Sunday, November 30, 2008

2008 end of year

The exam is written, the books completed and another year has passed.

The last class on 11 December promises to be fun and filled with laughter, good food and fragrant coffee.

2009 classes begin again on Thursday 15 January

The morning classes: from 9h30 to 12h00 and will cost R450.00 for four sessions. 
Afternoon classes will commence on the same day at 14h30 to 16h30 and will cost R420.00 for four sessions. 

Please remember that an option for calligraphy by correspondence is possible. 

Please contact me should you wish further information. 

Saturday, November 15, 2008

End of 2008

Can't believe that we are nearly at the end of the year. 
We've had a busy and productive time in classes. The students each created 2 small books filled with creativity and writing which will be good exemplars for referral.

The exam was great fun - for me at least - and most students passed well, although all will returning in 2009.

Classes begin again on Thursday 17 January both morning and afternoon.

Season's greetings to all - and thank you for your support!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Of Creativity & Exams

The Thursday morning group has completed a number of creative projects through the year even though I have been away and so have they off and on. Their little books filled with quotes, numerals, creativity are really great and will aid them when looking for creative ideas next year.

There is always an exam at the end of the year - this year it has changed dates several times. The official date is 6 November. It's really a fun exam and if everyone listens through the year it really easy. I'm not sure whether it is the thought of the exam that sets people going or the word that conjures up swotting for impossible teachers at school.

Either way I so enjoy setting the exam and they enjoy marking them! Here's to the 6 November. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Had a great time this morning having a photo-shoot done! A make-over, hair fix and photo shoot. After thinking that perhaps I had finally lost it [age and all that] I so enjoyed the 'shoot' with Lisa who turned me into a glamour gran! David liked the new look too. So watch this space. [What for I don't know.]

I am looking forward to teaching again this week. Had many mornings off so am rearing to go. New projects and a few surprises on the way. 

Planning a trip to Mozambique at the end of October, courtesy a dog food company, so am looking for my swimming costumes [not a happy thought]. But before that we have our Spiritual Moment weekend in the Free State which should be a special few days.

Time to start planning food for the Creative Escapes 2009 Brochure Launch on 26 October at C3  9 Caroline Crescent Cresta. 

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Websites

I really enjoy browsing new websites.

After a most stimulating visit with a friend of mine I started browsing her website: www. helpuhelpu.co.za  and haven't stopped since.

Filled with great ideas, fun quizzes and help-u info it's really worthwhile. Why not visit it and find out for yourself. 


Of Classes and Holidays

Our group projects have been a great success this semester. Each person has chosen a quotation ranging from cooking to grandparenting with various coloured papers to share with the class. 

A small book of about 12cms square will be the result with each person doing an original page and then photocopying that for each person in the class. A great little book - Calli-Capers - with various design and calligraphy examples for all.

Once again we are all on our various ways. We leave for Kenya this Saturday and others are going to the Cape and the bush. 

Of course we all enjoy regrouping to share holiday stories and experiences. 
Here's to holidays!!


Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Grand - Children and Good Food

Rachel and Ashleigh spent a few days with us this past weekend. Always a great time, but of course, they keep me on my toes.

Visits to the Zoo Lake [to feed the pesky geese] are a highlight. This we do regularly with little packs of apple, cheese and bread to tear up for the gabbles.

Afterwards we order  cappucino for Nan-Marie and two baby chinos for the little girls. This time they went to do the activities at Moyo's play area which is fun for all. Nana watches, the girls do the activity.

Sunday lunch the girls prepared dessert - Glasses layered with yoghurt, muesli crumble and freshly sliced strawberries. Of course you can use cream, crumbled meringue and strawberries if you prefer. The ideal quick dessert - especially if there are two eager little girls helping.

Monday, August 11, 2008

New projects

The Thursday group of calligraphers is about to start a new project: each person will choose a quotation and instruct the group on how to prepare the page. Everyone will end up with a small square book filled with great ideas, creativity and some good quotations.

Wednesday evening classes begin again this Wednesday. 17h00 - 19h00. Once again we will be dealing with Italic and creative projects. 

