Hi, I'm Penny!
It seems these days that there is this omnipresent feeling that the world is going frickin crazy.
I have been watching the escalating invasion of Ukraine with some sort of Alice in Wonderland expression and can’t help thinking who gave all these crazies the key to the world? It’s like our collective parents have gone on a two-year cruise and the looney teens have been left in charge. But as author Mark Mason put it: the world isn’t worse. It’s just that we’re more aware of all of the bad things than ever before. Cameras, the internet, and most importantly, social media.
This is what’s new. This is what’s different. How we’re getting information, what information is reaching us, and most importantly, what information and views we are most rewarded for sharing. The trouble is – none of us know where it will end. So how do you cope? What do you do when faced with this onslaught of madness? How do you take back a little bit of autonomy in this crazy world? As a journalist, I cannot disengage from the crazy, and deleting Twitter is just not an option.
So I turn back to the basics. Running with my “funky socks” group where the most serious discussions involve chafing and carb choices. The sea. Fresh air. S'mores. Red wine. So take some time to read this week’s Weekender and most importantly cherish the things that make you laugh out loud at times.
"Have I gone mad?” asked the mad hatter, sadly.“I’m afraid so,’ said Alice, “you’re entirely bonkers. But shall I tell you a secret? All the best people usually are.”
- Penny **A journo with a slight running problem **
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Things we love
Local artist Fathima Kathrada has been busy capturing the spirit of Durban with her charming watercolour doodles. The mutli-talented designer and illustrator has paint-stained fingers in many pies: hand lettering workshops, branding and graphic design are just some of the skills in her wheelhouse. Sign up to her newsletter to receive a free monthly Lucky Packet with treats like a hand-lettered calendar for your desktop.
When you next find yourself in the Cape Winelands, this is an essential stop on your meander. The elaborate gardens are unfailingly beautiful and, as of late, there are some extensions to the grounds which make it even more worth your while. Treat your senses by visiting their essential oil distillery, book a wine tour, or enjoy a gourmet meal in an unmatched setting at one of their farm-to-table restaurants.
A market to connect, eat and play with talented local vendors, traders, makers and creators, the Little Local Market at Sage is a unique social, shopping and eating experience in a friendly, vibrant atmosphere. Sip on a gin cocktail, drink great coffee and listen to live music whilst browsing stunning stalls and shops, and let the children run free in the safe, fun kiddies play areas. A relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning!
Pigweed is packed with protein and carbohydrates. Just 50g contains 100% of our daily requirement of Vitamin C and, unusually for plant food, it contains the amino acid Lysine. This plant grows profusely in poor soils, along roadsides, in abandoned fields and back yards, requiring little attention. Although it will really flourish if you give it some love, manure and water. Pigweed is very versatile and can be used wherever green leaves are called for in a recipe. The young flowers can be steamed – they taste of broccoli and the seeds contain almost as much protein as quinoa.
Some of us recently revisted the Zeitz MOCAA in the Silo District of Cape Town for First Thursday. The visit was a potent reminder of the explosion of local artistic talent that we are lucky enough to enjoy. The building itself is dependably breathtaking, and the exhibitions by Tracey Rose and Johannes Phokola are as visually stunning as they are thought-provoking. South African locals can enjoy free entrance every Wednesday from 10AM to 1PM.
WORTHY 5: Penny Fourie
Five recommendations by investigative journalist, Penny Fourie.
A podcast worth listening to:
Unfiltered - A Weekly Radio Life & Style podcast. There are certain investigations that won’t get done and people don’t know what they don’t know. Our job is to put the information out there.
A piece of advice worth passing on:
You don't have to wait for something catastrophic to happen to learn a valuable lesson. If you pay attention, someone else's lesson could be your lesson, too.
An activity worth doing:
Finish your shower with a 30 - 60 second cold shower every day for a month.
A word worth knowing:
Schmaltzy (excessively sentimental) is such a cool word and so fun to say.
A book worth reading: "All About Love", by renowned social activist and feminist Bell Hooks. If you've ever wondered why some relationships stand the test of time while others crumble, you should read this book.
Heard & read
A pick what we've been listening to and read that's caught our eye.
Letters of Note - Shaun Usher→
"Letters of Note" is a collection of one hundred and twenty five of the world's most entertaining, inspiring and unusual letters, and it is an absolutely magnificent read. From Queen Elizabeth II's recipe for drop scones sent to President Eisenhower, to Leonardo da Vinci's remarkable job application letter, this book is a fascinating celebration of an almost lost art – letter writing!
"These Silent Days" by Brandi Carlile→
“These Silent Days” marks the seventh album from six-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. Built around Carlile’s massive vocal performance, this album is an absolute masterpiece, and its lead single, “Right On Time”, will have you wailing along in the shower before you know it. Well worth a listen!
SNIPPET OF THE WEEK
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Curated selection of good reads
Absorb More Nutrients to Improve Your Health 🍊
You're eating well, but are you actually receiving all the nutritional benefits that the food you're eating provides? Dietitian Kim Wilson tells us how to maximise nutrient absorption for better health and wellness. Read more →
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Explained in 8 Moments 🇺🇦
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has become an unlikely global hero as he leads his country in the resistance against Russian invasion. But how did a small-town comedian find himself leading a country at war? This great article from VOX gives some insight! Read more →
One Good Man and His Dog: A Real Love Story 🐕
Odi is a local Ballito hero, a working member of IPSS Medical Rescue and, well, a dog! Read about his journey at the side of his handler Paul Herbst here. Read more →
Shock Petrol Price Increases Coming for South Africa 📈 The war in Ukraine is driving the price of oil up. In a worst-case scenario, we could be paying R40 per litre of fuel. Read more about it here. Read more →
Coast to Coast
Aesthetically pleasing images from opposites ends of South Africa
Cape Town sunset
Durban sunset
Top of the pods
Overhead on the podcast this week:
Anneline en Leana gesels met Germandt Geldenhuys oor sy nuwe enkelsnit asook n lekker “giveaway” met Shayamanzi house boats Listen on Life & Style podcasts →
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