Fifty Word Challenge #90: Faces — Funny — in my younger days I wanted to look older. Now I am older I’m content with being young at heart. My lifelines are etched in my face. They trace the joys and sorrows, the yesterdays that brought me here. Where I am wiser behind that visor of facial…

The neurons in your brain aren’t like instant noodles — you simmer slowly — Throughout your life, your neurons, or brain cells, have created well-trodden neural pathways in your brain at a sub-conscious level. You may not be aware of the automatic thoughts and beliefs you’re hiding down there. With patience, you can change these thoughts and beliefs and create new pathways that override…

A dose of healthy laughter is what we all need in today’s crazy world — His real name is Lee Ridley — he adopted his stage name, Lost Voice Guy, because he can’t speak. I’ve written before about how I despise computer-generated voices, but I’ll make an exception in Lee’s case. Because he’s so fucking funny. I discovered him by chance when I caught a…

Give me just one day to fly away from diligence and eternal vigilance — You see no way out. You may be in a toxic relationship, a job you hate, or responsible for home care giving. The stress clouds your judgement. Fear freezes your ability to seek solutions. You’re afraid to reach out for help and advice because people would think you’re weak, Taking…

All successful and famous, born in South Africa, but the differences may surprise you — Their reaction to the recent devastating floods on the eastern coast of South Africa, their country of birth, may help you answer the following question. Should we admire an individual’s career achievements without regard for their character? You be the judge. Elon Musk Is Elon Musk a wonderful human being just because…

A sonnet — Fly higher, ought we aim for constant growth In never-ending striving to the top? A simple life is deemed a sign of sloth We soldier on, keep going, never stop These rules society bestows on us We bow, obey, put shoulders to the wheel “Do not get left behind, don’t…

Downplaying Russia’s brutality in Ukraine violates the spirit of our young democracy — It came as a shock to me how some fellow South Africans believe in Russia’s propaganda. Ignore history at your peril The first inkling I had was the comments on the Facebook page of DSTV, our local digital satellite television service provider. People were complaining they could no longer watch the Russia Today channel.

Poetry Prompt — Perhaps — There was an old lady who cast about For writing ideas to help bring her out Of her introvert shell Would she really do well Or drown in an ocean of doubt? She carried on writing, but not another limerick! Am I a wise old woman or wacky Are my…

Writing prompt: what it means to be political or not — At age 17, I asked a young Afrikaner why he voted for the Nationalist Party. He replied because his father and grandfather did. No point debating apartheid with such people. I once tried to explain to someone that Islam is not a violent religion. No matter how many facts I…