And so it goes...

I can listen to this song many times over.  A friend brought it to my attention, I've probably failed to mention to said friend how much I've grown to love it.

It is originally, a ballad written by Billy Joel in 1983, though only released six years later.  Beautifully crafted, he writes with an understanding many aren't able to.  His is the version I've been familiar with, yet failed to pay it the attention it deserves.

For me it's how simple it is, that makes me love it so.  The King's Singers vocal harmony arrangements just heighten my love for it that much more.  I can, unashamedly, say this song brings me to tears, on the occasion.  The King's Singers choral music is described as "... instantly recognisable for their spot-on intonation, their impeccable vocal blend, the flawless articulation of the text and incisive timing."

Here are the lyrics, made enchanting by The King's Singers:

In every heart there is a room/A sanctuary safe and strong/ To heal the wounds from lovers past/ Until a new one comes along
I spoke to you in cautious tones/ You answered me with no pretense/ And still I feel I said too much/ My silence is my self defense
And every time I've held a rose/ It seems I only felt the thorns/ And so it goes, and so it goes/ And so will you soon I suppose
But if my silence made you leave/ Then that would be my worst mistake/ So I will share this room with you/ And you can have this heart to break
And this is why my eyes are closed/ It's just as well for all I've seen/ And so it goes, and so it goes/ And you're the only one who knows
So I would choose to be with you/ That's if the choice were mine to make/ But you can make decisions too/ And you can have this heart to break/ And so it goes, and so it goes/ And you're the only one who knows

*The rose coloured text are my favourite lyrics in the song.

"Girls!" Does Beyoncé's music rhyme with feminism?

The term "Girl Power" is associated with empowerment.  I know someone who has been described as a powerhouse, as untouchable, exciting, always ahead of the game and simply as the best - her name's Beyoncé Giselle Knowles, her music embodies this supposed empowerment.


This is why I say this:


From her days with Destiny's Child, she has lead the trio in garnering success with female empowering anthems, that girls the world over would sing and dance to.  They gave us Bills, Bills, Bills, Say My Name, Survivor, Independent Women (the track that went on to be the theme song for Charlies' Angels), Bootylicious and Nasty Girls.  Okay, so the last track named could be a contradiction to what I just said, but the song's in fact about girls having to set their standards higher, to be appreciated for what they represent.


I write her name as Bee, well because, the theme of her B'day album was represented with bees.  Others write it as Bey, I dare to be different.  And that's that.


Bee, has won 13 grammys as a solo artist and three as a member of Destiny's Child since the start of her music career.  She writes female-empowerment themed compositions and tours with an all-female band, called Suga Mama.  Her most popular songs are the ones rearing women towards power, worth, strength and independence.  I've read and heard many times of her being likened with a movement of a "new-age feminism", I don't agree with that.


I, personally, don't think Bee's trying to lead a political movement, however, she is well in tune with who and what she represents as a woman.  She has a voice to voice these sentiments and that's what she does.  I see her music as geared more towards creativity than politics and also, I feel that people take her songs too literally.  We shouldn't forget that she's an artist first and foremost, her job is to sell records.  Her success with achieving this has been founded in the "girl power" chants.


Feminism is about the fight for women toward equality, access and diversity.  No song of hers carries a distinct message about that.  Rather, they convey that women can be confident and embrace their sexuality, to take pride in their liberty to make choices concerning their happiness, in relationships mostly.  To enjoy our femininity without compromising on our authority.


Well, her latest offering in Run this World (Girls) is open to interpretation.  Yet, again, if taken literally it can be open to being taken in any and all contexts.  For me, I would say I embrace the song as a chant to running my own world.  A tune that's feel-good, motivation-like.  Not about me prancing around with crazy notions linked with literally running "this motha".


We've been spoiled with many other "girl power" anthems from the beautiful Bee, these include Me, Myself & I, which starts off with "All the ladies if you feel me, help me sing it out..." going on about out being her own best friend and how she'll never disappoint herself.


Then we had Irreplaceable, a very memorable track and so near perfect.  I remember hearing it EVERYWHERE, admittedly, I got sickened by it (I usually do when a song's liked by everyone) but now, years later I can listen to it again and appreciate it for all it's worth.  The music video was also accompanied by the debut appearance of her band, Suga Mama.  A smash-hit, sing-a-long that has become a staple in Bee's tours and live performances.


The dual disc album, gave us simultaneous  releases of If I Were A boy and Single Ladies (Put a ring on it) to demonstrate her dueling personalities.  I don't have the dual disc, mine is the 20 track platinum edition; I absolutely love the album, the ballads on it are breathtaking.
Both tracks were international chart toppers, however, Single Ladies overshadowed the beautifully written narrative.  It won Bee Song of the Year, Best R&B song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance accolades at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.


And now, she's graced us with Run the World (Girls), represented by a video where she and many other ladies grind to popular African dance moves.  It is undeniable that this woman knows how to capture an audience, whether in favour of or not.  Does she represent contemporary feminism?  I'd love to hear your feedback.
I am of the opinion though, that she uses aesthetically and lyrically pleasing calls to female-empowerment, less in a general sense, more so for fulfilment in personal relationships.

