Pictures are memories:
The passage creaking with your footsteps,
Rosaries trickling down your papery thin fingers,
Your papery hands dissolving over oily food,
The passage creaking with your footsteps.
Garlic over everything you made!
Your papery hands dissolving over oily food,
Your drawer in the secret room, secret boxes…
Garlic over everything you made!
Your exit, a knife to my heart, my soul.
Your drawer in the secret room, secret boxes…
Pray the rosary everyday, everyday!
Your exit, a knife to my heart, my soul.
Rosaries trickling down your papery thin fingers,
Pray the rosary everyday, everyday!
Pictures are memories.
Author: Charlene Yared-West
Inside Out
A story to disguise the truth
On the outside I love you, on the inside, I don’t
Wild imaginings of my secret heart
Looking into the distance bewildered
Far faraway at the simple vision of stars
The sound of no sound
There, the organic space where artful stumbling occurs
And landing sure-footed in just the right place
Undaunted and tenacious
The lens of your inner eye shuts out half the truth
Visual and fluid
Author: Charlene Yared-West
On the outside I love you, on the inside, I don’t
Wild imaginings of my secret heart
Looking into the distance bewildered
Far faraway at the simple vision of stars
The sound of no sound
There, the organic space where artful stumbling occurs
And landing sure-footed in just the right place
Undaunted and tenacious
The lens of your inner eye shuts out half the truth
Visual and fluid
Know Thyself
On the edge of my soaring spirit,
I look down to a field.
Over there, I am a mother with four sons.
Over there, I am a son to an Indian tribesman.
Over there, I am a murderer in a cold cell.
Over there, I am an old woman, crystals in my hands.
I slip down the slope towards them.
They do not speak, but their eyes are knowing.
All encircle me, I know them,
I recognise their faces.
The ground beneath us begins to swirl.
Slowly, our bodies meld
Where have they gone?
Inside you, a voice says.
I stand, arms wide open,
I hear a beautiful name,
I cannot see my face.
I look down to a field.
Over there, I am a mother with four sons.
Over there, I am a son to an Indian tribesman.
Over there, I am a murderer in a cold cell.
Over there, I am an old woman, crystals in my hands.
I slip down the slope towards them.
They do not speak, but their eyes are knowing.
All encircle me, I know them,
I recognise their faces.
The ground beneath us begins to swirl.
Slowly, our bodies meld
Where have they gone?
Inside you, a voice says.
I stand, arms wide open,
I hear a beautiful name,
I cannot see my face.
Author: Charlene Yared-West
Jeffrey’s Bay surfing champion Bertie Stuurman tells us about his favourite things…
Known as one of the Eastern Cape’s most radical ‘goofy-footers’ for his moves as a left-handed surfer on SA’s waves, Bertie Stuurman has recently been awarded a surfing scholarship by the International Surfing Association for his consistent contest performances in 2007. Surfing from the tender age of 12, waterbaby Bertie from Pellsrus in Jeffrey’s Bay, started competing with the best in SA and abroad in 2003. In 2007, at 17, Bertie won second-place at the SA Surfing Championships in East London in the under-20 division. He also went on to represent his province at the O’Neill Junior Championships in Port Elizabeth and at the end of 2007, was selected as part of the 2008 SA Junior Surfing Squad.
Memorable moment
The day I started surfing! I was on the beach with my friends and we approached Etienne Venter, the current president of Eastern Province surfing and co-owner of J-Bay Surf School, who offered to teach us to ride the waves for free!
Time of day
After I have finished my homework, because that is when I head out to the beach to catch some waves. The weekend is non-stop surfing for me. Come rain or shine, I’m out on the water.
Wipe-out
I don’t have a favourite wipe-out – they all suck! It happened most when I first started surfing. We all fall – and it’s scary. It’s just a matter of picking yourself and your board up and finding the next super tube to ride!
Best ride
My biggest and best wave was about 6ft high at Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay. It was incredible - a hollow wave made of dreams that just ran all the way out to the beach.
Surf etiquette
Most commonly, the worst is when someone drops in on your wave. This is reason enough for disqualification in big competitions, but people still do it. It’s shows lack of respect towards another surfer, and I am proud to say that I have never done this professionally.
Under the sea
Thank goodness I have never seen a shark while out on the water, but I was attacked by an octopus. My friends who heard me yelling just thought it was the funniest thing… I did not! I have also swum alongside dolphins. They seem to race with you – a silent competition they know they’ll win.
All-round workout
A good jog up and down the beach always gets me warmed up and ready to paddle out to sea. I also swim against the current – this gives me a really good workout.
Favourite pre-competition munchies
Grape Energade, Jungle Oats Energy Bar and a toasted chicken mayonnaise sandwich fuel me up for my best moves; vertical snaps and big floaters.
Meal out on the town
I love chicken, so roast chicken and chips would be my first choice and a double-thick chocolate milkshake to wash it all down.
