lot

What I saw and heard:
Alley-docking is NOT my strong point! Somehow it is very easy to misjudge the parking lanes and actually end up parking in two bays! Tsk tsk... So the other day I tried my luck to reverse park my very little car in the busy parking lot of Rosebank Mall. Turning my back so much so to make a trapeze artist proud, I was still a bit off. A very kind gentleman walking pass enquired: "You trying to get into that parking space?" "Yes," I replied and a little sheepish, "I am not going to make it, am I?" He smiled and said: "Let me direct you!" He walked to the back of the bay and began directing me. We both managed to park the car without scratching the ones parked on either side of me, even though I was still parked closer to one side than the other.Success! To you, kind sir, my most heartfelt appreciation and gratitude! It is people like you that make this world a nicer place to live in. :)

Good times

2010-06-30T12:47:00.000+01:00

Location:
Getting off the bus at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg

What I heard:
I used to love hearing the robotic female voice on the London tubes saying: "Mind the gap" when people got on and off the trains from the platforms. Yes, it is one of those strange arb things to miss, but I do. So when I heard it in South Africa too, stepping off the bus to get to the stadium, I could not help but smile from ear to ear. Although here it was a young gentleman announcing it as he held the door: "Mind the gap, please, mind the gap, please...." The Significant Other (S.O) also smiling broadly gushed: "Did you hear that?" Ah yes, he does know me so well! :)

Just one kiss?

2010-03-09T11:50:00.000Z

Location: Outside my house

What I saw:
It was twilight - that time between day and night. Behind the outside tap, I saw a little frog cowering. Having recently seen the The Frog and the Princess I could not help but wonder if that was my moment to believe in magic, really believe. But the frog looked so very scared that I did not want to disturb him. And so I wondered back into the house.

Freedom

2010-01-03T12:03:00.003Z

Location:

Driving out of my work office park, about to get onto the highway

What I saw:

It was New Years Eve, thee Party Night of every year. A lady passed on the right of my car on a Vespa like bike. She had on a long sleeved jacket, helmet and back pack - normal attire. But what caught my eye was her cerise, frilly dress, silver tights and sparkling silver stilettoes. I actually turned my head right around, whilst driving, to get a better look! It made me laugh out loud and somehow, it made me feel really happy. As I took a turn to the left, she carried on straight and we parted ways.

Wonderful rain

2009-10-27T04:08:00.002Z

Location:
Outside my room

What I heard:
I love the South African summers - it seems to rain almost every afternoon or evening, leaving the dry parched earth refreshed and renewed. Most of the time it storms angrily, with lightening and harsh drops. While trying to sleep last night, the storm calmed into just rain. I was warm and cozy under my duvet, and the rain was the best melody to lull the soul. It was one of those most perfect moments that seem to just happen.

A brightness in the dull grey

2009-10-20T18:17:00.002+01:00

Location:

Driving home from S.O's house

What I saw and smelt:

There one thing I missed whilst in London was the fierce Johannesburg summer thunderstorms. It belts down angrily and suddenly then stops in a matter of minutes, leaving everything refreshed and anew. Today was one of those storms and the sun shone throughout. A fabulous rainbow eventually brightened the dull sky. And as the road curved slightly to the right pass the hills, it came into my line of vision. It was hard to concentrate on the road with that sort of distracting beauty. I think it was one of the best drives I have had in ages.

Monkeying around

2009-09-11T15:38:00.003+01:00

Location:

On my way home from S.O's house

What I saw:

At first I could not be sure if I actually saw anything on the boot of the car we were approaching. As we got closer I realised it was a little stuffed animal teddy. Thank God the robot changed to red and we stopped behind the car. The little teddy was actually a monkey, seemingly lying down on the right hand side of the boot. I laughed out loud, realising what a quirky bunch South Africans are.

The Gods are feeling playful

2009-08-27T14:25:00.003+01:00

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

What I seen and heard:

One of the things I really missed was a Highveld Thunderstorm. There is nothing like it. And today there seems to be one brewing. The skies grey rather quickly and it gets darker. As the mass of clouds get heavier and heavier, so too it progresses from grey to almost black. They rumble and growl, and it sounds like the Gods are play fighting, almost as if they are puppies. And then the heavens burst and rain plummets down furiously. And just as suddenly it begins, it stops with nary a warning . The sky is blue and the sun shines once more.

Fancy flowers

2009-08-04T19:28:00.002+01:00

Location:

The Male Sibling Unit's Person's house

What I saw:

Being a bachelor, the Male Sibling Unit has a lazy boy. Much to my chagrin, I cannot help but succumb to its comfy-ness. It oozes enticement. So as I rested my laurels, I glanced outside and noticed a single rose on the rose bush outside. I knew it was not there the day before. Nature perseveres, even in the winter. It inspired me to march on, and be brave, no matter the external environment. It is survival after all.