I really enjoyed this:

The Measure...

I recently read, The Measure of A Man by Sidney Poitier, peculiar title for a woman to find interest in, right?  Well, I always think that you can never truly understand or know different worlds if you aren't willing to learn about them.  Besides, this autobiography is worthy to be read by anybody and everybody.

Who is Sidney Poitier?  --An actor, director, writer, diplomat, aged somewhere in his eighties.  He won an Academy Award for Best Actor, 1963, for his role in Lilies of the Field and starred in three other well-received films only about four-years later.  Anyway, the man has achieved remarkable accomplishments in his lifetime and is well-honoured too.

Sidney, narrates his memoir so well and in such fine detail that it leaves somebody as inquisitive as me, well satisfied.  I took away many profound lessons from this reading, such as, that sometimes standing up and remaining steadfast in your core set of values and beliefs will earn you the respect you deserve - no matter the length of time it'll take.
That even the little and insignificant holds tons of value.
That love trumps money.
That doubts and depression and feelings of inadequacy are human.
The struggle for balance. Courage. Culture. Religion. Spirituality.
About gratitude, reflection, strength and weakness, lies and truths, pain, joy, illusions and realities, you know, it's filled with many treasures hidden or poignantly revealed.

He mentions being shot down by failure, miraculous joys and wrenching guilts; everything every human experiences at least once in their life.  It's a pleasant and note-worthy mention that this autobiography is not just a recollection of many dates and moments.  It's a story, like any other, with many encounters.

I could quote the book endlessly but I won't bore you, so I'll refrain from doing that.  If you do happen to pass the book in a bookstore, step back, grab it, open it to page 181 - para 3,  here he defines the measure of a man in his own words... goosebumps!

Sidney's success came at a slow and steady rate and that resonated most with me.  I've always had this crazy idea that life could be planned and I'll be able to reach my ambitions at more-or-less the rate I wanted.
Life doesn't measure like that.
It didn't for Sidney.  It isn't for me.
But with a determined spirit, it will pan out as it should.  I still hear the echoes of his life journey and I hope one day when I re-open The Measure of a Man, my life would have measured up too.  And I'll read it then with a sense of reflection, and not with the burden of looking forward.

To lift the heaviness, I'll end off with one of my favourite lines from the book:
"I listened intently until each point had been driven home.  Then I said, "fuck you," in the nicest way I could.

SA's Failing Education System

Appalled would probably best describe the frame I find myself in right now.

It's Wed, 29 June and a national paper's (The Star) headline reads, "Many of our kids can't read or write", subheadlined by "Study shows pathetic state of primary school education".

Now this is worrisome to me. Why, you ask.  Well, not only do I have family who is currently in school, but I may someday have to send my own kids to school.  And I would love to do that in my birthed country.
These kids are at a critical age, where literacy and numeracy skills are crucial to them as future students and "leaders" of this beautiful land.  Your core (and basic) learning curriculum at grades 3 to 6 are as a foundation to learn and understand the work you will be taught in higher grades.  Why, then, were our kids scored a dismal 28 percent in a countrywide assessment test in numeracy and literacy?

These results are the not the first signs of a crumbling education system.  It is quite sad, how our leaders are always preaching to the global audience about how they value the youth and young in South Africa.  Yet, they are struggling to face the issues that are staring them right in the face.  The very issues that are hurting the future of a country with so much promise.

South Africa spends a fair share of its GDP on education, still, the return on investment is null.  Also, an often overlooked hindrance to a prosperous education for our little ones, lies in the lack of quality teachers.  The quality of teachers and resources must be on par.  Grades 3 to 6 producing failing results, can hardly be blamed on a curriculum that's lacking - the educators should own responsibility and learn to know that their guidance is fundamental in the lives of these kids; that being a teacher is not merely 'just a job'.

Outside of the school gates, we as parents and caretakers and siblings or relatives should play a part too.  I try as best as I can, to encourage young ones to read and to practice their numbers; whether they have homework or not, and even getting them to join their local libraries. 
I'll be the change I want to see in the world, as Mahatma Gandhi keeps reminding me.  Every little bit you do, counts, there's a ripple effect that will resonate for years to come.  South Africa's schooling system needs to realise this.  Angie Motshekga, our Basic Education Minister, needs to realise this, saying that the results are "very sad" is simply, not enough.  Yes, she conducted these tests but now there's work to be done.

I'll be sitting and watching and hoping for a positive outcome based on all this.