Favourite hangout
Any place where great food and good people come together – that’s where you’ll find me. If I’m not chilling at a friend’s house having a braai, I love going to the Jeffrey’s Bay KFC. Besides the tasty chicks you can get there (no pun intended!) it’s a good place to meet people.
Couch-potato down-time
When I need to put my feet up, after a hard day on the surf, I wind down on Tom and Jerry – they always crack me up! Step Up and the new Rambo movie are also favourites of mine that I can watch over and over.
Best book
South African author, Dalene Matthee’s book, Kringe in ‘n Bos is something I feel everyone should read. It taught me about bravery, perseverance and love for nature.
Sound of music
I love the sounds of Linkin Park, Chris Brown and me in the shower! It’s the best place to sing.
Three wishes
My first wish is to be the Surfing World Champion. Second, I want to surf in Mexico. Third, I want to make my country proud.
Three people
First, my coach Etienne, who made everything possible. My life made a 360 degree turn-around the day I started surfing. I am now a champ and going onto greater things – what an advantage! Second, my favourite surfer, the legendary Mexican-American Bobby Martinez. He is awesome. Third is my family, who have been very supportive of my surfing dreams.
Celebrity crush
I have to say, without a doubt in my mind; Halle Berry. Maybe one day she’ll notice me as a celeb’ surfer and then we’ll catch some waves together or even, make a movie?
Love interest
At the moment, my beautiful 5’10” white Rebel surf board – need I say more?
Travel companion
My surfing kit - I don’t leave home without it.
Life without the ocean?
This would be like not breathing for me, but if I was born in a land-locked country, I would probably have been a cricketer or soccer player – and hopefully I would’ve stayed away from habits that would bring me down, like drugs and alcohol. I realise how different life would’ve been for me without the sea.
Advice to aspiring surfers
Stay away from drugs and find out about surfing opportunities in your area. It doesn’t have to cost you much to start surfing – especially if you have talent! People will help you if you just ask.
Author: Charlene Yared-West. Currently Unpublished.
The day I started surfing! I was on the beach with my friends and we approached Etienne Venter, the current president of Eastern Province surfing and co-owner of J-Bay Surf School, who offered to teach us to ride the waves for free!
Time of day
After I have finished my homework, because that is when I head out to the beach to catch some waves. The weekend is non-stop surfing for me. Come rain or shine, I’m out on the water.
Wipe-out
I don’t have a favourite wipe-out – they all suck! It happened most when I first started surfing. We all fall – and it’s scary. It’s just a matter of picking yourself and your board up and finding the next super tube to ride!
Best ride
My biggest and best wave was about 6ft high at Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay. It was incredible - a hollow wave made of dreams that just ran all the way out to the beach.
Surf etiquette
Most commonly, the worst is when someone drops in on your wave. This is reason enough for disqualification in big competitions, but people still do it. It’s shows lack of respect towards another surfer, and I am proud to say that I have never done this professionally.
Under the sea
Thank goodness I have never seen a shark while out on the water, but I was attacked by an octopus. My friends who heard me yelling just thought it was the funniest thing… I did not! I have also swum alongside dolphins. They seem to race with you – a silent competition they know they’ll win.
All-round workout
A good jog up and down the beach always gets me warmed up and ready to paddle out to sea. I also swim against the current – this gives me a really good workout.
Favourite pre-competition munchies
Grape Energade, Jungle Oats Energy Bar and a toasted chicken mayonnaise sandwich fuel me up for my best moves; vertical snaps and big floaters.
Meal out on the town
I love chicken, so roast chicken and chips would be my first choice and a double-thick chocolate milkshake to wash it all down.
Favourite hangout
Any place where great food and good people come together – that’s where you’ll find me. If I’m not chilling at a friend’s house having a braai, I love going to the Jeffrey’s Bay KFC. Besides the tasty chicks you can get there (no pun intended!) it’s a good place to meet people.
Couch-potato down-time
When I need to put my feet up, after a hard day on the surf, I wind down on Tom and Jerry – they always crack me up! Step Up and the new Rambo movie are also favourites of mine that I can watch over and over.
Best book
South African author, Dalene Matthee’s book, Kringe in ‘n Bos is something I feel everyone should read. It taught me about bravery, perseverance and love for nature.
Sound of music
I love the sounds of Linkin Park, Chris Brown and me in the shower! It’s the best place to sing.
My first wish is to be the Surfing World Champion. Second, I want to surf in Mexico. Third, I want to make my country proud.
Three people
First, my coach Etienne, who made everything possible. My life made a 360 degree turn-around the day I started surfing. I am now a champ and going onto greater things – what an advantage! Second, my favourite surfer, the legendary Mexican-American Bobby Martinez. He is awesome. Third is my family, who have been very supportive of my surfing dreams.
Celebrity crush
I have to say, without a doubt in my mind; Halle Berry. Maybe one day she’ll notice me as a celeb’ surfer and then we’ll catch some waves together or even, make a movie?