The little pleasures

2009-06-22T10:43:00.004+01:00

Location:

My room in South Africa

What I saw and smelt:

Besides the migraine pounding the front left corner of my skull, it was the floral fresh scent of flowers that tickled my nose. Still half asleep, I stumbled around for painkillers and crawled back under the blanket. As I waited for the pain to ease, I concentrated on that smell. Perhaps my senses were more acute, but it surrounded me in a bubble of bliss and the pain lessened. When I felt ready to actually start my day out of the bed about two hours later, I opened the curtains to find two kittens and a cat outside my window. They were enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun rays.The kittens were actually wrestling. I had a sudden flash of them competing in the WWF but they were far cuter and cuddly and without the strange body suits. I watched them for a while and I realised I am back in South Africa and so I shall be here with all my mind, body and soul.

Snow in the spring

2009-05-18T07:45:00.002+01:00

Location:

In my kitchen in London

What I saw:

It was one of those Spring mornings when I felt quite un-spring like. Is it normal for people to be a tad blue this time of the year?! In any case, the blossoms were out in full force - bright and fragrant forcing a semblance of a half hearted smile. Suddenly as the wind picked up these white blossoms fell gently to the grass. It was so quick yet graceful and it was then that my lips turned full at the corners for a genuine smile.

Howdy Pardner! (said in a thick American accent)

2009-03-06T23:08:00.003Z

Location:

On the train home from work

What I saw, and er, smelt:

I seen him in the flesh...the Human Prune. Don't know about him? Read on, it may trigger something.

Going home is a rush. I always want to make it to the sanctuary that is my bedroom as quickly as possible. Therefore I walk the London walk (very fast and dodging all those that are slow). As I reached the station to catch the train I passed by an old man with a dog, both walking really slow. I remember a cowboy hat and a tan jacket. As I sat on the train, lo and behold, in he saunters. Oh he made it, I think to myself.

"Can somebody please give up a disabled seat for me?" he says quite loudly. I had placed my arse next to a disabled seat so the gentleman next to me hastily gets up and volunteers his seat. So Human Prune sits next to yours truly. I take a closer look. Yip, definitely a Human Prune. I have not seen dryer skin than perhaps on a piece of biltong.*

Along with the cowboy hat, and fringed tan jacket, he is also wearing cowboy boots. I can immediately place him in a Western movie, where his wild cowboy ways are tamed by a Native American influence. Cliche after cliche run through my mind. Maybe he did screen hop from a movie into this reality?

Ever so slowly he sits down and I notice his dog has a metal chain rather than a lead made from material. The doggie looks like a husky - big and proud. But he has that I-need-a-bath smell. Then my nose sniffs the Human Prune and there is a mixture of sweat and alcohol. Blech. They both have a I-need-a-bath smell.

Not wanting to be rude, I quit staring and happen to glance at a lady opposite me. Immediately, we both know we were both staring in fascination at this smelly wrinkled man and dog combo. She looks at me as if to say: Shame, you are stuck next to a weirdo. I shrug in reply: there is nothing I can do. And we smile at each other. Not a word spoken but a good conversation regardless.

*South African dried meat, similar to beef jerky. And yes, it is said to be dried in the sun.

Only France

2009-02-21T22:31:00.004Z

Location:

Outside my hotel in Paris

What I saw:

A guy on a bike. In his left hand he had two French loaves. Till today I wonder how he managed to successfully maneuvered his bike successfully. Skill he had.

Such a typically French image. Pity I gawked too long instead of taking a picture.

The little joys

2009-02-01T15:54:00.002Z

Location:

On my way to work and from work

What I saw:

I always pass a coffee shop on my way to the office. Recently I've noticed a man and his daughter there every morning. They sit on a two seater couch facing the street. He has his arm around her and he is always reading to her. They look so comfortable and cosy that it makes me so happy that I am able to witness it.

One afternoon passing the same shop I glanced and saw a man sitting on one of the single couches. He had a slice of cake on a plate which he was holding up, as if he was about to serve it to someone. As I walked on he took the first mouthful, then paused to look at the slice and very slowly, he nodded approvingly.

"Another foggy day in London town"

2009-01-14T15:42:00.003Z

Location: Stepping out of my house on my way to work

What I saw:
There was not an inkling of the sun nor morning even though it was 7.15am. As I opened the front door I glanced up and there she was. In all her beauty and glimmering majesticness: the moon looked down on me and other mere mortals.As clouds moved passed her, she bestowed upon them a silvery brilliance - it was their moment to shine. And in my life, it was but a second, filled with magic, awe and utterly unforgettable.