First, read this:

BEING HUMAN by Naima
I wonder if the sun debates dawn
some mornings
not wanting to rise
out of bed
from under the down-feather horizon

If the sky grows tired
of being everywhere at once
adapting to the mood swings of the weather

If the clouds drift off
trying to hold themselves together
make deals with gravity
to loiter a little longer

I wonder if rain is scared
of falling
if it has trouble letting go

If snow flakes get sick
of being perfect all the time
each one trying to be one-of-a-kind

I wonder if stars wish
upon themselves before the die
if they need to teach their young to shine

I wonder if shadows long
to once feel the sun
if they get lost in the shuffle
not knowing where they’re from

I wonder if sunrise and sunset
respect each other
even though they’ve never met

If volcanoes get stressed
If storms have regrets
If compost believes in life after death

I wonder if breath ever thinks
about suicide
I wonder if the wind just wants to sit
still sometimes
and watch the world pass by

If smoke was born knowing how to rise
If rainbows get shy back stage
not sure if their colors match right

I wonder if lightning sets an alarm clock
to know when to crack
If rivers ever stop
and think of turning back

If streams meet the wrong sea
and their whole lives run off-track
I wonder if the snow wants to be black

If the soil thinks she’s too dark
If butterflies want to cover up their marks
If rocks are self-conscious of their weight
If mountains are insecure of their strength

I wonder if waves get discouraged
crawling up the sand
only to be pulled back again
to where they began

I wonder if land feels stepped upon
If sand feels insignificant
If trees need to question their lovers
to know where they stand

If branches waver in the crossroads
unsure of which way to grow
If the leaves understand they’re replaceable
and still dance when the wind blows

I wonder where the moon goes
when she is hiding
I want to find her there
and watch the ocean
spin from a distance
Listen to her
stir in her sleep

effort give way to existence
---

I found this surfing the net, and my immediate instincts were that I have to share this.  Beautiful, right?
The author of this awe-inspiring work is Naima, she is one half of an acclaimed duo called Climbing PoeTree.

The significance of June, 16th

Today, in my country, we celebrate a holiday: Youth Day.

[This post will be short and to the point, unfortunately, I cannot dedicate the amount of time that such an honourable day deserves.  I've made impromptu travelling plans and need to prepare and pack and I've only a few hours to do so today.]

It could easily be thought that we are just having a day exclusively catered to the attention of the youth in our country, you know, just to be conscience about matters but that's not true.  This day bears a significance that will be forever etched on the South African collective conscience.

June, 16th commemorates the start of the Soweto Riots of 1976, also widely known as the Soweto Uprising.  An uprising that many will say was the turning point in the liberation struggle in South Africa.  Thousands of students took to the streets on that fateful day to protest against the Afrikaans Medium Decree - simply put, saying no to be taught in the sole language Bishop Desmond Tutu once labelled as "the language of the oppressor". 
I'll go out on a limb and say that nobody does not know of the iconic picture of Hector Pieterson, as he was carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo after being shot by the South African police.  That picture, symbolising such heroism, caused outrage internationally, condemning the Apartheid government.

Suffice to say, the young Hector Pieterson's life was not the only to be lost during the Uprising; many were killed.

And that is why today, we not only reflect upon and honour the young from the past - but also the young of today.  Who exactly are the youth of our country?  The National Youth Act of 1996 says, that the youth of South Africa are defined as persons in the age group 14 to 35 years.

I believe the youth of South Africa has a lot to offer, we are young in promise and have grown up in a country young in democracy, basking in all of its glory, the bittersweetness of a past hard to forget and yet, with a yearning of complete solidity in its future.

Defining 'her quaint notebook'

I feel I just have to announce that this is my first post (cheesy-things-we-do).

Firstly, I want to share insight with you, as to what I was hoping to achieve with the title of my blog.  Know too, that it took days of deliberating, that's what I do, I marinade choices before taking a decision spiced with a bit of procrastination to delay things even more. Not intentionally, I only ever piece my actions together in hindsight.

I am prone to verbosity and ramblings, this is where the term 'notebook' comes into play too; I'd have to force myself to keep things to a bare minimum.

Right back to the matter at hand: If you know me, personally, you'd know that I'm never without a notebook or even just a flimsy piece of paper to jot things down.  I do it compulsively.  I take note of topics that are current, that matter, that are controversial, trivia, details, quotes, my random thoughts, books I find interesting and would like to read, places to see and things to do, lyrics to songs, a line or two of poetry, new findings, notes on people who I find inspiring or simply alluring.  See, I take note of many things and this is what I'm hoping to achieve with this blog.

So, defining quaint, it's easy to see how all this is coming together, right?  I'm almost certain that every post will contain elements to appear pleasing, enchanting perhaps, slightly capricious and easily apprehended no matter how grave or silly they are.  That has always been my writing style, obviously, it will evolve and mature, I'd be gutted if it didn't.

As I mentioned earlier, the 'notebook' bit is to further distinguish that this blog will be filled with a plethora of notes.  My notes.  A notebook can be defined as a book(let) in which notes are kept or a small laptop computer.  Quite fitting, I reckon.

So welcome to Lucinda de Leeuw's blog, Her Quaint Notebook, where you'll be intimately enthralled in my commentary, interpretation, explanations, findings, observations and the like, of everything and anything that matters to me.