Love interest
At the moment, my beautiful 5’10” white Rebel surf board – need I say more?
Travel companion
My surfing kit - I don’t leave home without it.
Life without the ocean?
This would be like not breathing for me, but if I was born in a land-locked country, I would probably have been a cricketer or soccer player – and hopefully I would’ve stayed away from habits that would bring me down, like drugs and alcohol. I realise how different life would’ve been for me without the sea.
Advice to aspiring surfers
Stay away from drugs and find out about surfing opportunities in your area. It doesn’t have to cost you much to start surfing – especially if you have talent! People will help you if you just ask.
Author: Charlene Yared-West. Currently Unpublished.
With this Ring
Author: Charlene Yared. Published in Cosmopolitan, March 2008, Vol25, No.1, Cosmo Hitched Supplement, p22.
When the Lights Go Out
Load shedding - like boerewors on the braai - is fast becoming a typically South African experience. We help you stay safe when the power fails.
Crime can happen at any time but ‘when the lights go out your safety risk increases by 100%,’ says COSMO self-defence expert Sanette Smit. ‘Triple your sixth sense (your intuition), and prioritise your safety.’ That means putting your cellphone down and pricking your ears up.
GETTING HOME SAFELY
If you find yourself out in public when the lights go out, keep your personal belongings close to you. ‘There is an increased chance of being attacked or having your possessions stolen from you in the dark’ says Smit. ‘It’s also advisable to carry a small torch in your handbag to get you to your car safely.’
Cars with central locking and remote access are the safer option for women, says Smit. ‘Fumbling with a set of keys to open your car wastes time and makes you more vulnerable to being assaulted. Move quickly to your car. Try and have someone walk with you, but if you’re on your own, move swiftly and look around you at all times. When you’re on the road, treat traffic lights like four-way stops, says Smit. ‘Keep your car in constant motion - a stationary vehicle becomes an easy target for offenders.’
AT THE DOOR
‘Always be on the lookout for any suspicious vehicles that may be following you, or any unknown vehicles parked outside your house,’ says Roy Rawlins, MD of security company ADT. If you do notice anything out of the ordinary, drive to a ‘safe area’ – a police station for example and ask for assistance.
Try to get a battery-operated electric fencing system and alarm fitted, so that when the electricity goes out, the battery kicks in. Upgrading to a battery-operated system costs about R2000 to R4500, says owner of Fort Security, Christopher Hutt. ‘Most systems are battery-operated – only the older ones operate solely on electricity. Find out from the company that installed your system which type you have.’
In the meantime, if you cannot afford to upgrade to a battery-operated system, make sure someone is waiting for you when you arrive home. If you live alone and are a member of a security company in the area, you can also arrange for them to meet you at home. ‘Part of ADT’s standard service offering is a set number of complementary meet ‘n greet services per month,’ says Rawlins. ‘However, if you are not a member of a security company, take extra precaution and if you park in your driveway, put your car into reverse,’ says Rawlins. ‘This allows you to drive over any potential hijacker.’ Never leave your engine running unattended, as someone could jump in and drive off - and remember to turn your brake lights on to illuminate the area behind you.
ONCE INSIDE
If you own dogs, keep them inside. ‘When your dogs are inside they have a smaller area to patrol and are more likely to hear anything out of the ordinary,’ says Smit. ‘Keep candles, a lighter and a torch nearby, in case the lights go out. You might also feel safer if you lock yourself in a room in your house and if you have a firearm, keep it with you for added protection.’
Community police and security companies provide added assistance during the power cuts, says Captain Percy Morokane of the SAPS. ‘We have more than enough resources to cope with the power outages and have strategies in place that apply to any circumstance, including electrical failures.’ Get the contact details of the community police representative in your area by contacting your nearest police station. The station commissioner will provide you with the details and advise you on which areas they patrol.
Increasing its presence in suburbs around South Africa, ADT Security has attempted to ascertain the scheduled times and areas for the power outages, says Rawlins. ‘We deploy additional patrols during the power-cuts to ensure that people feel safer seeing us in and around the specific areas, when the power is out.’ Help the police and the security company in your area by being alert and reporting any suspicious activity to them.
EXTRA PRECAUTION
• Cut back tall bushes during the black outs. Vegetation provides the perfect hiding place for criminals.
• If you are attacked during a black-out, do anything you can to immobilise your assailant so that you can get away quickly. ‘Grab, hit or scratch the attacker on their sensitive body areas – and remember, your high-heel shoe can also be used as a weapon.’
• Vary the times of leaving and arriving home, as well as the routes you take to and from home and work.
• If you are approached by a stranger and don’t feel comfortable when in your car, lean on your horn and attract attention or drive away.
Author: Charlene Yared. Published in the August 2008 edition of Cosmopolitan, Cosmo Kicks Butt Self-Defence Handbook Supplement.
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