Saturday classes will begin again in September.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Calligraphy

As always Thursday mornings are calligraphy. A group of eight [sounds like a banking cartel] gets together and we explore letter form and creativity.

We also chat and share our weekly experiences. Almost like children at school. Of course we share coffee and cake too. 

The nicest thing is the conviviality. One of the 'girls' moved to Switzerland and will visit this morning. A lively and amusing person, Max has us laughing from the moment she arrives. 

David and I leave for the Free State tomorrow. I've decided not to cook but rather choose a few delicious meals from Le Patisserie in Illovo. Their pies are good, the salmon fish cakes divine and the meringues sublime. So what with some good food and a pile of books and David with his camera, we should have a good weekend,

Monday, July 28, 2008

Quiet Weekend

We had a quiet weekend - or should I say I did. David was on duty.

I managed to complete my India travel memory book. These little books allow memories to fill the room as pages are written and photos are pasted in and decorated. 
Also updated the Masai Mara book ready for our next 'migration' to Kenya at the end of August.

Made simple home food: a Bean Hotpot with delicious flavours and camembert in phyllo pastry followed by red wine pears and thick cream. Mmmm.

And now it's Monday again.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Comfort Biscuits

ELizabeth and Garren's business was 'South-Africaned' on Tuesday. What's that mean? Well a group of armed men arrived on the premises, tied up the staff and stole all the computers effectively putting the business on hold for a few days, not to mention the trauma experienced by the staff. Nobody was injured which was a blessing. 

So what to do? Arrive with food of course and lots of sympathy and hugs.

Here is the old stand by: Crunchies which are easy to make and we almost all have the ingredients in the cupboard.

250g butter, 10 ml golden syrup, 500ml oats, 250ml sugar [zylatol can be used instead] 5ml bicarb, 250ml coconut, 250ml flour [rye can be substituted], pinch salt

Combine butter and syrup. Heat until melted. Mix dry ingredients together. Pour butter mixture over this and mix well. ** Add the bananas here if wanted. Press onto baking sheet about 23 cm square. Bake at 190C for 15-20 minutes. Cut into squares while still hot. 

** See above: My little granddaughter Rachel says you can add mashed bananas to the mixture [but they should be very ripe] to make delicious Banana Crunchies. [They are good because I tasted them].

As always best served with a great deal of love and some good tea or coffee [Kenyan of course]. 

Monday, July 21, 2008

Poems and Poets

It's always good to have friends to stay. 

My poet friend and mentor is visiting for a few days. Great for me, simply sitting and listening to stories [who doesn't love stories?] and of course the book discussions drift from Fox to Wilbur to children's tales.

Then of course it's the sharing of friendship time. Always precious. I've been inspired again. And will be joining the Poetry retreat in Hogsback in November. Something more to look forward to. 

In the meantime am looking into travel to Antarctica, Ethiopia and Morocco. Will keep you updated. 

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Concerts and more

One of the many good things about being a grandmother is school concerts. You don't have to worry about the rehearsals, getting costumes made or collecting the children afterwards. All you have to do is get to the hall in time.

Little Ashleigh was a sunbeam. Shiny in a lurex top. [Where else would you look with delight at lurex?] She spotted her fans early in the proceedings and was ready to climb off the stage to sit comfortably with her family.

Rachel, a veteran of three concerts, knew we were there, but chose to ignore us, except for one or two glimmers. Dresses in bright yellow - she sang her 'Bandy Chicken Song' with enthusiasm. 

The whole concert took less time than it did for me to drive there and back. 
But then, what are grandparents for?? 

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Fab Food

Delicious, Easy Mousse - for 2 

Turn oven to 180C
Take Woollies ready-made custard [250 ml]. 1 grenadilla [or 1 small tin]. 4 egg whites stiffly beaten.
Pour custard into a mixing bowl. Add pulp of 1 grenadilla. Mix. Fold in beaten egg whites.
Pour into prepared round ramekins. Butter inside and coat with caster sugar. 
Rub your thumb around mixture once in dishes so that mixture does not stick to sides.
Bake until golden or well risen.
Serve with a sprinkling of icing sugar before serving.
Delicious
You can use mango as a change