Skimming Stones | Sula's Blog | Sula1968 A South African poet, potter and mother

I hate the response “You’re welcome” to the words “Thank you”, it really winds me up.  I have been told that I am a pedant on this subject but we all have our funny little ways. Dear Reluctant giver We clearly come from different backgrounds and I should expand my mind to embrace the deficiencies in your experience.  You see, …

Today’s writers bootcamp exercise did not  come easy, but they got me writing and that’s what counts.  There is no wheat without chaff.  The topic today is Windows and Doors.  I started out writing prose but it was not working so switched to poetry. Some People are Windows, Some people are Doors Some people are windows gazing  through glass Invisible …

We pay exorbitant prices for full valet car wash treatments for our cars, sure it’s a lot of work and yes they do a great job, but what if you could do it yourself, and get the same results, would you still pay? As a car owner, I’m pretty sure you prefer to get your car professionally washed, if anything …

Today I came across Writer’s bootcamp and wanted to play, was surprised that this was written in about 15 mins. I cannot live without music The very pulse of life The blood and the blade which cuts like a knife I cannot live without harmony The magic which it weaves The stuff of reality and the stuff of dreams I …

For a good few years I deliberated regarding whether to buy a bread machine, my primary concern was that it would be a white elephant. I heard tales from friends who have bread makers and don’t use them. In 2010 Cliff bought me a Russell Hobbs Breadman Jnr and I was in love from day 1. On average I used …

Apparently I am now a grandmother, fortunately my 1st grandchild is a very sweet kitten named Sakiko.  I am not particularly a cat person, primarily because I am more a bird person and seldom the twain do meet without tragic consequence.  Sakiko is however a very sweet member of her species.  Her new mother, my daughter Domi is besotted.  Domi …

I’m typing my recipe on here because recently I lost it for a few months (all my recipes are on index cards and I have been known to mislay them).  This recipe was given to me by a work colleague Dorene about 10 years ago and it is a big hit in my home.  They are easy to make and …

Tonight I voluntarily placed myself on a mental rack, after all the mind petrifies if it is not stretched and challenged.  Seated at a workstation at The Common Room in Parkhurst, I am taking part in a blogathon arranged by Elance.  I am surrounded by writers, bloggers and journalists, pretty daunting.  We were given 3 topics to choose from, Digital …

Yesterday I came across a sponsored post by Weeva on Facebook calling for Letters to Leonard Cohen with a view to presenting him with a book containing these on his birthday.  I love a challenge and I love Leonard Cohen.  I wrote this tribute to him to fit the rhythm of ‘Bird on a Wire’  and to use the song …

For the last few days I had a really nasty sore throat, it started with a swollen gland and progressed to real pain.  I asked Cliff to look at my throat with a torch and he said that it looked like my tonsils were swollen and inflamed.  I don’t go to doctors unless I feel that something serious is on …

Leonard Cohen had his famous blue raincoat, Acacia had her famous purple butterfly dress which was also torn at the shoulder and generally tatty after being worn day in and day out for over a year.  She even slept with it next to her like some kids have a favourite soft toy.  Unlike the tale of angst of the famous …

CAROUSEL Painted ponies circle To tinny, manic refrain The scenery, on repeat Again and again and again Slack hands hold futile reins Cling to lonely little joys Private little pains No awkward eye contact no face to face Comfortably kept apart by carefully measured space Lone rangers each of us Playing at pretend Riding wooden horse with imaginary friend traversing …

Crispy Fried Potatoes are one of my favourite side dishes, far nicer than chips in my opinion.  This is how I make mine : Ingredients (to serve 4 generously) 5 potatoes peeled and cubed 30 ml flour seasoning (I use PnP potato seasoning) herbs such as origanum or rosemary optional Roughly 60 ml cooking oil, must be enough that the …

In days of yore, Cliff and I loved attending the annual wine shows held in Johannesburg, but since our small people arrived my attendance has been limited.  An extended visit by Cliff’s parents allowed us the opportunity to go to the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show together last night.  The merit / drawback of this show is that only award-winning …

I have a thing about franchises, I’ll go to them now and then but they don’t give me the warm fuzzies.  My feeling is that if you want to own a restaurant, coffee shop or pizza place, your spot should be unique and have something personal and special to offer.  This must stem from my dream of owning a coffee …