Kids - damn them

2008-12-07T11:40:00.003Z

Location:

The train station

What I heard:

Father: The train will be coming at 17:35. Can you see it? Its on that board over there.

Little boy (pointing at the board): 'Cos 17 is the most magicalest special number around.

Father: Oh really? *Laughs*

Being in a rush to get home I did not get to hear the rest. Usually I do not pay attention to children, I have quite an aversion to them actually. But this struck and stayed with me. I wonder why 17 is such a magicalest number to the boy. He could have been no older than 5 or 6 years.

On a different note I would like to thank Mylifescape for the following award:

I am humbled and honoured. Thank you Mylifescape.

I award all the blogs I follow with this little magicalest (my new word!) badge as well.

Oh the drama

2008-11-16T10:06:00.002Z

Locations:

At a little Italian restaurant near the office

What I heard:

A tad bit of background is needed here to understand this dramatic and romantic situation. K and S, two wonderful work colleagues frequent a quaint Italian place down the road. As they go there often, they've become regular faces there and so too have they become familiar with the other faces popping in for lunch. One of those faces belongs to a cute guy B, and K's heart pattered with excitement. She decided to give Rosebud, the lovely Italian lady that works there, her business card to give to B. Ah, I applaud her brave soul!

K: So did he come in today?

Rosebud: No, he didn't. I didn't give him the card yet.

K: Oh okay. Do you know if he has a girlfriend?

Rosebud: I think he does?

K,S,Me: *GASP*

K: No, no, no then do not give him my card!

Rosebud: But things are meant to change...

We laugh and discuss it a bit more. Lo and behold the twist comes the next day when K gets a phone call from B! And it turns out their offices are just opposite ours. We could see them huddled around B, who is on the phone and they could see everyone in our office having a laugh. We all waved at each too, and smiled.

I hope both K and B have a most whirlwind romance, as thrilling as the beginning. It's all something out of a movie,eh?

Tree of tales

2008-11-01T20:04:00.002Z

Location:
The view from my bedroom window

I see:
Since I moved into this place in April, I've watched this tree with fascination. It was full of blossoming pink buds back then. Then as Autumn rolled in, the oranges and browns gave the tree an extreme makeover. Now there are scarcely any leaves, yet it still stands tall and proud. And I think perhaps the tree is one of the sturdiest friends I have made in London.

Feel the warmth

2008-09-26T23:08:00.002+01:00

Location:
Everywhere

I see:
The air may feel nippier and our breath may condense in the mornings when we leave for work. And yes, there is a bit of frost too. There is no denying autumn is here. The colours though - those rich shades of burnt oranges, golden browns and deep reds from the trees and flowers keep me warm. Oh and the crunchiness of the leaves keeps my step buoyant.

Fiction meets journalism

2008-09-12T23:26:00.002+01:00

Location:
At the office

I felt:
Elated with a sense of wonder

Skanky and I were chatting. Nah, not over the phone, online. She sent me this amazing story via the following link: http://www.hayibo.com/articles/view/820
For all those non-South Africans reading this, the Gautrain is a rail project taking place in South African linking the O.R Tambo airport in Johannesburg to major towns such as Sandton, the CBD, Rosebank and Pretoria.
'Nuff said. Read and weep tears of joy.

A tale of how a pink balloon became neighbours with a bunch of yellow roses

2008-08-26T20:35:00.006+01:00

Location:
Walking home from the bus stop

I saw:
Thoughts of what to cook filled my mind. I got annoyed when I heard a child's voice loudly behind me. I refused to turn back to see what the commotion was, I wanted to stay with my thoughts - no disturbances whatsoever!

But out of the corner of my left eye, there they were. A bright bunch of balloons. A little boy. Riding a bike. Sounds a bit like a circus scene. But this little boy, I'd say between the ages of eight and ten, riding around on his little mountain bike making a commotion about selling balloons. I kid you not. Did I step into the twilight zone? He rode past me and to the couple ahead. "Would you like to buy one? It's only 50p."
"For that amount, I could buy ten of them!" the man growled back.
"Why don't you say you just don't want to buy them?" came the cheeky reply.
I burst out laughing.

Eventually at the top of the road, the wee businessman and I met up. His freckles made him look extremely mischievous.
He asked me the magic question.
I answered:"Why not? I know you are ripping me off, but this is very entrepreneurial of you."
"Which colour would you like?"
"The pink one please."
"Would you like another one? Or the whole bunch?" he pushed.
I rolled my eyes and thought that this little one could be the next Richard Branson but I said: "I think one is enough."
He put my payment away and thanked me quite gratefully. He looked back at me as he rode away, smiling and exposing his bright teeth. The rest of his balloons, still looking quite colourful albeit minus the pink one.

The balloon is now next to a vase of yellow roses in the kitchen downstairs. It made my crappy day all the better.

Sun and flowers and smiles

2008-07-23T09:28:00.006+01:00

Location:
Walking to the station from home

I saw:
There is an exceptionally beautiful and loved garden in my street. These past few days I noticed the sun flowers are in full bloom. And they stand just in of a huge trunk of which the branches have been cut off. It looks like a rustic country house setting and it always makes me smile.

Location:
On the tube

I saw:
I was running for the train, I heard that *beep beep* noise so I knew the doors were about to close. I prayed I would make it. As I ran in, another passenger at the door put his hands there so it wont close as I rushed in. Quite nice of him really. I hope he heard my mumbled thanks - I was a bit out of breath. Then there was a guy and his lil son standing next to me. You could see he was a good father and loved being with his son. He was crouched down so he was able to chat to his son. Someone else actually got up to offer the father and son their seat. Now that is really really nice. These two gesures of kindness already made my weekend.

Whispering winds

2008-07-23T09:28:00.002+01:00

Location:
A park

What I heard:
It was Sunday evening. Instead of having that resigned feeling that the working week was just around the corner, I was restless. Even though it was not the hottest of summer days and it was past 8pm, I decided to go for a stroll. I popped into my house mate's room and she warned me to take something warm to wear. "There is a chilly wind," she said.

Stepping out of the house, the wind made its presence felt by piercing through my thin jersey. After putting on my coat and scarf, thinking it felt more like an autumn evening than a summer one, I headed for the park. It was almost deserted, albeit for a few basketball players. I circled the circumference of the entire park. I was alone, but for the wind keeping me company. I imagined the rustling shwoooosh of the leaves as a welcoming committee. And I enjoyed their music.

Another reason to smile

2008-07-07T17:15:00.007+01:00

Location:
At my desk

I felt:
Happy

Thanks Jo for the above. It thrilled me! And I want you to know it is mutual. Here's to endless happy reading days! *clinks with champagne filled glass*

I couldn't help it

2008-07-07T17:15:00.004+01:00

Location:
On the train from work

What I heard:
There was an old lady sitting near me on the train. She was with two other ladies. She spoke about when she was young, London in the 60s and she was just around 17 years old. It made me want to time travel. It made me think of Sandi Thom's song Punk Rocker and a line in particular: "I was born too late, into a world that doesn't care, I wish i was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair."

"Honey, I'm home!"

2008-07-07T17:15:00.002+01:00

Location:
On the train home from work.

I smelt:
As soon as the doors opened, my nose picked up the scent - oriental lillies. Gorgeous things, refreshing aroma that initially jolts a person but it is followed by a sense of calm. Like a dog on the hunt, I located them. A guy had a huge bouquet, with other flowers in different shades of pink. I sat next to him and admired the flowers all way home. Twas nice for a change not to smell B.O. It felt like the train became a temporary garden. A happy journey.

Storming skies

2008-07-05T18:00:00.004+01:00

Location: work

I smelt:
That fresh smell of the air just after it rains. I notice the rain here in London is very different compared to the lively storms of Johannesburg. Ah, how do I miss those highveld thunderstorms. Once it comes down in buckets, it seems everything is reborn. But London rain drips and drips, leaving that lingering humidity. The other day as the clouds darkened and became almost menacing, they popped. Glorious rain poured from the heavens...as if the Gods were gifting human kind with another chance to refresh everything. There is nothing to beat that smell, not even the most expensive perfume. It restores hope and smiles.

What to make of this?

2008-07-02T01:03:00.006+01:00

Location:
Finchley Road

I saw:
I got off the train and was sauntering off to work, preparing my mind for the day ahead. I heard a bit of yelling and ignored it. Then someone ran up to me to give me my jersey. I had it hung over my handbag and it obviously fell. Twas nice of that guy who saw it fall to return it to me. It made me smile that there are honest people in the world. However, herein lies the twist. And there is always a twist to make things bizarre.

He was walking in front of me by the time I exited the station. Just outside he met with what looked like two school boys. Money and teeny tiny packages exchanged hands. Obviously he was shady, and dodgy. Obviously something was amiss. But nice enough to give me my jersey. And I am still confused even though the work day has almost ended.

What do you make of the incident?

Black and white

2008-07-02T01:03:00.002+01:00

Location:
Holland Park. Nothing like people watching in a park before meditation classes.

I saw:
A man with long dark hair walking hand in hand with a lady who had the whitest blond hair ever. It was also long, way past her waist. They past twice, not looking at each other, neither were they talking. Just walking. Looking ahead. Hand in hand. White and black hair flowing in the wind. It reminded me of horses' tails as they galloped in a field.